Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1854-05-11
FOR TIE ADyERTIsER.
LEGISLATIVE RESTRICTIONS ON THE LIQUOR



AMONGST the many subjects that are now attract
ing the attention of thepeoptc of this great country,
in this great age of progress that of governmental
science holds prominent place. This is as it Should
be- " \ nation of freemen" should understand the
principles upon which are based its institutions, aud
so be prepared to maintain them in their application
to the various that grow out of its social and
political compact. 1t is, however, much more diff
cult to do this than superficial glance at the sub
ject would lead one to suppose. Indeed 1t may be
doubted whether any science presents cases more
difficult of solution than does the science OF govern
ment 1t is Il subject which the wsest OF men have
been studying for hundreds OF years, and while 1t
is admitted that some advancement has been made,
there ure still many questions Of great moment to
be decided before the knowledge of government can
be said to be perfect, apd thu writer will be excused
it is hoped for expressing doubt whether there
ever will be law or system OF laws made, that IN
their operation will be capable of meeting and salts
flying every exigency. Nevertheless, it is right and
proper to strive after perfection, though fully per-
suaded that it cannot be reached. The preacher
exhorts his hearersto this and very properly though
conscious at the time of its absence in his own per-
son, and knowing that deprared nature and extra
neous influences combine to prevent its attainment
The physician strives to be perfect in his profession
though the history of thousands Of years and the
daily occurrences OF the present time, convince him
that the healing art cannot chectualIy and complete
y relieve pain, nor stay the decree Of mars disso-
luton. The rationale Of chemical atiinitics and re-
pulson will probably never be understood, but that
does not and shall not repress the ardor OF those
engaged in the study Of chemistry. Progress, not
perfection, is mans earthly destiny. This is said of
course, with reference 10 the present constitution of
things. How far the Creator may vouchsafe to man
an excellence in wisdom and happiness before the
closing scene in the drama of this worlds existence,
presume not to say. When the angel of the apoca-
lyptic vision shall descend with great chain in his
hand, and bind the great enemy Of man, and with
the key of the botomless pit, shall lock hmup from
all communication with the earth, there then may
be perfection among mankind but speaking after
the manner of men, and with reference to nan's
present constitution and being, repeat that Pro-
grcss, not perfection, is mans earthly destiny. In
regard then to government, the problem to be solved
is, How far can the restrictions of law be allowed
without an Infringement upon the mutual rights OF
those subjected to iii How far can its power ex-
tend for the protection of the rights OF one man,
without doing violence to the rights of another man
This regard as the essence Of government, this is
the design Of law, to mete out evenhandcd justice
to all, and the proper application of this principle Is
the perfection of human government. And whilst
there cannot be absolute perfection in this there
can be a perfect standard, and the nearer we ap-
proach it, the more nearly do we reach the consum-
nation of government, viz: equal rights and equal
inlmuutes
With these premises before us, we propose to pre-
sent for the consideration of the people Of this State
some thoughts in relation to the law known as the
Maine Law" or rather the PRINCIPLES embodied in
it us set forth in the newspapers for the law Iise
we have never seen. This is u measure that has for
two years past excited no little attention in different
parts of the Union and forms the basis OF the sever
al l"ws onn"tnd hr nn"hnr &c Stat"s h""irr e,