Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-06-15

| Art VII. exclude them for six menths at
least. The effect Of this decision Is TO make
violations Of the pledge less criminal than
any other offence. Surely the authors Of
onr Constitutions could not have intended
this; and yet Sections and Z, Art. VII.,.
may be construed in the way | have the
subject It might be wen 10 add that mem
oers expelled for auy cause cannot be pror
posed again under six months.
Part 81, Section |, Constitution ofs the
National Division, should be 50 amended
y to require Lady Visitors 10 be returned
Is Wall a. members and Art. IN i. sectioa
=. stifntion of sntcrdinste Dtvisians,
would OF course have to be made 70 con-
form.
Rules XIX and XXTTI., Constitution OF
Grand Divisions, might, in my opinion, be
properly abolished entirely.
| Art. L, Section /, Revised Rules, should
De amended SO as to require the annual
meetings of Grand Divisions to be held dn-
ring the first quarter of our Temperance
year.
Art. VII, Revised Rules, might be i'm,
proved by changing the term "Withdrawal
Gard" to that of transfer Card"
And ifnew features are to be introduced;
it seems to me that provision might be
made, with advantage, for Life Member
ship in the Order, on conditions similar to
those required by other Phianthropic AS
soelations.
1t also occurs to me that Subordinate
Divisions might be judiciously empowered
to confer honorable distinctions occasion
ally, in rare, we'll defined instances, on pri-
vate members, for extraordinary merit and
long continued services, by allowing limit
ed selections to be made from this class fol
promotion to seats in Grand Divisions.
But, | trust you will not understand me
as insisting upon amendments now; the
proposed changes are only suggested, as
being worthy of consideration at any time
when it may be determined to revise oul
Constitutions indeed, the prevailing sen
4 timent at this time is well expressed in the
following extract taken from letter to me
by one of the members now in his seat:
/ "The Order wants no legislation at pres
ent. ALI it wants is universal moving
spirit, and Divisional and Individual effor
divisional in the missionary work o
forming new Divisions, and Individua
aoork in gaining new members"
l have thus presented to the Nationa
Division such views as have seemed to m,
to claim precedence on this occasion.
For more exact and satisfactory infor
nation as to the present condition of tn
Order generally, refer you to the forth
coming report of our veteran NJ. W. S.
This model officer has relieved the weight
responsibilities and duties of my Office th
past year, by his readiness and ability t
perform any task demanded by the curren
exigencies Of the Order.
The Report of the M. w. T. will appriz
you of the financial condition of the Ma
tional Division.
The bonds of the NJ w. S. and M. w
i T., have both been duly executed, approx
fed, as required by the Constitution, an
are now in my possession.
The NJ W. A has been untiring an
eminently successful in his efforts to ad
vance the interests of our Order during th
lpast year; indeed, all the officers of the NJ
tional Division have devoted themselvt
increasingly to the work throughout tn
entire year just now closing.
In conclusion, suffer me to invoke frol
the distinguished leaders of this great r.
form now present, united, hearty, an
vigorous effort to direct the mighty effo
to direct the mighty power that mov'
harmoniously in different spheres aroun
this common centre.
The present is an auspicious occasion
the darkest period in our history is pas
and our future is bright and cheering.
The Order is in many respects strong
to-day, and enjoys more substantial pop
larity, than ever before. 1t is destine
under judicious management, to move {
steadily, iu spite Of any obstacle that ms
be thrown in its way, vindicating its big
claims to public confidence, and superior
ty over every other organization of of Il
kind for the reformation Of our rum-curst
Hand.
Charged with the consideration of ever
thing that may be calculated to promo
1.-The harmony and advance the interests
1.-THE Order in North America, your respo
lsibilities are great, and the duties befe
Iyou important. May your deliberatio
be wisely directed by an ovsrruling Pro
, Iidence, and may your proceedings, th
: influenced, be approved by Sons Of Te7
perance everywhere, and crowned with t
favor and blessing of our Great Patriarc
: Respectfully submitted,
+ B. D. TOWNSEND, M. W. p
, Philadelphia, Pa, June lst 1859.
: EVERY MANS AUToBIoGRAPHY.-
man IL actnallu annanod dau .hu dau