Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-03-22
Editorial Change.

Bro. w. r. Carson has disposed of the
"Star in East" and Bros. J. B. Goodwin and
W. V. Jeffrey have taken charge of it as Ed
itors. The last number evinces tact, talent
and industry, and we doubt not under their
auspices the paper will be an efficient auxil-
larry in the cause of reform. The following
extract from an article headed Our Princi-
ples,' foreshadows the policy they willpursue
in conducting that journal. The demand for
an appeal to the ballot box meets with our
hearty appreciation. and our next Legislature
should be composed of men who promise in
advance to give it to us. Let this be not neg
lected. This is what we want-itis what the
people want. Give us something tangible
to vote upon, and the question will be set
tied on democratic principles. If the mem
bers of the Senate and House have that con-
fdence in the capacity of the People for self
government, which they so loudly profess to
have about election time, they will not be a.
fraid to trust this question in their hands at
q special election. But to the extract:
The public mind has been, and still is, in an ex,
clteQ state IN relaIlOn 10 one y Tic pEOpOSeu ulcdS-
ures of the Temperance Reform. Much has beer
said-much written for and against the passage of 1
prohibitory law. The adoption of such an act ha:
been prayed for on the one hand, and denounced OF
the other. Whilst its friends have been %untirins
in urging its necessity, and paving the way for it
favorable reception, its enemies have been pourin!
upon it the walls of their wrath, and loading it witt
maledictions and invective. Is such an act neces
sary ? Is it called for under existing circumstances
Is IL demanded by the peopIer This is an impor
tant question, and one that should be first settle
before such a law can be carried into operation
The people of North Carolina are an order loving
a law abiding people, ever willing to acquiesce /
the expressed will of a majority, however much
may conflict with their own private views or intel
ests. Should the voice of a majority declare fer th
liquor law, we believe those who are its most viz
lent denunciators, would prove as ready executor
of the law, as the advocates and friends of the met
sure. This being our opinion, we think a fairly e.
pressed will ofthe people indispensable to its falthf
execution. We are for prohibition, but not again
the wish of a majority. Let the voice of North Ca
DINA be heard, and We have no fears for the resu
Submit the question, and allow the ballot-box
decide it, and we are prepared to abide the verde
believing that it will pronounce in thunder tone thu
condemnation of the traffic in intoxicating drinl
Then we battle for prohibition. We argue its .
cessity, and urge its claims upon the favorable co
sideration of those who may be called upon to pl
nounce upon it. We demand of the Legislature II
the question be submitted to the test of the ball
box that the popular Will may pc unmlstaKaDIy =
derstood. This is our opinion upon this imports
point, and by it we are willing to sink or swim.
are well aware that the view we have express
does not chime in with the opinions entertained
many ardent, jealous friends of reform but th
are our opinions, based upon a candid, and imp
tial investigation of the whole subject, and a fl
conviction of the advantages to be obtained by su
a course. The necessity of an enactment for
;. suppression of the traffic and sale in spiri
Gus liquors shall be kept prominently before
readers, and the demands for its passage discuss
I with boldness and independence.