Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-03-31
The North Carolina Press.

One of the strongest evidences of the
growth, increased intelligence and improve
ment going on in our State, is that furnished
by the rapid increase of Its newspapers, the
great change for the better IN their typogra-
ply, the ability with Which tAey are edited,
and the patronage bestowed on them. There
is evident room for improvement in all these
respects we admit but a comparison of the
present with those published twenty years
ago, will surprise one who has not looked
into the matter.
No class of cur people labor harder, do
nore work at snail pay forthepublic, nome,
more generous and public spirited,-none
who. contribute SO much to the elevation of
theState, than those connected with the Press
In promOti1h the edacaUfonaB the industrial
and economical enterprises Of our people.
they age foremost. Nor are they slow ordi-
nariIy in guarding the public or private inter
ests of the people; against imposition or
h~umbuggery. But We have somewhat against
/. them.
North Carolina suffers more at this moment,
andihas Ar years past, from the prevalence of
: intemperanee, than any other one cause. The
: public and private well being of Our citizens,
: is jeoparded more by this great evil than any
= other If private enterprises are not success
3 fluff the public charge is neglected-ifour
mechanical, mercantile, agricultural and pro-
: fesSfonal vocatisns are damaged and prove
!, unproduetive-if our progress in intelligence,
: virtue, and wealth, Is taPdy-if the Gospel in.
it's saving influences is hiAdered in a word,
if We are not rapidly becoming a wise, great
and good people, it is because of the over
flowing. tide of intemperaRce which is delu-
: ging our State.
Now, brethren, of the truth of this, you.
have not a doubt. And yet, what little cf-
fort are you making to stay this tide of ini-
quity? Surely, you are not reereant TO the
best interests of the people? 1t cannot be
that you are blind to the Influence you may
-, exert upon the public mind? Or are yor
content with the Little we may do. and we d.
our best, TO arrest the progress Of the evil
co Where are your personal responsibilities a
-, guardians of the public veal? Is it enough
simply to- publish the rasages of the monster
80 without raising your voice against it. |
cannot be. What does conscience. duty an,
interest say?
Now We invoke Your strong arms in thi
contest. A few do lend as an, occasional lift
But its poOderous, crushing weight, is to-
20 much to be overcome by an occasional e
fore We want every mans shsulder to tn
wheel, and some Of you are strong men
bold men, who can accomplish much if yo
viii A few selections viii not answer. !
good temperance anocdote or a record of tn
daings Of Alcohol extracted from othe
, paints, Till not answer. We beg a strong
:" racy, effective editorial at least once a mont
from your avn, pens, On the subject of ten
sN- perance: We venture your readers Will SANE
ton the suggestion. There is not a man
North Carolina with a soul as large as 4 mu
tard seed, that viii not approve it. The
-, see the evik They want to get rid of it BIT
they need help, and they need help from YOU
Come, brethren, help.