The Columbian fountain., 1846-05-23
THE GRAND TEMPERANCE CELEBRA-


at Mr. Srorr's Drug Store.
THE GRAND TEMPERANCE CELEBRA-
TION.
AT last sour day" arrived brightly rose the
sun, and the mild spring breezes famed the
brows of many happy ones who fastened 10
JOIN their brethren in the great procession.
According to arrangement, the whole ceremo-
ny was carried on, only one or two lille acci-
dents disturbing us. On the whole, il was one
of the most interesting displays we ever be-
held. and withal exerted an influence which
will extend on, for the benefit Of thousands
through all time. The wonderful effect of such
efforts cannot be told fully until the recokning
which win be made in the great day Of eter-
nity,. We must be content to know that some
visible good is accomplished, and that we have
every reason to believe that more is done,
know hereafter; yea, and glorious will be the
revelation 10 the friends of God in that day
when they shall see the thousands who, by
their instrumenta!ity, under the hallowed in
fluences Of the principles of the Gospel Of
Christ, and especially Of that department of the
same promulgated and carried out by the lem
perance Reformation-hav been redeemed
from thraldom and degradation, and raised to
liberty and honor.
1t will hardly be expected Of us to give any
further detail of the Procession than TO say, it
was characterized by numbers, respectabiity,
and good order, and that the whole affair went
off in manner perfectly consistent with the
spirit of the noble enterprise it was intended to
represent.
or the ceremonies at the meeting in the Ca
pitol yard, however, we may and should give
more minute account.
When the Procession arrived at the appoint
ed place the various Associations marched
around the stand and placed their beautiful
banners in prominent places 10 view Of the
vast assembly that soon gathered. The speak
ers, together with the ministers of the Gospel
present, were seated upon the stand and all
things were ready for the commencement of
the exercises, when suddenly an unfortunate
occurrence took place which caused, for few
moments, considerable confusion. The stand
gave way, and those upon it were precipitated
TO the ground. No injury resulted, however,
and by the industry OF the energetic managers,
a new stand was soon erected, and the cere-
monies were commenced, and carried on in
the happiest manner.
After music by the band, and an appropriate
temperance song by the Harmonious, the vast
assembly was addressed by Gov. Mcdowell,
of Virginia, whose remarks were highly ap-
propriate, and calculated to exert fine effect.
He commenced by remarking that the great
difference between the drunkard and the sober
man was, when the former fell he rose not,
but the latter, if he should fall, could rise
again, and he trusted the scene which had just
thrown all into confu sion, but was so soon re-
stored, would prove happy illustration of the
power of the temperance men to rally anew
and rise superior to all their opposers. He
declared himself proud to be associated with
his brethren anywhere in such a glorious
work, but more especially at this place, in
sight of that building-the Capitol of this great
Republic, BIC.
He was followed, after the music and sing
ing, by the Hon. MIR. Woodruff of N. York,
who in most enthusiastic and eloquent ad
dress of some length, displayed the true dgni-
ty Of the Total Abstinence cause, and by seve-
raj happy illustrations showed the practical
Importance Of these principles. He came,
with heart full Of pleasure to participate in
the ceremonies Of the occasion He would
like to have framed something more suitable
than what he might say, but was willing to
lay aside fastidiousness, and do the best he
could under the circumstances. Perhaps like
the old Revolutionary soldier, who had been
prepared by the lawyers with an eloquent
speech to deliver upon the reception of Lafay-
ette at Trenton, forgot every word of it when
he saw that distinguished general, and, excited
by the feelings Of the moment, merely grasped
his hand, and said, " General, we are glad 10
see you, and hail you welcome TO our Shores y
which produced more powerful effect than
the most labored address he could have deliver
ed-so he might do more good on this occasion
bv simple expression Of the natural outgush-
;,<,. <,r hr heart in vieu of The h,rhl, ,,rat;C,