Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-12-17

RAlEl6a, a0R1a GAzl'

few of our more HDurlshIng DlVlslOns,
might by uniting their resources, procure a
person to visit the adjoining counties, with
out feeling his support a burden to amy
Can we not findcompetent men, who would
regard it as privilege to undertake this
good work? Without some such measure
| fear we shall continue'to langnlsh. With
! il we may again become prosperous and
exert wide-extended and healthful inau-
ence upon the destiny Of our State.
would suggest that tie Grand Division
adopt some measures by ghich the statis-
tics of the results that 4 y from the -
sss---a p
cured. Our people as general thing aref
oren to conviction in regard to this sub
ject, and could we place before them reli-
able statistics from our own State, doubt
not the effect would be most happy
Wherever the truth has been thus elected
by careful examination of the records of
our courts, jails and poor houses, showing
the direct tendency of the traffic to pro-
duce pauperism and crime and to increase
the burden of taxation the results have been
most beneficial to the progress of temper
ance. deem the subject amatter of great
Importance, and would commend it to your
most serious consideration.
Another subject may properly claim the
attention of this body the propriety Of
tempting to stimulate the friends Of tenn
ptrance to rc-organize the old County So
cieties. There are in every community,
many who are with US in principle, but
from prejudice or erroneous views of the
objects and workings of our Order, they
are opposed to the Sons of Temperance
AT present they hold position of antago-
nism to the Temperance Reformation, or
exert no influence in its behalf. Could
these be brought to cooperate with US, we
doubt not in little time many of them
might become our most efficient members.
Our object is to advance the Reformation
to Danish intemperance from the land,
and we will heartily bid God-speed to any
and every organization that will aid US in
this good work. If the Grand Division
should not feel itself called upon to take
any official action upon this subject, !
beg leave to call the attention of breth-
, ren to it, as an important auxiliary in Sc.
curing the final triumph of our principles.
Although sickness in my family preven.
ted me from attending the Sessions of the
National Division in June last, still [ was
able to devote portion of my summer vo
cation to visiting some of the Divisions un
der our jurisdiction. The minutes of that
meeting have been received and distributed
I do not find any thipg ip the, ,aetion of thaI
body claiming your fec'di attention.
The statistical and financial condition O
the Grand Division will be set forth in tn
Reports Of t Grand Scribe anI the Gran,
Treasurer, which will be presented by thos
officers.
I have thus, brothers, brought to you
notice, as far as the limits of this Repor
will permit, the condition of our Order il
the State, and some of the means, whicl
in my judgment, will inspire it with ne1
life and energy. But any action thi
Grand Division may take, will have but
limited influence unless we can bring GU
individual members to feel that each has
work to do.
The necessity of personal effort to il
crease the numbers of our Order and az
vance the great and glorious Reformatio
should be realized by ALL The honor
our Order, the interests of our believe
State, and the sorrows of stricken human
ty call upon every Son of Temperance I
be up and doing. And every man true
the spirit Of his pledge may exert an inf'
ence that will tell with power upon tt
destiuics of multitudes for time and fl
eternity May the Spirit of all wisdo
guide your deliberations and may you ado
such measures as shall secure the final II
umph of the Temperance Reformation
North Carolina.
In conclusion, brethren, accept my than
for the distinguished honor conferred upt
me in raising me to the higest position
the Order in this State. My acknowledg
ments are also due to my associates in off
and to my deputies in Subordinate Dvisio
for their kindness to me personally and
the prompt and faithful discharge of ths
, various duties.
RICH'D STERLING, G.. W. p.