Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-11-30

HdS IoDpeu MS ldHlly clTcle OF all the joys
and comforts of life-even the last crust of
bread to allay the cries of starving chill
dren; not to say any thing of the pledge
of conjugal affection Of which he leaves
not trace behind. But this is done un-
der the sanction of the law and must not
therefore be regarded as criminal Need [
ask, is this right? Common sense saws
no! Justice says no Suffering humanity
says no and I trust the good people of
North Carolina will, at no distant day, and
through the medium of the ballot-box, pro-
claim in tones of thunder and in terms
that cannot be mistaken, "DowN WITH THE
LIQUOR TRAFFICw
What valid reasons have ever been urged
against legal prohibition? For my ownpart
can in all candor say, no such reasons have
been presented to my view. 1t is true the
friends as we'll as the foes Of the reform,
have raised their objections. With refer
ence to the former, we believe their opinions
have been based upon the fear of impeding
our onward march by proposing such
course to rid US of the nuisance; or the idea
that noac is not the proper time to act in the
matter. With due Difference to the opin-
ions of those with whom differ, cannot
for my life see, in this advanced stage of the
reform, low our efforts to obtain prohibi-
tory law can act as an obstacle in our way,
or why we are not as we'll prepared to act
now, as we will be at any future period
We have been telling the good people Of
North Carolina for the last two years that we
desired such law, and expressed our inten-
tion to have it if untiring energy and perse-
verance could accomplish it. We have
gone so far as to humbly petition that hon.
orable body who make our laws, simply to
propose law and ask the people whether
they would have it and we large num-
Der Of the good and respectable citizens Of
the State we're kicked out of the legislative
halls for our impertinence. 1t is admitted
that SO far from injuring the cause, such con-
duct gave it new strength and vigOr-called
forth the indignation Of the friends of the
cause and planted in them the firm and un-
compromising determination never 10 resign
the contest until the work was accom-
plished when like our sister States, who af-
ter repeated efforts have declared themselves
free, will we proclaim to the world that We
too are free With reference to the obiec-
tions of those who are unfriendly to the
cause We are inclined to the opinion that,
like the outcries that have been made against
the Sons of Temperance and the temper
ance reform, they have resulted from viii
ated appetite for liquor itself, or an insatia-
bic thirst after filthy lucre, if mott from COM
bination of both causes. Had these sources
never heard a murmur from the bosom
friends of the demon. Miserable wretches,
in the shape Of humanity they deserve ra-
ther to be pitied for their ignorance and un-
governable prejudices, than censured for
their deeds. Does the liquor traffic contrib
ute to mans temporal or eternal happiness?
Does it bring him nearer to his God? Has
it ever promoted the moral and religious con-
dition of our country? Did it ever aid in
establishing any wise and benevolent insti-
tuition! Did it ever accomplish any good
On the other hand, has it not withered in
many instances, every hope of happiness,
alienated man from his maker? polluted the
morals of our country? blasted the early
buildings Of benevolence? participated in
every act in the dark catalogue Of crimes
, "cursed the world and laughed at its ruin 2"
These questions, brethren, | leave for you
to answer, and when you have calmly con-
sidered and brought them to bear on the
| evils to which your own experience will tes-
tify, and added your experience to that Of
: the millions Of earth, | am confident YOU
t will not hesitate to act your part in the great
contest. We should endeavor to have our
next Legislature composed of men who are
a neither directly nor indirectly opposed tc
Y the temperance reform-of men who depend
/ upon their own merit, rather than those who
; seek honor and distinction by the miserable
+ mean, dirty practice of treating for votes
d men who are disposed to pass such laws a:
e rebound tothe moral social and religious con
r dition of our country. and not Of those whC
IS are ever disposed to build up their own in
l. dividual popularity whether at the sacrifice
n of their opinions Of right, or the interest o
t, the State. 1t is our privilege to vote 70
D. whom we please, and it is right which W
d should not abuse. When We send mem
n Der to the Legislature, he goes there clothes
at with our principles. He represents ma
&c jority of our voters, and if he is place.
ul there to propagate evil, unless he is one
te the noble few who are willing to abando
be popularity rather than principle. our objeC
C. SO far as he is concerned will be we'll after
he ded to. Then, brethren, as the ballot-bo
n must decide who shall compose our ne1
ch legislature, and as it is from that source
in lone that we expect to be favored with
ur North Carolina liquor law, we should hav
ar an eye single to that object when we cal
ast our votes. For my own part L feel 1t m
! a duty to contribute my humble mite towar
Ii the passage of such law, and that dut
of shall be discharged at the ballot box, an
be repeated as often as circumstances may n
cir quire, until the desired object is attained.
1;
ed A word to our newly initiated. We ar
lis gratiaed indeed to see you enlisted in so NJ
in Bile a cause, and our hearts leap with joyfi
til emotions when We extend to you " brotl
IRE er's hand and a brothers welcome" w
ng pause not to enquire into the motives whic
,ly prompted you to unite with Us in this gre,
is work. Whether you have come here
lid shield yourselves from the "cup of enchau
ect meut," or to set an example that others ma
ed initiate, we receive you with that cordialit
of and affection characteristic of true Sons
en- Temperance. May this be to you place
au- interest, Of instruction and Of enioymen
his Invested with the full temperance armor ms
of you ever stand in readiness to march bo
cal and fearlessly in defence of our principles