Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-09-14
The Liquor Law Agitation.

In almost every paper that we take p,especla Is
| ly from the North and West, we find the subject
of prohii TORY legislation discussed. One good re-
suit Will certainly follow, at all events. The
matter will receive the attention of the best minds
| In the nation, and light will be elected. We
doubt not that there is some ianaticism among the
advocates Of both sides of the question. But a
little enthusiasm and utraism is TO be excused on
such occasions. The advocate of any particular
measure, especially if chafed and irritated by op
position, is certain to 90 little farther than he in
tends, or than facts will justify. But his extrav-
| agances are sure to be met by opponents equally
eXtravagant on the other side, that in the end,
the two extremes neutraize each other like an al
kali and an acid. The question may be stirred
for years by men of all possible caibers and pro-
pepsites, but will finally come to rest like pen
dulum, after having passed to the extreme points
of its arc of oscillation. We are not prepared to
follow in the footsteps of those moral doctors who
present great moral panaceas, like the Maine law,
until fully satisfied of their efficiency. There
certainly is fanaticism on the temperance ques-
tion as well as upon others, land the more thought
full portion of mankind will be slow in giving their
assent to innovations, until they see plainly that
their tendency will be beneficial. So far as the
Maine Law is concerned, the temperance public
are not yet agreed among themselves, and the
strongest advocates of abstinence are found array
ed against each other.
John Neal, of Portland, Me-, originally firm
supporter and advocate of the law, in communi-
cation to the estate of Maine" newspaper of Aug.
Oath, holds the following language:
cat this moment-and it has been growing
worse and worse every day since the first three
months were over, when people were blinded by
its presumption, or frightened by its rashness--
there is more intemperance and more drinking in
this city and neighborhood and probably through
out the whole State of Maine, with here and there
doubtful exception, than there has been at any
other time for twenty years.
sYoung men have banded together to evade the
law Rum-sellers have brought liquor with them
to our public houses. Children carry liquor-fasks
about with them; and bottles are made in the
shape of Bibles, so bound as to deceive the eye"
On the other hand, Neal Dow, the Mayor Of
Portland, and originator of the Maine Law move
ment, denies the above statements in toto, and
gives references and statistics tending to show that
liquor dealing, intemperance and crime have great
ly decreased throughout the State Here then is
evidence afforded by temperance men themselves,
that the Maine Law has not yet quite demonstra-
ted its perfection and potency in putting down in
temperance 1t has not accomplished its entire
mission. Whether it will fulfil the hopes of its
friends, remains to be seen. On the other hand,
If we credit the statements of its friends, it has ac
complished much. Its final success is yet to be
proven, and without argument pro or con, we glad
ly leave such an exciting question to the popular
decision.-Rich. Dispatch.