The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-12-18

who proposed 10 sustain them at the bal
lot box. The sense Of the convention
would doubtless have been taken on this
subject, had a suspicion been entertained
BY the members that their intentions
would be misunderstood. So it was in
regard to The law, as we are insormed BY
bath the Senators from this county, Zone
of them having stated his views 10 the
Cenven,ion,) and by all the members of
the House Of Representatives Of whom
we have had opportunity to inquire. 1t
is represented that 10 member of the le-
gislature appeared to have suspicion,
but that it authorized the commissioners
to carry out the wishes of the county,
and exercise their discretion in regard to
granting or Withholding licenses. Hence
when it was said, Section 9Th, They shall
have the sole power Of granting licenses,
it was deemed unnecessary to add cor
withholding" We are informed by a
member of the committee, who finally re-
ported the Law 10 the House and Sem
ate, that no one ever appeared to doubt
that the commissioners would be authori-
zed, If the voice of the county demanded
it, to withhold licences AMI that sever-
al members voted against the law. be-
cause it conferred so much power on the
commissioners. They wished to make
it more certain, whatever might be the
views ola majority. in particular coun-
ty, that licences would be granted as
heretofore without restriction. Where
in the law do we find any more discre-
ton given to the Commissioners to deter
mine among many whom they shall IL
cense, than to determine, except as they
judge the interests of the community re-
quire, whether they shall license at all.
And does any man say that every apPl:-
cant sufficiently respectable TO sell intoxi-
eating liquors shall receive license 10
sell in all or any Of the modes prescribed
in the law, provided he pays the requl-
site fees. and if taverner furnishes the
requisite accommodations. But we for
bear TO discuss this point, as it is under
stood that an active member Of the late
Convention, who can do the subject am
pie Justice, will favor the public with a
communication, which we hope all who
have any question in regard TO the
meaning of The law, will read carefully.
Our temperance friends will doubtless
consider it their duty, ,Oithout delay, not
only to shed light on this subject by a
succession Of meetings, and lectures, CT
discussions, in various parts of their re-
respective towns. but by taking all hon.
orable means, by committees or other
wise, to secure at the polls full express
sion Of those who sympathize with them
ON this subject. For should it be decid-
ed that unrestricted licenses shall be free
Iy granted, and taverners and retailers
multiplied in our towns almost at the op-
ton Of those who desire TO be enriched
by the folly or indiscretion OF their neigh
bors. will not the popular current, that
now sets so strongly against the use of
intoxicating liquors as beverage, be
checked May We not expect that inc
briation will more fearfully prevail? Will
not every man who now drinks in secret
places, be emboldened to quaff the intox-
icating beverage in the face of the sun ?
Will not every person who has friend
partially or recently reformed, tremble in
anticipation of relapse, Will not every
intelligent woman, as she cherishes her
tender infant, sigh uuder the increased
apprehension that that immortal being
may become a victim Of the fell destroyer!
What unweaiied efforts, then, may We
not confidently anticipate. from all who
harmonize with us in these views of the
subject
Thomas H. Merrill,
Philip BatteU,