Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1838-12-20
REPORT
ofMe Eqecutire Committee ofthe "Ne'
Temperance Society Bath"

For several years past, the subject OF
temperance has occupied the attention Of
many in this community. Some seasons,
it is true, have been distinguished by more
success than Others; but it is believed its
principles have at all times, been gradually
gaining an influence over society.
The past year may be said to have been
one Of activity and encouragement.
This may be observed by the voluntary
and almost unanimous association of our
respectable, and industrious citizens, to
suppress the traffic in strong drink; and
the variety persevering efforts of the con-
vention to purify our town from this abom-
nation
We notice il too, in the almost unanim-
Gus voice of the town. repeatedly expressed
grog-shops and the very cheerful manner
this expression has been met by our public
officers
We see it also in the very general senti-
ment pervading society, that to drink even
temperateIy as it is called, is disreputable,
and to traffic in strong drink is immoral,
and in this town at least is unlawful.
But withstanding much has been &C
complished, still very much remains to be
done, before intemperance will cease its
ravages among us.
"ro see an immortal mind at any period
ofits existence, wrecked by intemperance
is indeed a melancholy spectacle. But to
look into this whirlpool of perdtion, aud
see some ofour young men, just entering
on The stage of action, whose prospects
are bright, and whose course of honorable
and benevolent enterprise, might probably
be long and glorious, to see them carried
round and round, and plunging one after
another into this gulph, is heart whitening
in the extreme, and yet how much youthful
talent, and youthful promise, are making
rapid strides towards this loathsome grave.
True the dessolaion is in some measure
stayed, but still it is sweeping away many,
who might otherwi Sc, be The hope oftheir
country, and benefactors of their race.
The energies Of their youth, their love of
character, their influence among men, and
their hopes of immortal life are all sacri-
feed on this altar of denominations.
1t is also painful fact, that about 90 in
dviduals in this town are still found, not
wihs,anding the kind and friendly remon-
STRANGE of their fellow citizensto continue
the traffic in intoxicating liquors; a traffic
we believe to be the direct cause ofnearly
all the intemperance, crime and misery
among US; traffic which is filing our aims
house with paupers, and our streets with
beggars.
1t is truly an affecting sight to look into
one of these nurseries of crime, common
ID Vo,, mill Drok t,lu hpr
congregated, the husbands and fathers of a
neig hborhood. Hearken to the oatbs, OBJ
scenity, and ferocty of,her conversation.
Look upon their palseyed limbs, their blood
shot eyes, and bIoated cheeks. And then
TO complete the picture, follow them home
from their midni ght debauch. See their
miserable and terrified wives and children,
the victims of their dabolical course flee
from them AS they would from demon.
We need not describe these heart-rending
scenes which are so familiar to every one
who resides where the deadly influence Of
these grog shops and bar-rooms is felt.
We could point you to many drunkard's
wife, whose condition is far more deplora-
bile than that of widows; and to many
ragged, half starved, uneducated children,
growing up more hopeless ain d miserable,
than even the wild offspring of respectable
savage. We see too, the miserable VIC
tins OF these dens tottering about our streets
or stretched by the way side. waliowing in
their shame and sometimes falling dead
before us.
From investigation made by the COM
mittee Of the "Convention," and this
committee. il was ascertained that of over
900 names on the list of voters, over rs
are drunkards, or in the habit ofoccasional
intoxic alton; and over $50 others, moder-
ate drinkers of ardent spirit; besides some
minors and females, who though not inclu-
ded in the reckoning we know to BIO in
temperate; and that over three fourths of
all the expenses Of pauperism in this town.,
is occasioned by intemperance
1t becomes serious enquiry for every
man who would wish to promote the cause
of temperance, morality and religion, to
ask what more can be done to eradicate
the evil from society. To look at the evil, to
mourn over il, and merely to enquire
whether it can be corrected is not enough.
Has not the time come, to strike one eff
fectual blow to banish this vice from us al
together.
We in common with our fellow citizens
have anxiously looked for some movement
by our public officers, but hitherto we have
looked in vain. We still hope they will
comply with the expressed wishcsof the