Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-07-21
THE LUDLOW CONVENTION.

In every community may he found a class Of In
diyiduals who are entirely absorbed in one idea
who ride that idea to death or until they are
thrown and generally end by running both them
selves and their cause into the ground. They may
be engaged in promoting the success Of an object
that, by Its instructive merits, commands the APP
probation Of a majority Of mankind, but they pur-
sue that truth 30 far beyond the verge Of fanati-
cism that prudent men hesitate 10 follow. In their
display Of real un~aceompanied by knowledge they
too often provoke criticism and thus divert the in
huence of that moral power which every good
cause demands for its success.
Among the most prominent and Troublesome
traits Of character in this class Of persons. may be
rcckoned their assurance and obstinacy. They are
not only satisfied that the cause in which they are
engaged is worthy above all others, but they insist
that there is but one way in which its demands can
be answered. II any individual, having the good
Of mankind at heart, should elect his own time and
manner Of farthering the cause in question. and
that time and manner did not correspond with the
notions Of these self-eonstituted judges, he would
be branded as an enemy and ever be treated As
such. These modern Solons can tolerate no differ
euce Of opinion, no dissenting action. ''This Is
the way, walk ye in IT," is, in effect, the language
they use on all occasions.
Such Is the character and conduct Of many Of
the prime instigators Of the State Temperance Con-
%vention that was held at Ludlow on Thursday. 10
the outset they were clamorous for a prohibitory
liquor law as being the only panaeea for the evils
produced by intoxicating drinks. Such a law was
passed. The people very generally aoquiesoed In it,
enforcement, and il soon made friends where pre-
yiously Il only had enemies. II became a part Of
State Conventions that were held at Burlington the
law was distinctly, and specifically, by special reso-
luton, recognized as n settled principle. II would
naturally seem that reasonable men would be salts
fed with such action. knowing. as they do. tina,
many who have little hitf In prohibition. as A
measure for promoting temperance, were willing to
give it a fair trial, and thus eopccie their own pri-
yate views for the purpose Of removing all obsta-
cles to harmonious action on other subjects.
Bat se~ssAsisa So the Pa-r..s 81 ne-.;ns,ins
a state ticket on this single issue. has been held. or
its action we are not yet iniormeii but we cannot
think that it was such as will promote the cause Of
temperance nor dc we believe that it was designed
Tor any SUCH purpose pyA portion Of ihose who
were responsible Tor Its call, They are men whose
abilities and general shre"dness IN political Affairs
would be hoeiled by any saeh inference
Hseems evident 10 US tnat the convention was
composer emery OF mat class OF incorporate tenn
peranoe men whose reai greater thAn Their dis
%ere'ion' while The remainder comprises a lew prom
inent individuals who have axes TO grind" and
can have access to no other grndstone' The arti-
cAes in the Temperance Standard bearing unmis-
taxable evidence Of being the haDd'work Of Its
former editor; the denuneiAuons OF our present
chief magistrate and OF other good temperance
men by its present editor; ana the communication
from Addison county over the signature Of Lex
and understood to be IRON the pen Oh a defeated
cana'date if one nomination anu Ah asp'rant i"r
that or any other oihee that nc can ge'' all reveal
the designs the Interior purposes oil these apostles
Of Temperament The A0' mat the call was headed
conceal the paternity o, inc oanuing'