The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1855-04-20
For the Post.

Nothing is more truly characteristic of gen.
uine demagoguism, than the practice Of harp
ing perpetually upon the talismantic word
liberty 1t is the grand lever usually ell ploy
ed by deInagogues to operate upon the feel
ihgs and prejudices of the multitude, in de-
fence Of some vile or questionable project
which cannot be sustained by reason and ar
gunent. Through ignorance or design, thew
keep out OF view the fact that liberty is a
qualified term, which permits freedom of ac-
ton so FAR only as may consist with the well
fare OF Others. It. is affirmed by the oppo-
nents OF prohibitory law, that if A. q. has
an orchard Of fine fruit and beautiful crop
oil grain, that 1t is his right and privilege to
convert IL he chooses. these materials into
splrltuous liquors, otherwise, lie is not free
man, aid our revolutionary sires have fought
for freedom in vain. Very clever, sirs.. Now,
If the aforesaid Mister A. B. should think
proper to convert his peaches, apples and
grain into whiskey and brandy. aud would
drink the whole Of it himself, and make
beast Of nobody and kill nobody but him
self IN so doing, the public probably would
claim no right to interfere in such case.-
But, sire, if for the sake Of gain. the gentle
man should attempt to scatter his poison
abroad, and thus carry anguish into the famI
'cnf "hh hiSSaet, utatH uHu rum W lilc sbHlS,
bodies character, and property of his neigh
bors, it is believed that be ought to be pro
hibited from doing it. Q. d., merchant,
purchases a wagon load or two OF gmpow-
der, and no one would deny his right in that
respect, but it is presumed the people Of
Athens would object to his storing it up on
the Public Square, at the hourly risk Of de-
struction to their lives and property by it's
explosion; and yet the consequences of such a
calamity would not be O whit more deplora-
BILE than the misery, mischief, and affection
which are daily occasioned by the iniquitous
doggeries located in almost every town and
village in the State. And Illuminating rs il
must appear, men are everywhere met with
who, for the sake OF popularity, are opposed
to throwing any restraint around these dens
Of infamy and ruin, pretending that this
would I've violation of the constitution and
of our liberties. But, sirs, it is no violation
Of any law or constitution for men to act in
self defence, or for legislators to adopt every
necessary precaution for the preservation of
the lives, health and interests of their con-
stituents In some Of the late papers are re-
lated various instances in which wives recov-
cred heavy damages from rum sellers, for in
Iuries inflicted by selling liquor to their hus-
bands. Now, according to some Of onr can
didates such proceedings are daring outrages
| upon tue rishts o' 'he nn'aole ~htshey ven
ders. All r,ght 10 Pnh'ss man ,or hiiiihg
another with oow'e,k''''e or PISTOL put out
rageou' not TO allow liquor oeaieis 10 murder
rs many a. they please ny pouring whiskey
and brandy down their throats. 10 the be-
reaved and injured family we may suppose it
would make little difference 6y which OF the
two methods the father and husband was
murdered. Huzza for liberty! 1t is further
affirmed by the opponents OF the Maine law,
that it is useless aud pernicious to legisate
for the promotion of moral precepis and
| principles. Then, sirs. forthwith repeal the
laws against gambling, Sabbath breaking,
lewdness, profanity, rioting, dc. Our fathers
fought and bled for liberty, and their sons,
free born Americans, have the right to get
drunk, to make others drunk. to curse and
swear. to fight, and to do as they please gen
orally. Hurrah for lihertyl We envy not
the man who aims to secure filthy, Shiny
popularity, by the advocacy of such princi-
Piles. Ask the citizens of New York, Phila.
delphia and other large cities, and they will
inform you that since the faithful execution
| of the laws against vice and immortality, there
such neaceable times. especially on the Sab