Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-03-31
LOCAL OPTION.
THE CALL FOR THE CONVENTION IN LYNCH
BURG APRIL 21sT.
OFFICE OF THE STATE CENTRAL
LOCAL OPTION COMMITTEE,

THE CALL FOR THE CONVENTION IN LYNCH
BURG APRIL 21sT.
OFFICE OF THE STATE CENTRAL]
LOCAL OPTION COMMITTEE,
HEADQUARTERS Room No.
WILKINSON HALL,
% NORTH NINTH STREET.
By order of conference of temperance
leaders held in Richmond State Local
Option Convention is hereby called to as
semble in the city of Lynchburg on Wed
nesday, April 81, 1886, to organize the op-
ponents of the liquor traffic for united &C
tion in The contest which is now before us
throughout the State. "Details as to the
number of delegates, the method of select
ing them, and the arrangements for trans
portation and entertainment have been
sent to temperance leaders, who will give
due notice thereof in each county.
The reasons for this call are obvious and
imperative. The passage of a general local
option law presents great opportunity to
our people and devolves upon them grave
responsibility. The people of Virginia have
at last the opportunity Of saying whether
the State as a financial measure shall en-
courage the ruinous waste of our resources,
estimated at more than SO, 000,0 600, the
sum annually spent in our State for that
which steals away the wit of the wise and
robs the laborer of his only wealth-the
time, capacity, and disposition to work
entailing thus an annual loss of many mil
lions more; whether traffic which fills our
jails, penitentiaries, and asylums; which
multiplies the expenses of our courts and
makes paupers to be supported by public OF
private charity; which brings untold misery
to helpless women and neglected children;
which debauohes our youth, pours stream
of corruption into political life and strikes
deadly blow at the one hope Of the per-
petuity Of liberty united with order-the
virtue of our people; which is the source OF
most crimes and the ally of all; whether, in
short, all the multiplied ills which mark the
course of the stream which flows from the
still shall continue without let or hindrance
in this Commonwealth
it to another possible danger which it is our
duty to avert. If left to drift unguided by
.judicious and authoritative leaders of our
own selection it is liable to be seized upon
by selfish demagogues to further their own
political aspirations. This is no political
question. It is the cause of home and fire.
side against those who profit by their ruiz.
Upon the wisdom with which it is directed
depends in large measure its success. TIE
vete which prohibits the sale of intoxicants
in any community. if sustained by the
resolute determination OF the people founded
upon settled conviction of the evils of the
liquor traffic, will prove a, public blessing of
inestimable worth. To secure such convie
ton, determination, and ballot is work
worthy Of patriot, philanthropist, or Chris
tian. To direct wisely the movement to
these ends is work worthy Of the abiest
statesman. An effort, statesmanlike and
determined, will be required The evil IS
entrenched in the appetites, the social
customs, and the financial interests Of
thousands. It's benefciaries are organized,
and will resist desperately every attack.
But if we do onr duty victory is assured.
We therefore call upon the opponents Of
the liquor traffic in each county to see that
they are represented in the Convention by
thoughtful and earnest men. Let us meet
in council aud organize the forces which
are to rescue our State from the curse of
our age.
VIM. W. SMITH, Chairman.
George ". Hawrhurst, Secretary.