The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-10-01
THE PRoHIBITIoNIsTs.
Governor 81. Johns Letter Accepting Ih,
Nomination for Presfdent.

CHICAGO, Sept. 30.-The secretary of the Nation
al Prohibition party furnishes the following letter
Of acceptance from Gov. St. John, candidate for
President of the United States:
OLATHE, Kan, Sept. &c.
Hon. Samuel Diekie, Chain man etc.:
My Dear Sir-In formally accept the nomination
for President rendered me by the National Prohibit
ton convention at Pittsburg, Pa July %, take
this opportunity to state that while the honor
neither sought nor desired by me- yet it is greatly
appreciated, bestowed as it was by a convention
composed of delegates who in point of real worth
and mental ability were fully equal if not superior,
70 those OF any political convention that ever
sembled in this country. The war for the Union is
over; the rebellion has been crushed African slav-
has been abolshed old issues have passed away and
VIII them should go old prejudices and sectional
striie; Today the products Of the North and South
noa IN friendly relations in the same channels and
under the same flag, every section of our country
acknowledging allegiance to the same government.
There was time when people could better af-
ford to and when it was more important that thew
shonld stop and think than now with manufactures
shutting down, banks breaking merchants failing
in business, securities unsettled Western wheat
selling at the home market for 40 cents per bushel
and hundreds of thousands of industrious me-
chanies and laboring men who are willing to work
but can get nothing to do. 1t to me that the
time has come for the people, who are the source Of
all political power to call halt and stop and think
Tor there must be reason for this condition of
things The little time and space the old parties
can spare after dealing out the full measure of
personal abuse and vilifcation that each gives to
the others merits, is mainly devoted to discuss on
OF the tariff question ignoring all matters that
late to the moral elevation of the people. am of
the opinion that the manufacturer who by reason
of the depressed condition of business. has been
compelled to make an assignment for the benefit of
his creditors, will not find relief in the agitation of
that question, nor viii the average farmer become
enthusiastic over its discussion with his wheat not
worth so much in the bin as it cost him to produce
1t.
The amount received by the Government for du-
ties on imports is less than 5000 600 900 annually
Ioere are about 20 600 retail dealers in intoxicat
ing liquors in the United States, each of whom
pays our government $25, in consideration of
which he is permitted to carry on business for a
term OF twelve mouths. When we add to this the
amount paid by distillers brewers and wholesale
dealers we find that the interest of the government
IN the man1facture and sale of Intoxicating liquors
10 about $50 900 600 annually. This traffic, sane
TONED as it is by the laws of our country costs the
people at low estimate 81 900 DOC, 900 year.
not TO speak OF the destroyed homes, debauched
manhood, poverty, heartache, crime and corrup-
ZION 1t produces. This disgraceful business should
be suppressed and the enormous sum Of money that
under the present system is worse than thrown
away, saved to the people and thus projection
would be given to the industries of the country that
would enable US successfully 70 throw our doors
open Wlae TO the competition Of the world. The Re
publican and Democratic parties favor the contin-
nance OF the manufacture and sale of intoxicating
liquors as beverage, while the prohibition party
demands that the same shall be forever suppressed
Ihus an issue is presented to the people in which
Is involved the protection ofevery home in the land
1t ID not mere local issue either but it is a ma
tie nal as well as practical question upon which
a large and respectable body of citizens, against
whose convictions party discipline is powerless
nave decided TO vote, and they will not be found
mating between two opinions touching this matter
but Will work and pray and vote against this great
evil until 1t is driven from land never 10 return
The government is simply reflex of the individuals
composing it. We want honest, sober people, but
We can never have honest, sober people 80 long as
the government sanctions that which makes its citi-
zens dishonest, drunken and corrupt. The declara-
ton OF principles, which heartily endorse as set
iortn IN the platform of the Prohibition party is
entitled to thoughtful consideration and the earnest
support OF all good citizens without regard to To-
CAVITY or former political utilization. Our country
needs an administration that will rise above mere
partisan considerations and in the selection of pub
lie officials make honesty, sobriety and efficiency
and not service to party-the test
The letter touches other matters of interest and
is signed by John P. st. John.