The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-10-26
Lady Somer-et and Temperance.

Editor of The Times:
Sir,-Referring to your courteous crit
| icfsm Of Lacy Somerset's statement as
! to the reasons actuating some people in
| their attitude towards temperance reform
| II cvements, permit the suggestion that the
remarks of this estimable woman be ap-
Piled to that large class of people who
in theory are aligned with her organlza-
ton, but who fail to identify themselves
with any organized effort to put the
theory into practice. Besides seeking to
educate public sentiment to the abolition
of the saloon, the great White Ribbon
army also works in the field OF moral
suasion to reform the drinking usages or
society-to Danish wine from the board.
eliminate the punch bowl from social
functions. inocuate the principle of total
abstinence in the minds and hearts of
the young. and in every honorable way
cut off the supplies from the great river
Of intemperance, that is flowing so dis
astrously. crosswise, through all lands and
countries. They seek to dry the tear of
the widow and orphan. made widows and
orphans by the drink curse. and TO save
iearts ard homes from coming to desoia-
ton. Thousands Of people will say
his is all right and proper. yet from
various causes are unwilling to unite
their practical energies in this direction.
Lady Somerset enumerates some of these
causes.
New. it is quite true that thousands Of
PEOPLE who profess and really would love
to see the drink curse minimized and
re. friction put upon the 1egalized traffic
that would reduce its power for harm.
are not prohibitionists. The Temperance
r.atform" Is a very wide and compre-
hensive one. and under the flag of tenn
perance" (not temperance organizat1 tons.
hut abstract "temperance') there marches
49,, :, ~ I><,$o s,l
ers, the high license people. the dispen-
sary system contingent the moderate
d: mixers. the legislative restrfcters, and,
it is but fair to add. the saloon-keepers.
for il is true that in the. declaration of
principles Of the Liquor Dealers Associ
alton is a procurement for temper
ance and sobriety." But here is another
fact: There are Thousands and thousands
OF people who believe in and confess such
faith in both the mission and policy OF
prohibition. who signally fail to lend
he,picg hand at voting time to the only
party that is committed to the principe
Of prohibition. Please note that I'M no.
imrugning the motives of the anti.proh!-
hitienist. If a man believes the principle
wrong. say so and stick to It II ne ot', ,
lieves the universally admitted curse OF
the traffic can be the better reuledied
by nigh license or other restrictions. no
enc expects him to be 81 prohioflioniss-l
until he gets his eyes opened. but II
prohibition is right and legal, license IS
wrong; il the saloon is the sreatssf
curse Of the age::'. if this IS the para
mount issue. why those who believe that
should ta.A their proper position under
the Prohihition party's banner. And thus
- 50 +bat3thos who spell 1t with capital |
up. are the practical prohibitionists and
g comnaratively few in number the thin
49, line, is standing bravely and M
s,I,.r;nplv tn the forefront of battle.
Iii, their so-called vain efforts and
..,I,ro.rn-away votes are forming rally
l., - e.ro,,nd for an eventual unifcatlon Of
,aeces and efforts that will cause the |
t1acx nag to come down from our civ
,,,zation's citadel. In the meantime this |
nsrty IS neither vind1ctive nor intolerant, |
ana win hail with joy and contribute to
the success OF all honest endeavors to |
savs. individuals. homes and society from
the blight OF the rum curse But you
prohibition people who have not Joined
the party or who have been unwilling
IRON, environments OF old party associa-
tons and what not to take practical
and decisive stand in support Of Your
convictions, cut loose absolutely from
your environments and get the conscious
peace Of an out and out, four sq,Sare. no
antagonism to that curse YOU
so much despise.
W. M. BOXERS