Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1880-10-23
Correspondence.
.4N7T-LOCAL OPTION.

FRosrBURG, Oct. 20, 1880.
Morro: Beware Of the wolves in sleeps
clothing.
In short time the people of this
county will be called upon to express
their opinion OF the Local Option
measure passed by the last legislature.
In order that we may vote intelli-
gently let us examine little more
closely into this question by the broad
light of reason--not by an appeal to
the passions. LIST us ask ourselves
the question is-drinking wine a sin ?
No, thousand times, no. Do not
the scriptures say Drink no longer
water, but use little wine for thy
stomach's s sake, and thine often mfr
mities.
From time immemorial, history tells
us, men have had their beverages.
Presidents, kings, emperors, farmers,
mendicants, artists and learned
D. DIS drank something stronger
than water, and the poets of all
nations have proclaimed in song their
lavorite beverages as the most glori-
GUS gift of God. And surely what is
given the sick to strengthen and in.
vigorate, cannot be crime in a well
person, when takel in moderation,
Let US inquire further-what is
Local Option, and what object has its
promoters in view? 1t is simply a
crusade against the small retailer,
and aims TO give the or ulent a better
oppo, ,tunity to deprive his less forlu-
nate fellowman OF even the poor priv
ilege Of enjoying himself for a few
short hours occasionally in manner
commensurate with his means.
Another question that may be
esked with propriety here is: What
Caused this temperance agitation
We answer, partly through greedy
selfshness; partly tn. ough peryerse
knowledge Of the world partly
though a sickly sentimentality, and
partly for the purpose Of making po-
litical capital?
And who we're the authors of this
agitation
The wealthy, those who are snugly
esconced, and the drones of the bee
hive.
With wonderful efrontery these
people tell us that the people with
the least wants belong to the so-called
happiest. Consequently, | presume,
the less the wants the smaller the
wages ought to be. WHO is not re-
minded of Byron's words
MAN, proud man,
Dress'd il little brief authority,
Plays such fantastic tricks before high
heaven
As makes the angels weep"
And now what would be gained by
having Local Option in force?
l. 1t would be sold secretly with
out license.
2, Clubs would spring up like
mushrooms, and license would be un-
necessary.
8. The wealthy could continue to
nave the choicest liquors in their cell
lara without molestation.
4. Without doubt the desire would
become greater, because we always
1trivc tor that which is forbidden.
5. 1t would lead otherwise good
citizens to evade the law and become
criminals.
The result of success of the total
abstinence advocates has been charm
ingly illustrated in our neighboring
State of Pennsylvania I venture
the ASSERTION, were these apostles
compelled to work a week in the
mines, or in the keen blasts of a win.
try wind on the railroad, or in the
soorching heat of furnace or rolling
mill, their Incorporate zeal would
commence tagging.
Fellow citizens, will you permit
these self-constituted custodians o.
your civil liberty to shackle your
souls in matters that pertain to meat
and drink? Who are they that they
should claim so extraordinary an as
sumption Of power as to dictate tc
you what you shall eat and drink?
GAMBRINUs.