davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03
THE COST OF INTEMPERANCE

Is it not astonishing, when we take into con-
sideration the millions of dollars that are spent
annually for intoxicating drinks! We are
prone to complain 9rievously at high taxation,
and to become excited in a high degree, at the
prospect of a National Or State debt. But here
is a tax for which we cannot blame our l%egisla-
tors; a tax self-imposed and selfIevied; a tax
for which we can only blame ourselves; a tax
which would chequer our State and country
with Railroads, and pay the entire cost Of their
construction a tax which would put a useful
education in the reach of every child in North
Carolina, and place the Bible in every family
Some of our people think two millions of dol
lars an enormous sum with which to be taxed
for constructing the Central Railroad, but large
as it looks, one year of total abstinence by ev-
cry citizen of the State would pay it ALL Let
US demontrate the truth ofthis assertion. Fig
ures they say never lie. DIR. Tying, an emf
nent Divine, who has devoted much time and
attention to this subject, says, after a careful
calculation, that the annual cost of ardent spir-
its in the United States, is not less than one
hundred millions of dollars! Divide this equal
ly between the IS States in the Union at the
time this calculation was made, and we have
an average of more than three millions and a
half of dollars each. Admit that North Carroll
ma falls below the average one million and a
half, and we still have the sum of t,co millions
ofdolarS expended by her citizens, annually,
for alcoholic drinks!
If our State or National authorities were to
levy such a tax upon us, revolution would inc
vitality follow. Ii our Sherifs and tax gather
ers were to attempt to collect such an impost
laid by law, resistance even to bloodshcd would
be the result. And yet we cheerfully and
even gladly pay to the rumseller this enormous
amount, and many become periodically alarm.
ed at the bare idea of being denied the privi
lege! What a fearful infatuation! VIVA
madness to spend so much wealth in shatter
ing our nerves, exploding our characters, en-
poverishing our families, disgracing our coun
try, and running our souls! Shall we nevel
gain courage to vanquish this most terrible o
all enemies to our individual prosperity an
the advancement of our State in the contest 70
greatness and wealth? Freemen of Nortl
Carolina. we beseech you ponder upon thes
things. See in what abject slavery We ar
} bound, and resolve to be freemen in deed an
in truth.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03
THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES

Are over; and though we have seen some
heart-sickening evidences of dissipation, yet
the most prejudiced Observer is bound to adj
nit that our streets have not exhibited these
drunken scenes which were wont to disgrace
them a few short years ago. The fact cannot
tie disguised, that the Temperance reformation
has done much for the good order of our City
But while we have much upon which to con.
graduate ourselves, yet there is abundant work
for US to perform. Many of our youths are
imbibing habits that will end in utter dcstruc.
ton unless checked in their downward career,
and some large boys" seem to consider thai
liquor-drinking and aping rowdies are yer,
amiable ways of cutting the gent, They ough
to know better; and what is more, ought tt
do better. Temperance NEE, let us labor un
til the last occasional as well as habitual drunk
ard is reclaimed.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03
THE NEW YEAR.

The old year-with its joys and sorrows, its
realizations and disappointments-is over and
the new-with its hopes and fears, its a%nticipa-
lions and responsibilities upon us. In ret
respecting the past, how many regrets sadden
the present, on account of the non-improvement
of opportunities to do good, of failures to the
performance of known duties, of neglected
privileges, and of a non-appreciation of lavished
blessings. As they were passing by, we esti-
mated not their advantages and importance
but now that they have passed-are irrecovera-
bly, gone-how they rise in magnitude, and
how poignant the grief that we had not i'm.
proved the moments and advantages as they
flew. Let us then, gather wisdom for the flu.
ture by avoiding a like simplicity for the re
mainder Of life. Let US be active in doing
whatever of good may lie in our power, to on
fellow-men and for suffering humanity. Let u
SO demean ourselves during this year, that a
the close of it we may be able to say we hay,
lived to some good purpose.
But how shall we accomplish it? Not b
the eager and undertaking pursuit of wealtl
Of pleasure, or of earthly renown. Not b
Prostituting all those noble powers of body an
mind with which a kind Providence has Ell
dowed us, to selfish and base purposes, but
$ the executions of some real and perpetual GOO
which shall confer happiness upon those aroun
r US, and entail it upon those who may come a
ter US.
A writer has beautifully remarked " 1t
not all Of life to, live;"-no its sweetest EMO
, msnt is in the realization of the good we ha,
A.. been permitted to do, and of the blessings v
have conferred on those around us. The wi
man hath said-"Pure and undefIed religiC
before God the father is this-to visit the wi
I ow and the fatherless in their affection, and
keep ourselves unspotted from the world
How much of suffering may we alleviate-ho
much of grief assuage? And what place mo
BETTING the philanthropist than the house
want, of penury and of grief. To rememb
the poor, was the injunction of the bless
Redeemer of mankind. Let US not forget
, or fail to pay respect unto it;-then indie
" will our sleep be tranquil, and our hours of "
! king be solaced with the reflection that
have endeavored not to live in vain.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03
BREAKING THE PLEDGE A TR1FLE.

AAAA1 "a 1850 A
There are too many who look upon the pledge
a Son of Temperance takes in joining the Or
der, as a triling matter; who regard it as in
volving no great moral delinquency for him
to violate his solemn obligation by partaking
Of that which, in the most solemn manner, he
had promised to abjure. A man violates his
plighted faith in this respect, yet he meets with
no derision! His lack of frmness may be pit
led, yet we scarcely ever hear a word said Of
his violating his word as a man and asa gentle
man Why is this? If a man were to repu-
diate an honest debt of five dollars, he would
at once be branded as a d~ishonerable man
were he to expose the secrets of Odd Fellow
ship Or Masonry, he would every where meet
with the condemnation of being unworthy to
be trusted. Then why is it that a man who
enters the gates of our Order. of his own freq
will and accord, and takes upon himself a sol
emn promise, and then turns away and forfeit
that promise, why should he alone be screened
from the disgrace which he would merit unde
every other circumstance of honorable life ?
, Why? And in searching for an answer I
this inexplicable problem, the question arise
is not the Order itself to blame for the light
ness in which some are disposed to view tn
Pledge? Our Constitution imposes a fine
a dollar as the value of a mans honor, ono
forfeited, and TWO dollars when TWICE fo
feited! Is it astonishing, then, that the con
munity, finding 1e place SO low an estimat
upon its worth, should even attach a little Low
er value to it, and set no price either pecuni
e ~ or moral upon it? Let the members of IL
e Order regard it in a higher and more culp'
e bic light, and the uninitiated will soon learn
n to esteem it.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03

SnesCent, are the moral promptings of many
human hearts. How few are governed and
guided by a judgment of their own, or OBJ
serve the selfrespect which all should cher
ISL for themselves, A great part of mankind
It would seem, arc quite as willing and dis.
posed to be wrong with the many, as to be
right with the few, and have not sufficient
independence, if they have the virtue, tc
adopt a course in conflict with the usages Of
the mass but whatever has the sanction of 3
certain portion of the world, is very likely
to have their assent, though they may really
disapprove of much which they contenance
and support, being too regardless, also, Of
the effect it may have upon the lives and
characters of others.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03
OURSELF.

After a weeks relaxation, we apply ourself
at the commencement Of a new year, with re-
doubled zeal in the cause of all mankind
Stimulated by the success which has crowned
our efforts to establish a Temperance Press in
North Carolina, we take fresh hold, detcrmin-
ed to devote what of energy of mind and body
we possess, to the furtherance of the great Tenn
perance reform. 1t becomes not us to speak
of what zee have accomplished but without any
degree Of vanity, we think We may congratu-
late ourself upon being able to disseminate
more extensively through the State, Temper
ance information and Temperance reading,
than has ever been done heretofore. We are
aware that this event has been consummated by
the exertions of the friends of the cause, more
than by any merit possessed by our humble
self. Satisfied, then, of this fact, we would re-
turn to our friends our heartfelt acknowledge
ments for their generous partially and kind
ness and while we would pledge to them our
undertaking devotion to, and untiring indus
try in the great Temperance cause, we would
appeal to them for renewed exertions in
spreading the sphere of our usefulness, and ex-
tending the field for temperance labor. No
great and good enterprise has ever succeeded
to much extent without the aid of the Press
Through this medium many, whose minds, APP
petites and passions have been proof against
all personal appeals, have been caused to re-
feet, and finally yield all objections and en-
brace our benign principles. We could relate
several instances where like good results have
occurred from the perusal of our humble sheet
Will not the friends of the cause, then, pledge
themselves to raise an additional club of 5 OIL
10 new subscribers in every Division, and alsc
cause all the present patrons of the AGE to re
new their subscriptions as their respective
terms expire? We hope so. Upon the tenn
perance men alone must the temperance Pres
rely for support. If they do not sustain it, it i
bound to fail.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03
ATTEND YOUR MEETINGS.

Every true Son of Temperance should feel
himself bound by the most sacred of human
ties-his honor as a man-to attend the stated
meetings of his Division, when his business or
other higher duties do not compel him to absent
himself. This is one of the terms upon which
he was admitted to membership, and he should
not disregard the duty for light and transient
causes. If every Son Ct Temperance should
be prompt and p%unctual in his attendance up
on the Division, how long would it be, think
you, Mr.. Absentee, before your table would
be crowded with applications for membership d:
Not a month, sir! We hesitate not to affirm
that if every member of the Order will pune
tually attend every meeting of their Divisions
during the present month of January, that there
is scarcely a Division il. the State that will no
receive from one toa dozen applications fol
membership during the month! We are vii
ling to risk our judgment upon this prediction
and we challenge the State to test it. VIVA
say you, brethren of Raleigh, and the State a
large? We intend to watch the current of al
fairs in our City, and report progress according
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03
PHILIP 6 WHITE

We have heard very little for the last two
weeks Of the progress Of Brother White in his
travels through our State. He was in Wades-
borough during the session Of the South Caro-
lima Conference at that place. where considera-
BILE success attended his labors. The ARGUS"
speak 10 this wise of him:
In addition to the Conference. we have had
also the pleasure Of visit from Philip ). White,
Esq, the great lecturer on Temperance, who
spoke to the citizens of this place and vicinity
on Wednesday and Thursday. We expected
something rich from Brother White. and truly
we were not disappointed. We have heard
many speakers, but seldom has it been our lot
tn hear one who could handle his subject like
Philip S. White. He is polished without being
effeminaie witty without heing rude as full
Of humour as Washington Irving his satire is
like a keen razor. cutting deep without appear
ing to leave much wound he is most sublimely
phathetic, drawing tears at times from his au-
dience ; at one time he is like the ocean in a
storm at another like that same ocean when
famed by the gentle zephyr at one moment he
will have his audience conVulsed with laughter;
at another every one within reach u Of his voice
will be as still as city Of the dead. Facts, an.
ecdOtes, and figures Of rhetoric followed each
other as easily and rapidly as waves of the ocean.
All the stories Of his noble and highly c%ultiva-
ted mind were brought TO bear on his subject,
in;o which he seemed to infuse all the ardor o.
his soul. The effects Of liquor on the humsT
system were SET forth in such a way as to sui
the understanding of The d%ullest, while at tn,
same time The language was such as to suit thi
taste Of the most fasiidious. But why say any
; more on this head. To those who had tn
pleasure of hearing Philips. White, our feebl
encOminms are useless while to those who hal
not that pleasure, we can convey not the mos
distantidea Of his surprising elOquence.
! The crowd of people who gathered to hea
e the speaker was large. and the benches wer
. beautifully and p~rufusely adorned with the fair
: er portion Of nature.
I There is no doubt but that the visit Of Nj
= White to this place has done a great deal Q
b good. Seventeen gentlemen joined the Orde
: on the two days he spoke. though many Of then
e were strangers here. This, however, is but
. small sample Of the first fruits of his ministrs
r ton, as we have no doubt that long years wi
e roll past-yea this generation will pass off tn
: stage Of being, ere the seed sown by the speake
h will cease to return ripe and wholesome fruit
e the husbandman.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03
SKETCHES OF NORTH CAROLINA.

The Committee On the Library, to whom
was referred the Resolution authorizing the use
Of Books, &C., to Col. John H. Wheeler, to
aid him in preparing for Press his proposed pub
LEGATION of sketches of the history of North Car
olina, have reported favorably thereto. In the
report of The Committee, We find the following
interesting outlines Of the work.
The author gives 10 the first series of his
work, our history from the first landing Of the
ColJnisis on the coast of North Carolina, under
Amends and Barlow in 1884, under the patron.
age of Sir Walter Raleigh, with a list Of the
Governors Proprietary and Regal to the Revo.
luton of l776.
In the second series he gives the Governors
Judges and Executive officers from l776 to The
present time, with sketthes Of the press Of thu
State 10 :he present day ; with an account of GU
Literary and Public Institutions and a list o.
the names of all our members uf COngress fron
the commencement Of the present form Of gov
eminent to this date.
In the third series he gives the history O
each county in the state in alphabetical order
the date Of its erection, the origin of its name
its boundaries, towns and survey, with sho|
sketches Of its distinguished citizens, and an
cuTate list o. tho Members of the General
sembly, from each and every county Of
State, from the formation of the CONSTITUTE
l776, or the erection of such county, to the
ent Session thus embracing in his work
Of information, alike interesting, useful
s~tTuctive and greatly deserving the app
and patronage Of every patriotic citize3
: State.
1t is believed by the COMMITTEES that
the coast of North Carolina, and on the
Of July, 1884. that the first Anglo Sd
: his foot on soil embraced within the
the United States. The early h~istor1n
State is full of incidents of chivalric 81
9 indomitable resistance "tO every form II
that can Cypress the mind of man."
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03
INDUSTRIAL CONVENTION.

A Convention of the friends of Industry
was he'll. in this City on the 18th and 10Th
ult., of which Gov. Morehead acted as chair
man.
An Industrial Association was form
ed, with a President, five Vice Presidents,
and two Secretaries. The Association de-
termined to hold a Fair in this City, in De-
tober, 1851, and committee was appointed
to make arrangements for it. Articles of all
sorts, the results of industry, will be exhibi
ted on the occasion, and premiums, we pre-
sumo will be awarded. An address will b.
delivered on the occasion.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03

81 There are some Church members who
contend that alcoholic beverages are the good
creatures of God, and hence ought to be used
by those for whom He intended it. If they
will point to single passage in Gods word
where he has pronounced a blessing upon the
common use of wine or strong drink, we will
yield that point. We challenge any one to the
investigation. But on the contrary, there is
invariably a woe and curse pronounced against
those who even look upon the wine when it
is red" and who i" rise up early to seek strong
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03

DAUGHTERS OF TEMPERANcE.-This
in stitution is among the most powerful
auxiliaries of the Temperance Reform.
Without the influence and example of
woman, its advancement would be ex-
treOely slow. Woman has a great and
powerful influence over the steiner sex,
and that influence, if properly exerted,
cannot fail to promote the interest of the
cause.
The institution Of the Daughters of
Temperance is calculated to interest the
gentler sex in this movement, and make
them extend that influence which they
should.
1t isto be regretted that there are those
Of the female sex who are addicted TO
habits Of intemperance, and it is one of
the objects of this institution to try to re-
form them. In what nobler cause can
woman be engaged9 In what sphere can
she accomplish more good, and do more
towards %bene6ting the world?
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03
GaAiEa' Dfpartlnrnt.
DAUGHTERS OF TEMPERANCE.

DAUGHTERS OF TEMPERANCE.
Application fur Charters for Subordinate u
aions in the State Of North Carolina, shall be
made tn the Grand Union Of North Carolina,
and forwarded 70 The G. S. Scribe. The char
TER fee is fivs dollars, including the proper
books.
Applications 10 open new Unions must be
signed by at least eleven persons, who must
be ladies' Of goud reputation and standing in the
community.
The standing and character Of the applicants
for a Charter, must be certified by some officer
The Surs of Temperance. or a Clergyman or:
Justice Ofthe Peace living in the vicinity, anc
accompany the application.
PORN OF APPLICATION YoR
Union Of the Daughters Of Temperance
(Daie)
The undersigned, Ladies Of -, believ
ing the Order Of the Daughters Of Temperate,
to be well calculated to extend the blessings o
total abstinence, and promote the general vel
fare II mankind, respectfully petition the Crane
USioa Of The State Of North Carolina, to gran
them q Charter 10 open a new Union, 10 be cal
ed The -- Union. No. -, Daughters o
Temperance, Of the State Of North Carolina. Il
be heated - and under your jurisdiction
We pledge ourselves, individually aud coIIec
lively, to be governed by the rules and usage
q said Grand Union, and also by ,huse Of III
Naiinnal Union.
Enclosed is The Ciariee fee. So.
II must also he stated whether the applicant
are members of the Order or motif they are
Of what Uniun. To be directed To Mrs. LUCY
M. PETERSILlA, Grand Sister Scribe, Ra'
eigh, N. G., free of postage.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03

little Of that history is known 10 the world J.
In the language Of one of our historians, the ar
chives Of the State and the desks of ancient
families now bury the story of the rise and pro-
gress Of the State Of North Carolina. Ignorance
and wickedness may misrepresent The character
of her history. if efforts are not made To break a.
way the darkness that surrounds it. The work
Of Col. Wheeler is a laudable undertaking to do
this and presents much Of our history hitherto
but little known.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03
STATE OF THE D

The Returns for the past Quarter have
commenced coming IN, and SO far represent
a healthful and steady increase, generally
The number of Divisions have increased so
rapidly, that it is impossible for US to give
the names Of the officers, without monopo-
LIKING too large a space in our columns we
shall, therefore, have to content oursslf with
giving the condition of each Subordinate,
its increase, loss, &c.
University Division, at Chapel Hill, re-
ports an increase Of 81 and a loss of II,
most of them We presume, being graduates
leaving College /; membership So.
Car7er's Greek, in Baden, increase 8,
no loss membership II.
Brummell's, in Davidson, 5 increase with
no loss membership 10.
Moore's Greek, in New Hanover, increase
A, loss 9 membership so.
Knights, in Wake, increase 4, no loss
membership II.
Line, in Wayne, 2 increase, nc loss
membership IS.
Chapel, in Chatham-new Division
membership 10.
Gold Hill, Rowan, increase s, I with
drawn to join another Division, and 8 los,
by resignation and expulsion; membership 81
Fourth Creek, Statesville, increase l
withdrawn 3, expelled l ; membership 8.
Cape Fear, Elizabeth Town, increase 1
Withdrawn 2, expelled 3 membership 70
Leasburg, Caswell, increase s., withdraw
2; membership 80.
Rose Wreath, Sampson, increase 8, nj
loss membership Al.
Henderson, Granville, increase 5, re
signed 2, expelled 2; membership 25.
Long Creek, New Hanover, increase 8
loss none membership q.
Perseverance, Smithfeld, increase 2, with
drawn 4, resigned ., expelled 2; member
ship 46.
Social, Enfield, increase 4, 7 withdraw
to join other Divisions, 2 resigned mem
bership 81.
Union Institute, Randolph, increase 2
loss 1 !; membership 33.
Fair Grove, Davidson, increase 4, loss l
membership IA.
Lumber Bridge, in Robson, increase 2
no loss membership 10.
Cedar Grove, Orange, increase 8, no Loss
membership 80.
Mountain Spring, Hillsboro', increase 1C
loss 5; membership 40.
Mount Pleasant, Chatham, increase II
{ 8 withdrawn; membership 80. The D. G
w. P. writes From our returns, you wi
see that we are still increasing in number
and have lost but three during the past qua
r ter, and they will join other Divisions. tt
f 28th inst. was appointed for a :clebratio
/ at our Mount Pleasantly Division, but u
r fortunately, it was a cold wet day, and b.
+ few turned out. There we're only S presen
:, who did not belong TO our Order and v
thought it almost useless to make an efor
however, We concluded to have a few she
d speeches, and the result was, four out of t
five gave us their names, and the 9th
promised to join at some future time. v
, have SIX Divisions in this county, and
think in a short time we will be able to fol
n one or two more.
d l intend to try to make up a club for 20
paper, and sincerely hope that | may 81
1t coed. 1t has, and is still doing much go
h wherever it finds its way, and | would
ID God that it could find its way into eve
family in North Carolina.