Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-05-24
The Wake County meeting.

The Wake County meeting.
1t will be seen in another column that the
of Reformatory measures concerning
the liquor traffic, held a public meeting in
this city on the 18th inst, and passed reso-
evolving their ssments, and the
cf action they sAouldspursde On this
question, at the present juncture of affairs.
Several gentlemen present expressed them
selves in opposition to the positions assumed
in the resolutions and though they did not
classify themselves with those who had called
the meeting, yet desired to express their dis
sent to the movement. They were heard re-
s~pectfully and their arguments answered with
due courtesy and consideration.
The remarks of the speakers on this oeca-
sion, as well as the conversation we have
heard in the community since, induce us to
believe there is avery great misrepresentation
of the resolutions adopted by this meeting.
Let US examine them a little:
The Preamble simply declares that the
time in our history has arrived for taking de-
cisive action for procuring relief from the Il
quor scourge; and giving expression to the
opinion chat " our State Legislature should
pass some wise and prudent enactments for
its removal" &c. These points were not at
tempted to be controverted, and we presume.
therefore, areiaos ohjsctas 10.
The first resolution declares eve will vott
for no candidate for public Office who shall
treat with Intoxicating drinks'-nor will WI
vote for any one who "unqualifedly declares
himself adverse to any further legislation TO
the mitigation and suppression of the evils o
the liquor traffic" In passing such a reso
luton, we only assert the prerogatiye Q
American freemen, by saying what princi
plies and views a candidate must have to Sc
cure our s~uffrages; and at the same tim
give effect and energy to a request
which politicians themselves have made, wit
regard to treating. And certainly, no ma
is so unreasonable as to expect the friends
this movement to vote for any man who Wi
avow unqualified opposition to any reform
this matter. The resolution is a fair an
reasonable one, and when viewed withol
prejudice. cannot certainly be objected to.
The third resolution is but a consequcn,
growing aak Of an ntion in the secon
and calls for no special remark.
The fourth resolution contemplates the pr
curing of an expression of the views of o
candidates on the positions assumed in the
resolutions and frankly assures all SUI
that we cannot vote for any man who, in t
first place, declares himself hostile to the
fort now being made to discountenance a
discontinue the custom of treating with
toxicating drinks by candidates, a practi
deprecated by almost every man and s.
ondly, we cannot vote for him who avows
opposition to legislation upon the liquor tr
fc, in view of it's modification now, and
ultimate removal hereafter.
This is the platform laid down-it is fa
reasonable and undisguised. We have
apologies to offer for tit needs no furtl
--l~~~Aa.-Wo intend to maintain it
: the very letter and if political candida
take the broad ground of " hostility" a
Opposition" alluded to in the r~esolutio
we shall be forced to cast our suffrages
such men as concur with US in favor of Sc
reform in this matter. The persons we '
for may receive 1000 or only 100 votes
matters not to us we shall have dischar
our duty, in view of the high responsible
resting upon us. These are the views
determinations of the Reform men in w
county, and by the help of God we intenC
maintain them.
e And we would here entirely disclaim
design to assume a dictatorial arrogance
J.. any man, or set of men. They are freem
p as are we, and can respond and act as tt
judgment and conscience may dictate.
!. will call neither in question but shall
) ply clairs atd ocsuny position of freer
n having the right to cast our sufrages
3 such men as We may prefer.
b ia We should be glad that our polit
o papers would copy these remarks, and
r. the proceedings of our meeting, in order
e the positions assumed may be unders
se by all.