Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-10-27
For the Spirit of the Age.

Mr.. GoRMAN While rejecting on the
changes Of life, my mind carries me back
to the home of my childhood, cottage on
one Of the many creeks which form the
tributaries ofthe bold and navigable James"
of the Old Dominion. And it seems to me
that am again living over the life 7 then
lived. am wandering alone, gun in hand,
to some favorite hunting ground, where
success in the past promises rich reward;
or with fishing tackle, and,ny young broth
ers for companions, | am seeking favor
ite cove from which can, with tempting
bait, allure some Of the fnny tribe. Could
memory stop here and dwell forever on
these, the sunny days Of childhood and
youthful life, pleasant indeed would be the
reflection. But alas this cannot be-
Scene after scene rises up before me and
yet | know not which to notice. But this
solemn thought presents itself, have | been
acting the part assigned me in the great
drama Of life. It is true | never enjoyed
the advantages Of a collegiate education.
was never permitted to mingle with 9th
ers around the wise and gifted of our land
and drink (as it were) knowledge from
those rich sources. [ have never been
permitted to visit the "classic east' and
view the riches Of the Painters subject on
sculptor's art; yet have been blessed more
than thousands Of my fellow beings, and
for this | owe something to those who are
now living and who may live long after I
have passed away. Then should | not
stand up and fearlessly contend for what is
right and what will be a blessing to the
thousands who are now dependent on the
kind fostering hand of affection for the ne
ccssaries Of life?
The great progress Of the "demon god''
rum has caused these reflections. What
can be done to stop his progress? Can
not our Legislature" which will convene
in short time, take some active measures
towards banishing the "Hydra-headed mon
ster," from the sea coast, the interior and
the billy, yet beautiful west of the "Old
North State ?" Will not the orphans CRY,
the widows tear, the maniac's wailing OF
despair, touch some sympathetic chord in
every heart, or shall the licensed murderer
alone be left, while he is doing so much
more to degrade man and destroy life than
the midnight assassin Could they but
visit (as | have done) some night the homes
of one of these devils incarnate in human
form, and see the tear as it steals gently
and noiselessly down the cheek Of The
heart-broken wife, or see the half starved
half naked children as they crouch abou
/ the hut to avoid coming in collision Will
the now inebriated father while he, exciteC
/ by drink, is heaping curses most horribl,
On the head Of his gentle uncomplainins
companion, methinks the next session 0
our State Legislature would be but the be
ginning of good things to come We be
! Heye could they but look at the evil a
! thousands Of inotfensive females do, that
! revolution would commence at the CITY q
Oaks" and be carried on from the sea coas
to the mountains of the west, gainin,
strength at every conflict, till the cheerin,
: news would gladden. many hearts that ar
now bowed down by dark prospects in til
: future. The father would look proudly o
his son and point out to him a bright
glorious career. The mother, as she claspe
t her baby boy in her arms, would than
I kind heauen that temptation had been t.
! ken from beside his pathway, and the love
lit eyes Of the maiden would plainly te
' she did not fear to speak the word to maE
Y her lover happy.
e The enemy being removed, there woul
+ be no danger Of an attack, and instead
supporting SO many forts to protect Il
e good from the assaults of the bad, all won
be enabled to go his own way, feeling pc
N feet safety where his fellow man alone W
ce to fear. The temperance cause has do