The Wilmingtonian., 1884-09-20

asked, "How is this to be done?"
Joseph Cook in his lecture on Ultimate
America has taken the position that public
opinion in this as in other countries is the
creature Of the pulpit, the press and the
parlor.
We do not propose to take politi cal ques-
tions as generally understood into the pull
pit nor do we expect to do so. But with
the question Of local option as we understand
it there is moral significance which
seems to be a subject proper for theologians
to handle, whether in or out of the pulpit.
Ministers have as much right to discuss polit-
ical and moral question as other citizens,
and when a political question is surrounded
by strong moral sentiment, especially when
that sentiment has become crystallized and
a reality, why should it not be subject for
pulpit disscusson?-The influence of the
pulpit cannot forone moment be questioned,
indeed it is power. 1t has been the great
brought about in great measure the Amer
can Revolution. 1t was the medium through
which the lottery system in nearly all our
States has been abolished. 1t made war upon
slavery and crushed it. These were political
issues and were discussed at all times and
under all circumstances by ministers of
every creed. II it was proper to discuss
political questions in the pulpit years ago
why not now?
As to the press, its power is realized
every where. Its influence is felt in all parts
of the world, whether civilized or uncivilized
on sea or land. We greet it with pleasure
in the morning and await its coming at
eventide with anxiety. 1t is in the coach,
| rail-r road car and floating palace. 1t is
dreaded more by Kings, Queens and Poten-
tates than the sword, sabre or bullet. 1t is
in almost every dwelling from the castle to
hovel, and is this day forming public opn-
ion the world over. Napolean |. remarked
on one occasion that he feared four news
papers more than Thousand bayonets, and
upon another that he could find hundred
men to act when he could find but one to
think. What is there which engendsrs
thought more thoroughly, and through
what medium can the mind, conscience and
instinct of men be reached with more
certainty than through the press?
Combine these forces ard the outgrowth
will funish abundant food for the parlor.
Conc, nitrate this trio # c,rces and ION
have potent factor in the spread pf cur
principles and an Influence which NO power
on earth can successfully resist.
Let us then utilize as far as possible u c
potency Of the pupit the press and The par
lor in advancing the cltims OF the "local
option" party.
The demand of the local option party
upon its candidates, as named for the Legis-
lature, (without solicitation on their part, J
seems to be quite limited. 1t is only requir-
ed that they, thu candidates, shall pledge
themselves to sustain what is known as the
''local option law and secure ifpossible the
enactment of such a law by the Legislature
Beyond this it makes no claim whatever
This certainly is conclusive evidence Of tn
fact that the local option party has no di
+, position to interfere in any wise with tn
= political prerogative of any man.
Personally am republican, and hav
been from the formation of that party.
am favorable to universal education. If
q were in my power would erect school hous
:, upon every hilltop and in every valley
sufficient in number to accommodate all til
children in the country, and would by lay
compel them to come in, and would impair
to each a fair education. In M opinion tn
future of our repub lie depends upon the in
telligence of the people, morally, mental
and physcally.-As the people so the Gov
ernment. If the people are illiterate, tn
:. Government will be wanting in intelligence
and impotent. Educate all the people an
our Government will continue the stronge'
:, on earth.
/. am also in favor of our National Banl
II ing system. believe it to be the best tn
a has ever been organized, and better adaptt
ye to the wants of the people than any that h
nr had an existence in our own or any 9th
country
am also favorable to an uniform currenc
nd Truth and justice demand that, doll
We whether intrinsic or exchangeable of gol
les silver or paper, should be Of equal value, a
he that gold should be the standard.
is, and water will not blend, neither "
ler currency Of unequal value. am alsr Il
Or urable to Il protective tariff Believing as
do do that the best interests Of our count
OF aud people, in almost every departme
nd require that capitol and labor, which
lo hand in hand with each other, should
old protected by the Government, in order u
to the one may be made profitable aud
Use other secure from depreciati on, cannot, !
will abandon this cherished principle.
to all these principles have been and are n
nan fostered and protected by the republic
7 =, F,+,, f,, hn