Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1853-10-01


It NAV please the Bitor of the Age to say Of in
his professedly temperance sheet
We take this occasion to say that no enc deplores
more than we do the evils resulting from the imod-
crate use of ardent spirits and would go furt
err by the use of just and proper means, to remedy
these evils We believe the surest and best way to
make men sober is to reason with then-to assist
them when in distress-to encourage and support
them their efforts to reform and to better their con-
dtion, and to set them good example not merely
of sobriety but of benevolence liberation and char
ity We believe the principle of love is stronger
than that of fearthat kindly treatment will effect
much more for the poor inebriate than abuse and
harsh denunciation; and that, in word, if men are
determined to use ardent spirits to excess law in
country like this, can prevent them from doing
This we undertake to say, is the position occupied
by the Editor of the Age twelve months ago; but as
he has changed in this respect and now goes for
prohibtorv law he must excuse if we decline to
put much faith in his present professions as given in
his paper of the 29th instant. Indeed lbs to be
GREETED that the Editor of that paper should pursue
a course calculated to njure the very cause he es
pouses. If he had remained true to his original
pedges-if he had relied on moral suasion, and had
shown himself temperate in his expressions, as he
processes to be in his habits and if he had kept out
of the political arena, the of temperance would
have grown and fourished in his hands, and he
would, in this way have entitled himself to general
respect and to the thanks of all good as the
advocate and champion of an important moral ref
ormation
We take occasion also to say that the reformed
drunkard has respect and our sympathies. We
wish him WELL and would do nothing to tempt him,
embarrass him. in his efforts to escape from the
evil which aforetme degraded and threatened to des
troy him, both soul and body; but it does strike
and we trust shall be pardoned for saying it
that if ace were a reformed inebriate and owed our
reformation to the example and encouragement kind
ly afforded by sober men, we should at least not
be forward and impertinent in lecturing and denoun
cling those who had been sober all their lives. But
this is perhaps, only matter of taste, and shall
not dwell upon it.
The Editor of the Age intimates that we publish
articles against but never in favor of temperance
This is not true and we appeal to readers to
bear out in the assertion. The Age also charges
thatwe DESTROYS of becoming the organ of wine
bbbing and lquor-drnlling men," This is in keep
ing with the uncharable of most of the Maine
law men. If one thinks proper to disagree with
them, he is forthwith denounced either rum
my " the friend of drunkards and wine-bibbers."
This has no effect on US; and we are equally
moved by the imputaton to us, by the Age, of dis
ingenious conduct unworthy motives" The
Editor is evidently roused-he is "spiritcd " the
occasion, though will do him the justice to say
that believe he docs not imbibe spirits" of any
sort We have not soug int this controversy. 1t has
been forced upon us by the Age; and though are
rather reluctant to contnueit still may be duty
to do until certain Scrbes, Pharisees and hypo-
critics -" are thoroughly exposed.