The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-11-07
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.


To the Editor of the INDIANAPOLIS JOUrrnsa;
The discussion in the Journal concerning pro
hibit1on and the recent elections suggests
eral questions;
First--What would have been the vote for the
prohibition amendment in Ohio had the Com
mercial Gazette and other Republican papers
encouraged it instead of discouraged itl The
amendment was carried in all parts of the State
except in the vicinites of these papers. We are
to bear in mind that the amendment was almost
carried in spite of the leading journals and poll
ticisns. am one disposed to think that had
these newspapers and men espoused prohibition
1t would have carried, and the Republican party
triumphed.
Second-Who is responsible for splitting the
temperance question into three partsl Was this
a political trick to secure defeat2 Was it de-
signed that ballots having yes, yes to two of the
questions should be counted as one nos have
heard that two negatives made all native,
and now am taught that two alternatives make
a negative. Is the Republican party responsible
for this trick or blunderf
Thirds it fair TO say that Iowa and Kansas
have had fair fight for prohibition, when al
most the entire Republican press has denounced
the movement as anti-Republican2 If prohibit
ton succeeds it must overcome the opposition
of journalism, as we'll as the saloon element and
the Democracy.
Fourth-The Journal has. twice at least said
that 100000 Democratic votes were cast for the
and necessarily the other, that 100000 Repub-
Hcan votes cast for It also, very hopeful for
the forming of Prohibition partyl will IL not
be stronger and better than the residuum of each
of the other parties, which keep their bummers,
saloOnists, ct hoe genus omne2
the Journal is too lavish in good words respect
ms lis political foes. Not every third or fourth
Democrat is independent of the party lash; nor
are all Republicans free either. But there are
many in both parties opposed to the traffic in
strong drink and want it forbidden by law, Sup
pose this unorganized anti-whisky traffic
element becomes a political organization,
with its journals-dailies and weeklies-
and stump speakers. Is this any moro tmpos-
sibie than was the death of the Wing party and
the birth of the Republican party. Remember,
the Old Wing party got on the fence to the
slavery question, and on the tenceis the Repub-
lican party of to-day as to the whisky traffic.
Fifth--What, twenty five years and more ago,
drew into the Republican party the best and most
intelligent men of the nationl The fact that II
espoused the right, dared to condemn slavery
and to defend the union. What question OF right
does 1t champion tOday2 The antl-liQuor men
are sneerngly called 1.-THE God and morality
party" Well, was it not the ''God and morality
party" OF l8602 And does not the God and NOR
ality party al ways win in the long run?
SiXth-Scarcely a religious organization of any
size has had session within two or more years
but it has been Outspoken in favor of prohibit
ton. But does the Republican party ask the
continuance of the vote of these Christian men2
IL has had them, because in the right when anti
slavery, and in the right in making the cOlored
man "A voter. But ought it not to respect the
convictions and powers OF these bodies! Is 1t
not more tender toward it's hummer element
crying TO its drunken Ephralms, Chow can let
thee go?" All, but it must, unless Ephrain re-
forms
1 have voted the Republican ticket for more
than twenty years. and hope to vote it as many
more but If so it must be the party Of reform.
as 1t has been. 1t must have a conscience and
intelligence, and not be steeple-cock blown
about by public breath. 1t must take one side
the other in all questions of reform.
The greed for public office and plumber must
not be so strong as the purpose to do right. We
can lose President or two raJhr than sacrifice
principle. The party must be power for good
and not nolicy party for national position and
purse, it viii be abandoned by men who care
more for the right than for their leaders,
MUNCIE, Ind, Nov. 3. G. A. LITTLE.