Smyrna times., 1855-08-15

apply to Pennsyivanla, but the arguments are
none the less good and universal in their appli-
cation. IBtttitlIEl
Temperate Words to Candid Men.
We purpose in this article to express a few
thoughts on an important subject in. the spirit
indicated by our caption. Harsh words, harsh
names and opprobrious epithets should be left
to those who are defending hopeless or bad
cause. They are entirely out of place in the
defence of truth, and in the advocacy of those
great principles which lie at the foundation of
social enjoyment and public prosperity, and the
general good. .a.. ~. .,f
Our object is, to make an appeal, in tempe
rate and friendly spirit, to that class of our
citizens who are engaged in vending intoxica-
ting beverages, and to persuade them, if we
can, that patriotism and philanthropy,a a pru-
dent regard to their own interests, and a proper
respect for the interests of others, alike de-
mand that they should cheerfnlly and promptly
acguesce in that measure of reform indicated
by the act of the last Legislature to "restrain
the sale of intoxicating liquors." The law
passed is not strictly prohibitory. There is no
"search or seizure" clause about it. 1t is as
mild in its character as it can be, and accom-
ulish the great object for which it was framed
II is, therefore, matter of special regret that
it should be denounced in adpdnce, and that
threats of repeal should be loudly uttered be-
fore its practical operation has been tested
Is this fair, wise, or just! Who will pretend
that no change, no reform is demanded in the
liquor traffic! Who will claim that the entire
community should be afflicted and burdened for
the sake of the convenience or pecuniary profit
of few A plain principle of justice is, that
every man shall use his property and pursue his
business in such way as not to infringe upon
the rights of, or infct injury upon, his neigh
Dor. Hence the law says, nuisance may be
abated and removed on due complaint being
made" But what nuisance is equal to
dram-shop, set up in neighhorhood. where
young men acquire the habits of dissipation,
and old men are hopelessly confirmed in their
cups! Where is the compensation for the fisti-
cuffs, and brawls, and bloody noses, and demo-
MAC rage, the legitin lte fruits of ruml What
feature of liquor selling can be named that will
make it acceptable, or egen tOlerGble, to right
minded men! 1t is said, regulate the traffic,
and thus get rid of the evils which it entails
This is what the present law proposes to do
and what it will eventually and firmly effect
But you may as well attempt to regulate the
plague, or regulate the explosion of gunpew.
der, OF regulate the fatal miasma which spreads
on every side contagion and death, as to regu
late the grog-shops, which are productive e.
nothing but evil. a... .........,...... F.
In this country, especially, where the ave
nues to rcmunerative and honorable business
are open to all, where our broad expanse o
territory and fertile soil invite labor, and richly
reward industry, there is no excuse for any
class of men attempting to procure their living
by pandering to depraved appetites, and taking
the pitiance which belongs to neglected wivc
and abused children. We would sooner
of "Be dog and bay the moOn,'
than be thus ignobly employed. The measur
of relief adopted by the Legislature goes int
coming to give it a fair trial! Resistance {
the law will call forth resolution and energy i
enforcing it; and a repeal Of the law, if it
done before it has had lair trial, will result i
the enactment of one more strict, and more oil
noxious to its opponents. ~
We will say a word more if we can do 1
without giving offence. What portion of tn
community SO much need the benefcent infll
ence of a restraining law as liquor seller
and their families We speak what we know
when we say that an accurate, detailed histor
of them, their sons and their daughters, wou
present the saddest picture anywhere to
seen. Cast glance at those within the circ
of your acquaintance. How many sons ear
filled the grave of the drunkard! How mar
daughters married intemperate husbands
became themselves addicted TO this vice 2
What vast proportion Of liquor then
selves become victims to the sworn of the still
The law to /" restrain the sale of intoxicatif
liquors" is a law most important and urgent
required by liquor sellers and their families.
Let the female portion of these families be co
suited. and we will cheerfnlly abide by the ve
dict they shall render of the Importance Of i
law IN question.
Why, then, should there be contention, denu
NiaIiOh' anu HeTce opposition, an ddSdnce,
the law soon TO go into operation! There q
thousand ways Of obtaining comfortab
ample livelihood, without sustaining those m
cradle decoctions which make men pests
society and curse totheir families. And,
side, we record it as our deep and strong c.
vietiOn, that opposition to this law will pro
utterly impotent and vain. A majority of
people, irrespective of party predictions,
resoiBsd TO pun a check upon the rum tFq6c
They cannot and OiH not longer endure
manifold and terrible evils resulting from
free and promiscuous sale of intoxicating drir
Look at the Fourth Ward in this,cityg Car,
investigation shows that there are t,0o hasid
..,d fa~y-.s,s a. - ~ - 4. 9gn y .4Il