Middletown transcript., 1907-06-15
x1DDIErowE. DEL, JUNE IS, 1907.
BISHOP COLEMAN ON LOCAL OPTION

BISHOP COLEMAN ON LOCAL OPTION
That he is undecided as to local option
and as to what course he should recon-
mend to the voters of the diocese was the
statement made by Bishop Leighton Cole
man in the annual convention OF the
Episcopal Diocese OF Delaware, at George
town. He discussed the local option Law
enacted by the last Legislature, and stated
his indecision on the important subject
while delivering his annual address.
To say that the Bishop has caused a
sensation in lower Delaware, is putting
1t mildly. Sentiment in Kent and Sus-
sex counties seems to be in favor of no.
license, as has been manifested in several
sessions of the Legislature when Assem-
blymen of both political parties have
taken determined stand for local option
legislation.
CIergymen of most denominations
down the State also have been active ad-
vocates of "no-license." and are agitat-
ing that subject increasingly. Because
OF this feeling down the State the an
nouncement by Bishop Coleman that be
is undecided as to the local option came
like bombshell in this community, and
the attitude assumed by the head of the
Episcopal Diocese of Delaware has caused
much comment there.
Bishop Coleman's views on the local
option question are set forth in his annual
addresses as follows:
''In turning to matters Of general in
terest, I may notice the fact that at the
recent session of our States General As
sembly, an act was passed, generally de-
nominated as that of local option,
whereby the voters Of the various por-
tions of our commonwealth are entitled
to determine whether or not in their
several localities men may be licensed
to sell what are known as Intoxicating
liquors.
"There can be no question that this is
among the most important matters that
can be determined by general election.
And yet it is, to my mind, one that does
not admit of that instantaneous decision,
either one way or another, which many,
apparently, are prepared to render.
''0n the one hand, am quite ready to
acknowledge the force of the argument
employed by some as to the danger OF
the precedent thus allowed, whereby
our several communities may have the
right to interfere with any branch Of
business hitherto conducted under law
ful authority precedent which under
certain circumstances, might be used,
they argue, to further legislation of
totally restrictive character as to other
heretofore lawful trades or business.
'T also recognize the force of the ar
gument as directed against this proposed
prohibition Of the liquor traffic founded
upon the experience of other States
where such prohibition has been allowed;
especially that part OF the argument
based again on the alleged existence and
increase of numerous places where this
traffic is conducted illegally and harm.
fully.
"Then on the other hand, need not
facts nor arguments to persuade me OF
the incalculable and widely diffused evils
resulting from the indiscriminate and un-
restricted sale of intoxicating liquors.
And when take these evils into serious
consideration, do not wonder at times
at the almost incorporate language with
which people denounce them and all who
have in any manner or to any degree con-
tributed to their creation and contin-
nance.
"And I can somewhat sympathize with
the desire which some entertain to at
least try this new method-that is, new
so far as Delaware is concerned-in the
hope that, by refusing all licenses, there
shall eventually be brought about a
change for the better. Almost any lawful
expedient might seem to be preferable to
the really awful state Of affairs existing
because of drunkenness.
''Thus il is that find myself somewhat
undecided as to what course / should
recommend to the voters in the diocese,
being somewhat undecided as to what
course I myself should pursue. All,
therefore, that I feel at this time con.
strained to do is earnestly to commend
the whole subject, in all its bearings, to
the most serious consideration OF all who
have at heart, the welfare of their fellows,
with view to such a Judgment in the
premises as may best satisfy their own
consciences.
Lifelong total abstainer as ! am, do
not allow that any one can be more in
terested than myself in this matter Of
temperance reform. Neither am / will
ing to call into question the sincerity of
others who may conscientiously differ
from me, az to the method of its accom-
plishment. Nor am / afraid of my hav-
ing my own consistency disputed by
those who may think that in my present
deliverance have not gone far enough
in the direction of total prohibition.
What seek is such an honest and careful
reflection upon the issue about to be pre-.
sented TO us as its grave consequences SO
eminently deserve"
FRANKLIN Il. HARPR DEAD