Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-05-02
From the Crystal Fount.
HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN OF THE
CADETS OFTEMPERANCE.
BY REV. J. D. REAGAN.

BY REV. j. D. REAGAN.
The order of the Cadets of Temperance
originated in a two-fold necessity /; the first
appertaining to the moral necessity and util-
ity Of the Cadet organization, and the sec
ond to the progressive advancement Of the
temperance reformation, in all civilized lands.
The temperance cause is attaining its pre-
sent high and commanding position, has
reared impregnable bulwarks, for the pres
e~rvation and defence Of all the best interests
of society. By its labors there has been diff
fused through every condition of society, the
conservative principles of social responsibility
awakening special solicitude for the preserve
ton of all classes, the young especially, from
the pollution of intemperance and the ravages
of dissipation. The great cause which may
be assigned as influencing and maturing the
organization of the Cadets, is to be sought
in the intrinsic moral value and excellence of
the institution as auxiliary to the societies of
the temperance reformation, while the electric
thrill that has startled the old and the mid
dle-aged from the dark r~everies of i~ntoxica-
ton, or the long sleep of Indifference has
naturally aroused the youth Of our land, and
impelled them to seek a participation in the
temperance enterprise, such was doubtless
the origin ofthe first impulse felt by the Ca
diets.
The Sons and Daughters Of Temperance
long since learned, by sad experience, that
the principles of temperance must be plan
ted in early youth to insure a full harvest of
golden truth in manhood and old age
This the history of society in all ages fully
~attests. The church, temperance and other
: civil organizations, may succeed in reclaim
ing confirmed drunkards, and restraining
5 moderate drinkers, and efficiently organizing
q mighty hosts of valiant champions in their
cause,-yct the fell foe is never vanquished;
victory may perch upon their banners un-
ceasingly, yet the enemy is multiplying just
S as rapid, and the conflict is indefinitely pro
t longed. Such we're the lessons taught by
the history of Modern temperance enterprise
e and effort. To remedy evils of such magni
tude it become evident that resources mus
be had to a temperance organization bearin!
n directly, theoretically, and beneicially, up
on the youth Of our nation. The temper
d ance pledge was found, when practically tes
Re ted, to be best adapted to youth under eigh
y teen years of age, and to prove adequatel
r efficient in guarding the young against earl
temptations, seductions, excuses, and thos
a. sad constitutional ravages always occasione
of by habits of intemperance.
lg The moral utility of the organization {
d. the Cadets affords unanswerable argumen
d, in favor Of its encouragement ; yet superad
Ii 4. Al H. ao-.1o--. H. :
re third which has contributed greatly to int
II est the Sons and Daughters of Temperate
he in the cause Of the Cadets. We refer to re
lst fex influences exerted by this juvenile ordc
upon its fostering parents. Cadets are II
very best materials from which true Son
are to be formed. Early training undo
to watchful care and rigid discipline, enabl
tai the Cadets to sustain fully and honorably h
n, subsequent responsibility as a Son Of Tel
perance.
ian The order is indebted to Brother WI
Mckee, of Philadelphia, for the earle
movement in favor ofthe Cadet organzatio
vor in 1845. Bro. VIM. II. Stokes, Of G,
my mantown, Pa, awakened considerable
'ats %tention to the object of Cadets, and remov
re- several obstacles and opened the way for t
=" a introduction of the order. Bros. Robt.
Foust and VIM. A. Mckee had the honor
nil. organizing the first section of Cadets in Pl
~adelphia in January, 1847. In Febru;
Of 1847, the Grand Section of Pennsylvar
and was introduced. Since that time nearly e
ry State in the Union has formed re gula
organized Grand and Subordinate Sectio