The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-21
AGAINST A THIRD PARTY.
Hon. Rarnabas Hobbs on tho Prohibition
Moyement I'm Indiana.

Hon. Barnabss Hobbs on tho Prohibition
Movement In Indiana.
81. H.. KS Indianapolis Letter in Chicago Inter
Ocean.
Your correspondent had an interesting inter-
view recently with the Hon. Barpabas Hobbs,
of Blccminedsle, Parke county. Mr.. Hobbs is
now past the allotted three score and ten, but 10
still, mentally and physically, q vigorous, we'll
preserved man. When questioned rs tn his pol
tics Dir. HOBBS said: Il have been q Republic
an ever since the party was organized, and was
q Wing before that Like all Quskers. he was
opposed to slavery, but did not join the anti
slavery party because he did not approve their
extreme methods of agitation. Mt. Hobbs, how
ever, is probably best known as an advocate Of
temperance. He said: Il signed the pledge
when ] was fifteen years Of age and have Kept IL
ever since He has worked for the advance
ment OF the csuss III every practicable way,
writing, speaking. and assisting in conventions,
and has therefore q thorough knowledge of the
question in all its bearings, the most expedient
and practicable means OF controlling the liQuer
traffic, the results of legislation in the past, the
outcome OF any future attempts at LEGISLATION.
To all these phases OF the question he has given
careful consideration, and is prepared to speak
sss one having authority He Is first aud fore
most a Prohibitionist, but he has not let bis zeal
in this direction blind him to the inevitable con-
sequences which must follow when that modera-
ton which tends TO a wise and deliberate coun.
sci is succseded by the unreason OF fanaticism.
Mr.. Hobbs's views must be accepted By all CON
est and unprejudiced people as thoroughly
sonnd and sensible. He was asked, by way OF a
preliminary, what no thought Of the formation
of q third party. II think" he replied, that IN
organizing . third party the temperance people
| have stood ia their own way. | think the re-
suits which they hope for would have been
more speedily attained if they had not organ
ized.n
.What reasons have you for believing THAI
because they attempt to mako prominent
and bring prohibition to the front--making it .
| universal cause for the Nation, when the Con-
stitution forbids any such arbitrary authority
| over the States. The prohibition and sale OF in
toxicating drinks Is a matter under the jurisdic-
ton OF the States. aud does not come within the
limits of national legislation. Congress can
leeislate for the District of Columbia and the
Territories, and that 10 the limit of its authority.
Political platforms can very properly express an
!! opinion about the desirability of the thing. but
to attempt to enforce laws over the State
would be inconsistent in their purpose. Another
objection TO the formation OF u third party
| movement is that its constituency object to
local option or any other means of suppress
ing the manufacture and sale of intoxicating
drinks. except State prohibition enforced
through constitutional amendment. l think that
any law which will curtail the sale or manufact-
ure Of intoxicnnts is an Efficient way Of reach
ing o subject, whether il be sufficient or not.
| Local option 10 Q progressive way Of conouering
territory and holding II. and all the territory
that can DO conquered is 20 much in the way OF
] advantageous position, given 70 the cause. ANY