Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1892-06-02
TEMPERANCE A GREAT QUESTION IN MORALS.
Paper Written and Read by Mrs. ii. G. Cock,
Of this City, before the W. c. I. L. Con-
NsntiOn, at TahIequah. l. I.


some claim the question OF temperance stale
and tn readbare But while there are SO many
many suffering from the effects of strong
drink and the demoralizing influence it is hav-
ing in our midst, 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. ''He
who stands upon the watchtower OF virtue
should be faithful to give the alarm" In
temperance is now iajuring the morals. not
only in 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 rninous pool come in
from every direction; they come not rushing
and foaming but with a gradual and gentle
flow. SO smoothly do they glide that those
who are riding upon their waves are scarcely
ever aware that they are moving toward the
pool Long may the ihoughtless pleasure
seekers glide upon its waters not even dream-
ing of his danger; The sea seems bright and
beautiful" Not one path alone leads TO this
gull OF woe; there are q thousand currents
leading in; some, it is true, are more rapid
than others; some rush in quickly. others glide
more slowly, but none the less surely. TO the
same end; all are certain ruin. This awful
evil We should avoid by touching never one
drop OF alcoholic poison. Temperance and
morality go hand in hand. He who wonld be
thoroughly temperate must master himself.
Temperance as a virtue dwells in the heart.
The youth who would lead a temperate life
must have the principles OF temperance and
tv n he'd LET fhpm N
his heart of hearts The influence of saeh on
one Will be to elevate and lift up the fallen.
OH that we could interest the youths in this
great cause; that would practice its principles
and build their life edihces 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
shr1 every n acre Esr glorious sss8s 10 estaua
lish thoroughly and widely the principles of
temperance we must begin with the youths;
they have high separations to be good and true;
freedom is word OF power in their ears; they
love health, competency and happiness.
Were the principles OF temperance established
in early youth aud made the ''polar star of
their lives. they would insure health. compe-
tency. respectability, honor. virtue. useful
ness and happiness. all for which true men
live or hope tor in thislife. The use ofstrong
drinks cannot be totally abolished from the
community while the use of so many other
stimulsnts remain The reason is obvious; q
reformation Of this kind must be radical and
and thorough. 1t must reach the heart and
rest in the moral right. 1t must be q moral
reformation and must be effected by a thor
Ongh enlightenment ofthe moral man.
Vinita, l.. t uRs. IL. {. COOK.