The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-04-01

The rlaiits Of the saloon: why in
terfe.c With them? was the subject
or al Interesting discourse by Rev Dr.
c. E. Robinson. at tho Second Prcsby-
tertan church last night. during which
he denounced In bitter terms the
Vaughan lquor license bill and highly
'audcd the efforts Of Rev. Dr james
Mcleod. ana the other members of the
citizens committee who devoted their
energies to lighting tha measure.
He chose his text from Nehemiah
Niii:2l. which tells of the prophets
righteous Indignation at the sacrclig-
iois sights he saw in the holy city IN
opening his Address DR.. Robinson said.
For soma time the Christian tenn
perancc people of this city have had
plenty of Interesting reading regard
ing the famous. Or not to put too fine
an edge upon IL. the infamous Vaughan
bill. a committee at Harrisburg. rep
resenting the interests of the people
who are representatives Of the liquor
interests argued that with such a high
license very reputable citizens would
he deprived of the very reputable busi-
ness of keeping saloons. stores would
be vacant as Il result. and a cores
ponding loss Of property to the city
would ensue.'
DR.. Robinson then narrated at length
the letters of a number of local min
isters to the daily press regarding the
passage of the bill. ana the meeting
which followed in Guernsey hall of n
number of ministers and other citizens.
ut which condemnation resolutions
We're adopted and committee ap-
pointed to go down to Harrisburg and
there fight the bill
WORK OF COMMITTEE
This committee continued the
speaker" consisted OF Rev. DR.. James
Mcleod. chairman: w. j. Hand and
eN-Judge Jessup. All praise to them
for the strong efforts which resulted in
success. They arrived at Harrisburg
too late to appear before the commit
tee. but not too late TO reach the legis-
lators at the capital. by means of the
public press. and by placing before
each OF the members Il copy of the
petition signed by citizens of this city
showing them what public opinion was
regarding the bill which passed first
reading In the house. without a dis
senting voice
Their efforts We're crowned with
success, indeed. and on final reading
the meas sure was defeated by a vote of
H-n. Agitation of a great cause in
tn" name of God and humanity is al
ways mighty and more powerful than
Regiments of soldiers. The supporters
of the bill argue that the more saloons
there are. the more business there is.
and the more business the more pros
perity. Money. money is the cry no
matter how many men are dcbauched
or ruined to acquire that end
"When Nehemiah viewed the exist
ing condition of affairs in Jerusalem,
he was moved to wrath. He saw peo-
pie working on the Sabbath. he saw
the men of Tyre with their shops omen
on the day of rest. they having licenses
To do this, and even at that time the
same argument was made as now Is
advanced.
I'VE are TOO poor to close on Sun
day was the cry that Wen, up. the
cry of the salOonkeepers of the pres
ent day. The people had paid license
and believed they We're justified. And
then again picture the beautiful
temple. with its most sacred spot. the
holy Of holies, profaned by being
turned into Il money mart. Small won-
der that the young man Of Nazareth
Indignantly scourged forth the sordid
mob. Money, money was the same
argument used then.
IT Is DESTRUCTIVE
Nov the liquor dealers voice the
cry, and yet the influence of the saloon
on business is morally and financially
destructive. In England. whenever
there is a bill before parliament which
impcrils the rights of the people. it is
I, recognized fact that there is nothing
81 powerful as the aroused public Sen-
timent, ANA no Statesman can stand
against ii. When any man stands up
like Jesus of Nazareth with God he .
hind, there is wonderful power in pro-
test.
This is not the end of our struggle
hui The victory gained by the commit
toe in Harrisburg tells everyone of the
power of protest. All citizens should
see to II that Righteousness prevail and
the plans of III" saloonkeepers he over
come. What rights have the saloons" I"
We hay" II right to our moral protest
IL right to press this matter till The
time will come when the Christian SEN
timent of this city. of this state, Of
this country will drive out III" whole