Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1873-01-08

1eei stronger and better, and in few weeks
she ate well, slept we'll, rode about the
| country and gained flesh. Again in collapse
and extreme depression of the system, per-
sons often in few hours, without the least
symptom of intoxication, take large quanti-
would prove fatal, unless thrown off by
vomiting; the rule of administration being,
that it is we'll borne, with improving symp-
toms, and without intoxicating effect.
Doubtless physicians do sometimes unnec-
essarily or injuriously prescribe alcoholic
stlmulants. but the intelligent and careful
are likely soon to discover and reetify their
mistake. But there are those, we have to
admit, who practice medicine ae trade,
who stand obedient, as whm, taste or fash
ion may dictate; to ride whatever hobby
may best cover an empty head or fill the
pocket. In such hands, alcohol or any
agent Of power, will be likely to prove
injurious. Again, there are physicians who
believe in stimulants generally and indivld-
ually, and prove their faith by their works.
Strangely enough, thespabiie generaliy think
these doctors all right, if they can only
catch them sober. But whatever may be
the faults Of physicians in too frequently or
unnecessarily prescribing alcoholic stimu-
lants, or making them a menstruum for
other medicines, we should remember that
public sentiment and taste are more or less
responsible therefor and that no known SOL
vent, in many cases, can well be substituted.
We should also remember that, as a class.
physicians have done much for temperance
reform in this country, and also in England,
where ever two thousand physicians of all
grades, from the court physicians to the
country practitioner, have signed a certif-
cate to the following effect. viz; That
total and universal abstinence from alcoholic
beverages of all sorts, would greatly contri-
butte to the health, the prosperity, the
morality, and the happiness of the human
race"
Finally, here is about where the question
lstood in 1851, when an attempt was made to
: xpedite reform and benefit class supposed
to be beyond the reach of suasion and NOR
al restraint, by prohbitOry laws, and such
laws have been enacted in several of the
States, but without generally, l regret to
say, securing the advantages hoped for by
their advocates, for the now plain reason
that the reform movement had not become suf-
ficiently strong, active and general just as we
| +o 10 -
: liquors from many of our first class social
circles, in which it is devoutly to be hoped
that cur popular leading men and women,
will soon more generally realize that nothing
tends 50 much to popularize and sustain the
practice of drinking as the custom of using
liquors at dinners, clubs, public meetings,
conventions festive boards &c. To dscon-
tinue these injurious and demoralizing prac-
tices would cost any one only the little self
denial, or effort at self-control. essential TO
his own vel fare, and at the same time con
tribute greatly 10 the public good. Certain
ly those who use OF sell liquors for festive
purposes are ministering to a pernieious
dangerous, and wholly useless custom, out
of which ultimately arises much OF the
wretchedness and crime so tearfully darken-
: ing our social state, as at times to excite
fears of it's final overthrow
But friends Of humanity, yet little long
; er patiently seek the good OF tempted men
let the work be more general and friendly,
follow them, persuade and enlighten them,
in their homes on the street, wherever temp
tation arises, let all their friends kindly be
, set them, until they see the truth and are
enabled to live better lives. Would you
not have your friends sacrifice modest de-
corum, il necessary, for your salvation
Then do likewise, and soon, for the other.
wise lost slaves of appetite, prohibtory law
can be enforced for who that understands
the truth, does not feel that he who fills a
mans cup in this situation, is guilty of a
crime, for the repetition Of which he should
be sent to the pententiary.
Be not discouraged, for the work under
taken is vast the babit of ages deeply root
ed and Indigenous to the soil, under insult
; fcient culture. We have not only to reform
anu Cuu0htC OuA HdtIV0 pupuld|iOh, put u
transform the habits, and neutralze the in
duence of the vast numbers who emigrate
to this country, nearly all of whom are ac-
customed to use intoxicating drinks. We
also have had great war upon our hands
which must, OF course, for time, increase
intemperance and crime.
Therefore, let educators and retormers
faint not, and the day is not distant, when
the masses will become properly informed
and the public conscience sufficiently awak,
ened to truth and duty on the subject The
voice of truth and conscience has banisheC
= from this country the tyranny Of kings, and
the crime Of slavery. That voice is sound
ing in every land to day, and is now ringing
in our ears on this very temperance ques
ton, and will. we hope, evermore continue
. to ring, until the understanding of every
{ man is convinced, and every conscienc.
: comli4 ads the duty Of abstinence Truth il
mighty a.d will prevail, though errone oul
: ublic sentiments and customs must be tol
Grated, until their enormity becomes sufF
u GENTLY obvious and imposing to stimulat,
: ehectual opposition and final overthrow.
g For the Freeman.
o Montpelier Y. NJ. {. A.
The annual meeting was held at their room
. tha e