The Woodstock age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1844-1845, 1845-02-06

temperance advocate. But, where is he
where has he been for the year past?-
We hear no more OF him than ofthe mouse
in the cheese. He may have done mucl
good somewhere. But, we fully agree
with the Committee Of Overtures, tina
now, 'thc friends of Temperance il
their county, town and district societies
and meetings, ought to carry forward
the work to triumphant issue" 81
we should say. The employment of {
State Agent, at an enormous salary, moi
only makes about as heavy drafts upon
the pockets of the people, as they can
duly honor, Except when some rantlng
effort is put forth, but discourages ma
ny good advocates, who would, under 9TH
er circumstances, do much in the cause
whether compensated or not But,
whilst one, Tor few, is fed generously
thew do not feel like working for nothing,
at their own expense unless it be those
who are candidates for ce;-in
which case, that very fact will prevent
them from exerting the good influence
they might desire.
The reports from the several Counties
in the State, are EXTREMITY meagre and
uncertain, being made without adequate
data, save, that the societies, generally,
are very inactive and inefficient, if
not lifeess; owing to the fact that reg
ular temperance efforts have declined,
Just in proportion as attempts were made
to forestal public sentiment, by the
mere action of laws. We mourn this
state of things, and earnestly call atten.
ton to the report of the Committee, in
regard to the course which the Friends
ofTemperance ought noc to pursue, in
advancing its great interests-whch is
as follows:
Your committee respectfully report,
that they are not aware that any new
mode of "action" is particularly required,
but they do regard the Law as affording
encouragement for renewed effort. The
Law places the traffic in Intoxicating Ii
quors, where we think it should be pac-
ed, in the hands ofthe people. 1t is now for
the people to say whether alcohol shall
be sold as beverage or not. Would we
have the sale discontinued a strong and
prerailing public sentiment must be
brought to bear against it. Hence the
necessity of continuing the same persua-
size means to correct public opinion
Moral suasion must be regarded as the
great and principal means OF carrying
forward the Temperance enterprise
The Law must be regarded only as aur-
ihary to our efforts, and not as furnishing
excuse for relaxation -four labors.
In accordance with these views, we
would respectfully recommend that meas
ures be adopted in the several counties,
to secure the most perfect organization
ofcounty Societies, that they hold meet
ings in different parts of their respective
counties, so far as it may be practicable,
and that they also adopt measures TO Sc
cure the formation Of town Societies, aud
the frequent holding of Temperance
meetings in all the school districts.
In this way, the subject of temperance
may be carried to every mans door, and
many may be brought within its inhu
ence, who otherwise might not have been
reached.
The cnlistng of the children into cold
water armies and letting them hold cold
water celebrations, your committee re-
gard as an excellent mode of promoting
the reformation. z. HOWE, for the Com.
We rejoice that the wise and prudent
members of the State Convention, have
recommended this judicious course, as
the best instrumentalty for carrying on
the great and good Temperance Reform,
Let not the laws, which can at best oper-
ate "only as an auxiliary to our efforts"
induce the true friends of temper
ance, longer to relax their argumenta-
tive and persuasive measures. BY earn
est, well directed, and perscvering exer-
tons, immense good may be accomplished
in one year, even. Those who are in
favor of abandoning the means, which,
by the Divine blessing, have effected
such wonderful changes in society, within
a quarter of century, may be regarded
as honest in their opinions; but generally
they are of that class of temperance men
who have recently engaged in the cause,
and actually know but little concerning
the means and measures by which the
reformation of millions has been effected.
More light Of experience will enable such
to Judge with greater proprlety, We
say this in kindness and candor, and a
gain commend the expressed opinion of
the Convention, as above presented.
We had like to have omitted to mention
that the member from this place, who
seems to have taken very active part