The Washingtonian., 1845-07-26
8 EL = ED.
TEMPERANCE IN VIRGINIA.

lished in that journal last week, in relation to
"ths temperance cause in Virginia"
1t is not our purpose to endorse all the state
ments and sentiments of this paper; and yet
the writer wields most vigorous pen, and
tells some plain and startling truths, which
should, at least, awaken inquiry, within the
limits to which his remarks are intended to
apply. Such writer cannot fail to render
important service to the cause Of temperance;
and we trust, that through mediums suiting
his own views of propriety, he will continue
to favor the public with his views upon this
absorbing question.
It is matter of great rejoicing to the friends
of temperance, to find that the Governor OF
Virginia has chad the moral courage to ex-
hibit upon his table, and throughout his man
sion, to guests, however numerous or exalted,
no stronger drink than cold water; that his
name is signed TO the pledge OF abstinence
from all that can intoxicate; and that his un-
riyaled eloquence has repeatedly been heard
in the cause of temperance" Hail! all hail
Virginia
Course of the Nepspapers-the supper classes"
ofPeople-the' ''niddling" and "loDer' ditto
Professors of Religion-Doctors and LGu.
yers-the Governor.
MEssRs. EDIToRs: see your paper less fire.
Quent than would, and do not know whether
il is as earnest in warring against strong drink
as it was two or three years ago. II It IS,
Heaven grant that you may inspire your breth-
.-- -. ..c-e 81 WirO;pio NTH n hftlo ordor
10 that cause! The Enquirer would scarcely
touch the subject with pair of tongs, and
makes any communication about it ride so
long quarantine that it is sure to spoil, if its
pungency and flavor are at all evanescent,
while future offerings from the same hand are
effectually discouraged. The Whig is very
prompt and kind in publishing articles that are
sent to it, if not long; but does not seek or
spontaneously select them. The Star, since
Streeter's abdication, though improved in
other respects, in this is little better than the
Enquirer; and the Times is no better than the
Wing. The village papers track after their
metropolitan prototypes. The religious jour
mails alone give space at all regularly to the
reformation; but in them it is so mixed up
with divinity as to repel worldling readers,
who have deep.rooted antipathy to whatever
looks like preaching Nor are these journals
half SO prompt as the Whig IN publishing
what is sent them. And even thus protesting
readers, ITO Judge by the many whose temper
ate tippling and liquor traffic make them the
worst enemies to the cause,) seem to be very
little influenced by the lukewarm and scanty
paragraphs of their hebdomadal oracles. Thus,
the whole press may be considered as nearly
neutral on this most vital of the earthly themes
now presented to society.
Yet the constituency, the patrons Of the
political Hress, and Of the Enquirer ITSELF would
Justify an the papers in holding very different
tone. MY knowledge of their subscribers as
sures me that very large proportion OF them
are Jealous temperance men, and would gladly
see moderate space in every paper Withdrawn
from party politics and devoted to the Cold
water Reform.
The spectacle is seen-a strange one, if we
did not know how often press and types fall
into hands that remind us Of Phaeton driving
Apollo's chariot-the spectacle of the great
Enlightener tagging far, far behind popular
feeling and rational public opinion, upon
question of momentous public interest.
Come among our people and a still stranger
sight occurs. The classes who are deemed
Especially by themselves) the upper classes,
are needless of all the vices and disorders
which strong drink produces, and which IA
plain man would think) must be so revolving
TO the delicate sense Of such personages; and
they decline all participation in the remedial
measures adopted. Those great measures are
almost every where set on foot and carried
forward by the middling and humber sorts OF
people. In our towns, most remarkably, 1t is
the mechanics, and others comparatively OBJ
scure, who fling the banner of total abstinence
abroad, and rally beneath it with the staunchest
zeal Of our religious pastors, those who have
least of the snowy and imposing kinds of learn
ing are the most sure champions OF temper
ance, according to its truest defnition-absti-
nencc from hings huryW, and the moderate
use of things beneficial. Those Of the highest
titular dignity, and who are reputed deepest in
the pondrous tones Of monkish theology, have
no ear for the voice of lowly wretchedness.
The filth and rags and the multitudinous vices
of drunkenness, are SO intolerably disgusting
to sleek and orthodox divine, that, like the
Levite and priest in the parable, he passes by
on the other side. So it is among their hocks.
The hardworking and plainly yeoman-
~, who read their bibles and sympathize with
the broken hearts and the varied ruin which
they see all around them, fly to the rescue OF
their neighbors and of their country, while the
stately bibber of good drinks, who would think
the Sabbath utterly profaned by a temperance
address after sermon
Being greatly too pious, as every one knows
To do aught Of Sunday eve but doze--
is not aware Of any text enjoining him to abb
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