Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-01-31
VT. STATE TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.


The annual convention of this society was hold
at Chelsea on the 9Th and 9th inst, Hon. Erastus
Fairbanks presiding. Delegates were present from
nearly oil the counties, and embraced gentlemen
of all sects and parties. Reports from the Exec
utive Committee and the different Countess and
discussion Of the license law and the course of ac-
ton to be pursued, constituted the principal bust
ness. The law was unanimously approved with
single exception, upon the ground that "he Poo
PIE should decide The great questions Ohich concern
the People"
The following resolutions and report were adop.
ted and embrace the results of the deliberations of
the convention:
RESOLVED, That the friends of Temperance have
great cause for thankfuness to God and for encour-
! agement in their cause, that the Legislature of
the State of Vermont, at their last session. passed
law on the subject of licensing the sale % alco-
hoc drinks, which, if rightfully carried into effect,
on Temperance principles, will, as we have reason
to believe, ere long free. in great measure, our
State from the evils of intemperance.
Resolved That in all the efforts of the temper
auce associations it ought TO be kept in mind that
the cause of temperance is single one, and ought
not to be entanged with any of the numerous and
different questions which come before the commit
nifty in their various political, religious and local
relations.
Resolved That we earnestly recommend that
County Temperance Societies be organized in each
of the Counties in this State, where such societies
do not already exist.
Resolved, That the present eXigencies OF the
Temperance cause in this State demand the I'M
weared labors of an efficient Agent, and that this
subject be referred to the Central Committee.
RESOLVED and Voted, That the Central Committee
, be authorized to call on the respective counties for
their proportion of the expense necessary to sustain
an Agent and carry into effect the objects of the
Society; and that delegates present state what
= sums rnay be expected from their counties.
!, Resolved That we deem it to be the duty of ev-
. ery friend of Temperance to use his exertons to
!, suppress the traffic in intoxicating liquors by voting
" for County Commissioners who are known TO De
opposed TO granting licenses for the sale of ntoxl-
, eating liquors. except tor medicinal, mechanical'
r and chemical purposes.
l. The committee appointed to report what action
u the friends of Temperance i'll the respective coun
u ties should take under the existing License Law,
y reported as follows; which was adopted
e Your committee respectfully report, that they are
a not aware that any new mode of action" is par
: cularly required; but they do regard the Law as
!. affording encouragement for renewed effort. The
e Law places the traffic in intoxicating liquors, where
y, we think should be placed, in the hands OF the
. People. 1t is now for the people to say whether
~ alcohol shall be sold as beverage or not. Woult
we have the sale discontinued, a strong and prevail
u uainst it, Hence the necessity of continuing thu
~ same persuasive means to correct public opinion
=. Moral suason must be regarded as the great ant
Il principal means of carrying forward the Temper
u. ance enterprise. The Law must be regarded onl!
= as auxiliary to our efforts, and not furnishing ex
~ cuse for any relaxation of our labors.
III In accordance with these views, we would re
- specfuy recommend that measures be adopted il
10 the several counties to secure the most perfect or
- ganzation of county societies, that they hold NEE
tings in different parts Of their respective countle
so far as it may be practicable, and that they als'
y adopt measures to secure the formation of town so
u, ceties, and the frequent holding of Temperance
u, meetings in all the school districts.
,e In this way the subject of temperance may b
= carried to every mans door, and many brough
~ within its influence, who otherwise might not hav
~ been reached.
~ The enlsting of the children into cold water ar
mics and letting them hold cold water celebration;
vi your committee regard as an excellent mode c
promoting the reformation