The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1891-08-05
The Reason why.

ic purpose, and as justifying and demand
ing such organization, we instance, among
many others that might be presented, the
following reasons;
1. Because this question transcends in
Importance all others now before the peo-
pie for their consideration, whether civil
or moral, and most seriously threatens the
peace and safety Of the commonwealth
The drink bill of the nation alone ex
ceeds $l,OOO,OOO,0OOper annum and the In
direct expense growing out Of its use is
quite as much more. Over 10000 lives
are lost through its use every year and the
uncounted crimes Of every character and
degree, reported in the columns Of the
press.directly caused by 1t, bear witness 70
its effect on the moral life Of the nation.
And yet, this gieat evil Is not even so
much as referred TO in the platforms Of
either of the dominant political parties
nor does its suppression enter into che
questions presented for solution In the
coming campaign. 1t is now conceded
that majority of the voters In this state
did in the last amendment campaign ex-
press at the ballot box desire for the
suppression of the saloon. The women
and children. whose wishes should be re-
garded, are almost q unit for its destruc
tion, and large proportion Of the victims
of the drink habit would be glad If this
source OF temptation were Put out of their
way.
g. Because tue evil can not be con-
trolled by aay party into whose hands the
government may be committed so long as
the liquor interest holds the balance Of
power and can bring success or defeat %
either party at will. However much
many of the individual members may de-
sire to deal with this question as Il de-
serves, neither party can antagonize this
evil without forfeiting success, and SO, as
to this great reform, are bound hand and
and foot
3. Because the liquor interest is thor
oughly organized and is using Its power
with all the effectiveness of well-disci-
plined army, boldly declaring that 1t cares
nothing for either party except as 1t Is
willing or can be made to subserve iti
business interests; /, lays its accumulated
wealth under tribute TO defeat the will Of
4 the people by fraud at the ballotbox
1t silences or aggressiyely enlists the press
in its favor, as will best suit ITS purpose
so that il is found teaching the doctrines
OF the liquor traffic journals, repeating
their arguments after them; 1t corrupt
public sentiment and debauches the pub
| lie conscience to degree that threaten
the best interests Of the state and nation.
Intemperance is increasing; the amour
Of distilled liquors used having incressei
during the years from 1880 TO 1890 iron
ia to lilo gallons per capita and th'
amount Of Iermented liquors from 3 IA Y
10 65-1OOO gallons per capita in the saq'
period, making an average Of over 10 gal
Ions per annum for every man, womal
and child in the nation.
A Because we cannot obtain from th
political press, the chief source OF polite
al education in this country, the facts AM
arguments which the people ought :
J have. for the reason that In many instance
the giving Of them would interfere viii
the success Of their respective parties an
for prudential and seldsh motives the
} dare not publish those things that woul
be likely 10 defeat the organization
, which bring to them large measure Z
} their support
: 3. Because by acsing with organizi
Q tions 10 such combination withIthe liquc
3 interests we believe we in some sense b.
come party to their measures and mesl
}. ods, our influence is lost or overborne b
+ the larger balance Of the saloon elemeI
Q and we see no way 10 free ourselves irol
o responsibility and make efiectual oppos
: ton 10 this great evil but to withdra
. from all political connection with an
n stand where we can be counted In opros
= to them.
The party that invites thelassistance
IS an organization representing deiini
le financial interests, and. is by II raised
le power, would be bound even by that COZ
l. Of honor said TO exist among thieves y
u TO destroy those interests for the maIni
= : nance of which that organization was co
stituted. BY the very circumstances
the case they are prevented from dol
4 anything TO injure the business Of the
N allies that have made their success pos
te BILE.
y. The liquor league has $4,000 yo
or bound to no party, except as II will q
ht tribute to It's business safety and 81
10 cess. When the Prohibition party
Ohio can poll $4,000 votes, overbalanci
/, the liquor league by 10000, then we sh
=. - see the dawning Of the day that VIII 0
Il law the saloon.
id We entertain no uncharitable OF unk
". feelings towsrd those who may differ "
he US as to the best means'io be used 70 .
n troll and abolish thls.evil. We have mi
years occupied like position with tt'
honestly entertained similar theories
20 20 opinions and justified them by
70 ,o .,cuments and consequently kr