The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1906-12-01
TEMPERANCE INCREASING,

Jc"FcnAlNN6 INNHeASINNs
Now that the campaign is over and
the effort to make people temperate
by law has failed, it appears to be a
fitting time to look at the question
from another standpoint. The per-
sonal habits of men ought never to be
a political issue. The ordinary person
disllkes ve:y much to take dictation
from others regarding matters that
are purely personal. The average
American citizen will brook no inter-
ference with what he considers his
personal rights. 1t was pleasing to
| those who went down to defeat in the
recent municipal campaign to speak
about the reputation that Minneapolis
would acquire throughout the country
in case the present mayor was de-
feated. The decision Of the people of
| this city turned more upon the Phari-
saical attitude of those who presumed
to advertise themselves as the sup
| porters Of law and order rather than
upon tho question OF the Sunday
saloon.
There is today greater sentiment
in this city for temperance than ever
before. The cause Of true temperance
Is gaining not only in this country
but throughout the civilized world. AS
time goes OH there is an ever increas-
ing number OF men who realize that
| temperance in their individual lives is
necessary to insure success. Men have
learned from what they have observed
about them that the competition Of the
modern business life demands the very
best possible equipment in order to
give any hope of success. In every
business and profession the number
Of those who are total abstainers to-
day is proportionately larger than ever
before. The time has gone by in this
country when men addicted to the
drink habit can obtain responsible po-
sitions. 1t is no longer common to
hear the remark that so and so drunk
| is better than another sober No man,
no matter how great his natural abil-
ity. can now expect to hold his place
i'll the business and professional world
who is in any way 2 slave to the drink
habit. What is true in business and
in the professions is also true in po-
litical life. Many Of the great charac-
tcrs OF fifty years ago were devotees
at the shrine of Bacchus. 1t is re-
ported that Webster was under the i'll
f1uencc of liquor when he delivered
his speech in reply to Hayne. 1t is
certain that that intellectual giant
married his career because of his fire.
quent indulgence. The same can be
said Of many Of his colleagues. To-
day those most prominent in political
life do not hesitate to leave their wine
glasses turned at the banquet table.
In many instances the fact that they
have outstripped others is due to their
better physical and mental condition.
Those who were leaders fifty years ago
could not hope to be such today with
the handicap Of their bad habits. Tenn
perance has become necessity. Two
elements contribute the greater num-
Der Of incorporates in this country:
The unsuccessful poor who as yet
have not learned the cause of their
misery and the very rich who have nos
found it necessary to work or take
part in the worlds work. The neces-
stiles of modern life are teaching peo-
pie to be temperate. Increased knowl-
edge and a better understanding of
how to enjoy life are also contributing
to the cause. Men are trying more
than ever to get as much as possible
out of life and they, have learned that
intemperance incapacitates both for
work and for enjoyment.
The cause Of temperance is growing
but it can never be aided by meddle-
some interference with what people be-
lieve to be matters wholly within their
personal rights. 1t does not follow
that there is not field for the tenn
perance worker, but his work is with
the individual and through the indi-
vidual with the community; not with
the politicians. The work of such
man as Father Mathew is inco,npar-
ably more important and lasting than
the work Of all those who have at
tempted to make men good by law.
Let those who are sincerely DESTROYS
Of helping humanity employ their CT
forts along lines that will do some
good. Such efforts may not attract
as much attention, but they will be
ever so much more effectual They
may not 1T once attract public ap-
plause. but they are sure to result in
something besides public scorn.
The Mayors Of not less than three