The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1855-08-14
ADDRESS OF THE STATE GENITAL TEMPE
RANCE COMMITTEE.

| RANCE COMMITTEE.
To THE PEOPLE OF MIcnIoAN:--Thc under
signcd-the State Central Committee, appoin-
cd by the last Temperance Convention. at
Jackson june Goth 1854, believe that the time
has arrived when it is enlinently proper for US
to address few words TO tho friends of our
blessed cause. Since our appointment, we
have endeavorcd tn do our duty in promoting
the success of tho principle of prohibition -
The last Legislature enacted stttuto, free
from al! constitutional objections. as we fully
believe. The decisions Of all tho Supreme
Courts, our own States, upon the points invol
ved. wero carefully weighed, and wo trust all
of their principles will have boon compiled
with. &
Whom tho law to,k offect, VIC deemed it best
that acts should preccde words. Experience
has now served to show the friends of this
great measure of humanity and conservative
policy, what can be done, and the way to do it.
Prosecutions have beon had, and objections
have boen urged in various parts of the State.
We know of'no reason why we are not now orc.
pared for decided and general movement OF
our columns
Wo do not now merely uphold an idea and
a principle; but the laio Of the land. Surely we
are unworthy of our calling, if we wavor and
quail before purely imaginary pers.
In the city of Detroit, the Supremacy of law
is fully assorted, and we are gratifed in being
able to state that our good city deserves the
credit Of a quiet and entirely peaceable sub
mission to legal process.
Nearly fifty casos have beon commenced in
this city, and twenty-sevon convictions have
been had before Justices of tho Poace--six of
them for being common sellers. In a large
majority of these cssos, the fines and costs have
been paid. Some three or foyr have been ap-
pealed and as many more taken up by certio
rar.
Three persons have been convicted and fined
cd in Circuit Courts In these cases We bo
ieved the defendants have taken writs of or
ror. The indictments were found within the
first few days after the law went into operation
No difficulty has yot been experienced in any
of these, courts, in convcting any defendant
upon reasonable testimony. excepting in one
case. which has been appealed by the prosecu-
ton. Some ten or twelve cases arc still pend
ing, and new ones are constantly being com
monced. The friends of the cause in this city
have novcr had any thought of awaiting any
decision of Supreme Court. The representa-
tions of the papers to this effect, are without
foundation in fact, and may BIO pronounced
reckless of the truth. We understand it 10 be
the duty of good citizen to obey the law, un-
ill ,he is absolved from its obligations Ivy the
decision of tribunal having sufficient author
ity, iss
Tho statement ofncwspapors and other par
tics, that tho traffic is unrestrained in this city
is also false. Somo persons hero, and not of
ten from the country, have doubtless seen no
restraint in certain quarters, for the reason
that the vjiolators Of law could yest confden-
TALLY in the unwilingness Of the guggler to
bear testimony. Some such, however, have
already been obliged TO become unwilling wit
nesses, and others will be called upon in due
time.
A very large proportion OF those formerly
engaged in selling Liquors havo honestly obey
Cd the law. The reckless contemners of the
laws of their country and Of an enlightened
public opinion, will be obliged in their turn to
do homage to the majesty of tho law.
1t lie no compliment to the Supreme Court
for any one to hope for a reversal of their
clear decision made in 1854, sustaining tho
power of tho State to prohibit the manufacture
and sale of intoxicating liquors The Same
point has been decided by the Supreme Cuort
Of the United States, and ofevory State whero
the subject has been passed upon. There is
no bland influence in oil the Attorneys in the
Union, and no terror in all tho indignation OF
pot t-house politicians to control and corrupt the
Judges. The people may rest with confidence
in a decision, ono intelligontly and fairly madc
by body of upright and able Judges.
We recommend no ill-tommercd or unnocs-
sarily stringent measure. But we insist that
tho friends of law and public order shall fairly
and diligently enforce the ponaltics of the law
Finos will bo found moro potent than hard
words. And spoedy and impartial enforce
ment of the law will BIO found the most enlight-
cned kindness, ovcn to the defendants them
selves. PLINY POWER,
IA. BAUGHMAN, State
S. NJ HOLMES, Central
ii. @. KNIGHT, Com.
A. SHELLEY.
Detroit, August 9th, '55.