The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1907-11-19

movement WIN no uSSi1C ~ S0Ss 0AJ
reflection on the earnestness and sim
cerity of this leadership, we must say
that certain of its methods are not
only distasteful but conducive OF
harmful results. 1t would probably do
more harm than good to mention
these methods in detail, but it is only
fair to ourselves to state that how
ever conscientiously done, they lead
to a ~cheapening of the character or
Christ, they SAVIOR of a mode or adyer-
Using religion which we believe TO be
unwholesome in its ultimate eject ON
those persuaded to undertake the
methods, to bring about an a~loofness
on the part of a vast number or u
| best Christian people and to put into
the hands of the enemies of religion
the most effective weapon OF ridicuie.
Continuing he said, ct is safe to
| say that many of the best men, clergy
| and laity, who wish prohibition, wish
| it only as the result of the highest and
( best methods; that even the most
| alarming conditions and the most i'm
| peratively needed reforms can neve
warrant the adoption of the belief that
the end justifes the means."
teTwo things might be mentioned
here" he said. The ~ostentatious
parade on the streets in behalf or
the dispensary several months ago
not only brought ridicule from Chris
tan people, but it is believed turned
MANY voters away from the polls. l
have heard on good authority that
election day in Asheville was charac-
terized by the surrounding and en-
bracing of men by jealous women and
by scenes which prevented many good
| citizens from submitting themselves 70
the things that accompanied the work
for prohibition on that day.
ut is said in reply he asserted,
that all this counts for nothing in
face of the fact that prohibition car
ried. To many of us it is not wheth-
er prohibition will carry so much as
whether it will carry by such a con
cert of action, such fairness of meth
DDS and such a majority of votes ina
it's moral enforcement will follow the
election"
What would you say" he was ask.
ed, twas the attitude of most OF the
ministers toward prohibition itself%'
In reply the minister said: Il woule
say that a large majority wish 1t ant
expect to have it, but that with many
if not most of the best citizens Wht
are in favor of it, they. believe tina
the time for the election is not yet.
do you think that this attitude
will strengthen the cause OF the sa
loon man in the present campaign:
the reporter queried.
And the answer came Il think nc
While unfavorable to the calling o
, the election most of the clergy, If 1t
called, would undoubtedly fight har'
for prohibition. I should not So,
, that the saloon man. could find mucl
, comfort in the coming Of a near cleo
ton. They would have to fight an
fight hard and if they won it WOul'
be by such a narrow margin as to civ
t them no moral support wnen the mat
Ter N before the legislature"
; The above plain spoken words, ut
tered freely by an esteemed membe
) Of the clergy, a be accepted unhesi
, tatingly af the view Of the majority G
the ministers of this city.
! Their interests above all els
, are for the moral and spiri
ual uplifting and development of tn
community and their attitude, it ca
be positively said, follows a thoughtful
!, consideration of the question as t.
what is best and most helpful at thi
time.
It is understood that no appea
has been made by the leaders Of tn
present movement t the other clerg,
for their help and that the presen
campaign for prohibition was under
taken directly against their advice am
counsel.
The interview given above, coming a
it does from a conS1crated minister
supported in his views as he is by
large majority of the other clergy il
Wilmington, will no doubt have an in
teresting and important bearing on tn
situation. .s.
CTVTT. TITpNE on CHTTPT