Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1855-08-31
Chr Grwisbarg Cbrenif!e.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 81, 1853.

POPULATION OF ELMIRA AND WILL
IAMspoRT.-A census of Eimira, JUS
completed, shows the population of that
village to be 10,l07-or nearly double
what it was in 1850 A recent census Of
Williamsport, by Rev. J. ". Barret, fixes
the population at 4,0l5-or more than
double that of 1850. That is what Rail
roads do-sometimcs.
>--~~~----.------y~-~---~,~~
EDITORIAL CHANGE The Harrisburg
Democratic Union has been merged into
the Patriot, Mr. Zcgler, Editor Of the for
mer sheet, having sold his establishment
to Mr.. Hopkins, the publisher of the lat
ter. The joint concern will bear the name
of Union and Patriot. The last number
of the tnion contains strong article
against the removal of Gov. Reeder
B5~The Northumberland Baptist Asso-
citation held its 35th session in Elimsport,
18th to 10Th inst, Rev. II. Essick, Modcr-
ator. The new church at Williamsport, Of
As MEMBERSHIPS added, and l29 baptisms
reported. Next session at Jersey Shore,
18th Aug. 1856. The following Reports,
adopted by the Association, express its
views on two of the great moral questions
Of the day:
iSldrcry.
IL. l., ,ol:I L.,
of God in this land, are held in biucr bond
age, denied the rights Of common human
nature, forbidden to read the Word Of God
and crushed into hereditary poverty, ignor-
ance, and misery; and whereas, the most
violent and wicked measures are al this lime
taken by shareholders not only 10 perpcluarc
but 10 extend their odiouS and terrific system !;
therefore,
Resolved, That we do most heartily dcPlore
and sympathzc with our brethren and sisters
in Christ who are thus oppressed AMI dn-ra-
dee, and that We will rcsolutely and constantly
use our power-moral, religious and political
TO prevent the extension of Slavery over
territory now free, and 10 bring about If pos
siblc the ultimate removal from our whole
country Of a system which degrades men into
the condition of brute beasts, and which if
persisted in must end in the outpOurng OF
NOu WI dh On bui btlObGA
temperance.
Foremost and fervent as has been our de-
nomination, in every period, in opposing the
use of intoxicating drinks, we feel that II well
becomes us 10 continue the contest I'LL victory
be complete. The more so, as the nature of
the struggle has ever been changing and thus
requiring of us new tactics and fresh zeal.
Driven from point to point, the infatuated
devotees of drinking and drunkenness have
never relaxed their determination or their de-
yotion, and now that laws are passed TO res
train their exceSses, and relieve The majority
from immeasurable woes inflicted by tew,the
dodge is 10 urge the sacrednesS of civi! liberty
and the unconStltuIionality of prohibitory laws.
Ii is easy 10 purchase legal opinions, and
not strange that rum-loving Judges should see
objections TO laws restraining their insatIate
lust. As YET, the prevailing verdict OF the
Judiciary is that prohibitory laws are perfectly
constitutional; but too often have we seen the
law defied, and the friends Of order defeated,
by adverse decisions. The controversy must
therefore assume still one more phase, and the
constitution itself be put, Enthusiastically, on
the side of virtue and peace in this matter. The
salvation of the country must not be embarked
IN a ship which can neither be repaired or
guided, but must remain to decay by time or
be shivcrel by conclusions, while II drives
forward in an unallerabie direction. ConStl-
tutions must be made 10 Parlake of The imp
rovemenls of the age, well as other things.
They must be less sacred than principles, and
If great rights are withheld by them, or great
wrongs authorized, they must be made 10 con
form to the interest Of the people, and not be
allowed to hinder prosperity or tetter the prog
resS of truth and justice. Constitutions are
10 be the expOnentS of equity and right, not
the opinions or principles of by-sone age;
nor must the country be moored and bound TO
them as interpreted by nice legal subtetieS,but
TO The higher law of the eternal God, Interpre-
ted by common sense and honest candor.
Long may a reverence for constitutions dis
tinguish Americans, and a solemn deiiberation
mark all movements for a change. But if we
are To submit 10 a hateful and horrible fugitive
slave law, because it IS constitutional, and TO
be denied redress when our country, our lam
lies, and ourselves are taxed, outraged, and
rUined,b few liquor dealers, because il would
be unconstitutional, then will the time come
when all Salutary reverence for constitutions
will be abolished.
We viii not consent that millions shall suffer
by destructive business which gives wealth
10 4 few capitalists, and a lazy subsistence to
an army of bottle holders. If the constitution
gives 4 right to portion of the community 10
ihuhN " otlNAS iAAinNl'tSAN 'hiit
vicious, The sooner il is amended the better.
We stand strong in The demand that the poor,
suffering, vicious, and deluded drunkard, shall
be spared from the seductions which are
destroying him for both worlds, and that the
wrelched victims Of his bcastly appetite shall
be delivered from the most enormous and abo-
minable thraldom known to earth.
Your committee, aware that brcviiy is nee
cSsary, close this report by Offering as the SEN
tlment of the Association. the following dec
laraiion of the immortal BURKE:
ali civil society be made for the advantage .
of man, all the advantages for which it is made |
become his rigM. 1t is an institution Of ben |
efccncc; and law itself is only beneiiccnce |
acting bgG rui. Men have a right to live by .
that rule. They have a right to the fruits Of
Their industry; 10 the acquisitions of their /
parents; TO the nouriShmcnt and improvement Z
Of their offspring; to instruction Ia life and to
Consolation in death. But, til power and right |
are the same, the community has no right IN /
consistent tUiM yirfue. Men have 10 right TO .
what Is not reasonable, and is not for their |
benefit" III. MACON, Chairman.
MAUcH CHUNK, Aug 21.-The officers
OF the Lehigh Valley Railroad and a large
number Of citizens, accompanied by a
band Of music, made an excursion over