The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1913-08-13
DOES GREAT MORAL
INSTITUTION PAY?
Men Whose Lives Have I'm
bibed Influence of Business
Not Made Better Citizens
and Purer Men.
DESTROYS TIE NERVES

The question, does the Dispensary
pay, is of vital Importance. 1t con-
Germs us all, especially now as the fate
of the Dispensary question is soon to
be decided at the ballot box IN our
county.
Has it been uplifting to those con-
nected with it? To determine this we
have only to follow up the history of
the lives of those men who have con-
Quoted this supposed legalized whiskey
traffic which has proven to be far from
justice. What has become of the
members of the State Board of Con-
troll? We mention this only, for the
downfall has been general with all
those whose lives have imbibed the in
tiuence of this business. Can you
name one who has been made a better
citizen and purer man? Does it help
build character and make happy
homes? Science has demonstrated be-
yond question that alcoh u destroys the
nerves and consumes the activity of
the brain cells and leaves its victim
devoid of will power, therefore, grad
ually weakening the reasoning powers
(this is the distinguishing line between
the brute and man,
A few days ago in Aiken county,
father came home as usual drunk and
as was customary, began to abuse his
wife and children. His twelve-year-
old son took the life of his father to
protect his mother. This is one Of the
many instances of unhappy homes
destroyed by the whiskey evil. This
poor, unfortunate man once took his
first drink. Is our county benefited
morally and financially by the estab-
lishment of the Dispensary?
Our State Senator in published ar
ticle says that our county has lost
O,0o0 in the last four years by pro-
hibition. The United States census
shows that the four towns in county
with Dispensaries lost eighteen in pop
ulation from 1900 to 1910. 1t shows
also that the four largest dry towns in
the county almost doubled their popu-
lation IN the same time. The rate of
property increase in these towns is
equal to or greater than that Of the
population. We inyite your careful
consideration to the above statements.
A great many people say that they
would vote for prohibition if it would
prohibit. How many statutory laws
are not violated? If court and jury
fail to convict a thief, will you repeal
the Law? If murderer is freed, will
we have no law against murder? Vote
for prohibition and give the law your
moral support. Don't expect all other
laws to be imperfect and this perfect.
Statistics of towns and cities with long
established prohibition laws show that
crime and vice have been greatly re-
duceu.
Saluda county under prohibition has
improved school buildings, heightened
school terms and otherwise improved |
the school conditions.
Will your life be safe in the hands
of a doctor under the influence OF |
whiskey, will the lawyers advice be |
Just, will the merchants pounds be !
sixteen ounces and his yard thirty-six |
inches? The negro Tn der the influence
of whiskey cannot make the best |
laborer On the farm, factory Or home.
the home Is rot brighter nor the fire. |
side more peaceful where the father |
and son come in from the rumshop !
and blind tiger The blind tiger is |
present under the Dispensary law and |
prohibition. In our argument we
should not lose sight of the innocent,
defenseless women and children who !
are the victims of this demon. If you
love your wives and children protect
them from this evil. If you are care
less or unconcerned for them vote for
the evil one.
Again, if whiszey makes YOU better,
makes home happier, makes mother
more cheerful. makes brighter pros
spects for the children, vote for 1t.
We beg you to be loyal to truth. hon
esty and Justice. P. J. Minis.