The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1886-06-04

might denounce the appropriation of
fines collected for misdemeanors or
neglect of duty. We are happy to be-
lieve the number is few who would not
permit any money found in the public
treasury to be appropriated to any
legitimate purpose. 1t certainly might
with propriety be devoted to relieve
the distress of the poverty which the
traffic has created.
When two evils confront US, only
one of which can be avoided, common
discretion dictates that we avoid the
greater and contend only with the less
er. Because we cannot at once eradi-
cate the evil. there is no sound reason
why we should not restrict it. Re
striction is the entering wedge to Ill
timately accomplish the end.
To US it appears absurd to say we
will have prohibition or nothing. The
idea of the Prohibitionist is to allow
the traffic full swing, that people may
become Disguised, expecting a reaction
to take place. That the sensible por-
ton would become disguised with
both dealers and prohibitionists, there
is no doubt; neither is there any doubt
that the radical party, seeing the re-
suits. would be Disguised with itself.
This policy seems not only doubtful
but even suicidal. While awaiting a
reaction, thousands are ruined beyond
recovery. No sane man would say
when his house is ON fire, eff cannot
save all my goods, / will save none:;'
or, if l cannot save all my family
will save none" A skillful general
would first breach the walls and re.
duce the works Of the enemy, as far as
possible, with his heavy guns before
storming the fort.
We would not hesitate to carry on
an aggressive warfare as far as pru
dence and success would dictate. We
would favor constitutional prohibit.
DRY amendment submitted to the PEG.
pie, and, if adopted, no succeeding leg
islature could repeal or modify the act
If defeated, let us increase our dill
gence, and educate public opinion, and
submit it again in due time, and fight
it out on that line. The stream will
not rise higher than its source; mean
time, relax no advan tage or restriction
already gained. Legislative acts are
so often pronou need unconstitutional
by the higher courts that prohibition
should be embodied in the fundamental
law of the people, so that no court
below the court of Heaven could re-
verse the will of the people, and we
would be sure of no action there ex-
cept of approval.
We are candid to admit that, to the
superficial thinker, there may at first
view appear slight semblance OF
what might, by misconstruct ion, be SC
argued as to appear like licensing a
wrong, but it is only an appearance.
Even IT so construed, it is a matter
both of necessity and expediency, ir
order to avoid greater evil. 1t is ar
evil ar greater than the Prohibition
party has been able to overcome, or is
likely to overcome for many years
and, under the circumstances, perfect
ly justifiable on principles already re
hearsed. We will be happy to listen
to any feasible substitute, which will
avoid even an appearance.
We have no partisan warfare tC
wage against our friends the Prohibi
tionists, but regard them with the
klndest feelings-as half-brothers, a
little more Jealous than wise, requiring
wholesome restrait. We cannot GO
with them the entire length of their
present programme; but as we are all
aiming at that same result. let us jour
ney along tremendously, as far as we
can pursue the same path, and not
neutralize our efforts by pulling in
opposite directions, or split hairs on
some sophistry of little account. D.