It is you,
sir, and such as you, who are holding this State back from real
progress. I'm not discussing the liquor question alone. I haven't
patience to discuss it with you. I'm referring to the spirit that
actuates you. Your kind sat as judges in the Inquisition. Prohibition
now offers an opportunity for your bigotry--that's why you cling to it.
You cling to it in spite of the fact that it has made more than
drunkards--it has made liars and thieves and perjurers and grafters out
of men who would not otherwise have been tempted. When men arise to tell
the truth about it, you get behind your morality mask and accuse them of
the basest motives and claim immunity for yourselves from attack in
return. I fear I am a little severe, sir, but your attitude showed that
you came to me with appetite for a quarrel."
"I'll see to it," declared Mr. Prouty, hotly, "that five hundred
ministers in this State denounce you from their pulpits as an enemy to
temperance."
"You don't know what temperance is!" General Waymouth brushed past them.
Pages:
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380