Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1874-07-29
Mr.. Bingham'S Letter Of Accept.
ance.

Ns"NSs
Stowe, July I, 1874.
GEORGE L. WATERMAN, Eco.
Dear Sir ~ ours of the 4th, giving
me official notice of the late Democratic
Convention, is before me, and hasten TO
say that, through you, | thank the Con-
vention for the complementary manner in
which the nomination was made.
The resolutions meet my approval. The
first merely asserts what might be expec.
ted Of every Democrat in the State, aud
extends all invitation which. if accepted,
would greatly benefit the community. The
tendency of the times indicates that in
tegriy and faithlulness are of discount ;
and that there has been a departure from
the old landmarks that guided the nation
to prosperity. The people are now de.
handing return, and whatever tends to
encourage this result should receive the
hearty support of every freeman, regard
less of former political utilization.
The second resolution is of great i'm
portance, aud deserves the careful consid-
GRAFTON of every candid mind. This ques-
ton should be decided without regard to
political attachments, or personal animos.
ity. All should have the laudable end
in vicw-the suppression of the evil of
intemperance, and the protection Of the
personal liberty Of the citizen.
While the general government encour-
ages the manufacture and importation OF
intoxicating liquors, and receives a license
for its use it becomes a serious question
what State laws will best regulate its sale,
for only small portion of the people de-
sire entire prohibition. Legislation alone
never wrought out great moral reform.
But it can assist by enactlng laws that
are consistent, reasonable, and which the
good citizens will not only consider it a
duty but pleasure to see enforced. "The
path Of duty by legislation should not be so
narrow that human feet cannot walk there
ill.," A law, in order to be efficient, should
be honest in its purposes; sure and ccr-
tain in its execution, impartially admins.
tered merit the moral support of the peo-
pie; and have only one end in view-the
suppression of the evil it is intended to
reach. The present prohlbitory liquor
law in substance has been on the statute
book for about twenty years. The efforts
to educate public sentiment up to its Gu
forccment have failed. Fitful attempts
have been made to put it in execution, but
its efficiency has not been general, nor the
manner of its enforcement and Its results
in harmony with public sentiment. The
present law has not the features required
by liberal public sentiment and an Gu
largcd view of the rights and duties ofthe
citizens; has not been generally and i'm
partially enforced has not beer effective !;
and does not command the respect Of a
majority Of the people. Voluntary asso.
Citations, and kind personal effort have
done more good than the occasional en-
forcement Of this law. Therefore, 10 my
opinion, the enactment of a stringent Ii
ceDse law is desirable, and practicable,
and would prove effective-a law with
such provisions as will protect the rights
of the innocent, and surely punish the
guilty.
The third resolution is full in its ex-
preston. and should receive the hearty
approval of every Vermonter. 1 am glad
the Convention took this initiative in pro.
claiming to the world the sentiment of this
resolution. 1t will be a proud day for
Vermont when that enterprise shall be
completed. Our material and social in
terests are promoted by easy intercommu-
nlcatcn and cheap transportation, and the
same are alike demanded by the producer
and consumer. All oar railroad interests
the pride of Yermont--will be benefited
by the construction of this canal. Our
State has scenery unequalled and resource
es undeveloped, and the blessings of this
enjoyment will not come 10 our doors With
out material effort. The benefits to the
present and future generations will amply
repay for the expense attendant upon the
of this great enterprise. Those
who aid 10 this matter, and thus be the
means of increasing Vermonts material
industry, increasing her commerce, aud
rendering her beauties attractive will be
classed among the benefactors OF the age.
accept the position assigned mo, and,
whatever may be the result Of the cleo