Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1859-03-16

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men, is absolutely necessary, to maintain
the rtspectsJilfy of the saloon, and the
grocery is under greet obligations to the
saloon for It's customers, for the saloon is
the starting point, and without it, there
would be no frequenters Of the grocery;
and the same obligations and dependen-
cies. exist between the different grades
of the traffic, from the highest saloon 10
the lowest doggery in the country.
1t is, therefore, a matter Of interest
of dollars and cents-the only cUnsidera-
ton that has weight with liquor seller,
for those engaged in The traffic, TO m utu-
ally assist each other, rather than TO
annoy the prosecution.
Now, sir, this being the case. beyond
TIE shadow OF a doubt, what becomes of
the argument hat the license system,
will rid society of the lower order of
drinking shops? II must be abolished,
it is not ;enable.
But, sir, there remains one more argu
ment if | may so call it, that is urged
sometimes. and By some persons, in favor
OF the license system.
This is the reuenue, cor dollar and cent,
argument. that it will bring money into
the treasury.
Now, sir, we must not loose sight Of the
fact, that this is or me that we propose
TO license, and thereby raise a revenue,
and if the argument is worth any thing.
it will apply to all other crimes, as well as
this, and il the State is in such a pecu
niary strait, as to~render it necessary to
resort to this expedient 10 raise money, |
would suggest some Ofh,r, if only one
crime is to be licensed, that will not be so
injurious 10 he public. and l think the
crimes Of horse-s.ealing, or burglary.
or forgery, and many others that might
be mentioned, that we now punish by
imprisonment in the penilentiary. would
be less deleterious in their effects on so
ciety, than the one here proposed TO be
lessIized. Bat lis unnecessary for me
TO argue 10 this body, that it is not right
to do wrong eren for money.
This fact is self evident.
Again, sir, we are told that people will
sell Intoxicating drinks, regardless of all
laws that can be passed to restrain them.
Now, sir, am no. willing 10 admit so
much, but. even if it should turn out true,
is that a sufficient excuse, for us TO legal
ize wrong?
Why. sir, the same may be said of all
the rest Of the crimes, in the long. dark
catalogue; but we do not hear PROPOSE
ton to egalize any other on this ground,
no nor even TO relax the severity OF the
penalties agaiastthem but our course has
been, so far as We were able, 10 make the
punishment: more certainly follow, close
ly, upon the commission of the crime /;
knowing, as we do, that we cannot en-
tireiy succeed in suPpressing it.
Now, sir, why is this paliiaIion made
in reference 10 this particular evil, when
we utterly refuse to apply 1t to any other?
But, let US turn for few minutes, and
examine the amendment here proposed,
10 the resolution of the majority of the
committee on Temperance.
This proposes. simply, to ask the peo-
pie, whether they wish 10 have this mon
strous evil, sustained and ios;ered by law.
II not, it gives them the power to say
that it shall be prohibited. And surely,
sir. Democratic Legislature. should not
object TO trust such matters with the peo
pie, nor. TO trust the people, with sub
iect of so much moment 10 themselves.
1t is proposition that will come home TO
the minds of the tax payers of the State.
Il asks them in plain unmistakabe Ian
guage, if they are willing. With their
hard earned wealth, to support the differ
ent Criminal Courts of the state, TO pros
ecute criminals, made such, By the liquor
traffic.
1t asks them il they are willing by
their industry, TO MAINTAIN these criminals
in our different prisoDs,-ani the pau
pers in our various institutions, Whose
dependence, in large majority OF cases,
is directly attributable to this cause.
If they are willing 10 do this, and give
further encouragement TO this fruitful
source of crime and pauperism, all they
have to do is &c say so. by their votes.-
Ii they are not willing for all this, it is
no more than right, they should have the
privilege of saying so. if nothing more.
1t seems TO me, sir, that in view of all
the facts, the people would much prefer
10 adopt this amendnen; TO the consIitu
tion, and have the power in their o"n
hands, TO set bounds to this food that is
deluging our fair country, and laying
waste SO many, otherwise happy homes,
and happy hearts.
Many men who now spend their time
and their money to their own ruin. and
that of their families, also would rejoice
to have the temptation removed from
them, and be no more into it, and would
still remain men. and be useful TO their
country and to society.
Dry up this fountain Of inlquiiy, and
Woe and Want, with their haggard and
frightful visages, would seldom curse cur
then happy state with unweleome pres
ence.
Then. Crime also, instead of meeting
US at every turn. would be far less fire.
quent than now, fer the very food il preys
upon would be cut off, and Virtue, Peace
aud Happiness, would reign in its stead,
and in place of the melancholy sounds oi
sOrowing and sadness, our state would
re-echo with rejoicing, and contentment
ana prosper iy, reign supreme.
MIR. SPEAKER, although L do not be-
lieve the people have very firm faith II
the doctrine of Popular Sovereignty y
and much less in The code of Judge
;, Lynch" yet. sir, must confess, that j
has always been mystery TO me, tha
they did not assert their power Of self
protection, and without waiting for th'
slow process Of law, Danish this curs
from their midst, regardless upon who's
head the blow might fall.
Do they hesitate, lest they invade th
rights of the manufacturer or vender?
Think you. sir. the people would 81
= quietly down, and see any other evil @