Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1854-02-24
aNistrIlanu.
From the Rushville Jacksonian.
To the Citizens of Endinun.

Although out an humble clllzen, ana
incapable OF welding the pen with the
ability which many possess, yet | feel u
deep interest in the welfare and prosper
ity OF the great State OF which you are
honorable members. | assume the re-
sponsibility, Of calling your thoughtful
attention to the all absorbing question::
"Ought the people OF Indiana to exer-
else the right Of suffrage and elect such
men to the Legislature as will enact a
prohibtory lawl"
IL is true. we confess that this subject
to many may appear novelty, at least
in their political creed; and it is perhaps
equally true that the enactment OF such
law will interfere with the GAIN Of some
of our citizens, Such a result would
endanger their craft. But then IL the
few would be injured in their business,
would not the many be benefited both
in their purse and in their morasl The
question 10 Just this-Docs the whisky
business in all its branches and bearings
pay! Will the profits of the man
ufacturing and lin1-wholesale and
retail-overbalance the losses in it's con-
1
Yoa are interested in the decision about
to be made-every Father, Mother, Son
and Daughter in the land-yea, the gen.
rations yet unborn, who shall follow
us, are, and will be interested in the
settlement Of this momentuous question.
In dimes and dollars, as we'll as in char
acter, happiness, wealth, influence and
destiny-we are, and they soon will be,
personally and fearfully interested -
Gentlemen. the question is before you
it cannot be STAYED ofF--your decision is
asked for, and your votes as patriots
must now be given--lor or against q
"prohibitory liquor law" Do you say
the question ought not to be mixed with
the politics Of the country! We ask,
why! Is it not an important one!-
Does it not involve the welfare Of mill
ions! And since the Fourth of July
l776, has any subject come before the
American people of such widespread
and fearfu; issues! Then why not min
gle il with politics' Can it be morally
or politically wrong to do so! What is
politics! May they not be defined to b
such principles and schemes of govern
ment as will wisely and permanently
secure the welfare aud happiness of the
governed. And is it not the enactment
of prohibtory Liquor Law u political
scheme of this character! Does it not
involve the property and welfare OF mill
ions OF our citizens, as we'll as the purity
OF our government and the perpetuty oil
our Institutions. Then why not let il
come into our polticsl All, "it will in
jure our pOrIy," we hear some OF you
say. What party! we would ask. Is
there any party in these United States
that has, or will assume the defense ans
advocacy Of the liquor traflicl We know
oi no suchpariy--we repeat it, we know
OF no such party. However reckless
parties mayhave been heretofore, ther,
has been no periodin the history OF tn,
America people when any one of then
has stood up openly 10 defend the hquoI
traffic.
Well, bat this agitation will injur,
our party organization. How, IN th'
name oi our common country, We woul,
inquire, can your party organization b,
effected by the eilizeus OF the state ma
king an effort 10 pass law t0 protect
themselves aud their children from th,
curse OF inlemperanee II your part,
Is, as you say, in layor OF temperance,
does temperance conflict with your polili
cal success
Does not your party boast ofits patri
otic devotion TO the Interests OF tho poo
plol DO you not talk great deal ubou
the welfare OF the yeomanry OF the land
the bono aud Hinew OF the people T..
Well, wo would ask, what law could th,
legislature ol lrdlana pass that woult
bring as many blessings to the masse
OF the people az prohlbltory liquor law
Can you mention one! "lnjaro you
party orgcnlzatlons,' ehl There, /
seems, IL tho rubl Your party thei
must DO preserved u thousands perish
This II your boasted patfioliam- -th
your dlsinlercsled devotion to tho inter
osta Of tho dear people,. II you ge
our votes aud our influence we may,
we are weak enough, (and al how man,
have been thus weak) drink ourselves {
the death no lar as your protective logla
lut!on is concerned. That will certain I
I bo political patriotism and charity. wit
u yengeapcel Tho people ollndlana, /
whom we most respectfully address thi
communication (Which We intend 10 b
followed by others) have been Tor SC
! rles OF years lo1king at thia suhicgt wit
an agonlzlng US we'll as ymaalhcti
anxiety. They have given thsmselye
70 the cause OF temperance, usa ice,
a viii aud PATRIOTS offering to their cour
0 try--giylng their time and thousands (