The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-06-13

VI WeSUUWSs VuSt2s0iaStoS WV 0oo r SA
ton on the large attendance. Various
committees ~sppoiasea and the
convention took 4 recess until 80 in
order 60 enable The platform committee
to prepare . platform. -
Owing tosome misunderstanding the
committee did non meet until s 80 and
then continued 10 session until IL. In
the meanwhile the convention waited
aud several resolutions we're introduced
Among the most important of these
vas one providing for the organization
Of prohibition leagues throughout the
State. Aaother introduced BY Mr.. Gray
was to the effect that II was the sense
of the convention that State prohibi-
tion ticket should be nominated in the
Democratic primaries. These matters
we're referred to tide committe on resolu-
fions.
The committee on platform came in
at II as previsesly stased. Itis under
stood that lively feht had been going
on over q proposition to endorse the
dispensary system. The auti-dispensary
crowd wen foe sheplatform and not only
did not endorse it. but denounced al
kinds Of liquor selling.
The following are the words Of the
platform on the subject:
1. We believe the use Of alcoholic
liquors 70 result in an enormous in-
crease Of the death rate Of our country,
adding about n9, 600 aaaaally to the
death roll. 1
2. We believe alcoholic liquors used
- beverage to Be one Of the most
potent agencies in the ruin of moral
ehsraetef.
8. We believe .s least three-fourtbs
Of the crime committed in our land to
10 haceable to alcoholic liqu0rs.
4. We believe the liquor traffic to be
one great cause Of the fearful 6nsnciai
depression neg generally felt in our
country, since It annually drains about
$500. .000, 600 from the pockets Of the
mssses and instead Of giving value 10
return paraiyzes productive energy Of
sn equal amonas. ($900, ,000. .00O thus
making as annual loss of nearly
81, 600, ,000, 600 to the elegitimate trade.
5. We believe traffic in that which is
against the peace. good health, safety.
commercial prosperity aud moral char
scter Of community. State or nation
to be in violation Of the real rights of
men and therefore Inherently wrong.
g.. We believe all forms of license of
the sale of liquor as beverage to be
morally wrong. and 10 violation of the
highest purpose for which government
exists.
7. We believe the State should pro-
hibit absolutely the sale Of liquor as q
beverage and should provide for its
sale only for medicinal. mechanical
and sacramental purposes. with such
regulations aud provisions for enforce
ment and penalties fer violation. as
may be expected to prove efficient.
8. We believe that to make any pro-
hibitory l.v effective, the executive
and other officers Of the Law should be
jn full sympathy therevith.
The platform Vas unanimously
adopted by sisiog vote Of the eonven-
ton.
TIE fight Of the evening occurred
When the committee on resolutioos re.
ported Mr.. Grsy's resolution unfavora.
bly, bat recommended that steps be
taken TO dominate = ticket At once.
Froo that oo until 2 o'clock the con-
.7eatioo devoted its time TO speech
-n.tisg pto apd eop on the question OF
nouiossion. The discussion took
vide range very few Of the speakers
eonasing themselves 10 she question
eveo 10 theis losges. speeches. A num-
ber Of eoupromise measures we're sag
eested bat sere rapidly voted down
and ss one time it looked as it the nom
isaticn people had woa the fight.
Those opposed 70 noninstioa thought it
veeld be ipexpediess beesuse the
farmers, Who they eontended we're she
backbone Of the prohibition movement
would not leave the Reform party to
vote for prohibitiooists against their
QUO men. Those in favor of nomina-
sioas eooteoded tba. politics ehould be
laid aside and the fight should be made
straight. These denounced the legisla-
ture for not epactiog q prohibition Law,
and Mr.. jeremiah Smith said if the
dispensary was a prohibition Law be
was ready to quit the party. He con-
sidered the Supreme Court decision a
godsend in preventing the further
establishment of contemplated State
groggeries. Mr.. s. A. Nettles tried to
defend the Legislature and told how the
House had done its duty but the Senate
had substituted the dispensary which he
considered the next best thing Dur
;no the course of bis speech be referred