The Ohio organ, of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, [Ohio]) 1853-1854, 1853-07-15


other citizens as firm and fas, as her ever
lasting hills. 4 is only question of time
to Ohio, to the Whole world. The example
Maine has led to its adoption in other
States. It's effects on her social and fnan-
cial interest wilIllead others 70 fall ii her
footsteps, and make them the richest, hap
piest States in the world.
This great evil has become woven into
all the fbres of society, and it will require
no small effort to overthrow it, but it can
be done. The politicians will give us such
a law just as soon as they are convinced we
are in earnest They want our votes, and
will do any thing to procure them. They
will take of their hats, and desire our
pleasure. But they will not do this 50 long
as they can drive us into party measures.
They will tell us we should not be drawn
away by side issues, and try to put it off
for time. This is no side issue, it is the
main issue if we choose to make it So. If
we could manage the temperance men as
they do, the work would be an easy one, but
we are composed Of thinking, conscientious
men, who do not go at the nod and beck of
leaders. Have patience, the time will come
when the same men who now laugh at US,
and out manoeuEre us will get down on
their knees and ask US what we desire. If
l mistake not, this time is nearer than most
of lis dream. If we be but firm they will
be compelled to acceed. The Maine Law
is no mad theory, but its workings have
demonstrated that it has all the elements of
an efficient law. Immediately after the
enactment Of this law in Maine, the manu-
facture and wholesale dealing in liquor stop
ped. A distilery was being built in Port
land, but the hands were discharged, and
not another stroke of work was done on it.
The law went into Immediate operation,
but the corporations allowed the dealers a
short time to send their liquors out of the
State. They did, and it showed their con-
6dence in the law Within tive months
you could not find barrel for sale in the
State, except at the agencies. Now, no law
ever was Obeyed like the Maine Liquor
Law. No law producing such a reforma-
ton, was ever before 50 quietly acquisced
in The retail business is almost at an end.
Liquor is still sold in secret places, in small
quantities, but by the viIest characters.
Every decent and respectable man got out of
the business as soon as possible. Intemper-
ance as prevalent vice, is no longer known
in Maine. Children begging for old clothes
and cold victuals are no longer parading
the streets and alleys. In several towns
the jaiIs are empty for the first time since
they were built. No new ones have been
erected, and where they contemplated new
ones they have now sufficient room. A
great change is also seen in Houses of Cor
rection and Aims Houses, they are rapidly
depopulating, These places are used to
stow away the condemned liquOrs--barrels,
demi-johns and packages. Strangers who
came in our midst were surprised. Some
will say this is hardly probable, but it is
the truth. The liquor dealers Of Boston
will say as much, or more than ever is sold.
Why then have they spent SO much money
in trying to get the law repealeda When
the law had teen in operation nine months,
the Mayor of Portland published state
ment to the world, containing such facts,
and they have never, nor can they beshown
to be incorrect.
Men of Ohio, you can do the same, and
| have confidence to believe you will. The
traffic Of liquor is the greatest Ofense in
your State, and foul blot on her honor.
You will take it and she will be redeemed.
We intend in Maine to go on until we make
it the greatest crime, ranking it with every
other villiany. What says one, put it
down as crime? Is it not a crime Try
it by the same standard as you try other
crimes, and see if it is not the greatest of
thopo oil II infarfaraa with tba ,ranarol