Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1853-07-14
For The Free Press.


um Of the Free Press, to call the attention OF
the citizens of Centre township to subjec'
which at this time particularly concerns them.
In accordance with the provisions Of alsW pass
ed last winter by the State Legislature, the
Trustees of said township have passed an Or
dinance prohibiting the selling. giving away,
or in any way dispOsing Of intoxicating liquor.
ale, porter or strong beer" within the limits of
the township. This ordinance has attached TO
it such penalties as the law provides, and is TO
take effect from and after the 10Th day Of the
present month. Now an important question
presents itself here-Are we to derive any ben
eft from said ordinance? Are we, by its op-
Grafton, to be relieved Of any Of the evils un-
der which we have been groaning.
[ This will depend entirely on the course taken
by the authorities and the citizens. II the au-
thOrities act promptly, and carry out the pro-
visions Of the ordinance, and il the citizens
with unanimity and 6rmsess support them,
good may be effected. The passage Of an or
dinance, and its publication in the county pa
pers, will not deliver our village and tow ship
from the disgrace and the evils Of liquOr-selling
and liquor-drinking. A painted sword, pain
ted musket or painted cannon never killed
any body. With your powder in your horn,
and your bullets in the shot pouch, you may
go forth to hunt, but the game will not be
reached unless the ammunition is used. So
the enactment of an ordinanc will avail moth
! ing, nor its publication, unless it is brought to
bear effectually. Paper missiles of this kind
are very harmless things unless they are used
Alright. The mere enactment effects nothing.
1t is their applicatiOn-ther prompt and faith
full execution that does the work. How many
resolutions have been passed by deliberative
meetings that were lfeless from and after the
moment that gave them birth? How many
their enactment, for the want of public senti-
ment that would give them efficiency. 1t will
be so in reference to this township ordinance,
unless the citizens and authorities will, by
pro npt and efficient action, and mutual coop.
Grafton, agree to give it potency. would then,
as a citizen of the township, earnestly entreat
the authorities to take hold of this matter
wi vigor; and at the same time, ] would en-
treat the ctizens-the good substantial citizens
the friends Of order and sound morals--to
arise in their might and say in the plainest Ian
guage to the authorities: go forward-we are
with you've will sustain you to the utmost in
this righteous work" By such course as
this, those who have been employed in this nc.
farious business of selling liquor will yield al
once or, il not at once, by the time their purse
has been drawn on few times by the way o
fine, and they have tasted the pleasures of con
fnement within thick stone walls for few days
or weeks.
Prohbtory Legislation is now the most effec.
tive mode of operating against ntemperance
This is the era Of legislative action. Other
means have had their day. Many of them
have been useful, but the work is not yet done
And when we cast about us for the most effeC
tive mode Of combating intemperancc, this
seems TO be the one that promises most at the
present time. The verdict of the masses oil
the people now seems to be in favor of egsla.
tive action as the most effective mode of attack.
Just few days ago, large majority of the
people of Michigan, by popular vote, declar-
ed in favor of prohibtory law. Now we have
law intended to reach and purge our own
township. Let us give it fair trial. Per.
notwithstanding the light that has been shed
upon this traffic, can cody "put the bottle TO
his neighbor's month";" and then deliberately
pocket the wages Of unrghteousness, can be
reached only by such arguments as will reach
his body by way of Imprisonment, and bis
purse by way Of fine. 1t is useless to reason
with such man. At this crisis then it be-
hooves US 10 arise and act. Love to ourneighbor
calls us to this course. How distressing to see
SO many Of our neighbors from the country
round, as often as they come to the store or to
market, seek out one of these groceries, that
are only SO many trap doors to perdition. Let
us say to these visitors, "you cannot get beer
and whiskey here If you will have it you
must 80 elsewhere. Itis with us acontraband
article"
Love to our children call us to effort and ac-
ton at the present crisis What an example
to children to see their neighbors, perhaps their
relatives, resort to these places by day and
night, and to hear their vulgar jests and pro-
fame oaths. Where Is the father who holds
himself responsible for the correct instruction,
correct principles and correct practice of his
children, who will not at once stand forth and
give his influence and support in an sttempt to
!