The Minnesotian. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1851-1852, 1852-04-10
THE TEMPERANCE TRIUMPH.

THE TEMPERANCE TRIUMPH.
The "Maine Liquor Law" is law.
From the returns below it will be seen
that Minnesota has, most signally, declar-
ed against the traffic in all that intoxi-
Gates, and placed the seal of crime upon
those who continue it after the first of
May. The contest appears to have been
entirely one-sided affair, save here in
St. Paul and vicinity 1t was expected
that here the most formidable influence
in opposition would be found, owing to
the extent of the liquor trade. But it
was not expected, previous TO the day of
voting, that citizens of influence and NOR
al standing, not interested, and those &C.
cupying responsible positions, would ar
ray themselves openly at the polls against
the law, and use all their power to defeat
it. Yet such was the case, even with
some Of this class who had solemnly
promised temperance men, that if they
could not vote for the law, they would
not vote or work against it. 1t gives us
no pleasure, nor imparts the least feeling
of self-gratulation to us as political
adversary, or opponent upon this simple
question, to name D. A. Robertson, the
editor OF the Democrat, as one who pur-
sued this obnoxious and unmanly course.
Had he, and one whom he dare not DISC
hey, remained neutral, as the friends of
the me,s had right to expect, and as
he had previously promised, St. Paul
would not have been where she now
stands upon the record-twelve majority
the wrong way. But not content with
casting his own vote in violation of his
promise, we are Informed by leading
temperance men that all day he labore.l
slrenuously among his friends to strength
Ell the opposition. Inasmuch, however,
as the law is sanctioned, we feel it due to
the cause, and the work yet to be done,
to endeavor rather TO allay causes of ex-
element between the friends and oppo-
nents of the measure, than to say anything
calculated to engender further bitterness.
So we merely place Mr.. Robertson ''right
upon the record" and thus let him pass.
What the friends of the measure have
now to look to, is to take care that the
law be faithfully executed. This they
will do; and in the work they should be
Joined by every law-abiding citizen with
out reference to how he voted. 1t is no
merit in any one to be aw-abiding man
it is simply matter of duy; but a,
the same time, it is duty not always
properly weighed and reflected upon in
times of high excitement, and when IN
ferest prompts inaction or tacit opposition.
But we have that faith in the morality
and integrity Of our citizens, to believe
that all will bow in submission to the
majesty of the law, and that the new act
will be enforced as quietly and peaceaby
as the most ordinary process issued I'M
der any other statute. This, at least, is
what every good citizen desires to see,
and will labor to bring about. All tie
friends Of the law have ever asked is a
fair trial. If it fail, after this, in accom-
plishing the desired end, they will he
candid to admit such failure. But at
present they have no idea tina, it will fail,
notwithstanding the efforts made in GER
tain quarter to increase prejudice against
it, by quoting extensively the opinions
and attacks of its leading opponents in
different parts Of the country.
The following are all the returns we
have of the vote on Monday:
Yes, Maj. No, Mai.
St. Anthony, SO St. Paul, l2|
Mendoza, % Little Canada, a.
Poin, Douglass, ii
Cottage Grove, SO
Saltwater, q2