The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-09-23
PROHIBITION BEFORE THE WAR.

Shelby County, Tenn.
From The Appeal thirty-two years ago.
TEMPERANCE CONVENTION IN SHELBY
COUNTY.
Pursuant TO previous notice, large and
respectable convention Of the people of
Shelby county, Tenn, met at the court.
house at Raleigh on Monday, the 9th OF
February, 1856, when, on motion, Maj. q.
NJ Bartlett, was chosen chairman, and
Messrs. H. w. Grenade and ]. b. Smith,
secretaries.
The convention being organized, ]. T.
Swayne, Of Memphis, offered the follow
ing resolutions, and moved their adoption,
which being seconded were unanimously
adopted, to-wit:
!. Resolved, That from all past expert
ence and observations, moral suasion is
wholly inadequate 10 remedy the evils re-
sulting from the legalized traffic in ardent
spirits, and that said traffic, being dcstruc-
tive OF the public peace, and of individual
and social happiness, and promotive OF
crime and vice, prcjudlcial to the pros
perty Of the country, and productive Of
increased taxes to support the prosecu-
tons, jails, penitentiarics and poor houses
1t occasions, ought not TO be countenanccd
by the law, much less licensed and pro-
tCcted.
.. Resolved, That all past experience
proves that efforts 10 restrain and regulate
the evil are, and must needs be, in reason
insufficient and futile, and at the same
time inconsistent and mischevous, be-
cause no evil can or should be licensed.
,. Resolved, That IL is the duty Of the
Legislature TO guard the public morals
and protect the citizens Of the State, one
and all, against the demoralizing traffic
in ardent spirits and the legitimate and
unvarying effects thereof, acknowledged
and dcplOred, as they are, by all men;
Tor otherwise, IL becomes an intolorable
tyrany and an agent Of oppression.
1. Resolved, That no favor is due TO
that policy by which power is granted 10
the few, by statute, 10 operate aud iniilct
on the public. or any portion thereof, the
evils Of the liquor traffic aud no prospect
OF gain thcrcirom, or OF revenue 10 the
State, can, in any wise, justify II or atone
for the inevitable mischief.
8. Resolved, That, in the opinion Of this
convention, q uniform law should bepassed
by the next legislature OF this State, ope-
rating equally and alike, aud all over the
State. supprcssing and not tampering with
the sale OF liquors rs beverage; and, that
10 this end, Il Is important 10 elect 10 that
body none but right minded men as touch
ing this issue.
D. Resolved, That we cheeriully rely
upon the wisdom Of the convention, TO
assemble at Nashville on the 22d inst, 20
devise a plan OF action in the approaching
canvass, and We will cheeriully acquicsco
In the same; and, that, In order 20 be rep
resented in said convention, the chairman
appoint delegates for the county OF Shelby,
withpoNer 10 appoint Others, after this con-
yeniion shall have adjourned
Z. Resolved, That this convention when
adjourned, do meet again NJ this place on
the second Monday in March next, 30 con-
slider the action Of the state convention,
and transact any other business that may
come before II.
3. Resolved, That, In iurherance Of tho
cause, wo recommend the circulation, coli
lectively and by individuals, Of the TEN
perance Tracts" containing an immense
amount Of the most valuable matter, ri
the most triiling cost, and also such papon
Al shall favor and promote the cause
Espccially we recommend 10 the friends o
the cause, here aud throughout tho State,
the Fdmiv IisiiOr, a weekly paper pub
lshed In Memphis, Of good sire, at a mod
crate price, and devoted by It's present
proprictor, who arc worthy men, 10 IN,
work in which We are engaged with the
promise OF It's efficient and valuable ser
vices during the canvass about 10 open, ~
the immediate organ OF said cause.
o. Resolved That copy Of these rcso
lutions be forwarded 10 the convention a
Nashville, ~ expressive Of the sense Of thu
convention, and also 10 the papers n
Memphis for publication, with the 70
quest that the other papers Throughout
the state. friendly 10 the cause, publish
the same.
Under the sixth resolution, the Chairman
appointed the following gentlemen dele
gates TO the State convention, 10 assemble,
at Nashville on the 2Jd inst: