Smyrna times., 1858-05-20
COMNIUNiCA'iltjN.S.
Written for tie Smyrna Tunes.
The State Temperance Convention.

We were pleased to see the interest that Is
still alive in the Temperance cause, aud the
manifestation of that in the crowded halls at our
last State Convention, at Milford.
Who expected such DE- mo"strn' ""--S"'" q"
unity of heart, purpose aud action as "'s "eFe
exhibited. We venture to say That lis most
sanguine friends were agreeably disappointed
and who will say, in this day Of moral REFORM
that Temperance is on the wane. Though as
set forth in their resolutions, "the cause has
suffered an apparent defeat" yet what great
reform, moral or political, ever accomplished
its object in the spring time of its eXlstance
The chilling winds OF winter must first test and
purify it, by seemingly witherlng it in Its frosty
grasp but it is only prepared for new lie
and beauty when the returning vernal breezes
bids it come forth into new eXlstance.
Who, that is q good citizen, can cast an eye
back or around and see the startling increase
of degradation and crime since the repeal ofthe
Temperance law, and not feel panied and cha
grned a the contrast! Count the inmates of
our iails, the inmates there indicted for the
highest offence known to human law, and trace
the promptings, the nerving of those arms, and
think you not that nine cases out often lie lntox
icating bowl stimulated those hands to such da-
boical deeds! We think that no argument
can be adduced so strong and torcible as the
practical workings of the recent law. Some
of our best men say, let it continue on, and it
will purge itself. More can often be effected
by real experience and observation than by any,
other means, and for this class we can presume
ourselves warranted IN speaking they certainly
(if not indulgers] must be sated at the sight.
The spirit of the convention was not to orga-
nize into an independent political party, but to
hold ourselves alOof, and go with which ever
party that run such men as will favor temperance
principles. By this means we are free from
the prejudice of political men, and the odium
80 often cast upon opposing parties; while we
conceive that it is the most eifectual and speedy
means OF bringing about Legislative action.
The convention took measures to organize
societies in the various hundreds throughou
the State, to- circulate the old Washnglo lonlan
pledge of total adStenance, thus iuoslRg no good
that might be effected by the powerful argu-
ment of moral suasion.
We conceive that we have lost nothing, (but
the most righteous law,) having tried the eX-
pertinent, we are satisfied OF lis utility, we ex-
pect to 90 on, with one foot On the platform OF
moral suason, aud the other On the platform of
prohibition, until the end is accomplished; IT
that be not until the wisdom OF the rising gen.
Grafton shall point out to them the rurnous con-
sequences Of the drunkard 10 his downward
course,-tron the FIRST indu gcnce until 1t closes
life in pennlless disgrace.
We have greater reasons for warning those
who are yet OH variable ground, than ever the
world had before, for III these days otmedcated
liquors only about One-tourth is pu:e-the re-
mainder being made OF such poisonous pro-
perties that the best illustration Of its effects
is to refer one to the Insane Asylums, IIospit-
ais and the various houses OF correction togeIh-
er with the cases of mania a Potu, suicide, &c. |
II, with all these facts before US, and Of which |
bat lew are lgnOranI,-lt there can be no reme-
dy, no law TO project half the interests of soce-
ty by one statute enaclmeut, theu let the strong |
arm cut down who ever opposes; and when il
does so a toast will be drunk TO the wicked
toast made to the vicious and degraded.-
Then crime will stalk abroad at MONDAY, aud
who will dare to object
But we fear not, because we know the righte-
BUSINESS of our cause must prevail, for He who
governeth all things hath spoken II! Ii.
Correspondence Of the Smyrna limes.
DOVER, May 1858.
Mr.. EDITOR Since my last our citizens
have been on the very tIp-tUe Of excitement