Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-12-17
ORIGINAL PAPERS.
Grand Worthy Patriarch's Report.

dTanu w OTJny raCTldTCn hepoII'
Representatives. Of the
Grand Dj0ision Of North Carolina
WORTHY BROTHERS BY the kind Prov
idencc of God, we have been permitted to
liyo aud labor another year in the great
Temperance reformation. And in this our
annual convocation, while we acknowledge |
the personal and national blessings which
His munificont hand has showered upon
us, we should realize anew the obligations
we are under TO consecrate our time, our
talents, our influence, and our resources to
His honor, and to the amelioration of suf-
fering humanity. How far we have met
and discharged our duties as Sons of Tenn
perance, is not for me to determine. As
leaders in the temperance host we have
voluntarily assumed solemn responsible
ties, and it remains for each one to deter
mine with himself, to what extent he has
discharged his duty, and met the claims
which our noble Order has upon him. But
it must be acknowledged that there has been
failure somewhere.
From a survey Of the condition of the
Order under my Jurisdiction, there is little
that the time Of the final triumph of our
principles draws near Some of our Sub
ordinate Divisions have done, and they
still are doing, robly. Their hands have
been strengthened by large additions TO
numbers, the drunkard has been reclaim
ed, aud joy, peace and comfort been car
ried 10 many freside, which, hitherto,
had been cursed by the demon, intern
peranefr--iE EhaFeVer VI 1rous etfyrts have
been persevCrlbgly ma,N SUCCESS h,ss vTUNl.s=
ed the labors Of the zoNous proving that
although temperance principles may have
been for q time dormantin the public mind
they needed but the genial warmth of a
fervid zeal to cause them to spring up, and
produce abundant fruit. But regret to
say, this state Of things does not exist in
all our Divisions. Many of them are il
languishing condition; and some have
forfeited their charters. So that, looking
over our whole jurisdiction, there is lttl
that can crafty the friends of temperance
order aud humanity. Instead, however
of being discouraged by the present con
dition of the Order in North Carolina, W.
should be stimulated to more determine,
and vigorous efforts to inspire it with frosl
life and energy.
Soon after our meeting in Charlotte,
addressed Circular letter to the Subordi
nate Divisions, directing their special at
tention to the means suggested by thi
Grand Division, for reviving the Order
From some of the responses to this letter
| was led to hope that good would be th
result, but the Reports for the last Quar-
ter are any thing but cheering In tn
western portions of the State which wer
visited by that able and eloquent champio
of Temperance, Gen Saml +. Cary, a
impulse was given to the temperance cause
Il is impossible that arguments so clea
logical and convincing should fail to pre-
duee u powerful effect upon the publ
mind aud conscience and had our fri enc
followed his addresses with efforts at a
commensurate with the magnitude of I'll
subject, or the vast interests involved,
doubt not, our halls might have been fl
ed with jealous, working members, al
permanent progress have been made in OF
great work
One error into which, in my judgmen
we have fallen, has been that for sever
have been directed to secure the passa,
of Prohibitory Liquor Law, while '
have neglected the means by which SUI
legislation may be effected-the numel
cal increase Of our own numbers. To I
move the evils which the use of intoxic
ting liquors produces, and which have L
come incorporated with the habits and T
cuniary interests of a large portion Of o
people, is not to be the work Of day,
tho result of few spasmodic efforts
Thorough and efficient organization is
scntial the errors and prejudices Of pt
aces must be eradicatcd and an entire rC
ovation of public sentiment must be eff,
ted Our Order presents just such an
gauization and if properly sustained "
in due time accomplish its benifcent m
sion. Because immediate success has
crowned their efforts, many good men hI
suffered themselves tobccome discourag
when they have failed to secure proper |
islation upon this subject Let it ratl
incito us to buckle on the harness for fir,
conflict and use all diligence to recruit
repulsed though not conquered forces
There arc many, no doubt, In every cC
munity, who now occupy position OF
tagonism to the Sons Of Temperance, t
might by judicious action become ide
fed with us in our efforts to arrest the !
grcss of the terrible destroyer. InsteaC
permitting ourselves to become disma
by the hindranccs which stand in the
Of obtaining such laws as justice, right
humanity demand, we should consta