Health and Temperance

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Jul 22, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 28.

Health and Temperance.

YOUR RIGHTS AND THE OTHER MAN'S.

A MAN may say, "Have not I a right to drink what I please?" Undoubtedly, but if he "pleases" to drink that which dethrones reason and reduces him to the level of a beast—which fires the passion, and fits him for any deed of crime—then the law has a right to interpose its strong arm and restrain him from acts of violence; and if the law has a right to punish a man for crimes committed under the influence of strong drink, surely it has a right to prohibit the common sale of that which produces the temporary madness. So a man may say, "Have not I a right to sell what I please?" Granted; but if he "pleases" to sell that which robs another of his manhood, which impoverishes families, which reduces the affluent to beggary, which sends broken-hearted wives and starving children to beg or do worse, then there need be no surprise if the law regards the business as an enemy to public peace and well-being, and prohibits it altogether. It should be remembered that others have rights as well as the liquor-seller, and that these must be protected. No man can have a right to do that which interferes with the happiness or well-being of others. And what, after all, is the nature of this "right" about which so much is said? It is simply a legal right; that is, the law permits a man, under certain restrictions, to sell intoxicating drinks. But if the law gave this permission it can take it away. If Government has authority to regulate the traffic, it has authority to suppress it altogether.—Selected.