The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1882-02-16
TWIN RELICS OF BARBARIsM'---DRUNK-
ENNESS AND P0LYGAMY.

To the Editor IF the Eagls:
From time to time VIC read in the EAGLE
articles on different subjects, from which we
differ, and occasionally find time 10 call
attention to these articles and show wherein
we differ; and in doing so you must not
miscorstrue our purpo G. for assure you it
means no unfriendly controversy, but simply
to call attention to points that may have been
overlooked; for certainly the newspapers Of
the present day have a great deal to do in
influencing the public and action, and, Of
course, they pride in leading that mind and
action in the right direction.
The question about which we now differ
is the temperance question:" and let me
say here that in differing With you on this
question, l understand fully that all the
leading papers of the state are with you, and
against what l. may here say, but this makes
no kind of difference TO me; for while | have
the highest regard for the editors OF the
EAGLE, cemmonrsaid and Champion, yet
even they may do wrong. And il is because
OF this long and uninterrupted friendship
for each Of these editors and their influen-
tial papers that call attention to what l
conceive 10 be 4 mistake.
! laborcl under a misap rehension of
facts in regard TO this law until the recent
term OF our district court, on the ground
that it nujustly Disseminated against the
vineyard and orchard men, but the court
and lawyers explained that section CT HE
law, and in fact II does not interfere in the
least with either.
Now, then, the question is: can you rs
recognized leaders of communities, of scci-
ETY., OF political parties, and in shaping The
moral and political action Of those commuu-
tiles and parties, afford to oppose in any way
q constitutional provision and a positive
law, Can you in any manner oppose what
is calculated To enlighien, 10 elevate and
refine your fcilow-man. l cannot very
readily see why you could oppose this meas
discussion. 1t was then an open question,
and | presume | took he same view of the
question you did, but the question was
settled against us; and now there is certainly
nothing left for us, as law-abijing and moral
men, but TO accept the situation gracefully.
In a late issue ef the EAGLE there appears
two articles; ono on temperance, or intem-
perance; the other on polygamy, which may
truthfully be termed .'twin relics OF barbar-
ISM The surprising thing to ME is the
fact that You in the most sca;hing and
severe terms denounee the latter, while your
sympathy and kind natuse ii0lines you to
uphold aud encourage the former. Now, is
it not true that these 'twin relics have the
same demora!izing effect upon society, upon
parties, upon individuals? Most assuredly
they do. Then why denounce one and
uphold tho o.hsrs
Reform is the order of the day, ard am
sure that Kansas will not be found tagging
behind in this business. In fact, behind is
not her place in anything.
There never yet has been reform in the
worlds history that has not come up through
'great tribulation.'' That reform involves
suffering seems to hold true not only in
regard to large movements that stir tie
hearts Of natians, hqt also 70 the daily,
hourly striyings Of individuals 10 overcome
some weakness or wickodGess in their own
narrow circle. and as there is a great class
masses with seorn and scoff and bitter preju- |
dice against mighty movements of reforms,
so there are parties in every community that
strive to beat dawn any nobier impulse than |
that which stirs their own hearts. | there |
fore say that it is our duty to give up our
prejudices in this matter and stand squarcly |
up to what 4 majority of our citizens have |
al is
eusy right What does il differ to us who
opposes thsse measures ~ whQ fayors thems /
They are not party questions, but for each
individual 10 decide.
Is it gentlemanly, is it decent is it popu-
lar to get drunk: Or, on the other hand, is
it disgraceful 10 be at all times sober and
ready to assist in elevatng the morals of
society e higher and Rurer plain; Let us
drop all side issues and loak s1uareiy to the
main question. Is it on general principles
right, or on general principles wrong to sell
whsky and get drunk: Whenever the peo-
pie of Sedgwick county can have an oppor-
tunity TO pass upon this question, you will
find two-thirds of them in favor Of closing
all saloons and enforcing the law.
BleBdon. Feb. ~, 'S2. JAQ: KELLY.
+. $. You frequently ask the question
''does prohibition prohibit?' | answer en-
phaticaliy, yes! Whenever the press and
public sentiment uphold it and the county
officers 30 their duty, it will as surely pro-
hibi. rs win our statute law prohibit the
stealing of horses. And where is tho COM
munity so far lost to all sense of honor rs to
tolerate or endorse this crime: 1t is not the
who keeps his beer or wine in
his cellar and who quietly takes itswilen
neediGl and beneficial, il this occnrs, that
find faul: with. II is the .!public salpons"
md their damnaie lnflnencr tLat | object
o. and that the constitution and law forbids,
ind were made expressly to exterminate.
L was this influence that made heavy inroads
,pon the Republican party last fall in many :
If the counties of Kansas, and if allowed to ,
continue will eventually giSe the siaie to the
opposition KELLY.
I'VE sincerely trust that our friend Kelly
on't mean 70 accuse us of qpholding whisky
r of encouraging intempGraare. = Ep. \
.AGLE.