Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-09-28
Our Politics-Our Principles.

Ietnot our readers Startle at this caption.
We design no lecture upon dogmas or meas
ures, which divide political parties. As a
private citizen we have our political opinions
like other men, and we have a rightto them,
but they find no utterance in these columns.
From this purpose we have never swerved !;
nor shall we, though the stars fall. AS a
citizen of North Carolina we have our views
of State policy, but re assert them on a diff
ferent platform. But as a conductor of a
public press pledged.tothe advocacy of sound
morals-swOrn to the employment of our en-
ergies for the suppression and humiliation
OF intoaapo-onoo ~na rfIc reduy mouth
piece nf that large and respectable body Of
citizens who are proud to call themselves
TEMPERANCE MEN, we have that whichwemay
call our politics, or opinions, or principles, as
to the best method accomplishing the great
object Of our hearts, the total overthrow OF
the demoralizing practice of drinking spirit
uons liquors as q beverage.
And while we claim to speak for ~ourself,
in this article, yet we are assured, we give
utterance, unoficially, to the views of the
bulk of those who advocate and support the
cause of Temperance. We therefore invite
a Observation-Disclosures of these prin-
ciples. We design not now to discuss, but
to state them. And
First, We hold that it is the bounden duty
of the Legislature of this State, whensoever it
a hAAa"aAa AAa~;~aod tL@t /" majority of the peo-
: pie desire it, to pass a Law, prohibiting entire
r ~ the sale Of $plituOas liquors us a bererage,
ioithin the linats oftke State.
I Secondly, That the said Legislature, when
Z ever n respectable body Of our citizens pre-
sent q petition couched in suitable terms,
: praying said body to pass a law, or to sub
n mit6 TO the peoplefor their approval or disap-
+ prevail any measure which is constitutional
I in itself and within the proper range of the
legislative function, is bound by the highest
considerations, not only to receive such pc
%tition, but to treat it with the respect due the
y petitioners.
ThigdlH That we &iselaim now and forev.
err, all and any design of forming or encour
n aging the formation ola party or association
i under the Temperance banner, to control tn
J. party politics of the State or country, or tt
affiliate with either of the political parties, il
ID order to carry cut our principles.
= Fourthly, That We shall sincerely depre
cate and oppose all attempts to cumber o
k. mix up the great Temperance question witt
I'd party politics or party principles.
Filthy, That while We skall use all prop
er efforts to enlist the friends of good order
N good society and sound morals, among tn
ch candidates fE the next legislatures, in fayo
IN of a law for the entire prohibition of the Ii
- quor traffic as a beverage, we shall not sto
,se to enquire to what party they belong-w
S ! shall know no Whignor Democrat-no Mort
Mt no South-no East nor West
u FGaaRy, While we shall advocate with zes
ist this great measure, as promising the onl
sure and safe remedy for the evil of inten
lat perance, we do not desire Its passage, undo
al the auspices Of either party, either VIII
adj or Democrat, nor until it has been clearly e
en tablished, that 1t is the acU Of tie people
the NORTH Carolina.
led Now, these are our principles. Examir
G / them-try them by the toueh-stone of trut
and wisdom, and if they bear the test, ado
them if not reject them. We beg to sa
sincerely, we disclaim entirely all design
forestal the expression of the principles
Temperance men either individually or &C
yer lectVeiy, mach less Is II our lhten.ioh TO su
As gest a platform for the great Temperan
100 Convention to assemble here IN October. v
vic are READY 10 endorse IN auHSuce the action
but as our enemies have begun ia advance
!, Of shoot at random, we simply design to 81
Y them a target. Fire away!