Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-06-25
What are Temperance men to do ?

"Ao o4O AS4ApC4d uC0 uCu W uO
We have been frequently Intercepted, of
late, as to our views as to the course TEN ii
perance men ought to pursue in the approach v
ing campaign for members of the Legisla- q
ture. We have given the subject much con- "
sideration, and have carefully, deliberately h
surveyed the ground, and have come to the
conclusion, if Temperance men have neglec- !
ted using their influence in bringing forward t
candidates friendly to our reform, but have ]
allowed its enemies to occupy the field, it is
too late to effect any good, for us to begin
nor to threaten or drive them into it's sup
port. This is the point we have been press
ing upon our friends for the last three or
four months-to attend the conventions of
your respective parties and there let your
power and influence be felt in nominating
men upon whom you can rely on this issue.
Have you done this Then all is well. If
you have not, then it is too late tt. agitate
the matter now, in our humble opinion.
Our experience in the campaign two years
ago, served to demonstrate how hard a mat
ter it is to induce men, even good, reliable
men in all other efforts for the promotion OF
the cause, to sever their party ties and cast
their votes against their political friends
Some noble, lion-hearted spirits did this but
thousands would not and did not. Since then,
party feeling has become much more invet-
crate and this year every political bias will
impel men to adhere to their respective par
ty, organizations. 1t is the year for the cleo
ton of a President of the United States the
people will be ~harangued FOR months, party
prejudices and feelings will be appealed to
and every appliance brought to bear, tt
cause men to merge every other considera-
ton into that of a party triumph. We re
member too sadly, how effectually simila
appeals were made two years ago. Can W
expect less now, when the political element,
are and will be much more highly excite
than then?
We know that the " platform" so to speal
adopted at the last session of the Grand d
:. vision, is free from charges of ~ultraisn
Maine .lawism, and other odious appellatior
with which our opponents have hitherto pr
!, JUDGED our efforts to procure some legisla
!, tive reform. 1t is conservative, liberal, r
publican-submitting the entire matter
, the people to dispose of in their respecti7
Districts. Can we not better further tn
) project, under present circumstances by r
/ s~pectfully appealing to candidates to ayr
O to at once settle this matter by placir
# it's disposal in the hands of the people, tn;
a by incensing them with promises orrefuss
to vote or not to vote, in certain continge
cies
There is another consideration. L
! years ago we were thoroughly organized
we had held our Conventions, declared 0
principles, and were marshaled for the &C
! test. And yet how little was done II
year we are notso prepared. This we kno
10 attempt any aggressive measures, wi
can await US but ignoble defeat and the
rousal of a highly increased antagonism
These remarks are the result of a calm
>. view of the present aspect Of affairs. Th
are our own individual opinions, howey
and we intend simplyto submit them as SUI
- Others may differ and if convinced of {
-, error, we will cheerfully yield.
i'll But it does appear to us, if if we so
ks mean our action as not to interfere with
political squabbles Of the contest, when
5'se approach the Legislature we will not have
contend with the violent prejudices and
position which have heretofore assaulted
Cd cause and our motives there.