The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-10-09
GOVERNOR ST, JOHN.
The Prohibition Nominee for President
issues His Formal Letter of Accept
ancA-

The Prohibition Nominee for President
Issues Ills Formal Letter of Accent
anc-.
CHICAGO, October 1.-The following is
Mr.. St Johns letter of acceptance:
OLATHE, KAN, September 26, 1884.
Hon. Samuel Dickie, Chairman of the Com
mittee. etc:
Ny DEAR SIR:-In formally accepting
the nomination for President, rendered 10
me by the National Prohibition Convention
at Pittsburgh, Pa, judy 23, 1854, l take the
opportunity to state that while the honor
was neither sought nor desired by me, yet
it Is greatly appreciated bestowed
rs it was, by cOnvendsn COM
posed Of delegates who in point of moral
worth and mental ability were fully equal
if not superior, to any political convention
that ever assembled in this country. The
war for the Union is over; the rebellion has
been crushed; African slavery abolished;
old issues have passed away, and with them
should go old prejudiceS and sectional strife.
1 O-day the products of the North and South
float in friendly relations in the same chan
nelS, under the same flag, every section of
the country acknowledging 'legiance to the
same Government There never was time
when onr people could better afford to, and
when it was more important that
they should stop and think than now.
With manufactures shutting down,
banks breaking, merchants fail
ing in business, securities unsettled,
Western wheat selling at the home market
for forty cent. per bushei, and hundreds of
thousands of industrious mechanics and
labOring men who are willing TO work, but
can get nothing to do. it seems to me that
the time has come for the people, who are
the source of all political power, TO call a
halt, and stop and think, for there must be
a reason for this condition OF things. The
little time and space the Old parties can
5pare after dealing ont the full measure of
personal abuse and vilIficatioH that each
seems to think the other merits. is mainly
devoted to discussion of the tariff question.
ignoring all matters that relate to the
moral elevation of the people. l am of
the opinion that the manufacturer who. by
reason Of the depressed condition of buSi-
ness, has been compelled to make an as
signment for the benefit of his creditors,
will not find relief in the agitation of that
question, nor will the average faImcr be-
come very enthusiastic over its discussion,
with Ills wheat not worth as much i'll the
bin as it cost him to produce il. The
amount received by the Government for
duties on imports is less than $500, ,0OO, 600
annually. There are about 115, ,0C0 retail
dealers Of Intoxicating liquors in the United
States, each Of whom pays TO our Govern
ment SO, in consideration of which sum
they are permitted to carry on their business
for term of twelve months. When we
add to this the amount paid by distilerS,
brewers and wholesale dealers, we find that
the interest of the Government in the man
ufacture and sale of Intoxicating liquors is
about SS0.000,000 annually. This traffic,
sanctioned as it is by the laws of our coun-
fry, costs the people at the lowest estimate
$1,000, 900 4 year, not TO speak of the de-
stroyed homes, Gebauched manhood. heart
ache, crime and corruption it produces.
This Gisgraceful business should be sup
pressed and the enormous sum of
money that under the present system
is worse than thrown away, saved
to the people, and thus protection
would be given to the industries of this
country that would enable us successfully 20
throw our doors open wide TO the cOmpeti-
tiCn OF the world. The Republican and
Democratic parties favor a continuance Of
the manufacture and sale of Intoxicating
liquors as beverage, while the Prohibition
party demands that the same shall be for
ever suppressed. Thus an issue is presented
To the people in which is involved the pro-
lection of every house in the land. 1t is
not d mere local issue, either, but it is ma
tiOnal as we'll as Il practical question, upon
which az large body OF citizens. against
whose convictions party discipline is
powerleSs, have decided to vote, and they
will not be found haltinS between two
opinions touching this matter. but will work
an nr0
until it is driven from our land never TO re-
turn. \ Government is simply reflex Of
the individuals composing il. II we want
an honest, sober, Government we must have
An honest, sober people. but we can never
have an honest sober people as long as the
Government sanctions thai which makes its
citizens dishonest, drunken and corrupt
The declaration of principles which
L heartily endorse, as set forth
in the platform of the PrOhi-
h:tiOn party is entitled to the thOughtfui
consideration and earnest support OF all
good citizens. without regard 10 locality or
former political affiliations Our country
needs an administration that will rise above
mere partiZau considerations and in the
selection OF public officials, make
honesty, sobriety and efficiency ami
not service to party, Il test. 1t
should be conducted not iii the interests OF
any particular section, party, race, or
color bur in the interest OF the whole peO-
pie. To accomplish this all good citizens
should promptly step to the front and be
counted for the right. This is 10 time for
dodging. Moral cowardice will never win
and surely never deserves a victory. Then
let us look to God for his guidance. and
fearleSsIy and faithfully do our whole duty,
never dOuhting that He will take care OF
the results Very truly, yOur friend,
JOHN u. ST. JOIN.