Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1874-01-08
Congress and TemDerance.

One of the most significant signs of the
times is the demand that at the present
time is being made throughout the country
for the appointment at the hands of Con
gress of commission of inquiry concern
ing the traffic in alcoholic liquors, and its
relation to crime, pauperism, social vices,
the public health etc. The extent and en-
phasis of this demand may be estimated in
degree by the tide of petitions asking for
this measure, which have been poured in
upon Congress from every quarter. and
bearing the signatures of thousands of the
best and most intelligent of our citizens.
VIII it be easy for Congress to resist these
petitions? Is there good and sufficient
reason for so doing? 1t may be readily
admitted that Congress has no right OF
power to logisIate for the direct and forci-
bic suppression of intemperance in the
country. 1t can hardly be expected, ac
cordingly, that the several petitions look
ing to that end, which have lately been
presented to the Senate will accomplish
this object But the bill lately introduced
by Mr.. Howe of Wisconsin, providing for
the appointment Of a commission with full
all its aspects, economic, criminal, moral,
social, political and scientific; also to in
quire and take testimony as to the practical
results of license as compared with re-
strictive or prohibitory legislation fer the
prevention of intemperance,- bill
would seem to be entirely timely and legit-
innate. The measure contemplated COM
mends itself to our minds at once as
feasible, constitutional and eminently use
full
1t is feasible. Why, indeed, may not a
commission for the investigation of the
nature and extent of the alcoholic liquor
traffic as successfully and effectually ac-
complish its object as a commission APP
pointed for any othe purpose?
1t is constitutional Has MT our national
Legislature, indeed, the right ut least to
discuss, to investigate whatever stands
connected with the general welfare of the
country? May it not at least inquire into
the causes of its paupersm, crime, social
vices, political and general incapacity and
corruption? 1t would certainly be strange
enough if it had not. In the meantime. it
must be admitted, even by those who deny
The right of the Federal Government to
inquire into this subject in the states, that
it has the right not only indeed to inquire,
but to 90 much further in this direction
within the limits of its own proper domain
the territories, the District of Columbia,
and the high seas. If Congress truly
might consttutionally legislate formerly
for the prohibition of slavery within the
territories, then in the name of all that is
constitutional, why not rum us we'll?
Lastly, it seems to us that the appoint
ment of such II commission and the
thorough, faithful! discharge on It's part of
the duties involved, could not but in vari-
Gus ways prove eminently useful. The
good it would do, we feel quite sure, would
mark an era in our history. 1t would be
great step in the right direction-a long,
bright days march onward in our civil
zation.
Let this commission be appointed then,
by all means, and set to work without de
lay. We have long felt that the time had
come for the nation to have clearer
knowledge of this vexed liquor question
that the people might the better know how
to deal Alright with it. No one ought to
o. ject to the fullest examination a commits
sion such as is proposed can make. Friends
and opposers of sumptuary laws alike
ought to welcome an investigation which
shall afford reliable and definite data upon
which to base all future arguments and
action in this liquor business. Something
tangible and practical in the way of a
method or plan seems now to be offered.
Let us not hesitate promptly to improve
the opportunity. If only the ice is broken
something will be gained.