Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1916-09-21
What Shall The Verdict Be?

ignore. Good only can be the result OF
the county going dry. This is no guess
work; far from it, but the truth as told
in every county or State where the people
have voted dry. All statistics point to a
better condition morally and financially.
Less crimes, less rowdyism, both of
which have their origin in the use OF
booze. These facts are sustained by eye
witnesses, by the police, and by court
records. These facts being authenticat-
ed, upon what ground can any man base
his opposition to the Dry cause? IT he
listens to the rum seller, whose craft is
in danger? Who will commit crime
against his fellow-man?
Let the merits or demerits be inquired
into impartially, let investigation deter
mine the course of every voter; he will
not 60 far until he finds wholesome argu-
ment sustains the moral side. 1t needs
little argument to prove the results of
dram drinking-the object lessons are
before you, they come from every class,
rich and poor, old and young, white and
black, male and female. To stem this
current is the object of the Dry move
ment. Where do you find among the
sober men the condition pictured of the
inebriate personally and his home? None
know better than they. 1t is for this
reason the sober people wish to change
conditions so the difference will not be
so great.
Instead of your earnings going toward
supporting traffic that degrades you
and enriches the seller, we want to ele-
vate you, make better man of you,
better husband and father, to whom your
wife and children can look up to with re-
spect. instead of being ashamed Of you,
even to mention your name.
Men, you who have been addicted to
the habit of drink, hear the pleadings of
your unknown friends. They are plead
ing for your neglected wife and children;
turn not away at this time from per-
haps your last chance to speak for your
self and humanity. Do not condemn the
men who are trying to help you, but
listen to their urging and join them in
the good cause they are earnestly en-
gagged in,
We are combating an evil-a great
curse. We have nothing to gain, but
seeing your manhood sustained, or, if
fallen, restored; hungry mouths filled,
nakedness covered coal in the bin, and
shame banished. Come, join US, we will
do you good. Let me whisper a few
words to you. Do the saloon keepers
and family have the inconvenience you
have? Are they complaining of hard
times? Do they not dress well, yes, ex-
travagantly? Look into the coal bin, it
is full; their larder is bursting full. You
are helping to support all this, and need
all such at your home. Why not lavish
your earnings upon your own flesh and
blood instead of these vendors who as
long as you can work and spend your
earnings with them, they praise you.
But woe to you when your case is differ
ent
Study the difference between the stand
ing of the families of the sober man and
the drunkard, and draw the conclusions
as they really are. No unprecedented
mind will accord the same standing
socially. AS all wish to be well thought
of we must use the means to put US in
touch with the best modes of securing
the best for ourselves and our families.
Are we blind when we throw opportuni-
ties away? This opportunity has come
to US now. Speak my better manhood
and assert myself for elevation is in
reach. Listen not to the Siren Song of
the Vender of Booze, but to your better
nature as it prompts you to stand right
with your conscience and your fellow men.
1t is not the wife that smokes and
drinks away the wages at the saloon.
One sees drunken woman now and then
its an awful sight. Ninety-nine cases
out of the hundred it is the men who
come home tipsy and abuse the wife and
children. The woman seldom does that;
the poor drudge of wife is teetoter.
She sits at home, poor soul, shivering,
while her husband is enjoying the warm
saloon drinking his booze. She, watch
ing the clock if they have one, wonder
ing when her husband will come home as
the baby is sick and crying while she
waits.
Are there no mile stones along the road
of life where the drinking man can stop
and read the downfall of some one he
started out in life with? Sure there must
be such reminders. Look back. see a
dry goods merchant in Baltimore whose
store was palace of beauty. His COM
panions, fast young men, led him to
drink. Years after saw him an enact
ated object in rags. The son of a grocer,
to whom the father looked to as his sue
cessor, took to drink and filled drunk
ards grave. Oh the wrecks that strew
the shores of time caused by the social
glass which in turn gives way to the
social drunk and utter degradation. Yet
there are people calling themselves wise
who do not want their rights taken from
them. Look at this question from an
other view point. Are you sure you or
your son will not be that counterpost
that now goes staggering falling?
| He did not eXpect to be where he is now,