The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-04-29

course it would draw unto itself moral force
and acquire cohesive political power that would
surely carry it on to victory, because it would be
espousing the cause of civilization and progress
as against the great sources of pauperism, crime
and national disintegration
If the Republican party should fail to accept
this important issue at its coming State conven-
ton, that failure at this crisis
from those many earnest workers all over the
State who are steadily and persistently battling
against the great enemy of our State and nation
so far as the Republican party is concerned.
Nay more, it will also deprive the Republican
party of moral force and power which are
necessary to the ultimate success of any party.
But in this cutting off the hopes of those num-
erous adherents of the Republican party who
are earnestly laboring against the insidious en-
crOachments of the liquor traffic, their voices
Will not be stifed, their purposes will not be
suppressed. They will seek another political
channel, as the earnest anti-slavery workers did
years ago, that will become the exponent and
the guardian of their principles, and thus will
be evolved new political party 1.-The anti
dram-shop party" as against Democracy and
the liquor oigarchy
There is no alternative. Let us not be de-
celyed. No temporizing policy will succeed in
the coming campaign There is a moral force
and significance in this anti-dram shop move
ment that cannot will not be stifed. 1t will
seek and obtain political expression and expo
nent. If it fails to get that expression and sup
port INSIDE present polltcal organizations. II
will assuredly originate separate political &C
ton.
To my mind the suggestions made by your
correspondent, John B. Conner, at the close of
his article in your issue of the 25th, appear to be
emlnently reasonable, and should claim the
earnest consideration of every true Republican
who attends the approaching State convention.
In order that your readers may have an oppor-
tunity to again read and consider these suggest
IONS will here quote them, viz:
D.
burdens flowing from the liquor traffic.
-. Avow the fact that there honest differences
OF opinion among Republicans to the best methods
of reaching the evils.
-. Re-atirm the action of the Republican State
convention of $50 to the right of the people to
vote on the amendments then pending
a. Condemn the action of the last Democratic
Legislature which nterfered TO deny the right of pop
ular vote thereon.
IS. Maintain that it is the duty of the General As
semby when large number voters petition therefor
In the future in the past to either pass act pro-
vldng for constitutional convention, amend
ment to be submitted to the popular vote looking to
the total eradication of the liquor traffic for beverage
purposes
If the coming Republican State convention
will adopt some such policy as above indicated,
frankly and in good faith, and vigorously advo
cate it through the coming campaign, it will
strengthen and consolidate the party-draw unto
it all the leading elements of reform. and give it
a moral as well as a political status that will
lead it to victory But if it resorts to a less def
mite, or mere tempCrizing policy, in regard to
this burning question, the result will be alike
disastrous to the party and the grea. cause of
reform WILLIAM BAXTER,
RICHMOND, April %.