Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1850-11-20
Temperance Address.

Extracts from an Address delivered in the Pres
bytrrian Church, oxford, Ohio, at the reques
of the Oxford Temperance Society, Augus'
., 1898
Mn. MAYO, discusses several matters pertain
ing the nGing and using of spirltuous liquors
g by the small. - in interesting and nteiligen
manner; but his main topics are, |. the forms OF
resistance which temperance societies encoun-
ter from individuals, and, 9, the right and pro-
priety Of legislative action with regard TO the
retailing Of strong drinks. Under this latter
head, we presume he gives the arguments gem
orally of that portion of tho community who
have faith in legisating for the public morals,
and presents the true grounds taken by those
persons who petition the General Assembly TO
enact laws for the suppression OF the traitlc IN
ardent spirits. In Indiana, tins subject is begin
ming to assume a very important character; and
we anticipate that, during the present session
OF the state legislature like the last, the draw
ers and pockets of members will be filled with
memorials pertaining to il "A statement Of the
grounds assumed by Mr.. Mayo, and brief rep
e;iton of his arguments. may therefore be inter
esting i'll our columns, and prove useful.
Having pointed ou, the undoubted evils, pub
lie as well as private, which result from Intern
Perance. and argued that their cure is 70 be sought
in pnbttc opinion. and proclaimed it the right and
duty of every citizen, as well Indiv dualy as by
uniting with others for the formation of socie
ties TO labor for the enlightcnm Mt and puritica
ton Of that public opinion, Mr. Mayo proceeds
to consider whether lit IS not the duty of socie-
~ collectively, that is, according TO It's abstract
designation, the State. to second benevolen mt
individual efforts. This, he saws ait has the
power eiiectually to do, by prohibiting the sale
Of ardent spirits, except as medicinal drug. y
mo one" continues Mr.. Mayo. "~ho has no,
given reflection TO the subject. can be
aware what slender basis. those who resist
any action by the State, rest their opposition
Indeed, the great difficulty in meeting their OBJ
Jections. is to discover precisely what they are
Loose clamor and vague defamation about pri-
vate rights and liberty. seem be the amount Of
what has been and doubt will continue to he
said. Now, il il all resolve itself into this prop
osiion. that such action by the State would be
an Infringement of the right Of every citizen to
sell and to buy what he thinks proper, it is sutfi
Gent to answer. that the principle is established
wherever law and civilization have extended.
liberty of selling. and consequently of buying.
III all cases where il is for the interest Of society
that it should be restricted; and that the es,ab-
iishment OF an adverse principle would be sub
versive Of the very ends for which society was
This principle is embodied in nu-
merous laws in existence and in continual ope-
ration" One or two examples are then refer
req 10 by MIR Mayo: "But few individuals"
lie says ever desire to swallow poisons to des-
Troy i'ie' and for humani,y's sake We must be-
l'eve that still fewer would be disposed 10 sell
them for such purpose; yet the legislative