Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1909-10-21
ABERDEEN, Md,

ABERDEEN, MD.,
Oct. Is, 1909.
EDITOR CLARION:
Allow me to thank you for your edi-
torial on the st.rowful results of drink,
published in last weeks issue. 1t is all
too true! My feelings were greatly stir
ed when lived in Thurmont to see the
number who were addicted to the use of
intoxicants, but was shocked in coming
back last summer after an absence of
more than two years to see how the habit
had grown upon some men. Surely the
evils of strong drinks are terrible!
But do not find fault with the man
who drinks. You say, Gust why people
should become worse than swine it is
hard to imagine" Well, it isn't hard
for me to imagine. l know why! They
cannot help IT. l know of more than one
who would give up the habit if they
could. Instead of censuring these men
pity them. 1t was for their sakes that
l braved the storm of criticism, and
sometimes downright vilfication, and led
the fight to keep Thurmont dry when |
was pastor in your town. The thanks
of wives and mothers and sisters repaid
me fully. No, don't call these poor fell
lows beasts. They are children of God,
and only His grace can save them. Alas,
too often they refuse that.
My object, however, in writing this
letter is to answer the question in the
last part of your editorial. You say re-
garding the drink habit, "Sorrow, sorrow
sorrow, all the preaching and all the
teaching will not eradicate it, but, what
will?" OF course | have no sure cure
for the evil, but there are some things
that will 60 long way toward it.
First-close all the speakeasies in Thur
mont. 1t is crime that cries to heaven
for avenging when there are places open
where everybody knows the law is broken
continually and men made drunk. You
speak of one instance where death has
followed drink. | think know the man
you mean. God pity him! He was a
good fellow, but he could not let whiskey
alone. But who is responsible for his
death? Surely the man who sold him his
drink. Nathan had no more right to go
to David and say Thou art the man, "
than the citizens of Thurmont have to
| go to one of their number, who sold this
man whiskey continually, land that in
spite of his wife's prayers and tears and
protests), and say to him you killed
him." These are strong words, but
have nothing but destestation for the
vulture who will profit by his neighbor' S
weakness.
Second let the authorities carefully
watch the carrying of whiskey from
Frederick. | was told by reputable part
les in Thurmont during the summer that
one man is doing large business in this
line. Perhaps he acts only as agent and
is doing nothing illegal, but the suspc-
ion is that the sale is often consummat-
ed in Thurmont, which is clearly illegal.
Third see to it that the Local Option
Bill for the State is passed. If that does
not pass have it introduced as local
measure for Frederick county. Then
vote the county dry. 1t can easily be
done.
Fourth-let the citizens organize Law
Enforcement League to remedy the
speakeasy trouble. If a house was on
fire the whole town would turn out to
extinguish the blaze. If in that house
there was man in danger of death there
would be almost as many men ready to
rescue him as there are citizens in Thur
mont. Yet this illegal, poverty-making,
death-dealing, soul-destroying business
goes on and you tolerate it. May it's
monstrous iniquity rouse you to your
duty.
F. X. BAYLEY.