ASHBURTON DEBATING SOCIETY.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7392, 19 August 1889, Page 3

ASHBURTON DEBATING SOCIETY.

*O THE EDITOR OF THX PJUU3. Sib,—At the last meeting of the above Society, the question—" Is It desirable to have Prohibition of the Liquor Traffic" was discussed; and, I believe that a brief resume of arguments advanced on both sides would Interest your readers. For the continuation of the liquor trade it was argued—l. That prohibition, if carried, would open the way for worse evils, in the shape of sly-grogselling and Illicit distillation. 2. That prohibition would interfere with the liberty of the subject. 3. That alcohol contains some valuable medicinal qualities. 4. That the advocates of prohibition had no experience as moderate drinkers. 5. That in one or two States in the United States the prohibition clause had been repealed. The supporters of prohibition, in answer to the first argument, showed that smuggling, which had been very prevalent twenty years ago was now rarely heard of; and, in dealing with the liquor traffic, if the penalties for breach were made hetrvy enough it would answer equally welL In reply to the second argument, it was shown that a great number of our laws were prohibitory, and interfered with the liberty of the subject. Then, in answer to the third argument, the highest medical authorities were quoted to demonstrate that " alcohol was not a helper, but a certain hinderer, to all kinds of work." As to the fourth argument, the supporters of the negative side must have overlooked the fact that three of the principal advocates of prohibition had spoken from experience. Then in closing the opener in the affirmative brought evidence to show that in the State of Rhode Island (the one mentioned), the temperance party had carried prohibition, but only in some of the counties, and when the vote was taken over the whole state it was averse to prohibition—simply because public opinion was not ready for the change. Then,.in addition, the opener argued that this appetite for drink was an acquired one, and that it would be better to remove the temptation from the rising generation. When the vote was taken there was a majority of one against prohibition. Thanking you for space in your valuable paper—l am, &c, Alfred A. Carson. East street, Ashburton, 15th August.