Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1872-05-07
Iemnernnce Reform.

The Maine Farmer, OF last week, edited
by DR.. Lapham, favorably known in our
County, has an excellent leader en- the
above subject. We fully coincide in the
views expressed, and commend them TO
the consideration of all:
The time cas- been, and not very lar
buck, when there was more seeming pro-
priety in making the temperance question
in its legal aspect, u party issue than
there is now 1t is hard to find man OF
any standing in any party IN this State,
unless il is one who is interested in the
traffic, who does not believe in enforced
prohibition in some form There may be
differences of opinion as TO the details, or
the extent OF carrying out the prohibitory
principle. but that the liquor traffic should
be restrained. and kept within proper
limits by the strong arm of The law, all
are agreed
This union of sentiment, rs to legal
aud moral forces, argues well for the
temperance cause. When the legal man
supplements his efforts at prohibition
with tho engine OF moral reform, and
the moral reiormer invoices the aid OF
law TO second his efforts and preserve
what he has rescued, the friends OF both,
who believe in success only in the union
OF the TWO forces, have little to fear.
We sincerely hope that the political
parties which are soon TO meet and put
forth their declaration of prisciples, will.
by common consent. leave this subject
out. regarding it rs fixed tact, not TO be
materially nodded with by any party.
Much mischief has been done in the
name and AT the expense Of temperance
already. There may be some defects in
( the present law, and some changes could
doubtless be made, which would render
. it less obnoxious. and 1T the same time
not impair its efficiency. Tho present
cider Law is unpopular in some quarters,
and perhaps Justly. We regard the
weak point in this law to he the one which
allows the manufacturer to sell in small
quantities. The cider law was made in
the interest of the orchardiSt, and FOR the
encouragement Of one Of the industrial
interests Of the State. But portable cider
presses are cheap. and the person who
wishes to use cider to cover up the traffic
in stronger water. has only to provide
the press and the apples. and the law
cannot reach him Now the party in
whose interest ihis provision was made,
has no occasion to sell cider 10y the glass
or in quantities loss than half a barrel,
and we believe that at the proper time,
the law can he SO modified aS TO give all
persons the right TO sell, but limit the
quantity 10 be sold ut one timo TO halt u
barrel. This would do away with the
objection that the law is framed in the
interest OF one class. and to the prejudice
of another, and ut the same timo to put
a stop to dealing out cider, OF stronger
liquors in the name of cider. by The glass.
Our present prohibitory laws, passed the
Legislature nearly unchallenged, and we
do not believe that any party in power
would desire or dare, materially to alter
them.
There is no doubt that a majority OF
both political parties arc in favor Of en-
forced prohibition, would they act upon
the question, pure aud simple. and free
from party bias. This being the case,
the safe way is to drop il entirely itom
platforms. and put it upon the same foot
ing with other great questions upon which
the moral sentiment of all parties is the
same. Let it be common ground, where
persons at every shade of religion, OF
political faith can meet and join hands.
and work for the salvation Of those of
our race, whose lives are darkeued by
The fearful curse OF intemperance"