Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1853-1853, 1853-08-24
AnnRKAA.

The SUBJECT Wnlch now engages the attenuoh
Of our association, is the effort to abolish the
sale and use as a beverage, Of all Intoxicating
liquors, in the city Of Hannibal.
We think it has been fully demonstrated,
that the use Of intoxicating liquors, as a bever-
age, benefits no man, but that it is the source
Of incalculable mischief and misery to our citi-
zens-a national calamity, and curse to the
world.
We, therefore, feel it our duty 70 strive by
every lawful and proper means, 10 free our city
from the destructive practice.
Our own city-the present abode of ourselves,
and the future home of our children, constitutes
the peculiar theater of our action.
Already, by refusing to license dram shops
and groceries, where liquor is sold by the glass,
our city authorities have done much 10 mitigate
this evil.
Still, we find the practice of dram-drnking
and intoxication exists to an alarming extent
kept up mainly, as we sincerely believe, by the
facilities afforded by the Rectifying and Liquor
Selling Establishments Of our city.
We therefore desire TO see those establish
ments clOsed-not in an illegal and disordery
manner but i.ra lawful and proper manner
not from any hatred we bear to our fellow-citi-
Gems who conduct them but for the love and
duty we owe, TO our unfortunate friends who
cannot, or will not, resist the temptation thus
spread out before them by authority of the Law
,,,l tho for ,,,,blio "A
peace, as we'll as private virtue, prosperity and
happiness.
am not advocating the enactment of "the
Maine Liquor Law" or any general statutory
law upon the subject.
My remarks are intended to apply especially
to the city of Hannibal and to this time.
Our charler-the existing Law of the State
Of Missouri, declares that the City Council shall
have power, not only "to suppress tipping
houses and dram.shops," but "to prohibit the
sale of spirituOus liquors within the city," when
ever that measure ''shall be deemed proper"
See "Char.ers of the Town and City of Ham
nibal,-Sec. and art 9th of an act TO amend
and reduce into one act, the several acts incor-
porating the City of Hannibal"
We deem it proper now, and we think ma
iOrity Of the citizens of Hannibal so feel, and
we confidently hope they will express that feel
ing at the next election.
In proot that our people are in favor of this
measure, see petitions presented to our City
Council, and to our County Court, praying the
prohibition of the Liquor Trafio-signed by an
overwhelming majority of our citizens.
We wish the matter fully understood, and
fairly tested and if we find that a majority Of
our fellow-citizens differ from us, we say let
their wishes govern, till in fairness, friendship
and love, we can convince them Of their error,
and carry our measure by majority of Patriots
and Freemen.
You who have known me for years, are aware
that l have not participated in the exciting po-
litical contests that have ngitated our country (;
nor is it my intention to do SO now.
We wish it distinctly understood that this is not
a party measure ; but question of local inter-
ost-having nothing to do with party politics.
Our citizens voted, some time since, whether
the city should subscribe stock to the Hannibal
and St. Joseph Railroad, or not. We united,
without regard to party, and both Democrats
and Wings voted for the measure.
And why did they do this ? answer, be-
cause they thought it would be for the interest
Of Hannibal to have the Road.