Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-02-13
DgIumt I.
Well Done, Salisbury.

At the last session of our State Legislature
q law was enacted, leaving the question to 10
decided by the people of Salisbury as to
whether they would have any licensed LIQUOR
SHOPS within the corporate limits Of the town:
and In the event a majority were opposed to
such houses, it is declared unlawful u sell
intoxicating drinks in less quantity than FIVE
gallons. Last year the people decided against
license, and for twelve months they have
enjoyed an exemption from the scourge. A
few days since the question again passed the
ordeal OF the ballot, and again the voters of
Salisbury have decided against the traffic.
Such, we honestly believe, would be the de-
cis'on of a majority of the voters Of the entire
l State, if they could be permitted TO reflect
public sentiment" upon the subject. Give
the people a chance to speak, gentlemen
! Legislators-the People-the dear PEoPLE
whom you profess to love and yenerate SO
: much.
The Salisbury Waterman, whose voice has
i always been on the side Of the Temperance
! Reform, most truly remarks-"This is, on
several accounts, a gratifying result. As
J indicating a disposition, on the part of our
II citizens, to put : stop to the low and descad-
ing business of depriving the besottcd Of tho
! money which should 60 the support Of wives
ai and children, and the ruinous occupation Of.
es making drunkards, it is certainly SO. u
T. We are constrained to believe the number
ir' OF those favorable to rigid restrictions against
ef the liquor traffic, is really much larger than
aS this vote seems to Indicate. There are COM
" paratiyely very few intelligent men, we think.
y unbiased by the habit Of drinking, who
. would not hail with joy the entire destruc-
oo ton of the traffic in all its forms as o bever-
Oh age. But there was, and is, an impression
Q" ON the minds of many, that the FIVE gallon
ICY law is inefficient in its operations as a restric
ton, and voted against il on that ground
a That the law has often been evaded. is al
l IN United On all hands; and that il will be still
'er- is probably not less true. Nevertheless it !
a restriction. We have no licensed shops
l- and gentlemen whose opport mites enabl
III them to form correct judgments on the sub
hn Ject, and whose opinions are entitled to +,
lse spect, unhesitatingly affirm that the presen
ure' law has lessened the amount of drunkenness
the and therefore proved a public, as we'll as
rom private, benefit to our community. tn
nelr evaders of the law conduct their business !
the most secure manner. They dare not S,
the the law at defiance and come out in open da
Nat The community has put the trade under IL
men ban. 1t is a wrong and disgraceful trait
anu say the people, and it shall not be ~tolerat,
tfoh In our midst and by our consent. Sure
this is an important step in the right dire
'''' ton, and those who desire to see the day
complete emancipation from the curse, mt
r D' see that the next step tending TO that resi-
pon will be much easier taken. 1t is hoped tn
'no' at least feel doubtful-being convinced
. 0n the evils of the business-how a step ba,
u yards could hasten a forward movement; a
noPe that the course Of those IN this contest, whc
hPi0' motives they understand and approve, v
% pe such as to command their continued respe
oohS The result Of this election was also graft
ehtai Ing as a vindication Of the benefits If the
i'ool in question. A majority Of the citizens
D our pressing that opinion by their votes,
years III succession, is such u public adu
little sion of the fact as to commeni it to the
like prevail of all w~eli-wishers of society.