Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-06-01
MistelIaufons.
The Maine Law--An Issue at the
Next Election.


The Maine Law--An. Issue at the
Next Election.
One of the most prominent issues in
the ensuing Gubernatorial and Legis-
lative election in Ohio will be as to
the expediency of the passage of that
celebrated statute known us the
"Maine Law" To the people Of
southern Ohio, and this county in par
ticular, it will be of engrossed and
rbsorbing interest. The Temper
ance State Convention held in Colum-
bus last winter, under the auspices Of
General Cary, resolved that it would
labor politically for an entire prohibi-
tory liquor statute in this state.
The ultra temperance fanatics are
by no means satisfied by the present
law. Nothing will suit them but a
coercion bill. which Incorporates in
the search, seizure and con6scation
principles, and which render contra
band the trade in, or manufacture of,
within the State, of all kinds of alco-
holic or fermented liquors. They
carry on as vigorous a war against the
native wine, beer, ale or cider drinks,
as they do. the stronger potations.-
They are organizing thoroughly in
every district, and unless their oppo-
nents awake in season to the. matter,
and put forth strercous efforts, they
will carry their points. If any other
but a staunch Democratic Legislature
is elected next October, the enactment
of the Maine Law will be a matter of
certainty.
All Of the States around us which
last fall elected Fusion Know Moth
ing Legislatures have it now in opera
ton. Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania
and New York may be instanced as
examples. In New Hampshire, where
urder democratic auspices, it was al
ways rejected, it will pass next June,
as soon as the Fusion Legislature as
sembles. In Come cticut, the demo-
cratic party, having the majority, re-
jected it three or four times; but when
the State came into the hands of our
opponents, they forthwith enacted it.
1t has been vetoed by several State
Executives, but in every instance they
were Democrats. In the Indiana
Legislature, which passed it at its late
session, every Fusionist voted for it,
and every democrat against it, with
but seven exceptions.
1t is through the political machinery
ofthe opponents TO democracy that the
Maine Law men expect to secure it in
this State. They will take good care
to control their nominations by getting
men to run who are pledged to vote
for its establishment. The October
elections will. therefore, hinge greatly
upon the opinion Of the people in re-
gard to this question. 1t cannot be
lodged or shirked by politicians in the
least, although some of them, we have
no doubt, will be inclined to do so.-
1t is bound to be leading issue in the
canvass. After the pror inciamento
Of the Temperance Convention to
which We have alluded, thee is no al
Tentative but to take up the gauntlet.
We adhere to the opinion we ex-
pressed two years ago, when the sub
ject underwent much discussion and
examination, that the passage of the
Maine Law would be disastrous and
expedient measure. There has been
nothing in its experience and history
in other States to induce us TO change
our convictions. We do not believ-
it embodies correct principles of Leg
islations or that its passage would be
beneficial to the cause of temperance
ance and good morals. We are una
BILE especially to see any reason why
the friends of temperance should be so
opposed to the manufacture of native
wine. The pure juice of the grape
does not possess much intoxicating
qualities, and, in countries like France
IL Germany, where it is generally used
as beverage, drunkenness is almost
unknown. Could it be made in such
quantities in this country as to be
cheap and plenty, we have no doubt
it would Danish from use many of our
pernicious liquors, and have whole
some effect upon the cause Of sobriety.
Its production ought to be encouraged
rather than destroyed by any Maine
Law edict. 1t is becoming in demand
all over the United States. and to prove
vent its cultivation would inflict a
serious blow upon the industrial and
commercial interests of Southern Ohio.
This fact how ever, will have no inhu-
ence upon the course Of the next Leg
islature, if, perchance, there should
happen to that body a majority Of
men-opponents of the Democracy
who are tainted with all the .fanatical
isms of which the times are so fruit
ful.-Cin. ENQUIRER.