The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1889-06-14
NEXT TUESDAYS ELECTION.

lung tne MANUFACTURE or sale OF lntoXl-
eating liquor as beverage. The
amendment is printed elsewhere in this
p per in full. At the outset OF the
campaign We announced that oppor-
tunity would be given all those who
wished TO express their views on either
side Of tie question, TO do so through
the columns OF this paper, under GER
tain conditions. Communications have
been printed weekly, in which the sub
ject fas been thoroughly discussed,
and the arguments Of both the friends
and opponents Of the amendment have
been brought TO public attention. But
very few of the articles received were
rejected, and these for reasons given
at the outset, viz: they were too long,
or not signed by any one, or were writ
ten by non-subscribers and were ex-
cluded by articles from our subscribers,
and there was not space enough in the
paper for all.
No other paper in the county has
devoted nearly as much space to the
discussion Of this question as has been
given by the COLUMBIAN In many
parts of the state the newspapers have
been printing articles for both sides as
paid advertisements, but the CoLUM-
BIAs has given its columns freely, with
out any compensation save some fault
finding by each side because we gave
the other side hearing.
The question has been asked, "Why
don't you come out squarely for Prohi-
bitioni" We have also been told that
''1t might be to our interest TO oppose
the amendment editorially." In the face
of such conflicting advice we have seen
fit to use our own Judgment in the mat
ter, and to conduct the paper through
the campaign just as it has been con-
Quoted.
The proposition to submit prohibi-
tory amendment TO vote was born in
republican state convention, passed
by republican Legislature, and then
cast adrift, disowned by its originators,
as matter that "has nothing whatever
to do with politics" The republican
party as an organization has done moth
ing for the amendment during the cam
paign. The democratic party as an
organization has taken no hand in the
public discussion Of the question. The
press generally throughout the state,
excepting prohibition organs and liquor
dealers papers, and very few others,
have taken no decided stand. 1t is
question of policy and morals about
which the people are as competent to
judge, as the papers are to tell them
how to vote.
But even though we had felt that it
was public duty to take decided
stand on the question, it would have
been difficult to determine on which
side it would be, as there has been a
friendly disagreement between the ed
itors OF this paper, not upon the desira-
bility of eradicating intemperance, but
upon the best method of accomplishing
this result. Such being tho case, our
columns were thrown open TO both
sides, with the understanding that no
editorial comment should be made.
The question is one for the people.
Those who believe that absolute prohi-
bition will best reach the desired end,
will vote aye on the amendment, and
those who believe that the sales of in
toxicants are best regulated by high
license, will vote, no.
On the one hand it is asserted that
"the evils of intemperance can be stay
ed by prohibition. No man should be
licensed to ruin other men. High H.
cense has proved failure. Personal
liberty does not permit one man to do
that which Injuries his neighbor. Pro-
hibition will save millions of dollars
annually to the families of the laboring
classes"
On the other hand it is urged that
''prohibit,on will not prohibit, and that
it has proven failure wherever it has
been tried. 1t is not possible to regu-
late mems appetites by legislation. The
adoption Of the amendment will ruin
millions of dollars worth of property
that has been built up under the pro-
lection of the laws of Pen nsylvania,
without any compensation. Farmers are
prohibited from making wine or cider
for sale, by this amendment. The pro-
hibitory laws of the state do not pro-
hibit. 1t is now forbidden TO sell with
out license, to sell to minors, to sell on
Sunday, to sell on election day, to sell
to man who is intoxicated, or one of
known intemperate habits, and yet there
is no doubt but that these forbidden
acts are frequently committed. The
favorable working of the high license
laws has 30 largely reduced the num-
Der OF licensed places in the state, so
greatly diminished drunkenness, that
it ought not to be interfered with at
present. The strict enforcement Of the
present laws will accomplish more than
the adoption of an amendment that is
80 sweeping in its character that it will
not be enforced. The more stringent
laws are made, the more difficult it Id
TO have them obeyed."
These are the claims as presented by
both sides. Every intelligent man is
able to determine for himself for which
side he will vote. As this is a pro-
posed change In the organic law of the
state, it is the duty of every citizen to
cast his ballot on Tuesday next. If
you are in favor of prohibition, il is
your privilege to vote that way and
on the other hand, if you believe that
the sale of liquor is best regulated by
the present laws, 60 to the polls aud
vote, "no,' fearlessly and openly, for it
is an honest opinion, and you have a
perfect right to express it by your
vote.
One thing should be borne in mind,
namely, that if the amendment be
adopted, it will stand for five years
and cannot be changed, whether Il op.
crates favorably or un favorably. Should
the legislature pass a prohibitory law,
it could be repealed at any session.
Ponder well, act console ntiously and
fearlessly, and vote as you think ia
right.
Senator Washburn, of Minnesota,
says the corrupt use of money is under
mining political institutions of the
country and that there must he a stop