Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-02-10
GOODNESS WHAT A HAMEl

It seems that our Minister at Berlin, Gov.
Wright, of Indiana, recently gave a grand en-
tertainment in the diplomatic circles of that
proud capital, and that he saw proper to ex-
clude wines and Intoxicating drinks from his
tables on that occasion. Such a course is
said to have startled the wine-loving gentle
men who represent the different nations of
Europe at the court of Frederick William, and
caused that bibulous monarch to suppose that
the United States had sent a lunatic to up
hold the American character near his throne.
And even some of the American press say,
that such a course was calculated to give of
fence, and that he is not justified in adopting
it; and join in denouncing him.
We have not seen a more c~ontemptible ex-
hibItion OF toadyism and cringing sy~cophancy
than is presented by such lickspittles. Be-
cause the American Minister would not sac
rifice a conscientious, moral principle. to cater
to the corrupt tastes and habits of a foreign
court, he is to be branded and denounced at
home as unworthy to represent our Govern
ment abroad Truly, this is bringing pro-
scrlptlon to temperance pen to a pretty high
pass.
But it is even stated that Mr.. Wright is in
the habit of making temperance speeches in
public in the city of his foreign residence
CMonstrous y and as he could not do so with
out directly censuring the use of wine, by the
Court and the Diplomatic corps, it is argued
that, therefore, his mission is not very likely
to accomplish much good. Sage conclusion, in
deed! Henceforth, then, let it be proclaimed
, that no one but he who will drink wine with.
and latter and cajole the rotten dynasties of
: foreign powers, is capable of representing the
American people in a foreign Court, and of
: securing its favorable consideration.
But seriously. Is the Object of foreign Dip
lomacy comprised in hobnobing and drinking
= wine with the King and his ambassadors p?
And is our Nation disgraced, if our Minister
has the good sense to retain from a habit that,
5 however common, there or elsewhere, is
: known to be pernicious and ruinous every
: where? Such !. the language of these sub.
: %serVlent carpers at the noble course of Mr.
Wright, the American Minister at Berlin
" What a hubbub must have been produced If
- Cabinet meeting, when the President mad,
i the astounding announcement that the Minis
ter to Berlin had refused to furnish wines a
his entertainment and that John Bull, AM
Mons. Crapeau, Prince Metternich. and al
the Royal family were on their heads abou
it! OF course Mr.. Buchanan will recall hin
ne e nm
forthwith, for fear the King of Prussia shout,
get mad about it and threaten to learn on
Minister better manners.
Wehope Mr.. Wright will not take the maj
ter so much TO heart as TO cause him TO r.
sign, on account of the dubious nimadye,
u
slons OF the American press. He may rest as
sured that his course is approved by his fe
low-citizens of the United States, Oh accoup
IT, Per'rsrcncy m cUhsclenuOus rrincinIe
is him pursue the same straight forward nro;.,
do worthy course-esteeming it much moro bon
orable, diplomatic and American 70 maLo
temperance speech, and give cold water din
to ners; than to drink Burgundy or .Jobann;s
r. berger, and repeat the drunken oibher;sb .
s+ a B~acchanalian feast.