The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-04-25

SOSS or TENPERANCE-GRAND DIVISION
OF VIRGINA-QrARTERLY MEETING, APRIL
q, lS67-REPoRT OF THE GRAND WORTHY
PATRrARcH.-Thisb body met on yesterday
in the hall of Shockoe Hill Division on Mar
shall street, near Sixth. TheGraDd Worthy
Patriarch was present, and called the
meeting to order. After the usual opening
exercises, and the transaction of business
unlmportant to the public, the presiding
officer submitted the following report:
"Brethren,-Since our last quarterly
meeting, which was held in Portsmouth in
January, nothing has transpired which de-
mands long report at this time.
"The steady and persevering zeal ofthosc
| Sons of Temperance, and those Divisions
with which | am best acquainted by actual
observation or correspondence, is worthy
of notice. 1t is certainly an inspiring
cause for congratulation and encourage
ment. Not few of the men who are
found enlisted in these commendable
efforts to promote total abstinence are
themselves living examples of its bcneti-
cent influence; for it has, by the blessing
of God, reformed them, changed the aspect
of their condition, anu roured unnumbercd
comforts into the homes and hearts OF
their families. To the good that the Order
has done and is doing to this class, add its
effect upon the large number of young
men who are entering its circle, and upon
others of different ages that are saved by
it from the snares and dangers of mode
rate drinking. Such considerations as
these multiply results to degree which
leaves no reason for any abatement in our
labors, reproves our want Of diligence, and
urges us forward to more extended views,
to larger and more liberal measures for the
promotion of the cause.
"The report of the Grand Scribe will
show you that during the quarter several
applications have been received for char
ters to organize new divisions. But while
this is gratifying, | am constrained to say
that more energy is needed in this behalf,
and to urge you to the adoption of some
| plan by which those regions of our juris-
diction that are now unoccupied may be
visited, and efforts made to extend the
Order more widely. The growth of the
| Grand Division of Virginia, since its or
ganization, has been, under the circum-
stances, matter of surprise and joy but
more might have been done. The achieve
ments of the past plainly show that we can
/ possess much more of the land if We will,
and that we may expect the Divine bless
/ ing if we go forward. For what has been
/ done by means so feeble our thanks are
due to the Father of lights and mercies,
and We are encouraged humbly to sue for
more.
"While there is a profound and well
tried sentiment widely prevalent, which
has proved in many families and commu
mites an etfectual barrier against the re-
cent encroachments of iutemperance,
many who once were known as prominent
temperance men have forsaken the cause,
the drinking customs of years long past
have been, to considerable extent, re-
vived, and the manufacture and commerce
of Intoxicating drinks have increased to
an alarming and appalling degree. Alt
efforts put forth by the two temperance
organizations in our State, with all that is
done by Christian men at large to resist
this mighty tide of evil, is entirely made
quate. May the present meetings of these
two bodies in our city merit an increase of
efficiency on their part, and awaken the
attention Of the community to that fear
full state of things to which SO many-even
of our best citizens-scem utterly insen-
siblc.
Respectfully submitted,
In love, purity, and fidelity,
| "P. b. PRICE,
"G. W. p, G. d. of Va"