The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-04-01

He Strongly Urges His Hearers to Vote for the
Pending Prohibition Amendment.

PHILADELPHIA, March 31.-Postmaster-
general Wanamaker made his first public
utterance to-day on the question of high
license and prohibition. He declared in
favor of the constitutional amendment, and
exhorted the eight hundred persons who
listened to his words to work, pray and
vote for it. Mr.. Wanamaker reached
Bethany Sunday school at 2 o'clock. Half
an hour later, while the Bethany orchestra
played the opening ny mn, Mr.. Wanamaker
was in his place as superintendent
of the largest Sunday-school class in
America. After the usual exercises, Mr..
Wanamaker led the way to the church. fol-
lowed by 400 members of his adult Bible
class and 400 visitors. While the visitors
were being seated, Mr.. Wanamaker an
nounced that it was quarterly meeting, and
he had been requested to talk of temper
ance. He read portion of the fifth chap
ter of Ephesians, beginning with the verse,
''Be not drunk with wine." He said:
What is the Christian idea Of rightl 1t is i'm
portant that we get the right thought, because
then we will do right and lead happy life. The
Christian idea is that we carefully guard our de-
pertinent: We shonld , be temperate % In all things
do this is fool. Now man who calls you a
fool is not minded much, but when God writes
should G be It temperate @ in everything That means
the use of tobacco and of opium; it includes pro-
family. and anger, and impurity OF life. We are
so to talk that we shall build each other up.
Mr.. Wanamaker then referred to the
wreck of the American men-of-war at Sa-
m0a, and spoke of the brOken-hearted wives
and children who were waiting for the re-
turn of their husbands and fathers who had
been dashed to pieces Oh the rocks. He
continued:
pie beaten against the rocks of adversty by this
tide Of liquor and of license. The man who will
not sig1 temperance pledge, though he does
not much of a man as he thinks himself
Christ sad Deny yourselves, take up your
drunk to be- 1mder the of %ne The
man who takes only little and will not give it
up, is as much controlled by it as II he an
ence because he won't give it up. What is the
reason you won't stand out for the amendments
Because you like glass Of beerf YOu say: II
want 10 be free to take an occasional drink II I
feel like it," What influence keeps you from vot-
ing for the amendment Is not 1t the influence
of the glass Of beerl There are thousands of men
in this city who do not get drunk. They say:
"we have the right to drink it if we want to; to
sell II, to buy ii, or to give it away" Aman NAV
os o te aor p1 spirit sag 'af
temperance man, but am in business, and the
liquor people deal with me. so l won't say any
thing against it." Now, what influence is he underl
1t is the same with many politician. He is
afraid he won't get votes, so he Is silent on the
liquor question. When minister or teacher
| by the liquor interests. The drunkard who votes
for prohibition is a freer than the total alb
| stainer who carries water on both shoulders and
then votes for liquor, or TO put IL in the harness
| of high license. Just as the saloon keeper must
| answer for every glass he sells, so we must an
| swer for voting for liquor. It's simply o ques-
ton of whether not we are In favor of the sa-
| loon. 1t is not question of high Ii
cense. The quibble that prohibition does not
| prohibit has nothing to do with Ii. The
! Jaw against stealing does not prevent stealing.
The same power that puts the amendment in our
Constitution will attend to the enforcementof the
law. IL is our duty to make 1t as difficult TO get
| liquor it is to get poison. License means that
the city, the State and the saloon-keeper shall go
| into partnership to ruin men, to build up jails,
| almshouses, hospitals and houses of correction,
| and to keep up the taxes. God il going to count
the votes. Vote for prohibition, and you will be
voting for Him, for order. for religion. and for
the highest civilization. He will every ballot.
| When you 40 home tonight go down on your
| knees, every one OF you, and pray God To help
you to carry the amendment
| Mr.. Wanamaker then closed with prayer.