Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1873-06-18
For the Freeman.
TemDeranCe Reform.

In this age of reforms, some real and others
pretended, among the more prominent is
the crusade against .um. Organized associa-
tions against intemperance have been gath
ering and diffusing information on the sub
ject for more than half century. They
have brought out every kind of sentiment in
regard to it and have discussed every branch
of the subject in conventions, 10 lectures, in
sermons and in periodicals. They have tried
many ways and have exerted themselves to
put stop to the evil, but it still exists among
US. But in the first place what is drunken
ness, and who are drunkards? Drunkenness
may be defined, drinking alcoholic liquors to
excess. 1t is not necessary for one to stagger
through the streets before he can be called
drunkard; but these gentlemen drinkers exert
a more pernicious influence upon society.
By them others are tempted to take their
first glass, ADD it leads to worse condition
for themselves.
Statistics show that the largest portion of
the crimes that are committed are caused d.
rectly by liquor; and this is frequently the
lawyers plea, - 1t was done while he was
intoxicated" If, then, intompe fills
our prisons, asylums and almshouses which
are supported by society, why should not So
ciety have the right to pass prohibitory laws :?
An ounce of prevention is worth pounl OF
cure; and if society, can by prohibition d.
minish the number of those who are depend
ent upon its support it has right to do SO.
Prohibition has been proved from practical
experience to be the best safeguard against
intemperance, and as such against crime,
while license opens the way to debauchery
and destroys the foundation of society Good
and wholesome laws. rigidly enforced, will do
much towards correcting the evil but in
some places where they have good laws pub
lie opinion does not sone up to their stand
ard. In such clses Temperance associations
have great work to do, for they must raise
the standard Of public opinion before they
can do anything against rum. But here in
Montpelier there is much to encourage the
VI pOlduCC IiIO tdhGu
iii the tie importance meetings, as shown by
the large attendance, tells Of the speedy de-
cline of King Alcohol. But there is plenty
of work to be done here yet, and until every
rum-shop is closed the mission of the Ladies
Temperance Association is not finished.
Ia union there is siren 9Th. and in this as
in every otner reform thorough organization
is the one thing needtul. A well organized
society will throw the whole influence of law
abiding CT Z IS in single direction, and
when such is the case nothing can prevent
them from putting a stop to rum-selling. Yet
much can be done by individual effort out
side of temperance organizations. More
workers are needed; not merely those who 90
to temperance meetings and make speeches,
but those who will visit the drunkard at his
home and take off the letters that bind him
The influence of a pure and noble example is
worth more than dozen lectures All men
condemn and deplore the evil effects of alco-
hold upon society, and none deny that entire
abstinence from all intoxicating drinks would
put full stop to it. There is too much in-
difference on the part of those who should be
its pronounced friends. Nothing shall be
lost if we follow in the path of duty. Or
glnize, then, you who would be faithful to
our better manhood Leave nothing undone,
no way untried, while incompetence curses
our land. Remain true to the principles of
your creed; fulfil the high destiny which
Heaven has awarded you. N.