Litchfield enquirer., 1863-07-02

Address of Gov. Buckingham
 BTroRk THE AnsRIcAx TEMpERAscE Usfoa, IN
 Nsw YoRK, MAY l4rH 1883.
 Gentlemen cf ate Anaeriean Esmparence Union i: By the report which has been rendered by our honored Secretary, you will notice that the ef- forts of the society during the past year have been principally directed to the circulation Of temperance tracts n the army that We have been assisted by six hundred Sabbath Schools, and have the testimony of men in high military positions that the trncts have been received with favor, have been read with iuterest and exerted good inaaence upon the morals and habits of the soldiers. Y sss <
 Although ws have not accomplished all tbe good we have desired. yet we have cause for gratitude, and reason to thank God and take courage.
 Our encouragement should not be measured by our success. but should rest upon the con- vietion that our principles are in accordance with the Divine purposes, and perfectly adap- ted to accomplish the object for which we are laboring.
 Th,s society was organized upon the simple principle that, total abstinence from all which intoxicates is a perfect safeguard from intsm perance; and we challenge the wisdom and ingenuity of man to refate by any sophistry, by any logic, or by any process of reasoning this one truth that he who abstains from drinking Intoxicating liquor will never become drunk ard, or bring upon himself and his friends the evils which follow drunkenness. The brazeu serpent was not 2 more sovereign remedy for the poisonous bite of the flying serpents, to every Israelite who looked upon it as it was lifted up by Moses in the wilderness, than is this principle for all thesevils of intemperance-
 During the twenty-six years which have just passed, this society has enrolled among it's mem bers some of the soundest divines, some of the wisest statesmen, some of the best and most learned and honorable men in all the relations of private and public life; not one of whom but has been the better. and exerted more beneficial influence in consequence of having been controlled by it's principles.
 My distinguished predecessor was called to fill many honorable and responsible positions, the duties of which he performed with such fidelity and dignity as to win the confidence and respect of all, and was enabled to hand his name down to posterity crowned with greater glory. in consequence of having added to his other noble qualities the Christian grace of temperance.
 Ths question of temperance hasa peculias importance to day. Events fraught with the interests of humanity are passing befors us with the rapidity of thought This whole peo- pie ara engaged in earnest controversy respect ing principles which lie at the foundation of the government, and are contendins by argu- nenta and by force of arms for new adjust ment of civil rights. This controversy must result either in strengthening our free iustitu- tons, and in advancing the cause of civilization and Christianity or in rolling back the tide of human liberty, and disappointing the hopes of those who are encouraged by oar example to look for deliverance from oppression aud des- potism. Engaged in this conflict are armies embracing million of men. To these men vast interests are committed. and the future of our country depends in great measure upon their spirit aad their character. This fact presses upon us the duty of surrounding them with good influences, and if possible of saving them from the evils of intemperance.
 l would not hold up the army as . school for norals,but I say the army of the United States in this day, ought to be so controlled and so disciplined that when this controversy shall end. and our sons and our brothers shall return home. they shall be better. citizens than when they left The discipline which is essential to well organized army. making men obedient to the powers which are ordained of God, is of ittelf, other things being equal, calculated to ake them better citizens. I have said to more than one of the colonels of Connecticut regiments, when I committed to their charge the thousand men in whom felt 3 deep pes. sonal interest, I ask you to discipline and train your men, and see to their health. to their physical and moral necessities SO that this ob- ject may be obtained. After having been q year in ssrvics, one of those officers returned on furlougli, and as met him the first thing hs said was, Il have remembered what you said to me, and have endeavored to keep it in min under all circumstances. All the ac- counts I have from that regiment are of 2 very fiastering character, and one reason t that he has done more than most officers to keep bis men from the evil influences of intoxicating liquor.
 A reason giysn for intemperancs among off, scers is found in Order No.s4. which permits them to have liquor for their private use, while it ia prohibited to the private soldier. l wish to bs understood that in spsaking of this sub feet do not mean te condemn the men high est in authority. While disapprose the order and wonld have it revoked, yet we must re member that they reflect the sentiments of the