Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-05-26
For the Portage Sentinel
TO tho d1flicers and Members Of the Pcr-
q 3tage Coz, Temperance League.

}tage Coz, Temperance League.
Gent7emen':-It is certaintly not a Piles,
an, task TO make complaint TO any body ol
men, or 10 lay a grievance before any pub
&c; but such are The circumstances, some
times, that justice and humanity require H.
These circumstances vary according TO Tue
nature Of the. grievance. Should an as-
sembiy Of individuals become divided upon
anv oiestion, and a small majority should
attempt 10 trammel and crush large
minority, then Of course, justice would re-
ouire thu, that minority have chance 10
defend themselves. But should q vast as
senbly attempt to crush sirgle man,
without granting a weak voice in defence,
then not only common justice, bur every
principal Of humanity, calls for statement
of that grievance, and an apology from the
oppressive source. Well gentlemen, on
Inst Thursday (the 22d inst, you called a
mass meeting for The ostenslbte purpose 9.
manly preparation for the coming crisis
in the temperance cause in Onio-you as
Sembled your wise men, your grave sires,
your matrons and maids, young men and
youth, your orators, and host oil clergy, as
supposed, TO nuke your1deliberations tell
upo1 the vote of the 17,h of June next. 1t
wasshought the groans Of the poor inluri.
'Sted sinebfate, the signs of broken hearted
woman, the rags Of beggard childhood, the
souallid appearance Of our aims house vic,
tins. the dungeon chains, and howls ofthe
mad house, would simulate you to a united
and grand movement toward that end
But, sirs, what are the facts? Instead OF do.
voting their talents and energies TO the
great interests of man, your orators must
spend the best part Of two hours IN nm at
tack upon the cherished sentissents OF some
of the individuals whom they should have
eadeavored to unite with Them IN the great
struggle. Now, gentlemen, fear no
manly discussion of the principles OF
christianity, which | hold most dear; but
was that The time and place for such an
attack9 Should not the honest opinions
and feelings Of individuals be respected in
a mass meeting of that kiada Or has the
temperance cause got to be built up by
saapling down some Of The warm,es. adyo'
cafes OF that causes &
But even / could have excused the tinae
and mace lor such n discussion, had not the
manner OF the speakers been Questionable.
Why could tfey 10, have addressed them
selves 10 the people @ithou! calling the
principles with which the whole commeni-
~ know have become Unidentified, s'iaise
andpernicious--exciti baneiu influence
upon soc eiy;'-s'more SO than all the rum
sellers in tho county!" However, think
aa that might have passed, and not u muf,
m,rr would have escaped my lips, but there
were Certain false statements and impres
sons thrown out will not say intentionally,
but perhaps.:ignoraatty; these false slate,
fneuis and impressions, which all know hao
eiiiect reference TO myself,fsl begged The
small boon Of ten minutes 10 correct! You,
gentlemen, denied me thai boon. | know,
alter the audience bsd nearly all dispersed,
your gen,lemanly chairman begged OF you
70 allow me an opportunity to correct those
false statements, which you reluctantly
grantee se4 was that treating man with
sven the common cour,isiea of the rabbiea
Gentlemen, i, is possible you did this
rank injustice ignorantly: God knows J
wish to question no ones motives; if so, and
you show disposition TO apologize, you
shaa! have Rsy hearty forgiveness. Still, as
YOU stand now before this community, |
mus, say The ind :gaalioa OF all impartial
citizens must rest upon you II you cnn
offer reasonable excuse Tor this manifest
insul, 10 humanity. I beg Of soushow your
hands. You are many, whdsA am asone
ias il were. Some OF yoa are christian
proliessors-clergynsen. You have Bibles
aud Pray oyerBooks--you have public opinion
60 bnck you, and pu.pi!s to defend you,
willis, lhaye bu, nay Bible, palPil, and
lev epcas adsocates Of humanity to give me
good cheer. ,,.--sz.
Gentlemen, wait your excuse, and hope
as, you lack neither talent nor numbers,
yes will not delay. ,aa .zs. g1..z=.sr
Yours With christian regard, .ai-
ID. l.. WEBSTER.