Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1870-09-16
GEN. BEArTY ON TEMPERANCE
HEzla0l Gozar1c, Esq, Chairman Pre-
Ht6it0lT CHI, DelaWa1e

HEzllam GozeZylc, Esq, Chairman Fro-
Ai6itOlT CHI, Delaz0aTe:
DEAR SIR:-I have the honor to ae-
knowledge the receipt ofyOur favor Of
the 3lst ult, and in reply desire 20 say.
that have for many years been con-
Dected with political orgauizationWbich
has, by all means considered practical
and legitimate, sought to promote tenn
| perance, education, order and industry.
| This organization is animated by the
spirit of liberality, sobriety and justice,
and embraces three-fourths Of the in
telligent, temperate and loyal citizens
of the country. 1t has the strength
necessary for the accomplishment Of
great good, and as fast as public senti-
ment will permit, moves forward 10 the
pathway Of progress and reform. II is
controlled by that broad, oompTeheu-
sive common sense which seeks to ad-
vance not only the cause Of temper
anee, but every other cause that may
contribute to the prosperity, happiness
and elevation of mankind. It does not
turn aside to run down a single idea,
but marches steadily onward In pur-
suit of a thousand benefits. 1t is CON
PEELED to take the world as it finds it.
and is disposed to make the most Of
the situation. It does not expect to
accomplish great refOrmations in a
day-man cannot be so suddenly
changed. Tho church, the school. the
press, the family circle, and societies
for the especial promotion of temper
ance must first prepare the way. They
create public sentiment, and are the
foFerunners of wholesome laws. The
republican party stands ready and
eager to secure and peTpetuate what
ever of good the nation may In its bet
ter moments resolve to do.
This party has been severely tried.
It has had the courage to save the ma
ton, the justice to emancipate the
slave, and the generosity to accord to
him the privileges of citizenship. IN
der its influence schools and churches
are springing up 10 communities whore
hitherto they have been unknown, and
four millions Of people are learning to
read their first lessons of temperance
from the Bible. It has opposed to il a
party which persistently denies the
eonstitutionality of every act passed
for the security and protection of this
people, and which afirms that the
18th, 18th, and 18th amendments to
the constitution have not been legally
ratified. Suppose now, that one tenth
of the members of the republican party
unwilling to be guided by the majority,
withdraw aud organize a new party to
press a single reform. What will be
the result2 Defeat to both the old
party and the new. But you say the
object is good, and the whole party
should come over to your standard.
The majority may, however, believe
that there are other important inter
ests to be looked after. They may think
public sentiment will not sustain them
In doing what you ask, and may there
fore be unwilling to hazard all that
has been gained by years Of terrible
war, on the success of your single idea.
Do you ask the majority to surrender
to the minority? The many to sue
cumb to the feW2 And if they do not
is it possible that you intend to do all
you can to ruin both yourselves and
them? I have too much confidence
10 the honesty, good sense, and patriot
ism of the temperance men Of this dis
triet to believe that they seriously con-
template a movement so damaging to
the cause of temperance, and so ruin
GUS to the country.
Trusting that the great cause of tenn
| perance, education and religion may
meet with abundant success. and that
good men everywhere may have the
patience to continue their labors until
the public mind is educated up to their
standard, [ have the honor to remain.
Your ob't serv't.,
TOHN REATTY