Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1822-07-20

men. and 70 have tEeir dwellings with ti'e
casts of the field. Sad monuments OF the aw-
iul judgements which visit those who refuse TO
listen to the voice OF wisdom and give them
selves up to the governance of their passions
and appetites. And when hedrunkard's mis-
cradle existence on earth is terminated, the on
lyinheritance he commonly leaves to his pos
terity is name dishonored, an example to he
stunned, the memory of powers and faculties
which he has wantonly destroyed, of blessings
which he has squandered Ikea prodigal, and
of conduct which has wrung with anguish the
hearts of all who knew hlm-and when his DO
dy is committed to the dust, the tears OF ms
kindred may be shed around the spot where ne
lies, but they are the tears of bitterness which
wither every flower; no pleasant recollection
hallows the turf beneath which his ashes rest
but shame and disgrace scatter roundit gloom
far, far beyond the ordinary gloom OF the
grave.
There is something, however, prevalent, 1t
may be which revolts at this degrading vice-a
deep detestation of it which has strong hold
upon the sentiments and feelings of the better
part of the community and the various pretexts
and pretences which are constantly trabrlcateo
for indulging in it, are homage paid to those
feelings and sentiments. We have constantly
before us most bright and encouraging exam
pie ofthe power, which public opinion can ex'
ert in the cause of temperance. Women nave
appetites as well as men; yet, there are proba.
blv:ten men who give themselves up to habits
of intemperance, to one woman. The cause
is to be found in the opinion which both sexes
entertain as to the use of ardent spirit by wo-
men. There is hardly any occasion when a
woman can drink it without subjecting herself
to unfavorable criticisms from all sides. Hence
they do not indulge in it frequently enough to
contract incorporate habits. A lady who
should place upon her table bottle of spirit,
andinvte her female associates to partake OF 1t
would be deemed guilty of very great rude
ness. They are thus constantly restrained from
contracting the habit by sense o decorom'
which is continually impressed upon their
minds by public opinion. TO these partners OF
our lows, and share rs Of our sorrows, we alrea-
DIV owe much. But our obligations will be
still further increased in those whose high pro-
vince, it is to guide and direct and purify pub
lie opinion, and conduct ats wholesome and re-
freshine influences into domestic life among
private virtues, shall draw from the practical
experiment, which our friends have made, the
wisdom which it SO clearly and happily teaches
and Immediately make it one of the enactlnents
of fashion, that it shall forever hereafter be
deemed disreputable among men to indulge IN
the use of ardent spirits. If our rulers and
magistrates, the gentlemen of the learned and
liberal professions will cordially and heartily
unite in the great work, their will on this SUBJ
;ect must be law, and the laws which they
prescribe and to which they submit, must be
obeved. And returning temperance shall a.
gain mingle with the other domestic virtues in
every dwelling, and a richer current OF pros
perity few on to succeeding ages.
ORION.