The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1874-04-30
CLEVELAND.
German Temperance Meeting.

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On Sunday afternoon q goodly meeting
of German American citizens of Cleveland
met at BTainard's Opera House. From
four to five hundred ladies and gentlemen
were present. They favored temperance
but not prohibition, locking to license as
the proper plan. Instead OF looking upon
the war on drunkenness as an innovation
Of their privileges they seemed more dis
posed to unite with the cause of law and
order.
Bernhardt Sturm was called to the chair
and Rev. John Bank was the first speak
er, followed by Prot. Henry Woltman.
We quote from the Leader:
REV. ]. &. RUrENIK,
after a brief reference to the great temper
ance movement turned to the subject of
the meeting, stating in strong language
his opposition to prohibition and total abb
stinence. The private drinking and pub
lie professions of total abstinence, he de-
nounced as American Phariseeism. This
is, said he, a land where humbugs are very
prominent, where a great deal of life -is
show. The women o. America, he thought,
neglected their household duties, had a
dislike for children, q fondness for publici-
ty, and were not inclined, like our German
women to spend their time in the bosom
of large families.
But we are not called in this country to
sit in Judgment. We also have our fail
ings. Lager beer is a notional weakness
of ours. We attach too much Importance
to good eating, drinking and smoking. 10
be q great nation we must acknowledge
our faults. God blesses those who have q
contrite spirit.
If it is by gracious dispensation OF God
that we are here in America, we must feel
love, cultivate friendship, and cooperate
with Americans towards whatever Is good.
Temperance is good; 1t is good for us; II IS
necessary. To accomplish a reform We
must do like Bismarck. He sacrificed his
own convictions on minor points, his pei
sonal inclinations and feelings, IN order TO
secure a majority for essential points at
issue. Contrast with such a spirit the ri
diculous positions Of Germans in America,
who carp at everything, sit in their corner
and SMOKE the pipeof discomfort.
Temperance laws: Laws are not in
tended to produce moral reforms. We be-
lieve in God the Father, the Savior, The
Holy Spirit. These are our moral agents.
The object Of civil laws is TO restrain the
wicked, to protect the weak. Do we need
protection against liquor dealers? I'm
doubtedly. They break our Sabbaths,
they corrupt our youth, they insult our
women. The tumult on Ontario and Lo-
rain streets prove this. Christian women
are our sisters, irrespective Of nationality.
Temperance laws are just as necessary as
laws against gambling, lotteries, adulter-
ous books and pictures, polygamy, etc.
Applause.
Prohibition laws: They cannot at pres
emit be carried out. The late action of the
Wisconsin Legislature, Pennsylvania Leg
i~slature, the City Councils Of Chicago, Gin
%oinnati, ETC., all are against temperance
laws. And yet who knows what might be
done If the German mind and energy were
aroused2 We have, contrary to our own
expectations completely beaten the French
empire. Three hundred years ago we
broke the Roman tyranny. We are strong,
if united In the name of God. Neverthe-
less, if you are persuaded that prohibition
is impracticable and morally Wrong-and
1 am disposed to think it myself will
not urge this point. But at least we can
have ~stricter license laws, and most assur-
eddy and undoubtedly we ought to see
that the present laws are executed and not
repealed.
Can we have laws enforced in America?
We Germans are disguised with American
ideas of leaving "a broad margin" of hay
ing regard to circumstances, influence or
political friendship. Contrast the civil
service in America and Prussia. But
must we despair? Do we find no one
amongst the Americans who will labor for
the much needed civil service reform?
Yes, many, see the friendship of Schurz
and Sumner. Let Us take courage Let
us attend all the primary meetings, vote
intelligently, not be influenced by preju-
dice against nativism, and the Germans
may effect great reforms in this country.
RESOLUTIONS.
The Rev. +. Forwick, of the German
Reform Church, was announced to deliver
an address, but excused himself in conse-
quence of the l~ateness of the hour. He
read the following preamble and resolu-
tons which were unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, We consider intemperance
n of-the worst evils in our American
life, and NE feel the necessity of laboring
earnestly for IFS oppression; therefore -
heSoEUe6, That we endorse the present
laws, the Adair and other liquor laws, and
will labor to have them executed.
Resolved, That although we are not in
favor of prohibition, We stand ready 10
support all such laws for restricting and
limiting the sale Of intoxicating liquors as
can be executed.
ResokUed, That in order to protect our
youth from temptations we should try to
make life in the interior of the family
pleasant, surrounding it with such inno-
cent amusements as will promote socia-