The Ohio organ, of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, [Ohio]) 1853-1854, 1853-10-28
CoLuNBus, Oct. l9t

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but though defeated in their immediate OBJ.
;ect the election Ct Maine Law Legisla-
ture, great and lasting results have been
achieved in its behalf in the late contest
The Temperance cause has advanced far
ther in the Stale during the past six months
than it had in the ten years previous. Less
than three months ago / commenced the du
ties Of my agency, and within that brief
time more than twenty thousand dollars
have been raised and expen ded in the vari-
GUS counties for the payment Of temperance
lecturers, and the distribution of tracts and
campaign papers. These have left a mighty
influence behind them which will continue
to move and mold the mind and heart of
the people everywhere for the Maine Law.
This year we have engaged in the first
struggle at the ballOt-bOx for prohibitory
law. 1t would indeed be wonderful if the
first battle should be crowned with victory
but some Of us, inspired by the almost mi
raculOus result in Michigan, had expected
similar miracle in Ohio. If the question
had been submitted to direct vote of the
people in the same form, it would have met
a similar answer. The election has dis
solved all illusioD, has disclosed our real
strength and our real wants. We will en-
ter the next contest with the lights Of expe-
rience to guide us, The work of prepara-
tion was brief, hasty and imperfect. We
shall atone for our past errors by better
counsels and more consistent action. We
have learned among other things in whom
our confidence can be safely trusted, and
who are the false friends, full Of promises
in the public meetings, but traitors at the
polls. In this county, (and | will specify
the village opposite COlumbus,) were some
among my political party who held Offices
in the Temperance Alliance, and weremem-
bers of an evangelical church, who little
before election, made loud protestations of
their purpose to support none but pledged
and reliable candidates for the Legislature;
but last Tuesday they gave their votes and
influence to the rum pledged candidates of
the party. Gentlemen, read the public dec
laration Of Hiram Hendren in his note to
the Anti Maine Law Committee, published
long before election in the Columbus pa
pers, where he says & l received yOur note
Oftke Sd inst, asking me TO state explicitly
whether, i elected Representative to the Leg
islOture of Ohio, ooOuld UOte for law similar
10 the Maine Liquor LdW. CandOT cOmpels
me 10 sag 1oOud not. In my judgment the
Maine Lao has features in it at I0Gr ,Oih all
republican ideas, and suboeTsiUe Of the rights
of free people," Then read the published
note of A. Thompson, wherein he says !:
al respectfully wish to state that am, and
evey haze been, opposed to the Maine Law, or
anu Lav similar to it" Then read the con-
stitution and pledge of the Temperance Al
lance to which you publicly affixed your
name, declaring thus in solemn form your
promise to vote for none bu Maine Law
candidates for the Legislature. Compare
these together with the vote which you
gave last Tuesday for Hendren and ThOmp
son, and, as you kneel at your pillow ask
God if you can to bless you with clear
heart and quiet conscience Rather asl
Him to forgive your treachery to the caus'
of virtue, and your hypocrisy before tn
world. Your party leaders after havinl
enticed you to play this game of duplicit
and shame, may pat you on the back ant
call you "honest democrats ;" but in thei
hearts they scorn your dishonesty AM
chuckle at the spOils of your easy virtue
Thanks to the true hearted Democrats VIII
spurned the threats and cajolements Of the
party demsgogues, and stood at the polls a
day, contending nobly for the temperate
cause. Brothers Of Temperance, your fir
battle in Ohio has been gloriOusly Tough
If it has not gained all, it has achieve
much. Another year will summon you
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