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

MIX. DlIDE-1 our COiuI.lUS nave, Ol lbNc
contained several articles relative to the liquor
traffic in our town. Uncle 81, Uncle Sam"
BILLY" and Pete and others, have had
their say, pro dnd con. llumOr and sarcasm,
with fact and argument on one side, nn1 pootry
and pueriliy 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 10 its character and effects, and "by
the attrition Of thought, truth is evolved.
Tr'uh is what every lover cf himself, and coun-
try, and kind. should desire aud seek after, and
not simply to carry point in anything.
1t is apparent that y difference of opinion
exists among us rs to this traffic. No, 80 much
as to its character and effects, as to the legal
status thereof. There are some who seem to
think that if a thing is covered 10y technical
Interpretation oflaw its effects are not to be con
siderei SeltshncsS and avaricc make come
oblivious to all consideration OF public good, =,
or the morality Of the thing. The law allows
it and will do il, no matter as to conseq Ienccs,
is their motto.
That the public sale and promiscuous use of
spirituous liquors are harmful to individuals
and the community, will not 6e 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 con muniIy, 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 arc difficult
ties in the way? Shall We drop our oars and
drift because there is q 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 tlow
carrying on its bosom all that should be prized 2
Surely not Surely not :. believe there i.
enough of true manhood and self respect left to
rid ourselves of the curse if proper measures
are employed. And think the time is at
hand when the sentiment aud will of the COM
munity should be tested.
Cannot some movement be inauguratei that
will do this? There is n W. G.. Il. T., and q
Band Of Hope in our midst. These arc doing
y good work, and we hope they will continue
But wh0 are Me men dony' What are the
husbands, fathers, sons and brothers doing to
shape opinion, or secure protection and deliver
ancc? Nohiny, so .fHr as IS known! Shall
the work bc left to the women and children
Surely not Can no leader be fcunI, no move
ment he made: Surely, surely, there can be-
Th, writer has no personal feeling against
any member Of the present council. lie man
not j"dg" their notices but their acts. ns rub-
lie servants, arc open TO criticism When an
act is performed it belongs to the public.
Measures and not m,n are proper subjects of
examination anil owght 10 he.
Has the council rightly construed the exist
ing law Did tkcy not, in granting license,
pronounce against the spirit of the law. as we'll
as the better sentiment Of .hc community? But
having granted license have they, as custodiaus
Of the peace and order of the town, taken any
steps 10 know if tic conditions Of such license
have been violated: Common report, leading
to common belief, is that these conditions are
violated. Is il not their sworn duty to look
into the matter and punish the vielators Z?
What is the use Of authority If it is not exer.
cisel: of watchmcn if they DO not watch
Law cannot execute itself, it must be executed.
Prohibition will not prohibit unless it is made
- do 50: and it is childish to say i, will
while nothing is done by those whose duty it j.
to see that the law, whatever il is is enforced
Int | have said enough. am glad. Nr.
Editor. that you allow the use of your columns
that this subject may be ventilated and
trust personalities will be kept out of the dis.
cussion. know you will Join me in asking
the good people of our town without distinction
of sex or color. to l,ok ut this matter sc,;ousIv
in the light Of what will be the greatest cool
TO the greatest number. for the present and for
the future -inH G"i h'Il' he 7yh1
III ,yIIwoon