Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1846-04-21
PLAIN SPEAKING.

It is no, the man who the finest figures Of
rhetoric-who can "ga,hcr flowers from tho icy
poles"-who is tho most effective orator. Wo
remember that in tho discussion in Congress
which proceeded the declaration Of war against
England in 1872, speech delivered by plain
member (Mr. Sammons, if our recollection be
riglt,) was received with extraordinary npproba-
ton by tho public. It occupied about three quar-
tcrs of column Of tho newspapers of that day
was destitute Of all ornamcn,-but was straight
forward and to the ront. 1t was said to have
produced great effect in tho House. 1t was
common sense speech; and such speeches arc
always more effective than tho oversrained Of
forts Of profcssed orators, because what is spoken
comes from tho heart.
Now have great many lecturers on tenn.
perance, some of whom polished scholars,
who know how to place incidents in the most
striking view before their audience; but wo doubt
whether The most accomplished Of those lecturers
over made stronger appeal against in,emperanco
than was done by PLAIN speaking friend who
was called upon to address a meeting in one of
the counties Of this State, the subject of intern
porance.
A young man had died from ntcmperance, and
been recently buried in the vicinity of the place
where tho meeting was held. The speaker com.
mcnccd his discourse somewhat in this way:
"My FRrEHDs-You will no doub, be surprised
when | state, that you have much moro regard for
YOUR sheep than for your own ofspring-thot you
would rather your mutton than the souls OF
your children; and go, think tina, can convince
YOU tina, what is nothing but the plain truth.
Suppose that wolf were 10 visit your fold night
after night. each limo destroying one or moro
shoep-what course would YOU adopt would you
remain quiet, and permit him to continue his doe
preda,ions unmolescd7 Oh. no: you would raise
the whole neighborhood, and with dogs and guns
pursue the destroyer of your focks until you had
either killed or driven him from your neighbor.
hood. Wolf, wolf, would be every mans
tongue. and every arm would be raised for his
destruction. Ii is thus that you would manifest
YOUR regard for your sheep; but how do you act
in respect to your children? Tho rumseller, moro
destructive than tho wolf, settles among yous
,emp,s your children to their ruin; destroys tho
happiness Of famiIies-and yet is taken by the
hand, md welcomed to your fresides. Wow yon'
der grave, where lies the body Of q young man >
who but for these human wolves. might this day
/ be in health and happiness. the consolation OF me
parents; but he was preciPitafeo INTO al oo"mo'y
crave by tho agency Of the rum seiiers-ano yes
IBIS sad example has failed 10 arouse your indig.
/ n,t,on. though your own children may be tho next
y;ctirns. You could raise the neighborhood 10
destroy the wolf. that you might save your sheep;
bu. YOU raise hue and cry against the destroyer
of your children; which plainly proves what !
have asserted, that you regard your sneeP more
than you do your own Offspring
This was plain language. and beng tfue' nad
its effect. Numbers signed the pledge; ana u -
to be- hoped that hereafter there viii Be fewer
victims Of in,emperance in the ne'ghboshoo6 ehao
heretofore.