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

cheap expedient to run the machinery af
home, I think all wcll-informed Sons of
Temperance, who have watched our move-
ments closely, win agree with me, that the
conditions and duties Of membership, Il
many points, are cheapened too mach, and
let down from an enlightened, judieions
and liberal scale to acontracted and penu-
rious standard, that grudges the expendi-
ture of every dollar that is likely to clrcu-
late beyond the immediate neighborhood
in which it IS collected. DeeplY impress
ed with these views, Iearnestls rec ntnend
the cultivation Of more lG1
sSubordinate DsFkiaas, - Il sfisbs
!control of this matter, bnt the action Of
most of the Grand Divisions, in requiring
very small per capita tax, has encourag-
ed this cheapening process.
am happy, however, to observe that .
reaction is gradually taking place. Most
of the Grand Divisions have within a year
or two, doubled the quarterly tax or per
centage, thus putting their finances on
better foundation, relieving the Treasury
of this body, and rendering it necessary
for Subordinate Divisions to require moro
weekly dues
/ have already alluded to the exhausting
depletion of our Treasures by the Benefit
System, which engrossed so much atten-
ton, and led to such unfortunate results
few years ago.
! Another expensive custom deserves
passing notice before dismissing the sub
ject of finance, The employment of Star
temperance Lecturers at extravagant rates
of compensation, has absorbed immense
sums of money. That great deal of good
has been accomplished in this way, will
not pretend to deny; but serious evils have
undoubtedly resulted. It is also too often
the case, that mere talented adventurers
are tempted by the strong demand, and
Liberal pecuniary consideration, to take the
field as champions of the cause and, while
it is popular, to deliver eloquent orations
on the suject. Unfortunately, however,
such advocates are apt to yield too readily
to adverse influences, and are therefore,
} not reliable as leaders amt that We
have some true and world-renowned lec-
lures, whose hearts and souls are engaged
in the work, aud whose mastery appeals
have silencea all opposition for the time,
} and inclined thousands to look upon our
Order, and the cause we advocate, with IA
, vor. But very few of these are to be found
! in the wide extent of our country; and
e fewer still that can be induced to make q
business of lecturing.
|, therefore, respectfully. recommend
: Sons of Temperance everywhefe to rely
s mainly upon native home talent, and to
!, draw upon this convenient source for advo-
r Gates as often as may be necessary. These,
: if deficient as lecturers in many respects,
: will yet enjoy superior advantages from
q their we'll known antecedents, and their
s identity and sympathies with the commu-
mites in which they lecture.
g Since the 14th Annual Session, when
e the new Ritual was adopted, the great
n body of our membership appear satisfied,
i and inclined to let the we'll adjusted ma.
chinery of our organization work on with
= out disturbance. It pleasant and encour-
n aging to observe this evidence Of success
e in adopting our admirable system to the
t. circumstances and favor of the masses ol
Is this great country. Our organic arrange
t. ments, designed to accomplish the single
e purpose which unites all good Temperance
n men everywhere, deserve this general con.
L idence and approval.
;e But it would be unsafe and middleton.
} for us to arrogate the scheme, perfection
l. Notwithstanding it embodies the experience
IS and wisdom Of the best Temperance mer
c. amongst US. After all, we have to admi
ID that it had its origin in human minds, ane
at that its development is subject to the fuc
c. tuations Of finite understandings. Tha
10 the Order enjoys the approving smiles 0
se the Author Of all Good, we are assured
c. but it's founders were not inspired, nor ar
Or those who shape its destinies infallible.-
lr 1t will not do, therefore, to regard the ed
le ifice as finished and complete. Alteration
st and Improvements may, and probably will
IS be inspired, as well for the accommodation
ly and convenience of present occupants, q
IN also for the pressing crowds who are likel
ae to seek shelter in this Asylum hereafter
1t may be that the National Division, i
IT its wisdom, will deem constitutional char
le, ges unnecessary for the present. so,
ay shall be satisfied, and will cheerfnlly at
IL quiesce. But if it shall be determined t
revise the Constitutions during this mee
be ing, I respectfully submit the followin
We slight change as being worthy of your f
ct vorable consideration: s
nd Rule Xxx, Constitution of Grand Divi
of ions, | think might be abolished or quail
ic- fed so as to allow Grand Divisions, at the
all option, to admit members of Subordinat
nd as visitors in the same way, and for Il
Ter same reasons, that this body admits men
no bers of Grand Divisions to come in al
ely witness its proceedings.
ore Art. Y. Section /. Constitution of S
cal bordinate Divisions might, I think, be j
:, diciously amended by striking out tourte
rse and inserting taoelve gears of age.
ats, Observation has satisfied me that Sc
to tioL l, Art. x, Constitution of Subordina
ave Divisions, requires, if possible, addition
by force or sanctions to compel members
to report probable violation of the pledge.
if Art. X, Section 2, Constitution of S
his bordinate Divisions, might, | think,
sial stricken out entirely, or the limit reduc
leir to sixteen or eighteen years. Some of 0
nee very best officers are young men und
Ion twenty-one years of age and if these .
competent and disposed to fll offices Il
Ion require labor, justice and policy dema
Its that they should have access to positie
, to of trust and honor.