Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-04-01
Daily Nennsbse Sournal
AUG q ia.
wDDNEsDAY MORNING. April 1. 1874
TIE zENPRRA NcE CRUsApE.

THE TEMPERANCE CRUSADE.
The crusade in favor of temperance,
started in the West few weeks ago by
bands of women, Is movement that
seems destined to accomplish great deal
Of good. For while reports were con-
fiicting in regard to the progress of the
crusade, some representing it a failure
and Others success, but the latest ac-
counts leave no doubt that it has closed
thousands Of places where intoxicating
liquors were sold, and reclaimed many
habitual drunkards. In recent meet
ing Ut Boston, DR.. Dio Lewis stated
it as his belief that in Ohio alone 1915
dram shops have been closed. In Indiana.
Illinois, and portions of New York, the
work has been carried on with enthusiasm
and success, likewise in some cities in
Massachusetts.
While the greatest power OF this tenn
perance movement has been displayed in
the west, its influence has spread over the
whole country, creating universal re-
vival In the temperance cause. There is
no community which has not been quick
ened to greater interest in temperance by
the crusade Whether we are to witness
in New England demonstrations like those
in Ohio does not yet appear. but Judging
from appearances the movement will be
more quiet in this section and perhaps
quite as effectnal. In our own State,
where public sentiment is in advance
Of that in most other States in regard TO
temperance, there is an evident increase
Of interest in the subject under the stimu-
lus Of the great crusade. In many of the
larger cities stirring temperance meetings
have been held since the new year began.
while the enforcement of the prohibitory
law has been carried on with redoubled
sharpness and efficiency. The meeting
at Bangor on Sunday evening fairly rivaled
those In the west in the numbers which
attended, and In the enthusiasm which
seemed TO pervade the entire assemblage.
1t was all that the friends Of reform could
desire.
For the growth Of temperance there is \
general wish. individuals may differ in
opinion as to the best means to promote
it, but the number who are opposed to it is
very limited. being confined chiefly to those
who engage in traffic in spirits for gain.
Formerly the division between those who
preferred moral suasion to legal measures
to prevent the evils of intemperance, oper-
ated against the advancement of the cause,
but better Judgment prevails now and these
two parties 60 forward shoulder to Shout
der in the battle against the foe. There is
not clear headed supporter Of prohibi-
ton who does not know that the law must
depend for enforcement and efficiency
upon a public sentiment that will uphold
it; and there is not sensible refOrmer
who Is not convinced that the law to restain
the sale of intoxicating liquors, following
closely upon the heels of the moral rev.
ution which turns men away from their
cups, is necessary adjunct in the extr-
patton of intemperancs. A law without
public sentiment behind it is useless; for
the creation and perpetuation of such q
sentiment, all means that appeal to the
head and heart, whether by bands of wo-
men. by public meetings. or by the lodge
room, are valuable; not only valuable for
the conversions they effect and tho indi-
viduals they train in the ways of absti-
hence, but for the support they give to the
law to suppress intemperance.
Under the moral awakening which our
State feels at the present time the prohibi-
tory law stands firmer and works more
surely. Probably there never has been a
time since the State was organized when
the sale Of intoxicating liquors was so
sharply restricted. or when the quantity
consumed within our limits was so small,
as since the opening of this year. 1t is
only necessary that public sentiment be
kept in harmony with the prohibitory laws
to produce the happy effect which all
friends of temperance wish.