The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1868-03-14 00:00:00

CORRESPONDENCE.
We wish it to be distinctly understood that by illSertilig
'titers in this column, ,ue du hot th, raw identily ourselves
with the epitiniens 4 Our Gin•re4powlente•

PETITIONS TO KEEP OPEN PUBLIC•HOUSES ON
SUNDAY.

7'o the Miro,. of the" Observer."

Sin—During this last week there has been widely dis-
tributed and extenaively placarded through the town,
bills warning the public to beware of the doing., of Mr.
A. Smith, M.P., in the House of Commons. This gen-
tlemen has introduced a bill to restrict the sale of intox-
icating drinks on the Lord's day. This ooble act has
so thoroughly aroused the spirit of the publicans as to
lead them to appeal to the public in general as to whether
they should be compelled to shut up or partially close
their houses on God's day. I quite agree with them in
appealing to the public, but to every clam of the public
slush the subject be submitted, and then I can only say
the result will be that the public-houses will cease to
exist altogether. Mr. John Bright, M.P., at Binning.
horn, tell a deputation who waited upon him, that the
publicans had better make coucesaiuna in time, for the
growing opinion was in favour ell restricting their trade.
It roast be so, for why should the beer.sellers nod the
landlords of gin-palaces enjoy a monopoly its trade?
The butcher, the baker, the grocer, etc., are compelled
by law to close their places of bus.nees on Sunday, but
tile privileged beer-seller must be allowed to carry on
his trade to the aggrandisement of himself and the de-
moralization of the Masses around him. Why is he
permitted to carry on his trade? Is it because he deals
ill perishable goods ? or is it because he makes direct
payment to the National Exchequer at the sacrifice of
Irippine-s and the wellbeing of a country? I ask the
plant question, Is it right? Is it just? Have nut
the labouring men's wives as notch right, and with for
greater reason to appeal to the public for assistance to
close public-houses altogether, Its the publicans have to
petition for privileged hours to sell intoxicating drinks ?
Yes, this latter clieis—those who have too often felt the
bite of hunger, and the pinching cold of neglect—is the
class that should be heard upon this question. Their
numbers woeld soon put an end to the discussion, their
volesa would neell drown all clamour, especally the
clamour of the interestmi parties, the publicans, for
opening, or keeping open public-houses nun Sunday. In
conclusion, I would draw the attention of temperance
societies to the desirability of asking the wives of work.
ins men for signatures toe counter-petition for the entire
closing of publielimuies on the Lord's day. These only
eat to be asked, and you will have such MI array of
n tines, end midi numerous petitions that will not only
put to shame the beat efforts of the publicans, but secure
to them one of the greatest blessings which could lisp.
pen—the claming of the public•houses an that day which
onr Creator /WA coMithinded to be kept holy.
Yowl truly,

Kr We beg to intimate to our numerous friends ane
'Coders in ()re. Hey Heath, that the braueli ot11,:e Ca the
Ot.errer for that district, is at Mr. T. Homer's, Printed
and titationer, Five Ways, Cradier Heath, where &dyer.
tisements will be etuteiven up to 'oven o'clock on Friday
evening.