ACT, ACT IN THE LIVING PRESENT.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 263, 18 May 1917, Page 3

ACT, ACT IN THE LIVING PRESENT.

A leaf will show the direction of the wind, a straw the course of the tide or current —two very insignificant things when applied to such mighty forces as wind and water, yet so commonplace as to be unnoticed. The • same may be said of many other things around us. Take, for instance, the power and influence of the trade in the manufactuie and sale of intoxicating liquors. We see on every hand the effect, but it takes a coal strike, with all its alarming possibilities, to bring home to us what power and influence it exerts even in our little Dominion. Our daily newspapers have drawn attention to the fact that during the past few weeks Beer, in the matter of transit, is preferred to necessaries of life, and it is not an uncommon sight to see, when steamers are loading for coastal ports, the wharves and approaches blocked with barrels waiting shipment, to the exclusion of foodstuffs, which have * been frequently >hut out, but Beer, nevir. Shall this state of things continue? Is it not time some drastic steps were taken to not only prevent a recuirence of the matter referred to, but to compel, as we a r c advised to do, viz., practise economy all round for the purpose of helping to wjn the war, and one of the first steps should be to shorten the hours during which the ’ trade is permitted to operate. The licensee holds n license to retail only, • and should be on the same footing as every other retailer, whether it be butcher, baker 7 grocer, or chemist. Never in the history of our Dominion has there been such a golden opportunity for us to show our power, and use our influence in this direction. What is wanted ? A celebrated orator among the ancients being asked what was the first requisite in eloquence, replied, “action”; and being asked what was the second, replied “action’’; and being asked what was the third, replied “action.” So say we. Action is what we require to spread the principles of Temperance, and give them that ascendancy and moment to which they are entitled. It is action, repeated action; action,wuiuuit a pause, to which, as temperance reformers, we must have recourse, if we would see .opr cause make headway in spite of every barrier reared against us by stolid indifference, the unyielding ten-

acity of custom, and the concentrated might of interest, appetite, and authority. Uur watchword, in its attainment, should be that of tin* great agitator whose monster meetings have never been surpassed, and are the best illustration of his principle: Agitate! Agitate! Agitate!