The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-26
Local Option and High Tax.

To the Editor OF the Indianapolis JournaG
The work of the recent convention at Indian
apols will most certainly be Endorsed by the best
sentiment of all parties. Under existing crcum-
stances in our State local option and an in
creased license fee is the proper solution of the
important question under discussion.
The subject of temperance is to-day more
thoughtfully considered by candid, thinking
people than ever before There is not now, nor
has there been for years, more vitality impor-
tant question demanding attention. but for
many reasons it has been kept down. Yet there
has been continual. growing. determined feel
ing in hehalf of better legislation on
the subject, and it is now coming
firmly, soidly and irresstibly to
the front. and it must and will receive attention
The times demand IL, and the solemn voice of
the solid sentiment of the country Twill not
down" until better and safer restrictive legisla-
tive enactments are thrown around the boys and
girls and homes. That the Democratic party is
in league with the liquor element of the country
is fact known and read by all men. Between
them there is a solemn alliance, and. as in all
combinations entered into by the Democracy, it
contents itself with being the tail and agrees
that the other contracting party may be the bal
ance of the animal, so in this--tbe League ways
the party. Then it certainly is truism that
whenever the Democratic party becomes brave
enough to make an avowa1, all we need to do In
order to be surely right, is to take opposite
grounds.
At their State convention. Aug. ii, they will
trot out old ''sumptuary." and personal lib
erty" and with ''volubility of gable" Voorhees,
will open the campaign ON 1.-The rights of man..
But their position can't be maintained before the
people by one single, solitary sane argument
The people ought to know by this time that
Democratic practices and resolves are directly
in conflict Local option is in full accord with
the theory and science of our goyernment--that
the majority ought to rule. The liquor-seer
cannot obtain a license from one municipal cor
poration to vend his goods in another and differ
ent locality. For that purpose the locus in quo
where the liquor is to be sold is completely sep
arated from the rest OF the world, and stands
alone; therefore, those interested In the question
should govern and control it. TO take grounds
against this position is to oppose the theory on
which our institutions stand. tits purely local
question. and its adoption is of the very
essence of Democratic doctrine. That
party however, claims to favor some re-
strictions on the traffic, but this
really it is intended by them, shall fall into in
nocuous disuetude. because they do not honestly
expect to interfere in the least iota with the big
end of the dog. but will only wag around a little
to make show and keep the flies away.
Locale option strikes the popular pulse. The
best element of all parties favor it, and demand
it as the best and surest means by which to
manage the business. With such law, il q
community desire liquor, they can easily be ac-
commodated if they do not want it sold the
majority can say so. What argument can be
brought against this position? Absolutely none
On this platform all temperance workers should
unite ISAAC H PHARES.
FOWLER, Ind, July "a.