West Virginia freeman. (Parkersburg, W. Va.) 1881-1886, 1881-04-27
TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT.

day Is marked by dlflerenceS tlld'
separate it and distinguish it from
any that have preceded it. 1t seems
to have learned wisdom from the
past and gatherd strength from its
defeats. Some Of these differences
we propose noticing, differences
which we think are full OF encour-
agement.
One of the first is its UNIVERSAL
ty Temperance, like all other
moral movements, must depend
for its extent and intensity upon
the strength of the forces engaged
in its production. Under certain
conditions it may sweep like an ep-
idemic over a vast territory under
others, it may confne its operation
like an endemic, within very cir
cumscribed limits. Like these, too,
its workings will vary in activity
and strength. A wider area is COW
cred by the temperance revival now
in progress, than was ever en-
braced before in similar one. All
portions of the country are stirred
as by a common impulse and a
common purpose. East, West, North,
commotion attests the presence of a
moral energy in the direction of So
briefly that makes the liquor inter
ests fear and abound in maledic-
tions and the politicians to walk as
if standing on slippery places. The
one anticipates that there is danger
of his dark, piratical craft striking
the rocks; the other, that the
country may be foolish enough to
cut itself off from the benefit it now
secures from his patriotism and
wisdom being bestowed to the pub
lie good. At the South, uneXpect-
eddy to all the movement we are
considering is developing strength
that is promising much. 1t is a
moral epidemic, that knows no lines
of latitude nor longitude. 1t is to
be hoped that it will not expend its
force till it has accomplished its
purpose, a purpose than which
none ismore benign, more merciful,
more needed, and that in its full
hllment would do more for the good
Of mankind.
The calmness and sobriety of the
present activity is one Of its marked
features. The discussion, taken as
a whole, 50 far as they have fallen
under our observation, have been
cool and dispassionate, and conduc-
ted with the purpose Of coming at
the truth. There have been some
exceptions.
The advocates of temperance have
so good, 50 truthful q cause to urge,
that while with a fervent zeal and
a resistless vigor they press it on,
they can afford always to show that
moderation that comes of conscious
truth.
The man that stands upon rock
that lifts it's head far above the
floods may smile at the waves
when the storm is highest. No
call for feal; none for apprehension,
when one feels himself standing
upon the truth, for he stands with
the God of truth by his side. He
will not be where storms are not,
but they will be harmless; nor
where the threatening tides are
not, but they will have no power to
overwhclm.
The course Of the discussion is
another sign Of promise that some
thing comprehensive and effective
viii be devised tosave the land
from the crime Of intemperance.
Encouragement is further to be
found in the practical agreement to
which the friends Of temperance are
coming as to some Of the methods
which must be employed to sup
press incompetence. The law must
be called into operation to effect it.
There is not entire agreement as to
the character of the legislation de-
manded, but there is much gained
when the conviction becomes gen
eral that intemperance, like other
crimes, must be confronted by the
law and cannot be suppressed by in
ducing the drunkard to sign a
pledge, and by sentimentalizing
and calling it wooing the saloon
keeper out of his den of sin. Both
want to be treated according to the