Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-09-09
The Temperance Reform.

EDITOR FREEMAN i am truly well pleased to
find the subject of temperance receiving that
attention its merits 50 strongly demand, in the
Freeman. There being no State Journal at
present especially devoted to this work of re-
form, it is gratifying to find other journals, Ia
boring faithfully, and, may we hope, successful
ly, in its defence?
But fear all are not equally generous in this
noble enterprise. Instead of lending their CO.
operation to advance and sustain its interests,
their influence, on the contrary, tends to lead
opinion in wrong direction. This is not as it
shouldbe Most sincerely, we hope there is no
public journal in our state, that has not the
good of this work at heart. IF SO, this is no
time, either by silence or otherwise, to manifest
a spirit of Indifference in the matter. There is
a fearful opposition at work, and no one can
successfully perform his duty, unless he comes
up to the "post " point-blank. Neither is
there any portion of community that can exer-
else greater influence than the public journ-
alist. His paper is the medium for the trans
mission of thought and opinion to the people at
bone, and what way is there more susceptible
to the heart and feelings, than through the
home paper, that you see on the table? How
important, then, is the duty and responsibility
of the editor. But it not alone rests with him.
The people have their part to bear in the mat
ter Menamay make laws, Or revise them, but
the people only, ctn render them valid. They
are the sovereigns in this matter, and if they
use their power Alright, evil has but a small
chance of success. But we fear the people, like
all sovereigns, are not always in the right.
There seems to be a propensity in man, if he
has embraced an error, to cling to it with all
the tenacity imaginable. Most clearly is this
apparent in Temperance. Let there be ever SO
much evidence produced against the evils Of
intemperance, he shuts his eyes to the revela-
tion that is 50 plainly apparent, SO strong are
the habits of a lifelong association.
But however we'll this state of indifference Oh
opposition may have awaited in the past, it aoil
not do for the future. The evil effects of in.
temperance are too apparent not to be needed
None are so blind as not to perceive the mora
and physical ruin produced by the habit o
drinking; Gods noblest work marred and de-
based by most sinful and unnecessary indul
gonce. To the friends of temperance it rest
whether this just cause shall receive its du'
consideration. Shall this glorious fabric-th'
Maine Law-receive that sustaining power from
the polls that is necessary for its full develop
ment-te ensureit what it has and should BIO
the hope of the rising generation? The we'll
fare of those upon whom soon must rest tn,
responsibility of directing future affairs, de
mand present and earnest effort.
And in no way can this duty be more faith
fully performed, than in the selection of me1
of the fright stamp" for office. The Sep
TENDER election is near at hand, and although
by many it may be esteemed an occasion of lit
tie consequence, yet it is one of the utmost i'm
portanco. 1t is emphatically the "people'
day." and the results of its deliberations ma,
be felt and acknowledged when the actors hav
"passed away See to it, then, freemer
of Vermont, that at the coming election, tn
right men only be elected to important trusts
An outward show of patriotism and zeal for tn
public good, assumed for the occasion, as ,
means by which to get into Office, is not thu
thing. Steady devotion to right principles anc
measures alone, should be the standard b,
which to regulate our action. Let this be tn,
rule that guides our efforts, and more perfect
arrangement for the good of all will be the re
suit. Yours truly, i. r. TowLE.
Franklin, Aug. 1858.