Year: 1860

traffic in ardent spirits is Just as much a


violation OF this law, as in any Of the ca


ses specified.


,. Every man is bound to pursue such


4 business rs to. rcnaLg.G lsa3yglE r0,,Si2-


crutjon for that which he receives from
others. \ man who receives in trade the
avails Of the industry of others, is under
obligation 10 restore that which viii be of
real value lie receives the fruit of toll ;
lie receives that which is Of value to him
self; and common equity requires that he
return valuable consideration. Thus tha
merchant renders to the farmer, in ex-
change for the growth Of, his farm, the
productions Of other chimes the manufac-
turer, that which is needful for the cloth
ing or comfort Of the agriculturalist; the
physician, the result of his professional
skill. All tio83 a@a valuable considqra-
tions, which are fair and honorable sub
jects Of exchange. They are mutual ac-
oommodation they advance the interests
of both parties. But it is not so with the
dealer in ardent spirits. lie obtains the
property of his fellow men, and what does
he return? That which will make him
happier man? That which will benefit
his family? That which diffuses laarning
and domestic comfort around his family
circle! None Of these things. lie gives
him that which is established and we'll
known as the source of no good, but as
tending to produce beogary and wretehad-
ness. Now if this were praatioed in any
other business, it would be open fraud If
in any way you could palm upon a farmer
that which is not only worthless, but mis-
chieyous-that which would certainly tend
to ruin him and his family, could there be
any doubt about the nature Of his employ
ment? 1t makes no difference here, that
the man supposes that it is for his good
or that he applies for it. You know that
it is not for his benefit, and you know
what is the only material point under this
head-that it will tend to his ruin What
ever he may think about it, or whatever he
may desire, you are well advised that it is
an article that will tend to sap the founda-
ton of his morals and happiness, and CON
duce to the ruin of his estate, and his
body, and his soul and you know, there
fore, that you are not rendering him any
valuable consideration for his property
The dealer may look on his gains in this
matter-on his houses, or mortgages, or
lands, obtained as the result of his bust
ness-with something like these refec-
tions =


This property has been gained from
other men. 1t was theirs, honestly acquir,
ed, and was necessary to promote their hap
piness and the happiness of their families.
1t has become mine by traffic which has
not only taken it away from them, but
which has ruined their peace, corrupted
their morals, sent woe and discord into
their families, and consigned them perhaps
to an early and most loathsome grave
This property has come from the hard earn
ings Of other men; has passed into my hands
without any valuable compensation render
ed; but has been obtained only while have
been ditfusing want and woe, and death
through their abodcs.'


Let the men engaged in this traffic look
upon their property thus gained let them
survey the woe which has attended it and
then ask, as honest men, whether it is NOR
al employment.