The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1865-08-18
Temperance Contention.


National Temperance Contention.
A national temperance convention was
held at Saratoga the LIST inst Many of
the eminent temperance men of bur land
were present. Addresses and suggestions
were made, and resolutions were passed,
which, if carried out, can not fail to help
on the great temperance cause. The cler-
gy, the press and the medical profession
were called upon to aid in the great work
by the powerful agencies in their hands.
A marked feature of the meeting was
an interesting paper read by DR.. Charles
Jewett, the eminent temperance lecturer,
on the medicinal qualities of alcoholic liq-
uors. 1t appeared from this article that
''strOng drink interferes with DIGESTION
does pot increase natural heat or physical
strength; that there was no testimony to its
good effect either TO neutralize air. water.
or in reality permanently to relieve pain;
but on the contrary is a deadly poison and
should in all cases be treated as SUCH
This paper was referred to committee OF
five eminent physicians from different parts
of the country who endorsed DIR. Jewctt's
article, and the following resolution was
adopted by the convention:
Resolred, That in view of the recent
developments Of scientific investigation in
Europe and this country, the published
opinions of medical men on both conti-
nents and especially in view of the evil
effects which are often known to follow
the use of alcoholic medicines, this con-
vention respectfully but earnestly request
all engaged in this honored and influential
profession to substitute other articles in
the place of alcohol SO far as in their udg-
ment it can be wisely done.
The following resolutions were also
adopted as platform on which to build
and carry forward the great temperance
reform
Resolved. That as convention, we
gratefully acknowledge the good hand of
God in the past history of the temperance
reformation, and should exert its efforts
with a constant dependence Oh the Divine
Spirit and Providence.
Resolred, That in its inception and early
progress it was largely a relig ious move
ment, and that in subsequent stages it has
been greatly promoted by the Christian
ministry and the Christian church.
Resolred, That we invoke the continued
increase of the services of ministers and
protested Christians, especially the EXAM
4 pie of total abstinence from intoxicatin.
drinks, and the thorough incubation OF
temperance principles from the pulpit and
in the Sunday Schools.
Whereas, There is no longer in the esti-
nation of many eminent ministers and
| Christians plea for the use of intoxica-
, ting wines in Christian ordinances. as a
fruit of the vine unfermented can so easily
be obtained, giving full satisfaction.
Resohud, That should all Christian
churches confine themselves to that at the
f table of the Lord, it would remove one OF
the strongest pleas for the necessity and
. morality of the Intoxicating wine tratfics
one of the chief supports of the pretended
, innocence and Divine sanction of intOxica.
| ting drinks.
Resohed, That the education of the
young in the principles and practice Of to-
. tai abstinence is of permanent importance
and that we appoint committee to bring
I the subject Of juvenile temperance associa.
t tons and publications to the special notice
G of the managers Of the Sunday School
cause and boards of education, that these
. may become a more permanent part OF
= school instruction and literature.
Resohed, That the entire community
n should be educated not only to the princi-
e pies and practi &c of total abstinence fol
i the personal safety and good Of Others, but
:, up TO such consciousness of the right OF
self-protection as shall secure the enforce
e ment of existing legal restrictions, and the
. speedy and etfectual enactment of the
e strongest prohibitory statutes
Resol,ed, That as means of this edu-
cation, besides the pulpit, the Sabbath
school, and the press, local organizations
e shall exist in towns and parishes on a per-
r manent basis, for mutual instruction and
e quickening, as well as for union and
strengthening in the pledge of total absti-
nence.
Resolled, That homemade wines, bit
tiers and beer are also common means Of
educating children and others into a taste
for strong alcoholic drinks, and always
e the occasion for the fall ofpartly reformed
4 ilen, and should be discOuntenanced by
all friends of temperance.