Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-03-07
For The Oxford Democrat.
TEMPERANCE.

proper TO consider some OF the prominent
reasons why so benevolent an object does
not meet with better success. Mr.. DOW,
the standard bearer in this State, advo-
Gates the necessity of a more effectual law
with whom the writer OF this article
fully agrees The history OF the whole
world shows. that even in the highest
civilized countries the teachings of moral
philosophers has failed to restrain men
from evil pra ;tlces.
The wisest statesmen and philanthropists
have found it necessary 10 institute laws
with severe penalties, to prevent the VIC
ious and dcpraved from ipiuring their fel-
/ low men.
1.-THE true friends OF temperance had
actually controlled our legislative bodies,
we should have had a law twenty years
ago sufficient to prevent the unholy traffic.
The great struggle among political aspi-
rants OF this State has induced them to
attack its provisions, ON the one part, or
to wholly ignore them, on the other; Just
As they supposed the success of their party
required. Then few demagogues direct
our legislation, unmlndful of the thousands
who 20 down to a drunkard's grave; or
fatherleSs children languiShing for food,
or dependent upon the cold charity OF a
somewhat unfceling world.
Some years ago, at a mass meeting in
Fryburg, addressed by one of the most
prominent, influential politicians OF the
state, il was asserted that if his party
prevailed, no further action should be tax
en-. during the next legislature, on the
Maine Law. The majority OF the men,
bers afterwards chosen were reported TO
DE friends Of temperance. Yet the Maine
Law was wholly ignored, in obedience to
the will OF political master. From that
time 70 the present day, legislation has
failed TO supply those defects which make
the law inadequate to an efe ctual sup
preston OF the evil
The man who selfshly proposed the sus-
pension of the Maine Law, has ever since
moved in the highest circles of society,
occupied honorable, audimportan, Off cial
stations. maintained himself and family in
luxury and aflueuce; while, perhaps, the
protection withheld from the poor inebri-
ate has caused lamentations TO 90 up to
heaven from a thousand novels OF wretch
eduesS and woe. At q temperance meet
I'M in this town. last fall, addressed by
prominent party leader, and a pretended
champion Of temperance. he said when
that issue gave one party advantage over
another. it had better be dropped. This
has been the policy. though they assert
the rum traffic is the crime Of crimes.
Honest men and many OF the clergy, are
obSequious TO the will OF the selfish few ;
aui often vote fo- candidates who make a
common use OF intoxicating liquors. Thus
q disagreement between precept and ex-
ample. on the part Of our clergy, seems 10
Indicate awaut ofsinceriiy, which always
blockadcS the pathway Of moral reform.
To use q significant expression, it is often
said Tho they talk temperance, they
vote rum. Therefore, unprincipled dem
agogues are enabled 10 arrest, in one short
campaign, all the progress made by the
friends OF temperance, during many
years.
In 1859 a law was made in MaSSachus-
cts, and about the same time one in Con-
ucct.cut, 20 restrain Incorporate drinking.
In I.5i the Continental Congress recon-
meuled the State Legislatures to put an
immediate stop 70 the ''pernicious practice
OF distilliu-." The first modern temper
aucc society was formed in Litchheld,
Conn, ju l7S9, BY POO farmers, who re-
solved 70 use no Intoxicating drinks about
their farm work In ISL the question Of
temperance assumed an organized and
systematic form; though for several years
no beneficial results were apparent. The
first prohioitory law was passed in Maine,
in 1916, but did not meet the expectations
U! is advocates.
The Maine Law, drafted by Gen. Dow,
essentially what we now have. with per-
hapS some notifications, was passed in
ISL, and repealed in 1856. AFTER two
years with the increase OF poverty, crime
and public disorder, another law was en-
acted and submitted to the people, which
was ratified by 22,952 majority. Prohibit
ion IS now the settled policy Of the State,
but can never be accomplished until the
true friends OF temperance sever their con-
nectionS with aspiring party leaders.
am unable 10 perceive why an intelli-
gent class like our Clargy, should aban-
don important secular affairs to the ten
der mercies OF political vampires, who
live on the life-blood of our people. In
no case, where 4 person is seeking an
Office, whether he is Democrat, Republi-
can or Greenbacker, can he be trusted TO
stand at the head, or direct the movement
in the temperance reform, for his avarice
and hope of self ACKNOWLEDGEMENT will al
ways counterbalance his motives for pub
lie good.
The question has been agitated by the
friends Of temperance for 200 years, pro-
hibitory laws have frequently been passed,
but so often repealed by the efforts OF
demagOgues; so there are but few
States which have any legal safeguard
against the wicked traffic.
Persuasion has done much to hold in
check the rayages of intemperance, yet
nothing short Of good law, with penal