Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-11-02
PROHIBITION.

The late session of the Good Templars at
Portland was one of lively interest. 1t was
attended by leading men in the State. I'M
portant measures were proposed and earnest
talk made. The report on prohibition by
Hon. Nelson Dingley Jr. of Lewiston, recon-
mended no change in the present law, but
more efficient measures for its thorough en-
forcement, employing either State constab'
ulary or the present shsriffs, who should be
under the direct control of the Governor. Il
regards the nuisance act of 1858 as powerful
means of punishment, and urges the larger
employment of pulpit and press. Moral
suasion must be backed up by stringent laws.
A committee was appointed to carry these
suggestions into effect by endeavoring to Sc
cure further Legislative action next winter.
The committee are Hon. Nelson Dingley, Jr,
Of Lewiston, Hon. Joshua Nye of Augusta
and Rev. o. M. Cousens of Hallowell.
Governor Perham who was present said he
was there not so much to make speech as Il
reafirm his earnest interest in the cause. HI
continued:
II may not be able to say anything new
NY heart is warm with this great work 1t is
the same old question and admits of the same
arguments as ever. The evils of intemper-
anee are also the same as thirty years ago.
We are here to take counsel together as to
the best method of counteracting the great
evil. Some say we are fanatics, one idea
men, driving at one thing only. No, my
friends, the temperance men are Garment
rkarS fnr hmm 'hny nnef
workers in what they believe to be the cause
of God, and relieve the sufferings of men.
1t is second to only the Christian religion it.
self. Many believe it to be the pioneer work
of the Christian religion even. Just so long
as man is under the influence Of intoxicating
liquor he is untitled for religious progress.
The clergy should take more interest in tenn
perance. In financial aspect, this question
is of immense Importance. We are paying
every year for liquor more than half enough
to pay the public debt.
No man is exempt from the danger of in
temperance. Total abstinence is the only
safe rule. There is occasion for earnestness
and activity. 1t is fact that it is every ones
business. He who closes his eyes and refuses
a helping hand, has not spirit that man
ought to have. We have come here to devise
measures for accomplishing greater results.
Now is the time to apply the practical force
to long established principles. We have
settled the fact that total abstinence is the
only safe rule; that the drunkard can be
saved, no matter how debased; that moral
suasion and legal prohibition must go to-
gether; that with these two principles we can
succeed.
Public sentiment controls the enforcement
of the law against rumselling, and just so far
as public sentiment is brought up in certain
localities to the right standard, just SO well
will the laws there be enforced. Therefore
the best course to pursue is to awaken public
sentiment to temperance reform, revival
that shall stir the whole State. The Judges
to a man are favorable. and so are majority
of the prosecuting officers. Some further
legislation may be necessary to better ten
force" the present law, which is as thorough
as can practically be made. 1t contains all
the well established principles. l would be
glad to see any proper measures taken to
close up allthe liquor shops in the State. In the
meanwhile let all good men and women unite
in the noble work, and much can be accom-
plished.