Smyrna times., 1854-11-01

to all excitements gotten up by societies and
corporate bodies. The commotion accustomed
by the various temperance societies was great
the subject was daily canvassed-to say that
there was great interest manifested would be but
conveying an inadequate idea; fanaticism fol-
lowed, and it was then thought that the great
panacea for the cure of intemperance---the in
fallible specific was discovered. The excitement
was at its acme-the co-laborers in the moral
vineyard Thoughtful that they could class all In
the same category of temperance men, and that
an universal sobriety should prevail throughout
the land. A depression ensued commensurate
with the excitement which had preceded it.
From a continuation of circumstances, the asso-
Citations the most binding in their nature began
to dissolve-men thinking that they had been
fanatics relapsed in their former condition-and
possibly there was an apathy greater than there
was prior to the first impetus which was given
to the first impetus which was given to the
cause. But there was one beneficial conse-
quence which resulted from the movement
Though these associations no longer existed
only in name-though their influence was ex-
pended and their means of effecting good ex-
hausted as associations, still it caused the CON-
munity to exercise their reflective penalties,
and ascertain, if possible, the necessity of such
meanness and their importance; and then the
feeling ofthe public, exclusive of all societies and
associations formed for the advancement of the
cause,w enlisted in its favor and caused its pre-
sent advanced portion; for free and calm thought,
aiJa1 hxyt ba Of off fad rnuoh
in this temperance reformation; it at first re-
quired the organization of these societies as
incentives to the cause, but after the public
mind had been awakened to the Importance of
the matter, she necessity for them in a great
degree, passed away and left it in the hands of
the community in general decide upon its
merits, which having been abundantly discuss
cd, could not but have resulted in the good OF
the cause, and advancing it to its present posi-
tion-wh CHI position we will now eedeavor to
discuss, and observe whether not its true friends
have cause to be pleased as to its success.
Witness the amount of intelligence respect
ing the subject; the continuous agitation Of
it which is good evidence that it is progress
sive in its movements, and not apt to retrogade
as it only requires canvassing for its merits tc
be developed properly.
Temperance literature is more generally dis
seminated: temperance newspapers and periodi
calls are the eminations from many presses
many pens are devoted to the composition o
temperance tracts and tales: the press-tha
mighty engine which has exerted great in
fiuence in behalf of the cause, is industriousl,
engaged in imparting correct knowledge upol
de the subject the labors of the philanthropis
whose pen is employed for the interests of tn
cause, are appreciated; they are laboring 70
the good of humanity; temperance papers ar
better sustained now than formerly, althoug
the Number is greater,
Medical investigations upon the subject MOI
are more numerous and withal more perfect
- they have tended somewhat to the interests
the cause. 1t has been demonstrated concll
sively that there are certain serious patholog
=" cal conditions which arise from the emplo,
meDt Of ardent spirits; that there are a host
evils which manifest themselves upon an indu
genee in these drinks. The researches of Il
tial medical faculty have demonstrated the lesiol
and which are apt to ensue to the body from ale
j of holic drinks, and have thereby thrown son
one weight to the subject. aasg-
5 it Physicians. as professional body. exert the
but influence now in favor of the cause--general
t or speaking, they are temperate men; the evi
res resulting from alcohol are daily before the
,on- eyes-they see them in all their phases-nol
con- are better able to see them than the physical
ere and is il to be wondered at that he should fee
nent loathsone dread of that which occasions I
and ills of the body and mind which he is call
ring upon so often to witness DR., Chapman 50
ued that it was " the sacred duty of every one ex,
il is cising the profession of medicine to unite wi
ound the moralist and divine, in discouraging I
consumption of these haneful articles, and
IN OF the first step in the scheme of reformation
en- discountenance the popular nation of th
and remedial efficacy" DIR. Carpenter, a rec,
ocia- writer and standard author wrote a maste
exci-tprize essay very lately upon athe use
0 the abuse Of alcohol in health and disease"
mt in which he has ineontestibly proven that tn
pular are but few if any occasions in which alcoh,
the drinks are mperativey required; this is, inf
, and the general sentiment Of the profession at
No present day. Even the medical journals Of
With reiterate these. sentiments. As the med
arma- fraternity has abundant opportunities to dee
Sc, BY upon the subject, their opinions are regart
nonnt and they themselves taken as good author
e for and as they have combined almost in a mas
varl. the opinion Of the Righteousness Of alco
and rotations, it is good indication of the elev'
ceiling position which the cause is assuming, especi
: have with them as a profession these persons
sc stead Of, as formerly, partaking Of alcoi
Iished, posations with the families of their patti.
ody feel called upon in ihe exercise Of The dut
tate Of their vocation, as conservators Of health to