Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1852-05-05

acting upon i'll regulated character, only
lead to evasion and deceit. The frightful
relief of opium will be sought by many
who see their external independence thus
abruptly checked. while, Notwithstanding,
the fires OF uncontrolled license are burn
ing within, n
1t is known that the effects ofindulgence
in this drug, are more debasing mentally
and physically, than even those OF drum
kenness from liquor, revolving as they are.
Unhsppily, this experience begins to OBJ
tain even in respectable families, and
pale be the ink that writes it--among wo-
men refined and cultivated
I'VE believe then, that moral means,
which have lately, we are sorry to say,
come to be sneered at, will, in the end,
as they have progressively, heretofore,
prove to be the true corrective. 1t is I'M
just to the efforts of that respectable class
of our citizens, who have been so long and
SC, faithfully presenting this subject to the
moral consideration of mankind, to say
that their efforts have had no effect. We
do not wish to see the cause injured by
substituting physical force for moral in.
fuence. Without this immense reach of
Legislation, means more justifable, more
wholesome, and really effective may be
discovered and applied.
We do not wish the community to stand
still, or go back on this, any more than
on any other great measure; but We de-
sire to see it 60 forward well. We want
the step to be an advance, not retrogrcs-
sion.
With this in view, we say, then, that
we condemn the principle involved in this
measure, as regards its expediency. We
have, moreover, no faith in its final moral
success, and we are constrained to declare
unconstitutional the attempt thus to lay
the iron hand Of gigantic governmental
control upon the conscience and habits OF
a whole people. This last objection with
us is final.
On the policy Of entire restraint, apart
from other considerations, we will say that
we are in favor of the use of light wines.
The experience is favorable as to the tenn
perance OF those nations, with whom wine
is daily beverage, Our own country
promises most favorably for the cultiya-
ton of the vine, and we anticipate its sue
cess with hope and pleasure believing
that this itself will be a powerful auxiliary
aid in the suppression Of tho gross taste
for coarse and strong drink. We are op-
posed, however, to the negative policy OF
all kinds we admit also that when a
scheme has been proposed for the accom-
plishment of a great good, those WHO OPP
pose it should feel themselves in justice
bound to suggest at least the elements of
some substitute.
We propose, then that stringent laws
be put into practical effect against drum
kenness That it should be punished for
crime-as it is.
A man found drunk upon the street
should be regarded as having forfeited
his personal liberty. in having invaded the
safety Of society. The police should be
required TO seize, fine and imprison him.
An habitual drunkard, having surren,
dered his reason, may justly be deprived
of the dignity of q citizen, and should not
be allowed to vote.
The carrying of secret weapons is for
hidden by law-nOt the sale of them how
ever; and this is fair parallel. The
public sense is against the carrying of pri
vate weapons, the law is against it, and
they are seldom carried. We think the
same good effect will result from public
decision in the other case, especially join.
ed with stringent laws which will be in
accordance with the Federal Constitution,
and will attack the evil in the right place.
THE ABOLITION EXCITEMENT IN GRATsoN
COUNTY. VA Court Dispersed by Il
No6,-We mentioned few days ago that
much excitement existed in Grayson CO.,
Va, against certain parties suspected of
being abolltionists, and that Judge Brown
was unable to hold the county court, in
consequence of the resignation of the
clerk, and his inability to secure another.
1t now appears the court was dissolved by
mob violence, the particulars of which are
thus detailed in letter from Carroll co.,
to the Lynchburg VirginiNn:
CATER the execution of the negroes in
that county, some time ago, who had been
excited to rebellion by certain MeLho-
dist preacher by the name of Bacon, of
which you have heard, the citizens held
u meeting and instituted sort Of inqui-
sition, to find out, if possible, who were
the accompiccs of said Bacon. Suspi-
cion soon rested on man by the name of
Cornut, and on being charged with being
an accOmplice, Inc acknowledged the fact,
and declared his intention of persevering
in the cause upon which he was severely
lynched. Ccrnut then instituted suit
against the parties, who afterwards held
a meeting and passed resolutions, notify
ing the court and lawyers not to undertake
the case upon pain of a coat of tar and
feathers, The court, however, convened
at the appointed time, and true to THEN
promise, u band of armed men marched
around the courthouse, fired their gun,
by platoons, and dispersed the court in
confusion. There was no blood she'd
This county and the county of Wythe have
held meetings and passed resolutions sus
iaininm the nnnynmnnk of tho ciLizens ~