The Minnesotian. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1851-1852, 1852-03-13
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For the Minnesotian.

MEssRs. EDITORS To the friends of
Temperance, to the lovers of mankind, to
the advocates of peace and order, would
l address few words. And as it is
said the pen can accomplish more than
the swordsmay not hope my humble pen
will at least awaken some few to prop
er sense Of propriety, in regard to the
course which should be pursued towards
our enemies as well as friends. In the
first place, would say, we have nigh
ty foe to conquer, a mighty work to ac-
complish, great battle to win, noble
victory 10 achieve, and an imperishable
reward to gain. .I
1t is true, many different views were
taken Of the subject. Men honestly diff
fer on all subjects may it not have been
so in this case?
Let us not attribute improper motives
to all who oppose us in this great reform
alton. No doubt some were actuated by
selfish motives; that it would destroy
their business; some by the thought that
it would be popular course !; and others
again, may have thought the law would
not be enforced.
Let us say to the first, you are engaged
in traffic that is lucrative, truly but it
is at the expense of health, reputation,
and even life itself. Again, there are
other kinds of business BY which YOU
can gain a respectable living, be counte-
nanced by the respectable portion of COM
munity, and receive the appreciation of
God.
To the second, we would say, we hope
you are mistaken in the popularity of
your course; and TO the third, YOU have
our warmest sympathies for your ground
less belief.
Let us appeal to all who think of vo-
ting against that law. Can YOU be will
ling to continue your opposition for so
small reward! You that have talent,
standing, and influence in society, will
surely not pervert your talents by per-
suading those who are not so well inform
ed, to vote against the bill Can YOU be
SO lost to all the enrolling traits of char
ac,er, Of which you boast, and which all
admit you possess, as to again put the cup
to your brothers. mouth ? Can YOU for
get that there are many who are not able
TO Withstand temptation? Do YOU not
know that many look 10 you for advice?
Can you then say to those, whom YOU
know cannot resist the temptation, 20 and
vote for that very evil which they are so
anxious TO shun; yes, ard which you
yourselves would wish to see them avoid?
Have yon no friends that are now too
fond of their cups, and whom you have
pltied thousand times. because they had
not firmness enough TO drink in modera-
ton as you do? Can neither the cries Of
destitute orphans, nor the widows tears,
which are bottled up in Heaven against
you, nor the scenes of Indebtedness and
misery which You have witnessed, move
you to pity? Are you willing TO 90 up
to the polls to assert the noblcst rights Of
freemen, and then say that your best
friend, your neighbor, shall still be slave,
because the tempter is placed before him ?
No! cannot believe all those nobler
feelings Of humanity have been driven
from your bosoms. You would still like
to see those poor inebriates take their
stand again in society. You would be
pleased to see those blooted faces again
beaming with intelligence, their tattered
garments replaced with good clothes, their
pockets replenished. You would GER
tainly rejoice to see the happy smile Of
oontentment again lighting the countenan-
ces of the happy group around the family
circle. You cannot have lost all rccol-
lection Of home, where peace and plenty
reigned; where the family alter was
erected, and around which You were all
gathered to invoke the blessings and pro-
lection of Heaven. Have you forgotten
all thesep Have you never thought how
highly favored you are, whom compared
with thousands around you'll And what
would have been your condition what
would be your feelings now towards that
man who would have gone to the polls
and lsed all his influence to get others to
vote also, still to continue this dealing In
death And had your father been one
AT a.. 4 J. ..H y ~