The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-11-01
GRIFFINS BOOK.
Veteran Temperance Workers
Assault ON Prohibition.
He Gives a Bit of UnWritten
History.
PAPER NEVER READ.
Temperance Union Refused Him
Place on Programme.
Now Thinks Prohibition Should
Be EXpunged.

''Why the legal, or force, method of
promoting temperance always has done,
and always must do more harm than
good" is the paragraph at the top of
the front cover of Albert Griffin's Sc
page monograph picking the present
form of prohibition in Kansas to pieces.
Mr.. Griffin has for years been a strong
temperance worker Mr.. Griffin ex-
plains the publishing of the pamphlet in
the following foot note:
Last winter. I prepared a paper to
read at the annual meeting of the Kan
sas State Temperance union, of which
1 was one of the founders, and am a life
member, but the committee declined to
give me place on the programme; ia,
as subsequent events have confirmed
my conclusions, and made still palmer
the duty of acting upon them, have
enlarged it and present it to the public
plan of work which, if diligently prose-
cuted, must produce more good fruit
than any yet tested"
1t is evident, after reading the book
that the reason the union did not wish
the paper read at the meeting was be-
cause it is in direct opposition to the
beliefs and aims of the union.
Mr.. Griffin explains his change of faith
as follows:
las is known to many. I have been a
temperance worker for more than so
years: was long a Jealous prohibition
list; and have tested nearly all methods
of promoting the temperance cause; but
Of am now convinced that legislation in
tended to promote morality by compell-
ing the abandonment of any mere per-
Sonal habit or indulgence that is not
Inherently immoral is wrong in princi-
pie, and must, ultimately do more harm
than good Moral reform is an indi-
vidual matter. 1t begins and ends with
individuals, and the most effective
forces for its promotion are internal
not compulsion. but education and per-
suasion."
In speaking of the Real Object of
Prohibition Mr.. Griffin says:
''Prohibitionists cannot strengthen
their cause by Intentionally misstating
or ignoring the real issue. No amount
OF self deception, or cOwardice, can pre-
vent dispassionate people from ulti-
mately seeing that the issue is not one
between the people of Kansas and a
few jointists.' over the question Shall
outlaws be permitted to violate law
with impunity? 1t is a much graver
matter. 1t is, substantially Shall a
nucruating minority. that happens to
control a government, be permitted 70
regulate the personal and social habits
of the majority. against their wishes?
In fact, 1t is Are we, are we not to
be a free people?' And those that think
the majority can be prevented from as
sorting (and ultimately securing) the
right of self government in purely per-
sonal matters do not understand the
character of the American people. I
say minority because the majority of
the people are not in favor of the rigid
suppression of the liquor traffic-and
probably never were"
Referring to the political phase, Mr.
Griffin says:
Sincere prohibitionists are seldom
successful as politicians. They are too
easily hoodwinked When victory is
possible, self-seekers and mercenaries
become very active, and overflow with
zeal for the cause They plead DO
not let us throw away this chance
So-and-so would. of course, be the men
IL we could elect him, but he has so
many enemies that he would be sure of
defeat. at this time 1t won't do TO
sacrifice SO holy cause even for so
naod a. zaan-espec1ally whan we have