The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-07-23

Hon. w. ii. ii. Bingham, of Stowe, ac-
cepted the empty compliment paid him by
the democratic state convention, in the fol
lowing elaborate and wcll-written letter
Stowe, July 9TH, 1874
George l.. Waterman, Esq. :
DEAR SIR;--Yours of the 4th, giving Inc
official notice of the proceedings of the
late democratic convention, is before me
and | hasten to say that, through you,
thank the convention for the complimen.
tary manner in which the nomination was
made.
The resolutions meet my approval. The
first merely asserts what might be ex-
pected of every democrat in the state, and
extends an invitation, which, If accepted
would greatly benefit the country. The
tendency of the times indicates that integ.
rity and faithfulness are at a discount and
that there has been departure from the
old landmarks that guided the nation to
prosperity. The people are now demand
ing return, and whatever tends to encour-
age this result should receive the hearty
support of every freeman, regardless OF
former political affiliations.
The second resolution is of great import
ancc. and deserves the careful considera-
tlOn OF every tdnulu iliHu. L uc puestIOH
should be decided without regard to polli-
cal party attachments or personal animos-
ity. All should have the same laudable end
in yicw-the suppression of the evils of in
temperance and the protection of the per
sonal liberty of the citizen. While the gen
eral government encourages the manufac-
ture and importation of Intoxicating liquor
aud receives a license for its use, it be.
comes serious question what state laws will
best regulate its sale, for only small por.
ton Of the people desire entire prohibition.
Legislation alone never wrought out O
great moral reform. But ii can assist by
enacling laws that are consistent, reason
able, and which the good citizen will not
only consider it a duty, but IA pleasure to
see enforced The path of duty by legis
lation should not be so narrow that human
feet cannot walk therein" A law, in order tc
be efficient, should be honest in its purposes
sure and certain la its execution, impair
tally administered, merit the moral sup
port of the people, and have only one end
in vew-the suppression Of the evil it is in
tended to reach. The present prohibitory
liquor law in substance has been on the sta
tute book for about twenty years. The
efforts to educate public sentiment VI
to its enforcement have failed. Fit
full attempts have been made tc
put it in execution, but it;
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 en-
larged view of the rights and duties of the
citizen has not been generally and i'm
partially enforced has not been effective
] a,,I Il Ut aud tlf IF n mn
iority of the people Voluntary associa
tions, and kind personal effort have dont
more good than the occasional enforce
ment of this law. Therefore, in my opin
ion, the enactment of a stringent license
law is desirable, and practicable and woulC
prove effectlve-a law with such provisions
as will protect the rights of the innocent
and surelypanish the guilty.
The third resolution is full in its expires
sion, and should receive the hearty appro
val of every Nermonter. | am glad thu
convention took the initiative in proclaim
ing to the world the sentiment of this res
olution 1t will be proud day for Yer
mont when the enterprise shall be com
pleted. Our material and social interest
are promoted by easy intercommunicatioi
and cheap transportation, and the same ar
alike demanded by the producer and con
sumner. All our railroad interests-th
pride of Vermont-will be benefited by tn
construction of this canal. Our state ha
scenery unequaled and resources undevel
oped, and the blessings of this enjoymen
will not come to our doors without mate
rial effort. The benefits to til
present and future generations vii
amply repay us for the eXpens
attendant upon the completion of thi
| IL. 4 l.;