Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-02-04
TEMPERANCE CRUSADE FAILURES.

TEMFEk AHtE ChDSADE EAILD6ES'
Among the subjects regularly discussed BY
the press and in society, that Of intemper-
ance maintains forward position. Well it
may, for intemperance is not only an evil in
itself, but it is cause of numerous other
evils. The devil once managed to get a
temporary grip on usually well conducted
youth, but proposed to let him go on the
commission OF any one OF three wicked acts
he proposed to him, one OF which was 10
get drunk. The two others were crimes so
heinous and revolving that the youth was
glad to be allowed TO get free by getting
drunk. He took the liquor, became drunk
and then committed the other two crimes. II
is because it is the gateway 10 30 much that
is worse than itself that makes
intemperance 90 much an object
of attention in an age where the idea
OF moral conduct stands on a higher
pedestal than in ages less re6aed, and less
permeated by the sublime principles Of that
kind Of Christianity that comes from Him
who "went about doing good" The fruits
of "mOral suasion" upon the subject are ad-
mirable, as is shown by the greater horror
in which intemperance is held than former
ly, and by the decrease in the habit of intro
ducing liquor on public social occasions.
The attempts 10 enforce temperance BY legal
authority have been less successful. They
have been mainly directed to the securing Of
prohibitive laws, and lin carrying out the
object of obtaining laws for the suppression
of intemperance, as far as getting the de-
sired laws- on statute books, there has been a
wonderful degree of success, considering the
formidable difficulties that had 10 be over
come. In the application of these laws TO
practice, in making them working means
OF assuring sobriety, there has not been cor
responding success. The movement that was
80 spirited toward legislative authority has
been futile as regards executive administra-
ton. The temperance people have never
exhibited the successful effort 10 discover and
suppress illegal drinking saloons, that drink
ers have 10 find where they were and 10 sup
port them. This ieebleness in sustaining 3
power it cost 20 much TO acquire, has led
many intelligent opponents of intemperance
10 ask whether, under these failures Of tenn
perance legislation to do more than 10 di-
minish intemperance, more present good
might not be done by making direct effort
toward diminishing intemperance 10 the
lowest feasible point That point being
gained, the prohibitiye principle would have
increased opportunity for obtaining legisla-
tive support, while practical enforcement
would be easier where, the amount of intern
persnce having been reduced, what remit aimed
would be more easily and certainly con-
trolled. AS 10 the comparative failure
of the prohibilionists, striking evidence has
recently been obtained by the New York
Christian Unions replies received 10 letters
written TO number oil eminent friends OF
temperance. Among them, John G. Whittier,
while expressing his convictions in favor of
legal enactment, says recent events have
convinced him that great work of moral
suasion has 10 be done before law can be
made available. Gov. Long, of Maesschu-
sets, writes that the cause OF temperance
has suffered from indifference and from over
ZEAL. Rev. w. Taylor, Of the Broadway
Tabernacle, writes: Il think those who are
working for immediate prohibition max.
ing a great mistake; there is a great deal to
be secured before that" DR.. II. c. Potter
recommends can earnest effort for the better
enforcement of the laws as they now stand"
as it is grotesqus TO ask for more law while
what there is remains dead letter; flaws
against Sunday selling, selling 10 minors and
habitual drnnkards, and without license,
demand earnest snd instant attention"
Here sre two subjects well worth the atten-
ton of all who desire 10 improve the public
morals-frst, the execution of existing laws
against intemperance; second, 10 secure
legislation in favor of restricting the sale of
drink by raising the price of licenses and
increasing the responsibilities of saloon
keepers.