Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-01-26

or those who believe as they do, to the con-
demnation Of the law, or to public criti-
cism. Without the support of this large
class Of voters, who may be denominated
I the conservative balance of power in our
political system, and who constitute . large
majority of the voters OF the State, no system
Of prohibition can be successful, or made
permanent part OF our political system.
This large class of people look with disfayor
upon any attempt to force the question
Of temperance or morality as disturbing
element into the partisan politics OF the
day, but believe it should remain part Of
our social policy that should find q safe
and permanent lodgment in the affections
of all parties. The law lacks the essential
elements of adaptation; is not, and
Cannot be Enforced,
even in the smallest degree, without the
employment OF despotic and tyrannical
power, odious to every lover OF freedom,
the employment of which is debasing to
both people and government and imperils
whatever is vital ard valuable in the princi-
pie of liberty. Whatever of advancement
there has been in the cause OF temperance
has been gained by voluntary philanthro.
pic efforts and my moral suasion, ad-
dressed to the judgment and the under
standing OF the people. Whatever OF pro-
gress is made in the principle Of true and
enduring temperance must be secured by
the same course. There is no royal road TO
learning, neither are there cheap and easy
methods of philanthropy, nor short cuts to
millennium. AU patent devices such as pro
hibit0ry ldtOS are deltisiORs.. II by them the
difficulty is increased of obtaining liquors
in public places, the practice OF drinking
in private houses is promoted and what
ever seductiveness may attend the practice
Of
CIandestine Drinking.
and the use of liquors in private houses, its
influence for evil is strengthened and mag
nitied hundred fold. While there may
be difference of opinion as to the best
method to pursue in the management OF
this difficult problem, l think the great
majority Of the people believe in, and will
loyalty sustain, law providing. for local
option and high license. II this is true,
it is then wise policy to trust the people
to manage the matter as they wish. While
this is true Of the largest part OF the COM
munity, they at the same time demand
that the use Of intoxicating liquor shall be
regulated or restrained so. as to mitigate
and destroy as far as possible all the evil
effects OF the use and traffic; aud this
reasonable wish should be respected and
gratitied. These, with other reasons that
might be urged, constrain me to invite
your aIIeOtlOn 10 Tue neCeSSlty, VI dt leaoI
the policy and wisdom, OF submitting to
the people, in accordance with the pro-
visions Of the constitution, proposition to
Repeal the Prohibition Clause
in the constitution, and to amend the ex-
isting statute with view to rendering it
less offensive to the people and more
effective in its operation. These views and
suggestions are submitted in obedience to
a public duty, rendered imperative by
what believe to be the wish OF large
majority of the people, who desire to en-
throne true temperance in lieu Of the pro-
sent free liquor system.