Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1878-09-12
Communication.


Editors Republican,
Under the head OF communication
in your paper of three weeks ago, we
find an article over the signature OF
d. Shakes, leading saloon keeper
of this place, who seems to be
in trouble and who to relieve his
mind and conscience, rushes boldly
into print to ventilate and get ease.
We are glad to see a disposition on
his part IT, make some kind Of con-
fession, as he appears to be in much
trouble about his business. He
seems to fear he is not understood.
Why he surely is and has been for
years: there is not "a suffering family
or orphan cursed by drunkenness in
all this land, not a poorhouse, Jail,
penitentiary or gallows but knows the
effects Of his kind of business.
He says he has license
granted him, this may be, but
how often has he broken it on
Sunday, 4th Of July, January first,
December twenty fifth called Christ
mas, Thanksgiving day and upon the
day Of any city, county, township or
corporation election by letting men
and minors have strong drink till
they are drunken, either at the front
or back door, or by keeping open his
saloon at Illegal hours, and by per-
mitting gambling to be done on his
premises and for his iu terest? Can
he refer to day, weekday or Sun
day that ne has not violated the law
and constantly tries to evade every
law? Why, We ask does he sell
liquor which he knows is so de-
structive TO society, while he could,
with the talent and ability he has,
make an honorable living. that
would meet the appreciation Of his
own co science and secure the high
regard OF his friends +? Does he want
his children, bis sons and his daught-
ers to follow his example? We think
not. He asks what shall / do? We
answer "close your doors we i'm
plore." Close your doors lest in al
ter years your money haunt you
with the miseries brought upon 9TH
ers until no rest can be found. Close
your doors lest some mans wife
should suffer mentally, as did liquor
sellers wife In this State within few
years, vho In her Imagination could
see tn, suffering caused by her hns-
bands liquor selling which drove hri
to TAX. her own life by b. own haud.
Close our doors and take one view
of tn, reeling drnnkards AS ths.
leave ouI saloon. they came in sob
and &, out drunk See the curs'
look a. the drunkards home, furnitur,.
gone, no beds. children in rags, half
starved To death. in Ignorance, grow
ing up IN crime, pest to society
Your heart is human. "Close your
door; see the drunkard's wife with
care and grief doth go to beg a crust
Of bread or so, you this know" Do
close your doors, make no more
tipplers for from them come all our
drunkards. Close your doors and
get others to do the same. But you
say you have license to do what you
are doing. Let this be answered in
the truthful and beautiful language
of John Pierpont:
"Iicensed to make the strong man weak;
Licensed To lay the wise man low;
Licensed fond wifc's heart TO break,
And make her childrcns tears TO How.
Licensed to do thy neighbor harm;
Licensed TO kindle hate and strife;
Licensed to nerve the robbers arm;
Licensed to whet the murderers knife.
Licensed thy neighbor's purse to drain,
And rob him OF his very last;
Licensed TO heat his feverish brain
Till madness crown .fy work at last
Licensed where peace and quiet dwell
To bring disease, and want, Ind woe;
Licensed 10 make this world a hell,
Aud fit man for hell below"