Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-11-23
A Challenge.-To the Point.

The following thesis is published in the
Southern Era, of Richmond, Va. DIR. Smith
whose name is appended to it, is President OF
Randolph Macon College, and holds a high
position among the educated men of the South.
He intends to discuss the subject in Meek
lenburg, and the counties Immediately adj
joining and as far as his engagements will
allow, he will in other parts of Virginia de-
bate the question with gentlemen who may
desire discussion. While here last week, we
received from DR.. Smith a promise to be heard
also in this State, on the subject. More than
four years ago, we gave it as our opinion,
that the licensing the sale of alcoholic drinks
was against the genius and spirit of our in
situations and that the day would comewhen
the whole system would be declared nncon-
stitutional. DIR. Smith fully avows this doc
trine, and is ready to meet opponents in fair
debate. Lights breaking in, and the patri-
OF and philanthropist should take courage.
Tle following is the document referred to
PROPOSITION.
The Legislature should rccind the present
License Laws, and prohibit, by some suita-
ble law, the sale ofintoxicating liquors to any
that will buy for the ordinary purpose of
beverage.
r Because l.. The daily or general use of in
: toxicating liquors as Il beverage is suicidal.
Because 2. He who gains property by sell
ling intoxicating liquors as a beverage to any
e who viii buy, gains it by an unjust traffic.
Because 3. The Legislature has no consti-
e tutional right to pass a law licensing any to
sell intoxicating liquors to any that will buy
such a taO as unconstitutional
q If these propositions be true, the truth OF
d the leading proposition will follow as u legit,
l. innate conclusion. That they arc true, will
appear by the following arguments
First. The general use Of whatever is poi.
i sonous, and only poisonous in its essentia
IS nature, is suicidal.
The general use of intoxicating or alcohol
ic liquors as a beverage, is poisonous and on
: ly poisonous in its essc ntial tendency.
r. Therefore, the general use of Intoxicating
v. or alcoholic liquors as a beverage is suicidal
re Second. Whoever gains property by viola
ting the rights of others, is engaged IN an un
just traffic.
"a He who gains property by t~raffcing in Q
lot selling intoxicating liquors as a beverage, /
m. violating the rights ofothers
Therefore, he who does this is engaged /
an unjust traffic.
Third. The civil legislature has no right t
pass any act, the necessary and essential tel
dency of which is to defeat the objects OF tn
constitution or government under which the
&C. act. Such an act is plainly unconstltutlona
!. An act licensing a man to sell intoxicatln
liquors to any that will buy, tends necessar
n. ly and essentially to defeat the object OF tt
: constitution, under which they act. Their
fore, the civil Legislature has no right to pa
an act, licensing a man to sell intoxlcatlr
liquors to any that will buy-such an act
IRE plainly unconstitutional.
Whether these conclusions are strictly Ill
tive, depends entirely upon the substantl'
truth of the minor, or second proposition
each s~yllogism. That the matter of each
strictly true, it appears to me should be a
an. mitted by any candid mind. But still, II al
gentleman doubts this, and feels himself col
petent to discuss them before the people, u
on strictly logical principles, I will agree
discuss them with him, and will hold mys
D. responsible to demonstrate that they are trt
and that the leading propositions follow as
5oH. further, that it is the solemn duty of eve
voter in the commonwealth to be guided
the authority of these truths.
An WIN. A. SMITH.
r. II. College.