, 1874-12-01

We print elsewhere communication from
Mr.. J. ". Harrison upon the subject Of Pro-
hibition, not because it containa anything
new, but because it enunciates the argument
which nine out Of ten Prohibitionists make
whom they arc confronted with the Irresistible
logic Of statistical facts showing TINT Pro-
hibition does not prohibit "Drlnk-
ing is crime; if you license drinking, why
not then license all crimcs?" Mr., Harrison
acknowledges the fact TINT Prohibition does
not prohibit, but he has put his question in
such shape TINT it can be answered.
The fallacy Of A1r. Harrison'a proposition
Ties in the fact that he puts tie consumption
OF vino, beer, cider, and all drinks which i'll
toxicato if taken intemperately, in tho cata-
1ogue of crimes and felonies, classifying jn~
dulgonca in stimulants with such ofenses as
lewdnoss, prostitution, gambling, burglary.
robbery, arson, and murder, ,-crimes Which
aro forbidden and havo been punished by all
civilized mankind in oil ages Of the world,
and which the criminnls themselves feel,
know, and admit to bc crimes. This u.s.
sumption, however, TINT the uso of any bov-
erage which taken to excess produces intoxi-
cation is sin and criminal offense, like tho
crimes ho las enumerated, is simply fanati.
csm and bcgs the whole question, as it has
been stated over and over again in
/ the columns Of this paper. Such absurd
assumption has no other effect than
to bring the very cause llo is seeking to help
into contempt by its folly. The conscience
Of mankind royolts ngainst aud denies any
such assumption. Alcohol takcn III sufficient
quantities produces intoxication. Thore is
no doubt Of that; but, when SO consumed as
not to produce into1ication, by what authori-
| ty docs N1r. Harrison class such temperate
uso with oifenses which are recognized by the
universal conscience and universal Inv as fel-
onies2 Because some men drink to excess,
aud do themselves and others harm, he would
prohibit all ant,s from using any kind Of bev.
orage containing spirits! Flo might US well
attempt to prohibit men from eating because
some men arc gluttons and epicureans, and
bring upon themselves all kinds Of diseases,
or from talking, because some men use
language for purposes Of profanity or OBJ
scenity.
Ono step further. WHO shall bo tho judgs
whether tho temperate use of spirits or the
| prudent use OF mild atimulants is crime
to bo prohibited by law, and punished by tht
criminal courta as an oGenso against society
Arc tho opinions and wishes Of the sixt,
millions Of the German race In Europe ant
America who drink beer as family drink
Just as 1Ir. Harrison drinks his tea md coffee
and have been doing so for centuries, to b
wholly ignored and disregardedp Are til
opinions Of tho forty millions Of French, th
twenty>oight millions Of Italians, tho twent,
millions Of spanialds and Portuguese
in Europe, who uso wine for
family drink, aud tho twenty-five mill
ions Of tho sumo races in Atnericu
to 10 wholly disregarded? =? Are tho opinion
Of twenty-five millions OF Englishmen, VIII
drink beor antl wine, Of no account? Sha
the sentiments Of at least thirty millions Q
Americans who use stimulants Of ono kind 9
another in moderation, have no weight i
this matter AL these masses and races c
men disbclieyo that the 11so Of stimulants i
moderation is ainful or their effects poiso1
, os.s They deny that 1t is either wrong or
! crime to consume them temporarily, or tut
, 1t 10 intomperauco to drink them without II
toxication.
t But mindful Of persons, who are wist
3 and puror than MI the rest Of 1naulint
t sttgmatize as "polson" every form Of stin
uniting beverage, and every man as Grin,
+ nal and sinner who uaos them tomperatol
r md moderately.
, II Alr. Harrison or any other Of the Pr
4 hibitionists fancy themselves ooumiaaiont
!. to reform habits Of lite, why do they not q
tond their ephrss Of opsrasloua7 Why lin