The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1900-03-28
THE POLITICAL ISSUE.

The campaign Will SooA W -N t>"--
blast, and about the only issue for con-
si6eration is the one which few dis
eruntled politicians have famed into
aane by aligning themselves with
still fewer number Of men who are SIN
cere in their professions. In nearly
every instance, where politician IS
advocating Prohibition issue, he was
the rejected or defeated candidate at
some previous campaign, and his COM
ing forward again in politics is to re-
coup his lost prestige.
There are men who sincerely believe
that the country's condition would be
benefited if upon the Statute books OF
the State there could be placed law
prohibiting the sale OF intoxicating
liquors: these men are religiously sin
cere in such belief and will go to
great lengths to accomplish such a
result. They believe it is their relig-
ious duty to vote for Prohibition with
out regard for results, and they would
vote for anything labeled Prohibition.
Then there is another class, who laugh
in their sleeves at the idea of Prohlol-
tion, and will Join in with those who
are sincere. This class can not drop
their prejudice against the DiSpensary
law. because it drove them out OF a
profitable business, ard they have ever
since been doing all in their power, not
only to encourage the violation of the
law. but in many instances, have been
violators of the law itself. They will
be found in the ranks of the Prohibi-
tionists voting to get a Prohibition law
upon the Statute books: are these peo-
pie without method? Will any man
doubt that they see with Prohibition
law on the Statute books it puts them
in surer position to sell liquor with
out restraint? The advocates of Pro-
hibition will contend that if the law is
adopted they will see after, and to its
enforcement, but men OF observing
minds know full well that when such a
law is enacted, then it will be a case Of
what is everybody business is nobody 5
business. and the law will be q farce.
Even the DispenSary law finds the
greatest of difficulties to enforce. The
officers will try and do their duty, ar
rests will be made, the testimony often
conclusive, and juries made up OF Pro-
hibitionistS, Dispensaryites, and liquor
men. either disagree or acquit-con-
victions are rare.
The dispensary law has accomplished
much good. and the longer 1t is tried
the more good in the way OF temper
ance does it accomplish. The records
of the various towns and cities where
the dispensary has had anything like a
chance, show yearly decrease in the
''drunks and disorderlies," and the
county records all over the State show
q decrease in crime.
We are convinced that the dispensary
is the best way to handle liquor. We
believe it is utterly impossible TO stop
it's consumption, and restricted as it IS,
and becoming more so every year: 1t Is
fast becoming a promoter OF temper
ance.
The political Prohibitionists are SIM
ply using the influence of few good
men to further their political designs
and they do not expect to event. see
prohibition law enacted. but their main
hope is for political advantage which
they either know they cannot secure as
things are now, or they have tried and
failed