Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-09-29
APPROACHING THE ISSUE.
THE IMPENDING PROHIBITION
FIGHT IN CHATHAM.


s'The prohibltionists of savannah are
lying on their oars" said one Of the lead
ers Yesterday.
The remark was applied TO the prospect
ofan election to be heldun9er the new local
option law. The bill which was recently
passed by the Legislature gives general
satisfaction 70 the prohbiti0nists, but no
definite plan has been arranged for hold
ing an election. The leaders recognize the
fact that the liquor interest is very strong
bere-stronger. perhaps, than anywhere
else in the State except Columbus. The
temperance people say that there is
a good, strong prohibition sentiment
growing IN savannah and Chatham coun-
". and it is better TO wait and let the sem
timent spread and crystalline.
An effort Will be made during the
next few months TO arouse enthusiasm
among the friends OF temperance and the
conservatives. 1t is expected that Dr.
Munball VIII help the cause when he be-
gins his services ut the Independent
PRESBYTERIAN church next month. He Is
said 10 be quite a Jealous worker for
temperance, and with the large audiences
which he is expected " attract, he Will, 1t
is hoped, exercise great influence.
Later in the year, but before the holt
DAYS, Rev. j. =. COtter, lecturer OF the
Catholic Total Abstinence Union of Amer
lea, viii visit Savannah. Father Cotter
is one of the most earnest and successful
temperance workers on the platform. He
Is eloquent and yields a powerful inhu-
ence in his church. II is also expected
that the vacant Roman Catholic see Of
Savannah Will be filled by the appoint
ment Of "a Bishop within few months. The
temperance Catholics desires Bishop
Becker. Of Wilmington, Del, and 1t is
believed that he viii be appointed to this
see, and that Father Foley, of Baltimore,
will succeed Bishop Beckner at VIII
mington. Bishop Becker is deeply in
terested in the cause Of temperance and
it is said that he will help the move
ment immensely. The purpose is to
thoroughly
ACETATE THE QUESTION
Imong Catholics and Protestants. A lee
turer VIII also be sent here by one Of the
societies to work up feeling
among the cOlored people.
An election will surely be held during
the winter, the leaders say. At present
the eyes Of all the State are-upon Atlanta.
Probi bitionists and liquor men are all
watching the movement at the State
capital. Both sides are doubtful Of the
result, bus the temperance people are
said to be the most confident. One reason
may be that they have not their business
future at stake. Both sides are using
money. One leading prohibitionist has
subscribed 50, 600 and another $500. The
liquor dealers are raising q fund among
and from the trade outside OF
the state.
The petition presented TO the Ordinary
OF Fulton county for an election was
signed by two-hfths OF the voters OF the
county.
The resultin Atlanta. no matter which
party WINS, will undoubtedly affect the
in Savannah and the other
cities In the state.
In Savannah there are 26S saloons and
liquor dealers establishments. or about
one TO every 30 voters. The conservatives
regard it as questionable whether the pro-
bibitionists can control IL out of every
80 votes.
THE AUTHORIZATIONS
The Executive Committee Of the Anti
Prohibition Union OF Georgia recently is
sued the following circular
70 ths Brefeers DisHlters and Liquor Dealers
throughout ne Cnjted States:
GENTLEMEN: Prohibition. through the de
termiHed and powerful efforts OF its expo
nents. has reached the pinnacle OF political
measures that do not totally prohibit the sale
81 spirituous liquors; and failing to 3uact such
laws Sc accord with their extreme and ilhb-
eral views. propose to transfer the war from
the Assembly to the general election.
aud maxi the polls the great battle-ground.
The prahfhition bin now before our Legisla-
ture W D be acted on during the present ses-
sion. and it D. generally conceded that it viii
pass; Bat its terms are such as - require q
maj decision Of the question NJ the polls in
each county, and We are assured Of being able
70 defeat y in a well regulated campaign.
Ihere IS a strong conservative element In The
State winch we are satish q win be mar
Fhaicd agafust the unconventional. as violent
opponents charge, in the interest OF intern
peFance, but IN the interest OF the common
rights Of men. and especially OF these birth
rig1ts Of every American citiZen-the freedom
OF thought, speech and action.
The trade, with its great resources, must
ally Itself with this element In q spirit Of
moderation, but flrmness and hiGh- toned
principle. aad IN this manner control the next
general election in this State. and repeal the
btainte # passed, on the grounds OF ITS IN
eonstituaonalify. To success fully oppose It.
however. We must be able 70 meet our Oppo-
neRts on the rostrum and in the press, on
their own forms; and we need hardly assure
you thai money VIII De requisite and must be
llperally and Judiciously expended As In al
We are unable 20 thoroughly prepare for
hctiOn by our own resources alone, and we
appeal 70 our friends abroad 10 render us
the prohiSniOuists should prove successful
georgia VIII be stricken from the roll OF your
patrons.
Your interests being identical with ours, we
ask your assistance In the hope you viii re-
spend with liberality that VIII enable US to
oner successful resistance.
The circular directs TO whom contribu-
lions shall be made payable and is signed
BY the members OF the executive COM
mittee Of the union.
WHAT THE PROHIBITIoNIsTs SAY.
The Prohibitionists say that the liquOf
dealers Of savannah are badly frightened.
Two gentlemen who are prominently iden-
titled with and are prominent workers In
the temperance movements in this city,
were asked yesterday II they thought de-
feat In Chatham county would iniure the
cause. Each replied that In their opin-
ion Il would not. Neither was ut all con-
fdent Of victory a. the first contest, but
they think that such a large vote will be
poled In favor of prohibition that It's
friends will feel encouraged 10 work all the
harder for final victory. at may be hve
years yet. but we will win after a WHILE"
one observed.
The jealous prohibitionists want no
liquor or the present system. They are
opposed 10 high license. The speakers at
the temperance centennial held in Cath.
Ole Library Hall last week were unani-
nous in their hostility 10 high license.
'bven n the license WAS put a. $4,000, |
would oppose IL on principle" said one OF
the speakers. The idea is that the nigh
license would lend an air of respectable
lty 10 the traffic.