The Ohio organ, of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, [Ohio]) 1853-1854, 1853-11-11
The Recent Anti Maine Law Tri-
umph.

umph.
We have not seen more sensible
or Just comment on the result Of the
election than the following from the
Maaysville Tribune. No one who has
looked at the matter calmly can fail
to see the truth Of the positions, and
the utter folly Of persisting in course
not only not calculated to promote the
cause Of temperance, but tending to
increase intemperance:
The result Of the election shows
that the movement in favor of pro-
hibitory law. has met with a most dis
astrous defeat. This was to us not
unanticipated, as our readers know.
We could not close our eyes to the
fact that the cause was loaded down
by its friends, with a loadit could not
carry-and which itshould never have
been called upon to carry.
The real question is very simple
one. Any one can comprehend it,
and If fairly presented, few would be
found to oppose it. The evil Of which
complaint is so justly made, is
DRUNKENNESS.
All agree that this evil originates in
the drinking and tippling house sys-
TEN.
Then what is necessary TO rid the
country of the evil--so far as law can
do it?
All that is necessary is to break up
the drinking and tippling house sys-
/ tenn.
Present the question in this shape,
and we would be willing to ris'l its de-
cision with the men who have oPpos-
ed the present movement. Nine
tenths Of the people are in favor of
law to suppress drunkenness effectu-
ally. But the question was presen-
ted in this shape. General Cary
we still persist in calling him very
poor general-and other of the fast
leaders of the movement, must have
the "Maine Law" and nothing else.
They must make war upon the manu-
/ facturer of wine-and, as if fearful
/ they would not have opposition enough
\ to make the fight interestiug--they
must make war upon everybody who
did not see just as they did, and who
h had net been a member of every
temperance organization Of the coun-
try, for "lol these many years."
/ We are filed with regret that the
cause has been defeated. We are
sorry that Union county is to be rep
resented by man who Goes not be-
/ lieve it constitutional to pass prohib-
Il itory law; but candor compels us to
say that this defeat was broughtaboGt
more by the indiscretion of the friends
of the cause, than by the strength of
the opposition; for if the naked, SIM
| pie questions were fairly presented,
there are but few who would oppose.
/ For ourself, our faith in the ultimate
1 triumph Of law to prohibit drinking
houses and tipping shops is unsha-
| ken, even in the midst OF the present
earthquake; but before it triumphs,
the cause must have a different lead
ership-the question must be fairly
presented; and men who write such
letters as Cary's letter to Longworth,
and who 60 in for the "Maine Law
and nothing eIse," must be showed
into the background, or else they must
learn common sense, and exercise it,
like the rest of mankind,
Our future course on this question
depends upon circumstances. We
would be glad if the Legislature would
pass some reasonable, just, and efec-
tuaI law, that would forever settle 1t;
but we have but little hope that this
will be done. And, whatever may be
our position in life, we shall, if the
+ question is thrust upon the people
II ora;n traot II os ue do avarU question