Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1853-10-07
For the London Free Press.


! NJ. Editor: In perusing the columns Of your
last ISSUE spied letter written from Chatta-
nooga, over the signature of "K," denouncing
Z in the strongest terms the "Maine Law and
the writer seems to rejoice at the triumph of
the anti-tempcrance aspriantS over its advocates.
! Surely friend * isa slower of the good crit
ter" else he would not oppose in its re7y infdn-
/ cy, the goodiybegun cause of redeeming the
world from the curse Of Intempernee Yet
he says it matters but little with him personal
( ~, whether or not the law should pass, and la
/ bors evidently to make the impression that he
/ has no use for the good critter" But would
man, who does not use Intoxicating drinks that
viii denounce ereH privately, much less public
( ly, the adoption Of the Maine Or similar laws?
All intelligent persons, old and young, aeknowl-
edge the great and growing evils of intemper-
ance, and are ready and willing to lend a help
ing hand to remove the deadly venom from our
State; and l cannot for the life of me see how
any philanthropist-any lover of his country
aud his fellowman-any lover of virtue, integ
rity and religion, can for moment oppose the
passage of a law, which has for its object,
the obligation of perhaps the greatest curse
now known to the human family.
But ak" seems to think we have no right to
legislatc upon, and prohibit the use of intoxica-
ting drinks as q beverage-that the law would
not, nor could not be enforced. &c. But would
ask tx" to cast his eyes for moment towards
Maine and the other States, that have adopted
that law, and there see whether or not it is en-
forced-there he will see its happy effects
there he will see the ;nebrate's (now reformedl
"litle ones that once cried for bread to satiate
their hunger-that once lay upon ne,.s of straw,
and too thinly clad to screen them from the
"cold winters's blast, 1t is there say he will
no,r see, since the passage of the 'Manc Law
his children seated around tables spread with all
the Injuries of life and instead of straw for
their couch, repose upon beds OF dawn-and
that hectic flush which had began to glow upon
whom he lives or would dare to die-caused by
mal-treatment, is no longer seen, but "pcace
and quiet smile on all around"
But tx" insists if we attempt to put down
one vice by Legislation, we must put all down,
and says we had as we'll prohibit the use of to-
bacco, as whiskey, brandy &c. Did any one
ever before hear Of such prepoSterous notion.
Why 60 We legisate at all? Is it not TO pre-
vent vice and immortality, and to secure our
person and property fr'm the wanton abuse of
others. Why enact laws prohibitory of any Of
fence, however heneous it may be, if that law is
not enforced? Why make an assault and bate
ry an offcnce7 l would answer; it is to pre-
serve peace and good order in society. Why
make the use of Intoxicating drinks an offence?
Here nv pen fails me.
1t would require volumes to contain all the
arguments that might be adduced. Bring up
before your minds eye, the innumerable evils of
intcmperance and 'look them bare in the face"
and they will speak in thunder tones, and will
be an argument in its favor, that will defy the
world to refure.
But time admonishcs; and close, hoping
Ak" will never take up his pen again to write
in opposition to such laudible undertaking, as
that in which the advocates of the Maine Law /
are engaged. GRAPHIC.