Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-07-12


- Wescopy1 from the Southern Banner, Geor-
the following excellent article in relation to the
duty of Democrats on the temperance question
The remarks of the Banner viii apply as forcbly to
North. Carolina as to Georgia
:. The DUTY OF DEMocRATs-The signs of the
times warn us of dangers in the path of the demo-
cratic party, which, faithful sentines, we are
bound to notice.
. We propose at this time to confine our remarks
to one of these dangers, of which reminded
by the occurrence of the State Temperance conven-
ton at this place. While we write the result of
their deliberations has TRANSFERRED: but we know
that there is purpose the part of no small
Der to throw the elements of rohibtoay legislation
into the canldron of politics. already seetiing and
bubbling with heterogeneous and dangerous ingre-
dents We know not whether that course will be
endorsed by the State convention; if it is we have
no judgment to pass upon them. AS citizens of this
free country they have perfect right to propose
parties any platform that they see proper But
have rights and duties also and in the exercise
of them, we must endeavor to prevent the dstrac-
ton and division of the democratic party by this
any other exraneous issue. is useless to protest
that we have no hostility to temperance, to tenn
perance men. Individually, we have always to the
extent of humble ability, been the friends and
advocates of that reform We not the apologist
of the retailer, or Of the retail system. We should
heartily rejoice if not of their establishments
existed in the land. Nor do we at this time under
take to pass judgment on the measures proposed by
the advocates of legislative interference; indeed,
about the details of those measures. Laws might
be proposed which would favor; others, which
we would firmly oppose
But under no circumstances ought this subject
to be suffered to break up nure the democratic
party. We~believe the continuance of that party,
and the final success of its principles to be of more
Importance than all the temperance legislation that
ever will be adopted. The principles of
democracy are eternal they took their rise with the
first awakening of political freedom and their great
mission will continue to spread and widen till the
millennial dawn. Democracy embraces principles
OF far reaching Importance, covering the whole field
of the political relations of men, and promising
suits the grandest that the heart of the patriot and
phianthropist can look forward to-.
"The temperance party if one be formed must in
the nature of things, temporary, feeble, and inci
Gent 1t will have but one object, and wide differences
ofopnon will exist to the of securing that.
On all other subjects its members will be at hopeless
variance, and its power for any general good will of
course be as nothing. Such party cannot hold pow
er-it is impossible; and, if such one can be got
ten up and sweed to any considerable size, the
suit will be to give the power in the State TO the
Th19S. Mark the prediction the result of such col
lateral excitements has always been, and always
will be- to PROSTATE the democratic party. We
democrats to stand by their colors be not led away
by extravagant views on either side of this question.
10 into no slngleldeG organization, and do not be
induced to vote against the regular candidates of you
own party.
Let the democracy put up their fittest for
ottice--men of wisdom, virtue and discretion
themselves to this question unnecessarily, but 60
prepared to act that all other subjects that
may come before them, as they may deem the vel
fare of the State requires. Let democrat refuse
to vote the ticket because the candidates arc,
are not for legislation the temperance question
We assure you it is of much less Importance than
excited men suppose Vice and misery will not be |
extirpated by any liquor law; neither will lber-
ties be destroyed by its passage. Something may be
done for morals by judicious legislation much
not be done by any legislation. Whatever be
done udiciousy can be done through the democratic
party as well as through temperance party it may
not move so fast go far desire, but |
it will act more safely and wisely. Wesaid would
not discuss the merits of this that law we will
not; but one general principle we lay down, which
is true, whether our readers believe it or not 1t is
this Laes may regulate the natural instincts man.
no lao can restrain them entirely, and the attempt
aoiH do harm and not good. If temperance
friends will bear in mind this maxim, they may &C
complish something; if they disregard it, they will
fail But whatever is done, let it be done through the
regular party organizations of the country. We |
against third parties"