Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-02-10

question Of the right to restrain or prohibit
the sale of commodity which may or may
not injure society. In this last expression
do not mean to convey that the sale of liquor
does not injure society, but rather that the
act of selling may be innocent as its applica-
ton may be for many mechanical, chemical
or medicinal purposes, strictly. But mas
much as it tends to the inconvenience and
injury of society, you are bound to protect
society therefrom in just the same way or for
the same reasons that you are bound to pro-
tcct it from gambling, lotteries, the sale of
obscene pictures, and other practices the ten
denotes of which are against the public order
The question of individual or ncighborhood
right to indulge in anything which has such
tendencies surely ought not to be ga contested
question of social ethics" On the contrary.
the legislature is in duty bound not only TO
enact such laws as will guard against the evil
the approach to it, but vigorously provide
for the execution of such laws. Because you
or /, by antecedents beyond our control edu-
cation or association IN life are able to re-
strain ourselves, does that absolvc us from a
duty to that portion of society which cannot
or will not control themselves? Have we no
duty to those who, without incentive or pur-
pose in life, vibrate between right and wrong?
rave we no duty to the abandoned victim of
appetizer Have we no duty to his miserable
family for the generation which follows him?
Is 1t IA question Of social ethics?" Shall we
rest with nothing but cold cof,,passioup Cod
grant that your children or mine NAV mover
be left to such contingency, if they escanc
the condo mnation which attends our neglect
of SO holy n duty. ~ Htt.'~I
l would not undcrvalue the effect of moral
influence, or place the power of law or of
man, in its place; its kingdom commences in
the heart of the child, and guards him as he
takes on the attributes of manhood
l admit its power upon the mature man
who may be just entering upon the path of
temptation. l admit its power at the family
altar, in the pulpit, everywhere that mans
heart is not hardened against its teachings.
But do we dare to hope for the reformation
of the poor victim whose mental powers and
conception of right are perishing under the
mortal faint that is upon his physical organ
ism?
DO you dare to hope that that man who will
hold out the cup to his neighbor for gain,
against the evidences that are daily before his
eyes OF its awful effects, will yield to moral
influences? There may be such eases but
they are the exceptions.
Can all the force of moral suasion, the hon.
lilies of the pulpit, or the prayers of the drunk
ards friends, his wife and children, reach the
dram shop or its miserable victim?
Experience has taught us bitter lesson.
Prohibition is the remedy which has proved
most effectual.
The Republican party in Maine adopted it
a local issue in their convention in Bangor
And we, as representatives of that party, as
legislators having the interest of the State in
our hands, are expected to examine its work
ings and report what is necessary to its faith
full execution.
As an individual, as legislator, have no
sympathy with, or apology for, any man or
body of men, who will lay aside their obliga-
tons to society, to cater to the profits of one
class or appetites of another. Nor do / be-
lieve that we should peril all the principles
which, as Republicans, we value, by hasty, in
judicious action. ,. -....... .- ..s .,.....-
Calamitous as is the scourge which Intern
perance inficts upon society, there are other
issues which equally call for q strong and
united party.
The Republican party has triumphed over
the institution of human slavery, and its rec
ord will stand before the world, a memorial Of
what men will do for principle. 1t has been
the messenger and agent for the blessing of
God to the slave. 1t has lifted the curse of
God from a great nation, and now as il is
completing its grand work, as it is setting its
seal upon the charter of the individual rights
of man, shall shadows be allowed to tall upon
its labors; shall discussions among friends be
allowed to peril the Republican party in
Maine; or shall candor and honest purpose
guide US, as it surely will, to a safe anchor
age?
That this question of intemperance, and the
enforcement of the law now upon the statute
book for its suppression, is one of first impo-
lance, no sound citizen will doubt. How this
may best be reached, is a question requiring
much care and cool Judgment. Whether it
may be best to offer bill like that killed last
winter, or a modified Police bill, retaining the
plan of separate Police force, or such auxil-
liaries to the present law as shall ensure its
execution, you must in your wisdom advise,
assisted by the suggestions of the friends Of
these measures, and others interested.
In pursuance of this idea, have caused to
be published notice of the meetings Of this
committee, and have written to number OF
the ardent temperance advocates to meet with
us.
Mr.. Dingley followed in extended remarks.