The organ of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, O. [Ohio]) 1852-1853, 1852-05-07
Our Lagislature

The Legislature has adjourned without
doing any thing on the temperance ques-
ton, Just as we feared they would. Wedid
hope, that body would do one act, TO enti-
tie them TO the confidence of their constitu-
ents, and secure for themselves a place
in the grateful recollections of the peo-
pie at large. But our hope was blasted.
The most commendable thing they did
during the entire session was to adjourn,
and the merit of this they spoiled by fix
ing day to meet again, They did not,
because they dare not meet the temper
ance question, but like towards skulked
and lodged, made feint of doing some
thing, and finally disposed of the whole
subject by letting it alone.
In the present state Of things we feel
strongly inclined 10 adopt the language of
our co-iabour the "Cayuga Chic" " New
York
We have no regrets for the defeat OF
the Law at this session. While we be-
leve that it is the measure which IS to
ultimately triumph over and crush the
traffic, we at the same time look forward
TO new conflicts for that triumph. Its
present defeat, is present strength and
more sweeping victory in the future
Every hours investigation is our gam.
The public mind is deeply stirring. We
have forced our enemy into close con-
test-a hand-to-hand trial of the open
field. The more desperate their efforts,
the weaker their cause appears. Every
davis discussion of the subject, adds to
our strength. We breathe treer now that
the law is defeated, though those who
opposed it, are entitled to no credit torso
doing. Time will fix the principle firmly
in the minds Of the people. Its friends
will now see what is to be done. Il is
worse than folly to blindly send men to
our Legislature, and then ask them TO do
what we we'll knew, they lCoHld not do,
when we sent them. Back to the toun-
tain OF power, the work must be carried
on. Firm and consistent action is now
the only course. Our speeches and reso-
lutions, however right in themselves, will
never give us an honest Legislature while
our enemies do all the Uotmg. Do we
expect the rum interest to nominate and
elect temperance men for us? Do we ex-
pect ever to see men of the right stamp
in the Legislature, while we continue
to blindly vote for and help elect the very
nominees selected by our opponents! Isn't
it hypocritical to petition such men to
stab the power which made them
Back then, to the fountain head! We
know our course. 1t is plain and unmis-
taxable. We have but to act in this mat
ter, as we act every where else, consist
emily and firmly, and the work is done.
Our enemies have long since marked
every man who is opposed to the curse.
So be it. 1t is our privilege and duty TO
do the same. Let it be determined whe.
ther great and unmitigated evil shall
exist in land like ours Let those in
the Legislature abide the consequences
of the position they have taken. Those
who link their political destiny with an
odious curse, will soon wonder at and re.
gret their folly. The record of their
votes, is the record of their doom. No
political power on earth, whether of press
or politician, can keep the temperance
question hedged out. It has been carried
to the polls by the friends Of the rum traf-
fic. There it will be met and as sure as
God lives, it and all its kindred inau-
ences finally and overwhelmingly crush
ed by the steadily moving power of an
awakening people. Politicians need
not howl about carrying temperance in
to politics. 1t is manifestation of ig-
norance or dishonesty TO do so. The
traffic is the main lever-the surest and
most potential element Of partizan sue
cess. It is the main reliance of parties