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

is better to prepare the people first, and
then to enact laws that shall embody ex-
actly and be true reflection of public
sentiment-I think l may safely assertthat
prohibitory legislation, in the. beginning of
the experiment. was imperfectly sustained
even by leading Temperance men, whether
premature or not. In the extraordinary
efforts employed to bring about such legis-
lation, the vital forces OF all existing or
ganizations were expended indeed, We
may infer from the conduct of our friends
in the States where the Maine Law was
enacted, that organization and moral sna-..
sion were no longer deemed necessary. tt
seems to have been supposed that all op-
position to the law would instantly cease
from the time it was solemnly enacted
that it would enforce itself completely, and
that in future there was no necessity for
voluntary associations to help the cause in
any way. In States where the Temperance
sentiment was not sufficiently strong to in
duce prohibtory legislation Immediately,
our friends became impatient, relaxed their
efforts; and because the popular mind
would not instantly yield to this new and
untried process of reforming the country
at once and for ever, discouragement, if
not despair, frowned upon every effort to
sustain the cause in it's old-fashioned ca
reer.
Before proceeding, suffer me to say that
prohibitory liquor laws, in principle, are
right and proper; indeed, the Temperance
reformation can never be firmly establish
ed and complete without them. But, re-
spectfully submit that it is possible to at
tempt action on this subject too soon :;
nay, in my Judgment, it is not always best
for us to succeed in our eager efforts to
legislate hastily and without regard to sur
rounding circumstances or ultimate conse-
quences.
alt is not victory to win the field
Unless we make our enemies to yield
More to our justice than our force and go
As we'll instruct, as overcome our fos.''
And yet I would earnestly recommend
all true Sons of Temperance to study and
to understand the subject thoroughly, so
that whenever and wherever it may be-
come proper to take this advance step in
our triumphant course, Temperance men,
especially Sons of Temperance, may stand
ready to lead on by a we'll understood route
to victory.
Having thus briefly sketched some of the
most formidable obstacles that have been
thrown in our way heretofore, it may be
well to consider our present standing and
future prospects.
Our Rituals are now believed to be sat
isfactory, and the Constitutions and Rules
of our Order, if not entirely acceptable
will require but slight changes to render
them so. But, we can never hope to at
tain perfection, and must not, therefore, re
fuse to consider respectful memorials from
subordinate bodies, pointing out defect.
and suggesting improvements.
For this purpose, and for other strong
reasons that might be urged, I think th'
National Division ought to continue il
session at least one week each year, and
longer, if necessary.
The meetings of this body will rarely
occur twice in the same city, or even il
the same State. Costly preparations ar
made for our reception and entertainment
Representatives have to travel thousand
of miles, and make heavy sacrifices, to at
tend. When assembled, every hour of tn
three or four days we usually continue il
session is occupied with the ordinary rou
tine of business. Discussion and debat
must necessarily be brief and unsatisfacto
ry under such circumstances, to say moth
ing Of the entire absence of opportunitie
for leading Temperance men to become &C
quainted and to harmonic their views an
sentiments on the great question tha
brings them together. It is always expee
ted, too, that on such occasions, when tn
most distinguished champions of the caus
are present, that extraordinary and effet
tive public demonstrations will be made fe
the benefit Of the community where ou
annual meetings are held. But within th
time heretofore occupied by these mo-
important reunions, nothing can be sati
factorily done, and therefore respectful
recommend that, hereaftcr, we meet @
Monday, and have it understood that tt
session is to continue at least one week
Experience has demonstrated, to my sa
isfaction, that something ought to be don
if possible, to produce stronger sympath
between the National, Grand and Subord
nate Divisions.
This very desirable result can only
attained by investing our Representa-
bodies with increased attractions, protrae
ing the sessions, and by devising ways al
means for defraying the actual expenses
at least one DELEGATE from every jurisdi
ton. know it is customary to elect
who are eligible to seats in the National al
! Grand Divisions. But. when we consid
that many who are thus elected take
interest in the affairs of the Order-rare
ever attend the meetings, and are thereto
without the necessary information and x
to represent their constituents properly
think the policy of this matter -of-coul
election of all who are eligible to sea
questionable. Better, in ray judgment,
select judiciously from those who ha
passed the chairs, such as are qualified
intelligence, prudence, fidelity and zeal
!, represent faithful constituency, and
these are too numerous, detail from t
select number, one, two, or more spec
, Representatives to attend, and pay th
, actual expenses, to ensure the attendal
, of some, at least from every jurisdicti
/ entitled to be represented.
!: The financial system of our organizat
1 esteem to be exceedingly important.
e tendency is to perpetuate the Order,
4 l,,.1 l.