The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1848-02-24
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE COUNTY OF



ADDISON.
The undersigned were appointed, ut the late
meeting of the Addison County Temperance Socie-
ty, n committee to prepare and publish a brief adj
dress to their fellow citizens of the county. In the
discharge of their duty the committee are aware
that the subject of temperance has become tr1te, but
they have the full conviction that it has lost none Of
its Importance, by the loss of its novelty. On the
contrary, its importance is continually enhanced by
the great increase of the foreign population in our
State and country. The contest against the sale
and use Of Intoxicating liquors as n beverage, is a
contest of principle. 1t aims at the determination
of some of the greatest evils which adlict society.
1t aims not only to redeem the slaves of a vicious
appetite from their bondage, and raise them to be
useful members of society, and to promote the peace
and happiness and prosperity of families, but to re-
move the causes of pauperiSm and crimes, and thus
relieve the burdens, a~nd:promote the general order,
intelligence and welfare of the community. Tho
success which has attended the efforts of the friends
Of temperance, thus far, is matter Of just congratu-
lation. The improvement in the habits of the peo-
pie, with respect to the use of Intoxicating liquors
within the last twenty years in this country, is man
ifest and striking. And it is matter of just pride to
us IS n nation, that TIE great principle of total alb
stinencc" first adopted and ~practisel under the
Temperance Pledge in this country, is now perform
ing signal wonders in tho reformation of the common
people of Europe. In the progress of this reforma-
t;o, -, 1,. o,, oo,,.4. =; .o.z - H. akAza A.
friends of temperance have invoked the cid Of lac
to save from temptation those who have lost the pow
or Of sclf-control, rs well as those who arc gradually
yielding to the dominion Of q craving appetite.
They have claimed the right of the majority to de-
eide upon the continuance or the removal of q traf-
fic, which is a most prolific source of evil in the
community. The voice Of the people of this State
decided by a large majority against unrestricted l.
censes. The experiment Of the operation Of the
existing law for ono year has proved beneficial. The
committee believe Tie quantity of Intoxicating liqu-
ors sold and used is greatly diminished. At any
rate, the people are gamers, whilo the traffic has the
stigma of transgresson and dishonor attached to it.
II the law is to be violated, let it be done in dark
corners or cellars, or under cover OF night, rather
than that the sensc of q virtuous community lie
wounded &nd insultcd in open day. Let the full re
sponsib"ity Of his act rest upon the transgrcssor,
without the chance to parry his guilt by tho shield
Of the law. Let him be left to weigh in the balance
Of his conscience his obligations Of obedience to law
and the voice of the community against his lust Of
gain. The freemen of the State will be again called
upon on the first Tuesday of March next, to vote
upon the question Of license or no license for the sale
Of Intoxicating liquors as 3 beverage. Let not aps-
thy and indifference prevail among the friends of
temperance in the county Of Addison. In the dis
charge Of our individual and relative duties, God
has made every man the keeper of his own con-
science. Let US see to it, individually, that in this
matter Of great public concern, We discharge our
consciences faithfully, and not, by our neglect, have
Occasion to roproach ourselves, if the sale of liquors
shall again become, in open dav, q free, unrostrained
and honorable traffic, and we be compelled to wit
ness continually, drunkarls staggering through our
streets.
PETER STARR,
PWLLIP RArTEL,