The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1872-01-12
THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE.
The National Division and Colored
Membership.
From the Temperance Advocate, January 81

From the Temperance Advocate, January 81
It will be remembered that at the late ses-
sion of the National Division, held In Boston,
Mass, Past Most Worthy Associate Jackson,
of Maine, introduced the following preamble
aud resolution. which, after considerable de-
bate. was adopted
s'Whersds, In the Order OF Sons of Temper.
auce. under the Jurisdiction Of this National
Division. we know Of no distinction on 40.
count Of race, color or former condition, but
all are alike equal before the law; therefore,
RESOLVED, That In our future action we do
not deem It expedient to organize separate d.
visions In the same territory, on account OF
any of the above named distinctions
As natural consequence, Notwithstanding
the difficulty of understanding, without further
explanation, the exact intentions Of the mover,
and the certainty OF Its being entirely inopera:
tive (save to place the colored mass beyond
the assistance OF the Sons of Temperance)
great excitement has pervaded the entire Or
der, especially in the South where great dissat-
this been carried that the grand divisions of
Georgia and Florida have withdrawn from the
national body, whilst Tennessee (the largest
and most important Jurisdiction In the South)
and Louisiana are almost certain to follow.
We are satisfied the National Division. not
contemplating any such result, is already 40
alarmed that atrong reaction has set In.
We cannot approve the hasty action Of the
Grand Divisions that have Withdrawn. We
deem the course they have seen it 10 pursue
unwse and unnecessary, and trust the Grand
Division of South Carolina will not follow their
example 80 long as there is hope of maintain
Ing our rights in the national body. We have
confidence In our representatives. to the
National Division, aud are satisfied they will
not compromise us. Hasiy action In the past
has taught US lesson we should not soon
forget.
In support of the belief that reaction is
going on, we may cite the fact that pronii-
nent aud influential member from Ohio, who
was unable to attend the meeting at Boston,
has declared against the resolution.
As further proof, we may add that most
important interview has recently been held
between the mover of the obnoxious resoln-
p, and Ed. limerick Sell, P. G. W. P. Learn
Ing that Brother Jackson was attending the
conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church;
recently sitting in Charleston, they called
upon him during the session, for the purpose
OF making an appointment, when they were
incidentally and very unexpectedly intro.
duced to the conference as past officers Of the
National and Grand Divisions, Sons Of Tenn
perance. The interview between these
brethren, who represent the extreme North
and South Of our country, has been very salts.
factory, and we trust vii! result in great good
The question thoroughly discussed and
the situation OF the South fully explained,
Brother Jackson was compelled to confess
that he was deeply impressed, and willing
under the explanation to recede from hls ad-
vanced position. he asserts that insult to the
order in the South was never intended, and
that bis resolution was introduced with view
of promoting the interests Of the whole order.
If wrong, he is willing to retrace his steps.
The events of the past few weeks prove con-
clusiyely he is wrong, and If he Intends and
desires to benefit all-white and colored.he
should be foremost In urging repeal OF his
unfortunate resolution. By this means, and
this alone, will the National Division be able
to control the order In the Southern States as
it now stands, and regain Georgia and Florida.