The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1886-07-02
Iet no SUCH Question Divide Won.

Meridian News,
In these times of strong feeling
on the question which has been
nlpermost IN the minds of our peo-
uIe there is too much of Il dispOsl-
ton to give the opinions held by
individuals undue prominence ln
local matters and matters OF pre-
ference. Itis unfortunate that any
man is SO narrow minded as 10 al
low snch things to influence his
actions, no matter OIL which size he
trains. Men differ IN religions pre-.
ferenccs aud yet are earnest friends,
ready to stand by each Other under
almost any circumstances; meu-
differ in regard to questions OF
public policy, still they ito not allow,
their differences of opinion to cause
the least friction between them.
Why then can they not differ on
the question of prohibition without
carrying their differences into their,
business and into their friendship
toward each other3
Men on both sides are honest,
conscientious in their convictions.
One believes that prohibition IS
right and that it is for the spiritual,,
moral and material good OF the
community. Another believes that
it is practicable, that no good
will result from it and that it is not
best of the material prosperity OF
the people. Those who have a sci,
fish interest in the matter are, OF
course, not taken into account.
There are those who make them;
selves offensive on both sides, anu
it cannot be expected that they Will
retain the good opinion OF their
feIIow.men. But "a disposition to
persecutc or thwart any person Tor
opinions sake ought not to be toll
Grated among right thinking people
) When you find yourself i'll the
!, act OF speaking evil of your neigh.
bor, or of trying to injure him I'D
+ nay way, because you do not think
as he does, you should ask yourself
: the question whether he has the
) same right TO hold to his opinions
= that sou have, whether he is not as
G good, as deserving a man as you
are. If this were the standard
S adopted there need be no hard feel
$ ing, no disposition to boycott or
persecute. ~
Some people are SO unreasonable
as to carry this matter into Their
5 preferences in everything, even to
the extent of opposing those whom
Z they would be glad to support in
+ lany laudable undertaking simply
e because they differ on the question
: of license or no license. We cannot
J see any reason in disposition OF
l. that kind. A man is worthy or un
:, worthy, aud bis opinions on this
! question have nothing whatever tC
do with his deserving. Ii he be al
+ Observation-Disclosures and IA candidate
e. tor Office there can be no good rea
q sou why prohibitionists should mo-
l support him as earnestly aud cheer
g fully as one who is of his own Wa!
a of thinking. Aud, on the SAM
ST ground, there is no good reason VII!
II an Observation-Disclosures could not al
Us willingly support one who does no
hold the same opinion as himself.
S, If a man is honest, capable ant
Ig deserving, his earnest advocacy Q
is one side or the other does not de
e tract from him in the least (; aud th,
~ question should never be asked
1r with sinister motives. which silt
le he is on. Reasonable, thinking mel
will certainly not allow such CUES
&c tons to arouse their prejudices ant
influence their Judgment.
N