The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1872-02-15
THIS is OUR POSITION.
From the Kenosha Union.

! ClnCe our last issue, we nave Deeu In
formed, that many of our old friends have
abandoned US; that we can never have
their support again for Office land finally,
that they entertain the opinion, that we
are about to forsake the democratic and
unite, our fortunes with the republican
party. And all this, because of our posi-.
ton upon the subject of temperance We
have assumed that position, voluntarily
after due reflection. uninhuenced by any
human being or earthly consideration
save the deep conviction Of our own CON
science, when recovering from sick bed
| We fully considered then, all the coase-
quences that would be likely to follow.
A stand taken under such circumstances
is not likely to be readily abandoned, and
| it the question must resolve itself into one
between those convictions, and the reten-
ton of old and respected friendships, re-
lations and official position, we are fully
prepared for it's solution. ne shall TolEoac
conC5ctioms directed by the best Judgment
at our command, and accept all the con
sequences.
a IL we ask of those who see fit to Gun
der friendship is, that they will not mis-
represent our position, nor impeach our
motives and if, because we are making
an humble, but honest effort to benefit
some of our fellow citizens, we are to be
left sad, " SOLITARY and alone" we have
only to Say, in the most earnest and EN-
phatic language of our heart, that we are
under no obligations to any such Of our
friends, on the score of kindly acts unre-
ciprocated, and in the utter desolation to
which they may consign US, we shall not
be likely to beg for the return of their
smiles. We have lived thus long in life,
reasonably happy. without having been
particularly the favorite of fortune, We
are now too near the dark door that must
soon close upon US, to abandon the best
convictions and resolutions of our life, to
seek the favors of so tickle mistress.
We invite no quarrel with any class of
citizens, whether we agree with them
politically or not, but it it is forced upon
us, blows will be given as we'll as received
AS to the probabilities of our fleeing from
the democratic party into the arms of the
republican, we have only to point to our
political course during the twenty three
years we have lived in this county. II
that is not sufficient pledge of our fideli
ty to democracy, minus whiskey, then we
have none to give. We have acted with
the minority, during the last ten years, at
times too, and under circumstances neither
as pleasant nor flattering as now, and
never bolted democratic candidate, be-
cause his political opponent was brewer.
naaIster or saloon keeper, nor shall we in
the future.
That there may be no misapprehension
as to our position upon the temperance
question; we here and now define it. First
ly, if we had our way, we would keep
OUT Of party politics, and
make it one of moral reform to arrest
this great scourge of humanity, we would
rely upon God and mans moral nature.
rather than upon legislatures and Justices
courts But il the majority will other
wise, we shall submit to, and co operate
with the majority. Secondly, we have
doubts as to he wisdom Of enacting the
law now pending before our Legislature,
but as the people will not be satisfied
without 1t, it is of no use for us a demo.
cratnor for the democratic party to oppose
it's enactment, and therefore be denounced
as rum democrats IF the law is passed
and produces good. every good citizen
should rejoice, if its ensctment results in
evil, every good citizen should pray for
its speedy repeal. Thirdly, we are Of the
opinion, that the true interest of this city
will be promoted if our saloons were
closed on Sundays and at reasonab BILE hours,
nights, therefore we demand that they
shall be- Fourthly, we believe, that our
saloon keepers should not sell Intoxicating
drink to habitual drunkards and minors
From an honest, earnest but honorable
effort 10 secure these ends, we know Of no
motive strong enough to dissuade us.
Here we can retain the friendship Of our
own conscience, our most CONSTANT and
when cbeyed, dearest friend. 9nga Eea
Gold in New York is quoted at l1OL.'h