National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-10-14
LIQUOR TRAFFIC.
TEMPERANCE woMENis RESPONSE.

TEMPERANCE woMEN'S RESPONSE
TO the Editor Of The National Republican:
SIRI Our all-day service has given US leisurely
opportunity for considering your courteous edlto-
rial which ehivalrously sets Us in its 'front.' Hon
ured by so conspicuous presentation, we are at
the same time challenged, we'll nigh universally,
in consequence We feel quite sure, then, that
the kniEhtIiness which has ehampioned our cause,
also suggesting to us a preferred method Of ad-
vapcing the same, will cheerfully permit us, as
bv itself introduced, at once to acknowledge its
gaIIantry and commune with the public, which
has thus been addressed, as to the recommended
ton you make. We feel that an issue Of untold
Importance Is impending. Our only desire is that
it may be most wisely directed.
The stateneut you make Of our present purpose
is fair and full. Your avowal OF interest In what
you deem true temperance, and Of repugnance TO
the evils its seeks to correct as somantully made,
can only be grateful to our appreciative feelings.
SjdinsI ans with us of free choice and to this
extent, you may have raised, without intending
it. an expectation which seems in the event TO be
tion will receive our own impression, though, Of
course with an entirely different sensation. Still
YOU have throughout maintained perfect candOr
Snd0Itspokenness. We thank you that we thus
ind ourselves upon open water.
Bat what shall we say Of the argument you
urge. The freedom essential to msnheod is its
principal support. Let business. Of one sort IS
we'll as another, regulate itself by the we'll
founded law that supply in every case merely
to grant this indiscriminate license2 Shall what
ever poison is demanded" be sold-all the glyce-
Tine, all the powder, even every quality Of kero-
sene, SC? Undoubtedly men interfere with alb
solutely free agency when they impose any
restriction whatever on trade. Nevertheless,
they think that for this there is sufficient
is there not the same warrant in the case con-
| cerniag which we plead? Indeed, is human
freedom in any instance altogether unlimited, or
|. ought it TO be? Where is the government which
YOU yourself so bFaYeIy uphold, save in the mu-
tuaI concession of individual rights for the COM
mon benefit? Nay, there are cases where the
Else why our police force" sheritis, executions?
SGrely, liberty absolute is thus greatly contra
vened. Nor Is there liberty otherwise, unless it
is thought the savage fairly has 1t. Freemen
| themselves become free by self-limitation. This
| is self-evident. The very system commended for
| that of lcenSeS-impliesa conditioning and hedg-
ing in of trade.
You further cite the admirable prayer LEAD
US not into temptation and say let that be our
rule and goal Very good. Now, If some sign a
petition TO license a saloon; If toward it comes
fellow mOrtal if by il he isyoluntarily ensnared;
then, have not they who were tnttuentially the
means Of opening that place-withOut whose
names il ceuld,nOt have been established-haYe
they not led their fellow to all Intents into-not
the saloon indeed, which he enters for himself
but into the'Yery temptation that you, with u.s.
have deprecated? As you have we'll added, the
fallen one is no longer respected that is If he has
fallen in the street, or is unshieded by selffor-
getful, though wounded, love. He was weak; but
that in itself is no sin. Errdre humanTm est Ii
eense-petitioDeTs indirectly exposed him to
temptation" He is none the less responsible
Neither are they. Nor yet is the dramseller.
The author of the prayer you cite says also to
( each, ''LoVe thy neighbOr as myself" VIII you,
then, longer charge dIsplacing Of responsibility?
1t is the very evil we would cure.
Drunkards are guilty, yea ordinarily doomed.
But the literal manufacturers of drunkard
surely are not guiltless. Nay, can any one who
even oonnives at this suicide of immortal man
hood, which yOu'so well portray; can such lay the
slightest claim tOinnOeenee? Would the inebriate
were a child! Certainly, however, We would not
then culture his sense Of responsibility by leaving
Tim Wv nr he hRnt tod
stove you cite as if for our service.
Your words Of consideration for the liquor
dealerrmay be easily'Weighed. In a court OF law
would his defective education or want Of fine
Christian feeling, even If unavoidable, affect
verdict? Indeed, is acute moral sensibility
needed to detect the RIGHTEOUSNESS Of this deadly
trafic?
Welcoming any suggestion that may be at once
practical and effective, and thanking you for this
Indulgence, we wish you we'll in the important
work Of leading public opinion.
WOMEN OF THE UNION.