The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1882-10-04

Now, when q great party once commits It.
self thus publically to the fact that the liquor
traffic is an unspeakable evil, and only an
evil, that nine-tenths of the crime Is the legi-
innate fruit of it-that this moral evil Is not
simply an accidental concomitant of ii, but is
its natural and essential outcome, then
hold that there is no logical stopping-place
anywhere short of some form of prohibition.
Other regulativc measures may be tried as
halfway measures, but the logic of events
aud the nature of the case must compel men
forward TO the legal prohibition Of the wrong
itself, as well as its effects. believe that the
great body of temperance people AID friends
of law aud order everywhere see that fact,
and are now moving toward that goal, as
surely as the morning sun moves toward the
meridian. A party thus committed is not
going to commit suicide by going backward.
I have no controversy with the Prohibition
party. l believe that so far as their reRresen-
tations are accurate and candid, they are
doing good in awakening the conscience of
the nation. But 1 solemnly believe that the
far greater number of Prohibitionists who
are working in the Republican ranks, to
good. To draw off from that line Of effort
now, just as the first step in the right direc-
ton is being taken by the party, and when
10000 liquor men have been cast out, does
not seem to me to be wise, although respect
and honor the conscientious men who think
and act differently.
And here let me plead for principle which
applies not only to this subject but to all
subjects of this nature. mean the princi-
pie and duty OF mutual respect for each
others consciences on all points where there
Is room for intellectual differences Of views.
This is Christian principle. We are, a
Christian people, engaged in Christian cause
We all want the same. thing and are working
for the same end, though we may differ as to
the specific means. God has given US all
consciences, hut does not enable us all to
see every question from the same point of
view or with the same degree OF clearness.
Now il, in such Il case, we cannot respect
each others conscientious judgment, and
trust to fair discussion for a right result
then we become simply intolerant bigots,
bringing on ourselves and the cause, the con-
tempt of all clear headed men.
1t is doubtless in view OF these considers
tons that that prince of Prohibitionists, Gov.
st. John, has taken the position that he has
in relation TO the temperance cause In Ohio.
can interpret his aim and his logic only in
this way. Why has he said that there is no
longer any reason for the friends OF temper
ance in Ohio Withholding their earnest sup
port from the Republican party of the State?
The man is not gone crazy. Why did he say
this? Because
(1) 1t is clear that the people composing
the Republican party, together with the third
party men are, for the most part, the people
who must ultimately carry the day for prohi-
bition IL it is ever carried. 1t is there where
the great body Of the voters will have to be
found.
(2.) Because the Republican organization
in this State as well as out of It, is making
great progress toward the prohibitory posi-
ton.
(S. because, IL we once break with the
liquor traffic, there is no permanent or logical
outcome short OF prohibition. Aud
a. Because he saw and feared the danger,
IL Republicans failed, of the prohibitory legis-
lation we have already accomplished, for the
defence of the Sabbath and college towns,
being speedily swept away. And it seems to
me these are valid considerations.