The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-04-09
An Appeal.

NIX. EDITOK.-1 our COlumDS nave, OF lote,
contained several articles relative to the liquor
traffic in our town. "Unole ST." "Unole SAM"
BILLY" and "Pets" and others, have had
their say, pro and con. Humor and sarcasm,
with fact and argument on one side, and poetry
and pnerii,y on the other; all showing that an
interest, deep and general, exists among our
people on this subject Aud this is well. II
leads to thought and examination Of the
matter, as to its character and effects, and ''by
the attrition Of thought, truth is evolved
Truth is what every lover Of himself, aud coun-
try, and kind, should desire and seek after, and
not simply to carry point in anything.
1t is apparent that difference of opinion
| exists among us as to this traffic. Not 80 much
as to its character and effects, rs to the legal
| status thereof There are some who seem to
think that if q thing is covered by technical
Interpretation oflaw its efocts are not to be con
sidered. Selfshness and avarice make some
oblivious to all consideration of public good,
or the morality Of the thing. The law allows
IL and will do il, no matter rs 10 consequence
is their motto.
That the public sale and promiscuous use of
spirituous liquors are harmful to individuals
and tho community, will not be denied by any
thoughtful and observant person. No one will
say they are better than the prohibition thereof
The evils they cause are too patent to be de-
MED. The community, families, individuals,
business, religion, yea, every good thing is af.
fectcd by them. And shall the evil be suffered
TO continue, without an effort to put it down
Shall we do nothing because there are difficult
ties in the way? Shall We drop our oars and
drit because there is tide against US? Will
the good people Of our Otherwise beautiful and
high-toned town make no effort to get rid Of
the evil? Is it possible that public sentiment
is so low and debauchcd, that this black and
poisonous river Of death shall continue to flow,
| carrying on its bosom oil that should be prized
Surely not! Surely not II! believe there is
enough Of true manhood and self respect left to
rid ourselves Of the curse, If proper measures
are employed. And I think the time is at
hand when the sentiment aud will of the COM
munty should be tested.
Cannot some movement be inaugurated that
will do this? There is W. C. T. u, and
Band of Hope in our midst These are doing
= good work, and we hope they will continue.
But ,ohdt are the men doingP What are the
husbands, fathers, sons and brothers doing to
shape opinion, or secure protection and deliver
ancef Nothing, so far as is known! Shall
the work be left TO the women and children
Surely not Can no leader be found, no move
ment be made 2 Surely, surely, there can be.
This writer hns no personal feeling against
any member Of the present council. He may
not judge their motires but their acts, as pub
lic servants, are open to criticism. When an
act is performed il belongs to the public.
Measures and not men are proper subjects of
examination and ought TO be.
Has the council rightly construed the exist
ing law? Did they not, in granting license,
pronounce against the spirit Of the law, as we'll
as the better sentiment of the community? But
having granted license have they, as custodiaus
Of the peace and order Of the town, taken any
steps TO know IL the conditions Of such license
have been violated? Common report, leading
to common belief, is that these conditions are
viola ted. Is II not their sworn duty to look
into the matter and punish the vielators ?
What is the use Of authority if it is not exer.
cised; Of watchmcn If they do not watch
Law cannst execute itself, it must be executed.
Prohibition will not prohibit unless II Is made
to do so; and it is childish to say it will
while nothing is done by those whose duty It is
to see that the law, whatever II is, is enforced.
But l have said enough. I am glad, Mr..
Editor. that you allow the use of your columns
that this subject may be ventilated; and I
trust personalities will be kept out Of the dis.
oussion. know you will join ME in asking
the good people Of our town without distinction
of sex or color. to look at this matter seriously
in the light Of what will be the greatest good
to the greatest number, for the present and for
the future. And God help the right. O
HAzLLwoop.