Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1896. PROHIBITION FALLACIES, No. 7.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 8988, 21 October 1896, Page 2

Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1896. PROHIBITION FALLACIES, No. 7.

"Prohibition Would not Interfere With Individual Liberty." (Contributed.) l Evert student of history must be convinced that the foremost and moit progressive nations are those which enjoy the greatest amount of free, dom. Amongst primitive races might ' was right ; the men being stronger than the women made the latter virj tually their slaves, whilst the children ( were in a state of bondage as regards both their parents — the stronger 1 tribes made prey upon the weaker, ! compelling them to pay tribute—individual freedom was measured by a man's physical strength, skill, and courage to maintain it. Civilization was ever accompanied by inereaeed j liberty for the few, if not for the many, in the early periods of history. Prom the earliest times of which there is any record the tendency in every progressive nation has been towards the gradual enfranchisement of the people ; serfdom gave way to the feudal syßtem, whilst the feudal system was superseded by the Charter of King John in England, which conferred many rights and privileges on the people which had previously been withheld. The franchise was gradually extended until it included all householders, then manhood suffrage was granted, and now in Kew Zealand womanhood suffrage is an ! established fact. Liberty has always been prized, fought and bled for, andit would be a retrograde step to curtail it. Eights are of two kinds, natural and acquired, and amongst] natural rights the foremost is that j which permits man to eat op drink whatever he pleases. The principle advocated by Prohibitionists is that a { bare majority may arbitrarily decide what a minority may or may not eat or drink. In order to coerce the j ! minority the drinking of wine, beer, or Bpirits, or any other fermented or distilled liquid which contains alcohol shall be to all intents and purposes a crime, to be punished either by heavy penalties or imprisonment. Some of the more moderate of the Prohibitionists are in favour ot a threefifths majority as being more likely to ensure permanence to the whole-

sale deprivation of the natural rightß of tbe minority. The relationship between a majority and a minority is a very unstable one, and is liable to be completely reversed, as may be proved by the results of parliamentary elections, when a Liberal or a Conservative majority, sometimes a very large one, is swept aside by tho will of the people. Prohibition, if carried, would be of little advantage to a country if, in addition to its unpopularity with a large and influential section of the people, it might be abolished and re-enacted at frequent and irregular intervals. Liberty is the most cherished and valued privilege of mankind ; the tendency of all modern legislation is to enlarge freedom rather than to restrict it. Slavery is now abolished in every civilised country ; the freedom of the Press, subject only to the laws of libel, is absolute. Freedom of speech is fully conceded, so that any man or woman may ventilate his or her opinions or grievances, fads or crochets, provided only that slander is not indulged in, and that the language employed is neither blasphemous nor obacene ; and yet now, at the close of the Nineteenth Century, there are people bo narrowminded, so bigoted, so intolerant, that they are moving Heaven and earth to coerce thousands of lawabiding, temperate and intelligent people to abstain from that which neither the law of Q-od nor the law of man has yet condemned. If it is once a recognised principle that a bare majority may apply coercion to a minority on matters affecting social life and private judgments, there is practically no limit to the tyranny which might be exercised. There are plenty of well meaning people who have an objection to tobacco in all its forms, others object to meat, some have an aversion to horse lacing, gambling, billiards, cards, and some think theatres and music halls an abomination ; these and many other things are thought by some to be injurious to health, morals, or estate, and Prohibition might be applied to any or all of them quite as equitably as to a temperate use of stimulants. The - assumptim that & majority must necessarily be right has been refuted over and over again by history. It was a majority which crucified Christ, it was a majority which persecuted the early Christians, it was a majority which for many years resisted - tbe extension of the franchise to the women of New Zealand. Nearly * every great reform has for a time been resisted by a majority, often an overwhelming one. The resistance to legal reforms is more often due to p&fmive indifference than to active hostility. When a new law is passed even those who dislike it submit to it with as much grace as those who approve of it, provided that tbe law is a just one and does not trample on the natural rights of mankind. A law which is repugnant to tho sense of justice is never observed loyally ; men have no conscientious scruples about evading it whenever or whereever they can do bo safely. The offence consists in being found out, and not in breaking the law, and such a law which a large minority honestly consider unjust and tyrannical is exceedingly difficult to enforce effecD tively. No doubt the small police force of the colony would be assisted in their work by volunteer spies working iv the interests of Prohibi- , tion, but nevertheless drink would be ' manufactured, sold and consumed, and the offenders would have many friends anxious to cover up any indißcretions. The interference with individual liberty, should Prohibition ~ be ever carried, would be of a most harrassing and vexatious description and would be bitterly resented if not openly defied. It is a golden rule to do unto others as you would they should do unto you, and Prohibitionists should allow to others the same degree of liberty which they claim for themselves. What would Prohibitionists say if the drinking of a cup of tea were constituted a crime? To drink a glass of beer is no sin — •• then why make it a crime ?

* # * On our fourth page will be found tolegrapbio and iporting nows ; also a report of the Swimming Club meeting. Entries for the Palmerston North Caledonian Sports will olose to-morrow. The adjonrned meeting of the Union Boat Club will be held Foster* Holel this evening at 8 o'olook. " The Journal " is the attraction at the muni fortnightly mooting of the Wangauui Musioal and Literary Booiety to-morrow erening in tho Wesloyan Schoolroom. A number of musioal item* will be rendered. At the inquiry yesterday afternoon into tho fire at Mrs Kiernan's residence, the jury returned a verdiot to the affect that there wsi no evidence to show how the fire originated. Mrs B M Gatenby, who arrived by the Gothic from her visit to tho Old Country, returned to Waoganui yesterday afternoon. Messrs Alex Laird and J Ohadwiok, who have also been on a visit Home, came by the tame train. A peouliar acoident happened in Danevirke on Thursday last. A young man was splitting nosti, when his are, instead of striking the log, went between his legs, and ont a deep gash in his baofc near hii •hoalderi. A remarkable experience has befallen the congregation of the Presbyterian Church, Mornlngton. No loss than five sudden deaths of members and adherents have ooourred during a period oC three weeks and three days. The " .Ooad March " has b«en playod for three conseoutive Sundays, ' A peculiar case was recently tried at Apia, Samoa. The Chief Justice of the Samoan Native Court was charged before the European Cbief Juitico with having assaulted a native who, he alleged, had heen the ringleader of a band formed to bring about hit deposition, l'he accused, who had spent a night in gaol, was fined 20dol, The parade state at the monthly battalion parade last erening of the looal garrison wan j Wanganui Bifles, under Captain Watt and Lieutenant Redmond, 61 ; Naval Artillery, Captain Olapham and Lieutenant Neil], 67 ; Garrison Band, under Bandmaster Richard* ton, IS. Tho men were put through some useful drill. It it computed thai about 400 Chinese itreamed.into town the other day, in order to attend tho " feast of the dead," which is an annual observance that is religiously attended by Ohinameo. from all parts of tho Grey district, Great parties were driven out to the cemetery, whore food waa consumed, liquor drank, clothes burnt, joss papers tent flying on the breeze, and the other formalities customary on the occasion gone through. Aftot the " feaifc of the dead," the living generally manage to have a gay time when they oome back, after their own peculiar ouitoms;— Grty River Argus. Mrs Haywood, proprietress of the Araraoho Tea Gardens, is making speoisl preparations for visitors to-morrow and Friday afternoon. Kb donbt the opportu nity of having a pleasant outing will be availed of by a large number who do not patronise the races. The Gardens will be open from noon, and refreshments may be obtained on the grounds, dinner and tea being provided at reasonable rates. Swing boats are erected for the children, and games may also be arranged. .For thoie nishing to remain after tea, 'chess and draught boards will be at their disposal, and there is also a piano on the premises. J3utieo will ids at intervals during the day.

The half-yearly general meeting of the members of the Cosmopolitan Club will bo held on Wednesday, the 28th instant, in the Club Hall at 8 p.m. Members of the Union Boat Olnb are requested not to forget the adjourned general meeting to b* held at Foater'i Hotel to-night at 8 o'olook. Captain Edwin wired at 1 8 to-day : — North to west and southwest gale after 16 hours from now, with heavy sea, and gUoi falling ; very strong ebb tides in Straits. At tbe Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr 0 0 Kettle, 8.M., W Morton was fined ss, costs 7s 6d, and registration 7s 6d for keeping an unregistered dog. \ Mrs Walker's fine show roomi will be illuminated this evening and to-morrow night for the special display of her magnificent new season's stock of millinery, dress goods, etc. Attention is called to tho meeting of supporters to be held by Mr Willis at Oastleolift on Friday next at 8 o'clock. Mr Willis will also hold another meeting of tho'e supporting him on Saturday evening next at Fordell. Wo have to thank the Government Statistician of New South Wales for a copy of a pamphlet entitled "Statistic* of the Seven Colonies of Australasia, 1861 to 1835," whioh contains information of a vory interesting and valuable character, The fifth free entertainment will be held as usual in the Oddfellows' Hal on Saturday next, October 24th, as tho PolJards do not require the hall for that evening. The programme will include a little aot on " The Burning Question." We are informed by Mr Willii that it is the intention of the JSon J Oadman to visit Wanganui next Monday for the purpose of meeting the Harbour Board with reference to the wharf question. Mr Willis has boon endeavouring Co arrange thia matter for the loot few weeks, and Mr Cadman's visit is the outcome. Attempting to break the record from Wanganui to Marlon appears be the favourite paitime of local oyciiats. Yostorday afternoon Mr Hugh Allen covered tha distance in tbo came time as Mr E Wall, in the fast time of 1 hour 12 minutei. Ihe performance in a really inotitorioui one, as the looal orack was unpaoed. He rode a Olevelnnd maohine geared to 72. A meeting of the Ballance Liberal Aliciation was held last evening at the Droids' Hall, there being a very fair attendance of members. Mr W Montgomery (president) occupied the chair. A spirited disoustion ensued on the question of what candidate the Association should favor, and it was ultimately deoided unanimously to support Mr A D Willis. Special train arrangements are advertised by the Oastlpcliff Bailway Company for the raoe days. On Thursday and Friday tbe tram will leavo town for tbe popular »easide resort at 7.30 and 10,30 a.m. and 1 and 2 30 and 6,80 p.m., returning to town at 7, 8 35, and 11.80 a.m. and 1.45 and 4.45 p.mi Excursion rates (adults Is and children 6d, return) are to be ohargod, and no doubt large orowds will avail themselves of the opportunity of a blow on tbo soabeaoh ( Ad emergency meeting of the St Andrew KilitinniDE Lodge is oalled for to-morrow evening, when a visit is oxuectcd from the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Sow Zealand (Bro Barron, of Dunedin). The Grand Master is aocompanied by tho Grand Seoretary (Bro Konaldson), tho Grand Superintendent of Wellington (Bro Williams), the Grnnd Superintendent of Duncoin (Bro Burton), and other officers, and they are to open » new lodge in New Plymouth to-night, returning hore tomorrow. We were more than pleased to meet that genial turf icribe, " Gipsy Sing," in town to day. Mr George Slater has been on the siok list in Auckland for some time pait, and tho worst wa* feared by his friends. We are glad io say, however, that he ha* taken a turn for the better, and it tble to visit Wang»nui again, and to be present at our Spring Meeting; With hii numerous friends we sincerely trust that the genial " George " may soon bo entirely restored to health. Mr Kettle, S.M., dismisied tho case of Davios v Davies yestorday afternoon. The summons was for tho enforcement of a maintenance order of 8s per week made against Bonry Davies for the support of his wife, Helen Davies. Mr Hogg appearod for the accused, who was able to prove to the satisfaction of His Worship that he «bi not in » position to meet tbo order. Mr Kettle.also thought tbe plaintiff was herself to blame, as the defendant had on more than ono oooaiion offered to make a home for her, Our reader* will notioe iienii B W White md Co. are showing in their window! some of their recent importation* in ladio*' and children's s'raw hats, ribbons, laces, ladies' fanoy aprons, blouses, etc., also a very nice seleotion of gent*' straw hats. The firm hold an immense stock of ootton and woollen dress materials, onlicoei, •hoetingi, curtains, art muslins, cretonnes, etc., besides a good stock of men* and boys' clothing. Messrs White and Co. hold the reputation of doing everything they go in for at the lowest caih prices. Mr V W Oliver announces in fnothef* column that he has taken over the bakery basinets lately oarriod on in Guyton Stroet by Mr C Jonei, and that from November 2nd ho will be prepared to unpply bread daily to any part of the town, suburbs or country. Mr Oliver has had a long experience at the tvade, and as he will use flour of the best brands, he guarantees to turn ont the "staff of life" of the very belt quality. A speciality is made of small goods, while wedding and birthday oiku are made to order on the shortest notice. We have no doubt; but that Mr Oliver will receive ft fair share of public patronage. A London papor of August SOtb statesThree gentlemen are lying seriously ill at Ipswioh from typhoid, which is attributed to oystero, Mr Baymond George Bennett, son of Councillor Bennett, and Mr Tom Bennett, with another gentlemen, obtained tbe oysters while yachting oS the Essex coast, Mr Baymond Bennett and Mr Tom Bennett ate of them, but the third gentleman abstained. They brought a few home for Mr Arthur Field, ion of an Ipswich architect, who was also taken ill. A new omuibus service will be started in Wanganui to-morrow, the Atkinson Pala«e Oar Company commencing running in the morniatr. A regular servict will start from the Fountain for tbe rases about 10 o'olook, the fares to be charged being 6d oaoh way. In the afternoon the Palace Car will run between the Post Offioo and Mrs Hay food's Tea, Gardens, Arttmoho, leaving town at 1.30, 2.80, and 3.80 p.m. EWs to Mrs Hay wood's will be 4d single trad 6d tbe double journey. Packets of ticket! for parties oan be obtained at 2s per dozen. A telograpbio chess mutch was played last evening between the Hawera and Wanganui Chess Clubs, eight players being engaged on either side. The following members represented the looal club: — Dr Hatherlev, and Messrs D Armstrong, W Armstrong, Jury, MoOraa, Williamson, Tborpe, and Jtj Sharpe. Only four games were completed, ouch club sooring two wins. Tbe other four were drawn, and will be submitted to Mr Benbow for adjudications It is expected that at least threo of the four games will be decided in favor of Wanganui.

■I - ——I— —..—-. — ■—.— . - I Durietown, February \ /S6.— Mb NobWOBTHTT,— Dear Bit,— l think it only right that I should thank you gratefully for tha good your " Triumph Corn Oure " ba§ dons for me. It cured mo of throe Tory bad corni — one on the Uttle toe, one underneath the little tot, and one underneath the ball of the foot. It also oured me of a large growth under the nail of the big toe j and a bunion or growth— a hard lump on the tide of the foot as larga as the top of my thumb. — Your* truly, Bdwabd BiraiNaHtmsit— Advt. Dr Jamieeon'e trial it rapidly sppioaohing. As to whether hii action wag a wiao one or not it a grave question. The trial of Woods' Great Peppermint care for Coughi and Colds has been a decided anecesi—it it allowed by all to be unequalled — from all Grocers and Obemutg, li 6d and 2s lid. Wholesale Agents, N.Z. Drag Ooy AN AFFIDAVIT. This ii to certify that on May 11th, I walked to Meliok'i drag store on a pair of crutches and bought a bottle al Chamberlain's Fain Balm for inflammatory ihenmatiim which had orippled me up. After using three bottles I am completely onrtd I can cheerfully recommend it.— Sharks H. Wetzel, Sunbury, Fa, Sworn and subscribed to before me ou August lOth, 1891, —Walter Shipman, J.P, For salt by B. M. Qateaby, Ohemitt.