Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-08-08
AUGUST 8.


AcmpeIdlCCs L
Temperance-total abstinence from all in
toxicating beverages-is peculiarly an Anne.
rican idea in its conception, and in the ar.
rangement Of that vast system Of means and
machinery, which acting so long on the pub
lie mind, and creating such a widespread
public sentiment, has passed into a law which
has effect in so many States. Based
on reason and common sense, in principle
sanctioned by precedent, and rendered ne.
cessary by an overwhelming amount of crime
and pauporism, the legitimate fruits of in
temperance, the people Of these great States
have, through their representatives, enacted
q Prohibitory Liquor Law. Although some
Of their provisions may seem harsh although
distinguished lawyers have, for large fees,
given opinions denying its constitutionality
yet the great mass Of citizens are con-
WINGED Of its necessity, and are clear as to its
equity and constitutionality. Eminent ju-
rists, in our highest State and United States
neration, given to the law the sanction oftheir
legal attainments, the force of their high po-
sition, and the influence of their spotless and
irreproachable character. It would be pre-
sumptuous in us, to attempt to demonstrate,
by any arguments Of our own, what has been
so clearly proven and sustained by such
commanding authorities.
Let us believe this law constitutional, and
that, in all its important and controverted
features, it will be sustained. Men cannot
have the right, aud should not desire the
right, to scorch, as with a burning s%irocco,
the whole face Of society to uncap n vast
volcano of burning, drugged, and poisonous
fluids, and let streams of devastation and
death flow into every household and every
family; to poison, through the mother, her
unborn offspring to impart even to infancy
the maudlin Inconsistencies of premature
intoxication to drug the quick blood of the
youth of our land with the most potent poi
sons, and stimulate it to a precocious depravi
ty by alcoholic drinks to blight the health
and destroy the virtue Of our sisters, wives
and mothers, and change them from forms
VI AibA AA Aikut uitA UbtthtJ \ HOuSltTSy ue
based and degraded to reach by these with
ering, maddening agencies, themeehanic, the
a%rtizan, the pulpit, the press, and the legis
lative halls and through every artery of the
body polite, and every member Of this grea
confederacy, urge on ono unceasing flow
Of misery, ruin, and wretchedness. The
law, in its intentions, is not arbitrary or vim
dictive, but benevolent and benefcent. 1t
advocates can consistently regret any tempo
rary pecuniary loss which may result t,
those who havo, up to this time, been enga
ged in this traffic, and who, blinded by self
interest, have not perceived its guilt. Blu
they know that even they will be sharers il
this great American victory. The child, tn
sister, the wife Of the liquor seller, and tn
liquor seller himself, have, in the light o
truth, especial reason to rejoice. By as mucI
as social position, o clear conscience, a soun,
mental and physical organization is suporio
20 tho poor, paltry profit Of an unnatural ant
immoral trafic-just so far is the liquor sci
Ter and his family elevated and ennobled b,
the passage Of this law.
Americans ! who should be temperate
you should not? For the poor, down-trodde,
slave of an hoary despotism, there may b
some excuse. The iron has entered his soul
the clonking of his chains is an ever presen
and awful sound in his ears. He drinks t
destroy the consciousness Of his manhood
and to steep in oblivion the sense of hi
shame. Under q milder form of despotism-
q constitutional monqrchy-the masses
the people have little to do but obey the
have but one object to %attain-the means
sustaining life. But, Soyereigns of Americ
how different is your position! Not on,
your own health and happiness, but the we
fare of the State is in your hands. Do n
dim that crown of fine gold with which II
God Of nature has endowed you; but for yol
country, as we'll as yourselves, keep it u
dimmed and bright.