Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-09-17
Temperance Column.
From the Spirit Of the Age.
WHIsKEY AT PUBLIC PLACES.

WHISKEY AT PUBLIC PLACES. E.
If there be any one who is not fully salts
fed that it is wrong for whiskey to be sold
at public gatherings, let him observe the
conduct of his fellow-beings at place where
it is sold, and then, while the scenes he has
witnessed are fresh in his memory, 60 to a
place where none is to be had, and carefully
note the difference. Quite recently we had
an opportunity of making an observation of
this kind and as the privilege of observing
the actions of men at the public hustings
where no liquor is to be had is seldom en-
loved, we think it worthy OF note.
A 'tax- gathering was the occasion in both
instances-the popular excitement in regard
to elections was about the same in both In
stances-the moral character of the two COM
muuities was about the same-at one there
was no liquor on the ground and at the other
there was an abundance.
Now note the results at the former the
people transacted their business and at an
early hour in the day, dispersed to their
homes. There was no noise-no loud talk
ing-no cursing-no broils; while at the
latter there were all these exhibitions and
many others of similar character calculated
to wound the feelings of every man possess
ed of refined sense of moral appreciation.
And such is always the case wherever intoxi-
eating liquors are sold or given away at a
public gathering of the people. The habit
of association and intimation are such that
men will do as other men do-one drinks
because another drinks and because some
body gives the social invitation. 1t always
has been the case and will until proper dis
appreciation frowns it down.
In consequence of the presence of intoxl-
eating liquors at such places, our tax-gath-
erings and elections have become little else
than annual exhibitions of drunkenness and
fights, so much so that large, very large
proportion of all such cases are traced to such
places and such causes, until the sublime
dignity of the common Law has been so sore
ly vexed that it is thousand wonders that
it has not long since declared that such q
mischievous cause of trouble should cease to
exist.
When will the good time come when we
shall see the various public gatherings con-
vened and adjourned without the presence Of
villianous whiskey? Would that some good
Prophet, faithful as Daniel, would arise and
predict its speedy coming. We fear that
time is yet far off; whiskey has hold on the
affections of the people stronger than the love
of brother and its company will not be re-
linquishcd without a struggle Yet there
are hundreds of citizens, having no sympa
thy in common for the temperance reform
who would gladly hail the ushering in of the
era when the sale Of liquor at public assem-
blies shall be interdicted. They have wit
messed the ruinous, debasing system unit
they have become thoroughly disgusted with
it, and would gladly embrace an opportunity
of recording their disapprobaton of the Gus
tom.
A reform is loudly called for upon thi:
matter In view of the enlightened policy
of the day, it is little strange that this yes
tige of barbarism should yet be tolerated il
our midst. Thousands, thousands are hear
tily ashamed Of it and would rejoice at it.
removal. How shall it be effected ? Simply
in the same manner that you obtain othe
favors fran the Hands Of your Legislature
Talk about-speak about it-write about it
All great measures, manVrstly popular riH
the people, Arrays find the 'earmest friend
among the great Lo'1y Of Lomgirers.