The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1885-07-22

A petition for saloon and a counter
petition are now being offered for the
signatures of the people Of Jackson
| The one asks the voters to give the
sanction Of their names to establish
another deadfall the other prays that nc
license be granted to sell liquor in the
city limits for the next twelve months
The one is being carried around by men
whose sole object is to make money out
of the weakness of their fellow-men; the
other is circulated by the lovers OF
sobriety and good order, with no expec-
fancy of pecuniary reward. The one
asks the people to become parties in in
aicting upon the community another fruit.
full source of crime; the other prays them
to help in stopping the tide of evil fast
sweeping the young men and the unwary
to their doom. Which will succeed,
the whisky advocates, or the friends of
reform? Will there be another added
to the list of man-traps, or shall the
edict go forth that for one twelve
month, at least, no license for the sale
of liquors shall be granted in Jackson,
even in Jackson?
Here is squarely joined contest
between the right and the wrong. The
good elements and the bad elements
are in line of battle. Covetousness and
drunkenness urge on the one philanthro-
py and reformation are the motives of the
other. The former are held in line by
love of gain and an imperious thirst;
the latter are volunteers, who enter the
lists to overthrow a tyrant and to rescue
the enslaved
Can it be possible that any true man
will hesitate as to the side upon which
he will permit his influence to be felt?
There is no neutral ground ;..the question
is forced upon the voters of the town,
and the man, who does not oppose
whisky must advocate whisky. He who
does not take a stand against the saloon,
is responsible for the saloon.
1t behooves every conscientious man
to weigh well the reasons which keep
him aloof from this conflict. This APP
peal is not to the friends of the saloon J;
another line of argument must reach
them; but it is intended for men who
claim to be in favor of temperance, yet
excuse themselves from taking any steps
to promote it.
One man says, 81 am opposed to sa-
looms and wish they were all closed, but
| would lose my patronge or support if
were to sign counter petition" He
sacrifices prieiple for patronage and is
just about as inconsistent as the saloon
keeper who justifies his conduct, by say
ing "Oh! ! must make living" Such
a time-server.will be veryapt to come to
grief by and by.
Another says II hold an Office of
public trust and must avoid all entang-
ling alliances so that | may be the SER
want of ALL" Being a servan. of the
public does not destroy responsibility as
an individual and as member of soci-
ETY.. If he thinks anything to be hurt
full to his fellowmen,it is pitiable plea
for him to make that the throwing of
his influence against evil might subject
him to partisanship, and interfere with
the discharge of his official duties.
Still another man says, 81 never go
into saloon, but / sign no petitions,
either for or against" In other words, it
is nothing to him what becomes of other
men,-he simply takes care of himself.
What dreadful state would society be in
if everybody should act thus, When
ever anything so manifestly affects the
well-being of mankind, it is criminal to
say 'it is no concern of mine"
A crisis is come upon us, requiring
the manly action of every good citizen
and the fervent prayer of every servant
of God, no matter what creed he may
profess.