The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1882-09-07
THURSDAY MORNINGS SESSION.

THURSDAY MORNINGS SESSION.
The convention assembled at half
past O'Clock this morning, ard though
the attendance was not so large as it
was last night, the house was well
filled by the time Chairman Fenlon an
peared on the stage and called the as
semblage to order.
The first business was the report of
the committee on resolutions, which
completed its labors at 3 O'Clock this
morning, the difference of opinion
among the members on the question of
prohibition, having resulted in two re-
ports.
Mr.. Moonlight, chairman of the com.
mittee submitted the following as the
MAJORITY REPORT.
WHEREAS, 1t is the right and duty of
the delegates of the people to express
views on all questions efTecting the pub
public welfare in pursuance of such right
and In the performance of that duty,
we, the delegates of the Democracy Of
Kansas, in convention assembled, do de-
clare:
That whilst the Democracy of this
state are in favor of true temperance
and ofjust and rigorous laws impartially
and sternly executed to suppress the
evil Of intemperance.
Resolved, That we are in favor of the
repeal of the act known as the prohibi-
tory. law and of the constitutional
amendment upon which IL is based, and
the substitution therefor of well regu-
lated license law SD framed that il will
meet the approval OF the public iudg-
ment, and therefore possible of a rigid
enforcement. That we are in favor of
the repeal OF said law, because it Is
an infringement of those personal rights
which are guaranteed TO every citizen
by the constitution and by the genius of
our .institutions-the rights of private
judgment and absolute control in all
matters purely personal TO himself, I'M
curbed by all restrictions save were he
may trench upon the rights of his neigh
Dor or of society.
Because the introduction of the pro-
hibitive principle in matters wherein IL
contravenes the public Judgment of
mankind, is destructive in lis logic and
operation of that principle of equality
OF rights in political affairs that is essen
tlal TO the perpetualion of popular
government.
Because 1t makes crimes of those
things that are nowhere regarded as
crimes by the common law or bv the
public Judgment and prescribes unusual
and excessive fines and penalties for their
violation.
Because the very extremity and un-
reasonable character of the law, occu-
pied with the division in public opinion
as to its propriety and binding force. is
a challenge to its violation; and
Because, as remedial and reforma.
tory agent 1t has ever been, and must
continue to be, signal and disastrous
failure; inviting law breaking, perjury,
personal antagonism, neighborhood
chickering's, excessive taxation in court
fees, and the spread of drunkenness.
In view OF these Just grounds of COM
plant against the prohibItory law and
the constitutional amendment-of the
fact that the amendment was adopted by
aminority OF the voters of the state, and
that We have reason TO believe that very
many of those who voted for il in the
hope that it would produce the desired
reform are disappointed ia that hope,
and now desire its repeal, we demand its
resubmission TO the people at the polls,
that they may again pass upon it after
thorough trial, and the demonstration of
its inefleiency for the correction of the
evils for which il was designed.
I'd. That we demand at the hands of |
our legislature the enactment of such |
laws, which, while being Just to the rail |
road corporations of the state, will Sc
cure to the industrial, manufacturing |
and agricultural interests of our people |
full protection from excessive rates for |
the transportation of their products, and |
our citizens from unjust and excessive |
rates OF fares; and We demand that all /
railroad companies which have received
charters and other privileges under the
laws OF this state be required 10 main
tain general Offices within the limits of
the state; and we demand of the Repub- ]