Plymouth advertiser. [volume] (Plymouth, Ohio) 1853-1988, 1854-07-01
ADDRESS
0fhs State Temperance Erecutiue Com
mitiee 10 The People of Ohio.

The undersigned, feeling that the pres
ent is an epoch IN the history of the Ten.
perance Reformation in Ohio, requiring
moie than ordinary judgment and caution,
in order TO know the right, have, after
calm, and so far as they are able to give
it, mature deliberation, concluded to throw
their mite into the scale, hoping it may
aid in some measure in causing prepon-
derance Of the right end of the balance.
We lay no claim 10 superior wisdom nor
knowledge, but having been placed by our
fellow temp rance men in a somewhat
conspicuous position, we have concluded
1t would perhaps moi be considered ego.
tisticai for us to volunteer our advice. If
we are mistaken in this, the only apology
we have to offer is, the interest We f ell
in the cause.
1t is not to be expected that so 'arge a
body as the Temperance Mem of Ohio,
can agree at all times ON the best means
of prosecuting the holy war in which they
are engaged ; but, it should certainly be
the aim of all, to prevent misuncerstand.
Jugs upon legal. measures. Believing this,
we regret exceedingly to see any differ
once of opinion relative 10 the expediency
Of enforcing the laws for the suppression
OF intemperance passed at the late session
of the Legislature. We would present
for the consideration of all good citizens,
the following, as few of the reasons that
have brought us TO the conclusions at
which we have arrived.
An the first place, we hold it TO be the
duty of all good citizens TO do al: they
can 10 mid IN / e e,enforcemen, of every law
of The land. 1t certainly does no. require
much. if any argument, 10 convince rea.
sonable person, that all laws should be en-
forced. If found inefficient or imprac,i>
cable, let them be repealed, which they
always will be as soon as either OF these
facts is shown by actual trial but SO long
as they remain on the statute book, let no
man disregard then.
AS to the particular laws referred to,
here seem 10 be several reasons why they
should be enforced but before giving them,
permit US to allude to the popular queries,
What are the temperance men going TO
dol? why don't you enforce the law?
: This appears to the committee to be, moi
only exceedingly illiberai, but very mean
and cowardIy. We asked for law with
the leading features of the 'Maine Law,
promising TO enforce it if they would but
give US chance: but instead they gave us
a totally different law-one that suits them
--and ask us, nay demand of US, that we
shall enforceit. 1t does appear TO US that
common honesty would dictate that those
who passed and advocated such law as
we now have should 60 to work and en-
force ii, and not call upon those 10 DO i,
whom they knew and still know to be
very doubtful Of its efficiency; more es
pecially is this so, when they claim to b.
justas much in favor of stopping the liquo
traffic as we are.
But some of the special reasons why
we think an attempt should be made lc
enforce these laws are the following:
lst. The principles admitted IN them
The act "to provide against the evils re
sulling from the sale of intoxicating Ii.
quors" makes it absolutely unlawful tc
sell intoxicating liquors as usually sold
T that is, 'to drink in, upon, or about the
building or premises where sold
f I'd. 1t makes it 'unlaw wfnl' to sell 10 Q
minor for any purpose, without the writ,
ten order of their parents, guardians, o.
h family physician
f Sd. II makes it unlawful TO sell 'to per
sons intoxicated, or who are in the habi
of getting intoxicated
4th. 1t makes it unlawful to get intoxi
Gated, and
|, 5,h. And most important of all, it make.
'all places where intoxicating liquors are
fl sold in violation of law, common nui
sances.' II is thus seen that the act cover.
much OF the ground con,ended for by tenn
! perance men. Two very important points
nre gained. and will not have to be tough,
for again Our Legislature has declared
it unlawful TO sell intoxicating liquors as
a beverage, and that grog.shops are nui
sances that ought TO be abated.
But the act also renders liquor-sellers
| iooio !" PtUcCCuslUu lOI tlC uuMuRcS F6.
sultiug from the sale, and holds the pro.
perty where sold liable for penalties and
costs. -
| The act ito prevent the adulteration Of
Alcoholic Liquors, 'also contain very i'm.
Portant provisions.
1st. II provides that none but pure Ii.
quors shall be sold. "R'.''
! I'd. II provides that none shall he sold
without inspection, under penalty OF fine
and imprisonment. e @
| Sd. It authorizes the Sc zure and con.
fscation Of impure liquors. which covers
| he whole ground contended for by.Maine
Law men, 30 far as the principle is con.
cerned. A.a
These prominent and important princi.
ples have been admitted by an anti.Msine
Law Legislature, we fell sure that no 70. J.
traction Of any Of them can soon BE- ef.
fected. They are fixed upou our statute
book.