The Ohio organ, of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, [Ohio]) 1853-1854, 1853-07-15

AVtAN 3VuA PAoi iSN~lNWhA DO yOAe 6'NAJ'
Sirs, to have established title to the noblest
of all distnctions-the name of PUBLIC BEN
EFAcToRs. Agreat mischief had setin upon
the land-rthis favored land =" beloved by
Heaven DER all the world beside" 1t was
sweeping over its fair face like the simeon
Of the desert, With more fearful power Of de-
struction. Intemperance, as the pestilence
that walketh in darkness, and the destyuc-
ton that wasteth at MONDAY" was laying
waste life, and health, and happiness
marking its terrible pathway with DEATH
runi and woe. The great and good among
men-the sagacious and wise-the beneyo-
lent and active-the Pulpit and the Senate
individual, isolated effort, and social COM
binations had all stTiven in vain, TO- arrest
the mopstrous evil. They scarcely OBJ.
structed what they failed to overcome
And now was it reserved to you, Sirs, un-
der a merciful Cod your prudent free
thought, your patriotic and faithful endeav-
ors to devise the remedy for this fearful
calamity, and set into successful operation
the machinery of prevention and security.
Indeed, it was a noble work | worthy Of
the prOudest istellect, and the most honest
and earnest spirit We have heard Of you,
Sirs, and of your work. We have watched
its progress from its infancy with intense
anxiety. 1t has filed US, by turns, with
happy surprise, with inspouting hope, and
now with rejoicing Yea, we have delight
in your work, Sirs, and we honor the oper-
ators for their works sake. Receive, Sirs,
even now, and herein, the shining of this
midsummer's sun-our thanks for your
labors of love--our frank, free, and out
spoken assurance our respect, affection, and
gratitude. ...
We would hear from your own lips the
story Of your trials and successes, your
struggles and your tiumphs. We would
be stimulated by your eloquence, as already
by your example, to walk in your footsteps
ready to do and to bear whatever condi-
tiOns of toll and endurance, SO, in the end,
we may but achieve your cOnqUests.
And now, Sirs, give me leave to present
you to this numerous congregation of our
fellow citizens, impatient to listen to the
voice of one whose name, as household
word, is already familiar to their ears, &C.,
DC.
The speaker, in course of his address,
offered, in behalf of the Convention, salu-
tatiOns and words of welcome, also TO DR..
Jewett, of Mass, and Rev. Mr.. Yates, of
Michigan, distinguished and able cO-work-
ers in the great enterprise, and guests of
Ohio on this occasion
In reply, Neal Dow said; Language
will fail me in attempting to express my
feelings on this occasion. Whatever have
done, has been done as member Of the
great human family. You speak of trials, of
suferings and triumphs. have had none
except those common to all who are striving
to do their duty manfully. Every one of
you will have your trials and triumphs in
any walk of life for God has wisely or
dered it. You have had many and great
trials, and great triumph awaits you-the
triumph of temperament the State of Ohio.
This is the first time / have had the
pleasure of meeting with you, and | am
glad to find you engaged in great work
the greatest of this century. You have a
beautiful State, and are making it a para
disc, if the action of this Convention shall
accomplish the end you desire. If a stranger
passed by, he would enquire, what great
question had arisen to call for such gath
ering as see before me. And he would
be told that the sovereign people of the
State have determined to rid it of a curse,
by prohibiting the sale of intoxicating
liquors. Such revolution is in progress,
sweeping over our land. Do you need to
be stimulated in such work. 1t will be
for the happiness Of the people, and the
bonor of tha nation tn aeconnl ish this