Smyrna times., 1856-01-30
Communication.
Correspondence Of the Smyrna Times.

Mr. Editor :-Sir--It is a source of gratif-
tion to US temperance men to know that the III
biect of temperance, and the so-called 4" Maine a'
aw" are being freely discussed in the differ il'
1t papers of the State. We are pleased to ol
,e this, not only because it is a privilege AZ
:. ,,aod % ,hon, h., tho constitution IF our dl
resperous and happy country, but because the
ublic are enlightened by free expression OF 81
pikion for and against the leading questions OF
he day. The freedom of speech and the lib
rty of the press are among our greatest bless =
ngs And thequestion touching the proprety
md expediency of the prohibition Of the sale
If intoxicating liquors, to be used as bever-
lge, is now placed among the leading questions
which form the topics of intelligent and pro-
ftable conversation. We would not dare to
presume that Prohibitory Law could be pass
ed and enforced in any State in the Union with
out opposition. We have looked for opposition
because we expected it-and we expected it
in almost every shape and form. Men do, and
will oppose the temperance movement. Among
the most Jealous of our opponents, | presume
may be allowed to place your neighbor, the
Dela,oare State Reporter-a pretty good news
paper, all things considered, and popular no
doubt among its patrons. But the Reporter
has right to speak out on this interesting SUBJ
ject, and we have thought that he has not met
with as much respect from temperance men as
he was Justly entitled to, having been treated
with silent contempt so long. The Reporter,
under these circumstances, might regard even
the mention of him compliment; but assure
him intend more than this-I intend an inter-
change of thoughts and opinions on a very
grave question, and intend, by the help of cold
water to keep cool, not to give offence inten-
tonaly, nor handy with harsh epithets the
party or sect which the Reporter represents.
Having thus introduced myself to your con-
temporary, will proceed. My remarks will
be in reply to an editorial article in the issue Of
the 22d instant, entitled, ErtrG-JudiciGl Pro-
ceedings." The article commences by re-
minding those concerned that the pledge made
in former issue is about to be complied with,
and then proceeds to show that the resolutions
passed by Maine Law" meeting held in
Wilmington, Dec. 9Th, 1885," are intemper-
ate and incendiary in their character" He
quotes one resolution in which the meeting
heartily approves of the Prohibitory Law and
pledges itself to assist the authorities of the
State in enforcing it, but he leaves the show.
ing of which he speaks so confidently for future
issues, and shall endeavor to await with pa.
tience their appearance, with the promise t.
:, give them respectful notice. The Reporter
makes quite a flourish over the expense t
which the State is run by the Prohibitory Law
= In regard to this matter of cost growing out o
the prosecution of rumsellers and drunkards,
ance at the last session of the New Castl
; Court, and consequently do not know what wa
said or done. My desire to attend the cour
was very strong, but business engagement
prevented me from doing so.
The Reporter tells US, that only last wee
five persons who were cited to appear before
magistrate in his town, were discharged, an
e the expense put on the county. We thank tn
# Reporter for this item of news-the five ar
!. safe, and the Esquire is in town. An anecdot
: was going the rounds some time ago respectin
j Dover magistrate-it is in substance us 70
n lows "On seeing a constable approachin
= his Office with a drunken man in charge, tn
It Esquire locked his front door, and heeled it OF
e the back way, and while the constable was
o pursuit of him, some friend to the prisone
}. (wbo may need the like kind service some day
oosed him, and he made good his escape" Th
!, constable paid the cost, of course. | kno
e nothing of the truth of this story-I only wis
J. to call attention to the fact that the Esquire
;. in town again and is now ready to attend to Il
Is business pertaining to his Office.
In regard to the increase of intemperan'
and drunkenness of which the Reporter speah
20 giving his own opinion, have but little to ST
ID at present. IL such state of things shou
l. come to pass, we shall see it time to relie
a' ourselves. But, before dismissing this part
III the subject, allow me to say that | should We
D. much regret to learn that the Reporter drin
any more than formerly.
b. | will now notice the pass " which the
il. porter makes at the last part of the resoluti
n quoted by him at the head of his article.
r tells us, he knows instances in which tempe
ance men have refused TO assist officers in
resting drunken men. This may be easily
u. counted for. know an officer who can arr,
r. a whole drunken man himself; and allow
-. ~ to say, if there is an officer in about Do'
Al that cannot, he is physically incompetent
ok the duties of his office, aud ought to show hi
IN self man, if not in strength, in principle
~ ne which is the better part Of man-and bs
ola out.
his The suggestion made by the Reporter at
bis close of the article under consideration, i
good one. am sure that the temperance n
Iu' Is' of New Castle county, at least, would be W
of ing to enter into agreement with the oPpOsit
TII- party, to pay all the cost in cases which go
ort ,lafault from want of testimony. when we