The Ohio union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1849-1854, 1854-03-15

abandon the traffic as both wrong and
r%uinous. i u '.id
You live in a community Of republicans
You profess yourselves TO be republicans.
Now in such a community the majority
rule, as Of right they ought. In all ordi-
nary matters, you regard this rule as cs-
sential 10 order and freedom. And you
would regard that man as unworthy the
name of an American, who should teach
a different doctrine, or violate this princi.
pie in his practice. You would have
thought it passing strange, if a few years
since, a minority of the community ad
determined, in the face of the license law,
tina, no man should sell Intoxicating drinks
And il they had used under.handcd or
viOleat measures, 10 carry out their de-
termination, you wouldhave resisted even
to violence. But for many years a large
majority Of the most respectable citizens
have regarded the traffic in alcoholic drinks
as injurious to the community, %ruinous 10
individuals and families, and wrong in
itself. And yet they were willing the ma.
jori,y should rule, and yielded to the law,
although they sometimes saw near and
dear friends utterly ruined for time and
eternity, by its operation. Now.the State
Of things is changed. A large majority
of this community have distinctly and
empha,ically declared. that there shall moi
be any intoxicating drinks sold as a bever-
age within the limits Of the borough; and
recently, by their Trustees, in the town
ship. And certainly, as good citizens
republicans-men who desire 10 act upon
principle, and retain the kind regards of
their fellow men, you should abide by the
decision of The majority. You should
yield 10 the rule Of the majority. And
especially should you pursue Ibis course,
as it can do no harm To any one. II may
cut a little short your profits. But even
in this respect, there can not be much
sacrifice, il your capital is employed in
some other FORM. And who could moi
cake more money than he does if he dis
regarded The law
You certainly are not doing in ills
matter as you would wish others 10 do.
Suppose a Neighbour Of yours in spite of
The expressed will of a majority Of the
citizens, should persist in building a fire on
his own lot. but so near your dwelling IS
10 consume it; or, suppose your neighbour
should bring a malignant and contagious
disease into your vicinity, endangering the
health and lives Of yourselves and families,
and a large majority Of the community
should order his removal, and he should
utterly refuse 10 comply. Would you
think such conduct republican or %justifa-
bic upon any plcal But does not your
liquor selling in spite Of the clearly ex-
pressed will of a large majority, work ruin
10 The health, honor, happiness and lives
Of many individuals and families of your
fellow citizens You not only refuse 10
let the majority rule, but You work injury
and ruin by that refusal. You are Ger.
tainly not acting The part If republicans.
II cannot be that yon would be willing TO
see others adopting your course in other
matters. Assuredly you know that if all
should so act, there would be a 6nal end
to all order, security or happiness in So
cIety. Society could not exist at ALL
We appeal I you, then, as republicans,
10 cease a business which, in your eircum.
stances is so anli-republican and subversive
of all government. 800 Hn
But perhaps you say the majority have
no right 10 forbid your traffic in alcoholic
drinks. But did not the Legislature of The
State, give them legal right and authority
TO enact a prohibitory law! And have
not the majority of every community .
right To abate any evil that exists among
them when itcan be legally done III Have
they not a right 10 protect themselves
against the ruin which The conduct Of a
few would bring upon them, when they
can do so according 10 law Z If they have
not, then there is no principle upon which
society can dwell together at all. Bulil
they have, then have they no. injured you
in exercising that right They have moi
inlerfered In the least with your rights in
%forbidding you 10 sell alcoholic drinks -
and every correct principle and feeling
bind you AZ men, citizens and republicans,
10 cease this business.
But you say you have a right : engage
lin this traffic. Who gave you this RICH.