The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1883-05-02

lutcuuluS W Opch thO
columns of the HERALD for a general
discussion of prohibition, we publish
this week an article from a jealous
prohibition advocate signed "Citi-
zen." Under the guise of commend
ing portion of an editorial article we
published last week, in relation to
the defeat of the prohibition amend
ment, our friend adroitly takes oc-
casion to press with some force, and
with lengthy quotations of the opin-
ions of others. the benefits derivable
from the defeated measure. There
is a difference of opinion between
US, not as to the great evil of intern
perance nor as to the ACCESSIBILITY of
its eradication,if possible, but simply
as to the best means of accomplish
ing that end. He believes in the
efficacy of sumptuary laws, and we
do not. He apparently thinks CO.
ercive measures the most effective,
we believe Observation-Disclosures
better than force; we both aim at
the same end, but travel to it by diff
ferent courses. Why should we fall
out by the way side? We know that
Prohibition does not prohibit, and
the necessity of his plea in
abatement, that of the Federal licen-
ces issuedin Maine, some were issued
to druggists-and that the traffic is
confined to hidden dens, and secret
places, is but an admission of our
premises. The defeat of the prohib-
itory amendment was a gross out
rage upon the people of this State,
not solely because it was a measure
of high morality, certain to effect
the great reform at which it aimed,
but because it denies the people the
exercise of the constitutional right
for which they petitloned. We as
sent to the proposition that the law
has been a great remedial agent in
this cause, and believe that a more
rigid enforcement of the existing
statutes would have a very beneficial
effect, but when such laws as we
have are not enforced, or are but
haltingly executed, we have no great
hope that a constitutional enact
ment would be more rigidly OBJ
served. On the other hand, educa-
ton. a cultivated public sentiment,
persistent teaching, the advance to a
more polished and moral state of
society has effected wonders. Men
not past middle life, can well re-
member when liquors were to be
found in almost every household,
when it was a mark of hospitality to
offer it TO every guest, when minis
tiers of the gospel did not refuse to
partake in moderation, when a har-
vest could not be gathered without
it, when professional men drank
openly, when candidates for office
treated" those whose votes they So
licited, and officials "set it up" on
all occasions for the friends that had
supported them. Now what a
change! Liquor is abolished from
the household, the harvest field, and
as a mark of hospitality, the preach
er known to drink would be driven
from the pulpit, the professional
man seen intoxicated would lose his
practice, the candidate using whisky
as a general inducement for votes
would surely be defeated; and yet,
this wonderful progress, this great
reform has been effected outside the
law. 1t is because of these things
that we believe precept and exam
pie better remedial agents than le-
gal force, not that We are opposed to
remedial laws, butdouDt the wisdom
and efficacy of sumptuary mes. In
the light OF the teachings of last
years political campaign in this
State, we ~deprecate any controversy
at present, between the friends of
temperance. The ultra reformers in
the Republican party, last year
threw down the walls and admitted
the enemy, rather than abate a Jot
from their demands, and it can be OF
no comfort to them to know that the
lust suffer with the unjust, because
of their action. The prohibitory
amendment is dead, and can have
no resurrection short of two years.
We submit, therefore, that a present
discussion of its merits or dement's,
can in no wise benefit the cause.