Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1854-06-29
The Temperance ouestion-A PROPOSE
ton.

For the Times.
1t is NOT without regret that perceive that in
several portions OF the State the citizens are per-
hitting the question Of the suppression Of the liq-
uor traffic 10 produce dissensions and bros among
them. In many instances, the excitement caused
by the jealous advocates Of the Maine Law has
been instrumental in severng the ties Of social
feeling, and of producing heart-burnngs and bick
erings in former peaceful communities. This is
done without regard 10 former political organiza-
tions and is resulting in the formation Of a new
organization, based and reared on the one idea,
and having for its object the passage Of the Maine
Law. This result is much 10 be deplored by every
good citizen, and apprehend that even good tenn
pcrance men must admit that the citizens of our
State require great deal more from our Legisla-
ture than exemptions from the evils Of the traffic.
am fearful, too, that in many instances there will
be aspiring men who will join this new organiza-
ton with Interior and sinister motives, making
their professions pretext for the disturbance of
present political organizations, by appealing to the
preiudices of temperance men. With due defer
ence to the opinions Of those who advocate the
passage Of the Maine liquor law, believe that the
re II manifested by some of them, and the policy
pursued will inevitably tend to the defeat of the
object desired We readily admit that the present
indiscriminate traffic in intoxicating liquors is pro-
ducve of evils that need 10 be reedied; but as to
the proper manner of applying the remedy, good
men may well differ. /, for one, am for trusting
TO the moral and religious tone Of public opinion
for its abolition. believe the matter may be safe
ly lodged in the hands of the people; not, however,
that one portion of the State should have the priv
ilege of determining the question for another. Our
common experience has taught us that in matters
of kindred nature, law passed for the suppress
sion of vice will never be enforced unless the
moral feeling of the community in which the in
fraction is committed, is decided in OPPOSITION
| Otherwise, The law remains dead letter, and is
gradually brought into disrespect do not be-
leve law similar 10 the Maine liquor law, could
or would be enforced in the greater portion of
our State.
Based on the principle that each community
ought 10 be held responsible for its tolerance of the
traffic, propose, as the best method of disposing
of the question, that the State should through its
legislature. cut herself loose from all responsible
ty of legalizing the traffic in the general manner
now done, by abolshing the present system of IL
cense, make a law requiring polls to be opened in
each township in every county, and each ward in
every city, al each general election, and request
ing the people of each township and ward to vote
DIRECTLY for against the granting of licenses; and
in the event majority of the voters shall vote in
favor Of granting license in their township ward,
let the County Court be authorised to do So I'M
der such general rules as may be thought best; but
in no case 10 grant license unless majority of
The voters shall vote directly therefor. This would
seem fair and Just, and certainly consistent with
our free institutions. And no one, however strong
their preudces. ought to be unwilling TO trust the
m'iory in each community, where all feel per-
sonal interest.
There would be no disturbances in the intervals
between the elections, though it might be the duty
Of every good citizen TO use his influence in the
endeavor 10 mould public opinion, so that, gradu-
ally, by the force Of this opinion, the evil might
be remedied, and at the same time pay all proper
Differences 10 The preiudces Of those who are ia
vorable 10 the license system, and who, when SO
directly appealed TO- and the responsibility per-
sonay fixed upon them, would be insensibly led
TO a calm and serious reflection on the subject.
have been confirmed in these conclusions by con.
versations with friends, and feel firmly convinced
that nothing is TO be gained by separate political
organization on this subject; and believe the ma.
orty of both political parties ought, and doubles,
would, be willing 10 unite in the passage of law
similar TO the above; and thus the end ardently
desired would be obtained without difficulty, anC
in n manner more consistent with that feeling Of
independence which we are proud 10 say, inspires
the hearts of our countrymen.
FRIEND OF ORDER.