The organ of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, O. [Ohio]) 1852-1853, 1852-05-21

II we WeIG 10 fbCuiu INC NCVNy 80
dies occurring in our country from the
traffic aud use OF intoxicating drinks, we
would be compelled to enlarge our sheet
and exclude all other matter. But our
readers, and the public generally, are so
familiar with such recitals that they pro-
duce but little sensation unless the actors
occupy prominent positions before the
world. A case has occurred in Indiana,
which we hope will direct the attention
of the people not only in that State, but in
all the States TO the vile, wicked, infa-
nous, trade of drunkard making, and help
to tasten upon it, the seal of everlasting
condemnation. The Hon. E. A. Hanne-
gan, under the influence OF the intoxica-
ting bowl, killed his brother-in-law, Capt.
John Duncan. When sober they we're
warm friends, and but for liquor, there is
not the slightest probability that any mis-
understanding or difficulty, would have
ever occurred between them. Mr. Han
negan has filled many important stations
and had the confidence of the people of
his State. When but Just old enough he
was elected to the Legislature; shortly at-
terwards, he was returned to the lower
branch of Congress, was reelected, and
before the expiration Of his second term
was chosen by the Legislature U. S.
Senator. After the expiration oI his term
of service, he was appointed by President
Polk, Minister to Austria. He was man
of undoubted ability. AT what period in
his career he became intemperate, we are
not advised, but when a Senator in Con-
gress he was often drunk, and when on
his way, via. Lake Erie and New York to
the Austrian Court, he was most of the
time in a state of ,beaslly intoxicalion; aud
when abroad, disgraced himself and his
country by his intemperance. On the
accession of General Taylor TO the Presi-
dency. Hanuegan was recalled. Return
ing to the State Of Indiana he resumed
the practice of the law. but his bad hab-
It's continued, and we now have the Sc
quel. He has iubued his hands in the
hearts blood Of brother and friend-ie-
prlying wife and children of their hus-
band and father, and fixed an indellibe
stain on his own family.
What warning oyoung men! Han
negan, by his talents, wit, eloquence and
nobleness of soul, when but youth, was
elevated to stations of honor and trust.
He thought, as others think, that he could
drink when he pleased, and leave il alone
when he pleased, little dreaming that he
would become a drunkard and mGr-
derer. How ought such occurrences TO
induce serious reflections in the minds OF
Legislators in reference to the iniquitous
cause of all this mischief When we
hear petty demagogues talk about running
the Turning interest by putting outthe fires
of the distiIIery, we feel an indignation
we have no language TO express. hdoes
seem to us, that every decent man in the
United States ought to demand at once,
The eternal and perpetual banishment of
the liquor manufacture aud traffic. Why
wIllnot such cases as Hannegan's awaken
serious reflection! He is, by no means,
the only man who has occupied place
in the councils of the nation who has in.
gloriously fallen. We could name score:
/ of Senators who have been ruined by
intemperance; and some of them, the
brightest stars in our national galaxy
The church, too, has been deprived o.
many of its ablest ministers, from thi.
prolific source of evil. All our iamilie:
have been decimated.
Let the friends OF the Maine Law be
perseveriag and determined in thei
efforts, and soon this waste and prostitu.
ton of intellect will be arrested.
How long shall we bury the dead out
Of our sight, and continue the work OF
human bulchery! How long will willy
politicians and liquor-Ioving, hireIing
editors OF public journals, hold the people
in bondage, when they sigh and groan
for freedom? How many more witnesses
must testify that it " bites like serpent
and stings like an adder" before the ac-
cursed cup shall be banished! The
voice of our brothers. blood cries for ven.
geance! How long shall this cry be un.
/ needed?
We are glad to see, by the annexed
article, that Brother John Greiner was a