The organ of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, O. [Ohio]) 1852-1853, 1852-09-10
John Marsh-The American Tenn
perance Union.

in the Organ, in relation to the Amer
lean Temperance Union, which were
induced by a published sermon of the
Rev. Mr.. Spear, of Brooklyn. That
gentleman had been pleased to speak
of the "Union" as the leading Tenn
perance Society IN his country; and in
giving brief history of the Temper
ance Reform, had not even alluded to
the existence of the Order of the Sons
of Temperance. We thought this ILL
beral and unkind, and could attribute
the slight to no other motive than an
implacable hostility to the Order. We
spoke out strongly, because we were
unwilling that history should be falsi-
fed. We had no intention of "hold-
ing up to public ridicule such men as
Chancellor Walworth, DIR. De WITH, Dr.
Tying, Mr.. PhelPs," and the other
venerated and distinguished names on
the list Of Officers of the Union. We
would not speak lightly of the inhu-
ence which their great names has
given to the Temperance movement
in this country and throughout the
world, nor of their efforts and sacri-
fees to sustain and carry forward,
to ultimate and triumphant success,
this movement. We intended only
TO speak of the claims Of the Associa-
ton, as such, to the title Of being
"the leading society in this coun-
try" The persons composing the
Union" are worthy of all commen-
dation-they have contributed their
money freely; this money has been
judiciously, faithfully, and honestly
appropriated by the proper officers.
Valuable publications have been made
and distributed very extensively in
this and other lands. The Journal
itself-if not another publication had
been made-haS been worth, to "the
cause of all mankind" more than all
the money expended.
The reports of the Secretary made
from year to year, have been most
valuable documents, and have accom-
plished a vast amount of good. But
we do not think we detracted from
the honorable and distinguished men
of the "Union," wheB VIC said that
the Secretary had been the life and
soul of the Union" for years. And
if this Association, as such, never has
another meeting in the world, and its
members will back up with their innu-
entail names and their money the
Rev. John Marsh, the reports and
publications will still be issued tc
bless the world.
The Rev. Editor insinuates, that
"our motive for making the remark,
we did, were dishonorable. That en-
]
Wy probably wrankles in our breast
that our own individual! popularity wa:
aimed at" To such insinuations We
have no reply to make. We are con
tent to submit that question to the
multiplied thousands throughout this
country who know us, and our deyo-
ton to the cause and our sacrifices to
promote its interests. We think it a
pretty hard field to acquire popular
ity, to endeavor to stem the tide of
vice, and war against the prevailing
errors of the age. 1t has always been
a sustaining reflection with us, that
we were assisted in this unpopular
and thankIess war with such men as
compose the American Temperance
Union, and with others equally enti
tIeI to the veneration of the good Of
earth.
If our article was what the Revcr-
end gentleman declares beneath the
dignity Of a gentleman" we are sorry
for it; and we are also sorry, that he
should have descended to the same
ungentlemanIy position. Discovering
our error, he should have avoided fall
ing into the same.
We think it in very bad taste to be
talking about popularity, and the re-
spective claims of the members of the
Union and others to that rather doubt
full and rather questionable commod-
ity. We are all deserving of the seve-
rest censure for not doing more than
we have done; and the only way we
can relieve ourselves from the odium