Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-02-22

PRoGREss OF TEMPERANCE.-Scarcely single
exchange paper reaches us, that does not give the
most cheering intelligence of the astonishing rapi
dity with which the temperance reformation is
spreading over every portion of the United States
In many instances towns and villages have recent
ly come over almost en- maSSe, to the standard of
total abstinence. A little more than one year ago
there were many presses, which scarcely ever
preached the subject of temperance, except in the
publication of notices of temn~-.~~- ,.,a~,;ra. or
OF proceedings of such meetings furnished by the
trends of the cause. Now there is scarcely paper
either literary, political, moral, or religious pub
hshed In the Union, that does not openly advocate
the temperance cause and apparently rejoice in the
mighty revolution, which is now in progress. All
classes ana grades of society, moving in the
glorious work OF acknowledgements of States,
Members of Congress, Judges and Civilians, as
well as those in the lower and humber walks of
lite. are alike engaged in expeng the insdious foo
to neutrality-suspicious..
Never was there an era, where revolution was
witnessed so silent in its onward progress vet SO
vitality affecting the common interests of mankind,
and changing rapidly the moral and physical
condition of millions of our race The TRUMP of
war, the clangor of arms and the fierce battle cry,
are not heard in this grand march of revolution
A Cesar or a Bonaparte, with legions of warriors
marshaled to mortal combat, could not have done
for Ireland and for Europe, what one unobtrusive
-unpretendlng irlar has accomplished Father
Matthew by the power of persuasion and the DO
tency OF truth, has achieved more for the happiness
OF mankind, than any military conqueror whose
deeds are recorded on the pages of the world his
tory Not all the artillery of earth, led on by the
united military prowess of the world, could have
dispensed so many blessings to the people of the
United States, as have the friends of Temperance.
Without sword or spear, or shield--wthout wea-
pons used in deadly strife upon the battle field
with no armory but the omnipotencc of truth,
revolution is being accomplished, the conse-
quences OF which will tell upon the future veal of
every man, woman, and child in the nation
No lover of his country-no friend of his race
can but regard the rapid advances of the temper
ance cause in the United States, with any emotions
than those of delight and satisfaction. nation
redeemed from the thraldom of intemperance, is
nation redeemed from crime. The present is most
important period to the friends this glorious
Now while the tide of sentiment is rolling-whe
thousands upon thousands in rapid succession, are
dashing the poisoned chalice from their lps-whe
multltudes lured by the voice of sympathy and of
reason, are coming up from the lowest sinks of
pollution, to virtue and responsibility, and whlA
grog-shops and haunts of dissipation, are fast Z
coming deserted let the true friends of temperance
keep the ball rolling. Now is the time to carryon
this blessed enterprise, to its final consum-
alton and triumph.