The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-07-04
THE DUTY OF DEMOCRATS ON THE TEMPERANCE
QUESTION.

QUESTION.
The conviction that an effort being made by some
the opponents of democracy divide and distract
ranks by the introduction into politics of the temperance
question induced publish few days ago the Maine
liquor law To show that without proof to
tain in conviction and the time impress
democratic friends with the importance of watching
this device of enemies, call their attention to the
following article from the Southern Banner published in
Georgia The remarks of the Banner equally appca
BILE to various other localities
g TIE DUTY pEMoonArs-The signs Of the times
of dangers in the path of the democratic party which,
faithful sentines bound to notice
We propose at this time to conine remarks
these dangers of which reminded by the
Of the State temperance convention this place. While
write the result Of their deliberations has TRANSFERRED
but know that there purpose the part of small
number to throw the elements of proabory legislation
the cauron of politics, already seething and bubbng with
heterogeneous and dangerous ingredients We know moi
whether that will be endorsed by the State
tom if it is, have Judgment to pass upon them. As
citizens of this free country they have perfect right pro-
pose parties platform that they proper But
rights and duties and exercise Of Them
must endeavor prevent the distraction and division
the democratic party by this any other Issue.
II is needless to protest that have hostility temper
ance, temperance Individually have always,
to the extent of humble ability been the friends and adj
vocates of that REFORM We the apoogs retailers
of the retail SYSTEM We should heartily rejoice if
of their botted the face of the land Nor do
at this time undertake pass judgment the
proposed by the advocates of legislative indeed
could do so something definite known about
the details of those Laws might be proposed which
would favor others, which would firmly oppose.
But under circumstances ought this subject to be uf
ered to break up inure the democratic party We be-
eve the continuance of that party and the final OF
its principles to be of Importance than all the
legislation that will be adopted The
principles Of democracy eternal they took their rise with
the first awakening of political freedom and their great
mission will continue to spread and widen till the milennia
dawn. Democracy embraces principles of farreaching
portance covering the whole field Of the political relations Of
men, and promising results the grandes that the heart Of the
patriot and phianthropst can look forward to.
The temperance party If one be formed must be- In the
ture things temporary feeble and inefficient 1t will have
but object and wide differences of opinion will exist
to the Of securing that On all other its
bers will be at hopeless variance and its for any
era good will Of be nothing Such party cannot
hold powerit is impossible and If such can be got
up and sweed any considerable sze the result will be
to give the in the State to the ntys Mark the
dcon the result of such collateral cxceents has always
been and always viii be- to PROSTATE the democratic party
We democrats stand by their coors be not led away
by extavagant either side of this question. Go
sngeidea organization and do be induced to vote
against the regular candidate of your party.
'Iet the democracy put up their fttest for Office
Of wisdom, virtue and discretionmen that you Will
ing to trust Let them not commit themselves to this
ton unnecessarily bnt go prepared that all
other subjects that before them, they deem
the welfare of the State requires Let democrat refuse to
vote the ticket because the candidates not for
legislation the temperance question We you Is
Of much less Importance than excited suppose Vice and
misery will not be expated by any liquor law neither will
liberties be destroyed by its passage Something may be
done for morals by udicous legislation much cannot be done
by legislation. Whatever be done udciousy
be done through the democratic party well through
nj 10 nor Is nj
desire, but will act safely and wisely We sad
would not discuss the merits of this that law will
not but general principle lay down. which true,
whether readers beieye 1T not II this Lars may
regulate the naura. Instincts Of lam restrain e"
entirely and the attempt nM do harm and good II
temperance friends will bear in mind this MAXIM they may
accomplish something; if they disregard it, they will fail
But whatever done let it be done through the regular
party organizations of the country We against third
parties" #