The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1874-03-19

persistently ignore the existence OF other
forms OF evil in our midst, as for ex-
ample the abuse OF tobacco, q habit in
which reformation is quite as desirable
as in the excessive use of strong drinks.
Perhaps, however, this would be strik-
ing too near home, for although have
not noted the exact proportion of the
fair crusaders themselves who use
snuff, yet l have observed that among
those OF sterner mould who accompany
them, the use of tobacco seems by no
means to be regarded as a forbidden
luxury.
The action of prohibitory laws 10
localities where they have been enforc-
ed. has..been such: as to produce an
evil greater than that which they were
framed to remedy. The tendency OF
human nature is 10 rebel against what
it conceives to be useless restraint.
Hence where men have been debarred
from the privilege OF using liquors as
their Judgment indicated to be proper,
whenever the opportunity OF indulgence
occurred, they invariably avail them
selves of it to excess and their conse-
quent injury, The action OF the law in
Boston may be cited in illustration OF
this fact. When allowed to procure
his occasional drink without let
or hindrance, the temptation 10
excessive indulgence is much weakened,
but deprived of the facilities offered by
q saloon, his accumulated earnings OF
the week are invested in large quanti-
ty of liquor on Saturday night, and q
regular Sabbath debauch is the inevi-
table result.
Many OF these crusaders do not
seem to regard consistency as the jew
ell which the poet has proclaimed 1t to
be, for among those most prominent in
the present warfare, may be observed
men whose fortunes have been acqulr
ed through the sale OF liquor, and who,
having discontinued their business, eth
er because they were sufficiently sfilu-
eft, or becsuse it Lad for some reason
ceased 70 be profitable, now turn and
revile their less fortunate brethren.
Nor lie the dealer in liquors without
scriptural warrant. Christ himself
changed water into wine at the mar
risge feast at Cana in Gslilee. and the
writings OF ST. Paul abound in precepts
enjoiriug the efficacy OF gentle sumu-
lants.
In conclusion | would add that these
spasmodic outburs:s OF prohlbitory
energy have occurred before. and uul-
formly with the same result. \ tenn
porary excitement hes been created, q
momentsry gush OF emotional enthusi-
asm has been aroused, and the ida!
wavs OF reaction hes then set in and
stranded the movement high upon the
beach. All experience shows that St.
tempts to legisla,e morality into q peo-
pie have teen igSominious failures.
Convince them iha. certain course Of
conduct is improper and injurious, and
vast progress Is made toward the altera-
ton OF that conduct, but attempts 10
coerce those who differ, into acquies-
cence with any opinion, never has and
never can be successful. Individual
habits, so long as they affect only the
individual and permit an equal free
dom in others, can never legit!mately
have restraint imposed upon them.
Still l do not question the fact that
alcoholic liquors used to excess are
productive OF much harm, and By the
employment OF milder stimulant the
difficulty caa, as believe, be TO q
great exleu. miiigaled, and any measures
likely 10 produce that end, will meet
with my approval az well as with that
Of may other saloon keepers.
ADAM kALBFLEIsCa,
Tidal Wave" Saloon.