Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-12-24
TIE BOLD EXPRESSION OF UNITED
STATES SENATOR.

Senator w. II. Blair, in an article in the
las number of the North american Reoie,0,
makes bold to say that he believes the
country is upon the verge of a revolution.
Happily it is to be a bloodless one, but he
believes it to be one OF the utmost import.
auce to the country-the abolition or coz.
troll Of the liquor traffic It is probable
the Senator fully realizes that in max
iug this declaration he has presented him
self as target for the most vicious intol.
eranee. We know of no subject which is
approached by public men with such
tImldlty, for the reason that the traffic is
the most illiberal of all interests, and pur-
sues and Furnishes those who venture even
30 discuss it with tae most malignant Sc
verify. But it will be discussed, neverthe.
Iess. in the opinion of Mr.. Blair it rises
now superior to the mere temperance ques-
zion, and has become one of the gravest
OF politicO.economic considerations. As
The progress of humanity is over and
through difficulties and obstacles ap.
parently insurmnuntabIe, it must be as
sumed that humanity will settle the liquor
question after the methods that dist uguish
advancing civilization. The Senator as.
serts that the people of the Union to-day
believe the liquor question to be the most
important one that concerns the public
veal We cannot agree with the essayist
In this view. We do not believe that the
people, as a whole, are yet fully awake to
the broad character of the question, nor
do We believe that it's settlement will be
accomplished within the present geuer-
alton. Unlike the slavery question, it is
not, and cannot be, sectional, nor can any
other issue which large portion of the
people believe trenches upon personal
Liberty OF action be the subject of sudden
revolution. Tbs evils most difficult to deal
with, and that are slowess of suppression.
are those involving the passions and appe.
titoa Of men. Admitting that existing
parties are not ready to face the question,
because existing forms are always conserv-
atiye, Mr.. Blair still believes that issues
force themselves where the ideas are
mighty, and this temperance issue has
stAlked to the front with determination
Sha. means not to DO put back. He calls
attention to the 800. 900 votes given in "a.
vor Of absolute prohibition in Ohio, and
claims that = like sentiment is ripening in
many States. This figure by itself is bold,
bus in a comparative sense, when the liquor
votes and the timid votes are considered,
Air. Blairs revolution stands afar off, and
seems to US exceeding weak. But he is
unquestionably correct in his conclusion
that the anti liquor sentiment cannot grow
less, and will not be put down. He might
have added that the opposite sentiment has
probably attained full maturity, and is not
likely to add to its strength. Bat alcohol
Ia in politics, as he asserts, and being there
the advocates Of perfect freedom for liquor
are exceeding unwise if by intolerant meth.
DDS and devices and boycotting proceedings
they attempt to prevent perfect freedom
and full discussion of it upon its merits
We scarcely hope for tolerance, however, in
view of the history of the question. There
arc wise men, however, who, opposing pro.
hibition and radical control. are far. SIGHTED
enough to see that intolerance will hasten
the downfall of their side, the triumph of
ultra views and sentiments, and the de-
structicn of a possible conservative mean
of action. Whether these intelligences
will be able to control their cohorts remains
Go be seen. Mr.. Blair will probably
very soon be able to report the
result so far SIS he is concerned,
for we are mistaken in experience and in
the history of the country if he does not
find that he has bearded lion that will
make him realize how very dangerous it is