Portland's Neal Dow (1804-1897) changed the tactics of the battle against alcohol by adopting a legislative approach. Rather than changing people's attitudes, Dow's new reformers changed the laws. In 1851, Dow guided his Maine Law through the legislature, and Maine became the nation's first "dry" state.

This satirical broadside, printed by Dow's opponents, lampooned "Deal Now" (Neal Dow) and his cohorts through covert language and comedic references.