The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-05-11

ho press, tho pulpit, all churches,
Iorts and conditions Of men, all agents
4 influence. But it is said, "all this
win do no good;H and all around are
numbers to reyile and scotf bnt histo-
y teaches that all great reforms have
lad reyiiers and scOfEers, and yet tri-
lmphad. And Ibis idea Of doing no
good is mere hCresy, uufOuuded 10
theory and disprOyOn by experience.
they say, notwithstanding all efforts
made.intcmperAnce yet exists
This deadly doctrine, if logically and
practically applied, would repeal all
laws 10 our code for tho prevention
OF crime, Because there are still in-
stances Of cruel murder, does that
show that we ought to abolish the law
for its preventiOnl lfySu had no law
against murder, it would stalk the
highways ut midday, and hover over
your pillows at night. So, II you
make no effort to check iulemperance,
it will with wilher tho land. These
arguments won't do.
Has no progress been made ? Look
at the liquor law passed by the last
Legislature. For selling without IL
cense, for selling or giving away, with
liceuss. to a minor, or intoxicated per-
son, or to one WHO is known to have
the habit Of becoming intoxicated, or
behind screens or frosted windows, to
shield from observation, it imposes q
6ne Of not less than $40 nor more
than 500, and imprisonment for not
less than 10 nor more than 80 days |;
it declares oil places, by whatever
name called, where liquors arc sold
contrary to the act, puisances,
aud imposes yet severcr
pains, penalties and imprison.
ment on the persons keeping them and
directs the courts to close them. In
order to get a license tue applicant
must give his bond in ut least IS, 1000
penalty. with two landowners as sure
ties. 1t throws open the doors Of eve.
ry Justices Office and Of every Court
in tho State for prosecutions by any
one by warrant or indictment, and,
what never was the case before, it
opens the halls OF Justice to civil
suits by suffering wives, children aud
parents. injured in person, property or
means Of support by the sale Of liquor,
aud holds tho sellers bond good fol
tho damages, In short, this Law
hrisilss al over With severe penalties,
1t tears away tho common devices o.
evasion. aud leaves hardly a loop.bOlt
Of escape. Is this no progress? Who
dreams that it could have been passed
a few years ago? 1t is an smen-it
indicates the growth Of public ssnti'
mOnt-it is tue child ofimptOved pub.
lie sentiment. There it Is on tho stat
ute book, and there it will stay--nc
party will dare to repeal it, for fear Of
this same public sentiment! In the
face of this, the voice which croaks
oh, you can do no good" ought tc
be stillcd
have no dcnunciation against thost
who deal 10 liquor, nor do | criminal,
those who drink Il The law license,
the seller, aud he regards it Consislen
to deal in it. have my opinion as t,
the evil upon society, and | say, as
citizen, that all must obey the law o.
it is written, all must yield 10 laws
which society has deemed or may deem
necessary for its welfare. The good o
tho many is tho higherlaw. Mus ltht
many perish in order that the few may
prospor2 But tie devo,ees and adyo.
Gates Ufthis evil say, "this is not q Il
subject Of legislation"
Here stands, on top Of the pedestal
IntsmperanCc, tho chief COL Of evil
All around, but below him, are bis mi
nor dCitles-red handed murder, ar,
son, robbery. and oil other crimes. Il,
is the fountain, the source. the life o
their existence. He is the Jupiter
Tonnns-he beckons, they answer. Il,
is Baechus, tho neanest Of all III,
neurological gods, He gets drunk
and they play bis orgies. lie is Nc
loch-lle shouts, aud they play havoc
There he stands, wrapped in The rob,
Of his self.assumOd iutactncss, and say
go onl war on murder, hans
him on the gallows; pOnitentiary ar.
son, jail misdomeanor; but, though
am the author of them all, touch me
not, for | am tho representative Of til,
right Of the people to drink just wha
they please"
What bald and fatal sophistryl
Let us enunciatc the doctrine thai
this evil must be limited and restrain,
ed for the public good the doctrin,
that organized society, at tho high cal
Of representation, 10 save life, sus.
tain peace, preserve morals and reli.
giOn, enhance tho public prosperity
aud promote the general welfare, may
deal with this subject as to it may
seam expcdisnt.
This great question addresses itsel
to no particular party or religious
creed, but it appeals to all. The evil
weakens and dcmoralizOs al crecds
aud is odiOus in the sight Of all.
have quoted from Professor Pendfeton,
distinguished representative Of The
Protestant faith. Bishop Whelan,
Bishop Of the Catholic Chursh Of this
diocese. is denouncing tho liquor traf.
lic as full of evil 10 The church md IA