The Ohio organ, of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, [Ohio]) 1853-1854, 1853-09-30

\ " counties, there wsrs six hundred and
twenty-three persons prosecuted for
crimes; 453 of whom were induced TO
commit the crime by intemperance; and
that over $4,000 were paid for fines,
costs, &C., attending such prosecution.
In Muskingum, last year, out of 65 con-
victions, As sprung from intemperance.
Yet, with these facts before their eyes,
the City Council of GAINESVILLE ushered in
their virgin city by licensing eleven es-
adjustments, as many in number as
there are churches in GAINESVILLE, for
$3.50. This is paid over to society as
an equivalent for the privilege Of making
loaters, vagabonds, cut-throats, thieves
and madmen. Who does not say that
such an equivalent is as drop in the
ocean? An equivalent to wife for the
loss OF a husband by delirium tremens?
An equivalent for the burning blush of
shame which mantles the pure brow of
the drunkard's son? An equivalentP If
equivalents are talked OF, |, for one,
would 60 for holding the city or town
liable for damages in consequence of in
jury or death caused by the sale of liquor.
If a man happens to break his limb in
ditch left by the town open, in excava-
ting for water or gas pipes, the city is
liable. But for an injury, incomparably
greater, there is no law. Perhaps no
measure of damages would be adequate.
The very reason tOhy the city should absO-
lltely prohibit the PeraiciotIs practice.
A beautiful commencement truly this
in Legislation. That City Council must
have studied The social relations with
a profounder insight than those august
Judges, whose decisions brand lntem-
peranee as a deadly disease to society.
Not content with licensing these dram
shop hotels, they have passed a general
"omnibus bill'' for all kinds of intemper-
ance, ale, porter, etc. Henceforward,
let purity and progress speak in whis-
pers in the city of GAINESVILLE. Hence
forward, let that fountain which bursts
into beauty and falls into its crystal basin
before our temple of Justice, be sealed.
II has lost its meaning there as an en-
blem of Temperance. Its presiding ge-
MUS should change her fair humanity
with one of the reeling Bacchantes. Its
prisms should bend no more arches of
Hope.
There was one man-honor to him -
who could not be party to this matter
He had seen the monster "sitting in the
lurking places Of the villages and in Sc
cret places numbering the innocent"
He protested against it in this decisive
language: 40.
81 protest against granting any license
to retail intoxicating drinks, for the fol-
lowing reasons:
'El. Because it is demonstrated by the
! light of science to be an invidious poison
to the human system. =.
"2. Because its tendency is to de-
prave and ruin the morals, waste the
property, and unfit for the useful avoca-
tions Of life, those who indulge in its use;
it paralyzes all the finer, all the holier
feelings of their natures, and prepares
them to violate the most sacred and SOL
emn ties that were designed, by the gra-
cious Author of their being, TO unite So
ciety in the bonds of love and peace.
49, Because it increases taxation, en-
dangers the security of life and property,
distuIbs the public peace, and furnishes
schools of vice for the young. gra
"Lastly, Because by licensing this un-
hcly traffic we give it countenance, and
become abettors 10 this damning sin.o
A few more such men in our public
councils, and our cities would not be the
scenes OF riot, profigacy and crime,
which they too often are
Since the important decision of the
Supreme Court above, Massachusetts has
authorized her dram.shops to be abol-
ished as nuisances by board OF health,
in the same manner as other causes of
filth and causes of sickness. Yet our
moral City Council over the river have
thrown around this hideous form the
snow.white vesture of De young city,
Upon what reasoning can such course
be justified? "Oh" they say, 4iquor
will be sold, any how. Had we not bet
ter make something out Of it, since it
will existW So will larcenies and
che otinu r;otS ond Vourdars ayisf in