The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1852-01-16
The Life Roat Again..

"a
The editor Of The Life Boat, ia he last
number comments at large, and sen
sibly and candidly too. upon our former short
notice Of Its course. We think, we can
place ourself atthe point Of view from which
ne regards the subject, and can appreciatethe
plausibilities which belong to that aspect Of
the case. Nevertheless. we cannot believe
I: 10 be the best one, il, indeed, it be not
calculated toioster opinions sltogether err
Ioneous. as9@sa.'A E, ~ 'pys.fs e
In speaking Of the different consequences
resulting to the immodera,e drinksr, and the
seller Of intoxicating liquors, the Life Boat
asks; sls this right2 Ispublic opinioncolrect
on this point?p Now, itwoulj no, be diff
cult to assign the controlling reasons forthe
difference alluded to; but without stopping
70 do this, we reply that, as general fact,
public opinion is not correct on this point,
nor on many other points embracedin in the en-
tine subject. 1t is not correct, certainly it
isnot settled, as 10 the degree of wrong
doing which attaches to the yender and con-
sumef Of ardent spirits--as regards The ex-
tent to whicheachis accountable for the evils
Of intemperance. It is obvious too and ad-
mitted by every candid temperance advocate,
that public opinion is not settled as tothe
mode in, or,extent to, which The law should
interpose It's strong arm 10 arrest the evil.
Il public opinion were correctly settled on
these points, The Life Boat would NOT hare
TO complain as it does, thai "Our laws pre-
itrampled upon, and when fines are imposed
they serve only as bugbears.' For then,
laws in regard to intempersnce would meet
. hearty response in the mind Of community
a. all just laws do; and community at large
would aid in their execution. HA '''' 8a
The Life Boat Further says; 1--WE know
"the temperance reform is moral one, but
an immense proportion Of the individuals
engaged in the manufacture and sale OF in
toxicating drinks, ale SO familiar with scenes
Of vice and misery, as resulting Immediately
from their own occupation, thai it would be,
absurd 10 expect on their part the exercise OF
correct moral feeling or principle, in con-
nection with the cause of temperance. By
such persons we ind that every art is en-
-ployed dwhichis calculated 10 increase the con-
sumption Of the liquors, by the sale of which
they live. They see, as the direct conse-
quence Of their trade, crimes, beggary and
disease, but the love Of money sears their
consciences and hardens their hearts, and
they still 60 on with :heir work OF ruin and
death. despite all :he 'tfessons. persuasion,
orspirit Of love" that can be called to bear
upon them" ID noiajN so7a 5,d8
is OF the immense proportion Of individu-
ais enggedin the manufacture and sale Of
Intoxicating drinks" here spoken Of, !, might
reasonably be expected thatvery many would
abandon the business, when the still more
immense proportions Of community moi thus
engaged should have arrived at correct views
on the subject. Those who did not would,
OF course, like all other wrong-doers, be ex-
ceplive cases, au1would be amenable to ws
which would naturally grow out Of The Cor
rect state Of public opinion supposed.
8 However, we did not take u2 :he pen in
tending togo at length into the subject, but
simply to sustain, briefly, our former position
and 70 show the respect which we always
feel for the sensibly expressed opinions Of
those who differ from us on important sab.
jects. We have formed some opinions as 10
the proper mans TO be employed for lesson
ing or eradicating the evils of intemperance
and, humble thoughts they be. or Of little
worth in the estimation OF those who now
have in special charge the great reform, we
may take occasion, time and opportunity
tayoring, 70 express them. But, one thing
we may now be justified in saying. and it
is; that an evil which has so spread its ram
iticaiions into the whole texture and frame
work Of society; which has been strengthen
ed by the growth Of ages; which has been
almost sanctioned by sulieance, and almost
consecrated by many cherished associations,
must be met and opposed, not at one or two
points only, but at numerous points. Some
times directly, and sometimes indirectly;
sometimes with one weapon. and some
times with anOther: row by prsventiyes,
and then BY cures. here TO counterfeit the
cause. and there TO parry the effect; in short
hon |