Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-03-10
q PROHIBITION.

We gather from our extensive cor respondenee
throughout the State, that the friends of morals,
good order, and the well-being of the Common
wealth, are fast coming to the conclusion that
the traffic in ardent spirits, and its natural and
inevitable results, drunkenness, poverty and
crime, can never be removed from our midst, but
by stringent prOhibitory enactments. They are
Satisfied that moral suasion alone cannot do Is
for while it has been actively employed in our
State for the last five or six years, and has res
cued hundreds and thousands from ignominr
degradation and death, it has had little effect up.
on liqnor.sellors. As much light as has beea
thrown upon the subject, and mich as public
sentiment has been arrayed against their bust
ness, there are yet thousands who viii traffic IN
the blood Of their fellO,Us FOR MONEY! And so
long as inducements are held out and facilities
afforded to erring, fallen man to procure the
fascinating poison, there will be found those
who will be tempted to taste, and tasting, thew
will drink it to its bitter dregs. Hence, the phil
anthropic portion of North Cardinals citizens
are mootlng the question as to the propriety of
petitioning the next session of the Legislature for
IA tAC VIC
Orr sentiments upon legal suasion, are we'll
known-we are its warm and unyielding advo-
cates-but, the question arises in our mind wheth.
er, by a premature movement on this subject
the object desired to be obtained viii not be rath-
er retarded than advancedg If we were con-
WINGED that such petitions to the Legislature
would be honestly entertained and considered.
that all portions of our citizens who are in favor
of the measure in the abstract would unite with
Us in signing such petitions, we would 90 for
immediate memorializing on the subject, with our
: whole soul. But, with the lights now before us.
we are constrained to believe such would not be
the case, and an effort DOW made, not RESULTING
in the desired end, would prejudice the cau.o
and prevent IFS entire success two years hence
There are essential initiatory steps to be taken
before this great act in the moral drama Of Iga
can be effected-and in our humble judgement
this is the year for taking those steps-for Law
ing the foundation upon which the complete and
perfect superstructure shall hereafter be built
Let the year 1852 be the commencement of tbo
era in which every Christian, Philanthropist and
Patriot In the State will set their faces against
the vile system of treating either by candidates
themselves or others for them, with their comm.
vance. Letthere be a paper started in everv
:, Captains District in the State, getting the sigma
lures ofall that can be obtained, pledging them
selves, irrespective of party considerations Ist
~ to vote for no man for Office, who shall treat in
al ardent spirits himself, or allow any one else t.
dose with his knowledge. 2nd-to attend n
III party meetings or public speaking when held a
~ places where intoxicating drinks are sold Sd
ID to sustain no man by their votes who will de
he clare that he is in favor of continuing the Licen.
No system as it exists at present in North Carolina
O. and 4thly to agitate and discuss the question G
el' legal prohibition, and thus prepare the publ
mt mind for the great issue. If we can make
IN strong show on this platform, depend upon
Gle the ice being once broken when a demon
ers s~tration IS made for a radical reform. its friend
ng may sanguinely look for success. These are OF
I'D humble views, honestly entertained. We kno,
es- many differ with US. and insist non is the tim
lat to strike. They are equally honest and SINGER
lid IN their oplnions-and if We are oYerruled by
y majority of the friends of reform, we shall chez,
fully acquiese, and will be found in the fror
no rank doing battle in behalf of suffering human
an ty. While we admit delays are dangerous
Mt we would ask is not hasty precipitancy more
- be deprecated than prudent cautiousnessi
N