The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-03-13
A Painful Duty.

1t Is perhaps al ultHdlIhIul IL HUI lul-
generous act in the heather to remind
the faithful of their duty. Followers of
a faith should not be so lax and tepid
in their devotion as to attract contemp-
tuous notice from the infidels, who are
everready with their sneers and reviling
words. But infinitely worse than the
SCOTS of the infidel, is the singing con-
tempt and noble scorn of those who
press forward in the path of duty fear
lessly and unfalteringly.
Already the states of Ohio and Con-
necticut have elected delegates to at
tend the National Prohibition Conven-
ton which is to meet at Pittsburg on
the DIST of May. Other states are pre-
pairing to follow this lead, and the Pro-
hibition Convention promises to be a
dignified, enthusiastic gathering.
1t is right here that the REFLECTOR
sheds the tear of regret and shame.
Yea, the lachrymal flow is unceasing
and bitter as the cowardly relation Kan
sas bears to this movement is noted.
The observer of passing events will
remember what high blush of princl-
pie has mantled and beautified the face
of prohibition during the past two years;
he will remember the activity of the
State Union during the past six months,
and he will not forget the grand rush
which was lately made in this neigh
bOrhood. The REFLECTOR was just
about to honor prohibition by giving its
obeisance and allegiance to the princl-
pie, but at the critical moment the no
BILE work of the past is seemingly repu-
dated, and a disgraceful halt is called.
Kansas. the State which fought for
and gained her own freedom, and which
is honOred above other states of the
Union, is about to be disgraced by the
prohibition leaders. Far be it from the
REFLECTOR to doubt the loyalty and
honesty of the rank and file prohibition
lists, or to believe that they will cOun-
tenance or endure such a complete sur
render of principle, but it is a fact that
heretofore hOnored leaders are proving
recalcitrant and dislOyal.
Kansas is the most conspicuous pro-
hibition state in the Union. Her law
has been copied and the eyes Of the civ
ilized world have been centered on her
because of the great moral reform move
ment she cryStallized into her cOnstrtu-
ton. But when a National Prohibition
Convention is called, the prOhibitiOnists
Of Kansas falter, WAIVER and are lost and
diSgraced.
That great apostle, JOHN PETER ST.
JOHN, says that he opposes the cOnven-
ton on the ground that it will be dis
astrouS to the republican party. He
says that he is first a republican and
then a prohibitiOnist." 1t is an open
fact that he has been promised INGALLS,
seat in the Senate if he will help sup
press an independent prohibition move
ment.
So it is with the prohibition leaders
the State over. The approaching CAM
paign is bringing out the fact that the
prohibition leaders are republicans, and
when the supreme moment comes for
them to decide which mistress they will
serve they cling to Metropolitan party.
And if the mass Of prOhibitiOnists.
who are prohibitionists first, last and all
the time, are not careful they will allow
these political prOhibitiOnists to deny
Kansas representation at the Nation
al Convention.
The honest prOhibitiOnistS are also
warned of the fact that these political
prOhibitioniSts are more anxious for per-
SOnal advancement than for the advance
ment of the principle they use to secure
their own selfish ends.
This is peculiar world, and politics
are like the ChameleCn-yery change
able. But will the prOhibitionists a.
low themselves to be dragged at the
chariot wheels of the republican party,
and will they feed upon the husks which
are the lot Of subservient menials? Will
the Union which was so lately formed
in this county be willing to let Kansas
remain away from the Pittsburg conven-
ton? Are the prohibitionists of this
State more strongly welded to the re-
publican party than to prohibition ?
And if they are thus false to the prin-
ciple they have advocated, how can
they expect others to do the work which
belongs to them and which, at the try
ing moment, they shirk and repudiate.