The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1915-07-02
BUSINESS MEN OF THE STATE
DECLARE FOR PROHIBITION

Columbia, S. c., June 22, 1915.-
An address to the people of South
Carolina, signed by number of
leading prolibitionists, was made
public Saturday in Columbia by ]. X.
Breedin of Manning, secretary of the
Business Mems Volunteer Committee
for Prohibition.
Fellow Citizens of South Carolina:
"The question of prohibition is the
big issue before the citizens of South
Carolina at this time and it is a ques-
tion of such moment as to call for
the most earnest consideration on
the part of the men and women of
the State.
No Longer Debatable
Prohibition is no longer a debat-
able issue in our politics, because it
is now seen to be a factor of first
importance in the promotion of the
industrial efficiency of our people
and the fullest development of our
resources.
"The idea of stable commercial
prosperity being based upon the sale
of liquors is contrary to a proper
conception of business, as we'll as
being incorrect from an economic
standpoint. The highest development
of business proceeds from economi-
cal utilization of all the resources of
the State, the greatest resource being
sober. vigorous, productive citizens.
"Alcohol as beverage has been
prohibited by some of the nations at
war because their armies must have
the highest degree of alertneSs to be
efficient. That being true of war, why
should not the business of achieving
happiness or wealth, or both, have the
same consideration?
Economic Argument
"The use of liquors units a man
for business, impairs his health, be-
clouds his mind, shakes his resolu-
ton, loosens his moral fibre. We es-
pecially urge young men to contem-
plate this, not only as we represent
it, but as it is illustrated in number
less instances. Such indulgence being
without benefit, and in almost GER
tain obstacle to advancement in the
competition of business, they would
be wise to abstain absolutely.
"We hope the men of the State
will consider this question carefully
in it's relation to the happiness, pro-
pie on the one hand and the preven-
tion of waste of great sums Of rioney
and the toll of unhappiness which at
tends it, on the other
David R. Coker, S. G. Mayfeld,
Bright Williamson, Charlton DuRant,
John McSween, C. X. Henderson, c..
B. Bobo, w. E. Richardson, K. F..
Bryant, Charles E. Danner, F. H..
Hyatt, w. w. Sullivan, j. D. Ham
NETT, Joseph Sprott, T. w. Boyle and
w. J. Murray.
"That the demand for prohibition
is not sentimental altogether may be
seen from such statements as that
which is published after it had re-
ceived the consideration and approv-
al of the distinguished men of affairs
| who signed it," said Mr.. Breed2.
"The chief impulse to prohibition x-
day is the attitude of business men.
Efficiency and drink do not go to-
gether, and this is the day of effic-
iency."
Mr.. Breedin has been in demand as
prohibition speaker, having been
invited not only to churches, picnics
and chautauquas, but to tent meet
ing where revival was in progress
Mr.. Breedin says that the appeal that
goes farthest is that based on the
ground of business and social well
fare, without abuse or exaggeration
This appeal he has made in many
parts of the State. The Barnwell SEN
tinel and the Union Times refer to his
argument as logical, dispassionate
and convincing.