Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-08-24
FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE ACE.
Don't mix Temperance with Politics.

pressed for the abolition of the liquor license
law. We have often heard it, but never ac-
.companied with a reason of any kind. To
be able to arrive at a proper conclusion in
regard to this question, we should ascertain
what is politics and after learning this, we
should then enquire which of the two, Tenn
perancc or Intemperance, is most reconcile
BILE to it, and if we find that Temperance is
incompatible with, or foreign to politics, we
too will say it should not be mixed with it;
and if, on the other hand, we find Intemper-
ance most cOngenial to the true spirit of pol
itics, we have no objection that an album
dance of it should be mixed herewith. But
to the enquiry: what is politics? We an
swer-the science of Government. But
what is Government? Government is a pow
err instituted by a people for the proper regu-
lation of their public affairs, for the protec-
ton of it's citizens or subjects, for the al
ministration of justice, for the promotion of
morality, in a word, government was es-
tablished for the purpose of g promoting the
harmony, advancing the interests, and pre-
serving unsullied the reputation of the citi-
zens of the State" This being the object,
to accomplish which the Government of
North Carolina, Jas we'll as that of every 9TH
err State and country was established, let US
enquire whether there is any thing in Tenn
perance, or the Temperance movement, OPP
posed to, or destructive of these desira-
BILE ends let us see whether there is any ele-
ment in the Temperance reformation calcu-
lated to destroy or defeat the legitimate de-
signs of Governments.
If there is any thingincorporated with the
principles of the Order of the Sons of Tenn
perance inconsistent with or opposed to the
genius of good government, we will cheer
fully abandon that body and make every a.
tenement in our power for the mischief we
may have done by being connected with it
but until we are convinced of this, we will
most assuredly remain and further, will
here attempt to show that Temperance must
be mixed, as it is called, with politics first,
because by abolishing the use of ardent spir-
its rs a beverage, the best interests of the
people are served. Second, because by pro-
noting the cause of total abstinence from all
Intoxicating liquors, the morality and pros
perity of the people is advanced, and Meth
er of these desirable ends can be accomplished
without recourse being had to legislative en-
actment proving most conclusively that the
Temperance question is as much a political
question as that of internal improvements,
free suffrage, or any other which agitates the
political world.
But let us scrutinize the designs of the
Temperance movement-let us see whether
they conflict in any way with the designs of
good government. If they do, we say again,
Temperance should not be mixed with poll
tics.
, But to the facts
The object of the Temperance agitation is
to drive from our country the curse of drunk
onness, than which no greater ever afflicted
humanity, no plague, no affection of any
Y kind is half odireful in it's Consequences
Pestilence may carry its tens of thousands
to their graves, BUTT can effect only the NOR
tai clay whilst drunkenness not only con.
! signs tens of thousands to early graves, but
, transforms man into q fend, rendering his
+ immortal spirit, which was intended to par
= ticipate in the glory of its Creator, a fit com
: panion for the damned. Is it not then, the
duty of our State government to extirpate
this awful curse from amongst us is it no
the duty of every one of its citizens to do al
in his power to rid the country OF such
, monster? Nor is this giant curse confined
| to any particular country or people. The
: whole civilized worlds stepped to the lips il
l it; and wherever alcohol has been introdu
= ced as q beverage, there is poverty, there i
crime, there is sorrow and a~ffiiction indescri
{ bic. Nor is any station Of life so exalted bu
g it can degrade, no intellect so brilliant but
e can dim, no character so pure but it can de
file, no wealth so immense but it can squan
der. With attributes Of this kind, is an
people safe as long as this monster is allow
cd to exist in their midst? No, no An
h vet our legislators not only will not put
r period to the existence Of this foe Of human
ity, but will absolutely facilitate his progress
through the land, by enacting a law express
e " for his protection, regardless of the widow
Q and orphans created by his presence; r.
It CARELESS Of the crime, poverty, disease an
i. death which his accused presence is sure
engender. And if the citizens Of the Stat
memorabilia them for a redress of this griev,
ance, they are treated with the most suprem
contempt!
This part of the subject reminds us of I'll
existence of a Iaw which prohibits the sa
of ardent spirits within two miles of Chap
4 Hill University. We should like to kno
If what our law makers had in view when the
n made this law, to protect the youth attendin
:: that institution from the debasing influence
h of the grog shop? Was it not indeed
e. most praiseworthy, laudable object, and OF
II which affords abundant reason why the sam
II law should extend all over the State a
to not the entire youth of our State entitled
IS the same protection from the demoralizir
influence ~emanating from those dens of
Of domination? Must the youth, whose father
cannot afford the expenses Of our Univer>
a. ty, be subject to the debasing effects of IL
a; grog shop, when in attendance at the hun
at BILE Academy, or our still more humble FRI
U.s. School? Is it not of as much importan
ID to the State, that the poor youth should
trained in virtue, should be kept uncontan
mt mated, as it is for the son of the wealthy I?
rn Surely it is.
we Notwithstanding all these reasons why t
to grog shop should be closed forever, if t
18th sober and ~virtuous portion of the commul
ty talk OF invoking legislative aid in ii
ore matter, of claiming that protection TO wb;
or they are unqestionably entitled, the orv
IRE you must not mir Temperance Nth polit;5
is Immediately heard those who utter it {
leg getting ut the same time chat it is to |
the ~islative action these grog shops owe tn
- existence. We must not repeal this law
fire. though it has proved a bitter curse to tn
: -. sands Obi no IN pIaaco a G,u. ~ Il