Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1860-10-30

as though il were founded upon true
courtesy and civility of life But is II
/ courtesy TO force man to drink whether
he wishes or not, even by the sovereign
rule Of fa2hion. Is it civiIity to bring to
/ ear such a rule upon 4 friend and COM
panion who feels it an Inconvenience and
positive injury to partalte Is it becom-
ing one who calls himself a man not to
repudiate with utter contempt such a Gus
tom, evil in its tendency bearing an abso-
lute sway over a large class of our citi-
zens2 Yet this IS the custom begotten
among the refined and opulent in the
conspicuous walks of life. And propa-
eating itself downwards it has spread IL
self over the whole face of society, like
the plaques sent of God upon the Egyp-
tians with which they were cursed. Ex-
ample set among all that is 10 be admired
ia riches and splendor and refinement Of
Earth In, if you please, moderate drink
ing has been caught up and initiated by
the poor and those in humber walks Of
life until taste has been created. A
craving appetite has been formed, and
the interests of those who are traiicinr
IN intoxicating drinks, combine to hurl
those who have not sufficient restraints
thrown around them into the ABYSS Of
drunkenness. AT whose door, now fell
low citizens, does the sin of this MAJ
Staying custom lie? Is not the fault
fastened with a double clinch upon those
among whom the custom was bego,ten
Or do You say that the refined and opu-
lent Of the present day are no. accoun-
table for a custom handed down time
immemorial to them2 But allow this
for moment and YOU give foil license
to the most dlgrant vices that have ever
become common with society Of our an
fortunate rice. Indeed, vices once prop
agated, there could be no end 10 their
commission wi,hou, a fault. No, Ladies
and Gentlemen, you who give tone and
authority TO customs and usagcs in society
must be responsible for their consequent
ces, morally accountable for their results
among all grades and classes Of men.
And this IS peculiarly so in the wo bear
ing custom Of taking intoxicating drinks.
So far as the custom is concerned the
bearing is the same whether you drink
moderately or immoderaJeiy for no one
when he first Listens to the imperous
command Of fashion, or to the honied
accents Of the desire to stand first among
the first IN generosity and no5ieness Of
character, ever intends to fall INTO drunk
enness. /. IS habit most treacherous
and winning especially to the young AMI
unsophlsucated of our race. And a habit
thus created, established, and palroniz ed
BY those in ,he higher walks Of life, Is
sure to.iind numerous adherenls throuo-
out society. And adherenls too, WAC
without sufficient restraints are sure TO
extend the custom of moderate drinkins
to suit their tastes. Indeed, it is ceuli-
dently asserted by one who IS tao.oughiy
acquainted with men, that " they do not
regulate our watches more carefully or
more universally, than nine tenths Of
mankind take their tone from The resldu"
who occupy places towards which all are
strugghng.' The enchantnenls Of rich
es, luxury and elegance bear a mighty
sway among men. The wine flowing
cup is associated with all that is elegant
and admirable. Il IS appealed to- to give
/ life and animation to conversation, to
elicit flashes of VII from nen of humer-
Gus mind, and to ingratia,e oneself into
the affections of those of the opposite
sex. This IS one of the most beguIling
and dangerous forms of that time -honored
custom of moderate drinking a habit
associated with all that Is elegant and
beautiful and lovely IN women, clothed
with all the ehchantmeut Of atiiuencl
and refinement, IS vet the destroyer 0.
muititudes of our race: This, Ladies
and Gentlemen, IS the enemy against
which we have to coa.end Let The re-
sponsbii,y rest where it belongs -u7oa
those who have created the custom, up
hold and authorize It's continuance II
you would behold lis direfu] consequent
ces, look ye in'o the houses Of The in.
temperate, Mark well how joy has fled
from those who are capable Of feeling
the disgrace, and cheerfuIuess lights VI
/ the countenance only from forced ex-
] preston, while tie notes OF ine1pressiolc
grief are suppressed beside swollen
heart. But look ya farther iu.o The
abodes of The Incorporate poor, and be-
hold wan. psrched IN every corner, and
The wife and children porchance shiver-
ing abou! cold hearth-s.oue in mId-ain-
ter, or turned OF. of doors by bru.al
husband and father, driven to madness
I by poisonous liquors; and not TO lead
you farther to view the many aud horrid
! crimes committed under the influence OF
Intoxicating drinks, we have here enough
as the legitimate results of the usage OF
moderate drinking 10 induce every man