Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-02-28

EASS1t1tS1g ttic iucs>2 - II tufS c0Hclts1J1
be correct. those. members have adopted q
most griesously erroneous opinion. BY the
true hearted, genuine lnembers, that faint
struggle was considered, ,instead of finale,
as only the. first Of aseri9s which is to con.
tinue antil the entire consnmInation OF their
desires and aims shall be achieved. They
are aware that the same means which have
been used heretofore are still at their COM
mand, and thai BY perseyeriDg application
Of those means the public mind will grad
ually grow more and more enlightened, the
convictions of truth and duty will enter and
control more and more bosoms ma
jority will favor and support the principles
which they espo!sse. The great body Of the
Sons in this STATE do not know and appreci
as the good w4fcfS they have accomplished.
Naare not to judge of our success simply
BY tts pamber which have been initiated
INTO Tho Order He woul.l~be thought a
strange warrior, who should estimate the
achievements, of a campaign by the namber
q recruits added TO his forces. A wise
Commander would rather consider whether
ne had weakened his enemy and achieved
any victories; and whether he himself. had
lost any power, been deprived of any pos
sessions and become less capable of continu-
ing, the conflict. If the Sons of Temperance
will adopt the same rational mode of think
ing they will assuredly end that there is
much to encourage and inspire them. Let
us then view the matter in this light Have
I've weakened our enemy? In many quar-
terswe. have weakened him amazincly.-
Not so much by causing dramselers to aban
don their ungodly practice and recIaiming
drundards from their degradation, as bv ele-
sallng the public mind and effecting hap
py revolution of feeling on the subject o.
Temperance among the great mass of res
pectabie citizens. In many sections of the
State where but few years ago it was es
teemed reputable business to retail liquor
no man who respects himself ard values
f'uspSs6yaiof nap others EilL 'sos 75sss-7
claims to resPecrs5Tfy iIf aid fgsnHhs,es-@l
This is unquestionably true, and it has al
been accomplished by the agitation of tn
Temperance question, and forcible AM
continued urging Of its claims upon ever,
mans attention. This is partial victory
As far as it extends, it is clear, that we hav
weakened our adversary by depriving him {
the support and assistance of responsibility
.Rn pptiring exertion this degree of success
W soon be obtained throughout the entir
State.
Have we any trophies besides this Ay'
have we, and they are priceless ones too. A
most every Division in the State constants
least one who was formerly drunkard an
has been reclaimed. Even granting that /
good has been accomplished except the r
, claiming of one drunkard by each Divisic
j IA full and ample remuneration has bee
treceived for all the expenditures Of tim
taen, money and laoor in the cause of Il
Reform; for changing drunkard 10 sob
maA, is changing tears to smiles, gsfef to +
joicing, shame TO honor, poyer TO plent
i degraas astiop, toplanliness anGamost acertai
ty of the drunkards helLlo chance of
angels Heaven HIT more than this,
many places gaog shops have failed beft
the deTnolishing power of our Divisions
! snow banks melt beneath the rays OF a tro
sun; and in some cases Temperance Hs
; have directly supplanted the dens Of
liquor demon. From these consideration
must be clear to every mind that We are
: present vastly more capable of continui
: the struggle with effect, than we have b.
at any former period. The food-tide of
: e position, whose fury met US when we beg
J, the conflict, has been divided. A part
! changed its course and now flows with
instead of against us-s part is now ST
y mainland only a pafVstiIl continues to
= pose US as originally. We are uudoubte
8 stronger enemies weaker. Such be
ssss tue fespsctivs piight &c the two parties;
% present relaxation on the part of Reforr
r IS truly strange, and chm only be accou'
a for on the ground of their ignorance Of v
IN they have effected. A sudden despondt
$, in an hour Of adsantage--s partial so
$, tary submission TO weakened foe, "
o. new strength has accrued to Us and tht
a. spiration Of a partial triumph is afforded
e. surely paradox in the history Of hu
o contentious where ignorance or imbet
1T does not control.
On In view Of these truths it bebooye
IN Sons of Temperance to imbibe fresh cou
lr: and re-enter the noble strife, bnoyed
ed the consciousness of the dignity of
-. cause and chez - by the reflection tha
ne fruits Of their; psst ,labors are now to be
ey aud that the future promises to be at
SITS equally successful as thepast. It won
rm suicidal for u. to abandon sur posts an
nat pect our Legislature to complete the
ed which we have begun. There are>twe.t
be which will explain the apparent apat
ely politicians on the Temperance questi
We First, it is lamentable fact that very
to number OF them cling tenaciously /
slso wine cup and adore the privilege Of i
IN cation. Second, they are aware that
and key is popular With the rabbIe-a most
sly. entail and successful electioneer. The
Il promptings Of immediate self.interest
the them to turn deaf ear to our ent
bout and to treat the appeals Of justice an,
with Indifference and neglect. UndeI