State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-08-30
TEMPERANCE CONVENTION.
SARATOGA SPRINGS. Aug. 6. 1896.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, Aug. u, 1850.
Dear Sr-Nlany circumstances have
conspired to render this place scene of
graat interest for the past week. In addi-
ton to great crowd of visitors OF the
usual character that congregate at the
Springs at this season of the year, the
Temperance Convention has called hther
large number of the choicest spirits of
the land. The Convention contained some
three or four hundred members. Chan
cellor Walworth was elected President.
He is an able presiding officer, and an ex-
ceedingy amiable man. The proceedigs
of the occasion excited n great degree of
interest, not only among the members, but
also among the numerous and highly re-
spectacle auditors. The Uine question was
the principal subject of debate. Upon this,
as " anticipated, came the tug of war;
Bacchus mustered all his forces to prevent
the 'ultraism' of declaring the use of all
intoxicating liquors morally wrong. More
than uno rubicuuu clergyman was found
ready to plead long and hard, against the
terrible 'heresy' of denouncing wine, and
to utter the most frightful predictions of
reaction if the Convention should pre-
sumo on thus going too far;' but all would
not do; the body as a whole, was sound to
the core, aud Notwithstanding all the blus
tering and threatening and bravado of the
wine loving opTosition, the resolution
was carried by an overwhelming major
ity.
Doct. Reese of New York city, had the
honor of being the leader in the glorious
defence of an occasional use of intoxica-
ting drinks; but he had plenty of coad-
tutors, from some of whom we should
have expected better things. The cry of
radcaism and ultraism, evidently had
more effect than any thing else and some
of the best men seemed absolutely frigh-
tened out of their senses, yet there was a
redeeming spirit in our midst, and able adj
vocates of immediate and TOTAL abstinence
were not wanting. Among the latter,
would name the Rev. DIR Benlan of Troy,
as the ablest and the best. His conduct in
the Convention was beyond all praise
Firm, faithful, uncompromising and I'M
daunted, he dared plainly and boldly to
stand up for the truth. He was decidedly
the most efficient and eloquent man in the
assembly. Doct. Beman is not, presume,
appreciated in New England generally; but
mark my Words we have more to hope
from that man, than from any other cer-
gyman in the United States for he is not
only a truly great man, in intellect and
moral power, hut he is honest, straighttor-
ward, and inflexible in the path of duty.
Well may the friends Of Temperance, and
the friends of the Slave, and the friends
of Religion, look to Doct. Bemnn as one
of their strongest and best advocates.
The Convention adjourned this day nj
noon. Its influence will be highly benefi-
cial to the cause Of temperance, and in all
probability the advocates of Madeira and
Champagne will never make another at
tempt to carry their point, unless they call
n special Convention, packed jury, for the
purpose.
There are n great many strangers OF dis
tinc,ion now at this place, hut have been
more happy in meeting the sincere and
active friends of mankind, the moral elite
of the country, than all the titled dignita-
ries of civil life, with which the town is
filed Here | have met Theodore ID.
Weld, the devoted and eloquent apostle of
negro emancipation; Mr. Leavitt, the editor
of the N. Y. Evangelist, (which | am hap
by to learn has over 10, 0G0 subscribers;) Rev.
Jedediah Burchard, the Evangelist, whom
the Vermont Chronicle, Boston Recorder,
and all papers of the same genus, are vt
lacking with so much viruence, Professor
Hitchcock, the lust pride of Amherst Col
lcge, and a truly valuable and amiahle man;
Rev. III. G. Wright, now an agent OF the
American Peace Society; Sylvester Graham
and Doct. Muzzy, the well known fellow
lahorers in Physiological reform. With
these gentlemen, aud other kindred spirits
from all parts of tho Union, you may well