Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-10-07
For the Shirt of the AYE.
a Communication.

a Communication. b
Mr.. EDITOR Although unaccnstomed to v
preparing matter for public criticism. yet my P
present feelings urge me to offer for your a
columns, a few thoughts on one thing which
| see is operating greatly to the detriment of
the Temperance cause. '
Permit me to remark, that what l may say q
will be in the kindest spirit towards the la 6
dies for, if am not deceived in my own !
sentiments, no one can esteem and appreciate |
them more than myself-that the sole object
| have in view is-good for the Temperance
cause and that we are all fallible and liza
BILE to err.
That woman-F hope the dear creatures
will pardon me for using this term, but /
think it has ten fold more force and meaning
than that of Lady, introduced by modern
etiquette say, that woman exerts a power
full influence, will not, at this late day, be
denied. Knowing this. the first movers in
the Temperance cause endeavored, in the
outset. to enlist their sympathies in its be-
half, that they might avail themselves of all
the advantages of that infuence-not forget
ting, at the sam time, that she was often the
greater sufferer. To make her power more
available, the Unions of the Daughters of
Temperance were organized. Butthey have
almost all expired. Thinking probably, it
was the labor Of conducting their Order that
caused its failure, they were admitted into
the Division of the Sons. Knowing that it
was far more natural for the two sexes to
labor together, it was thought their dormant
enthusiasm would be again drawn out, their
energies enlivened, and such an impetus be
given to the cause that the old soldiers would
never lag again until the glorious work was
fully accomplished. At first the most san
guine hopes of the advocates of female adj
mission were realized. Members poured in
and the Divisions fourished. Like the gal
vanic shock upon the almost ~lifeless animal,
it restored original vitality and healthfulness,
and vigor bloomed upon her faded cheek.
But what has become of that great effect p
What are the Consequences Why our fig
ure goes one step farther When the shock
is Withdrawn It's glowing effects must cease,
and Seemi1yly our moments hasten to their
end more rapidly than before the exciting
cause was applied. Hence we see Divisions
which have admitted females sir months only
some ~languishing away, while others have
permitted the glorious star of Temperance
to veil its gorgeous luster behind the porten
tous clouds of dependency and despair-th
ladies haze put 1t out! Is this necessaril,
, SO? Is it natural that every thing is blaste'
! by the touch of womaR's hand Histor,
] proves the contrary to be the fact. Wha
. maid Of Orleans ruined the French monarchy
What Madame Roland gave impetus to til
q Reign of Terror When did American We
. men injure their Revolutionary fathers? Ha
:. 1t not become "a proverb, that whatever We
= man takes hold Of lCiu succeedE And so W
find the facts in the present case but, Miro
l. bile dictu, she scoat hold on! Strange
o strange!! strange ~ that the daughters
j, AMERICA should give up the ship with sue
4. little effort.
- Now, Mr.. Editor, don't you think they al
2 most effeetuatty verifying the observation
:, the Latin poet when he says 'Uarium ct nj
q table semper Femind?'
d Some have suggested that it was curiosi
sr that led them into the Division rooms ar
IN this being satisfied they had no further u
ID for Division rooms. And a certain writ
has said that woman is q bundle of ~curiosit
a Wanting little here below,
- And wants that little for a shop.'
as Whether this be true or not, one thing 6
~ pears from the End verse of the 10th chap
"A Of the Acts, Of woman-Did you ever see I
y bookf-thatt they are 1~cdntiRg In perseUerdnl
But to be serious in the matter: The
OF mission of females into the Order was C
tainly an advantage to the cause, and u
ng alacGys be so if they will attend the Divisi
if But for the ladies to be initiated as visitc
zia go three or four times and then quit, 1t w
better, ten thousand times better, had ii
" never come in at all.
ID, Ladies, | can't think you have seriou
,ur considered this matter. If you meet with
i'm we prosper and flourish but leave our hi
i'd, after once entering, and Temperance recei
ich a blow which time will scarce be able to b,
The And why is this so ? The Sens have e
thought woman to be their friend and wu
~ do all in her power to further their work,
But look at the reality which is presente'
: OF their astonished senses. Ladies join
limitations multiply the ladies quit at
off, dance-the young converts q%uit-carry
in off with them long standing luke warm m
bers-this weakens the faith Of more &C
ia ones and presently they leave, which thr
a general damper over the whole Diyis
let They see that their best friends have Z
ded them the greatest injury.
spot Now | repeat, | do not believe this is
9TH tended, but arises from q want of forethou
4 of Ladies think of this matter. and for Tenn
o;tn ance' sake for the rising generations s
ivy attend whenever it is convenient. Y
,,iuS the kindest feelings towards the Ladi
on subscribe, CAMDEl
sch- -..-