New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-02-19
TEMPERANCE IN NFVJERSEY

The temperance men Of New Jersey appear
to be divided again. The liquor-scllers and
their tools can always agree in opposing any
restraint of the liquor traffic The temperance
men never agree upon any method of restraint.
In that one statement is found the explanation
of the slow progress of this reform. and Of tho
disgust often manifested by large proportion
of it's real friends. More than thrce-quarters
of those friends are practical and unseltish
men, who want to lessen the evils of intemper-
ance as far as they can. A small minority
constantly refuses to do anything in that direc-
ton that can be done. 1t processes to believe
that no restraint ought to be attempted until
q Prohibition party can secure the offices, shape
the laws and attend to their enforcement. BY
Indignantly traducing the only party that has
ever done anything to promote temperance
reform, by denouncing as a compromise with
sin every bill that can possibly be enacted OF
enforced. by putting mp candidates who have
no chance Of election wherever it is necessary
to help the party of the rum-sbops, these
political Prohibitionists have done the cause
of temperance more harm than the Democratic
party itself ever has had power to do.
One effect of this movement, in every State
where it has existed. finds illustration in the
present situation in New-Jersey. Public opin-
ion there seems ripe for more effective re-
striction of the liquor traffic. Public opinion
would not sustain prohibition, not merely be-
cause the heavy majority in two cities against
it would defeat any majority in its favor else
where but because reasonable ProhIbtlonistS
there know that enforcement OF thclr po'icy
would be impossible in the two most populous
A. hot n
disgrace to the State and a lasting injury to
the cause Of temperance, to put on the statute
books a measure which would be openly and
completely disrcgardcd in those counties. Fair
ground for agreement therefore exists.
Sincere temperance men have not failed to
devise measure which seems adapted to public
wishes and needs in different parts of the state.
It is not now proposed to consider the details OF
the measure which has been discussed in Re-
publican caucus; whether it can be improved
the legislators will be able to judge when they
return from taking counsel with their constitu-
ents But the great features Of the measure
arc unique. and merit hearty approval. Local
option and high license, elsewhere antagonized,
here arc united in one measure, In any county
where the majority of the people desire TO
stop the liquor traffic they have power under
this bill to secure an election, to prove that
they are majority and to make their will the
law. In other counties. where suppression OF
the traffic cannot be carried and therefore could
not be enforced the bill aims to restrict the
traffic TO places of the less Objectionable class,
to reduce their number and TO make the traffic
pay part Of the governing expenses which it
produces The licenses imposed. where tho
people do not exercise their local option. are
therefore justified because they are the best
practical restraint.
The details of this measure are not even The
prctext Of opposition to it by few political
Prohibitionists. Their real objection is that it
will deprive them of excuse for continuing to
assail the Republican party and to help the
saloons in every election. individuals there
doubtless arc who oppose the measure for less
unworthy reasons. Being impractical persons
they conceive it their duty to resist any step
short of State prohibition. That means pro-
lection of the liquor traffic from any regulation
or restraint, in any county or town. until the
distant day when enough Of the people shall
support prohibition to enact and enforce it.
So it comes to pass again that political Pro-
hibtioniSts invite the persons who claim to be
the only sincere and consistent temperance men
TO help the rum shops. against this or any other
measure that can be adopted. In justice to
friends Of temperance in New-Jerscy it may be
said that the number Of the impracticablcs and
the political instruments of the liquor saloons
does not seem to be large. But whether few or
many, the men who take this position dishonor
the cause which they profess to serve.