Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1885-05-11

John A. Ovens, of De Smet, con.
tributes to the columns of the Press and
Dakotaian another article relative to
statehood for Dakota and the proposed
constitutlon. This time Mr.. Owens
writes upon his favorite topic-prohibi-
ton. While he is ordinarily fair in bis
discussion Of public matters, he seems
to permit his enthusiasm to encroach
upon sound Judgment in some respects.
when touching upon this important
matter. He is an ardent prohlbitionist-
one sincerely in earnest in the effort to
stamp out the LIQUOR trahic-and through
his sincerity is liable to view question
Of public policy from the standpoint of
one who frets under the opposition of
those whom he feels are seeking to per-
petuate an evil. Prohibition which would
actually prohibit would be favored by
many men not now credited with de-
sire to witness the abolition Of the liquor
traffic. They are quiet upon the subject,
though it occupies their thoughts more
frequently than the ultra, outspoken ele-
ment may suppose. It is this
class OF conservative thinkers
to whom the prohibitionists
should look for . successful alliance,
and this class will not readily accept
the inflammatory theory that il prohibl-
tion cannot succeed, all other objects
sought to be attained must be pulled
down in the ruins Of it's failure. Mr..
Owens writes relative to the constitution
to be constructed by the Sioux Falls
convention as stepping stone to state.
hood, and declares that unless that con-
stltution contains prohibitory clause,
all prohibitionists who feel as he feels
will 60 to the polls. and defeat it. This
they could probably accomplish through
an alliance with the democratic party,
which will naturally oppose the ratifica-
ton OF constitution contemplating the
formation of state from one-half of
Dakota. Should the constitution con.
tain prohibition clause the anti-prohi.
tion element, in the face of Mr.. Ovens
declaration, will join the democracy in
securing lts defeat. So in either event
it seems destined for an untimely grave.
It is hardly fair to charge with cowardice
those men who sincerely desire the sue
cess Of the prohibition cause, but will
not follow it to the extent of stabbing
the statehood movement to death if they
cannot succeed. Better call it prudence
and wisdom and generosity Of thought
which enables them to take disappoint.
ment philosophically, accept what can
be secured for the present and bide their
time for the complete fulfillment of their
hopes.
We are in favor of submitting the pro-
hibition clause as proposition separate
from the constitution, to become part
of that document by subsequent legisla-
tive enactment, If it receives o majority
vote, and to go to its death alone il by
their ballots the people say they do not
want it. This is a question which
should be decided as separate issue.
The people should not be com.
PEELED to vote against constitution be.
cause it contains prohibition and they
should not be compelled to vote against
prohibition because that constitution
contains other provisions which they
cannot endorse. We do not suppose
Mr.. Owens will agree with us. he feels
80 intently upon this subject that he
would rather continue our chaotic con.
dition than accept an improvement
which does not meet the full measure oi
his desires. He should reason viii
himself.