Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1883-05-05
PUBIC SENTIMENT.

All efficient law Is based upon right,
and depends largely upon popular SYM
pathy for successful operation. The
saloons were closed in Cheboygan last
Sabbath and men sought in vain for
strong drink. At this is a new depart
ure, it is opportune TO discuss whether
or no such al action will be approved by
public sentiment. The statute bearing
upon this matter; Act No. 259. section 2.
reads as follows
All saloons, restaurants, bars, in taverns or
elsewhere, and all other places where any of
the liquors mentioned in sections one and two
OF this act are or may be sold, or kept for sale,
either at wholesale or retail, shall be closed on
the first day OF the week, commonly called Sun
DAY, Oh all election days, on all legal holidays,
aud until seven O'Clock Of the following morn
ing, and on each week day night from and
after the hour of nine O'clock until seven
O'clock Of the morning OF the succeeding day.
The word ''clOsed," in this section shall be con-
strued to apply to the back door as well as the
front door. And in prosecutions under this
section it shall not be necessary to prove that
any liquor was sold.
We have twenty.eight saloons, and we
venture that a large majority of saloon
lists will favor compliance with the
law. If these men are dealt with fairly.
and no favor is shown to any one, they
will be staunch supporters of the meas
ure' There is sense of honor among
the better class of salOOnists that will
not permit them to violate ind antago-
Aize law that protects them and their
business six days ont of every week, pro-
vided a square deal is made and every
liquor seller is required to obey. II one
is allowed to sell, others will sell; if one
is required to close, all should be. No
town in Michigan has given the liberty
to saloons that Cheboygan has given,
and saloOnists know this, and many of
them recognize the prOpriety of reform
to the extent Of closing on Sunday. A
man who has business ability enough to
properly carry on the saloon business.
can make living by working six days
out of every seven. If man cannot
have day of rest from business ex-
actions, what is life worth? The saloon
men will not be worse off financially
at the end of the year by closing on Sun
day. while they will enjoy life better,
prevent great many excuses, and con-
tribute much to order, good government,
the comfort of homes, and the good name
of our town. Is it not reasonable, just,
and right, to have day when the poor
man can rest. and the family of the
laborer can have his company, and al
can, who will, have time for serious
thought, sober reflection, and happy
worship. This is not bigOtry, cant, or
nonsense. 1t is not abuse, unreason-
ableness or prejudice. 1t is not blind
fanaticism. Democrats, Republicans.
Roman Catholics and Professionals, those
who sell and those who drink, can all
see the Importance of having the Sab
bath day respected to the extent of clos
ing the saloons on that day. The bust
ness men can greatly aid this good work.
1t is safe to say that there is a strong
and general desire on the part of the
citizens of Cheboygan to greatly i'm
prove in the matter of keeping the
Sabbath. Saloons are not the only in
situations that need looking after. While
we want everything done that will make
ChebOygan more desirable for business,
residence, and pleasure, we trust no rad
ical, bigoted movement will be resorted
to and thereby defeat the good we may
gain. Let us all co-work with saloon
keepers in enabling them to have, with
the rest of us, one day of rest out of every
seven.