The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1854-01-18

per that is every day winning strong
friends by the Independent course adop-
ted by its editor, on all matters PERTAIN
ing to the public veal. 1t so entirely
agrees with our views in regard TO the
course that should be pursued by men
elected to lcgislate for US and make
our laws, that we cannot resist tho temp
tation of copying the article entire. AL
though the article is aiiticd at New
York legislators, the suggestions throws
out are not out Of place in Vermont.
Tho Maino Law.
We do not design to discuss, now.
the propriety or necessity for prohib'
itory law on the subject Of intoxicat-
ing drinks. So far as our own views
are concerned, they are known to ev-
cry reader Of the Register, and rere'
tition of them now would be useless
Every intelligent man knows that this
subject more largely than any other
entered into the late election 1t was
one of the questions which the people
had in view, and which they intended
to decide by their votes. They did
not hesitate to take the responsibility
of voting as their private Judgment
directed. But there seems to be less
of the spirit of boldness among those
who have the power, and are charged
with tho duty of acting upon the sub
icct, than was exhibited by the people
from whom they hold their commis-
sions.
The Wing party is in the asccndcn-
cy. 1t has an overwhelming majority
in both branches of the Legislature.
1t has the power of passing or reject
ing Prohibtory law but there are
those who tremblc lest the one or the
other course should damage the Whig
party. Those who hold this notion,
we think misunderstood the Wing sem
timcnt. The Wings Of New York,
and the great body of the people ad-
mire boldness and independence Of ae-
ton. They will overlook what they
regard as wrong vote in Legislators
provided he gives it with fearless
hand, but vacillatins trimming
course meets with no favor. Besides,
this great measure is one that is not Of
yesterday. 1t has occupied tho at
tention of the people for years, and
We venture to say that overy intclli-
gent man has made up his mind whetlI-
cr it is right or wrong, wise or fool
ish in itself The question is not, and
should not be, what effect its adoption
or rejection will have upon the Wing
or any other party. If the Wing par
ty is so weak that it cannot bear fear
less legislation on this or any ether
subject without cndangering its ascen-
dcncy, let it 90 down, Is ought to
go down if such is its hold upon the
people.
This temperance measure is one Of
ovcrshadowing importance 1t reach
cs far and wide on the one hand into
all the Iramifcations of business. 1t
touches the manufacturer, the mer-
chant, the farmer, and thousand o.
ther interests that are spread out all
over the State. On the other, it deals
with the moral and social relations Of
, life. 1t CLAIMS for its object the re.
generation of society from pauperism,
, from vice and crime, from practices
that scatter taxation and sorrow and
r death. throughout the land. Of the
: policy of this measure, men may we'll
+ differ, and differ honestly. We can
b understand all that, but that legisla-
e tors should tread softly, should with
hold their opinions or ciTcumscribc
their action for fear of weakening the
r Whig party, is what we cannot so cas-
q ily understand. This making the leg
n islation the mere prop of party is 4
monstrous evil, and the practice, al
C war as it is with every principle o.
a manly independence and right, oug gh'
i to crush the party that INDUCES in it
u On these great propositions, involving
. vast business interests, the prosperity
~ and moral condition or the improve
= ment of the country, there should b
: no party. They are above the spoil
c of Office. They should be subjected
lie to no party tactics, perverted to NJ
r political purposes. Every legislator
'g while he feel the responsibility tha
le rests upon him, should follow the con
y vction of his own Judgment, the lead
u, u ings of his own conscience, and tia
~ with a frmncss that cannot be move,
70 by this cry of the demagogue, Of tn
te danger to party.
# 1t may he depended uTon, that NJ
this temperance question, bold feat
be less course is the best. 1t is the wls'
ly as well as the honest one. The OF
he ponents, and the friends of the Main
er Law, have their eyes wide open. The
or aIe, on both sides men Of discernmeI
IN and sagacity. They will be cheate
III. m by no soft words or specie,
,o ", professions. They will respect ii
oU m outspokcn independent man, whiche'
rs w cr side he cspouses, but the tim
ro shuilling. fearful man, will be regardt
= as unfit for the present crisis. If D
as legislators think prohibitory law u
ere wise or impolitic, let them say scope
;cd ly and fearlessly, both by their Ia
his guage and their votes. If they |
licve it wise in lolicy, or call' d for
| the cxcancios nf the times. let the