Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-09-04
"Our Intimate Enemies"

Under this caption, the Richmond Exam
iuer of a recent date has a long and learned
article upon the use of Alcohol as a bever-
age, especially in connection with our army.
The writer is evidently free from the objec-
tons urged against Temperance writer's gen.
orally, that OF fanaticism and ultraism upon
the subject, for he takes occasion to make a
fling at the whining and barking school of
moralists" who have rendered it difficult for
common sense to get access to it" We can
afford to forgive the spiteful and unnecessary
innuendo against the friends of Temperance
reform in the South, and thank him for the
exalted position in which he places the mat
ter before our new Republic.
The writer denominates Alcohol as a much
more formidable enemy than the Yankees,n
and says, in view Of the war, that upon the
sagacity and decision of our military author.
ity it depends whether the abuse of ardent
spirits shall or shall not continue to levy up
on the youth Of this country a tribute ten
thousand times heavier than that of the Gre
tan Minotaur, and as much more disgraceful."
This is a truth strongly put, but not more
strongly than truly, and coming from a Tenn
perance man per sc, would be placed under
the ban of f~anatical ultraism; but coming
from the source this does, must be accredited
by many who would otherwise discard and
reject it.
We quote another sentence, which should
sound in our ears with the force of seven
fold thunder; viz: Upon the habits and
ideas contracted or permitted during this war !,
hang the social destinies Of the South u
What an important declaration, and how ne
cessary to our future welfare as a people thai
these habits and ideas should be of a pure
and elevatlng, instead o. a groveling and de.
grading character. The demoralizing inau
ence which it is feared will follow this war,
has given to the v~irtuous and pious portions
OF our elbow citizens the most painful ap-
prehensions. And when we are told by
Chaplains and some others that "the morals
of our regiment is by no means improving, ("
these apprehensions strike terror to the
hearts OF thousands of parents and friends
VIII o tremble for the safety of the morals
more than the personal security of loved one:
who have entered the lists to drive the vii,
invader from our soil. They know and fee
that if Alcoholic drinks are allowed in GU
camps or to be used by our soldiers, tina
every one is liable to be corrupted by it ant
that though they may return to home an
loved ones with the wreath of victory owe
oppression entwined around their brows
they may at the same time be the captiv
slaves OF a tyrant more degrading and repul
sive than the enemy they have conquered.
The writer of the article in question say
-" President Davis, through the militar
organization which giveshi m a s~alutary DOW
er over the personal habits Of our soldiers i
camp, holds, or may hold, the thousand head
of vice by a single neck and strangle them i
his grasp. So entire is the confidence re
posed in our leaders, and SO profoundly th
necessity of sictory,is felt, that the virtue
essential to 1t need but TO be proclaimed, til
vices inimicalto itdenounced, by these chief
in order that the conscience of the arm
should adopt the former and repudiate th
latter.
VI how anxious the hope-how.fervent Ii
prayer-that these wholesome influences ma
be brought to bear by our noble commander
and men in authority and that our bray
soldiers may be taught the important lesson
he that ruleth his own spirit mightier tina
he that taketh a city"
We have not room for further remarks O
this valuable and interesting artic e this weel
but shall publish it in full IN our next issu,
and bespeak for it the careful perusal Of a
our readers. And we sincerely trust thu
the influential source from which it emanate,
will the prompt and rigid adoption {
It's salutary suggestions, by those in author
ity.
EE- We are requested by DR.. J. I
Foard, Commission Merchant at Newberr