The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1859-02-17
Citizens of Oftum,xa.

1t will be seen by reference to the proceed
ings of meeting held last Saturday night at
the Court House, that the cause of Tempe
rance is noso in far way to beput through
have always entertained different views
in regard to the policy to be pursued by the
Temperance men of Ottumwa, than perhaps
ny one else. Organizing Temnerance move
aents by the adoption O. a n i lti n, and
sets of Resolutions, denouncing the Liquor
traffic, is all good enough as far as it goes
Adopting resolutions requesting the city
Authorities'to enforce the laws as means
of putting an end to the traffic, and stopping
there, ] regard as futile. There are always
attendant circumstances which render the
enforcement of the law costly and uncertain
in its results. In my opinion, to make the
law effectual, the enforcement mustbe backed
up by community who are willing to turn
informers, aid and assist in furnishing evi-
deace for the prosecution.
But my plan is different and costs nothing.
Let every man, woman and child, who favors
this movement, come out to these meetings,
and express themselves either by word or
action, and lett all, with a ,fred determination
fully to perform, join this movement, to
rom doaon the cell. Let the Liquor
:ller see that we are determined in this mat
r; that we are in earnest in what we say
nat this traffic is no longer to be winked at;
nat it has become, not only disreputable,
ut that man who sells Rum, and other
ike poisons, is in our estimation, an outcast,
unworthy the respect due decent beg.a
IS the ruination of our children, as the keep
~ of hell holes, the pernicious influences OF
,hichs Invade our family circles and destroy
domesticpeace; let them be regarded as the
authors of the restitution so much talked of,
~ feeding the appetite for rum, thereby rob
ing little children of their bread let this be
tone, and we will not long be troubled with
his curse. III .'..'' .'
Now, how is this to be done? Well, not
bY staying at home, and leaving few young
men to do the work; but by a spontaneous
movement of our people. That is what We
ask, that is what we want. The move is 9
good one, taken hold by the right kind o
men. Do they deserve support? If yo,
answer, yes, then practice what you preacl
by turning out en- mass, and show these younl
men that you are with hem. -".. ""
The great trouble, or rather, the reason
why we have this great trouble on our hand
is, because you, members of this community
have countenanced and winked at this thin
until it has assumed its present boldness,77
The traffic in ardent spirits has become re
spectacle in their estimation, because you
apparent commentator. Perhaps they ar
right and am wrong, but whoever is right
letnext Thursday might determine. p.
These young men are in earnest in this mat
ter. They ask your cooperation. If you ca
join this movement and giyeitlyour inhacnc
and example then fiji that Court House ne,
Thursday night. 7af or" :-gn- I~o'i "a
Do not let this movement 60 by default
plumbers, for the result may be fearful, Th
may be the turning point in the lives
numbers of young men who signed tn;
pledge on last Saturday night. Then
and cheer them onward by your actions
not by words. .Itu-
j, / said Last week, that traffic in Liquor wa
the cause ofso much distitution, and tn
the way to relieve it was to root out II
cause.
You now have the opportunity Wilyc
lott?
PRO BONO PUDLICO.