Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-07-21
THE TEMPERANCE MAGAZINE AND THF
MARSH DIVISION.
New York, July 8, 1852.
10 The Editor Of he Spirit Of The Age:

To the Editor Of The Spirit Of the Age:
As the writer of some recent articles in the
American Temperance Magazine which have
been eensured by resolutions of the Marsh DiViS-
ion, No. %, S. of T., and these resolutions pub
lished in full in your valuable paper, [ respect
fully claim of your courtesy, permission to set
myself right with your readers, on a matter
which at the present moment, must be of inter
est to all friends of the temperance cause.
On a subject of such supreme Importance as
the 'wisest and best , course of procedure for the
Order of Temperance to adopt during the COM
ing and all future elections, there will necessari-
ly be much diversity of opinion, still honest ar
gument will serve rather than iniure the cause.
The right to differ belongs to all freemen,
and this difference as to the road to be taken to
achieve our goal-to attain our common object,
need not produce discord in our councils or fall
tering in our steps. Let it be enough for us, that
while Individually we offer our suggestions to
the general council, yet, on the decision OF
that council, our Individuality should be mer-
ged into its pronounced will, and adopted plan.
These were the sentiments that animated me il
penning the articles which have been referred to.
In looking over them again, l can see nothing
which | would wish unwritten, however much
l may regret that I have failed in carrying my
convictions into the favorable consideration of
The Marsh Division. Even you, sir, in your
leader, Of the issue which contains the resolu-
tions, nearly coincide with the views which
have advocated, if not, to the letter, certainly,
in the spirit, for you say, what is our Legisla
ture for-what its objects? Is is not establish.
ed for the regulation and the prosperity of the
State? Do not its members meet to consult and
to enact laws for the welfare of their Constit
uentsF Isl the province of the Legislature K
shield the community from a threatened or ex
listing evil? Let them join hand and forces in
rolling back the tide of intemperance, and they
will be found in the falflment of this duty,
This is all true, just and wise, and it is not the
less so, because it touches on the 'bugbear. poll
tics. What would be the value of moral force
or moral Suasion,' if there was not a physiea
power, a stimulating impetus, in reserve, ahd
this power and impetus must be given by Tia
) advocates of temperance at the polls-if legisla
t tors shrink from the plain path of duty YOU hav,
so clearly pointed out to them, the Temperance
vote must be used to eject them, and replac,
them with CnHinching advocates of the temper
ance cause, aud If this holds good, as regard
4 our legislative assemblies, if the argument i
{ solid, Ia respect to our1aw-makers, why should
it not be deemed equally substantial In select
ting Executive directors and carriers out 4
: those laws in the Gubernatorial or Presidents
contests. In another place you say, sir, with a
e the eloquence of truth, and the fervor of cor
e %viction, that Legislative action is a bold NOV,
ment, but without doubt it Is Tioht,-the ne
fare Of the country tells US IL Is riqht. Til
dark catalogue of the criminal calender, tn
misery of the inebriate, his widow, orphan
the beggary, want, bloodshed. crime, diseas
and death, all along the 6ruhkard's wretche
path, all tell usthat it is RIGHT to use all mean
legislative or what MOTTO arrest the flood
u drunkenness, that has so leng deluged Us wit
). its moral depravlty.' The guardian genius