The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1851-06-05

| ing, and large numbers OF small boats came
nut to take us ashore. We soon got where
there was something to cat aud drink.
put up at the Western Hotel at ? dolar'
per day. II is kept by an eastern man
and one Of the best 10 Panama, and moth
ing to boast Of at that
lSr The Gesetie.
.THE PUBLIC DlscussIoN'-WHo BEAT!
lNr. Editor: In the las, number Of the
Banner | perceive an article bearing cap
ton as above quoted, in which the editor
Of that paper sees proper to Estate, Tor the
benefit of those who were not present" or
the occasion, his ''opinion of the arguments
adduced" upon the question: The
Sons of Temperance, as an order, exert AT
Influence detrimental to the cause OF Ten
perance, and prejudicial to the triumph o.
Christianity and Republicanism?" In 9th
er words he feels himself called upon te
render his decision in regard to the argn-
ments pro and con which were adduced on
the occasion, and thus set the minds Of such
Of his readers as we're not able to be pres
ent to hear and decide for themselves on
that evening, forever at rest Yes, the
sapient editor of the Banner, after having
scanned the arguments adduced with an
Eag le-ese, after having brought to bear
upon the question all the concentrated wis
dom and powers of his vast aud compre-
hensive mind very eruditely concludes that.
al all the arguments that could be urged
on the s.armative side Of The question were
produccd--and none," he adds, By way d
parenlhcsis. twill doubt the ability of those
gen.lemen-theire efforts in argnmen, were
lsme and Inconsistent in the extreme; aud
showed conc!usively, to our mind, that ,hes
had taken ground which could NJ, be sus.
tanned"
Now, Mr.. EIitor. so far as the private
opinion of the Banner mln goes, ! have
not word TO object; bit do object 10 hi
claiming a victory for either one Of The par
lies in question, and sending his mere opia-
ION abroad in communicative opinion Of
an indisiaual only-as the general opinion
If those who we're present aud heard the
@ebate; when he must know--or, at least
possesses ample means OF knowing -ihat
he opinions OF our citizens remain divided
IS touching this question:; each OF the twt
parties, as might hive been expected
claiming for itself the victory. This fact.
stated in connection with his own priv ate
judgment in regard to the matter would
have wounded the feelings Of, no one. Nay,
lis own private views however much al
variance with those entertained BY others,
would have been respected ~ decent
respect far the opinions OF others" ever be.
gets kindred reciprocal respect, on the
part of others, for our own; aud had the
editor Of the Banner borne this truth III
mind, he never could have given expires
SION 10 language like the following. copied
from the article under consideration:
.From tie high character OF the gentlemen d
the Affirmative, cur citizens have been on tipoe
for the last fortnight in anticipation OF The won
derfui disclosures which were expected would be
brought out in this discussion against the order Of
the Sons of Temperanee--such that would lay
that organization so lox in the mire of corruption
and iniamy, that its enemies could sing its funer-
al requiem, and IFS members be freed from the
turn once more 10 ningle in the bacchanaIiar
song and quaf the sparkling and entcing liqaid.'
Perhaps the editor Of the Banner look ed
tnr this result; but do know that "our
citizens" expected nothing Of the kind.
They all looked for an animated debate,
and sharp shooting on both sides, if may
be permitted 10 express an opinion founded
on what | know of,he matter; and, judging
from the frequent and numerous express
sions Of opinion which have heard since
the debate, in this sour citizens" were not
disappointed. That the debate was ably
conducted, on both sides, every unpreiudi-
ced mind present on that occasion, could
not but have noted-indeed, did note But
hear him sgain:
"Although engaged in the discussion of a ques
ton relating TO but one Of the orders OF the day
the affirmative could not resist the opportunity
Of showing their hands and expressing tter de,es-
tation OF all secret orders, la Avery Allen, etc.
Yes, the poor, defenceless outsiders of other or
CARNATIONS had 10 bear with the merciless casti-
cations and throws at their institutions on that
occasion without scarcely murmur and have
many Of their SINS heaped on the Sons
True, the affirmative did show their
bands; and to their credit be il said. Here
was no shrinking from responsibility
Here the lion Of popular opinion was beard,
cd in his den, in fearless vet bloodless en-