Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1872-02-01
VS.. LIQUOR.

a movement, designed to effect a gener
al temperance reform, has been inaugura
ted in this country, with a view of presen
tation to the entire State. This initia
step evidences what might be Inappropriate
ly called the moral and christian iugepu
ity, of the sincere and devoted prime NOV
ers. 1t is praiseworthy' for the two-fol-
object it desires to compass, the reforma
ton of drunkards and the education Of
the masses. 1t is no solid objection thai
a large contribution of money, for educa.
tional purposes is made contingent upon
the passage and enforcement of astringent
restrictive liquor law. The project is
unique and unprecedented in its character,
but is, by no means, condemned by its
novelty and absence of authorizing prece-
dent. The reformers propose to form
themselves iuto a corporate body, to be
chartered by the Legislature, upon an ac-
tual capital basis of two million ofdollars,
the entire interest of which out side of Tie
expenses of organization and operation
shall be contributed to the school fund of
the State. upon condition that the people,
either through their delegated power in
the Legislature and by a Constitutional
| Amendment made direct by their own
expression enact q law flat will effcetual-
ly destroy the indiseriminate traffic III
liquor. If this terrible and destroying
evil can not be wholly and Immediately
~eradicated, it is probable that the reform
ers will be satisfied with q liquor law SIM
liar to that of Illinois, published on our
first page, with tie destinct understand
ing that more stringent restrictions shall
be added as the public mind more will
ingly accepts the system in seeing the
benefits and blessings of its operation I'M
til the crime should be extinguished I'M
der the ban of the law and the elevated
moral sentiment of the country. When
We reflect that. the chief centres of our
population, wealth and commercial i'll
terests tolerate the internal and destroy
ing merchandise, il they do not openly
foster it BY their support and influence,
and when we are confronted with the APP
paling fact that the people of the State
annually expend twenty five millions Of
dollars for liquor, wlr'ch is paid over the
couptor nf tba l,r-rncn, uo loyin ~ ra11-
ize the gigantic labor these re:ormers have
unselfshly and nobly espoused in the
cause of a blighted and suffering human
ity and the advancement of the %country's
vital interests. Their success will be a
grand a~cheivment, transcending in glory
and Importance the proudest victory ever
won upon the fields of Tennessee. 1t
will rcmOve from cities, towns and COM
munities numberless cesspools ofthe vilest
degradation and infamy, and place thous-
ands of ignorant, starving and ragged
children within the hallowing pale of the
school-room. 1t will proclaim ~emancipa-
tion to enslaved and helpless numbers
more glorious and beneficial to them than
any proclamation from. the cabinet of
Kings and Rulers.
1t is arrant absurdity to discuss the
merits or the moral and humane phases of
this enterprise or to prophesy the inesti-
mable blessings that would naturally re-
rult from its universal. success. How
school houses would be illuminated with
faces and crowded with attentive
How churches would be filled
with the intelligent, the moral, the scri-
Gus and reclaimed! How peace, quiet
ude and prosperity would reign in neigh
borhoods and families! How vice would
be .paralized and our criminal records a
bri,lged! This enterprise is on appeal to
the moral and religious scnsibilities of the
community. How shall it be needed is
A momentous question? As a commence
nent several gentlemen of this county of
! little spare means and Astounding liberal
ity have contributed one hundred dollars
each. You who desire the advancement
If education, you who long and pray for
he prosperity of the church, you who are
10 intense in your love for your fallen fell
owmcn, and so ardent in your wish for
the growth and progress of the country
md the Punishment of all immoralities,
low is the time to show your faith by
our works. Let net this noble aud God
ike enterprise anguish and die for the
want of your support.