Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1859-02-03
The Temperance Movement.

About once in every two or three years
the temperance folks get up revival;
sometimes accomplishing good in few in
dividual cases, but more frequently lending
their aid to currupt political parties, who,
in consideration of their support, agree to
do little something for them, il they
should succeed in electing their candidates.
For the past few years. each successive re-
yiva] has been more limited in its opera
items, ana ccnupt in ats organization, than
its predecessor, This has been true to
such an extent heretofore, that the candid
ones now cease to look upon ther. with as
much favor as formerly, VIXEN much good
was accomplished, and many hardened
. sinners were brought to tSw.'
There As q general movement now being
made by the friends (and some who are
'rotG Of temperance in the State; but weth-
or it will be the instrument of accomplish
spg IS little good as it its predt cessor, re-
mains TO be seen. We incline to the
opinion that the results of the action now
being taken may be more beneficial than
those We have heretofore witnessed, from
the fact that our Legislators seem disposed
20 enact law in accordance with the Con-
stitution of the State; one whose provis-
sons will be just and right, and which will
merit the appreciation of the people. The
law Of 1854 was so illiberal, narrow-con-
!racted and outrageously mean, that its ia
theirs disinherited it: and when its final
overthrow was effected, not one pang or
regret followed it to a dishonored grave.
its fate may do much towards checking the
fanaticism which generally characterizes
the action of the supporters Of temperance
or Maine laws, and thus bo the indirect
means of accomplishing good in manner
not designed by those who enacted it.
The fate Of former enactments on this
subject clearly demonstrates that prohib-
tory law cannot be enforced under our
present Constitution; yet, in the face Of
this fact, We frequently hear mes arguing
in favor of the re-enactment of the law OF
"a. with slight variations. Such course,
If adopted by the Legislature, would be
suicidal to the interests of temperance, and
entail scenes upon in future similar to
those We have been witnessing for the
past two years.
The people want a good license Jaw
one that viii leave the amount Of license
to be paid discretionary with the proper
officers of the county where the license is
issued. Then, if he people desired en-
tire pronition. they could have the license
placed so high that no man could afford to
pay it. In this manner they could be re-
lleved of the evil effects which grog-shops
are exercising.
In conjunction with the action which
oar Legislature has taken on this subject,
quite number Of lodges of Good Temp
lars have been organized. They will un-
doubleday do good if the members keep
sober. but past experience has proven that
shout two-thirds, or some other large pro-
portion. of those who join are actuated
solely by motives of philanthropy 70, their
friends and neighbors. They consider
that they have no need Of the lasting BEN
efts which these institutions are designed
10 confer on all those who bow at their
shrine, but they will join for the purpose
influencing their friends. who have not
sense enough to take care of themselves.
We have heard that lodge of Good
Templars has been organized in this place,
with fair prospect of becoming potent for
good if the members keep politics and whis-
Ky out of their heads and stomachs. Those
in the habit of imbibins toe freely are re-
quested to walk up and enroll
We hope that all those engaged in
the work from pure motives. may see
many reclaimed; but we believe that law
authorizing license. at one, two, three or
FIVE hundred dollars, would more cffectu-
ally dry up the innumerable whisky shops
IN town than any other 'suasires which
have yet been brought to bear upon them
EgThe Repnbiican appears TO he much