West Virginia freeman. (Parkersburg, W. Va.) 1881-1886, 1882-03-22

IN this noble movement. NO one OF
them has sought the honorable fame
arising from stepping voluntarily
forward to help this grand reform.
And there is no probability what
ever that any of them will ever do
so. Then it follows, of necessity,
that the Prohibitionists must thor.
oughly organize themselves, mar
shall all their forces, step to the
front, take the lead, and extend an
invitation to any and all parties to
Join them. Such a course will bring
matters at once to definite shape
and show what is ahead.
| IMMEDIATE ORGANIZATION.
An immediate and thorough organi-
cation IS one prominent point an Pro-
hibition policy. The sooner this can
be effected the better
Again, the friends of prohibition
should take immediate and vigor-
GUS steps to secure for themselves
controlling influence in the matter
of selecting candidates for the Leg
islature at the coming election. We
must watch the movements of the
different parties, and demand a
hearing in the caucuses and nomi-
mating conventions that may be
held. 1t will be fatal folly to wait
to see what they are going to do, be-
fore we take action. The only safe
plan is to lay hold in time, and so
Shape things as to determine their
course for them, as to make it nee
essary for them to do the right
thing or give up hope of success.
THE wIRY POLITICIAN AND THE TIMID
CITIZEN.
Now, doubtless, the why, cum
ming politician, and the timid citi-
zen who is a great believer in the
omnipotence Of the aforesaid politi-
clan and his tactics, will say that
this is more easily said than done.
But l insist that all that is necessa-
ry for this purpose is concerted,
timely action and a little whole
some, manly aggressiveness. Let
the friends Of prohibition announce,
in due time and in no uncertain
terms, that they will not support
the nominations of any convention
or party that puts up for their suf-
frages candidates who are not pledg
ed unequivocally to the policy Of
submitting a prohibitory liquor
| law to the vote of the people Such
an announcements, made at the
proper time, in 4 proper tone, by
the mouth Of proper men, after the
proper action, Will effect an i'm
mense modification in the candi-
date-making business.
AFFAIR VOICE AND FIRM DEMAND.
4 fair v0jce in the selection Of condj-
dates for the neat Legislature, and an
omfjncbing demand for the nominal
ton Of temperance men, IS another
prominent point IN prohibition policy
Now, if the several parties in the
different counties shall each bring
out candidates favorable TO prohibit
ton measures, the friends Of prohi-
bition, having secured their point,
can, on other issues, vote with their
parties as usual. But, if some of
the parties will not put forth such
candidates, and others will, then
the friends of prohibition must rise
superior, for the time at least, to
partisan claims, and support the
candidate that does represent them,
no matter by what party he has
been nominated.
But, if none of the existing par
ties will nominate candidates favor
able to prohibition, then the friends
Of prohibition must bring out
candidate Of their own and battle
manfully for his election.
A TRUSTED MAN IN EVERY COUNTY.
A candidate for the Legislature IN
erery county, aodo can be trusted IN Mis
pro6j6itjon matter, either on the plat
form Of some existing party or on an
independent plotl orm, sanother prom
inent point in prohibition policy.
The friends Of prohibition in ev-
cry county should begin at once to
look up from among their number
good men who will consent, if nee
essary, to be candidates for the Leg
islature. We ought to be able to
bring before every convention that
may be held a number Of such
names, so that there may be no diff