Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-04-26
State Central Temperance Commit e


INDIANAPoLIs, 10, 1856.
DEAR SR II is cause for rejoicing that
the friends Of temperance have so far succeed
ed in their endeavors for the suppression of
the traffic in ardent spirits, as to have obtained
from the last Legislature q stringent Prohib-
itory Liquor Law. So far we have gained
much, but not ALL that is essential for the
consummation Of the hopes IF the friends of
the cause.
In every stage of the temperance reforma-
ton the great enquiry has been, What viii
best advance the cause, and most speedily
gain the desired end?" Each period has fur
nished different answer to every other. And
it was natural and right that it should be so.
AT one period very different instrumentality
was required from another. In the earlier
stages, powerful appeals to the public mind
on the extent and evils of intemperance, were
needed from the live orator. that men might
be reused from their lethargy, and compelled
to turn their attention to remedy In the
Washingtonian movement, the thing needed
was TO awaken hope in the breast Of every
miserable inebriate, and hope in his wretched
family, and cause him once more to stand up
on his feet as man. 1t was the relation Of
experience that was to advance the cause.
The Sons of Temperance, as they saw the
reformed men too frequently allured from
their steadfastness, thought the one thing
needful was the organization of one great
brotherhood, which would spread over them
he shield of protection, relief and comfort
them in the hour Of sickness, and carry them
safe from the wiles of the tempter to their
eternal home. But we passed all these things
aud became convinced that the one great
thing demanded was the extirpatiOn of the
traffic by human laws. Moral suasiOn had
done its work 1t had plead the cause to
persuade men TO do what was right; law was
needed to compel men to desist from doing
what was wrong To effect the passage Of
raet q iay. We diseeted -otif energies, z--s.se
only hope Of the Temperance ENTERPRISE. In
this we succeeded, but il is not all that Is 10
be done. Many think il enough that we
have the law. But the bare enactment of
the law is worthless, without something fur
Their We must have the ENFORCEMENT or
THE LAW. This is the great thing which we
4 shall need in the future. All other things
/ have hal their day. To speeches, lecturers,
tales, statistics, appeals, organizations, points
| OF loss and gain, we have become, to use a
common expression, "Gcspel hardened -
We now need something beyond-something
that the people will feel-something that
must be complied with, and that shall put en-
tire matter at rest This, then, is the great
point TO be kept before the people-tbe en-
force1nent Of the lao we have succeeded in hav-
ing enacted Upon its enforcement depends
its pemanency and value. Men respect and
obey the law just so far as it IS enforced
and no farther. The perfect ability, as well
as right of enforcement, cannot be question
| ed, after what we have seen in other States
/ of the Union. The vendors all expect its en-
1 forcement, and cannot beliye that men, who for
years, have so laboriously toiied, and made
such sacrifices for the law will, after the have
gained it, be driven ly threats from that pur-
pose, or sit down in soft indulgence, as if
their whole work was accomplished.
PREPARE TO MEET THE LAW.
: Take the initiative step--consult with your
| former co-laborers as to the most desirable
course to secure a prompt and efficient en-
! forcement of tho law against any and all Of
/ tenders Let meetings be called in every
township of your county, and numerous del
egates sent to county convention. Organize
what we know in Maine and New York as
"Carson Leagues, bonds for large
amounts are given, and upon which tax OF
one-quarter or one-half per cent. is levied, if
necessary, to engage the ablest counsel for the
prosecution of offenders, before the magistrates
and courts having jurisdiction of the law, and
TO meet every expense necessary for its en-
1 forcement Let it be known in your resolu-
tons and speeches that the unanimity with
which the law was PASSED, receiving the votes
of members of all parties, in the last Legisla-
ture, proves conclusively that is demanded by
/ a large majority of the people in this State
rises above all party consideratlons-and re-
i flutes the oft-repeated declaration of its enc
mics, that the enactment OF such law would
be in defiance of the wishes of large major
ity of the people ; and that it is emphatically
the working mans friend, and the poor man.
protector. Obtain an attendance at your con.
/ venton, if possible, of the judges, magistrates
mayors, marshals, sherifis constables, coro-
ners, and prosecuting attorneys, and have them
define their position, and let il be known Il
they are for or against the enforcement Of the
I law. Let those magistrates, and all other Of
feers, who avow or show a determination &c
enforce the law, know that they viii be
sustained, and that they will be supported
and defended at all hazards, and to the
utmost extremity of your power and abll.
I ity Let those members of the Legislature
who labored and voted for the passage of the
law know that they will be held in grateful
remembrance; and that their action receives
your cordial and hearty appreciation. That
the Governor, in approving the law, has per
formed work that will send thrill Of JOY
and gladness to many a rum cursed family
and restore prosperity and happiness to many
a scattered and ruined household.
I Urge, by all means in your power, the peo'
pie to whom has been given this blessed ell
actment, to come to your help against the
enemy. Show yourselves to be men, and
reap the fruit OF all your labors. The spirit.
of all who have passed before You, who laid
the foundations of Your cities, and churches
and schools, and made this land beautiful
above all lands, will look down upon you to
sec what you will do in this important crises
and around you will be gathered all the som
and daughters of sorrow, torn, and scathed
and peeled through the intoxicating cup, hop
ing for relief; and ten thousand children and
youths scattered over all your beautiful hill:
and valleys, and future generations here e
receive blessings or curses at your hands, vii
look up to you with ;mploring hearts, and
say, ENFORCE THE LAW. ENFORCE THE LAW
Yours, Respectfully,
4 CALVIN FLETCHER,
JAMES BLAKE,
w. HANNAMAN, Committee.
w. RoBsoN,
T. H. BARRY,
Indiana papers please copy.)