The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1858-02-05
The Temperance Journal.

We have noticed, not without regret
several articles published recently in III,
Temperance Journal, which in our judg
ment neither in temper nor argu.
ment have been calculated to promot.
unanimity Of feeling among the friends
Of prohibition, or strengthen the best in
terests of the temperance cause. These
articles seem to owe their origin to sus
picion in the minds Of the writers tina,
the friends Of prohibition in the Legisla
ture are influenced, more than they
should be, by partizan considerations, Oh
are tim;d and hcsitat,ng in discharging
their duties. We say to our friends o.
the Journal, not doubling their sincerity,
IN the frankness Of a friend, that we dc
not like ourselves, and we know many as
good friends Of prohibition as can be
found in the State, do not like the dog.
NAUTICAL and dictational manner Of the
Journal when speaking Of Prohibitory
law, and what it shall contain. Ithas no
warrant to speak for allthe friends Of pro-
hibition in the state, and declare what
shall not be, or what shall be inserted in
the bill which is now being prepared by
committee of the Legislature. 1t has a
perfect right to speak its own convictions
and il the bill does not suit it, to give rea.
sons for its opposition, but the Journal
should recollect that the friends Of prohi.
bition have never conceded it the right
Of making Procrustean standard by
which every one of them should be meas
ured. A disposition Of this kind hereto.
fore has not been productive Of beneficial
results, and we are quito certain that its
exercise now will be equally unwi'e as
ever.
We have no sympathy with those who
are pervadcd with suspicious that the
Legislature will not do all that reasonably
can be expected from it, and will, in due
time, so act as to satisfy the friends OF
prohibition in the State. We look with
entire confidence to it for the submission
ola law recognizing the principle Of pro-
hibition, and containing such provisions
as will prevent in good degree the sale
of intoxicating drinks as Beverage
Most certainly We shall not complain
prematurcly, and by our complaints
strengthen the common enemy. 1t will
be time enough to utter the word Of re-
monstrance when we detect any DISPOSE
ton in the Legislature to shirk conceded
We stand on the ground
that the party in power in the State
pledged itself to place before the people
Of the State, for their acceptance or rcjcc-
ton, bill which should recognize the
principle ofprohibition, and the provis.
ions of which should be SO framed as to
give efficiency to measures taken for the
Of intemperance. We assure
our friends of the Journal, that VIC hold
the Legislature to its responsibilities in
this matter, and il it is shirked or evaded
we shall be with those who will hold it
accountable. Thus far nothing has been
done by the Legislature to authorize a
suspicion that it has the least desire to
shirk the question, on the contrary, we
have reason to know that the committee,
having the matter in charge, are matur-
ing, and will report in few days, If it
has not already been done, bill which
in its general features will be generally
acceptable to the friends Of prohibition in
the State.
We are not so inconsiderate as to sup.
pose every provision Of the bill will be
perfect, or meet the concurrence Of every
friend of prohibition. In this matter
there must be some diversity ofopinion as
to details, but IL in the main it is right,
both in principle and detail, it should be
accepted by the friends Of prohibition,
and they should unite in the effort to OBJ
tain for it the largest possible popular
We submit to our friends OF
the journal that carping, captious spirit
exercised towards men who agree with
them in principle, and who arc laboring
to attain the same ends, and unjust filings
against them, calling in question their
motives or groundless accusations of be-
ing actuated by political considerations
will be more mischicvous than beneficial.
In 1855, We were called on to support
a law, right in principle but containing,
as we then thought, provisions Of doubt
full expectancy. We did so without hes
itation as we never separate from friends
so long as they remain steadfast to prin-
eiple, though we may differ with them as
to details-and we shall not now, by un.
due suspicion or causelcss complaint, give
aid and comfort to the common enemy.
We desire to see the friends Of prohibi.
ton act strongly and wisely. When the
expected law comes before the people, il
it contains the principle Of prohibition