New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-08-13
PROHIBITION IN MICHIGAN.

The undersigned the State Central Committee ap
pointed by the last State Temperance Convention at
Jackson June 90 1854 believe that the time has
rived when it is eminently proper for to address
few words to the friends of our blessed cause.
Since our appointment we have endeavored to do
our duty in promoting the success of the principle OF
prohibition. The last Legislature enacted a statute
free from all constitute nal objections, fully be-
ieye. The decisions of all the Supreme Courts in our
own and other States upon the points involved were
carefully weighed and we trust all Of their principles
have been compiled with.
when the law took effect we deemed il best that acts
should precede words. Experience has now served to
show the friends of this great measure of humanity and
conservative police what be done and the way do
it. Prosecutions have been had and objections have
been urged in various parts of the State. We know OF
no reason Why not now prepared for de ,lded
and general movement of our columns We do not now
merely uphold idea principle, bit tie lar Of the
land. Surely are unworthy of our calling If we
wGver and quail before purely imaginary peris.
In the City of Detroit the supremacy OF the law u
fully asserted and we gratifed at being able to
state that good city deserves the credit OF quiet
ano entirely peaceable submission TO legal process.
About fifty cases have been commenced IN this city
and twtut, .feyen convictions have been had before
Justices Of the Peace-six Of them being common
sellers In large majority Of these cases The fines
and costs have been paid. Some three or four have
appealed, and many more taken mp by certiorar.
Tire persons have been convicted and hned IN NE
Circuit Court. In these We believe the defendants
have taken writs OF error. The indictments were
found within the first few days after the law went into
Opt ration. 80
No difficulty has yet been experience in any Of these
courts in conycting any defendant upon reasonable
testimony, excepting in case, which has been ap-
pealed by the prosecutors Some ten or twelve cases
are still pending and are constantly being
commenced. The friends of the cause in this y have
never had any thought Of awaiting any decision Of the
Supreme Court. Tie representations OF the papers to
this effect are without foundation IN fact and may be
pronounced reckless Of the truth We understand II
10 be the duty Of good citizen 70 obey the law, until
he is released from is obligations by the decision OF
tribunal having sufficient authority.
The statements of newspapers and other parties that
the traffic is uurestrained IN this city also false
Some persons here, and not few from the country,
have doubtless seen DO restraint IN certain quarters Tor
the reason that the YiolatOrs Of the law could rest
confidently in The unWingness OF the guzZler to Dear
Z, siinony. Some such, however. have already been
obliged to become unwilling Witnesses, and others will
be called upon IN due coure very large proper
ton If those formerly engaged in selling hquOrs have
honestly obeyed the law The reckless contemners Of
the laws Of their country and Of enlightened public
opinion viii be obliged in their turn TO do henege 70
the majesty OF the law
Il l. compliment 10 the Supreme Court for any
one TO hope for a reversal OF their clear decision
maco il 1854 sustaining the power Of the STATE 10 pro
iibt the manufacture aud sale of Intoxicating liquors.
The same point has been decided by the supreme
Court OF the United States and OF every state wnere
the subject has been passed upon. There Is no bland
] fuence in all the attorneys in the Union, and NJ ter
TOT IL al the indignation Of pothouse politicians 70
control or corrupt the judges The people may rest
with COZ idenee ia decision, once intellisertly made
by BODY Of upright and ab.ej Judges.
We recommend 10 III tempered or unnecessarily
stringent ensures; but insist that the friends Of
law and public order slall firmly and diligently en-
force Tie Ieua.hss OF the law. This will be nose po-
tent hon lard words; and a speedy aud impartial en-
torceuent OF the prohibition will be found the most
emil. htencd kindness even 10 the defendants them
selves. -
J. A. BAUGHMAS
PLINY POWER, Sect. csofrtl
:. M HOLMES. >-C,-fo,i,fse
II. c. KNIGHT
"A. SHELLEY,