The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-01-18
public money, or If they have, the fact has
escaped our notice or has been forgotten.
The Prohibition Election.

Tho bill recurring the County Commission
ers 10 order an election as to whether the SAFE
of whiskey should be prohibited in AbbeFille
county. became a law at the last sitting OF the
legislature, and, VIC are informed that the
Comfy commissioners will order the election
in March.
This bill was introduced in the Legislature
at the request and petition of a large number
of citizens in Abbcville county. and it now
becomes the leaders in the movement to seek
for an intelligent and unbiased expression OF
opinion on the part Of the people.
There is no need or call for strife or anlmos-
ity between nclghbors holding different opln-
ions. Every man has as much right TO his
own opinion as any other man has to his.
Let the citizens of Abbevillc county then
vote as seems best to them.
The Press and Banner will vote for prohlhi-
ton, and whatever influence IL may have will
be exertcd for temperance, as long as 1t Is I'M
der its present management, but in dong so,
we question no mans right TO vote ana 10
work as his convictions or interests may die
tate.
We do not know that any argument is
necessary or that anything new can bo said
on either side.
Testimony in abundance can be had for or
against prohibitory laws. The voter who
may care to do his own thinking
can have no trouble in coming TO proper
conclusion as to his duty in the premises.
The Press and Banner is not proper SUBJ
ject for conviction to the belief that prohibi'
ton does not prohibit.
The people of this County know whether
the law against the sale of whskey in the
country cross roads is effective in prohibiting
DRINK enne>s and rowdyism. Each man can
sneak from his own observation as TO that
law.
If that law has lcSSened the sale Of whskey
in the country, can any man give a reason
why it would not lessen Its sale in the town?
1t may be said that the country people have
no right to aid in stopping the sale OF whis'
key in the town. Did anybody question the
right of the town people to encourage and
support our Legislators in passing prohibit
Dry law for the country?
Intelligent and unbiased expression of con-
scicntious convictions Of right and wrong
should govern the voter.
Does any man Justify the principle and the
law, which would give the town people mo-
nopoy of the whskey trade?
Can any Of those who oppose the vote Of the
country people on this question give any good
reason for excluding them from the polls,
while reserving to town people the rights
which are denied to the country merchant?
Can any one give simple reason to justify
the present plan Of paying the license fees in
to the treasury of the town, instead OF into
the County treasury, where they properly and
rightfully belong?
If prohibition does not prohibit, why is 1t
that anti.prohibtionists oppose law which
will give them more liquor than they can get
under the license system?
If prohibition does not prohibit, is 1t not be-
cause the Legislature has failed to do its
duty?
All other laws in reference to tobacco ana
whiskey are enforced. Can any one tell why
an officer should not be appointed whose duty
it is to see that the law is not violated in its
sale?
If whisIley is good for the town people why
is it not good for the country people9 If good
for the country people, why not have Il bar
room at every cross-road?
Is not the present license system wrong in
principle? Under the law any citizen of an
incorpol ated village may apply for license. If
he lived in the country, license would not be
granted TO him. Just laws should apply with
equal force to all-no matter whether living
in town or cou ntry.