Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-08-29
.SuInptuary La,C.

community which is openly opposed 10
all temperance reform In oar large
cities this element alm ost assumes the
proportions q: majority; and il is only
by the supp, ST given in our rural districts
that we are able 10 establish and enforce
pronibitory laws. In this State prohibit
,ion has become settled policy. Any
party which should make the question an
iSsLe, would bc SUSTAINED il il supported
-, h laws, or defeated if il opposed them,
50 strongly has public opinion become
SET, Il upon this matter. IL is an issue
which has become practically dead in this
State, because nole dare stand upon the
negative side.
O,her States find il live issue; aud it
may so be regarded 10 tie national cam.
pa;gu. The democratic party made 1t a
national issue, at the 81. Louis conven-
ton; but with its usual obtuseness placed
itself upon the wrong sids. The declara-
ton OF their platform THAT one OF the
vital principles OF republics lies in the
7 liberty OF individual conduct, unvexed by
sumptusry laws means, II 1t means
anything, opposition TO the Maine law
aud ali other laws regulating the sale OF
Intoxicating liquors. Ii was intended to
/ attract the votes OF those IN Massachu-
sets, New Hampshire and Ohio who ale
engaged in fighting pohibiton-to give
the "rummies' the counttnance and sup
port OF great national party.
Thus we may consider this question to
be fairly in the field. AID one on which
parties are To take sides. While, as we
have stated, The question is practically q
dead issue, so Tar as Maine is concerned,
still every voter must cast his ballot, this
year. as though this were The only differ
ence between the opposing forces, con
tending for victory al the September
election This is so because the demo-
cratic State convention endorsed the 81
Louis platform without dissent, thus
forcing the conflict upon field where It
has once been fought out. Money is be-
ing sent into Maine by the Massachusetts
and New York Liquor Dealers Associa-
ton; and an organization of similar
character has been formed in Portland.
All this indicates that tn s. opposed 10
temperance reform are fully prepared TO
DO their work. They are determined 10
carry this State Maine is the rock against
which they have decided TO butt; and ii
is the one upon which their vessel will he
shattered
We know there are many democrats in
Oxford County who heartily favor pro-
hibitioD. who are totally opposed 10 Tie
sale and use of alcoholic beverages, and
who would DO all in their power 10 sup
press The liquor trsilic. To them we az
dress these words, feeling confident they
vii. look carefully TO see if a vote cast
for the democratic candidates this fall, is
not vote for free rum. Candidates are
supposed 10 endorse and stand upon the
platform presented by the party which
nomiuates them. II Mr. Tiden en-
dorSeS the 81. Louis platform, he de-
uOuGccs sumpIuary laws. and makes
himself supporter OF the liquor
interest Mr.. Talbot, when be endorsed
the State resolutions, and eulogized the
national platform. placed himself in the
same position. They are both opposed
TO temperance-and 50 OF every other
nominee. from Congressman to county
officer who has accepted nomination
a; the hands of the democratic party
Every vote Tor this party is so much en-
couragement given TO the liquor interest,
not only in Maine. but throughout the
Union. A vote tor Talbot, in September,
is u vote Tor Tilden, and as they are both
opposed 70 temperance, ii is vote
sgains. "sumptuary" or prohibitory laws.