Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1855-02-22
HERALD OF THe TIMES.
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THURSDAY Feb 22,h, 1875.

surprise at our remarks In regard 10 the
complaints for alleged violations OF the
Maine Law in this city. The editor of the
Tribune could not have Rad our article
carefully. We simply drew faithful pic
ture OF the state OF affairs and of public
opinion in this community in regard TO
this matter, at the present time. We then
discouraged, and still discourage, every
thing like revolutionary feeling, and
should very much regret anything like vio-
lsnce; but we can plainly see what the
feeling is, and 10 what extent the excite
ment has reached, and it is caused, as we
previously stated, by certain malicious men
having witnesses summoned on these COM
plants merely TO crafty their private re-
venge. They have this power under the
law, and men may be called to Court, day
after day, and yet arc not able TO learn pos
itively who their cowardly enemies are
who cause them to be thus summoned -
In consequence of this conduct we fear that
forbearance may cease TO be a virtue. II
the Tribune calls this a revolutionary spir'
it, it is welcome to its opinion; but there is
a vast difference between recommending
revolution, and merely expressing the fear
that one is near at hand. We said That the
Maine Law could not be enforced we re-
peat the assertion, and the Tribune we
knows that liquor is sold openly and boldly
in Providence, and that the law cannot be
enforced in that city. 1t is idle to attempt
to be very nice about this matter, and to en-
deavor to conceal the ia:t that the law is not
and cannot be enforced in Rhode Island,
simply for the purpose of effect in other
States. The best and most sincere friends
of the law know that it is failure, and
that it has been productive Of a vast amount
of mischief and bitter feeling which will
survive long after the law has become an
entire dead letter. that it has not nc-
compRshed any good result The difficulty
u, neither political party dare repeal it at
present. We trust that men of courage
will be found before long who will dare
perform the deed, and substitute stringent
License law, which will be productive of
good to all, and especially the legitimate
Temperance cause.
We are no revolutionst and no alarmist
we always desire to zee everything, wholh-
er Of public or private nature, conducted
decen,ly and in order, and we always ad-
wise peaceful and respectful submission
to the law. But, at this time especially, wo
should be false and recrcant to our duty it
we said nothing or il We asserted that eve
yythinS was calm and quiet in regard TO
this law in Newport, Tor such is not the
case, as every citizen knows. We could
speak more plainly il it was necessary, but
we have no desire to give publicity through
our columns to UNI leasant transactions
which have already occurred. Men are
excited, and violently excited, OH both sides;
open and strong threats have been made,
and III blow should be struck, at the right
moment, no man can tell what the end
would be. We repeat, we are peace
man we shall not say or do anything
which is calculated to add fuel 10 the flame :;
on the contrary, as far as we are personally,
professionally or edtorially concerned, We
shall do all that is possible TO stay the storm
Of excitement and subdue the lido of ven
geance,-and in doing this, we ask for no
credit, but simply that men who have so
materially aided in producing this very un-
pleasant state of affairs, shall not reckltssly
charge us with being revoluIionist, when
We occupy just an opposite position