Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1850-09-27
ouR AIMS AND DEFECTS.

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To those who know the objects and designs
Of the Order Of the Sons Of Temperance, no
idea is more preposterous than that they have
some sinister purpose in view-that their OBJ
ject IS to subyert the liberties of American cit
liens, and even overthrow the glorious confed-
eracy under which we live. We say to right
minded and intelligent men, no charges are
more perfectly ridiculous than these, and such
as these, against u benefcent Order ; and
therefore, we have no cause to fear any injury
which it will sustain by such means from that
respectable quarter. But there are those who,
though honestly seeking after truth, are too
much inclined to be led by those whom they
suppose to be better informed upon these mat
tiers. Hence, there are many who honestly be-
leve the vile calumnies which are put in circu-
lation by those who do, or ought to, know bet
ter. For those who wickedly and maliciously
make false charges against the Order, we have
no kind Of respect; but for many who are mis-
led by them, we pity their d~elusion, and would
gladly undeceive them, were it in our power.
To this latter class then, we would submit a
few plain remarks, and ask for them a candid
and impartial consideration. Can these oppo-
sers of our Order point to a single neighborhoOd
or community, where its introduction has made
men worse, or been an injury to society? Can
they show you a single individual who, by an
association with, and an adherence to it, has
been made a worse husband, father, son or bro.
ther-or less devoted Patriot, or consistent and
pious Christian? Can they cite you to an in.
stance where it has made bad neighbors, incon.
slant friends or unpleasant associates? Have
they defrauded the poor, oppressed the widow
or maltreated the orphan ?-buto on the contra,
ry, are not the members Of this Order celebrar
ted for their acts of benevolence and kindness
to the fallen and unfortunate in every condition
in life Have you ever known one, after hi
connection with il, less. mindful of his country
interests, less tenacious Of his rights and priv
1 leges, OF less careful for the welfare Of the PEG
ple-he whole people We challenge ouI
worst adversary to point out a single case in tn,
whole category, where offence can be laid a
the door ofour Orderi If. then, none of thes'
things can be justly charged against us, are yol
not r~esigning your rights as an American free
man, to be hoodwinked and duped BY those VIII
know better, but pander to your prejudices b,
the recital Of stories as infamous as they ar
false?
We invite every man toexamine our Orde
for himself; and after he has thoroughly site,
!. our principles, objects and designs, let him the
turn to an analysis of its membership, to disco
yer. if he can, who there is of our number les
to be trusted than the mass Of our feIlow-mer
politically, morally and socially. And after h
has gone over the whole 100000 in our rank
from all grades in ~society-from the Presiden
of the United States to the humble apprentie
and plough-boy-from the distinguished Prelat
to the devoted worshipper in the log-cabin-
after he has gone through with the entire nun
Der, and analysed the character Teach and al
!. let him place his hand upon his heart and as
himself, can it be that these men are oppose
to the welfare Of society, the advancement
Of religion and morality, and the good of societ
to at large ?-and if the enquiry finds aresponsi,
affirmative there, then we frankly say to hin
I'd We a none Of his company, for HE wouI
form the first and only exception in our gre
brotherhood. But, ifOn the contrary, the CO.
re v~ictions Of an honest Judgment c~onstrain him
admit the virtue, patriotism and benevolence
our membership and institution, we would s.
!. to him in all kndness-come and unite wi
us-leave your unworthy and unfounded pr
JUDGES, and aid US in extirpating from the Ian
the greatest curse that has ever afflicted h
manity!