BENJAMIN

For the Columbian Fountain
{"newspaper_name": "The Columbian fountain.", "edition": "01", "page": "p2", "byline": ""}
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GENTLEMEN: For one, must express
the qualification ! derived at the course
marked out for yourselves in the conduct
of your paper, with reference to the ven
dors of intoxicating drinks. You express
your determination to reason respectfully
with them-to treat them kindly-and to
let the case be decided by fair argument
This is course, gentlemen, which meets
with my warmest admiration. "Truth is
powerful and must prevail is trite senti-
ment, but no less true though trite.


1t needs not, for its advocacy, the employ
mcnt of the weapons of detraction and de-
nunciation; and it is believed that such
weapons retard its final triumph. Doubt
less there are many good men and lovers of
mankind, as stated by you, engaged in the
traffic-and perhaps are in it, because they
have never fully examined the subject and
opened their eyes to the character and con-
sequences thereof \ large and intelligent
class in the community believe that the traf-
fic in intoxicating drinksis criminal pur-
suit. Now this is grave charge. No
reasonable man will dare to. object to the
moderate and proper course you suggest
fair and reasonable examination of the
subject, by an enlightened public. Surely
the question is not so complicaed and abb
struse as to be beyond the reach of argu-
ment. 1t ought, then, to be subnitted to
that test hold that it is question that
can be decided. 1t is a grave one, imslica-
ting many worthy persons, and ought tc be
settled. If the dealers are right, let them
be sustained; if not, they ought to be WI
| ling to relinquish the business. Every can
| did and reasonable mind ought to court
such an investigation. Apply the case.
How does man conscious of his integrity,
feel and act when charge of any character
is laid at'his doorf Even though he be not
amcnable in the, eye Of the law, he is care
full and anxious y sassfy poblic opinion Of
} his insocsnco. Whist good reason can be
given yhy there should not be sir con-