THE LICENSING ELECTION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8419, 16 February 1889, Page 3

THE LICENSING ELECTION.

TO THE EDITOIi.

Sib, —Most of your readers will have heard

the story of a number of men expressing their sympathy for a friend in distress being appealed to by one more practical than the rest, " Well, I sympathise Cdol. How much do you ? " And all appreciate such practical expression of sympathy. In just such a spirit as this the ratepayers are asked to vote on Monday next oa the question of license or no license. The prohibition party /ecognise that a very large number of their fellow citizens are able to taki a glass or leave it, and aro strictly moderate in thoir use of alcoholic beverages. But, alas! all are not so, and many, very many are ready to barter their manhood, reducing themselves beneath the level of tho brute beasts to satisfy their cravings for the drink. We know that thi3 class is recruited from all rankt;, and that their descent is gradual, though sure, up to a certain point, when all'bonds of reetaint are thrown aside. • Ko one denies that these, our weaker brethren—call th(-m foolifh or criminal if you will—have immortal souls as we havp, capabiliiieo ol doing great and noble deeds, and instead of being a disgrace and a drag upon our community might be an ornament of society, or at least useful and intelligent citizens, if only they could be rescued from the- thraldom tha'". enslaves. There is only ono w.iy to do this, nml that is by removing the temptation out of their way—even $t the cost of our own personal likings or convenience, or some pecuniary loss. Who cau doubt that prohibition would cure drunkennsas, and who doubts tho result of tho abolition of drunkenness being th<; diminution of poverty and crime to infinitesimal proportions? It is a_ problem that just resolves itself into this question for each elector—"lf the continuance or extermination of all the misery caused by the traffic rests upon my taking a glass or foregoing it—what shall I say?" Answer truly to your own conscience, and vote accordingly on Monday. Perish policy and cunning, '.Trust in God and do the right. .—I am, &c, February U. Light,