New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-04-02
THE DUTY OF TEMPERANCE MEN,

Genuine friends of the Temperance cause
have especial reason at this time to consider
the situation, and their duty in regard 10 1t.
Have they not far too long refused to the Re-
publican party the confidence and support TO
which it is Justly entitled, as the political party
In which are to be found great majority OF the
practical friends of temperance reform at the
North, and through which alone that majority
can accomplish any good2 To make the Sit
uation clear, let 1t be supposed that the voters
Of the great parties are actually divided on inc
question of effective restnctlon OF the nquof
traffic as their representatives in the Legs
latdre were divided, 65 Republicans Tor the
restriction and seven against it, one Democrat
for restriction aMu 90 against it. Ii there arc
moro Democrats who believe they ought 10
help restrictive legislation, they nevertheless
do not practically help it, because they support
a party which always and by all means in It's
oower opposes such legislation About one
twelfth of the Republicans oppose Hlgh-Ll-
censc; eleven-twelfths favor it.
The great body of Republicans, $4,000 or
more, cannot be brought to throw away their
influence on National questions, and feel that
it is their duty to sustain the Republican party
on such issues. BY their votes they de-
monstrate that they are willing to 60 quite as
far in the direction of temperance legls-
lation as they can 60, with hope of command
ing the support of majority in the State.
With courage and fidelity which ought to
give them the admiration and warm approval
of all matchmaking citizens, they have passed
measure which one-twelfh of their asso-
cates believe must doom the party to certain
defeat. In the State of New-Jersey the Re
publicans have Just taken the same course, and
faced the same risk. Have they not right to
ask in return the hearty cooperation OF all
sincere Temperance men, even Of those who
are anxious TO reach Prohibition when ma
iority can be secured for that measure?
The $4,000 voters in New-fork constitute
the great majority of the sincere and active
friends of Temperance reform. They feel that
they have a right rather than the minority,
to Judge in what way the reform may best be
promoted. Let it be understood that the voters
are referred to; not the politicians nor the
worthy members of the Assembly who have
faithfully represented the majority of their
constituents, but the great body of consclen-
tious, intelligent, earnest and patriotic voters
who elect Republican Assemblymcn, and who
make the Republican party what it is. Their
influence for good can be exercised, as to the
temperance question only through the National
party which they feel bound not to abandon.
Can any sincere friend of temperance help that
cause by making war on these voters? Is II
possible to hope for the enactment or enforce
ment Of any temperance measure in New DIRK
without their cooperation? Is not making
war on them evidently and deliberately sur
rendering control of the State 10 the supporters
of the liquor traffic?
The political Prohibitionists, who get
living and public nOtOriety by advocating
different course, will not be affected by this
reasoning. They will continue to clamor for
Prohibition or nothing. and they know per-
fectly well that means free rum-shops. But
has any sincere and conscientious friend OF
temperance legislation right to sustain these
men any further in course which can only
result in the defeat Of all Temperance leglsla-
ton and in the election Of legislators and local
officials who will act as the tools Of the liquor
interest? 1t is now time for such Temperance
men to think of these things, with careful and
conscientious examination Of the facts. They
have no right to join the Democrats and the
liquor saloons in making war upon the great
body of faithful and courageous Republican
voters, who arc doing all they believe 1t pos
sible to do for the restriction Of the hqu0r
traffic They have no right. on any pretence
whatsoever to turn over the control Of Gov
crnment in this State to the liquor interest.
In New York and NewJersey the great body
of Republican voters have done their duty.
1t is now for every honest and sincere friend Of
temperance to do his duty, by supporting the
only party through which practical progress
can be attained.