Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1854-01-04
For the Gazette.
A PRoHrBIroRY LIaUoR LAW.

mir. Editor--We bad the pleasure OIL near
ing an address delivered, q few evenings since,
by JoHE WELLER, Esq, at the M. Il Church,
on the subject of Prohibitory Law. IN re-
gard to the making aud selling of intoxicating
liquors as q beverage, within the bounds OF
the Commonwealth Of Virginia. We say
pleasure, because we regard the subject Of
Mr.. Weller's address as one in every and any
aspect in which il may be viewed as of deep
and vital Importance to the welfare of every
citizen Of this old commonwealth, bis plain,
pointed, and decided position on vie subject
discussed, gave us no room to doubt where
he stood though young in years, yet be
treated bis subject with aripeness that would
have done credit to an older head or more ex-
perienced age we, however, do not propose
review Of this address had we the ability
but our object is simply to make it an occa-
sion for few reflections.
Our community at this time is specially
and particularly cursed with the influence OF
intoxicating liquors from the Ale and Porter
Bars, from the Merchants counter to the al
most numberless Hotels and Taverns that fill
our town and county, il is dispensed with
most liberal hand to our citizens, the influence
Of all this is too plainly aud positively to be
seen, from the mere boy that has scarcely or
just left bis mothers lap, to the old gray
beaded man, tottering under accommodating
years and almost ready in the very nature Of
things to step from time into eternity--no
one can for moment shut his eyes to this
state of things, he that runs may read the
consequences namely. disorder, confusion,
crime. poverty, wretcbedness, and ruin. to
hundreds of our citizens; questions here may
very naturally arise-Is there no remedy for
all this? Have the people of this common
wealth no power whereby they can effect
cure of this political, social. and moral dis
ease /? Is there no arm sufficiently potent to
destroy this worse than destroyer? has the
ends Of government been defeated in this par
ticular? These are vital. these are important
questions We may be told the efforts Of the
friends of temperance through certain organ
izations. have done much, are now doing a
great deal and will still accomplish much
more good on this subject. that our only REM
edy is to be found in their agency,--others
will tell US there is the License Law" care.
fully prepared by our law makers, TO protect
us from this bligbting, whitening curse, and
if properly enforced would prove "panacea"
for all this ILL.,
As to the first remedy, it may not be de-
MED but what great deal Of special and par
ticular good has resulted from it, but the most
it has done is to open our eyes to the dread
full and direful situation in which we are
placed, as people, on this subject; at first
it was thought an easy matter to remove
drunkenness from our land BY the power of
moral suasion, but alas. it is not sufficient
for the dreadful monster.
As to the second remedy, it may DO said
to be piece of downright mockery, exPe-
rience has, in our opinion, demonstrated, in
stead Of the license law acting as remedy
against the evil complained O.. it has been one
Of the most powerful allies of alcohol; has
proved the great refuge to which every grog
gerry and tipping he'll has fed to screen them,
selves from the just indignation Of an out
ragged communicative are therefore prepared
10 pronounce this license system as an evil Of
no small magnitude against ne in our efforts
10 drive drunkenness from the land.
In view of this state of things we were
pleased, we were glad, that Mr.. Weller intro
auccd to our attention the subject Of Pro-
hibitory Law, and If we are not greatly mis-
taken he has struck the true aud only remedy
TO be found in this country against this worst
Of curses; to this source we must hereafter
look for relief. without this aid all other means
must fail. and as q people we will be left
through all time TO the fate and destiny Of
drunkenness. give US this aid and then our
other means will be crowned with triumphant
success.
Give us a Prohibitory Law, and then every
moral effort made in behalf Of the drunkard
will tell thousand fold on his Welfare, light
will break in on his dark destiny, and be made
, citizen of bright hopes and cheerful future.
this aid and, he is bound to be a
and doomed wretch, the mere crea-
.ure of alcohol and drunkenness, the sport Of
The rum seller and the victim Of the whiskey
bottle. We feel keenly the outrage which
our legislators have been committing on the
tights and interests of our people in this par
ticular; when asked to pass laws having ref
arenee to the adjustment of this poisonous
liquid as beverage among the people. wo are
tOiu ~ 10 HOt anu OupUt DUb u
be subject of legislstion--that there are
certain personal rights involved-that we
should be very careful in enacting laws on this
subject.
We say in the face of these things, the
people of Virginia ought at once to commence
and take this matter into their own hands, or.
ganize organize, and bring this whole qucs-
ton to the ballot box. there and there only
can you succeed. it is your right, it is your
duty to see to it, and that quickly elect men
to your legislature that will look to your in.
terest and reflect your wishes. '1e
Much more might be said, hut our object
was simply to call public attention to this
great question, and will say in conclusion it
is to oe hoped Nh Weller will consent to give
the public his address, through the medium
of our papers, for we feel confident it will
greatly subserve the cause in which we all
are SO deeply interested
PROHIBITION"
NOT SO FAST.