The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1874-03-10
Address OF the WOOdhfield Tenn
DerauCe League,
To the Friends of Temperance in
Monroe County.

To the Friends of Temperance in
Monroe County.
We are deeply impressed with the
conviction that there has Eever been a
more favorable time than the present,
for making an organized and energetic
effort to mitigate, and as far as posi-
hle, eradicate the evils Of intemperance.
Evidences are all around us that now is
the time for tile friends of sobriety ard
good order to insist upon, and if nee
essary, enforce their rights. Party pol
i,ics do not now divert the attention of
the people from their social surroun-
dines; the demands of business and la
hor are not so great as to hinder them
from assembling to mature and adopt
measures to secure the benefits of TEN
perance But the most conclusive evi
dence is supplied by the unparalleled
success of this cause throughout this
and adjoining States. Of nearly hun
dred cities, towns and villages where
this movement has been inaugurated
during he last few weeks; in many it
has become complete success, and in
not one can it be called failure New
er before in the history of a moral ref
ormation have such wonderful results
been achieved with so small an expen-
diture of time and labor. Under these
circumstances we are compelled to be-
lieve that it is our duty as good citizens
to engage now in extending the inau
ences which are this elevaiins the NOR
al standard Of society. We feel that
we are not demanding more than our
due when We ask to have peace in our
ueighhorlIoods, to have the laws re
spected, to be freed from the annoyance
of rowdyism, to have our families rro
tected from the ruffianism of drunken
men. Neither the cause of humanity,
nor the Jaws of the country warrant us
in looking on with Indifference while
children are being beggared, and women
are made wretched in our midst; while
temptations are placed before our sons
which may make them disgrace to US
and our community. Not one of US
but can point to houses that nigh! have
been happy homes, in which heart
broken wife is wearing out her life in
the struggle to keep her little ones from
want, while the husband and father
squanders his earnings, and perhaps
hers,in making degraded sot of himself.
Can we do anything to alleviate this
misery? Unless wrong is superior to
right, unless vice is superior to virtue
we can. Shall we do it9 We say en-
phaticalIy yes And who is so lost to
the feelings of humanity as to say We
should not2 If we can diminish the
evil, if we can increase the happi.
ness and welfare of our neighborhood
who will say it should not he done p
Who will contend that there should he
more drunkenness instead of less p
Or who will maintain that the amount
of dissipation now prevailing is desira-
BILE? All others than these can consci.
eniiously aid in promoting sobriety,-
All Others than these are earnestly urged
to unite their efforts with ours in behalf
of good order We wish to prescribe
no fixed plan Of operations to be fol
lowed. Perhaps the means most eff
cient in one locality might be altogeth
er inefficient in another, and those liv-
ing in neighborhood are far the best
Judges of the proper system to be adopt
ed there But we feel that we may with
much propriety plead with you to start
the work Of reformation in some form,
and to start it now. We would also
take the liberty of suggesting that our
experience has fully vindicated the wis
dom Of those who have led the move
mcnt elsewhere, in relying largely upon
patient, persevering and prayerful per,
suasion with those who traffic in intoxi,
eating liquors-in endeavoring in spir.
it Of kindness to show them that they
are not only violating the laws of their
country but are disregarding the rights
and the wishes of a large majority of thei,
neighbors. These and similar expert
ments urged in friendly manner, by
a delegation of our leading men and
women, had the effect, in single visit
of putting an end to the traffic in oul
town And while we congratulate the
people of our town and county on this
happy result, we would not pass unno
ticed the decent respect for public sen
timent manifested by the liquor sellers
of Woodsfeld
| We propose to perfect and perpetu
ate our organization in order to keel
public sentiment alert on the subject
and to be fully ready for any emergen
cy that may arise. We have calml,
and prudently kept within such limit
that we have the support of powerful
public opinion By this temperate
course we hope to retain vitality and
efficiency in our organization so long a
it may continue to be needed.
These, friends, are merely offered a
, suggestions, which have the indorsc
ment of successful experience, bu
: wherever more vigorous measures ar
demanded,be prompt, as we will,to NEE
that demand. We urge upon you witt
all the zeal of men and women, who ar
profoundly in earnest, to begin at one
to unite aud organize the public senti
ment of your neighborhoods upon thi
subject. Call meetings, and adopt tn
Suggestions of your wisest and best cit
izens. Organize, not for q day or
week, but for whatever length of tim
You can be useful. You shall have ou
f best wishes and prayers for your sue
cess, and if there be any place at whic
, we can assist you. we are at your com
mand. j. D. OLMsrED, Chm.