Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-10-04
Constitutional Amendments.

Mr. Editor My attention has been lately
called to the subject Of the proposed constitli-
tional amendments, prohibiting the traffic in in
toxicating liquors, and as 1t may be possible that
some OF your readers have failed to study the
matter carefully, will give the text of the amend
ment
The manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors other
shall be and hereby and prohibited except for
medicinal purposes and the sale OF cider wine made
aforesaid shall be regulated and restrained pre-
vent drunkenness, paupersm and crime"
1t would seem, at the first glance an absurdity
too transparent to need exposure comment
that, in this stage OF temperance reform, such a
retrograde movement could be honestly comtem-
plated by legislators, or seriously feared by the
people, were 1t not for the endorsement Of the
proposed amendment by our republican county
convention, demanding OF the senators they nom
mated that, II elected their votes should be cast
in its favor 80 that 1t may be sent to the people
for their vote.
Is it possible that state, committed to a pro-
hibitory law for so many years. and having
within so short time definitely named cider in
the law as an Intoxicating beverage can be ready
TO go backward from that position, and free
cider from all restriction save what some future
legislature shall see fit TO enact
Are our lawmakers so inconsistent as to place
themselves on record before the people as favor.
ing license ldl0, which is what the amendment
practically amounts to as far rs wine and cider
are concerned Does our republican party pro-
pose to commit itself TO such a vacillis ting weak
kneed policy as this, or allow itself TO be led
blind-fold into such careessly constructed
trap?
II any one honestly thinks that this has been
proposed in the interest OF temperance. would
like to ask in what respect 1t is an improvement
upon our present law, which does already, IL en-
Forced, regulate and restrain such sale, while II
this becomes part OF our constitution, we are to
depend for all restriction or regulation of the
traiiic In cider and wine upon whatever coming
legislatures may or may not do. Is this progress I?
VI Is II possible that the people Of state are as
short-sghted as not to detect the danger to which
we are exposed IT, as the old saying assures us,
bird In the hand is worth two In the bush !"
what wisdom is there in letting the good that has
been accomplished slip out Of our grasp in the
uncertain hope OF gaining lesser good In Its
place II we had mad dog by the throat while
some one else rushed after pistol by which TO
secure permanent safety, would one be likely to
lot go his hold for the chance of securing a frmer
grasp In the interim?
Is not stringent. prohibitory law, although ad-
mitted to be less safe and certain than s,tre and
strong constitutional amendment, better for prac-
teal purposes than a constitutional amendment
with the bottom knocked ont ON the other
hand, II this measure Is offered as an opiate TO
stupely the awakening conscience, and delude the
strengthening convictions, and quiet the disturb
ing agitations OF temperance people, can II be
possible that they viii allow them to be hood
winked In this cheap manner, and drawn unwit-
uhgly INTO coalition with the rum element,
which, It is TO be hoped, could hardly expect to
get much countenance by open and plain dealing
We have among our legislators men who have
sincere interest In the welfare OF the state and of
humanity, VINO at heart really desire the success
OF the temperance reform | appeal TO them to
vote according to their highest convictions, to
look to 1t that they, In whose hands has been
placed the opportunity Of decision, shall not be
ialthless to that solemn responsibility. The peo-
pie will not hold him guiltess in the summing up
Of the consequences OF these decisions, who shall
wilfully, or heedlessly, ignorantly, betray his
trust Vermont expects every man to do his
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