Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-01-01
Important Temperance Gathering.

Deserving of special note, among the
many ways by which the true temperance
sentiment is to be created and popularized
was meeting held few days since at Tn,
residence of that distinguished Christian
and philanthropist, Hon. William T.. Dodge
in New York city. In no sense a mass
meeting, it was gathering of more than
ordinary weight of personal influence, in
Guiding number of very eminent represen
tatives of the various professions. The adj
dresses, published in the New York papers
contain statements startling and weighty
and arguments absolutely overwhelming, in
favor of the most radical measures of moral
suasion and of legal enactment, in setting
| about the swift abatement of the grop-shor
and the lifting off from society the appalling
curse and burden of intemperance. Among
those present were Peter Cooper, DIR. vii.
Der Adams, Professor X. ID. Hitchcock
Hon. John Jay, DIR. Holland, w. w. Phelps
Chief-Justice Noah Davis of the Supreme
| Court DIR. Job Hall, and others equally dis.
tinguished. Mr.. Dodge spoke of the fact
that the public mind is better educated on
this subject than ever before, and that in.
telligent men, who have not ranked them.
| selves among the temperance men of the
country. are beginning to look at this evil
in the light of political economy. When
they realize that this country is expanding
annually between S600,000,OO0 and $780,.
600 for intoxicating drinks, and that an
equal amount is expended as the result of
their use, they are convinced that it is time
that men who are bearing the burdens and
paying the taxes should bestir themselves,
and see if something cannot be done, not
only to lessen this financial burden, but to
remove the terrible results of the traffic.and
the use of intoxicating liquors.
The more formal address of the evening
was given by Judge Davis, on intemper-
ance in relation to crime. Among all causes
of crime, said Judge Davis, intemperance
stands out an unapproachsble chief"
Whenever and wherever intemperance was
most prevalent, crime was most abundant.
intoxicating drinks enabled men to commit
crimes, by firing the passions and quench.
ing conscience. The courts were right in
holding that drunkenness was not an excuse.
but rather an aggravation of crime. That
habits of intemperance are the chief cause
OF crime, was the testimony of all Judges
of large experience. The chaplain of the
Preston House of Correction said: Nine
tenths of the English crime requiring to be
dealt with by law arises from the English
sin, which the law scarcely dscourages." Is
the case then hopeless : asked Judge Davis,
9" No not while the spirit of Christ has
tabernacle on EARTH" Three duties of the
present hour, he said, lie Immediately before
us. And these are stated by him with such
an exactness and such convincing force, we
give his own words, which may well be com.
mended to the considerable judgment of
mankind
First. That our present excise laws take no
step backward. The cutlery that the present laws
must be changed because they cannot be enforced
is insidious and false. They can be enforced.
The fault is not in them, but in faithess officials
who in cowardce dare not or in treachery will not
obey the plain letter and spirit of their niunctions
Second. 1t is our duty to stand by those who
seek to enforce the law and compel official obedi-
ence to its provisions, inasmuch as they ask moth
ing of our enemies but obedience to the law. and
nothing of our friends but to aid in enforcing such
obedience
Third. Since all the courts have given their
final sanction to the act for the protection of
woman and childhood from the injuries drunken
ness visits upon innocence, there is no excuse for
us If we do not see that that law is put in vigorous
operation. If enforced it will give many wife a
sober husband and many child a sober father.
for the fear of the law will be the beginning of
wisdom to many drunkard-maker
Fourth We ought to stand by and encourage
the reform that is reaching the hand of brother
hood and love to the thousands of drinking men
and women in our city. Francis Murphy should
be armed with our sympathy, our prayers, and
orr means to aid his noble work: and most of all.
the victims of rum who are bravely striving with
his aid to reclaim themselves should be helped
and encouraged in their efforts by giving Them
employment"