Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1853-1853, 1853-08-24

Interests Of Hannibal demanded should pass.
So far as the great parties Of Democratic and
Wing are concerned, frsn my youth, / have
been Democrat, and expect to die Demo-
crat. Still, do not understand that the princi-
pies of Democracy require that every town and
neighborhood election shall be determined by
the complexion Of national politics, which hap
pens 10 predominant in that particular l0catiSn.
Particular circumstances may exist, or local
questions arise, which may not only justify, but
absolutely require, oil good citizens to di'rs-
gard the ordinary political combinations, Tor
time, and to rally, as band Of brothers, around
a common measure, for the common COED.
Such circumstances, in eur opinion, now
exist-such question has arisen, snd such
concert of action, we believe, will bs witnessed
in this case, as shall result in the enactment Of
a city ordinance, prohibiting the sale Of spirit
uous liquors as a beverage, within our city
limits.
If after its enactment, we find il does not
work WELL Twill be as earnest for its mOdif-
cation or repeal, as am now for its enactment.
Our city ordinances are not like the laws Of
the Modes and Persians, nor indeed should they
be, till our legislators can justly claim infalli-
bility.
am not prepared 10 believe that there is one
man in Hannibal who does not wish our citizens
to be sober, orderly, prosperous and happy.
Who is not mortified almost daily, at the dis
order and confusion witnessed on our streets
at the quarrels and fghts--at the abuse Of
neglected and destitute families-and from
whom has not the tear of sympathy been wrung,
as he has entered the abodes Of poverty and af-
Fiction?
| And what, let me ask, is the cause Of this
disorder, cruelty, poverty and misery? Nine
cases out of every ten of them, dare say, are
brought about by the use of intoxicating drinks.
Ten years ago / was acquainted, perhaps,
with every man in the then iOwn of Hannibal.
Among them were many noble spirits, with
whom enjoyed friendly and pleasant inter-
course. look around me tonight, and see but
few of that cherished band. Who're are they?
Some that were driving lucrative business,
surrounded by happy and lovely families, are
now bankrupts, and others, stung by the same
accursed "wOrm of the STILL" now sleep in the
drunkard's grave! knew some of them we'll.
They were noble and generous men, and when.
by the ruthless spirit of alcohol, they were torn
from their sorrow. stricken families and friends,
a sad, chilling vacuum was created, which
pains the soul of the philanthropy to behold,
and which can never-never again be filled.
We say that large proportion Of this dis
order and vice, poverty and afiictiOn-this in
dvidual, social and political loss and suffering
is attributable TO the use of SpirituOus liquors.
"Oh," says one, these establishments are
a disadvantage to Hannibal, but am net to
blame for it 1; can't help it."
Not so fast, my good friend; it is your fault,
because you can help IT, Do you ask me hswP
l answer, by cooperating with US, and using
your influence to procure the passage Of an or
dinance which shall prohibit the sale Of spirit
uOus liquors in the city of Hannibal, and voting
for such men as will faithfully and rigidly en-
force such an ordinance, If elected.
1t has been said that we have u secret dOcu.
ment, which we require the candidates 10 sub.
scribe but this is not true. We are ready 10,
submit our most secret regulation to all the,
world.
l am not member of any secret society nv
self, nor do l expect ever to be.