Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-07-20

I'VE publish the following in reply to Gainesville
Division. And here tho controversy shall stop, so
far as our columns are concerned. 1t is an unprof-
table one, and not calculated to advance tho cause
Of Temperance.l-ED. AGE.
ELIZABETH CITY, July 18th, 1853.
Mr.. EDITOR: In your paper of July 9th, there
aRPA&E~d q oonAnunication FROM the Reoording
Scribe Of Gatesville Division, which / feel inclined
TO notice. The assertions therein made, and the in
forences drawn in reference to Pasquotauk Divis-
ion, require that our true position be defined, and
that the uncharitablo insinuations be thrown of.
In that communication we are charged with Off
ciouSness, in passing resolutions referring to them
and the charge is based upon the fact, that their
resolutions were not sent to US, and that neither &C
zion nor opinion was asked or desired of us. Now,
/ would remark that the resolutions passed by
Gatesville Division became public property so soon
as they were published in the public journals. As
such, every man, woman and child had a perfect
right to read them, reAectupon them, criticise them
and express an opinion cOncerningt them. And as the
brother says that dit is difficult to separate between
the man and the Son of Temperance" so it is diff
cult to separate between the right to express an
opinion as q man, and as a Son Of temperance
On this ground, then, wo claimed the right to dis
cont from these resolutions, although they were not
cont to us for Official action.
But wo claimed the right to consider them also
lated to do Gs9 hRfh1f. Of q. toxin. and were ealeu-
consider the Order of the Sons of Temperance as
u unit, and hold us responsible for the action of a
sister Division, unless we publicly disavow that ac-
ton, and thus throw off the responsibility. The
ground occupied by this Division, since the agita-
ton of the subject of memoralizing the Legislature
commenced, was we'll known to this community
And the fact that we profess neutrality in politics
and religion, was also well known. Now, with these
facts before them, when they saw the Gatesville
resolutions, their eyes were opened-their minds
were excited, and they began to enquire how is
this2" do you not say that you will not interfere
with the politics of your members? and yet, here
you tell them that you viii pursue them to tho bal
lot box, and see that they vote as yousay they must
end this is to be enforced by all the weight Of your
authority. What could we say to these questions ?
We could only toll them that they were not our res
olutions, that we disayowed the %entiment contain
cd in them, and that we would publish our dis
claimer. Believing as we did, thatthose resolutions
wers contrary to one of the fundamental principles
OF our Order, and that they would do us incalcula-
lilo injury, we were shut up to the necessity of the
course we pursued. Aud believing that we had a
perfect right to do SO, we repudiated the charge Of
Cqetousaes3. We would recommend to that Diyis-
ION hereafter, to conine their resolutions to the Re-
cording Scribos' book, is thoy object to their being
criticised.
Tho Recording Scribe, speaking IN behalf Of his
Division, disclaims any connection with " part
politics" and uses an expression, which is true in
oil its parts. lie says that -" there is nothing III the
OEQeE v tuc 3oHS uA 4cmp9Idlce WHICH cODulCJS
with a mans political or religious sentiments and
this is one of the beauties of the Order. a Son of
Temperance yields none of his rights as a citizen
What a pity it is, that this truthful sentiment did
not make its impression upon the members OF that
Division. while the resolutions were under discus
zion 1t would have decided then at once in the
negative. Now, we contend, Mr.. Editor, that those
resolutions come directly III contact with this senti-
mont, and with the rules and uSages of the Order.
What is ono Of the rights of II citizen? Is it not
30 vote for whom he pleases, unbiased and urinHu-
Oaced by any man or set of men? And when that
citizen becomes a Son Of Temperance he does not
give up that right. The Division has no right to
require its surrender. But what does the Gates
vile Division do? Why it tells that man :-"you
arc in our power now the majority g~overns-and
the majority has declared that You shall not vote
for any man for any Office whatever, if he be oppo-
rcd 10 legislation upon the liquor traffic" Now,
the brother himself, though a warm-hearted tenn
psrauce man, and a good Son of temperance, NAV
doubt the utility or expediency of legislation and
10 may see no great harm in voting for his de-
%Iuocratic or wing friend, simply because be does not
see through the same peetacles that are used by his
Division. Aud with these views he goes to the bal
lJtbox, and according 10 his ilrIiriduas rights
as q citizen, and his chartered rights as a Son of
Temperance. But what is the result? If the man
for whom he has voted be opposed to legislation
npoa the liquor traffic, he is liable to be fined, cen.
Fured, suspended or expelled, as the Division may
determine. 1t win not do to say that it is but a
resolution. 1t Is a t1p of that Division, and every
member Is subject to its requirements. Then If this
10 the case, has not Gainesville Division depriyedit its
nsembess Of their rights, and become connected with
party politics?
Another charge, still more serious than the Rrst
- brought Egainstus by tho worthy Scribe; and thai
- . afeiSed opposition to the prohibitory law. ana