The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1902-04-18
W. C T. u. COLUMN NJ
CONDUCTED BY MRS. NJ. /. HOBBS.
Who is Who.

We copy an editorial from the
SUI, an Independent daily, setting
forth clearly and forcbly, the -u-
premacy If the liquor power (es-
pecially as represented by the brew
er) in the politics Of Indianapolis.
We think none will deny the cor
rectncss of the Suns statement.
Nor is this humilitating condition
confined to this city alone. 1t l.
certain that Evansville, Terre Haute,
Folt Wayne, and other cities
throughout the state, are proportion
ately as fully dominated by this ma
lign power as is the capitol city.
But the Sun fails to tell the whole
truth. Not only does the liquor
power control the individual mayor,
councilman, prosecuting attorney,
commissioner, or other Official
whose duties bring him into inti'
mate relation with the saloons, but
il lords il over the parties which
have nominated and elected these
men. This is the worst phase OF
the situation. For the sake OF par
ty success, those in charge OF the
machine will allow nothing said In
platform resolutions, nor in cam
paign speeches by accredited repre-
sentatives of the party, that could
te taken as hostile to the saloon IN
terests. When law makers thus
elected get together, the willy brewer
works through the political boss
more than by direct approach to the
legislator. So it occurs that even
the most reasonable and moderate
requests OF temperance people Tor
legislation, to protect their homes
from the encroachments OF the sa-
loon, are Of late years invariably de-
MED.
Attempts OF anti-saloon people to
change this state of affairs by de-
feating such officials asking for re-
election, must always be futile.
Even though now and then sue.
|cessful in retiring some individual
Ito private life, his successor comes
lin smiling, under exactly the
same influences and ready to yield
lust as abject obedience to the die
tation Of brewer and party boss.
That sort Of effort for reform may
be continued indefinitely without
the least progress being made, as
experience Of years has proven to
|the satisfaction OF the more earnest
temperance workers. 1t is very sell
dom that an office holder has the
independence to rise above his par
lty and follow the dictates OF his
conscience in these particulars; and
when he does so, that term usually
ends his official life.
The exact truth is that we are
governed by party; that both the
great parties fear to offend the sa'
loon power, but instead bid Tor Its
support. The better class OF cit
liens. largely in the msiority, are
restless and chatting over saloon rule
and its law defiance; many are
highly indignant; yet they are pow
erless to bring about any bettermen'
while remaining in a license party
The party cannot be changed-car
not be converted from license t
prohibition. To do SO would be
revolution that would rend the par
ty.
Coming back to the local situa
|tion: we affirm that the mayor
prosecuting attorney, commission
.Iers, ETC., in yielding to the de
lmands Of the liquor power, are list
|ening not merely to the brewer bu
ito those in charge Of the party ma
|chine. In doing SO they are loya
Ito party and ensuring for them
selves further promotion and Doodle
One effectual remedy only exists
|for such a state Of affairs. 1t is fol
good citizens to speak through
party pledged to the outlawing 0
brewery, distillery and saloon-or
] leanized with that as its chief pur
pose. :.
j The publication Of actual condi
tions, as so clearly set forth by tn
ISun, must be beneficial. "Who |:
who?" The liquor power domi
mates. It's demands and encroach
ments and law defiance CONSTANT.
increase. A knowledge Of thes
things ought to arouse an indigna
tion that will not content itself wit
mere wordy denunciations, but re
suit in wise political action. Do no
he "political fool. "-Phalanx.