Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-09-10
AN ADDRESS
TO THE FRIENDS OF TEMPERANCE,


In accordance with resolution passed at the last
meeting Of the Augusta Temperance Union, by
virtue of which, the undersigned were appointed 4
committee, To address circular to all the Tempe
rance Societies i'm the county:
We, therefore. most respectfully submit the fol
lowing remarks to the kind consideration OF the
friends of the cause. And while we feel conscious
OF our inability to treat the subject we might de-
sire; yet, we think it the duty of every friend of
the cause, to contribute much as he can towards
promoting its great principles.
! The subject OF total abstinence from all ntoyica-
ting drinks, was first agitatcd in this county about
five years ago; and the adoption of it's principles
| speaks favorably of the morality OF the people,
wherever it has obtained any influence. But there
seems 10 be decline of interest this subject or at
least manifest abatement of effort on the part of
Its friends, towards keeping it before the conmun-
ty In It's proper light. And, on the other hand, Il
corresponding activity on the part of its enemies
wards suppressing the good and salutary influence
which 1t is so well calculated to exert. And, con-
sequcnty. such activity is dangerous to the cause
Instead of the good order, peace and quiet. which
has prevailed for three four years. to such gra-
ufyng extent in our towns, especially on public oc-
caslonS, we shall have the senses of the upright
and the ears of modosty, shocked by low profanity
and vulgarity, which ever follows i'm the train of
intemperance, and which the civil authorities will
fail. as they have ever done, to suppress Jail
with these street polluters is to them, but CHEAP
boarding house-Such men above the law
and beneath responsibility. But there is another
class, OF higher grade, who exert more danger
GUS influence over the community, inasmuch as
their family connexions, money, talents enables
them TO cvade the law, or incur the responsibility
with impunity, and laugh at the effort to maintain
It's dignity. The example of such is more likely
to be initiated than that of the former because there
Is more of the semblance OF responsibility.
But why talk of consequences to that portion Of
the enemies oil the temperance cause, who set more
value TO few dollars in their own pocket, than TO
the prosperity, reputation, and often life, of many
of their fellow beings? Many of whom are limo
cent and helpless-not participating in any manner
IN the cause which brings upon them such mass
of wretchedness and Such people look not to
consequences upon others! 1t is enough for them
to see that the last cent due them, for the poisonous
stuff (put off to the poor inebriatc as an equivalent
for his money! Is paid if it takes the last morsel
of bread from already too destitute family, TO do
1t. IT, then, the friends of total abstinence dis
suade those who use 1t, from continuance Of ii,
they will have accomplished their object, and done
4 good work
! 1t is strange that intelligent men-men who on
all other Subjects have full share of rationality
should suffer themselves to be made the dupes of
those who respect them nought beyond the depth of
their purscsl Yet il is fact. Much las been
appetite and the force of habit. But the appetite
for alcohol being acquired, the servant of the
Will, and not It's master; and vet in the mos!
obstinate cases be made subject to the will again
The experience OF many, who, perhaps, at one
time were the most hopeless drunkards can testify
to this fact. And whatever man has done, man
may do. Neither habits and customs, laws of
nature-irrevocable; but subject to vcissitudes
aid changes. 1t is surely the part Of wisdom.
when they serve useful purpose in life. (and, as
Is the with this, have direct tendency to de-
stroy whatever of happiness that belongs TO life
and to mar the peace and quiet of society to make
that change which will conduce to their happiness
and comfort.
That custom which is yet prevalent to some en-
tent, of giving acine other intoxicating liquor to
our friends, matter of hospitality, has no foun-
datlon in true politeness, but is rather the sugges-
ton of depraved appetites. 1t is not necessary to
hospitality to offer temptations TO friends, which
often proves to be their ruin. This evil is not rem.
edess. And il is the object of total abstinence So
clehes to apply the only remedy which can effect
perfect cure
1t needs but an active perseverance on the part OF
the friends of temperance union of efforts as of
sentiments, and must prevail. This county,
perhaps, is free from the evil of intemperance as
any other in the State and look to what an alarm
ing extent it prevails According to the report of
the Chairman of the committee collect statistics
OF lniemperance in this county, there are no less
than 223 confirmed drunkards in the six districts
from which that report made out embracing
but very small portion of the county and the pro-
/ liability is, that there are more than double that
number, inasTnuch as the report was made out from
! the immediate vlclnitieS OF temperance societies.
in which we can fairly infer that there is less
drunkenness than elsewhere. If such then be the
case, we have four five hundred drunkards in onr
county; and averaging six relations sufficiently
near, to feel sensby, the disgrace, there would be
two or three thousand sufferers from this cause.
There is, then. much yet to be accomplished II
the proper efforts were made by the friends of tenn
perance, they might WELD tremendous influence
for good We no inconsiderabe little band in
this county--more than 20OO persons have espous-
ed the principles Of total abstinence according to the
|, best information we can obtain.
! The power of example will as it has ever done
"""'' '''""h and uuitod in energetic movement in
a cause blessed Of Heaven and approved by all GOOD
men) like this must result in great good to society
II is true that we must encounter opposition froIn
that class OF society with whose pccuniary inter
ests 1t conflicts: yet should not be deferred by
their croaking and murmuring, from pursuing that
course which experience and reason teach us is
right "Our cause like every thinU else that is
great and good, has its difficulties and its enemies
The personal aggrandizement of one does not iusti
~ the loss OF property and reputation Of many o
ihe!S For where one man prospers in this way.
the amount of suffering which follows as a cOnse-
quence can never be known. Many Of the evils
common to our nature have some mitigating circum-
stances, bat this has none and Of all others the
greatest in magnitude. For it lies at the founda-
ton OF many other evils, exciting the worst pas
sons Of our nature, which but ort would be dormant
If persons, who are commencing course OF mo
dcrate drinking could look thro' the vista of future
years and sec the result Of its continuance. il
would be an easy matter TO persuade them TO aban-
don it. But because such distressing realities arc
not conveyed 10 the mind at once we are too apt
to fold our arms in ease, and sing 10 ourselves the