The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1885-01-28

all should be included. We have yet faith
In the popular masses. the utmost faith in
their wisdom and prudence. This is the
reason why we are Democrats. and why, ss
such, we are opposed to local option or pro-
hibition in any of its forms. Both these
dogmas are founded upon distrust of the
menl. The mischievous iallsoy consists
IN applying the powers of govern
ment to q subject matter with which
it has no concern. Let the township regu-
late es it does its roads and highways,
schools and drains, Trustees and Supervisors,
leaving every freeman in the exercise OF the
right Of life and liberty to eat, drink and
be merry; Furnishing him only for the abuse
Of such rights.
The News Journal or Journal-News has
from time to advocated local option. Yet
we spprehend that the very able and accom-
plished conductors OF our double-headed
morning and evening contemporary would
deem 1t very strange, il, by law, the majority
in the ward or township or district where
it is published should have the right to die
tate the character or conduct Of its columns.
There would be then a loud cry for freedom
liberty; and a shrieking gasp against
such intolerance and high.handed proscrlp-
ton. Yet, censorship of the press so
established. by the will of the
majority in the locality where pub
LEGATION is made, would be no greater viola
ton Of civil, inallenable rights than the
operation of that local option they are
pleased to advocate. Under such a censor.
chip, continued and enforced for q few days,
the News-Journal would at last realize that
there are some rights OF persons and Of
property which even the vote or the petit
ton or the voice OF the majority can not
Justly annihilate.
The last trial of local option in Indiana
was under the Baxter bill-repealed just ten
years ago-ss an utter failure. 1t was one
OF the distinguishing features OF that meas
ure that the option was expressed by petit
ton. And We do not think the State ever
witnessed among its people so much Of by
pocrisy, double-dealing, low, base and pitt
full chicane, contemplate eva,ions and lying
protests as were then practicsd in
the promotion, defeat or manufacture
Of these petitions. The whole community
was sodden with deceit and mischiefs in
Vulnerable by this one evil process 1t was
worse, if anything could be worse. than .he
direct CORFU ptiOn and iniquity OF the N sine
law. We have no desire to see any re e.
htion of the experiment in any shape.
The Baxter law xed o'clock as tue time
of closing, a time which Governor Hen.
bricks characterized as inconveniently early.
The present law fixes IL o'clock as the time.
We are no sticklers about the time. 1t is
matter only of regulation. But we
remind those who seem inclined
to dwell upon this detail that
they may 90 further and fare worse. Tue
time now fixed was the result.of lsborious
and long considered clmpromise between
opposing opinions. The Ga Use as enacted
passed by a very close vote. What the pres
snt Legislature may do we know not bat
with all respect we deprecste impru lent &C
ton which may lead to an agitation endan-
gering even the opportunity now given. Let
Us. the friends of personal liberty, not divide
too bitterly upon Lesser points. Fanaticisa
is not yet powerless II is alert. waite atul,
Let those on the side of reason and common
sense avoid as far as may be the peril Of di-
vision and dissension.