The Columbian fountain., 1846-10-09

Delivered by Master Julian +. Robins, in the
| Central Presbyterian Church OF this city, on
| the 28.h Of September. before very large
| company Of ladies and gentlemen. s a
1--WE deem it necessary to state, that this address
furnished for publication by this Juvenile declam
err at the earnest solicitation Of several gentlemen who
were present at the exhibition Of Mr. Abbos Academy
in Georgetown, where it was first delivred by this
young, unassuming, but promising orator to large
assemblage OF persons, whowere highly grati6ed with
its manner OF delivery The Address is not original,
but was prepared for him. ]-ED. tl"aaa v
| II have the honor Of presenting myself before
this enlightened audiance, as the youthful adj
vocale OF cause which involves the dearest
interests of society, and, in high degree, the
dignity and welfare of nations. II has engaged
the attention Of many able and deeply reflect
ing men, both in Europe and our own coun-
try; and the public mind, now so fully impress
ed with the importance and magnitude Of the
subject, will be directed, ! trust, with all its
powerful energies, 10 the eradication Of great
1 national evil. Intemperance is the giant vice
which enslaves men, and overlhrows empires.
j Il is theme which daily offers resistess invi-
taiions to the eloquence Of our most eminent
|jurisls and politicians. The patriot statesman,
\ whose brow is entwined with civic wreaths,
and even the aurelcrowned hero. who has
shed new luslre upon his country's arms, have
lnot turned with indifference from the conten-
lplation Of a startling vice which they regard
as in deadly hostility" TO our free institutions,
more formidable, j because more insidous in its
advances, than foreign foe approaching our
borders with bristling bayonets and laundering
: cannon. And although others, SO able and
distinguished. have won proud honors in this
GLORIOUS cause, yet |, stripping boy as you see.
have come forward under your kindly auspi-
lces, as the humble cleaner OF well reaped
field, but fondly hoping and desiring to con-
tribute my slender aid in arresting the march
fof an evil 50 odlous in its character, so direfu
lin its results. 1890, ss;.l IVA {,5a .test.I#
T. Our government is one whose stability de-
lpends UPON the intelligence and virtue of the
people; while its downfall. fever destined to
occur, will be traced 10 those vices and corrup-
|tion, Therefore, whatever tends to check the
progress of light, or prevent the spread of vir-
ltue, is inimical, nay fatal, TO the cause OF Re-
publicanism. A
I Notmany years ago, the use Of intoxicating
liquors was freely indulged in by all classes Of
, socie,y--the rich andpoor, the old and young.
The evil had entered the sphere Of the army,
the navy. the Offices OF State, and even the
Church ITSELF Among our Lawyers, Physi-
clans, Judges and Legislators, yes, our Leg
ilators, we could trace iis baneful spirit, carry
E Ling disease and death into families and whole
communities. The child, tempted continually
BY the sweet deposits Of the glass, forgot the
burning sensation, and loved it. The youth,
betraying in miniature the greatness Of his sire,
r must Indulge also and the parent, who ought
, TO have discovered the elements Of ruin fast
combining, TOO often led the way, and by ex
ample: gave impetus torthe gathering storm.
The statesman was too much of diplomatist,
, or to far implicated, to broach subject which
might ccme home, with unwelcome force, TO
the nations bosom and even the sacred desk
I was silent. Yet what refectiHg individual was
there, whose moral sense was not quite dead
ened, who did not bleed at every pore on be-
holdidg the fearfnl workings Of intempefance,
: threatening total overthrow 10 the institutions
J of our beloved country.
Il But the redeemining spirit of reform has Wis
! tied our land. Every thing around us shows
\ that an active and salutory influence is abroad
that the people are awakening from their
\ sumber, and standing forth. in all the
!. majesty of American freemen. Now, when
, we assemble together to celebrate the day-the
ever-glorous day which saw our flag for the
first time unfured, and heard the name of The
: U. s. first proclaimed amongst the nations
! of the earth, no intoxicating draughts are deem
d ed necessary to awaken our patriotism or in
Il flame our enthusiasm. We desire nothing in
our goblets but the sparkling water from the
! gushing fountain We turnlIather to nature
to furnish her, pure and refreshing beverage
from the streams that leap from the hills about
us. Such spectacle is Sublime, and is full
I OF joy and hope. Ii proclaims victory
achieved over a great and most alarTing
evil, and extends over the arch OF coming Years
the bright rainbow of promise. The aDhual
return Of the 4lh Of July, while il FORMERLY
brought with il rejoicing, too often brought
painful and ruinous excesses. Where nothing
should have been heard but songs of praise for
the past, and prayer for guidance through the
future or innocent revellings, too often were
the shouts of the intoxicated mingled with
scenes Of rudeness and violence which dishon-
ored the occasion. ,,s,,sa 60ee le3a,.38 rs saif
Let US not be content, however, with tri-
qmphs already gained. Let us not only prac-
nee temperance let us advocate Il. The mag
4 nitude Of the evil against which we struggle,
4 u sufficient TO arouse our energies, and keep
alive our zeal. If we could call up the scenes
wilh which the past u so crowed, we should be
filed with horror 10 surveying the ruin and de-
\ ISOLATION which intemperance has carried in its
- r A A xf f.,k