Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1892-06-02
TEMPERANCE GRrlrQCrsTloS IN MORALS.
Paper Written aud Read by Mrs. II. Z. Cook,
Of this city, before the W. G. 7. 4. Con-
YeniI0n, at IahIeanah. l. Z.

"a tuN AAAis hti0ft tue W. - I. u. toh-
Veution, AT fahlequah, |. T.
Some claim the question Of temperance stale
and ia readbare. But while there are SO many
many suffering from the effects OF strong
drink and The demoralizing influence tits hav-
ing 10 our mldst, helping ruin the youth, cut
ting daily the threads Of life which God has
given, dragging men, yes, and sometimes
women down, down TO DEATH we must not
keep silent All who see the evil effects OF in
temperance should cry out against It. lie
who stands upon the watchtower OF virtue
should be faithful 10 give the alarm. In
temperance is now iAjuring the morals, not
only ia our own nation, but the nations OF the
entire globe; it is roaring with wreaks, groans
and horrid ruin OF fortunes and lives The
waters which form this ruinous pool come in
from every direction; they come not rushing
aud ioaming, but with a gradual and gentle
aow. SO smoothly do they glide that those
who are riding upon thnir waves are scarcely
ever aware that they are moving toward the
pool. Long may the thoughtless pleasure
seekers giide upon its waters not even dream
ing of his danger; The sea seems bright aud
beautiful Not one path alone leads 10 this
gull of woe; there are a thousand currents
leading in; some. il is true. are more rapid
than others some rush In quickly, Others glide
more SLOWLY, but none the less surely. to the
same endi all are certain ruin. This awful
evil we should- avoid by touching never one
drop 0l alcoholic poison. Temperance and
morality go hand in hand. lie who would be
thoroughly temperate must master himself
Temperance as virtue dwells in the heart.
The youth who would lead temperate liic
must have the principles OF temperance and
morality established, and let them reign IN
his heart OF hearts The Influence Of sIch on
one Will De % elevate aud iift up the fallen.
OH that we could interest the youths in this
great cause, that would practice Its principles
and build their iife edifces upon them Then
would freedom ring out her notes OF triumph,
religion assert her mild and gentle sway,
peace plant her olive wreath In every nation,
and wisdom divine and time honored would
shed everywhere her glorious light 10 estab-
lsh thoroughly and widely the principles Of
temperance we must begin with the youths;
they have high aspirations 90 he good aud truei
freedom is d word OF power ln their earsi they
love health, competency aud happiness
Were the principles OF temperance established
In early youth aud made the polar star Of
thoir lives, they would insure health, oompe-
tency. respectabillty, honor, virtue, uaeiul-
ness aud happiness all for which true men
live or hope Tor In this life. The use ofstrong
drinks cannot be totally abolished from the
community while the use OF 80 many other
stimulants remain The reason is obviousi q
reformation Of this Kind must be radical aud |
and thorough. II must reach the heart aud |
rest Ia the moral right 10 must be a moral |
reformation and must be effected by a thor |
ough nlikhtenment OF the moral man.
Nnlta, 1T MRs. II. &. COOK.