The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1888-12-20

Shall the Answers Be
Under the first head line Of the above
the Hillsboro Gazette OF December 14th
tenderly reviews the action Of Council in
refusing to repeal the prohibitory ordi-
nance. Interviewing the action Of Coun-
Gil and the views expressed by the diff.
ferent members, the Gazette kindly
remembers the NEws-HERALD by say
ing that the News. HERALD has said
that the ordinance was right. Yes, the
News. HERALD said it was right
and says 80 again. The NEws-HERALD
has never been afraid to say boldly what
it believed to be right and also to de.
nounce what it believed to be wrong.
But, Mr.. Gazette, we do not intend to dis
cuss the right or wrong Of the ordinance,
but to review few Of the assertions
contained in the Gazette and ask few
questions. We do this more freely on
account OF your complete knowledge Of
the history Of the "spasmodic agitation"
that has afflicted or favored Hillsboro
for the past two years. You graphically
describe the work of the tellers, the
ringing OF the bells, the hot telegraph
wires and the praise meetings which
were intended to give expression OF the
feeling over the result Of the election,
which was held for the purpose Of ascer.
tanning the wish OF the voters of Hills
boro. Just what that has to do with the
enforcement of the ordinance or the
action OF Council we are unable to see
(that, of course, is our weakness OF per.
ception in the matter). 1t may have a
very strong bearing, but not to us. There
are few other things asserted in the
Gazette article that we fail to see, and it
is because we do not know that we call
on the Gazette for information.
And first we ere informed that the
"City Council have tried all the meth
ods in their power to suppress the liquor
traffic." What methods were employed,
and when was the effort made? What
numerous vices" sprang up, as the re-
suit OF the prohibitory ordinance? Were
you one OF the "cool-headed citizens un-
trammeled by prejudice" who saw that
the ordinance was working great harm
to society? Or were you one OF the
headed citizens who foresaw what it re-
quired the practical observation of the
"cool- headed" to see?
What is and what has been you
opinion OF the ordinance? Is it right or
is it wrong? If right, we are agreed; If
wrong, will you show wherein it is
wrong? Another question: What is
your method Of determining the "real"
sentiment of the public on any question ?
You say that the "large majority, by
which the ordinance was passed, did
not express the real sentiment" We
thought it did. Please explain your
method OF estimating what is the "real"
sentiment OF community. And still
we further ask: Is it your opinion that
the duty Of enforcing the ordinance rests
on the members OF the Council?
There is one point we are pleased
with your expression in reference to,
and that is II the ordinance is not en-
forced that the Gazette will speak its
piece. That is right. Spit on your hands
and roll up your sleeves and wade in
fearlessly. The NEWS. HERALD will stand
right by. you. In standing by you 1t
need not be concluded that every thing
you say is endorsed by US. For instance
We do not consider it either wise or true
that the 577 who voted for the enact
ment of q prohibitory ordinance were
hypocrites, as you call them. That tasser-
ton is too sweeping. But did you be-
long to the cool. headed 1873 that voted
their real sentiment? Now, Mr.. Gazette,
you have been playing over the shoulders
OF other people long enough. Step to the
front in your own name and express an
opinion Of your own. Answer few
questions in reference to the subject you
propose to speak about SO that your
readers may know where you stand on
the temperance question, and more par.
ticularly on the enforcement of the law
in Hillsboro.