Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-07-07
Local Correspondence.

Mr. Edtor-The organization known as
the Friends of Temperance" was put in ope>
ration at Petersburg, ON the 10Th day of Nov.
1865. Since then it has progressed largely
in some of the Southern States, being con-
fined as yet thereto. The difficulty in con-
nection with the old order of the Sons of
Temperance after the War, which had its
strong hold in the North, that the negro was
likely to be admitted into the order, precipi-
tated the new one and resulted in its forma-
ton. This question was excitedlY discussed
in the National Division of the Sons of Tens
perance, and resulted in compromise That
each State division should regulate its own
membership. But this did not obviate the
objection. For if the State Division of Mas
sachusetts, where negro equality is admitted,
should elect negro to the National Division,
the delegate from Virginia would find Sambo
there, his equal in every sense, The Friends
of Temperance work upon the white basis en-
tirely. They would be glad to see the coll
ored people move in this matter for it is much
needed among them, and would willingly help
them, but they must do it among themselves.
There cannot be mixing up of the two races.
Tho Friends of Temperance take higher
ground than other Temperance organizations;
moral suasion is not its only weapon, it holds
out 10 pccuniary inducement, it does not
strike at lntemperance as social evil merely
but it is held to be moral evil, sin against
God Thus the poor iuebriate is pointed to
higher power than man for strength to keep
his VOWS. Hence every person before he is
initiated has to acknowledge his belief in the
existence of & God and reverence for the
teachings of the Holy Scriptures.
The membership is composed of two classes,
Active and Associate. The Active embracing
op1 I ILL i ,,,l,
the Associate white persons REGARDLESS Of age
and sex. The Active Members arc l'equiret
to pay quarterly dues, arranged by each Coun-
ell, to defray their necessary expenses. The
Associate pay no dues and are not permitted
to visit the private meetings of the Council,
except that female Associate Members may
be allowed that privilege, and thus the mighty
influence OF woman is brought in. "Faith,
Temperance and Charity" is the motto of
the order, and each of these cardinal virtues
are taught in its ritual :'Faith in the truth
Of Gods eternal word, Temperance in all
things, and Charity to all mankind"
Thus, Mr.. Editor, you discover we have
not only a temperance organization, but what
may be regarded as stepping stone to that
higher order, the Church of Christ. It's in
tercstlng and Impressive initiatory ceremonies
awaken reflection and with Gods blessing,
contribute to conversion. Surely such an
institution deserves the hearty support of
christians and philanthropists of every name.
This organization we have smong us in good
working order. Weekly it is enlisting under
its banner those whom Rum has marked for
its victims. May we not hope that all the
good and true of our town and section, will
give their influence and active co.. operation
to its support. Thus while the Superv isors
may license and the Rum sellers may cntice.
the people refusing to buy, the traffic will
cease for want of patronage, contamination
most devoutly wished and prayed for by
TOTAL ABSTINENCE