Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1901-12-20
NOW FIX THE BLAME.

NOW FIX THE BLAME.
In another column will be found
a communication signed "Omega,'
In reply to the one signed "L." in
last weeks CITIZEN. Though very
much crowded just now We give
space to the writer with pleasure,
aud for several reasons. We do net
care to do any honest and able Off
clal injustice, is one reason; an
other is that this communication in
cites US to write on a meritorious
subject that Omega and some other
good citizens like him think has
been overworked, or, to use an ex-
preston prompted by him, has been
eaten up by zeal; the cause has never
been defeated on its merits but
by connivance, and therefore should
be championed by such as Omega.
In default of better the CITIZEN
does not hesitate to take up the
cudgel. But the prime reason for
our publishing the communication
is to give us an opportunity to ease
the mind of the public on the au-
thorship of last weeks communion
ton, as we had intended doing even
ii Omega had not offered the good
opportunity. al. IS" article was sent
down to the printer as an editorial.
Our foreman being sick the second
In command thought it only mis-
cellaneous article and consequently
set it in BREWER type. When it came
up on proof and we discovered the
mistake the hour was too late to
change to editorial type, and there
was nothing to do but to make it
communication, adding a signature
that would be recognized by a ma
jority of our readers, yet not bold
enough to be egotistic. Now we
have confessed all, and eased our
mind-as we'll as that of some who
will read this.
What some term fanaticism, others
zeal, in the efforts of citizens of the
county in respect to liquor viola
tions is nothing more nor less than
an anxiety to see our wholesome
laws executed, mankind's condition
bettered and decrease in expenses
of county and State government.
These fanatics, purists, goody- goody
people or whatever their Gallons
neighbors or their enemies may see
fit to style them would seem to be
the only class that is standing for
the good name of the county. This
is a bold assertion, but it is calmly
made, and We can prove the truth of
it. Where has case of LIQUOR vio-
lation been reported by an official
of the county, or by one who asso-
clates with the liquor element? We
do not know of one. Or where is
the case that has been successfully |
prosecuted or properly punished by
county officials? We do not know
of one. On the other hand, every
case has been instituted and pushed
by these fanatics" And with all
their earnestness, or zeal, and their
means. and in face of the fragrant,
open violations of the liquor laws, there
mas not one been properly punished,
aor do We just now recall that there
has ever been ultimate conviction.
The enemies of temperance claim
hat no great injury is being done
BY whiskey. Well, we do not pro-
pose to discuss the evils of intem-
oerance. But we do claim that Ian
caster county has been injured more
oy the violators of our liquor laws
han did all the wars, pestilences or
which ever touched its bor-
iers; that some Gozen-maybe four
lines that number-of men who
lave openly defied law and or
Ter have started more souls on the
Dad to perdition from the curse
which breeds perjury, false hood and {
nurderous design than all other mis- I
ortunes or iniquities which have
edged within her borders. This, to 6
ny nothing of the soothing name
nat we--one and all, citizens and a
fiicials = bear abroad among our '
lister counties. In order to foster I
ONE who are worse than miser- h
BILE citizens, who pay little if any e
AK, the taxpaying citizen. the man U
energy and industry who pays
Or all the crimes that their law