Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1880-05-09

ton enactment 10 very hopeful, pro-
vidsd the matter Ii brought before the
people in timely, reasonable and ur-
gent ways. And, IL such grand re-
suit is possible, why should not such
action be taken, aud such effort put
forth, as shall make sure that result 7
And why, Ia all parts of the state--iD
the cities aud villages snd towns
should not the full local option
strength be- thoroughly and efficiently
organized? / certainly could do bo
harm, and it unques'ionably would do
vast good, IL would bring 10 union
the entire temperance sentiment IN
every section 1t would keep he cause
before the people. 1t would awaken
the interest and settle the judgment
aud unite the &C ion of the masses. 1t
would be a source OF agitation, aud Q
better guarantee of continuous and
successful tffJrt. By means of such
Organization, intelligence might be
circulated, correspondence inter-
changed and speakers sent out. The
newspapers would note 1t, and scatter
the doings and deliberations. And
public opinion would be greatly
crea' ed and strengthened.
We do not, Of course, mean a new
political party, nor any Interference
With the politics of any man primari-
ly. But II the friends and we'll wish
,rs of this special feature OF the tenn
perance cause could be got together 10
every com munity, and organized into
societies for united and aggressive
movement, The strength OF the organic
cation might be 80 powerful as to COM
pei the nomiDat aud election TO our
legislature OF men in either party
known to be friendly TO the cause. " no
would use their skill aad Influence to
secure the passage Of local option
law.
If our own city can be taken rs a
criterion, the beet sentiment OF East !
Tenn essee, and OF the W hole state, mus
be In favor Of trying The suppression
of the liquor traffic, by law. Many
are for absolute pTohiUition. We do
not argue for that at once. But VT
believe thar we are warranted To hope
that, with faithful agitation and deter
mined effort on The part OF the friends
of morality, religion aud good govern
ment, we may havai The next best THU q
to prohibition, and that is local option.
And 10 this end there must be wise,
definite and progressive action--iD
other words positive, thorough and
effective organization.
Why should there not be formed at
oucs 10 Knoxville general local op.
ton society? Let the moral and spir-
itual power Of all the churches, to
gelher with THE philanthropy ard
patriotism Of the entire com NUDITY he
beneath 1t. LIST the city be can vsss.d
and many as possible be Induced 10
join it; all classes, the temperate and
intemperaie, drinking and non
drinking. Many persons now the
victims Of liquor, would shortly be
come members of 1t, aud use their
Influence aud east their vote TO have
the terrible temptation taken out OF
their way. A large book might be
kept perpetualIy open at some central
Office or store on Gay street, and Gig
natures constantly solicited. II would
form kind OF rolling center. The
papers could call attention to 1t every
day in standing notice. There can
be no doubt it would greatly awaken
deeper and perpetuate the interest In
this movement in our city and through
out wide section Ell our country.
Others might follow the plan. and 30
by our organization aud effort and
various agencies a power might he
| developed In strer 9Th and numbers
before which opposition would be fruit
less. The provldences of God are now
with US, and the time IL now ripe for
action. II Is just the season to do
something far-resching and worthy of
the greatness Of the reform, This
cause is next to that of our christian
| religion, and should enlist our united
energies and prayers. II We attempt
nothing We shall accomplish nothing.
no disgrace, Let Knoxville organic.
for the development OF its strength,
for the uniting OF is forces, and for
earnest and determined aggressive
work. Very respectfully,
4. u. STUR0IS.