The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-06-06
A SENSIBLE LETTER
From a Prohibitionist Who is Opposed
to n Third PARTY

TO Third Party.
The following from the Ripley Miss
advertiser, is commended TO the especial
attention of Third Party Prohibitionists:
To the Editor OF The Ripley Advertiser:
The Memphis APPEAL Of the 23d inst.
pays the Democracy Of Tippah well de-
served compliment by brief editorial
reference to our recent convention.
Il warmly indorses the resolution re-
probating third partysim in political mat
tiers.
Being the author Of said resolution, and
also as strong prohibitionist rs any man
TO be found, any where, | wish to say a
few things In explanation Of my position,
and in support OF the Aforesaid resolution.
In the first place IL is taken for granted
that all men, "who are any account,
either 10 church or State" whether pro-
hibitionists or rum sellers, merchants or
farmers), are interested in having stable
goyeement economically administered.
In the second place II must be clear TO
every rejecting man, OF all classes too,
that either the Democratic party, or the
Republican party, will administer and
control the government OF the United
States, and also Of the States seyerally ut
least for four years 10 come.
Now II the above premises are correct,
and there is any choice between these two
parties, (which il seems TO me, no true pa
triot, especially a good Democrat, can
question for one moment), the position
taken against all third party move
ments, is correct.
As before stated, ! am a prohibitionist
| in regard 10 the traffic in liquors as n bev-
crage, and really believe the best, surest,
and quickest way 10 attain this end, is 10
| he found in keeping the question wholly
disconnected with party politics.
| In pursuing any other course II Is be-
lievcd that the devotees Of the good cause,
may expect 10 reap only bitter fruit, and
this in two particulars.
|. II the Prohibitionists sh ould UNI
wisely put tickets in the field this year,
national or State, the result at the ballot
box will show their cause 10 bc weaker, at
least 0S per cent, than II really is-for the
reason, that Prohibitionists who are Dem.
ocrats will vote the Democratic ticket, and
those who are Republicans will vote that
ticket, leaving the Prohibtionists in the
cold middle"
And the figures rs 10 this vote will he
quoted in the future by rumscllers, 10 the
detrmont Of the glorious cause Of prohibi.
ton.
2. There Is danger 20 the Democratic
party in all third party movements. and
especially 40 in the solid south" Third
partyism invariably wcakcns this party
much moro than Il does the Republican
party.
| Tennessee Democrats need only 10 recall
old State, few years since, when Hawk.
ms, Republican, was elected Governor
through division and the folly Of Demo
Gratis
And this too nj timc-lisien Demo.
Gratis, when you numbered about 1000
aud the Republicans only about 5000 in
the State.
There arr hundreds Of similar result,
from tho "thrcc-comcrcd races, proving
that the cohcsiycncas Of Republicanisn
greatly exccls that Of the Democracy
From all this, Il IA unquestionably the
duty Of Democrats 10 do all in their powci
TO maintain the party organization, anu
not be side-trackcd by any call or cry
Work ON this line alone leads 10 success
and 10 individual State and national pros
pcriiy.
Asa prohibitionist, the writer is opposed
TO iriticring away precious time In demon
stmting 10 rum sellers and 10 the world Al
large, by figures, that the cause Of prohi
bition IA rs per cent. weaker than wha
the facts would show u 10 be-
let us first reflect Cleveland and ailel
that endeayor 10 prohibit the liquor trafii,
u rapidly rs possible in towns, countic,
aud State by vote Of the majority Of all
voters regardless OF party politics.
May pure patriotism inspire us 10 do thC
former, and may the good Lord hasten the
latter. Respectfully,
JoHN Y. MURRY.
Ripley, Miss MAY 30, 1888.