Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-07-28
Grand Division Proceedings.

49, 49, AO06 n
On our first page will be found the Pro b
of the late session of the Grand Di- n
ision at Lincolnton. It was a most interes- n
and delightful meeting of brothers united t
n the common cause of doing good to our Q
elbows and all present seemed to enjoy the i
intercourse which the occasion af
orded. a
II is unnecessary for US to r~ecapitulate t
nerE swhat was doneat this session, as its ac- {
tioR is reported in full on our first page; but
VS. cannot refrain from calling attention to
tie resolutions and recommendations adop-
I'd, looking to some reform in our license
las. The notifications proposed, it is true,
elbrace very slight changes from the law as
itnow exists, but if we get our State Lcgis-
lanre to make even these slight changes, a
Wy considerable protection viii be afforded
ot people from the evils of tippling shops,
ant it will be in the power of a majority in
cab community to free themselves from Ii
our shops in their midst.
be proposition submitted, embraces the
fol,wing points list, To memorabilia the
legislature to simply add a ProUiso to the
preent law, by which the popular voice may
be expressed in each District, as to the de-
street the voters, whether they are in favor,
or opposed to having licensed liquor shops
among hem. The second emeontempiates
simFan enabling Act to carry out the first
propsition; and the third Proviso asked, is
to pvent the curse being inflicted upon a
con- unity repudiating tipping shops, by
ha4ig quart tipping shops established in
theimidst.
ID first proposition is so thoroughly re-
pubfan in its character, and so entirely rea-
sonae and just, lat no plausible objection
can pssiblY be urged against it. The ques-
ton committed to the hands of the people;
if hjority desire these shops among them,
and vote, then the Courts may grant as
manlicenses as in their discretion they may
see PIPER But if the majority arc -nnnnee
to having ge shops among them, then it is
made unIsful to force them upon communi.
ty, contrg to the expressed wish of the vo-
tiers in + same. We think We can surely
get our legislature to dc this much, for the
good of fiety.
ConcSing the quart shop system, all wht
have obsved its workings, must be satisfied
that som restraining power is greatly nee d
ed in thi direction. The quart dealers de
fraud th6tate of the tax imposed on tipplins
shops, an yet carry on the business in def
ance of lg, dealing out corruption and deatl
independnt of all restraint whatever. 1t il
no douStan evasion of the law for men tt
purchs5a quart or more Of liquor at a shop
and feNs, from time to time as c~onvenienc
may 'fsr, drink and tipple, they and thei
4 friend. The law evidently intended tina
this BUSINESS should be confined exclusivel'
to Acnsed houses but the intent and NEAR
ing d the law is subverted by these indepen
dent ippling shops. They are not subject t
the DIRECTIONS provided by law for an abus
of th privileges given to those who take GU
licepe. And yet it is a well known fact, tina
theyare doing as much or more harm to 81
ciet5than even the tipping shops themselves
1t i%sproposed, therefore, to abate this evil, b
condning, by express statute, all tipping t
the licensed shops and by plain andpositiy
~enaGment providing for the punishment
thoe who disregard or attempt to evade til
law The public peace and the dignity of IL
laws Of the State, require some such enac
ment.
Aspirit of determination prevailed anon
the nsxsabers of the Grand Division to aoito
the Subject of reform in our license laws n
til something is effected for the relief of O,
whiskey-cursed people.
Space and time forbid further remarks
present. We shall from time to time cont
ue to press this matter upon our people f
action.
The session was a harmonious and proft
BILE one. We were pleased to have among
our friend and Brother A. NJ. Kennedy, Esq
P. G. W. P. of the G.. d. of South Carolin
He is a whole-souled, enthusiastic worker
the cause-one upon whose face nature h
placed the seal of nObLeman, in unmistakaL
characters. Would that it were more t
custom of members of neighboring Grand
visions to meet with each other. By
stronger cords of affiliation and regard won
| be woven, and a more united and fraterr
I action secured.
Il The Grand Division met on the 18th. a.
adjourned on the 10th, to meet in Green
boro', on the Both of November next.
~ By direction of the late session of
Grand Division, w send to the several ST.
lardinats.Divisions, a sufficient number