The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1854-10-21

IHlhADEiPiiA, Dct. 10, ot.
DEAR WnIG-I propose to says few words
on the subject OF the s.PrOhihitory Liquor
Law" which is at present the all absorbing
topic Of all ptrtirS, AMI without doubt one
which concerns all classes. The awful con-
sequences Of "Spirituous Drink are well
known to all; and believe all would go hand
in hand to put aside its use, ifTemperance men
would speak wA more moderation. Having
attended Il few Harvest Home meetings. |
became perfectly diSgustrd with the personal
remarks of some of the speakers. No one of
any sense will deny that thousands of inte!li
gent men have been led astray by the first
glass. ''CeSf lie premier pas gui c0nte.' Yet
it will not do for men to say that every man
who takes ..glass" will one day die drunk
ard. This is the reason that many do not
come forward and place themselves at the
head Of the ranks. For it is well known that
kind advice has more force than evident
words"
Let the Maine Law party speak more Of
happiness attending total prohibition and less
oi the misery OF Intempcrance and above all
lay aside all personal remarks, and they will
soon raise the ..banner of victory" Having
Witnessed the evils of intempcrancc both on
the Atlantic and Pacific shores, will endca-
vor to give you some Of its effects as far rs
my experience will allow. A few years since
] WAS following my profession in Norfolk, the
great Naval Depot of the United States.
There, | must say. | witnessed the worse
kind Of diSsi patton, eXcclimg all other parts Of
the United States, California not excepted,
for the city Of Norfolk and its vicinity far
ont do all places in dissipation. United States
ships arriving from all parts Of the world, and
sailors long under restraint, as soon as they
land s:go in,'' as they call it, for L regular
drunk. To tell half the sights 20 be witness
ed would chill the blood: | have seen many
lying dead drunk in the streets and many
with ''iremens'' and perhaps fond families at
home forgotten for the s.danning spirits" /
have seen men arrive and in Il few days throw
away several hundred dollars, which perhaps
they were three years making. The temper
ate ones ''draw their pay and soon are in
the fond arms Of loving wives and sweet
hearts. These are some oftlic consequences.
But as the feelings of the people of Cali
1ornia on this subject will interest your nu-
mcrous readers will lay before them Il few
facts and few words Of advice to those who
aided the ruin Of many a noble heart Hav-
ing spent several years in the Golden Land
and being thrown in contact with all sorts Of
people can state :.plain truths.' During
the past year the Temperance party has in.
creased and made strenuous efforts to bring
about Il reformation. Having seen the terri
bic consequence of intcmpemncc, which is
not 'Eundcr Il bnshcl' as at home, have
known young Of high promise at home soon
sent to an carly grave by dissipation and rum.
a lawyer olhigh standing at home and a man
OF more than ordinary talents becoming asso.
ci.tcd with wild party soon was led astray
and in a few months returned home dis pas
sage being paid by friend, } perfect wreck;
whereas il he had not yield TO its influence
he would without doubt have soon become
independent. Some eighteen months since
] became acquainted with gentleman doing
splendid business, and always senLng large
means t" his wife and family at home. But
soon business falling. he was obliged to cur
tail his remittanccs. His family blamed him.
believing all must make fortunes there. To
drown his disaIpoiHtmcnts he took to drink,
soon bccame hn could not attend to his
business, missed him few months. before
] left l cnqnircd about him, and was told he
had died OF mania potu. These are a few
cases; could give many more but do not
deem 1t necessary at present. / have seen
men Of the highest promise from disappoint-
mcnts take to drink and die common drunk
ards. For thousands have been disappoint-
Ell in their hopes Of fortune, in the s.Eldo-
RADIO" No one there over tries to hide the
fact they will take drink, for it is usual for
the clerk to invite his employer to join in a
''social glass" Almost every one smokes
and | have often been told by TcilcrS in the
first class Banks to wait until they had light
cd sc gar then they would pay the checks.
All do as they think proper for there is no
scandal there. 1t is for this reason that re-
turned Calitornians are seldom satisfied to
rclnain at home. Yet with all these chances
California is not more disSipated than other
states; what gives the idea of great disspa-
ton is as have said, nothing is done in pri-
vate. The society Of ladies is rapidly in
crcasing and has done much to amcliorate the
condition Of the ''rrder crcation.' and many
who spent their nights in riot and rcvelrv. are
drawn in the magic zone Of s'lovcly wonan's
riucnce,' for the fire side offers too many
pleasures to be forgotten by those who have
tie good fortune to be able to enjoy it, The
mission of woman is displayed to a greater
advantage in California than in any other
part of the world; and indeed she should be
proud of her mighty influence, for Calitor-
MIA can appreciate the value of true wife
more than all the world besides.
Yours, A. G.. F''.sYE.