Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1901-01-10

The Press and Prohibition.
East Braintree.

Mr.. EDrToR:-The readers of the
local newspaper are generally nnspar-
ing OF their censure and adverse
criticism of the local editor; and (like
most parents and teachers) very silent
of well doing. believe every faithful
public servant should sometimes
receive words Of approval. Hence ]
write this article.
If you were speaking the same words
from public platform and l was a
listener, ] would applaud your senti-
ments in the most approved public
manner. The local newspaper is a
much more important factor in guiding
the voter to right action than it was
I fifty years ago. Then the pulpit and
platform were the artillery (as we
might figuratiyely say) and the news
paper the infantry. Now II is the
reverse. The newspaper begins the
conflict, and prepares for the minister
his theme and sermon. Each had its
appropriate place and each has its
sphere Of influence now. The local
newspaper affects ten times the
people that ten preachers do by their
weekly visits and sermons; unless
their sermons are published. The
press is more potent in war and peace
measures that cannon, bomb and rifle.
Under date, December 20, 1900,
Editorial Notes, 1.-Two Points Of View, y
you state the principles of prohibition
and license most fairly. / doubt if
there can be found in any work on
these subjects these views so ooncisely
and clearly stated as in that column.
But the closing words OF that article
are too gloomy and fearful for a leader
of public affairs of the goth century.
The days OF compromise between good
and evil are over for the individual,
state and nation. Every person in the
near future will be found working and
using his influence for either one view
or the other, which you state so
plainly. No longer are prohibitionists
to be tolerated in the ranks to uphold
prohibitory laws, who silently or as
enemies, prevent their
execution. ! quote your closing words:
''If liquor were not harmful at all, it
would require no legislation 10 control
it. But never helpful, generally harm
fnl and sometimes curse, its control
presents theme over which nations
and states will puzzle centuries hence
Rather let the statesman of today say,
what ought 10 be done shall be done,
by the help OF God, to the full extent
Of my ability. Let us see what reforms
have been accomplished during the
past fifty years. | will mention only
two-the abolition of chattel slavery
by the strongest civilized nations. and
the adoption of courts of arbitration
for the settlement Of national disputes
instead of war; and they also compel
other nations TO do the same.
Neal Dow started the watchword
prohibition. which has reverberated
throughout the world, and is heard
even now in our far-away Philippine
although as yet UNDECIDED. |
10 is my firm conviction that long
before the Goth century shall have come
% its fiftieth year, alcohol with its |
allied poisons will be swept away from |
he earth as manufactured articles of
commercial traffic no longer tolerated |
ly law.
BE not weary in well doing. Give |
1our readers as good editorials; and |
1 other state papers which are with
you of like sentiments will do the |
'ame each month until September.
1902, 1t does not need a prophet TO
ieclare that the next legislature will
accomplish more good than the last
me. and the next state administration
will do more for the best interests of
I'll the people than has been done in
ecent years.
DENNIS SMITH BRIGHAM,
Brattleboro, Vt.