WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1832-1853
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a considerable portion thereof honestly believe in, is an abridge- ment of their inalienable rights, it cannot be enforced, and is calculated to lessen the respect for the laws of their country. In regard to the suppression of the evils of intemperance by legal enactments, I should give the measure my sanction and sup- port, if I thought it possible to accomplish the object in that manner. I have given the matter some thought, and I have come to the conclusion that there are insurmountable obstacles in the way. In the first place, if you prohibit the sale of intoxicating liquors in one country, the article will be obtained from the adjoin- ing one; if the state abolishes the traffic of ardent spirits, impor- tation of the same from the neighboring states will be resorted to. If the congress of the United States should prohibit the manufacture and sale, importation from foreign countries would take place. If Congress should pass a law forbidding the impor- tation, it would involve the government in a war with nationali- ties where treaties have been formed. Opium is as injurious to the mental and physical well being of mankind as intoxicating drink. A short period past, the use of opium by the Chinese became so extensive and injurious that the emperor issued an edict, ordering the ports of China closed against the introduction of opium for sale. That act of the emperor, the English government declared to be a declaration of war against England, because her people were extensively engaged in the manufacture and exportation of the same to China for sale, and the queen sent her many men there and responded to the emperor's proclamation with the roar of her cannon. The legality of the act aroused considerable discussion in this country. John Q. Adams, in an exhaustive speech delivered in Tremont Temple, Boston, justified England. Mr. Adams said that it would not do to violate the laws of nations to suppress an evil, however great. Before the evil of intemperance can be suppressed by legislative enactments, natural laws must be repealed. As long as the soil produces fruit and grain, ardent spirits will be manufactured and used as a beverage. To declare it to be a crime to manufacture and drink wine in moderation would, in effect, accuse Christ and the holy apostles of a sinful practice. The first miracle of our blessed Saviour was the manufacture of wine out of water. It was performed at the request of His mother at the wedding of her niece, and His cousin. The object of the miracle was to furnish a stimulant to the brain, to prolong the mirth and joy of the wedding party. We
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