The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-02-12
The State Temperance Convention and
Demonstration at Augusta.

DNfuOhSuuhoh os h"s ssSeus
The State Temperance Convention assem-
bled at Sons of Temperance Hall in Augusta,
on Wednesday morning, 10th inst, and was
organized by the choice of Hon. n. G. Hitch
born, of Stockton, as temporary chairman.
The business of the morning was of no
great public interest except as paving the way
for subsequent action. Arrangements were
made for appearing by representatives before
the legislative committee having the State
Liquor Agents Report under consideration.
In the afternoon, in the Representatives
Hall, this committee held session, and the
Hall was crowded with ladies and gentlemen
to listen to the speaker selected to urge the
adoption Of an Explanatory bill" or a bill
which shall include malt liquors, such as ale,
beer and porter, in the category of intoxicat-
ing drinks.
Rev. ID. b. Randall, of Lewiston, made the
opening address, and it was candid, able and
impressive presentation of the case. He
showed the difficulties in the way OF enforc-
ing the law growing out of the fact that in
large majority OF cases witnesses win testify
that they purchased no ardent spirits, but only
ale, &C., and that under the frequent ruling OF
the courts such testimony proves bar to fur
Their proceedings. Mr.. Randall presented sam
Piles of the results of the analysis of these ar
tieles, by DIR. Hayes of Boston, showing that
they contain from 1-2 to 91-2 per cent. OF
pure alcohol, and double that percentage of
proof spirits of the strength of rum, whisky,
&c. A pint of xxx Ale is shown to con-
tain 1902 grains of proof spirit, or about the
amount of two ordinary drinks. Mr. Randall
statement of the analysis, which we will lay
before our readers for their information, tn
crafty their curiosity, and to show our beer
drinking friends what kind of elements they
put into their stomachs.
Rev. DR. Graham, of this city, followed Mr..
Randall in one Of the most happily conceived,
well digested, logically arranged and convin-
cling arguments that we have listened to for
many day. He spoke with great force and
beauty, and his remarks were frequently in
terrupted by the most generous applause.
The DIR. took the commercial and economical
view of the subject, showing the bearing of
intemperance upon individual and public
wealth and prosperity. He insisted upon an
explanatory law, aud claimed that it was rem
dered necessary by the perverse judgments
of men, and also to make the objective and
subjective meaning of the law harmonious.
He gave very happy illustration from the
old story Of the edict in Smyrna intended to
facilitate the detection of thieves, requiring
that no man should appear in the streets after
certain hour without lantern. The law was
complied WITH and every man had his lantern,
but IL contained no candle. An edict was
needed requiring that the lantern should con-
tain candle. This was also complied with,
but still the candles remained unlghted, and
not till the second explanatory edict was is
sued requiring the lighting of the candles,
was the objective design of the law secured.
So be would put upon the statute book the
needful record to secure beyond all cavil or
doubt the design had in view by the original
authors of the present law, which was to make
it penal offense to sell without legal author
ity any article that can intoxicate the brain.
Other gentlemen followed, Capt. Coffin of
Sidney, Hon. n. G.. Htchbora of Stockton,
Hon. c. Holden ana Hon. ]. j. Perry of the
Executive Counci,-continuing the hearing
up TO past five o'clock when the committee
adjourned.
In the evening the Convention held ses-
sion in the Representatives Hail. over which
| Gov. Cony was invited to preside as perma-
| nent President. The Governor was received
made few excellent remarks, and held his
seat till the meeting was well under way,
when, in consequence of the fatigue incident
TO laborious days work, he asked to be ex-
cused, and Mr.. Hitchborn presided the rest Of