The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-03-02
The Combat Deepens

Now the important fact for those who favor
this measure Statewide prohibition) to bear
in mind is that the election occurs in Sep
tember next For all practical purposes we
shall have just about six months In which to
organize the State and to get ready for the
great, epochal struggle. And must organ
ize Defeat. in this election will set back this
great reform fully quarter of century. 1t
will mean far more than the rejection of this
particular measure 1t win put courage
into the depressed and pancky liquor forces
II will in corresponding degree discourage
and demoralize the temperance workers. De-
feat would leave in far worse condition than
were before the passage of the enabling act
This battle must be
1t can be won. a rousng majority can be
returned for the act such a majority as will
remove every lingering doubt concerning the
will of the peoplt, and will bring every tmd
and wavering legislator into line But in order
TO convince this majority of the supreme I'M
portanee Of this issue in order to get this ma
jority to the polls. must organize and we
must begin the work of organization the day
that the governor afixes his signature to the
bill. We cannot rely--it would be stupid 20
rey--upon mere spel-binding. Speakers we
must have, and they will play useful and
honorable part. but nothing short of group
OF alert and devoted friends of the act in every
community in the State, group in constant
touch with headquarters and willing to give
personal service without stint, will bring the
results which we have right to expect.
Heretofore the league has relied largely upon
churches, Sunday schools. etc, and these re-
I
sympathetic and helpful. They will remain so.
But we cannot rely these organizations to
do the practical work in the approaching cleo
ton. They are untitled for such WORK. We
ought not to ask them to undertake it. Let
the good citizens who favor the get
together in every neighborhood in Virginia. Let
the league headquarters plan campaign with
reference to some sort of local organization in
every community. and let be satisfied with
/ nothing short of this.
This work of organization will be costly. We
may be sure that the liquor people will pour
money into this election do not say for
illegitimate though they have never been
squeamsh on that score. but. leaving aside any
suggestion of corruption. they will bring to the
polls every voter friendly their interests.
They will organize. Be OF that And
they will have ample money for all the ex-
pense of organization The manufacturers and
wholesalers in Virginia and outside of the State
will contribute freely The temperance people
in Virginia must provide the necessary funds
for our campaign. Our friends outside Of the
State have their hands filed with their own
tasks. The Virginia friends OF the measure
must put up the money and they must give
with uriwonted liberality.
If funds supplied, have doubt of
the ability OF the league managers to make such
a Statewide campaign will leave the issue
in sort Of doubt. But must take nothing
/ for granted The battle is Each of us
must do his part. God save the Commonwealth,
Religious Herald.