The Story of a Dark Plot; Or, Tyranny on the Frontier

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21285

Title

The Story of a Dark Plot; Or, Tyranny on the Frontier

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A temperance exposé detailing the 'dark plot' against W.W. Smith, a railway agent in Quebec's Brome County. This 1903 text argues that liquor interests colluded with corporate powers to dismiss a law-abiding citizen and hire thugs to assault him, urging readers to support prohibition and personal liberty.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1903 by A.L.O.C., 'The Story of a Dark Plot; Or, Tyranny on the Frontier' recounts the persecution of W.W. Smith, a dedicated Canadian Pacific Railway agent and temperance leader in Quebec's Brome County. After Smith successfully enforced the Scott Act against illegal liquor sales, liquor sellers petitioned the railway company to dismiss him, claiming he antagonized their interests. The company complied, firing Smith for his off-duty temperance lectures. Enraged, the liquor party hired a thug from another country to assault Smith in his sleep. Although the attack failed to kill him, the perpetrators received a lenient sentence, sparking public outrage. The book details the legal proceedings, the dismissal controversy, and the subsequent public outcry involving newspapers and religious organizations. It highlights themes of corporate tyranny, the corruption of the liquor trade, and the struggle for moral reform. The author appeals to voters to reject protectionist laws for alcohol sellers and to recognize the ongoing danger to those defending conscience and law. The narrative emphasizes that Smith was dismissed not for neglect of duty, but for his active opposition to illicit liquor traffic. The book argues that the Canadian Pacific Railway, a national institution, became an ally of the 'rum traffic,' effectively demanding the entire time and conscience of its employees. This action was condemned by various Canadian and American newspapers as a form of 'wage slavery' and a violation of personal liberty. The text describes the assault as a 'dark plot' where hired murderers attempted to destroy a law-abiding citizen. Despite the lenient verdict given to the attackers, the book insists that the disgrace of their actions remains. It calls for public vigilance against the powerful influence of the liquor trade, which can frustrate justice and intimidate moral reformers. The author urges temperance workers to remain steadfast, viewing the victory of the prohibition cause in the recent Dominion Plebiscite as a sign that the battle for right is still being won against the powers of evil.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• Temperance