THE TEMPERANCE QUESTION.
[To THE EDITOR or THE ..SPECTATOL"J 8.111,—TO my last letter, which continued to plead the right of the people to complete control of the liquor traffic, you append the following editorial note :—" It is best for the greatest number that all should believe religions truth. Is the State, therefore, justified in compelling belief ?"
I respectfully submit that the proposition is an impossible one, and therefore valueless as an argument. The State can burn a man, but cannot make him believe either truth or error. Over belief, law never has had, nor ever can have, any power. But over the actions of men, yes. Here the State can give control and protection, just the powers which we think ought to be given wholly and completely to the people in regard to the liquor traffic.—I am, Sir, &c.,
[The proposition is not an impossible one. The State can train children in any religions belief, and has repeatedly done it. Has Mr. Guthrie never heard of the Mortara case ? The "little Mortara" became an energetic priest—En. Spectator.]
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