The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1915-04-04
PUBLIC OPINION

. PUBLIC OPINION :
o . . . . . . . . $500 q o -
A Broad View Of the Liquor Question.
To the Editor of The Gate City:
j All reasonable people agree that
the abuse Of liquor is wrong. So also
is the abuse Of every amusement
or duty known to mankin q
Honorable and respectable people
differ honestly regarding the use Of
liquor In moderation. Those who do
not approve OF it do not have TO use
it. That is so manifestly their privl-
lege that one wonders they are not
satisfied. Those who do enjoy 1t
should likewise have that privilege
an inherent right of the individual TO
live his life in his own way. II ne
abuses that privilege. our present
laws, enforced, punish him. There IS
no question about that.
Let US be honest and fair with our
selves as well as with others.
Many people secure proper enjoy
ment, pleasure, and profit from dane
ing, card playing and various other
recreations and amusements. All
these pursuits may be abused. Be-
cause the weakling may abuse these
privileges, is no reason for denying
them to those who use them properly.
A certain proportion Of our citizens
desire to retain saloons, well regu-
lated and licensed. A certain proper
ton Of our citizens are opposed to sa-
looms Those who do not approve OF
them do not have to use them, but
shall they take 1t upon themselves to
deny that privilege to those who co
wish to use them properly? Coercion
never accomplished good results IN
the history Of the world, but when ap-
piled temporarily always has produc-
ed dissention and strife.
Humanity is very complex-there
are different types, conditions, tenn
peraments, opinions, and characters,
among men. 1t is reflected In our
various differing sects and denom1na-
tions in religion; in our business,
aims, pursuits, ideas, desires and
amusements. The right OF the indl-
vidual to choose his own course and
standard of life is his birthright, pro-
vided he does not abuse that right
True reform. is never accomplished
by force but only by example, reason
and guidance.
The use of liquor has been avail
able to man in all times among all
peoples and countries, from the begin
ming of history.
This is no place for misleading and
distorted statistics or quotations and
Interpretations. A great deal of hys-
terra, exaggeration and misreprese1-
tation has been introduced as argu-
ments in this question. Great and
good men have used liquor and great
and good men have been opposed to
liquor. But each has had free choice.
Weaklings have always existed and
will continue to exist.
In the maze of arguments a few
facts stand out incontrovertible.
A saloon license is a direct tax paid
into a city. Remove the saloon and
YOU loose that money unless you
make it up by increasing taxes else
where. That is simple arithmetic.
Retain the saloon, licensed and reg
ulated. and the man who does not
want to drink does not have to. while
the man who wishes drink may have
it openly. The law will look after any
abuse.
Abolish the saloon, and the man
who does not drink is no better on.
while his taxes are increased; the
man who wants drink openly. IS
forcibly denied his desire; and a
large number of fellow men are de-
prived of their occupations, their bust
ness is damaged and their investment
largely confiscated. Is this fair and
honest?
This is bad time and a bad year
to throw man out of his business.
A Local Refutation.
The argument Is made that with
the closing of saloons in Keokuk,
Warsaw will be overrun with drunk