Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-05-10
For the Spirit of the Aqe.

Mr.. EDITOR While the we'll designed eff
forts to prohibit the liquor traffic have agita-
ted almost every portion of the State, |,
though silent, have not been thoughtless or
Indifferent but have reflected some, and
earnestly and honestly sought the better
way, but as yet have not been convinced, that
any law similar to the Maine law would be
the best means to secure the end. That the
State has the right to legislate on the sub
ject, | think none can deny, and the ppo-
sers of the Maine law will not do we'll to
base their objections on that argument. But,
that the Maine Law, and all laws of a kim
dred character, which have been enacted by
many of the States, are Objectionable in ma
ny of their features, and, in some, obnoxious
to q large portion even of the friends of tenn
perance, is equally evident. Hence, from
the double opposition to the passage of
such a law, the difficulties of enforcing it,
it's details being Objectionable to many ofthe
best citizens, the doubts of its constitutional
ity, all indicate to my mind, the inexpedi-
ency, if not utter fusility, Of the efforts of
Temperance men to secure such a law.
Now, we all are endeavoring to accomplish
the same work every patriot and philan-
thropist, every admirer of truth, virtue, mer-
cy and justice, lover of home and worship
per of God, must in principle and in prac-
tice. be opposed to all intemperanee, and es-
pecially to that IN its worse forms. That a.
bout which we differ, is the means, not the
end. / believe the present system modified
and extended will do all that law can do, to
arrest the evil. 1t will involve no constitu-
tional difficulty it can arouse no hostility
only from the liquor loving; it will be sim
pie in its details, easy in its enforcement, and
yet as corrective and prohibitory in it's ten
dency, and beneficial in its results, as any
law could be.
The opposition to all the laws of the Maine
family has originatedin Northumberland with
a species of property, and an invasion Of
family privacy. They have assumed the pre-
rogative of determining the morality of own.
ing property, the power of dispossessing it
the right of searching to discover it, and oil
destroying it when found, without any re
munerations to the owner. To such a law
there always will be objections, even if i
arrested intemperance. Such means will al
ways be condemned, however successful il
their operation. Indeed, any law that inter
feres with the honest. buying and peaceabl
owning of any species of property, savors o
anti-republicanism. Temperance men must a
bandon such means but not ALL. There i
4 remedy; legitimate, just, applicable an
k1 dCIlOJOAC" CHC ICACCUJ VI AAAAI4ON "
the Legislature, to whom it is guaranteed b
the constitution, has been exercised foryears
and for the enforcement Of which the prope
officers already exist-the Grand Jury, Court
of Justice and their officers.
This power properly exerted, will do NOR
to arrest the traffic in liquor, than any d.
formed offspring of the Maine law would dc
For instance; suppose the next Legislator
were to impose a tGr of one thousand do
lars upon retailers of ardent spirits, to b
paid or secured in courts before the licens
is granted do you not see at once, or an
person acquainted with the means of thos
traficers, that four-ffths of all retailing e.
adjustments in the State, would at once /
classed!
l admit that arresting the sales of the quar-
tity under a quart would only be a parts
remedy, but change the law and let the I'd
be upon the sale of any quantity, sold to !
drank at the place of sale, whether it be
open field, the street, or private house. Th
would strike at the foundation of the ey
and arrest the traffic in every form in whic
it is possible for any law, not conflicting vii
the rights of citizens, to do. For, to attem.
to enact a law preventing any mans pure
asing any species of property, and using
on his own premises as he may choose f
hAo OMH OHJOJHCAb, AOG 1uUoIlCIllS Will /
rights of others, is despotism |! OF cours
with increased taxes, there must be increa
ed penalties. This being done, all is do
that can be done by law. How simple, he
republican Raise the tax and extend it
all slles.
If it be objected that the law would
evaded, l answer so may any human la,
but l imagine this would not be so liable
the Maine law, nor more so thar the law
, now have. 1t may be objected to this pls
, that it would not lessen the sales that a f
, wealthy dealers would monopolize the ira,
| This may be so, as regards the sales made
: family use, but grogshops and tipling wou
cease, for there would not be, on an avcra,
more than one such establishment in a COZ
!, ty and men cannot go from five to twe1
1 miles to get a drink. And it is we'll kno
, that men do not usually get drunk at hor
. nor do they start with that design
4 finding liquor for sale almost every VIII
o they go, the excitement of company, the p
y ~suasions of friends or enemies it may be, ii
c become so, and return home to infict all
n evils upon their families. But under t
e Taxation, the temptation will be remoy
Q the rights of citizens respected, and the
l arrested. A
l Goldsboro', April. 1854.