The Ohio organ, of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, [Ohio]) 1853-1854, 1853-05-13
Cincinnati COmr ercia Temper
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on the great question Of the day, even
if the views expressed differ entirely
from our own. We take the earliest
opportunity in Spch cases to express
our qualification. Whatever is said
on this subject elicits thought; and
investigation and reflection will result
in the advancement of truth. Our
efforts, whether well or i'll directed,
are designed to promote the well be-
ing of society, BY delivering it from
the direst course, and a fair and hon.
est expression of sentiment and discus
sion of principle, however erroneous
the conclusions arrived at, will. do
good. The Commercial Of Tuesday
morning has a leading article on the
subject of temperance, to which we
take but little exception, We make
room for the following extract, and
simply remark, that it is more to the
point, and a more independent article
than any which has come under our
notice in our city press. With this
part of the article we entirely agree.
Without pretending to engage in its
discussion, as it is not, at this time,
before the people Of our State in any
practical shape, we think the question
a very plain one, and capable of being
resolved into very simple elements.
We presume that no one will deny
that the country would be greatly the
gamer, if the consumption of ardent
spirits in the form of drains, was to-
tally abolished. To say nothing of
the resources of the country, by the
application to useful purposes Of the
millions which are annually squand-
cred in the purchase of the poison"
and also nothing of the economy which
would be effected in the administra-
ton Of the criminal and penal laws,
the gain to society in the articles of
health, longevity, energy, industry, |
good order, peace and harmony, would ]
be so great as to justify almost any /
efolt which might be found necessary /
to accomplish it. Il the sale of intox- /
icating drinks could be efectualIy /
abolished, it is hardly possible for the /
to form conception of
the saIutary change which the reform
would produce in the internal condi-
ton and outward aspect of society. |
1t would be like new world-and |
civilization would be purged of half
the vices which are supposed to be
inSeparable from its virtues. If the
means proposed will accomplish the
end, the movement must ultimately /
prevail, ii the country is true to itself.
We entertain no doubt, whatever, /
of the power of society, through its
appropriate legislation and executive
organs, to prohibit the traffic in in
toxicating drinks; and we know of no
constitutional restriction which would
inhibit The exercise of the power,
should the people deem it expedient.
Those Judicial opinions at the North, '
which are generally supposed to have
the right to pas such laws, |
do not repudiate the principle of the
law, but merely some minor and un-
essential details which conflict with
certain engrafted constitutional pro.
visions. We hold that the power off
a State Legislature to enact prohib-
tory liquor law, is proposition above
that in framing
it, it's authors are careful not to insert
provisions in conflict with the cardi-
nal principles Of the organic law.
There is, however, one danger
-