Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-12-17

when the delegates of the various Temperance
Societies met in Convention, if an opinion had
then been asked as to the state of things as to
Temperance in South Carolina, the response would
have been: "the Temperance Reformation is in the
ascendant-it occupies high ground-it is sealed
in the hearts and affections of the people-it is
saf-it will tread no step backwards" Such at
that time were the anticipations and hopes of the
friends of this benevolent movement. The year
before, ut Grecnvie, the Temperance men first
met in their strength. Every thing seemed to
move with power-at Spartanburg it eliminated
then a decline of its power was to be seen. In
1874, at Edgefeld, though there was good meet
ing, yet it was evident that the zeal of many Of
the members of the Temperance Societies began
to wax cold--and from that day 20 this, there has
been constant struggle on behalf of the friends
of this movement, to keep themselves even in
proper position in the State With oil the efforts
of the able and Jealous men, both of this State,
and from other States, it must be admitted that
we have gained but little ground, so for as our
strength is concerned. Yet it may perhaps be
safely stated that there is q wholesome puoc SEN
timent abroad in the State, and that public opin-
ion is slowly forming itself into compactness
that will be exhibited in the form of law, for the
suppression of the Liquor Traffic.
With the survey of the cause for the year, in
the position to which the kindness of this Body
elevated me, am, if possible, more thoroughly
satisfied than ever of the absolute necessity Of
Legislation on this subject. do not, after the
able and thorough discussion of the police regu-
lations of States, by the Supreme Court Of the
United States, think it necessary for me to add
single word upon the Constitutionality of such a
law, OF the right of the Legislatures Of the diff
ferent States to pass such Law.
If we turn back to the state of things that was
presented before the people Of the State, when
the Washingtonian movement swept every thing
before it; and it appeared that the State from
the seaboard to the mountains was one great Tenn
perance Organization, and look at the aspect now
presented we might with surprise ask ourselves
as to the cause of this change. When improve
ment in any branch of knowledge or in any
science is made, that improvement must be put
in such position as to become permanent. Unless
this is done, it will be sure to disappear. This
is true in the arts and sciences, and l think will
be found to be true, in almost every thing to
which the hand of man is put. Something is
needed to make the work, whatever it is, fixed
and permanent, so that superstructure after
wards may be erected thereon. Taking this view
of this great subject, it seems to me. that the
reason of the slow progress of the Temperance
cause. is the want of that something which is to
afford firm position on which the reformation
can take its stand. In other words, it must be
aided by Law. Public opinion on issubJect will
have to be brought to the point of Legislation be-
fore that can safely be asked of the Legislature.
Before the people are prepared for it and de-
mand it, i would not present the matter before
the Legislature of the State. Let the issue be
fairly made upon such question as the Temper
apce men may submit, and if it be carried, then
let the Law be passed in accordance with such
Oh ha rio
and the friends of legislation should permit no
issue to be made before the people, except the
single one they intend to discuss and present for
public consideration. do not dwell upon the
evils that flow from intemperance-the bright
and noble youths who have sunk before its blast
ing and witherng effects-the houses that have
been desolated by this scourge of man-the hearts
Of women that have been wrung and broken,
together with the untold evils that follow in its
train All, all speak in tones that would be
enough to pierce the heart of a'lamant, though
it were hard as the neither mill stone.
The question again presents itself with tenfold
earnestness, what shall be done? what shall we
do? Brethren you know my views-l have not
concealed them. / invoke you to come up as
men to the work before US. Tie advocates OF
Temperance must make the move they are to
begin-they must put their hand to the plow and
they must not look back.
now resign into your hands the office which
you so kindly conferred upon me-and you may
rest assured that in all after life, the year during
which have had the honor to preside over your
deliberations and over the Order, will be a
bright page in the book of my memory; and per-
init Inc to add the hope that every year, from this
time, may be marked with signal success in the
cause of Love, Purity and Fidelity.
HENRY SUMNER, G.. W. P.