The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-09-29
To Sell Liquor at the Fair.

Editor IF The Virginian;
Str,--I regret exceedingly to mote that the eTe-
cutivc committee of the State fair have decided
te sell li4eef, hence, eisfesaHaaae Fe earnest pro-
tests uf MANY Christian people and ministers OF
our State who earnestly pleading for the
protection of,ur young people, from the rural
districts especially.
1t is passing strange to me that the strong
business men Of our cities do mol the dan
gers that confront in the future IN not doing
everything possible To purify and protect the MS
ing generation. 1t is conceded that many of our
cities STEPPED In sin and corruption ana their
only hope for the future, in the past, is the
influx from the country to the city from
year to year, which influx leaYens the lump
and prevents absolute corruption and decay.
dare say the greater part of the ministers Of the
gospel Richmond, who doing such mo
mentous work, are country or village born and
reared. City people, ask yourselves the serious
question, Why il il So dare say, also that a
large majority of your older. stronger and most
successful business men are also from the eoan-
try. witty Is If so
In view or these and other facts that might
be mentioned, it seems to ME that fair man
ayers would spurn the thought of placing liquor
in the most convenient place, ana in that way
probably debauch and start on the downward
read to destruction many unsophisticated young
men and youths from our rural districts and COM
rnunites. and that only for the sake of the reNe-
nue. derived therefrom which should not be con-
sidered for q moment in comparison with the
necessary protection Of our people, both young
and old, fully realizing that many haven't the
wilpower resist such temptations.
Think of the rottenness and corruption now
cities, which should open eyes widely.
Money is good thing in the hands OF true
and Cody men, but curse III the hands of
many. 1t should not be considered for
ment, however, in comparison with morality and
purity. One of the saddest things of our age
ia my opinion. is the utter Indifference shown
III such matters by many men Of ability and
wealth What great power for good they could
WELD If they would stop while in their mad
career for dollars and think Of their duty to
their fellowman, and the country, instead Of try
ing to get everything possible out OF life in money
and self indulgence-and try TO how much
they give to the world in making it bet
ter brighter purer and happier Much good can
be accomplished In this way by their giving
money. time and service for it's moral and
Christian uplift Oh How mnch happier they
would be in this world well reaping
large reward in the world to come In having
many added to their crowns.
The wrong against the right What a fearful
tight. Will It always he so? Let US ask our
selves the uuestiop-whv IS II so2 The cities
must have iiquor-thc country can do without
it--why is It So
J do not believe the ia ~ managers have a par
ticle OF right under the law to sell liquor If
there is any place ON earth unsuited for it's sale
ii seems TO me it is the fair grounds The
fair is supposed be held for educationa pur-
poses however, have no advertisement
rs vet about showing the product of the saloon
would like for such product to be placed be-
fore the people. Felons stripes broken arted
women, hungry and ragged children, red light
women, bllghted manhood and womanhood is
only part OF the product of the saloon. 1T
causes more suffering and trouble than all other
sources combined-stch being the case whv on
earth do men tolerate She damnab1e traffic for a
moment? 1t is ND to the church and TEN perance
people whether they will patronize and encour-
age institution that turn a deaf ear ia their.
pleadihgs against this fnotstrn,Ig evil Each IN
dividul must answer for themselves
r. s. BARBOUR