Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-08-07
1NO THE PEOPLE OF AUGUSTA COUNTY
4 AND THE CITY OF STAUNTON.

Bolh the Democratic and Republican parties
having promised much and done little in past
and prosperity, we deem it time to organize a
county Prohibition Party for the purpose of
and placing in nom ination two candidates for
the Legislature and one for the State Senate
from this county for the November election.
Prohibition proposes to introduce no new
principle into the science of government but
only to apply to the use and sale of intoxcants
the principles that are in constant application
In every municipal and State government in
the Union. We invoke the same principle in
government that would lay its hand, without
raising the question of the personal rights of
the vendor or taste of the consumer, upon a
butcher in Staunton who should offer in mar
ket meat that would convey the germs of chol-
era; that would prevent a property holder
limits: that would suppress a Chinese nnin 1re
den: that would stop at quarantine q vessel
with yellow fever on board. In word we in
woke in behalf of the body polite the right of
self-protection from a curse in comparison
with which cholera, and yellow fever, and ire.
plead in behalf of the direful outrage of the
liquor traffic that is Staying our strong men
noble women, beggaring childhood, staining
the land in blood, and taxing every citizen ia
support system :, Of criminal administration
influence as to offer little protection in return
to person or property; to plead in behalf of this
liquor seller to invest his money as he pIeasps
and of the consumer to drink what he pleases.
regardless of the consequences to their fellow
citizens, is to strike at the foundation of all
government. 1t involves the death OF the BODY
poli1ic-the extinction OF civilization What is
government for if not TO protect the weak
against the strong; the virtuous against the
viscious? 1t is the custom in some circles to
sheer at Prohibition as the output of few re-
ligious franks. Nay. In it's true aspect 1t is
only Incidentally q religious question. AS
question Of STATE policy. it stands side by side
With all measures to SUPPRESS murder and
theft. The welI-being Of the body polite de-
hands it. 1t is a tidal wave of public opinion. |
lifted up by the force of that deeply implanted |
Instinct ofself- preservation in the body polite
that has given impulse 10 every great revolu- |
ton that has marked the progress of mankind |
If it Is defeated. by being preciptated prema- |
turey as question of state policy, let not its |
enemies take comfort 1t will only gather |
strength from defeat, as have all real reforma- |
tons In the light Of all history, the question |
IS here to stay, and finally, to triumph.
AS the best means of accomplishing this end |
and furthering the cause, we hereby request |
ali good citizens of Augusta county and the |
city of Staunton to send their names or write |
their views to R. H. Bell, Secretary "Prohibi-
lion Club of stanton" or call on either men,
her of this Committee, when plan of organiza-
zion will be fully exposed.
49, w. w. GIBBS,
ALEX. II. FULTZ
3, A. BLAKEMORE,
CHAS. a. GLADKE,
CHAS. E. HAINES,
Committee OFF hibition Club OF staunton Va.