Smyrna times., 1855-11-14
Temperance and Politics.

Some persons seem to have holy horror al
the idea of mingiing temperance with politics.
They tell -as about the injary which this sacred
cause sustains by being dragged through the
mire Of party politics. and they grow quite
eloquent in expatating upon the great assis-
tafce that they could render to this great en-
terprise, if itsfriendswould coilfinee themselves
to omoral lsuason. Now f-the politics of our
country are in such a deplorable condition as
thesemen describe, and the slough is SO deep
and offensive that no decent man can discharge
isPolidcal duties, and no really vital and ita-
pornntquestion can be agitated without stir.
ringapt the muddy waters Why then It is time
that the sfnire was purified, and that good men
combined together 10 rescue the affairs. of gov
erausesst from the corrupting influences that
huves surrounded them. But what is the true
idea expressed BY the word politics Noah
Webster defines the word to be, The science
ofsGovernnent;e that part of ethics which con.
sists inaths regulation aud government of ua4
tionor State, for the preservation of its sa ety,
peace and prosperity All will allow that it
property, lives, morals. and happiness of the
continuity. IF the government does not 'ac-
eoanplish this work, it ought to be overthrown
and annihilated. Unless we can enact and en-
foreeglaws thatwll promote the public welfare.
aRdAsave stheainnocent, industrious and moral
citizens from the ravages of passion, avarice,
and. the various forms of human villainy,
then we, exercise the elective franchise in
vain,' and our liberties about which we boast
Sc much, are 'not1 worth farthing. If
honest men are willing to have every p great esat
vital question that relates to Temperance
dsiseny from the, balot-box, and leave the
Political arena in the possession of men who
care for nothing. but the spois Of office. why
then we must abide the consequences. Then
we must admit that the ,mre is too deep for de-
cent men to walk in it, and the corruption too
intense 10 leave any ground Of hope that the
welfare of society win be promoted by legisla-
tive sction. ..f.,G -i< ''-E '.-r 80, " d.
But We cannot believe that our patriotic citi-
zensIhaveEeached such point as this There
lsia sentiment, deep, abiding and influential
among the masses OF, the people that right DO
ltlcais aetIon IS among our most sacred duties
apdp that TO abandon athe affairs of government
to the fierce passions of unrrincipled dems-
gogues, would be a suicidal and treasonabe act
And we believe that thereyis political power
enough in this State to sustain the temners nce
law. Whatws need at this moment is TO hav We
this power developed and organized. and then
itwIll become an effectual barrier to resist the
most violent assaults of our adversarirs. -. 3.
But those who are SO clamorous to have tenn. |
perance divorced from politics, profess 10 be in
favor Of a license law. Now what is the
license system but a pingling of temperance
with pol'ticsi What is it but the same tIinu
only on smaller scales And if we have the
right 10 suppress an evil in part, have we NOT
The right TO suppress the whole The germ off
the prohIbltory principle is in the license priu.
ciple In past years we were content with
partial prohibition. And us in all cases in The
history of reforms, step forward produces ex-
element aud opposition, The cry is raised
Lhaifoliy and fanatcism are seizing the public
BIND and controlling public action. IF this
;rry Is needed, Of course there can be no pro-
gress made. If this cry is treated with tba
ientemPt that IL deserves, and the determ5aa.
ion Is adhered to, to advance the right in tive
ace ace OF the most violent and bitter opposition
ne friends OF virtue, temperance and good gov.
rnment will gain the victory. .., 500, - II