The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-04-10
From the Daily Times.
A WORD TO OUR YOUNG MEN

The following from the Charleston Courier is
worthy Of the consideration Of the youths Of our
embryo city. The dull times of which our
merchants and business men complain, do not
seem to effect the class referred to below.
Really it is tine to be serious, and for the pull
pit, press and sages OF the land to press forward
in the attack on this gigantic evil. While all
tradesmen feels the effects of the scarcity of mo:
ney, the whiskey business fourishes We ap-
peal to the young men OF the country, at once
to seek SOME useful employment. Ideness is
the sin Of the South, and in itSstgan follow all
other vices. The Industrious and enterprising,
10 their occupations, find protection and shield
against temptation. If one source is not open
then seek another. Scout the silly notion that
manual labor is not respectable. Many of the
greatest lights of this Or any other age have
worked with their hands. Every one now
should be at work. The necessities of the coun-
try require it. Not only will our resources be
greatly developed by steady, energetic, manful
grappe with the difficulties which surround us,
bat public morals would be mproved-tempta-
ton removed, and the sin of intemperance be
abated if not totally eradicated.
The remarks of the Courier we fear can be as
pertnently applied to this community as they
are to Charleston. Let it no longer be said
while enterprise Of spirit and moment ianguish,
Srog shops multiply and flourish
at is with feeling Of deep aud genuine So
licitude that We venture to touch upon subject
which relates particularly to the private habits
and morals Of the young men of our community.
A passion for drinking Intoxicating beverages is
manifested to an extent at once surprising and
distressing. Saloons, hotels and all places at
which liquor is sold are thronged nightly by
this large and important class of our people
Here they indulge freely in the vile mixtures
which "steal the senses and rack the BRAIN"
squander their money and jeopardize their good
name and reputation. Young men recklessly
and vice may be found, it is true, in all cities,
and for the reason of the limitless spread of the
evil it becomes the serious duty of all good and
upright men to use every possible effort to favor
reform On looking around our eyes fall
upon many youth, bright and promising to all
appearances, who doubtless WOULD win for him
self fortune and fame were it not for that one
great ilug-lstemperaDce. sad and pltltul
spectacle Is presented when young men, who
naturally would hold the FIRST POSITIONS in re-
fined society, Voluntarily sever their connection
with those Influences which elevate character,
develop intellect and enlighten the mind, and
yield to those baneful destroying allurements
WHICH lead both body and soul to inevitable and
appalling ruin. We cannot suffer this gigantic
fend, ntemperance, to s boldly and imreri-
ously through our streets, selling in it's horr1
grasp the youth and pride Of the people, with
out offering grave and solemn protest against
all agencies which give aid and countenance to
its support: This is not the first time We have
pleaded for great social reforms on the part of
our youth Unless We have reform we shudder
at the prospects Of the future. The silent tear
which lies down check as we write this
paragraph is an evidence of the sincerity of our
purpose liz thus briefly addressing the young
men of Charleston"