The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-10-15
TEMPERANCE MEETING.

TEMPERANCE MEETING.
CHARLorrE, N. C., Oct s, 1867.
Notwithstanding the inclemency of the
weather, the Temperance meeting advertised
was held in the Court House to-day. A large
majority of those present were from the country
some from a distance.
The meeting was organized by calling the
Rev. ]. G. Chalmers to the Chair. Rev. w. g.
Power was requested to act as Secretary. Rev.
DR.. McPhail, President of Davidson College,
one of the speakers selected, was then INTRODUCED
to the audiences 10 calm, but impressive
style be delivered short address. He stated
that, at the beginning Of the Temperance refor-
nation in this country, there were three ideas
which startled the nation: First-the enor
nous cost Of spirituous liquors consumed an
nually by the people of the United States /;
secondly-the vast injury done to public morals
BY their use, as shown by the records OF the
crimes committed under their influence and
thirdly -tae large number of deaths which are
traceable to their effects
he recollected an assertion of Cough, one of
the early Temperance reformers, viz /: that there
was not family in the land which bad not had
one more members ruined by the use of ar
dent spirits. These ideas in all their momen-
| tous magnitude were submitted for our consid-
Grafton. Fear of tresspassing on your space,
uOIice Vi Tue LII IcWdIhS.
When he had concluded, the following Consti
tuition was submitted by the committee appointed
to prepare it-and as amended was adopted
A resolution was adopted requesting the diff
ferent newspapers Of the city to publish the pro-
ceedings and the accompanying Constitution.
j. G. CHALMERS, Chm.
VIM. c. Power, Sec'y.
*Judge Osborne, who was also expected to address
us, had not returned from his Northern tour.
Constitution of the Mecklenburg County Tempe
rance Society Of North Carolina
Believing that the use of ardent spirits a
| common beverage is not only unnecessary but
often hurtful, it leads to intemperance and
prodigality, with all their attendant evils, We,
whose names are hereunto subscribed. desiring
| to form an association for mutual benefit and
the benefit of others, in the promotion of tempe
rance, do agree to adopt the following
! CONSTITUTION.
ART. l. This Society shall be known as The
Mecklenburg County Temperance Society of
| North Carolina"
Art. 2. The officers Of this Snciety shall be,
a President, two Vice Presidents, Secretary
and Treasurer. all to be elected annually.
| Art. 3. The above-named officers, together
| with three Others also to be elected annually
shall constitute the Executive committee of this
Society.
Art. 4. 1t will be required of those who desire
to become members of this Society, to adopt in
good faith the following pledge, namely:
PLEDGE.-We do solemnly pledge ourselves
to abstain from all distilled and other intoxica-
ting drinks, a common beverage, to discourage
| and discountenance the making vending of
the same, for the like purposes, and to exert our
influence for the general promotion of Tempe
rance and social order.
Art. 5. This Society shall hold regular annual
| meetings on the first Saturday in October, of
.ooh1 NJ h;abr anfiv
| mittee shall make full report of the operations
| of the Society during the previous year. for the
information of the Society. The Executive COM
mittee shall be authorized and empowered to
make arrangements for the organization Of aux
iliary Societies in this county. wherever aud
whenever practicable; and also for holding quar-
terly. or intermediate meetings, as the Society
may direct.
Art. 6. Members violating their pledge may
be dealt with in the following manner: 1st-For
the first offense, if suitable acknowledge ent be
made to any two members of this Society. the
Executive committee. in behalf of the Society,
may accept such acknowledgment as satisfactory
2d-For the second offense. the offender shall be
| admonished by committee of two or three ap-
pointed by the Executive committee, or by its
chairman. 3d-For the third offence, the name
| of the person offending may be stricken from
the roll, by majority vote of the Executive com
mittee at their discretion. 4th-If any member
| violating his pledges, shall deny the same, or
prove refractory. it shall be the duty of the Ex-
| ecutive committee to examine the testimony in
such case or Cases, and present the whole mat
ter to the Society, at next regular meeting, for
adjudication.
Art. 7. Amy member becoming dissatisfied,
and wishing to withdraw from the Society and
its obligations, may do so by giving notice three
months previously. to the Secretary Of his or her
intention thus to withdraw.
Art. 8. Auxiliaries formed under this Consti-
tuition will be expected to report their operations
to this Society. through its Executive committee,
at its annual meetings.
Art. 9. No change shall be made in this Con-
stitution, unless notice be given by the mover
of the proposed change at previous regular
maeting-and then such change to be effected
| only by an affirmative of two thirds of the men,
bers present.