Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1853-03-26
From the GAINESVILLE Chronicle.


The ANTI-LIoUoR MovEMENr.-In apnoaeb-
ing this subject, for the purpose of defnipp our
position, we weel no little embarrassment in
view of the many difficulties that encompass #.
This embarrassment is not, however. the result
of want of a clear perception of our duty in
the premices, but of an apprehension that the
zeai of some, and indiscretion of others NAV
disregard the dictates of prudence and precipi.
tate party contest which must prejudice the
great moral reformation contemplated in this
movement. We feel as sensibly as any one
can the necessity for Graduating the evils of
intemperance, and will 90 as far as he who goes
farthest in this work of humanity. But there is
right way to proceed. Experience teaches
that moral reform is of slow growth. and every
effort to accelerate it by the hot house process
of party politics, detracts from its vitality. To
be of sturdy growth, it must take root in healthy
public sentiment, and to be long-lived. that SEN
timent must be clearly ascertained without the
adventtious aid of collateral questions.
1t is not our purpose; however, to treat this
subject in the tone of moral essayist, but in ref
erence to its bearings upon the interests of the
whig party. We have duties to perform, in this
connection, both as a man and an editor. and
without losing sight of the former, shall address
ourSelf chiefly to the latter class We take it
for granted that every true wing is devoted to
the principles of the party because he finds in
them the elements of union and prosperity-the
motive power of healthy progression, and the
saving efficacy of wise conservatism. Because
they embody the wisdom of practical expert
ence. Just appreciation of the rights of man
and the danger to freedom, of an access of r.
cenciousness. AS a patriot, then, can he con-
scientiously endanger the ascendeucy Of these
principles, by raising side issue that can not
fail to distract the party and give the victory to
the opposition. But the more ardent friends of
the cause will ask-what are we to do?-must
we suffer the monster vice, intemperance, to
stalk over the land, marking his way with moral
desolation, because the opposing party, deaf to
the voice of humanity, may seize upon our zeal
in the cause, as the instrument of our defeat
The answer it at hand, and it is to obviate this
difficulty, and more effectuslly to promote the
work of reform, that we have thus early, ventur-
ed upon this subject.
What do the resolutions of the Nashville Con-
vention propose to do? To pass law anala-
gous to the Maine Liquor Law, and then submit
it to the people for ratification. To secure the
passage of such law, candidates, for both
branches of the Legislature, must be run upon
that question. In doing so, Seah axe this NOR
al reform political and party question, and Sc
riously endanger its success: for whilst the
wings who favor the law, will throw off all ale
glance to party, the opposition will adhere close
ly to the practice of disregarding side issues,
and drawing to themselves all the strength we
lose, will carry the State and defeat the move
ment. Such will be the inevitable effect of the
policy now indicated by the whig friends of
the Temperance Reformation. Now, if we
can show how this important question may be
rescued from the fatal embrace of party, and
yet be more efficiently promoted, will not these
wings, for the sake of the principles of their
party, act upon the suggestion? And what is
the suggestion? 1t is simply to reverse the ac-
ton proposed by the convention, and to let the
ratification of the law precede its enactment
To do this it is only necessary to run candi-
dates for the Legislature, who will agree to pass
a resolution fixing day when the vote of the
State shall be taken upon the question Of a to-
tai prohibition of the liquor traffic. No candi-
date, whig or democrat, Temperance or anthem
perance, will refuse thus to submit the question,
and, of course, no party issue can grow out of
1t. When such resolutions shall have been
adopted and day fixed for the test of public
sentiment, the missionaries can go farth, TN
tramn,eled by extraneOuS questions, and wings
and democrats, laying aside party bias, and
this common cause of mans moral regeneration.
Mass meetings can be held in every county, for
public discussion, and the voice of the reformer
be heard on every hill top, and every valley of
the State. Then if public opinion is ripe Sor
the movement, it will be fully and fairly express
sed, and law thus enacted will have all the
permanency a conviction of its benefcence can
give it, and all the efficacy public sentiment can
impart. By this process the wishes of the ma
jOrity can be ascertained beyond all question;
but if the subject be brought up now, in the
contemplated form, and cast into the arena of
party strife, it will be utterly impossible, in the
evolutions of party tactics, and the multiform
issues of the campaign, to arrive at public SEN
timent, on this particular point AS conse-
quence no action based upon so indefinite an
expression of the popular will, can embrace the
elements of permanency. Then, in view of the
interests of the wing party, and Of the success
Of this temperance movement, we entreat the
friends of both to resolve at once, to adopt this
sole and prudent course, and avert all the strife