The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1883-06-20
A Hindrance to a Great Cause.

A Hindrance to Great Cause.
The debate on temperance methods in
the Presbyterian Assembly at Saratoga,
last week, adds another to the numerous
of a great weakness in the
movement. There is no
question at all as tothe evils of intemper-
ance. Everybody, at least, in this coun-
try, admits them. And it is automatic to
say that they exist. The question which
divides those who desire to labor for their
removal, is chiefly question of method.
1t is not strange, nor is it unfortunate,
that such differences should exist. While
they are of various degrees of Importance,
they are not fundamental, but are alto
gether consistent with the general end
all parties have in view. 1t is, however,
of the greatest concern that these parties,
each working in its own way, should not
fall out with one another, should not
waste their strength in an internecine
warfare. There is as great need for toler-
alton among temperance workers as there
is among Christians. There are differ
ences between Baptists and Presbyterians,
between Methodists and Congregational
lists but they do not spend their time in
accusing each other, because of such diff
ferences, of being poor Christians, much
less of being Christians. They have
been, however, a long time learning this
lesson and we suppose the same expert
ence most come to temperance workers
again and again before they will learn it.
1t is not our purpose to follow the
course of debate in the Presbyterian
Assembly. We only refer to it as afford
ing an example of the spirit of intolerance
in body where anything like mutual
suspicion of unsoundness on the great
question ought not to be looked for. 1t
cropped out more than once, but at no
time more Extensively than when minis
ter spoke of "the learned doctors of di-
vinity who come here to discuss Higher
Criticism and are not willing to lift men
from the gutter This was equivalent to
charging that these learned doctors of
divinity" are not willing to help the
cause. Such charges are being constantly
made, and with insufficient reason. Why
was this made ? Simply because there
were differences as to the expediency OF a
declaration concerning prohibition. One
of the commissioners said that unless the
movement is based on prohibition by the
state and total abstinence by the individ-
that those who did not occupy this plat
form were enemies of the cause. This is
unwise and unjust and harmful but not
because prohibition and total abstinence
are not right. We believe in them most
thoroughly. We would that every man
were total abstainer and that prohibi
ton were enforced in every state and ter
ritory in the country; but before this
great revolution is accomplished, several
successive stages must be passed. There
is a vast amount of work to be done II
communities, counties, cities, states, be
fore the preparation for prohibition II
complete. Every man whose influence
simply lessons the number of drinks al
individual or community of Individual
consumes, is helping the temperance move
ment. Those who favor high license, thu
enforcement of Sunday closing, the reduc
ton of the number of saloons, are like
wise helpers. The Business Mems Mod
Grafton Society, of this city, which was 81
plentifully abused by temperance people
ought to have been commended and sup
ported. because it aimed to prevent drink
ing in business hours, it aimed to proven
treating" and, in so far, it was cooper
ating with those who condemned II
Temperance leaders must learn not to de
spise such work for it must be done il
all great cities like New York and Chi
cago and Philadelphia before prohibition
is thought Of Judge Hubbard, con
missioner to the Assembly from Chicago
simply stated plain truth when he sal
that, though he was a prohibitionist, h
did not urge it in Chicago, because Oh
cago was not ready for it. High licens
was the first step, and then other step
could be taken. The true way was
lessen the traffic, lessen the drinking, an
finally do away with it altogether
Prohibition has been fought as poli'
ical question in New York state for ger
Grafton or more, and it does not seem an
nearer success than it did twenty nv
years ago. Still, we do not at all oppos
it, though we do not believe the stat
will be ready for it in fifty years. Locs
option must first do its work in the man
villages and towns which can be mad
ready for it; and while in this state an
other states, these processes OF educatin
public opinion must 60 on, it is folly, it
treason, to subject any man, who is ca
nestly and conscientiously working in h
: own way, to fire of abuse from his ow
{ ranks. John Wesley once said: A" d
!. sire league offensive and defensive wit
!. every soldier of Christ" This is tn
: spirit that is needed in the temperate
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS