The Ohio organ, of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, [Ohio]) 1853-1854, 1853-12-02
LETTER FROM BISHOP BURGESS,
BISHOP OF THE

III AdNAs lF4f stf rt t3H9 n
We lay the following letter before our
readers with great pleasure. The au-
thority is of the very oest kind and we
think no one will call in question the
statements in the letter. We copy from
the "Family Visitor" for October.
GARDINER, Me-, August 20, 1852.
Reverend and Dear ITO your qne-
ries reply briefly, in their order.
@. /. "Did this prohibiiCry law ofi-
ginate in the schemes Of politicians for
other purposes, or did ii stand in the
Legislature upon its own n1erits.0 s-,a .,ss 4
Ind. | have very little knowledge of The
operations of politicians amongst 1s;
and, undoubtedly, individual leaders OF
others, members of parties, may have
been influenced by their political inter-
ests in sustaining or opposing this mea-
sure. But | suppose that, beyond all
question, the law originated with persons
who were solely concerned for the sup
preston of intemperance; and that il
was passed only because it was believed
to be demanded by great majority Of
the people, for its own merits. sas 1aa
Q. 2. elias it justified the expecta-
tons entertained of it by its friends at
the time of its passage 2"
Il. What were their actual expecta-
tons cannot venture to say but every
reasonable expectation must have been
more than satisfied. Whavever it is in
the power of prohibitory law to accom-
pllsh without extreme severity or in
quisitorial scrutiny, this law has gener-
ally, In my opinion, accomplished,
Those who are bent upon obtaining
liquor, can and do succeed but it has
ceased to be an article of traffic; it has
ceased to present any open temptation;
the young are comparatively sale; and
all the evils of public drinking shops
and bars are removed, together with the
interest Of large body Of men in up
holding them for their own pecuniary
advantage.
H @. 8. "Have there been any re-
actions in public opinion, SO as to induce
the belief that at future day it might be
repealedw
n. In my opinion, quite the contrary.
Should the law be repealed, which seems
in the highest degree improbable, it will
be the result merely of political arrange
ments; but | do not believe that any
political party would venture on mea.
sure SO hazardous to lis own prospects.
Undoubtedly many discreet and CoDsci-
entious persons saw strong objections to
some features of the law, and still feel
their force. But multitudes who doubted
the expediency of adopting it, would, !
believe, regret and resist in its repeal. .r
Q. 4. "Has the law been generally
executed, and the amount of intoxica-
ton been speedily diminished in the
State in consequences"
| Il. The law has been, believe, gen.
orally executed, though not everywhere
with equal energy; and the amount of
intoxication has been, in consequence,
most evidently, striking, and even, /
think | may say, wonderfully diminished.
Q. 5. "Has the health, wealth, mo-
rality, and general prosperity of the State
been apparently promoted by it?" a z
A. Undoubtedly. e &. o1
! Q. 6. "Has the law been found in its
operation to be oppressive to any citizens
not guilty of its violation?'' iF
a. So far as know, not in the least. 3.
In thus answering your inquiries, /
would avoid everything like the Intrusion
OF an opinion respecting the practica-
bility or wisdom Of such measure else
where. never appeared here al its
public advocate and j am not blind to
such arguments as may be urged against
legislation which, though 1t is peculiarly
humane in its operation upon persons, is
so sweeping with reference TO things.
Nevertheless | am most devotedIy grate-
tul for the practical working of the law;
and believe that to every family in Maine
it's Of more value than can easily be
computed. aH p 8.ai&
III