The Ohio organ, of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, [Ohio]) 1853-1854, 1853-03-18

and appropriate tribute 10 the new law
from the sermon before the LegisIa-
ture by Rev. Mr.! ,WOlcott, Of Belcher-
town. 1t will be read with interestby
every friend Of the cause. .Ii.Is agbl.
"To this class Of statutes belongs,
pre-eminently, the act passed by Your
Immediate predecessors, designed, and
admirably adapted 10 check the fatal
ravages Of Intemperance among us.
From arecent judicial decision Of high
authority, it would appear that law
framed for similar purpose in a
neighboring State, unfortunately EN-.
bodies provisions which conflict with
important constitutional immunities.
! am sure that | utter the, sentiments
Of all the friends of our law and of
the holy cause whose fortunes are en-
barked in it, when affirm, that in
their anxious efforts to project the
community from an oppressive burden
and a destructive evil, nothing can be
further from them than disposition
to assail any lawful claim and above
all, to weaken that sacred palladium
ofsciyil liberty the right Of trial by
jury, which was wrested by our brave
English ancestors from kingly en-
croachment, which was borne across
the waters in the May flower, and un-
der these happy skies, among people
jealous, as they should be, in any
matter which involves their personal
freedom or their civil rights, until a
late dark period, has flourished in Sc
curity and beauty. Let the heavy
odium Of striking down this safeguard
of freemen, in their last asylum,
cleave to another law than this, and to
other hands than ours /! 1t has been
the earnest, and, it is believed, sue
cessful endeavor Of the trainers and
defenders Of our own law, including
some eminent civilians, to keep it en-.
tirely clear Of constitutional obiec-
tions. Its friends, however, do not
claim that it is free from imperfection |;
and If any element Of weakness has
inadvertently been Incorporated, 1t is
of course suscepdbleiof an amendment
which will relieve, without crippling
Of. enfeebling it; and thus not impair,
but increase its useful efficiency as a
powerful aid in securing to every COM
munity, that will enforce it, the bene.
fits Of sobriety, industry andintegrity,
Of social order, prosperity and moral
ity. The right of prohibitory legis-
lation, with reference to- any public
evil, is questioned by no jurist; the
leading principle Of this law is but a
practical recognition ofthe great end
for which government is instituted;
rs introduction in other forms is no
novelty; and it marks in this connec-
ton a benign epoch, only as being the
consistent and resolute application Of
an acknowledged principle to stu
pendous social evil. 1t cannot be dis
puted, that whereverit has had a fair
trial, it has won for itself favor as a
most benefcent act; an act which,
while promoting the industrial pur-
suits, and enhancing the productive
resources Of the State, throws the
shield Of governmental protection
over the tempted, and gracefully lifts
fallen man from the dust; an act
which was prayed for W thousands
and tensiof thousands of the mothers
and wives, the sisters and daughters
Of the Commonwealth, and will re-
main, in its essential features, if ii
shall stand upiblaq solitary petition
from this class is presented foritsI re-
peal, a permanent boon to- the, more
than widowed, and orphaned ones,
who have. hailed its advent with tears
of gratitude; an act which has been
welcomed with singular and cordial
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