Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1855-07-04
THE GRAND RIVER TIMES.
GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN;
WEDNESDAY EVENING. JULY a, 1855.
Is THERE AS MUCH LIQUOR USED NOW AS


the affirmative argue that although the Pro-
hibitory Law is virtually in effect, yet there
is no diminution of the sale and use of intox-
icating liquors. Dealers and drinkers can OBJ
tain it, upon the sly, in quantities to suit cir
cumstances, and those who are looking sharp
ly for breeches Of the law, are not at all the
wiser as respects this secret traffic-which is
daily adding to the Golfers of the vender, and
diminishing those of the consumer in nearly
the former ratio. aH u
We doubt not but men can be found in al
most every community, whose scruples of con-
science would by no means deter them from
selling sprituous liquors, as formerly, were it
not for fear of the penalty attached to VIC
lation of the law, and Of exposure to the cen
sure of law-loving, and law-abiding citizens,
and, therefore, if they could effect the sale
secretly they would not hesitate to do So
Although the law makes the vending of in
toxicating drinks crime, punishable with
fine and imprisonment yet they can not look
upon it as such, and fancy themselves deeply
wronged by an act that deprives them of the
pursuit of wealth in any manner that seems
to them good; and hence, no doubt, they
feel themselves fully justified in infringing up
on its provisions, when circumstances will ena-
bic them to do so without fear of exposition.
We doubt not liquor is sold in some of our
cities and towns daily; but we cannot agree
with those who support the affirmative of the
question, that there is as great quantity
sold as formerly, and that, therefore, the law
is of no practical benefit
If as much liquor is sold now as before the
enactment of the Prohibitory Law, what has
become of our drunkards? We have not
seen one since the law came into effect; when
formerly there was scarcely an hour of the
day but that our streets would exhibit living
specimens of the handicraft of the dealers in
fool-making beverages, and our side walks
effectually taken possession of by newly made
Know-Nothings, to the great annoyance of
ladies, as well as of those better calculated
to elbow their way along dangerous passes.
We say again, what has become of the drunk
ards? Do vendors of the ardent take pity
on their customers and after effectually imbu-
ing them with "unclean spirits" keep them
under their especial supervision until they
have become sober, and then bid them de-
part in peace? Certainly the inebriates are
not abroad; and if this is its effect the law
is evidently doing good. 1t is, at least, spar
ing the sober portion of community much an
noyance. But we can not be persuaded that
so much liquor can be sold and drank as for.
merly, without more apparent manifestation
thereof 1t could not be kept secret The
monster would exhibit some of its hundred
heads to the passer by. Our opponents may
say though no appearance Of the secret traf
fic may be visible in our community, yet il
other parts of the State sales are thus effect
ed to an alarming degree. Reliable inforna
ton, from all portions thereof, convinces II,
that there is mistake in this supposition
we are in possession Of intelligence from
north, south, east, and west, on this subject
that shows conclusively the Prohibitory Law
is working admirably in every section, though
in some communities more liquor is doubtless
sold than in this. But because there arr
some transgressions of the law, on the par
of its opposers, shall we condemn it in toto
We have law on our statute books agains
theft, but because some, not having the fea
of that law before their eyes, steal, is the law
therefore, not good? Does it not, at least
afford protection, in great degree, to the prop
erty of citizens against the midnight marau
der9 A law has been enacted against coun
terfeiting, and does it not have a mighty in
huence through its penalties, in securing u
against dangerous counterfeits, though hun
dreds in our land are secretly at work to i'm
pose worthless rags and bogus coin upon us
So with the Prohibiory Law; it may be trans
crossed; it may be traduced by its opposers
yet no good citizen, it appears to us, can, at
ter one moments serious reflection, but pro
nounce it good, and hail it in its work of be
neyolence. and love. to the down fallen inc