The Columbian fountain., 1846-03-04

feW days since, Wntten by Gov. Briggs to
Edwin C. Deleyan, on the subject Of the II
cense question, which will soon come before
the New York Legislature. Notwithstanding
Briggs has always adhered with tenaci'y 10
party, and rarely ventured proposition which
is not recognised principle Of the party, his
firm adherence TO the cause of temperance, and
his earnest eHdeavors to further its influence,
are indications of zeal in one good cause, fol
which he deserves the favorable notice OF ouI
citizens.
Ii is said that in early life Coy. Briggs was
somewhat addicted to the frequent use OF in
loxicalng drinks, and that he knows from ex-
perence something Of theresults which follow
their use. He has resolved, while quite young,
to abandon habit, which he saw was likely
TO become seriously pernicious one, and in
carrying out his resolution, adopted the only
true course-total abstinence. He has arisen
from an humble sphere in life to the place he
now holds in the public service, but notwith-
standing all the temptations which man In
public life has to encounter, has never depart
ed from his resolution TO "touch not the lntox-
icating cup" He believes thorough tempe
rance reformation can be effected, and will be,
but that the yo,1ag men have too little to do
with the matter, and in his letter to Mr.. Dele
van, makes use Of the following language:
''In urging the strong appeal to the various
classes Of society, it strikes me there was one
class omitted, mean the Yo,mg Men of the
State. ! am sure that an appeal to them on
such subject, would not be in vain. Their
own destiny and that of their State, is involved
in that issue. They hold that issue in their
own hands. Patriotism, Humanity, and Chris
tanity, call them to the rescue, The Yoimg
Men of the State Of New York will not disre-
gard that call. If you succeed, and succeed
you will, your victory will be bloodless, but
glorious. In its peaceful and happy results
the yanquished will participate equally with
the vlctors. The giants in human slaughter
cannot say this Of their proudest triumph"
u -~-~-~~~~~~~~r~-~~~~-~~~~~- s1 .fF
We have been informed that disgraceful
fight took place at one of the establishments
for selling intoxicating drinks, near 18th street
and the avenue, between party Of apprentice
boys from Georgetown, and some young men
belonging to the City. During the fight the
watchmen broke in upon them, and carried
them to the watch house. This took place on
Sabbath night; yet some men think we should
be silent with regard 10 such facts-think we
should not connect the selling Of intoxicating
liquors with Sabbath breaking think we
should not refer to the disregard shown to the
corporate authority, in reference to the viola
ton of this subject, because t-would imply a
lack of energy on the part Of the executive. If
it be true, that this is the fact, it ought to be
known-the people ought to know their irrights
and possess them.
For the Columbian Fountain.
Mr.. EDITOR In your paper of this morn
ing, under the head of g Congressional pro-
ceedings," find the following item, viz:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. - After
prayer by Mr.. Tustin, who seems generally to
perform double duties, per force" &c.
You will readily perceive, that while the
compliment of fidelity in the discharge of my
official duties is conferred upon me by your
reporter, there is, al the same time, an intima-
ton OF negligence on the part of my worthy
colleague, who is expected to share equally with
myself In the performance of those duties.
Being conscious of All honest desire to dis
charge my duty faithfully in the position which
/ occupy,I will not be guilty Of the foolish
affectation of remotely intima,ing that l am
regardless Of the appreciation Of the good and
the yirtuous. My qualification, however, is
very much diminished when find myself, as
in the present instance, occupying position
before the public which must necessarily ope-
rate to the disadvantage Of one whom shall
always rejoice rather TO elevate than depress.
1t is proper to state that Mr.. Milburn, Chap
lain Of the House Of Representatives, was
called to the performance of special duty II,
Baltimore during the last week, and was pre-
vented, by Providental iater'uptions from be-
ing in his place on the occasion to which
your reporter refers. am sure that the whole
matter is the result Of mere iAadverency, and
was not designed to infiict injury upon any
one; but, as it might not be understood by