Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-05-08

SONS Oh Rem per0mce.
The Grand Division of the Sons of Tenn
perance commenced their quarterly ses-
sions IN this place on Wednesday last and
adjourned ou SaturdaYafterintercsting and,
as we learn, harmonious deliberations in
their councils. Our readers, we doubt
not, will bepleased to learn something of
this society-some scraps of the history Of
which we picked up from the several dis
courses we heard.
In September, 1912, it was formed in
the city of New York, by sixteen men,
bers. In June, 1914, it had increased, to
6,000-one year thereafter twas 1900
the next year 10000, and now QS51,
less than nine years from its origln) it
numbers 1892 900 members.
In this time there has been distributed
in contributions to the sick S63S, ,03S, leav-
ing besides on hand OIL the LIST of June of
last year S455,461, The total amount Of
deaths, in the eight years and upwasds, is
1924.
The first society formed in Virginia
was in 1913, numbering in six months ai-
ter its first institution, 242 members, 1t
now numbers in the State 6,432. There
are 414 divisions which have distributed
in charities S32,94l. The fund in hand is
S41,756.
These statistics disclose some wonderful
facts. The history of no society on earth
exhibits an increase so rapid. Nor is there
one whose charities have been SO general
or so benignin their dispensatons. So far
as the world comprehends it (for we are
not member and know nothing save
from those exhibitions all can sec) it is Of
more practical utility than all the other Sc
crct societies united. 1t reclaims the drunk
ard-and not only reclaims him but sus-
! tains him after he is reclaimed. 1t feeds
the poor, relieves the sick, burics the dead
takes in the stranger, visits the distressed,
and binds up the wounded and broken in
spirit. Every hour Of every day we see
practical illustrations ofthe heaven inspired
influences ofthis glorions institution.
In casting over the large assemblages
which met here to attend the deliberations
Of this benevolent convoca;ion, we rccog-
mise many whose names are known to the
public for their talents and their influence
The venerable and Rev. DIR. Early, the
Rev. DIR. Lee, Mr. Kingsford, Hon. Mr.
Wiley, were some whose presence all
greeted with pleasure, They are gentle
men whose connection with any cause
would impart to it weight and reputation
A public procession was formed on Fri
day in front of the Hall and marched
through the two principal streets Of the
town. 1t was commanded by some SIX or
eightmarshals on horseback, and others on
foot. Capt. Adams, with his admirable
Brass Band, marched at the head of the
procession, and added greatly to the inter
est Of the scene by giving those soul inspir-
ing notes which fall so thnlhngly on the
ear. The procession reached four squares
upwards of a quarter Off milc) with two
abreast. 1t numbered about four hundred
and fifty or five hundred OF as good looking
men as we have seen on any similar occa-
sion; all dressed off in their regalia, and
presenting the most imposing exhibition we
have ever witnessed in this town. To
convince the most sceptical of the beneficial
influences of this institution was to look
upon that crowd. He would there see
neatly dressed, well looking, healthy and
active men, who a few years since were
ragged and bloated and thriftless. Ten
years ago they had not a decent coat to
their backs, they had no employment but
loafng, and no amusement but drinking.
Now they arethc business men Of the place,
with every comfort around them, and com
manding the respect of the whole town.
The discussions We're interesting, and III
some cases able The speeches of Dr.
Lee, the Rev. Mr.. Kingslord, and Mr.
Smith were able and interesting. We did
not hear all who spoke, as they spoke at
different places. Those we did hear were
certainly crcditable specimens of oratory
Mr.. kingsford who smoke .c the large
crowd on Friday made an able effort ant
one suited to the occasion. He gave us
the history ofTemperance, of the difficulties
with which it had to contend, and its rapid
advance in the public confidence. He
spoke Of It's orators, the manner of their
speaking, which he condemned in some in
stances in manner he did not altogether
approve. The levity with which they Of
ten address public audiences on a subject
SO grave, was he thought a theme for cen
sure. Anecdotes he condemned as calcu-
lated to excite laughter when there should
be weeping. We differed with Mr. Kings
ford onlyin this. We too would condemn
auecdote, when anecdote alone was used.
But nothing illustrates better or more for
clbly, nothing more relieves dry argu-
ment, and nothing is more pleasing to a
popular audience. There isno subject so
fruitful of anecdote as intcmperance, and
10 mode ofspcech so well adapted to make
theodious habit still more ridiculous. 1t
has proved we think the most effective
weapon with which the monster has been
encountered.
But we must conclude, before we have
finished, by wishing the Sons of Temper
ance, all the success their incompatible
institution deserves. 1t is worthy, for
what it has done; Of all the commentators
bestowed uponit. We bid it God speed
in accomplishing still greater good in the
reformation of every inebriate found with
in tie broad limits ofthe Republic.
A Sure Enough Union Mocc-Dr. Col
Inns, of Georgia, the owner of the slave
Shadrach, who was rescued from the Of
fcers Of the law, in Boston, writes on the
subject Of the Union in the following i'm
,,roer,x,o to-,ps Tboxy ora tIa moro 80