Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1835-02-05
From the Providence Journal of Monday last. ]
TEMPERANCE MEETING,
AT Mechanics HALL,


I At n recent conference Of Delegates from
the several Temperance Societies in this city,
convened for the purpose Of concering Il
plan to unite them in one general Society,
the undersigned were appointed Committee
to address their fellow-ctizcns in behalf OF
the contemplated union, and Of the great OBJ
jects of the Temperance Reform.
\ In dlscharging this duty, the undersigned
deem it unnecessary, for the purpose either
of argument or of impression, to dwell upon
the mighty evils Of ntemperance in this and
in every land. These evils are admitted TO
exist, and their dimensions can no man
gauge. They have been exhibited, again
and again, with a power of reasoning and Of
eloquence, which has challenged general ad-
mration, and sent forth q most bcneficicnt
influence upon the habits and opinions Of So
ciety. The statistics of disease and ofcrme
prove how fatal has been Intcmpcrancc to
the lives and to the virtue of thousands ofour
race. With sensibilitics impaired by an OK
hibition of calamity so extensive, men sur
vey, with a strange apathy, the fearful record.
But when lntcmperance destroys the happi-
ness Of their own dwcllngs--when it selects,
for its victim, u father, brother, or n son--it
is then, that they feel it to be indeed an evil,
and a bitter thinr-it is then that they de-
plore its consequences, with the intensity of
individual sorrow-it is then that they strive
to avert them, with nerves strong perchance,
by agony. If lntcmporance be an evil SO
multitorm-it would seem to be, on the part
OF every lover of his kind, an imperative mo-
raj duty to exert all lawful and practicable
means to Danish it from the earth.
! Although much has been accomplished by
the friends of the Temperance Reform, yet
much remains to be done. This reform is
yet in its infancy. To accelerate its pro-
gress fresh efforts need constantly to be put
forth. TO secure and to pcrpetuate its tri-
umphs, systematic endcavors and unblencll-
ing moral courage will be demanded.
In this city, enough has been done for the
cause of Temperance, to inspire its friends
with confidence in the success of more Vigo-
rous and united efforts. Enough, it should
be added, is left undonc, to stimulate the
zeal Of every citizen who desires to Danish
from private life, one of the worst forms of
human calamity, and who covets for the
community, in which he lives, an elevated
civic character, and the securities Of social 1
order and happiness.
The friends of Temperance take their po-
sition upon simple and an avowcd principle. .
They arc actuated by no unacknowledgcd
motivcs-thcy seek no equivoca alliances
they aim to accomplish no ulterior object
While, on the one hand, they would be the
last to abridge the freedom of individual
thought and action-or in any way, to trench
upon the civil rights of any man or set of
men, they claim, for themselves, on the 9TH
or, equal freedom of thought and action, and
equal enjoyment of the civil rights secured
to every citizen by the Constitution and the
Laws of the land. Il
The approaching meeting of the friends of
Temperance, will, it is hoped, be numerous
ly attended. At this meeting, the question,
whether or not the several Temperance So
ceties of this city, shall be merged in one
and efficient Society, will be
decided. The proposed union promises, un-
der existing circumstances, important bene-
fits to the cause. These benefits are so OBJ
1ious, that the undersigned leave them, with
ou! further remark, to make their own i'm
preston upon the public mind. Il
WIN. G. GODDARD, } II
f. b. HALL, Committee.
l.. AINswORTH. II
Providence, Jan. 3lst, 1885. HI