Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-07-16
New York Tribune.
Anti-SaIOOniSm in Massachusetts.


The republican meeting in Boston to en-
phasze the temperance sentiment OF large
element in the party has resulted in the
adoption of resolutions favoring the submis-
tional amendment. The prohibition wing,
| which was present, prudently accepted the
prevailing view of what WAS most judicious
to be- done. There can be no doubt that this
action is significant, and that it points to a
coming extension of the demand for temper
ance measures within the republican party
which the politicians everywhere will be
compelled to recognize and respond to. 1t is
to be observed that the Anti-Saloon move
ment is not the work of this class, and the
fact is important. The charge made by the
prohibition organs, that it has been started
merely to hoodwink the friends of temper
ance. cannot be sustained for the reason that
| the promoters of the movement are not Office
seekers, but for the most part business and
professional men, who have become tired of
waiting for the politicians to move in the
matter, and have at length determined to
apply an impetus to them
| In fact the analysis of the new movement
shows that it is one to obtain what the Pro-
hibitionists want but in common sense,
practical way which promises far better re-
suite than the third party man can ever reach
| The latter assert that nothing less than the
complete stoppag. of the drink traffic will sat
isfy them; but in the act OF making this
sertion they so cast their votes that all their
political influence goes to building up the
democratic party, which is the great cham
pion and buttress of the drink traffic. Moth
ing is palmer than the fact that third party
prohibition movement must help the demo-
Gratis. In many instances it can only have
the effect of literally making all temperance
reform hopeless for wears. In all cases it
must delay such reform and encourage its
enemies. This being so nothing can be more
perverse and irrational than the pretence
that those who insist on helping the friends
of whisky are the only trustworthy
fri nds of temperance. The simple
truth lie that all these people are confound-
ing talk with sction; aud while they talk one
way they act in another. 1t is certain that
without the help of one of the great parties
| there can be no temperance reform. 1t is
equally certain that no such help is to be had
from the democratic party. The case, there
fore, is obviously one IN which all the tenn
perance influence available ought TO be organ
lied for appliance to the republican party.
since progress can be made through that par
ty alone.
This Is the view taken bv the Boston repub-
licans who have put in motion the Anti-Sa-
loon movement. 1t is said, and perhaps tru-
ly, that the politicians do not sympsthze with
the movement. They are always fearful of
moving ancient landmarks and trying new ex-
periments, and that is why at intervals it be-
comes necessary to electrify them
with a convincing proof that public
opinion has gone forward. If they cannot
rise to the occasion they will have to step
down and out. 1t is public opinion
which is being forced upon their attention
now. however, and they will neglect it AT
! their peril, but not at the peril of the repub-
| licsn party. All healthy and genuine reform
originates in this way; within the party, that
is to say. Reforms adopted in response to
pressure from without are seldom urged with
enthusiasm or earnestness, but changes for
the better from within are real changes, and
are followed by permanent gains. The Mas
sachusetts prohibitionists have now not q
shadow of excuse for maintaining the third.
party Illusion. II has been made plain TO
them that the way to guide the republican
| party into the advocacy of temperance meas
ures is clear. No doubt the Boston Confer
/ ence will give fresh stimulus to the anti
saloon movement throughout the country.
and tend to convince doubters that there i.
going TO be good deal of shower after all.
/ The Louisville Courier-Journal publishes
a striking cartoon of a tall and irate woman,
labelled democracy, gesticulstiug at a stumpy
little man sitting in the Presidential chair,
while in front of him is crying infant. "Mr.
President" exclaims democracy, ~ made
you. Are you going to forget me entirely
for the sake of that Founding Brst?" This
is one of those things that convince Us more
than ever that the democratic party lie sitting
up nights blessing the President Trarelier.