Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1886-07-16
ADDRESS TO REPUBLICANS.

The members of the republican party of
New Jersey, who are this day met in con-
ference respectfully invite the attention
of their republican associates and friends
to the following facts and considerations
The republican party of this country
came into existence in obedience to the
demand for justice and equal rights, and
good government for all citizens of this
republic, regardless of any distinction of
color, caste or creed The republican par
ty has done its grand, benefcent, and now
historic work, of the last 30 years, in the
spirit of its original purpose, and has
never faltered in its contention for right
against wrong. 1t has never compromis-
ed with, or surrendered to, any power or
influence which is held to be inimical to
the public veal. In its contention for
and championship of free speech and free
education, the emancipation of the slave,
the preservation of the imperiled integri-
ty of the Union OF the states the recOgni-
ton of the oneness of the republic and the
sovereignty OF national authority, the es-
Establishment of a sound national currency,
the maintenance of the national credit,
the vindication of the nations honor, the
protection and fostering of American in
dustrieS, and the rights and privileges of
American labor, the republican party has
been always true and steadfast to its
| guiding principle of justice and its para
mount purpose of securing the greatest
good to the greatest number of an lntelli-
gent patriotic free self-governing people.
| 1t has been also progressive as well as Il
| positive party, and in the presence, or the
impending of any public evil or peril it
| has been uncOmprOmlsingly aggressive.
These characteristics have given to the
Il,
| its sturdy strength its justly earned re
nown as political organization, and its
| success in guiding and governing national
affairs The mission of the party is not
yet fulfilled, its responsibilities have not
yet ceased, Its duties are not all discharg-
ed. 1t should as hitherto, readily and
resOlutely undertake any new task and
assume any fresh duty, which the eXigen-
cies of the times, and due regard for the
public welfare, may impose upon It, We
believe that such IA task, involving an i'm
perative duty, now awaits the action OF
the republican party of the country. 1t Il
that OF antagoniZing the power, influence
and evil work of the organized liquor sa
loon interest, and of endeaVorng, by al
legitimate means and agencies, to restrc
within the narrowest possible limits tn,
traffic in Intoxicating drinks, and to mini
mlze the evil of intemperance. We Meth
er assert, nor attempt TO prove that intern
4
) conceded by all right-thnking, intelli
gent citizens that intemperance is the con
SplcuOuS, the colossal curse OF society ; |
, is the prolific source of poverty and pau
perism, the breeder of and stimulant Il
crime, the waster and devourer of iudlVid
5 ual and national wealth, the blight of hon
est industry, the Organlzerand destroy
' er of the peace and purity OF home, tn
: antagonist of religion, the foe of law AM
order, the enemy of good government
Against such an evil and any power o
organization which champions or sustain
= It, the republican party should assum
y and aVOW IN attitude of positive, unCOn
promising hostility. Such action on tn
. part of the republican party Is demanded
j i'm the interest Of sound and safe publ
i economy, the material prosperity of tn
people, the conservation of our best an
l- most cherished free institutions, the mora
Wcll-htiuE of our Individual and H-socl'
e ted citizenship, and the preservation, pun
IS lly ana peace Of the American hOm
d. which II the foundation Ofall that patUo
Ism Las here established, VaiOr defended
,- and Wise craftsmanship and good govern
~ Wthi ptrpctuatrd.
~ The republican party viii be justified ]
l.EIh- ms position rs political or-au
d HHllUh, tIu ll maintaining 10 by ppltc
90 .aciIuu-Nrg3u~e the liquor saloon DOW,
b OF lhc county mas Injected itself int
10 HNu u.pIr Itself q potent factor in polite
, stale and national, and because There
~ hul cuN political party, on organization
u existence, other han the republican pu
u 49, which Is able TO cope with this CIV
~ power, with the hope OF prospect of su
y cess. The liquor saloon power is an ~
~ i've and peMIcluus political agency an
p D. presence is well nigh all peNadiug.
~ thru~t- itself constantly and COnspic
l., ousIY into notice in the political acliyiti,
" OF the country. II controls, I'M many !
~ stances. tIlT local and uItluul elect