The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1885-05-23
REAS0NLESS REF0RMERS.
THE uNwlsDoM OF PROHIBITION
How the outlawed beverages Make Clan
desuine Invasions Of High Moral
Latitudes - Moderation and
Self-CUntrOl Patteras.

DALLAS, May 2l,- Editor HERALD. r.
There seems to be strong desire upon
the part ofmany "citizens," not only
here, but elsewhere in the state, to work
reform in morals Of the people, and
so earnest are they in their desire that
they overlook the principles upon
which this government is founded, and
try to hamper the liberties and freedom
guaranteed under the constitution by
enacting laws regulating mans drink
and diet. The prsctibility of such laws
have always been doubtful to the wise
Legislators and aw.makers OF our coun-
| try. The many experiments made in
this direction prove the course OF pro.
hibitionisJ to be ono wholly void of wis
| dom and discretion. Kansas is the BAN
ner prohibition state, and yet very near
| as much liquor Is sold there to-day as in
! former times, and certainly with as
| much damaging results. In former
| days 1t was confined TO the saloons and
sold by the drink. Now il comes
| by the gallon, shipped in the
| various merchandise OF the country
boxes Of dry goods contain It,
| bundles OF aacks secrete it, and barrels
OF vinegar "turn TO the best 10.year-old
burbon within its borders" and instead
OF tho occasional drink, men take IL
home by the gallon and half barrel and
! laugh 70 scorn the foolish law made to
restrict them in what they believe to be
their liberties and rights. To say that q
man shall not drink is to make an ut
| terance OF defiance, ropulsive to
the average born Americans; and
Immediately he contrives TO buy
that in larger quantities which before
was purchased and used with modera-
! ton aud temperance, and thus the large
| revenue TO the state from the sale oil
! liquor is taken away and the burden oil
! increased taxes fall alike upon prOhibi.
! ZIONIST, mechanic and farmer and la
| bOrer, instead of letting tho taxes re At
! upon him who handles and consumes.
The jews are a people worthy Of imita-
! ton. They all, as rule, use liquors,
| yet never become in6briates; USED to it
from childhood, yet they meyer
lose that spirit of self con-
troll aud respect that makes one
! this day of progress and advancement
that the American is losing all control,
and that whatever he INDUCES in she
! becomes excessive and slave" and
throws away ali honor, "every principle
OF manhood" and says / cant, and in
despair tlings himself in the filth ut his
| teet, ana asks that the people maRe laws
70 protect him in his weakness, and mas
ter and control his rule Of action.
are we, who who have always MAIN
tanned our independence and dignity,
"aJd have become prominent and a
leader among the nations OF tho earth, +"
/ Tor the same "noW to take the place OF
apostates" and Consult a law before eat
ing and drinking2 IL 10 be q fact that
ID cur position. "Would IL not DO better
TO punish drunkenness with that same
severity that you do tho man who
steals'-mako 10 disgraCe,a shame and
stain upon ones character Then our
weaker brothers would stop
and mediate before taking
the extra drink that would
subject him to a trial and a penalty of
the Law. The issue, when II comes,
VIII 20 whether or not the liberties
which we now enjoy and under which
the people have prUspered as no other
nation ever did, shall remain intact, or
whether We will relinquish our hold
upon this freedom ana make, ratify
and enact laws TO stop the progress of
enterprises now in course OF
erection and contemplation, aud
cut short the revenue TO the
county, and while we would be on a
standstill, our sister cities and counties
would advance With that degree OF pros
perity (which no future movement we
could make would check or impede
So when the issue comes before the PEG.
pie lot thom give 10 that calm considera-
ton which the occasion demands, "and
not iush madiy upon the ramparts of
tho enemy" Tor 1t may be self destruc.
ton. GALE.