Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1873-04-08
Temperance Consolidation.

In late issue or the spectator we ma an
article from Union and Harmony, in which
he says lit is not our purpose at this time to
discuss the merits or demerits of the various
Temperance organizations in cur midst" Nei-
ther is it our intention to discuss the merits Or
demerits'' of the orders, but to write our views
on Consolidation. Nor do we intend to say
harsh words against those who are co-work-
ers " When we wrote our article, We wrote it
with the view to hear from those who were in
favor eff Consoldatiou-to hear sufficient argu-
ments Oh the subject to lead US TO believe that
more can be gained under the new system than
the one which we are now working under-to
hear facts and arguments, and not so much sar-
casm as we hear from Union and Harmony.
We suppose he had none, or most certainly he
would have used them to the very best Of his
ability.
His communication reminded US of school
boys, when one would get the better of the 9TH
er, for him to run off and get in some fortified
place, point his finger at his opponent and Cry
Bah" Now this is the way with Harmony"
He has not sufficient argument to sustain his
point and he wishes to make good his side OF
the question with sarcasm. Ohi Harmony"
this won't do. You must do better than this.
You must not indulge in SO much sarcasm in
your articles.
Thanks to ''Union and Harmony for re-
mlnding Us that We should make ourselves SAC
quainted" with our subject before writing -
We are acquainted with our subject. We were
aware of the TACT. that the first move toward
Consolidation was made by the Good Templars
and Sons of Temperance Of the South. But
what as the actions of other States in regard
to this matter TO do with tue subject 10 Virgin
ia2 If they see Just grounds why they should
consolidate-if they can DO more good by their
consolidatlon-if they can conquer the giant
evil OF intemperapce more trlumphantly, or 1t
they can not work successfully togetner-let
them then consolidate But We are the ones
that are thinking of this matter We are the
ones that must either be profted or loosers by
Consolidation, we are the orders that must
give up our forms and ceremonies. By laws and
Constitutions, and enter into new organization
or remain a5 we are now. We are discussing
the propriety of consolidation of the orders in
Virginia, and not in other States. We must
ascertain first, whether or not We can accom-
plish our object, if we enter into consol;da-
ton. We must hear arguments from both
sides. Our minds are open to conviction. We
have not taken the negative side OF this cues
ton with the view to remain so 1t We are con-
vlnced We are Ia the wrong, or with the lnten-
ton to 60 contrary to the majority OF the lem
peranoe people of Virginia.
Ii from the pen of Union and Harmony"
comes arguments that will convince US OF the
fact that our operation can be more completely
and successfully carried out, thus accomplishing
our grand and NOBLE purpose, then We will give
up the grounds We have taken and embrace the
doctrine of Harmony" If he can prove our
deficiency in the present mode of operation, Or
efficiency under the new, then will We defend
the principl of him. But as we now look at
the matter, we are of opinion that nothing can
be gained by the new organization yet We are
willing and will abide by the decision of con-
stitutional majority.
First must come the facts-the arguments
that will induce US to forsake the side we feel
We are right in sustaining
Union and Harmony seems to have
changed the language In our article to suit his
own inclination. In his publication we notice,
as be quotes from US, 1T is because the origi-
nal movers Of the consolidation thiak it would
profit their own Individual order, &c. but in
The issue Of March 11sh. We see ''It it because
make sense. We think our manuscript in the
Office will show, is it because" &C. Now
Harmony" you can't run in on US in that man
ner. You must not change our language to
suit yourself and Imagine We will not notice it.
You ought not to take typographical errors for
such strong arguments II your favor. Poor
drowning man you grab at every floating straw.
You must ask yourself who made the mistake.
Ii we, then remind US Of it, but if it is on ac-
count of a type, do not notice it, If you take
that to be an error OF ours, ''0h there is where
you made your mistake.
Union aud Harmony seems to have mis-
taken our object in our article entirely and in-
sDustes it as our intention to create an unhroth-
erIy feeling between the orders-for he writes:
I'VE had hoped, after all that has transpired
within the past month. that at least with the
temperance men Of Staunton, the serpent
and the adder would be found only in the
wine"
True, much has transpired among the TEN,
perance orders of Staunton, and we are most
happy to say everything passed of as smoothly
as al unruH14d stream. and We firmly believe
the orders bound closer together with the ties
Of social atfection-lioked nearer together with
the golden chain of friendship noW than they ev-
er have been before, and oh could you imagine
it would be our inclination to mar the calm,
peaceful affection, that now exist between us 2
Can you, Harmony" believe that such q
thought-such an evil thought as this-would
be entertained by US, who are earnestly in ia
vor of union and harmony?" No 90 such
inclination never entered our mind We would
not say one word that would cause an il-feeling
toward any member of the orders. In all things
we ask but justice We take you to be Chris
tian gentleman. If so, then do not forget
the golden rule" do unto others, as
ye would have others DO unto you." We love
the cause OF temperance too we'll to do any
thing which would have a tendency to deter it's
workings. The opposition is now strong enough
against US, without adding new obstacles in its
way, and we look forward, with bright hopes,
when We will see the time when the hydra head
ed monster will be tTodden under foot, and the
clouds that have for ages past darkened our
skies, be scattered by the golden beams Of truth
and temperance.
Yet, if we look forward to this when our OBJ
ject will be accom- plished and our work flushed,
we must work more zeaously for the cause, do
the things best calculated to promote the cause
OF temperance. whether it be done by the adop-
ton of Consolidation or the rejection of the
same, We must take the most efficient method
fer our labors If the demon of strone
drink can be driven from our midst more sue
cesstuly by new organization than now, then
let us at once enter into this matter, with a
determination to do the best. But we cannot
bring our nlind to the opinion the Consolida-
tlon will be successful operation. Not only
will 1t create dlscord among it members, but
party spirit will rage to such an extent that,
even If We were merged together, it would soon
cause such an objection to the order by those
who otherwise would have become temperance
people, that in short time the organization
would loose its members, the cause of temper
ance cease to grow--thus King Alcohol will
reign supreme over the sunny land of Virginia.
TEMPLAR