The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-11-14


countersigned by the Commissioner Of Improve
ments for at least two weeks, to afford the inhabi
tants of the locality time to investigate the same
and know who il 10 that recommends said tavern O.
shop.
cd. Reso1oed, Thatwe will cordially unite in hold
ing public meetings and in all suitable ways use ou
best exertions to persuade our feow-citzens t.
abandon the Of oil intoxicating liquor as bev
sraGs. ts .4...f.
J. R. THOMPSON,
,st., r. NJ BRADLEY,
Washington, October 7, 1857.
TO GEORGE SAVAGE, Esq
Sra: Since the general conversation had with
you few days ago in regard to the present state Of
The Temperance question this cityand the causes
which have operated to produce the change in pub
lie opinion on that subject within the last five six
years, have been led to reflect seriously and an1-
iously on the subject And the more have thought
the less am satisfied with myself in the RETROSPECT
ton. At every step, see more and more plainly
that humble as am, have not done my own duty
and that must to the extent of all that could and
might have done, and have failed to do to prevent
it, take my full share Of the blame and the shame,
of the change which has, at least appQreatLy come
over the people of the city. ".,-..
But the first question which arises and presses
upon the mind is: Has the change, which appears
manifest in point of fact really taken placer Is
not the real opinion and deliberate jagnent of the
people of Washington, at this moment, as strongly
and decidedly, against tie habit and practice u drunk
ting sntocicatRg hquOrs it was FIVE years ago2 And
if so, why the apparent difference which has struck
you, as it has Others, with SO much concerna
i do not know that any effort of mine can aid in
answering these questions, but it is time that some
the criminal apathy and indifference, which now pre-
walls, and to stay the tide Of intemperance which
now sweeps over it. There are amongst us hearts
and minds able TO do il, if they can be united and
Htt mn latad N pt.fI o., .l,;a
uho will undertakeit? To ease, somewhat, my own
mind, have concluded to state to you briefly. nv
own experience in connexon with the cause, my
recollection Of things as they were and they exist
to renew their labors of love.
My first connection with the Temperance cause was
In Kentucky, about the year 1922. Joined an old
fashioned association, whose pledge was one of sim
pie abstinence from distilled liquors-asa beverage
reserying the privilege Of using wine cider porter
&c Like all societies of the kind this after linper-
ing on q slckly existeHce died out; joined other
naiI ana han Societies, but none of them seemed to
do good. When the Washingtonian movement COM
mepced In Baltimore my attention was more closely
and seriously drawn 10 the subject and when that
cause was espoused in this city and the general sub
ject discussed with an eloquence and power which
had never before heard by Thos r. Marshal Geo.
n. Briggs and Others, considered il my duty TO
join with the Old FIeemdn,s T59i1ant, and there
hrst became acquainted with you, as Temperance
man. As q citizen, and especially as father felt
il solemn duty 10 take an OPEN sSJc stand on this
question, and as far as could give my influence and
example in favor Of Temperance.
Soon after this, found myself associated in my
public employments with two noble 9enerous-hearted
men-who after long habit of moderate drinking
mad become decidedly intemperate. This was seen in
the street in the tavern and places Of drinking 10
Which they were accustomed TO resort and was talked
Of there To avoid observation these places were
deserted, or visited less frequently and they took 10
the more Obscure and less reputable grog shops
There, they imagined they could more safely and
Freely indulge their appetite for strong drink, and
escape .ne notice OF those whose good opinion il was
their drinking from the public eye but the witness
against them appeared in their blotched faces their
remuous nerves, and more especially in the wretch.
sdness OF their own families; and soon the heads of
the bureau 70 which they were attached began TO
talk about it. saw that ruin was before them. and
they saw IL This reused me 10 a realizing sense of
The enormity of the vice. Of the strength IL the habit
which bad power thus TO force intelligent respectable
men 10 degradation and shame Moved by this
spectacle, counselled and warned them a. plainly
and faithfully ~ could. With tears of bitterness
they confessed the whole and told bad not heard
the hail. Oh how they wopt over the aQonies of
their wives, told me Of their entresties and PRAYERS
70 them, OF the resolutions they bad from time 20
time made; they fen that they could Law down their
lives coin their hearts blood to give peace comfort
and happiness to the dear ones whom God had given
them; but that BURNING thirst that ragged within them
they could not stand IT, but were compelled 10 run a.
the grog shop, and appesse IL there was neither
he or rest without II. Gladly. most eagerly would
they fly from IL bot there was no refuge and down
down--to a dishonored grave they must go they
saw u distinctly before them. In this situation,
whilst they were yet reking with the fumes Of alco
hoL on the verge Of delirium tremens, took them
BY the hand, and told thou IL they had courage 10
follow me would take them to a place of refuge
Their eyes sparkled, and they said lead on and we
WI follow. i took them 10 an eating house and
ordered plain dinner of which they partook spar
ingly. repeated TO them, you naast J1lop me Mind
w. They assented and talked but little though they
looked dreadfuly. called hack and we drove TO
Bladensburg, we got out Mt the Spa Spring and
drank freely Of the water. As night approached we
and without fsltering they followed me into the Nor
tnern Liberties Division Of the Sons Of Temperance
where they and myself were made "a Sons of TEN.
perance. ! took them home and left them, with the
request that they would see me the next morning
They did 80, with bright faces, declaring that the
,srn'ng ha,a ,oas gone, and they had left behind
them cheerful, happy families
:, mus was myself made a Son Of Temperance and
mus became connected with the regularly organized
societies Tor promoting the cause OF Temneranca
ior had arranged the prelmnaries of our initiation
before hand Trusting in their confidence In me 10 uo
through with It. " "o " "
There were ut that time Eve Divisions ~ Tho Con.
~ this district twas afterwards increased Is seven
there We're also several Tents Of Rechnb;tes vS;tb
sections Of Cadets " attached to them, having for
"er the young Together they
Nn9 met together weekly 10 take counsel how thew
eoufu most efiectualy draw their neiphbors and as
SOCRATES from the fires Of intemperance. and elevate
,hen TO the dignity and responsibility of u1nindus
nlous, sober, eArsstaan men. They did more: they
fort the bereaved and the suffering have oftan
reelected with pleasure upon these assocat;ons' II
is true their workings were often faulty I'd ;r,,o
Feet but at heart they we're sound and he.tbf,i ,h
men were true type Of society made up az er. ,S
grade OF intellect business and habits Of life: relo
sects and political opinions Band of Brothcss =.
ISOLATED ON . common platform for The sole purnos,
Of saving themselves and their fellow men from m.
sin and curse Of inten1persnce The fundamenia
article Of heir associstion was the total aud abs6lnt
exSR6on a everything rsisting 10 party poIitics ai
rein ous denominations; e-cY one being left free Il