The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1869-12-17

THAT TEMPERANCE PARTY,
HAnnlanuna. oo'N. Dee. 6. 1869.
onsERvEn.

A very sensible maxim Is, I'm time
Of peace, prepare for war" This
maxim is no less applicable in the po-
litical, than in the military world. In
view of tho movements which have
been, and are being made in certain
quarters in this county, think Demo-
Gratis would do we'll TO heed the whole
some advice contained in the adage.-
Now is time of peace and qnietness
as between the two political parties in
Oregon, but our enemies are on the
alert, dcyising ways and means, by
which they may strengthen and buoy
up their sinking cause, especially in
"Old Linn, where they are in q hope
less minority. This work is being
carried on secretly to great extent !;
but the best laid plans Of men are of
ten brought to light, as is the case in
the present instance. Knowing their
weakness in this county, few of the
most ultra Radicals, meet in secret
conclave on Brush Creek, few miles
east of Brownsville, and call them
selves temperance political meeting,
called together for the purpose of tax
ing the initiatory steps towards the
organization Of a temperance political
party in Ibis county. (This is the ex-
act language which the Secretary Of
the meeting used, in the letter inform
ing me that had been appointed as
one of their executive committee ~
Then they appoint several Democrats,
who have identified themselves with
the temperance movement, on their
committees, without ever having con-
suited said Democrats, or even letting
them know that such meeting would
be held. Now this is an old dodge of
the Radicals. They select that as a
hobby, by which they hope to break
the lines Of the Democratic phalanx
of this county. II, BY any means,
they could secure the support of those
Democrats in this county, who have
joined in the temperance movement,
they feel sure they could transfer the
affairs OF the county into other hands.
Their project is doubtless like the fol-
lowing The temperance party would
meet early next Spring and bring out
full county ticket. nearly all oi
whom, OF course, would be Radicals.
The regular Republican convention
would be put off until the eve of the
election, when they would meet to.
gether and resolve TO support the tenn.
perance ticket which would be Radi-
cal enough to carry the Republican
vote Of the county.
The Republican vote, together with
the temperance Democrats, they fee
sure would elect the temperance tick.
ct. But such project Will prove q
failure, as it would richly deserve
What can be the object of the organi
zation Of a temperance party in thi,
county or State? Evidently for the
purpose of legislating upon the sub.
ject of the manufacture and sale o.
ardent spirits in the same way as die
Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Is
land few years ago. Such legisla.
ton all Democrats oppose as being in,
consistent with the fundamental prin
ciples of Republican government.
Do not understand me rs being op.
posed to the principles of temperance
for / have been a practical total-absti
nenee man for ten years, but I differ
very materially with those men, as tc
the proper manner of reforming the
habits and customs of men. hold
the sin of intemperance to be social
evil; and as such, to be corrected by
social restraints and moral suasion.
have always held that it would prove
detrimental to temperance, for it's ad.
vocates to enter the arena of politics
with that as an issue.
Let all Democrats hold fast to their
political principles and be temperance
men too. We have, if possible, a more
dangerous enemy to fight than intem-
perance. Intemperance will destroy
individuals of our nation, but Radi-
calsm will destroy the nation itself. =
Let all Democrats stand aloof from
the organization of political temper
ance party. Such party can not be
looked upon but as an ally of Radi-
calism, and as powerful auxiliary in
their hands i'll tearing down, the
stronghold of Democracy. That class
of men who engage in this political
temperance movement, will soon be
demanding the passage of prohibito-
ry liquor law, such as disgraced the
Statutes of the State of Maine a few
years since. But it is to be hoped
that the good sense of the people OF
Oregon will keep such men out of the
Legislative halls. If can, by moral
suasion, induce any man to abstain
from the use of ardent spirits, / do so,
but I would oppose the passage of a
law to force the man to abstain, whom
I could not reclaim by moral suasion.
Let Democrats remain Democrats and
be temperance men practically, and
all will end we'll i. j. Sites.