Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-02-21
REPORT


from the Connaitte on Propositions and Grievances
on Temperance Memorials submitted to the late
House Of Commons of ". Q.
The Committee Proposition and Grievances, to
whom were referred sundrv memoriais,* praying the
enactment of law to prohibit entirely the traffic in
Intoxicating Liquors, have carefully considered the
same, and respectfully beg leave to submit the fol-
lowing report:
That thev are not unmindful of the evils of intern
perance and its demorasing effect upon the human
family; producing in many instances physical and
mental imhecilitv They further saw that they
not close their to the painful facts every where
visible in social and domestic life affecting wife,
kindred, homes-all that binds man to his fellow
Misunderstanding hearths, beggaring children, and
in its ravages sweeping to untmelv grave count
less numbers of the human race. These effects
manifest to all, and it We're folly to deny them.
Bnt the memnriasts pray the passage of some
law to sav its devastating mse-ts ruinous effects
nnon societv-the question then presents itself:
Does the Legislature the constitutional now
to interdic by pains and penalties, the traffic in
ardent epiritS .
The Cornmrnittce, with all due respect to the me-
moriasts, think not for the following reasons:
Morally and physically, man is free agent and
any law which seeks to control his voton, is an
Insult offered to his DIGNITY and his understanding.
\ man may write, sneak, and publish his sentiments
unon Ill subjects with IMMUNITY /: being responsible
for the abuse of that right. And WHY then attempt
to 'ntc"fere with that which man may choose to
eat and drink
The right of eating and drinking whatever the an
petite Graves is one every man holds dear, and will
never surrender II without struggle.
Nothing is so deteStable to a people. med
ding governmental government that tells them
what to read and write and what to eat drink and
Our fathers, within knowledge,
could not tolerate il, and not more pat
tent than thev.
Mans right to the of the gifts Of God, is fun
damenta doctrine and he cannot hut regard any
law interdicting their uSe as deDriving him OF his
notura rights as contrary to the spirit of the in
ctutioDS Under which, he lives and whose base
he reads in characters of living light, his mnre-
scrinthle right to life liberty and the pursuit of
happiness
In state of nature unconnected with social or
ganizaton. he cnioved these rights. Society only
required that he should surrender what was iniuri-
to her interest in mans altered civil condtion
and WAS at war with his own happiness and peace
the right to eat and drink was never surrendered,
because to surrender these would strip him of his
free AGENCY, and change him into automatic
machine, Centralized bv the will of the law making
power. The right Of personal liberty, personal
security. and nrivate nronertv is secured to the
citizen by the Fundamental principles of the common
law and Your Committee believe the enactment of
such law would satisfy thc mcmoriasts. would
onerate most niuronsy to the peace and welfare of
the people
But suppose the Legislature had the right, and
thought proner to exercise II. what good would it
dn9 Is rnblic opinion prenared for it? Your Com
mittne think not. II wOpld he impolific and unwSe,
as. we believe it would be unjust and Illegal Such
a wonld cvcte worst fears-nroducinr
icalonSies and heart-burnings, which time could
nevnr heal.
Whenever force has been used it has been
availinr: there is not single instance record
where stmntuarv nrohihitorv laws have attained
the object desired. England Scotland and Ireland,
launched their barge this untried sea. and the
laws regularly enforced; their efficiency was
nullihed. and they were finally reDealed.
five look to New Eneland-the land Of steady
habts-we shall find they have had no other effect
than to increase crimc-espoinagc-e alnuTv--and
70 erroJ- in contest the of
nature. Indeed, committee think Won cannot
reform by violence; violence engenders vio
lcHce: producing outbreaks, open ruptures, and
general disauiet
Your committee have therefore, come to the con
c1usion that it mnst be by moral sasion alone that
the evil be removed or arrested. This course
has been emnentlv successful Tt has power to stay
the rushing tide Of intcmperance-to erect break
waters that shall roll back current sweeping in its
maddening whirl thousands to the tomb. 1t has, in
great degree, reformed public opinion
strengthened the bonds of social intercourse-thrown
the unfortunate victim of intemperance the
mantle of chartv-sustaned his unsteady steps
and gently led him into paths of virtue and useful
ness. Tt has made desoate hearths rejoice, and
scattered in its train the peaceful smiles of penteous
ness. Tt has shed gladness and Joy around the
homes ofmanv heart-stricken mother and caused
flowers to bud, where thorns only grew.
Tt has done more; it has driven the tempter from
public tables-disarmed the inebrate Of his violence
Tt has made love and charity the inseparabe COM
panons Of its mission, and shed the lights of hope
around the abode of the truly unfortunate. Why,
then. your Committee would poinfedlv enquire, do
its advocates seek to draw to its aid the strong
of the law? WHY this feverish anxiety to put in
motion, power which has signallv failed, and
has produced so much mischief when in operation !?
Is it because has not accomplished all its advo
Gates anticipated
These refOr mers must remember that 1t required
more than one day to give form to this world, and
should know that reformatons efecting great chan
ges in domestic and social life, have been by slow
and imperceptible degrees; that it requires time
and incessant labor to bring about a revolution in
manners and habits. 1t is part of the machinery
of Providence for the emancipation of the world
Sudden changes produce shocks, that bend but do
not reform.
Your committee, therefore, think that this effort,
invoking the aid of the law to prevent the traffic in
liquors, is mistaken zeal, reckless of results. 4
species of fanatics which has its parallel only in
the insane desire of those who would deprive at
one fell blow, every planter of his slaves, and turn
loose upon the land, without moments warning,
millions of human beings.
In conclusion, your committee deny the right,
justice, or policy of passing prohbitory law now,
hereafter; and more especially so at this time
when less than fifteenth of the voting population
demand it. And having fully reported, yonr COM
mttee beg leave to be discharged from the further
consideration of the subject
All of which is respectfully submitted.
JE9SE A. WAUGH, Clmn.
Memorials referred from forty three counties compris
ing 1851 signatures, of which voters females,
81 youths.
4s ls.-s.-.