Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-11-03
ORIGINAL PAPERS.
For the Spirit of the Age

A late writer in the Age, signing him
self Physician suggests the propriety of
indicting all the candidates in the late cleo
ton who violated the laws of the State in
treating for votes. Also those of them
elected for perjury, provided they take the
oath of office. As the meeting of the
Legislature is close at hand, it might be well
enough to occasionally remind them of the
solemn oath prescribed for them, that they
may be contrasting it with the course pur-
sued during the canvass that their constit-
uents may know how an oath is regarded
by a treating candidate. The last one no
doubt will shut his eyes and kiss the sacred
book, just as if there was no crime involved
in doing thing and swearing he did motif
But were all the treating and bribing mem
bers excluded, would there be quorum left
for business heard newly elected MEM
Der remark the other day, that more than
two-tkirds of the members of the next Leg
islatuFe now elected, would drink liquor and
play cards, and gamble. If that be true,
need we be surprised at their giving liquor
to others, if votes are to be gained by it,
then take solemn oath they did not do so,
for the purpose Of holding seats in the Leg
islature, that they may be in position to
protect the rights and morals of the liquor
dealer and his traffic, more efficiently and
effectually against the temperance move
ments. I know of no people on the face
of the earth more jealous of their rights
and privileges than the vender and drinker,
nor none that can have more influence on
the mind of candidate.
Talk to candidate about the rights of
society and the rights of tax payers to be
protected from the insults and insolvencies
nrndnnnd h,r l:--r---r ~ NV ), '"' M ~
be allowed to do as they please" There
is no escape from the payment of taxes, not
only to dcfray the expenses of the trial and
convictions of drunken offenders, but for
their support; and in many instances the
support and mishaps of drunken officers,
both in the county and State, federal and
judicial. Were the foundations of all our
greatly complained of taxes, both county
and State, traced to its true source, and all
neatly charged to the proper cause,
doubt whether the largest half of all the
taxes collected in the State, could not be
traced either directly or indirectly to ar
dent spirits and its various uses. would
bring in to the calculation the drunkenness
of public officers, their negligence occasion
ed by it, crimes and trials for punishments,
quarrels and litigations, and all the demor-
alizing influences operating on our people
and doubt whether the largest half of oul
taxes does not grow out of the ven-
ding and drinking of ardent spirits.
Is there no remedya can the article no'
be made to pay its own expenses or b'
) banished from the State? Can the mex
Legislature not be prevailed on to ALLOW
the people of the State to have vote on
+ prohibitory liquor law? If the drinkin:
: men of the State demand a test vote on tn
a liquor question, in any State, | believe the.
hardly ever fail to get it. Then, if the so
q Der men demand similar test, why not lie
them have it? Ye treating candidates
# why refuse to let the majority rule in tha
: as we'll as every thing else! Have the SC
), Der and tax paying portion OF your con
IS stituency not the same right to be heard, a
d the drinking portion; or are You unde
more obligations to King Alcohol for you
present position in the Legislature tha
Won are to the sober, tax-paying part
) them? IF not, treat all alike, and let tn
:; people of the State have direct vote on
: proposition for a prohibitory liquor Law
separate and apart from any political cor
4. tests, and at time when there Is no othe
e elections pending.