Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-01-09
GAitur'H CnrtEEpunARnrR.
CALDWELL Co. Christma. dav,

PALMYRA, CALDWELL Co. Christmas day,
Mr.. EDITOR Knowing the deep interest
you feel in the progress Of the great cause of
Temperance, we have thought proper to write
out a short notice of a Temperance celebration
in our thriving village Of Lenoir, on Wednes-
day last-the day before christmas. At IL
o'clock the Sons met in their Division room. To
transact some preliminary business, and to in
Vitc members from other Divisions to ioin in
the ceremonies of the occasion. At II NJ
they moved down in procession to the Court
House, under the direction of their efficient
Marshal, Mr.. John q Ballew. Quite a respect
able concourse Of ladies and gentlemen had as
bembled to listen to the speeches, and as a bach
slOr friend at my elbow remarked, the former
cam not only "to see" but also "to be seen +"
After the singing of the opening ode, the Mar
shall rose and introduced TO the audience, Col.
Hugh M. Stokes, p. w. p. of Yadkin Division,
and orator Of the day. 1t would be useless for
US to attempt a description of this gentleman's
speech, and as 1t will probably be published in
pamphlet form, the public will be best able to
judge of its merits by the production itself
We must say however, that it was a chaste and
beautiful effort, replete with true eloquence,
depicting in glowing colours the r%uinons and
debasing effects of alcoholic drinks, and prov
ing conclusively that an intimate connexion
exists between the principles advocated by the
Order, and those of the Bible.
To those who still continue the use of intox-
icating liquors, he stated a few plain and point
ed facts, warning them of the inevitable conse-
quences to which such a practice must lead.
Towards the close, he paid a handsome compli-
ment to the ladies who had honored him with
their presence, and aided him by their smiles.
The prolonged applause which followed the
delivery Of Col. Stokes speech is perhaps the
best evidence of It's merit, and we trust it may
receive general circulation.
AT night there was a torch-light procession
and an able and interesting address from Jones
Erwin, Esq, OF Burke. This gentleman is one
Of the most jealous Sons in our section of the
State, and labors earnestly for the extension o
the Order. May success crown his efforts
When Mr.. L. closed, Ed. w. Jones, Esomp
this county, rose, and although unaccustomet
to public speaking, delivered an eloquent an,
appropriate address. Jos. G. Norwood Esq
then made a few remarks in his usual happ
and effective style. The meeting was the
dismissed. Thus passed a day fall of intere,
10 every lover Of Temperance, and we may sa
ofPhilanthropy.
Even the bitterest opponents of the Order
this section Of country are compelled to adm
mat ~ mas Deen OF great heheIh 10 Lemon al
its vicinity. Men who only one year sinC
were in the habit of lying drunk about II
streets, now hold respectable stations in societ
and pursue their daily avocations with ligI
hearts and clear heads. Another evidence
its beneficial effect is shown in the fact tn
whereas, a year or twos since, there were fl
dogeeries in the village-tbefe is at presel
but one, and that we believe is only opened
public occasions. In a conversation with
friend who formerly drank freely, but is nc
u good Son, he remarked" Since | join,
the Order, things have worn a different a
psarance at home. My wife is ten years youn
or, and blesses the Temperance cause, my ch
dren are happier, the farm is better worke
and yields more abundant crops, and prospe
ty smiles upon me as it never did before ~
Such, Mr.. Editor. are some Of the blessings
the glorious Order of the Sons of Temperan,
II.