The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1866-04-26
For The Mtcliigencer.
THE TEMPERANCE REFORM.

Mr.. EDITOR We would herein most respectful
y suggest to the surviving champions, and
other friends of the Temperance Reform, the i'm
portance of prompt and vigorous effort to save
the young and rising generation from the evils re-
resulting from an improper use of ardent spirits
For it is truly lamcntabc that while corrupt pol
iticians-unprincipled dcmagoguos-have been
revelling on the blood Of q bleeding nation, and
the dreadful calamitcs of war have swept over
the country the demon atemperance with oil its at
tendant rices, have been making inroads and raw
ages upon the different interests of communities
But. sir, it is not the design of your humble
correspondent in this communication, to depict
the appalling effects of intempcrance, but simply
to ..stir up the pure minds" of your numerous
readers "by way of remembrance" and, by the
way, elicit the aid of your pen in behalf OF the
Temperance cause.
Ten or fifteen years ago, the feelings of the pco-
ple were aroused to their utmost height on this
subject and Temperance organizations were rlfe
in the land The evils of intempcrance were dis
cussed upon the Streets in social circles, around
the freside, and along the public high ways. The
Pulpit and the Press turned their batteries IN
that direction "with demonstration nnd with pow
er." The one was supported by theological TRUTH
the other by the popular sentiment of the people.
The one spoke in the upliftcd thunders OF Sinai
the other, in the ire peculiar to the craft The
ono to listening multitudcs congregated at the
sanctuary the other, to the reading worid-at
home or elsewhere. At the same time, the soft
persuasive arguments, earnest supplicntons, and
musical odes of the fairer ones, occupied quite
prominent place in the picture, in rcclaiming the
many ,llen victims to incbriation.
The different organizations and agencies above
alluded to, greatly excited public opinion, and
were supported by public opinion in return. Tho
popular sentiment, in those days, was decidedly
against the use of intoxicating liquor as bcycr-
age. But what is the prevailing feeling on this
subject now? Are you sure it is not on the other
side?
Any casual observer must acknowledge that IN
temperance is greatly the increase, in oil places
where the subject is not agitated Hoary-headed
sres, tottcr;ng under tho weight of years, with
numerous cares and responsibilities about them
young men just beginning to figure upon time
and little boys, too, Of ten or twelve summers, are
overcome by the enchanting cup, and drink
deeply drink, regardless of consequences in time
or eternity. Even here, at my pleasant mountain
home, where the fragrant wild-howers beautifully
bedcck surrounding landscapes, and little birds
sing so swectly, the bacchanaian yell is heard re-
vorbcrating amid the hills, and corpulent forms
move like spcctres along The roads.
Now, what can be done to stay these ravages
which confront us on every side? Some think it
vain to spring the question now, as there are $50
few" comparatively, but what indulge occasion
ally" in the use of ardent spirits as beverage.
This is certainly good reason why tho subject
should be agtated. Let The "fcw," wherever
they be, form themselves into societies. and let the
different organizations cooperate with each other
in devising such plans as their wisdom may direct
for the accomplishment of the laudable purpose in
view. SURVEILLANCE.