Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1869-04-23

alcoholic drinks, all require to be pre-
sented again for the benefit of this gene
ration. And with those arguments, the
terrible lessons to be drawn from the
doubly distilled poisons now vended for
drinks. There must be light, and there
must be decision, to every individual for
and of himself. Else all resolutions
made, and pledges given, will be of no
avail.
3. We require social organizations
We know that eloquent lecturers have
stirred up the people, and secured thou
sands of signatures to the temperance
pledge and that individual effort has
frequently accomplished much by the
same means. But unless those thus
pledged are gathered into some temper
ance fold they cannot be made very SER
viceable to the cause, or protected against
apostacy. There are, in this State, now
102 Lodges of the "Order of Good Tenn
plars," with 1000 citizen members, and
of the Sons of Temperance, aud "Tem-
plars of Honor" many more. These
are valuable auxiliaries in our work.
They connect social and educational in
terests with those of temperance, and
their exercises have great interest, espec-
tally to the young. Let them be encour-
aged. But do they, or can they, afford
all necessary facilities for combined ac-
ton They have other objects, in which
they are rivals to each other, and they
are =" secret societies." and, therefore,
distastefu to many. Not to urge this
ourselves, we would ask Is not some or
ganization on broader, and all-compre-
hending basis, desirable and necessary :?
A. We need combination, a method of
action embracing not only all organiza-
tions, but all friends of the cause, who
can unite on some general measures, and
in common purpose like our town
temperance societies of yore, all auxilia-
ry to the Vermont State Temperance So
ciety, sharing in its deliberations, and
contributing to its support. 1t should
be organized on broad and liberal ba>
sis and, in its own capacity, aim sim
ply at voluntary reform, with the pur-
pose of forming, combining and express
ing such temperance sentiment as will
dissuade offenders from an unlawful traf-
fic; or give force, in the extremity, to le-
gal process. In short, with whatwe now
have, we require the system of moral
suasion which accomplished SO much il
the early day of the temperance reform
To this the public mind now turns, as nc
experiment, but tried and successful
method. A new generation has come or
to the stage, and this plan will have Tho
same attractions and novelty as of yore
We must depend, not upon some cunning
scheme, but upon practical and well
digested system of work. Not for a fit
| ful excitement, but permanent and de
| termined effort. One that will unite al
true friends of the cause, enlist popular
enthusiasm, and be adapted to the want
of the times. There may be raised up
and made demonstrative, public senti
ment which will roll back the tide of in
temperance now settingin upon us and
if necessary, it can make its voice hear'
in an authoritive manner. In one of tn
great reform movements Of England,
monster petition was gotten up, borne o.
the shoulders of two strong men, an,
followed through the streets of Londor
and into the House of Parliament, by
countless multitude, bearing this inscriT
ton, Through Parliament or over Par
lament this bill must pass We mus
be prepared to make some such demon
stration, should the occasion require.
ID. III. RANNEY,
Agentfor Vt. st. TEN. Soc.
West Brattleboro, April 10, 1869.