Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-03-09
AT. UNION MEETING
Rev. n. w. Reed Talks on Per
sonal Liberty" Objection to-
Local Option.
NO ARGUMENT, HE DECLARES
Points Out Where, In His Judgment
Advocates of the Saloon Are
Not Consistent.

Rev. H. w. Reed, pastor of the First
Baptist church, last evening spoke be-
fore a union meeting at Memorial
Christian church on THE Personal
Liberty Objection to Local Option"
Following is a synopsis of his address ::
We have here a supposedly strong
argument against any radical temper
ance legislation. To many it seems I'M
Ianswerable. It's advocates represent it
as based upon the great American prin-
ciple of liberty. Thus used, it is re-
garded as final and decisive.
In fact, it is not a respectable argu-
ment at all. 1t is false in principle
and in it's every claim. 1t is only a
half-truth, and therefore a whole lie
1t seems plausible, but does not stand
analysis
AS briefly defined, it is the right tc
do as one pleases, as long as he does
not injure others. Most frequently
however. the latter part of the defini
ton is disregarded, and it is simply 6
| demand to be allowed to do what one
personally wishes.
This demand, in either the longer
Tor shorter form, refuses to recognize
the authority of the law. ANY law
| that interferes with personal wishes i.
unjust and tyrannical." The persona
| liverty advocate is law to himself
and knows no authority except his owl
will, and the vote of the secret so
ciety OF which he is a member In thi!
sense he is thoroughly an anarchist
Is Not In Harmony.
While personal liberty is preached
as being in line with the spirit. of ou
American Institutions, nothing can b,
more out of harmony with this Ameri
can spirit. Our American idea is tn,
authority of the majority of the PEG
pie. Personal liberty is opposed t,
| this authority, and insists on no inter
ference with personal wishes. The &C
ton of the leaders of the saloon inter
ests during the past week is both proc
and Illustration of this statement
| They are unwilling that the people O
this city should vote as to whethe
they want saloons to continue in bus
mess. They are afraid of the resul
of the vote, and do not desire to hav
to abide by the result. They want pei
lsonal liberty for themselves, but den
that privilege to the voters of the city
The Inconsistency of the demand
for personal liberty by the saloon il
terests is further shown by thei
threats to the business men, to bo,
colt all who in any wise lend aid @
encouragement to the local optic
movement.
But the utter lack of foundation fC
the plea is found in the very defnitio
of the claim itself The saloon me
cannot do as they wish, and mot il
jure Others" This injury is being fe
: every day, and by all members of tn
families of those frequenting the s.
looms. Injury" does not consist onl
in physical hurt; but there are inju
les of many kinds that are more hur
full many times over than any physic;
injuries that could be inflicted.
Intentionally Deceptive.
Viewed from any standpoint, tn
so-called argument falls to the groun
and lacks the first claim to mans +
spect. 1t is deceptive, and is so i
J tended. 1t is weak, and should be
recognized. 1t is anarchistic, and i
advocates should receive just as muC
consideration as We are coming to fe
: like according to all anarchists. 1t
un-American in the highest sense, ar
: therefore disloyal to our much che
ished institutions. 1t is concentrate
; seltishness, and therefore void of &
> claims to sympathy from all rigf
!; thinking men. 1t is illogical, it is u
true, it is despicable.