Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-06-13
Our Leader.

V0l AOo0CAs
1--WE want some editorial copyf y exclaimed Q
imp, as We lounged dreamily in our easy v
chair this hot, sultry Acknowledging to a
g scisorise" something that would satisfy the
unceasing cry for ~"copy-more copyP"- .
but this call aroused us to a recollection that !;
we must Urite as well as select. So here
goes:
But aohat to write ?-that is the question;
and upon what subject. Had we "a charter
as illimitable as the winds, to blow on whom
we please" we might easily cut and thrust
promiscuously, and fill up our editorial space.
But we have no desire, nor is it expected of
us, to pitch into politics, that prolific theme
of discussion which now almost entirely en-
crosses public attention, for we can scarcely
allude to political events, without some green
eye tancying that he sees an inkling of favor
itism to the party to which he is opposed.
But, after conducting a neutral paper for
nearly eleven years, we have never had party
partiality imputed to its columns but once,
and he must have had optics keen
'sTo see things that are not to be seen"
-
E So we have escaped pretty well.
But we would just here say to all jealous
: minded ones, that the esprit of the Age"
e never has, has not now, and while under
our control never viii, take sides in party
politics. It neither disapproyes nor favors any
S Of the measures of political party organiza-
ID tons, exceptit be to denounce the Black Re-
publican party and its schemes against the
- peace, safety and happiness-social and po-
20 litical-of the community we live in. So we
are cut off from political discussion.
n Well, what then? May wenot discuss the
~ principles of oul holy Religion? Here we
are requiredt to be, if possible, even more chary
lid than about politics. Sect arian jealousies,
er- preiudices and animosities are so suspicious
and unrelenting, that frequently even a friend
an ly complimentary allusion to a distinguished
till minister of one denomination, is misconstrueC
10 by some Jealous one into a manifestation 9
lbt partiality towards the church with which h
hill is connected. If we say a word in favor {
f Of Calvin or Knox, we are suspected of partialit
a. to Presbyterianism. We must not compl
less ment Wesley or Asbury, else we will /
ned, charged with strong leanlngS towards Met
des, odism. And we must be particular how v
iile speak of even John the Baptist, lest some OF
Tho shall say we are plainly showing our favor
pifls Being cut of, then, FROM political and +
ligious discussion, we fall back upon our O
cred and ~favorite theme, TEMPERANCE Ia then
moi, as inexhaustible as it is important-and
= important as all the aggregated interests
man for time and vast eternity. But wi
lther will read, listen or talk about Temperance
are these exciting times? We do not know-ca
~ not say-buti in humble imitation of the fat
walk tul minister OF Jesus, 1t is our duty to prea
the gospel of Temperance and "wheth
reel men will hear or whether they will forbea,
II y we leave to God, knowing in due time
world shall reap the reward of our labors, if
lips faint not.
that Ana 10. = ~ rT
and
claims upon every citizen, whether political
: but socially, or religiously considered? Car
y the politician be a true patriot who has no reg:
u :mu for the purity and morality of those for VIII
free interesth he expresses such deep devotion? III;
al fe- we fallen upon such degenerate times, t
and the proud and glorious title of Patriot me;
- ny only he who strives for party agrandizem
r can and party promotion, at whatever %sacrific,
political virtue and purity may be required
tnoSe effect it? Is he a patriot who will infame
: ~, passions of his fellow-citizens, corrupt Il
e, and Integrity, and blind their moral and polit
eatest perceptions, by the circulation of the whisl
WIN bottle? Has the American character bect
cup,
hind so degraded and deprayed, that we are for
Thus to admit that without whiskey we cannot
m"n men to vote on this side or that? O! W
eff@ots a reflection upon the title of ga free b
were American citizen !" And will our people,
suvius voters of North Carolina, rest under the
WI imputation 2-will they yield to the degrat
add a impeachment that their suffrages can be
your huenced oneway or the other by a treat
BE drink of whiskey! Surely not. Then
49, them rebuke, in a stern, indignant and p
otto manner, the attempt of candidates or
4 look, one else, to tarnish their political virtue
ehgth- independence by offering a bride so hui
le who -,
@emo "hu ueSiauihs 'ro hohol Vi d
gfellow voter and citizen of the State. Drive
whiskey carts and free treat" jugs from
h~ustings. Tell the candidates you cam
homes hear principles discussed, and not to see v
Atma key dealt out; and by every means in
demon oror1ohor hraol1 d tb;. ,
4 dove pm
longer custom. hePeopie can 90 II anothey
boldly it to their political integrity and independ
aces that they set their mark of disapprob;
+ nd upon the vile system of treating by candid
ID may or their friends.
fol- -
5 tasted No.
then wora adn;soJ ~ .brao - o,.r a~hSa W
n wales aonor 1919 - $50
ceived. One remittance was mailed at Sa
N. c., another at Newbern, Ala, and the
at Paulding Miss. During the last six mo