The Indianapolis journal., 1884-07-07
A Plea for the Cause.

To the Editor Of the Indianapolis Journal:
As far back as can remember, have been
deeply interested in the cause of temperance
reform--so much so that L have never allowed
anything to deter me from doing what duty de-
manded in the best interest of the question.
Where the flag of prohibition has waved, there
have followed Three wears ago I selemnly
vowed would never support a party that antag-
onized the cause which was so near to me. That
resolve is as fixed in my heart II ever was;
and, with the utmost consistency to it, propose
supporting the Republican party this fall In
fact am convinced that prohibition ticket
placed in the field at this time will
prove to be an unwise step The object of the
prohibition party was not to establish perma-
nent organization but to secure means Of rid
ding ourselves of the liquor traffic The Repub
hcan party of this State. IN the interest of vari
ous questions, has proposed reconstruction of
our Constitution, which will afford the temper
ance people the long sought opportunity of max
ing any change they desire in the organic law
Now ask, in the face of this. what more can
any man ask, what more could be possibly done
for the cause of prohibition. After years of
struggling and hard labor the temperance
people have gained ground which, if
immediately acted upon, win result in complete
victory. feel sure that the large proportion of
the prohi in Indiana see this and will at
once prepare for a grand campaign on the ground
| they have now. instead of inaugurating a war on
the party tha thas opened for them the avenues of
success. In view of this, / protest against the
nomination of prohibition ticket Such a
movement will prove disastrous to the cause
we love we'll, because 1t would defeat the Re-
publican party and place in power sworn
enemy to every principle of prohibition Then
the road to victory would be cut off and the
bright prospects we now have be dimmed for
years. Let US put the question clearly. On one
side we have the party that has always been
found In the vanguard of moral reform, the
| 4l.skw Ii.
servltor of liberty, and the party that has never.
| IN all her history, refused to take advanced
ground on any question calculated for our gem
eral welfare. On the other side we have party
that openly declares warsen every issne which
embraces question of reform: temperance is
ignored and hooted at, while its advocates are
branded as eranks and fanatics. This party
makes no attempt to deceive the people
in regard to its attitude. 1t proclaims
its intention to sustain the saloon interest
Wherever the Democratic party is in power
whisky and Sunday Dissertation prevail. Now,
then, the question is this: Which one of these
two parties do the temperance people want in
powerq Remember, vote for the prohibition
party is q vote for the Democracy; because the
very men who vote the temperance ticket are
| children of the Republican party. Why is It
that the Sentinel and Democratic papers all over
the State are clanoring for third party move
ment9 Why is it that these papers throw open
their columns to the advocates Of this move
mentY Are they interested in temper
snce reform2 Are they longing to
see the hydra-headed monster of
rum driven from our land2 Temperance men.
be not deceived These friendly attitudes, these
hypocritical SMILES are as but the song of the
syreu; thBy are rs snares set to entrap the un-
suspecting and encompass the downfall of that
party whose career is replete with reforms
Which are rs mile-stDnes that mark our national
progress. Perhaps in the history Of Indiana
politics there has never been campaign of such
vital importance. Issues are at stake which in
yolye the future prosperity Of our people. We
are NOT engaged in sham battle; the war
is upon us. the enemy are already
on the field, with death to reform
inscribed on their banner their battaaions are
marching forward The time for united action
is at hand. If there ever was time when men
should stand firmly together that time is now
Let us lay aside all diversity of opinion and push
on to the one great and common object If we
value the cause we are advocating, and expect
victory to perch ON cur banners, we must
not foEsake the Republican party in this ordeal.
If we keep from the field temperance ticket,
and help elect the party that has given us our.
greatest opportunities, it will not be long until
the shout of triumph win ascend from our own
midst. j. w. HILL, JR
Ind