Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-01-19
Temperance.
We copy the following sensible

We copy the following sensible II
marks from the Ohio State Journal:
There is strong local excitement 4
several points il the etate on the subiee
OF temperance. In some communitie
this excitement finds expression in ~
determined enforcement of the law
against intemperance; in some, wher
strong adverse public sentiment leave
the temperance men powerless to enforc
the law, and intemperance is loud. ay
gressiEe, fierce, rampant and devouriup
the discouraged temperance men. in
stead of directing their enereies to cnl
tivat'ng a better sentiment, so as {,
make the enforcement of the laws now
in existence practicable, are turning al
tneir attention to agitating for still
more stringent laws Now, il is perhap,
useless tosea,on w3sh these men anf
attempt to show them that if thew car
not efficiently enforce the laws at pres
ehs on our statue book, more stringent
law must under like circumstances
prove an absolute dead letter. Yet. II
is clearly established in the juris pru.
dence OF this country that laws largely
In advance OF public sentimept-and bv
SO much the greater ratio laws in direct
opposition to public sentiment-cannoi
oe enforced. There is no use arguing, ii
does no good to point out the immorali.
W OF refusing to enforce the law. or the
effect such refusal has up-
on law In general; it does no good to at
Tempt to secure the enforcement of the
law by penalties of the most stringent
character-the penalty will be as inop-
eratlVe as the law, and the .harsher ihe
penalty the more Imperative: it does
no good to denounce judge who can
not try case until it is brought before
them; or prosecutors who cannot find
or witnesses, for being too
cowardiy to conn forth; or liquor seller
Tor defying the LAWN all these things
you are right in your denunciations NV
good temperance friend, but the fact re
mains the same-you cannot enforce the
'da0 In advance of, or in opposition to
public sentiment. Ifyou can. wbv do
you not do it?
Let us see what is required bv tho
liquor laws already on our statute ,,ooks
see swan d Critch. IS, 1925 to 1885.
Also, 81 L. "A; 50 L. S6 Liquor laws or.
1ered to be given in charge to Grand
IuryI 63 l.. 149, &c. &e.) the following
has been summarized as some of the
provisions Of the law, and we are una.
DIS to find any material change sinc.
the year 1861: -
l.. EVERY sale of spirituous liquors on
sunday or on election day is prohibited
10 ouy Ior, furnish, sell, or give intox-
eating liquors to any person -intoxica-
ted or in the habit of getting intoxicated
1r To minor, without written ordo-
)i the parent, guardian or family INV.
sician, is forbidden. Ply
2 .. Ihs.ssle or giving AWAY of intox;-
eating drinks, In any Quantity tn, hs
trunk on or about the premises Tn tbiS
section Is excepted native wine boer
aie anu cl9er; but this exception does
not extend to the other cases.
f.. Inc sale of Intoxicating Iinuors
"ithln four miles of camp meeting or
,tner religious meeting held in an one I,
ield or woodland. The penalties pro-
'cribed under these several heads vory
rom nve to one hundred dollars. and in
'ome cases lmprlson ment from ten to
thirty days. 'en ~
D. tipping houses may be declared
luisances and closed up.
o. PERSONS intoxicated may be fined
Z. Families deprived ofsupport by the
ale to the husband of intoxicatiny Iio-
lors, may have damages against the
'arty making the sale, in q civil action.
o. PERSONS taking care of and proyid-
bg iof intoxicated persons, NAV recover
he liquor.
Now suppose these laws to be enfor-
ed strictly everywhere in the State
where is the possibility of accomplish.
ng more for the restraint of drunken-
iess? They touch the dishonest LIQUOR
eAer Where he is tenderest-in the
pocket. If he sells to a drunkard. he is
esponsible for what the drunkard does.
mi must make good what the drunkard
ais to do, in the support of his family,
BESIDES being liable criminally. He is |
lso liable for the care of the drunkard.
nd the drunkard himself is liable for
lis crime in his own person beside. T.
within the power of any community
q this State to absolutely prohibit the
ale or giving away of intoxicating
lquor to be drunk on the premises, and
ii tippling houses may be closed as
uisanees. And so on.