Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-02-24
he License QuestiOnmIlS Importance

The time approaches when the Freemen Of this
State will be again called upon to ballot upon the
question of license" or "no icense," and viewing it
as a subject of deep and fearful moment, we are not
disposed that the present opportunity should pass with
out our dropping word to the candid and sober
minded upon this matter. We pronounce it ques-
ton OF moment and such indeed it is since upon its
final decision pend important consequences, such as
involve in great measure the safety and well being
on the one hand, and the danger and destruction on
the other, of valued lnteres,s to our beloved common
wealth. The question is not one of faction, touch
ing only the wants of an integral portion of the state,
nor does it in any way consider party interests; but
advancing beyond these it takes hold Of u matter of
real, living principle, 1t is enrhuiicoy subject Tor
the consideration Of the People, and comprehends in
It's decision, direct results for the veal or for the woe
Of large portion of our inhabitants and indirectly
touches the welfare of the whole popuace. Nor is it
merely question of "no license" or license" but
through these it becomes one of safety or danger to
important principles, of harmony and quiet or dlscor1
and commoton to society, of morality, joy and pros
perty, or immortality grief and adversely to the whole
people. Ii is conclusion which we vanly attempt to
eude that with the prevalence of the principles of no
license we exclude from our oociety much of hshonor
and wrong which can be effected only by free and
unlimited sale of fermented liquors, and equally plain
is the truth that to permit the prevalence of the prn-
cples of license is but to ope the gates of to our
present character a state, and of destruction to the
quietude which attends a community of Temperance.
!
but indirect license of profanity sabbath breaking.
and crime of every order. Prevent the sale, and you
prevent that train Of appendng evil which Supplies
moral sensbility, and p:ostrates virtue.
The foregoing conclusions being correct, we deduce
the fact that weighty responsibilities rest upon Frecmen
in the discharge Of this ballot. To them is entrusted
for their verdict subject of more Importance than any
upon which they have ever been called to decide by
their voes and with an understanding of their duty
as voters, as men, jurors IN this great trial, ask
them the characterof that decision they shall render.
fSha it be one of right, one which shall bear with it
peace and harmony to law abiding people, or shall it
be ole which shall disgrace them and The day in which
they live? You have once sworn in the presence of
God and men that "whenever you give your vote or
suffrage touching any matter that concerns the state
of Vermont, you will do it so as in your conscience
you shall Judge will most conduce TO the best good of
the same"
And now, with this solemn oath upon you, what
will you dof viii you allow your negligence to re-
tain you from the ballot box on the occasion, or will
you vote in favor of system Of sweeping ruin TO our
whole state? How, indeed, the good of the state
be most advanced in this natter Consider the ques-