Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-03-14

I have great faith in its ultimate gooi
results if its advocates have patience
and perseverance. About eighteen
months ago | made business trip to
the western States, occupying some
three or four weeks time, and had an
opportunity Of comparing two towns
Of about equal sise, in one OF which
liquor was sold and the other 1t was
not. The comparison was greatly IN
favor Of the town Of abstinence.
CARRY on THE CONFLICT WITH
FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE.
Rev. William II. Christian, OF the
Central Methodist church, Manchester
If had o thousand votes | would give
them all against the sale Of intoxicating
liquors. 1t is the most fruitful source
OF evil.
Yes, | think an election will be petit
toned for in Manchester this year.
In the present state Of public feeling
] think local option will to a very con-
siderable extent prevent the sale OF
liquor. 1t will have to be enforced by
public sentiment, Of course, but that
public sentiment now against the sale
Of liquor is sufficiently strong to make
it hazardous for those who would yio-
late the law.
or course some people will be able to
get liquor. Those who are able and
choose to incur the expense will be able
10 get it from abroad. But the more
difficult you make it to get liquor the
less of it will be used. In localities
where the sale Of liquor has been pro-
hibited. and with which am acqualnt-
ed, crime has been greatly diminished
and drunkenness is rarely known.
have been familiar with the work.
ipgs of q prohibitory law in Northamp-
ton and Dare counties, in North Caro-
lima. No alcoholic liquors were allowed
to be sold in either of these counties,
except at Nag's Head Hotel, on the sea-
coast. The law was strictly enforced. A
grocer was prosecuted for selling liquor
under the name Of " bitters." The re-
suit was that when Judge Gudger
came to hold his court on one &C.
casion in Northampton county,
very large county-he said from the
bench that he had never known so
little criminal business in any court Of
so large a county, and that he must at
tribute it TO the operation OF the law
prohibiting the sale Of ardent spirits.
After that. when he went TO hold his
court in Dare county-where once there
had been a great deal Of crime-he
found nothing to do, and closed his
court. and went rejoicing back to his
home. The abolition might not bring
in the millennium at once, but 1t has
brought order, peace, and prosperity to
many home and community.
What, in your opinion, will be the
effect of local option on the general bu-
siness of Manchester
1t will increase its prosperity. All
the money now spent in Manchester
will still be spent here. and more be-
sides. For the drunkards, in many
cases, will be sobered down and will
90 TO work and be engaged in produc-
tive labor; and many a family will
have much more TO spend to add 10 the
stock Of their happiness and prosperity
than they now have. In proportion as
YOU make liquor difficult to get you
will diminish drunkenness ami increase
general prosperity in any community.
How will the State make up for her
revenue lost by this law:
Less revenue will be needed. How
many Of our courts spend their time IN
the trial Of cases that are entlrel y at
tributable to intemperance: How many
are in our penitentiaries and lunatlc
ssylums and poOr.houses who have
been sent their by the excessive use OF
liquor: These add to the demand for
State revenue. Diminish the tempta-
tion and opportunity to drink and you
diminish State expenses and the need OF
revenue. Like Judge Gudger, above
referred TO, many Of our courts would
have little to do. ] have not the sta
tistics before me. but from what
know Of the facts l.. confidently believe
the advantage would be greatly in favor
of the finances of the State. But.
further Shall we license the means of
crime and ruin for the sake of dollars
and cents:
And now, allow me to add that hope
this contest will be carried on in the
spirit OF amity and kindness. Ii is a
great question, involving great inter-
ests. 1t deserves to be calmly consi-
dered. Let all remember that denuncla-
tion is not argument. The saying of
harsh things has never convinced those
against whom they are hurled. Excess
siye bitterness has been developed in
some other places by this contest. This
should not be so. We propose to try
this means Of saving the young and the
aged: We shall push our efforts with
zeal, and | trust with wisdom but to
the extent Of my practice and influence
the entire conflict shall be peryaded with
friendship and love. Brethren, if a
man be oyertaken in a fault. ye which
are spiritual restore such one in the
spirit Of meekness."
LIQUOR WILL BE MADE A LONG A.
1T CAN BE SOLD; IT WILL BE
DRANK AS LONG As IT CAN BE
BOUGHT.
Mr.. I. Wiley Davis. one Of the most
prominent temperance advocates in
Richmond, was seen and asked, " Do
you intend to vote for local option : q"
IL would prefer not to answer at
present." said he.
Will an election be petitioned for in
Richmond this year:
think it will.
Do you think that the prohibition Of
the sale Of liquor will be eiFectual !:
Won't people still be able TO get
liquor? and won't drunkenness and
crime prevail as much as before:
Intoxicating liquors will be made as
long as the manufacture Is profitable,
and will be drank as long as made and
sold.
What, in your opinion, will he the
effect of local option on the general
business Of Richmond:
IL mill danracc hueInacs