Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1849-07-20
Address Of j. Nj. Benl,am.
iofae Caiseas Of the torn Of SALEM, Racin,
county, on the subject Of TEMPERANCE.

ds trutn underiayS each step taken in the field oil
science and morals, may change be regarded as
purely retormatory, and no farther. And per-
maps the most hopeful feature pertaining to the
future state of our country, and the world, is
seen IN the increasing prevalence of this sentl-
ment, and the eagerness with which truth is
sought and cherished in the different depart
ments of research.
The temperance reform, though characterized
by slow advance, may be regarded as having
emphatically truth as its basis. In all the trials
with which this reform has met in conflict its
graphing with the enemy at each successive
step upward and onward, has tended to fasten a
permanent conviction in the mind of every true
temperance man that truths firm rock was be-
meath his feet. At no point in this progress has
the enemy offered more formidable resistance
IMAM mas been manifest whenever legal measures
nave been resorted to by argument, or by practi-
cal means, to remove or resist the encroachments
Oh alcohol. But this opposition, associated with
all the history OF the temperance reform. only
enforces the conviction that though attended by
the seyerest trials, this is Notwithstanding the
way in which truth points us to a sure and per-
manent victory. Therefore we would enter the
legal field for investigation, on the present occa-
sion. And since civil law is the great instru-
ment OF action in this department its nature and
bearing VIII constitute our theme
Law says Webster, sis a rule of civil con-
duct prescribed by the supreme power of state
commanding what its subjects are to do, and
prohibiting what they are TO forbear doing -
The design OF law is the protection of right, and
the suppression of wrong. Law necessarily
implies a penalty. Without a penalty law IS
simply advice or counsel. Were the brief en-
bodment of all law strictly obeyed, viz: s'love
thy neighbor as thyself'' strictly obeved, all the
minute qualifications intended for particular vio-
!ations would be needless. Such would be pure
society. Indeed such would be heaven itself
Selhshness (not necessarily self-love) is the
prime intruder. The legitimate fruits of this
principle in Its infrngements on a neighbors
rights, are specified by the various names or ep-
lthets which are given to mark the different va
reties OF wrong action between man and man.
Whenever the principle of self overleaps the
bounds circumscribed by the law of love, a
ground is laid for prohibitions. Such ntrusions
upon anothers rights are termed trespass.-
Whenever said infringements are made, the law
apportions penalty to the violator, with all the
circumstances considered, according to the
amount of wrong or degree of crime character-
zing the act. In kind hospitable community,
for the sake of convenience, and for the purpose
of the promotion OF kind feelings small violations
are often by common consent allowable, such
as the passing through neighbors field, the ia
king an apple or pear, or few ears of corn,
when hungry, like Christ, and his diciples.
All prohibiting law tending to restrain man in
tull and free traffic in alcoholic liquor is dec
med by some aninfrngement of right. If this
be correct, it is so according to our definition,
because the injuries done to society by this traffic
are too small to be noticed by civil powers in the
f.f E,~ fI.s
not true, if injuries done to society by the traffic
in alcoholic liquor be not thus comparatively
small, law must be partial in not noticing and
Furnishing them according TO their domert. But
Is this the fact No, says every individual in
this house. And could an enlightened world
simultaneously respond to this enquiry the way
they would sound out the monysallabe no, NO,
would hush the roar of the tempest, and Niaga-
ras thunders to the rippings of the gentle rl.
For there is not a man upon the footstool of Je-
hOyah, who has known the fruits of the alcohol
ic beverage, but what will say they may be ruin
Gus in the extreme. And few indeed there are.
with this experience, who have not either felt in
heart pangs its deep associations in the loss of
friends most dear, or what is more of personal
character and happiness. The ills of this life,
whether of moral, spiritual, or intellectual ma
ture, are few which are not originated or greatly
promoted by this Upas beverage.
May we not then in strict Justice, regard these
deprcdatons as within the cognisance of penal
sanctions In view of the answer which truth
must give TO this enquiry, we ask how stands
our Wisconsin temperance law? Is this law
not merely just, but is it what is best calculated
to overthrow the traffic in alcoholic liquor in
the present circumstances? We believe it is in
this respect decidedly superior to any law previ-
iii l.
not advance upon the enemy directly with drawn
sword in hand, but employs q little of the Yankee
caution and subtle management in obtaining the
same end.
The temperance reform has gained position
trying and important in view of all who bear its
interests upon their hearts. All the forms of
moral suasion have been employed with much
legal suasion to remove these evils. And not
without effect. Success is desirable, not merely
III view the multitudes of the Incorporate res
cued from degradation and DEATH and in reno
wing temptation from the temperate, and thus Sc
curing them in the ways of virtue, but in addi-
ton much has been done in the way of influence
ing all men of principle to leave the business of
vending the alcoholic beverage Without fear
of exaggeration we say no man whose heart can
be reached by the power of truth can be found
dealing ont this death essence. Still, owing 10
the prevalcncy OF an appetite tor splrltuous IL
Quors, men thus reckless of all principle and
consequences, have held this position in commu-
nifty, and during the few years past the convic-
ton has forced itselfupon the mind that the pro-
pensity for strong drink has advanced, while the
means for its qualification has multiplied ON every
hand. The influence WELD ID by men employed
in this traffic, and by those whose powers are
made subsequently love for the alcoholic poi
son. mas become so formidable as that both the
moral suasion detachment in the temperance
army, and the legal, have not only been brought
to stand. but forced to momentary and pain
full retreat But though fallen back for time
the main body of the army is yet unbroken.-
They are standing begirt with arms with the
deepest anxiety, inspired with a most confident
hope, waiting signal for an onset. Like the
awful pause which Immediately precedes the
roar of cannon and musketry, and the etfusion
of blood, while two vast armies are brought up
in battle array ready to graPple for victory, is
the present state along all the line of the tent
perance army through our own and our sister
states, and beyond the Atlantic. But hark.--
methinks hear a suppressed shout running
with the speed of the electric fire along the wide
extended line of ihis waiting army. as though
hope for victory at hand, kinded BY some newly
! developed truth, had already matured 10 Ger
taintv. Listen. what say they? " The tenn
perance law of Wiseonsin'n Noble Niseon