The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1883-06-25
THE OPENING GUN
ofthe Ohio Campaign-Judse Foraker's
speech In Cincinnati.

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CINCINNATI, o., June 24.-Last night the
Lincoln Club rendered a reception to
Judge Foraker, Republican nominee for
Governor. He made quite lengthy
speech, ofwhich the following is an extract:
In Ohio for thirty years now, or about
50, believe, we have been having practi-
cSlly free trade in the traffic OF intoxicating
liquors. In no other State in this Union
yea, in no other nation on theface Of the
earth, and certainly not in Germany itself
has there been a like freedom from re-
strant over this traffic. Asa consequences,
we have seen 1t grow in our midst to a gi.
ants strength, and its acknowledged evils
acknowledged by those engaged in the
traffic itself = have 30 manifested
themselves as to excite the serious appre-
hension aud concern OF all thought
full, liberty loving and patriotic citizens.
How to deal with these evils, to regulate
and restrain them, is the local question
OF the hour. There are many good people
in the State Of Ohio who are OF the opinion
that constitutional difficulties stand in the
way Of efficient legislation on the subject.
Such people have demanded that they be
given the opportunity to express their
views as 10 the changing OF the organic
law in this regard. And hearkening to
that demand our Legislature has pre-
pared and submitted two propositions to
amend the Constitution with respect to the
traffic in intoxicating liquors. But, in the
meanwhile, believing in the Constitution
as it is; believing that under our organic
law, as 1t now stands. the legislative de.
partment Of our State Government has full
power and authority to protect all the
rights and interests involved, and at the
same time to regulate and restrain all the
evils flowing from and arising from the
traffic, we have, with malice toward none,
but with charity for all, passed and en-
acted the Scott Law. Great Applause.1
But whether the law, as such, stands or
not, we know that the principles Of regula.
ton and taxation, for which 1t declared,
are eternal, and will stand. And to these
principles Of regulation and taxation OF the
liquor traffic, be it known Of all men, the
Republican party is unalterably commit
ted. Enthusiastic applause. We have
taken our position there; we intend to
60 through this fight without making
any apologies for it whatsoever. IRE
mendous spplause.l And we intend to do
that because it is equitable, because it is
right and because it is Just. And being
such, say it is q SANDER upon the Ger,
man Republicans OF Ohio, and upon any
other class Of Republicans, to say that for
that reason they will withhold their sup
port from the Republican party in this
campaign. [Applause.
Certainly the Germans will not withhold
their support because Of the principle OF
taxation in the Scott Bill. It is acknowl-
edged that taxation is heavier because Of
the evils OF the traffic than 1t would other.
wise be, and the Germans will not object
to the traffic paying its fair proportion Of
this taxation. Great applause. l am sure
that no msn, whether he be German or
American, or whatsoever nationality, will
object.
Those who say that this is "sumptuary
legislation" simply indulge in clap-trap
demagogy.
The Scott Law is not "sumptuary legis.
lation." IT has nothing to do with the
habits and personal tastes or ideas Of any:
body. It has notsing to do with what
people shall eat or drink.