Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1892-02-17
10 the PeopIe Of oharles- To,cn.
CHARLEs-TowN, w. Va,
February -, 1892.

space IN our tOWn pdpelo w SPS"N ""
iect-public indeed in its character-but
nevertheless, as we think of deepest lndi-
yidual as we'll as public interest. We are
ministers of Jesus Christ, and while silence
may oftentimes be golden to us, we cannot
but recognize that there are times when not
to speak on public matters would be coward
ly disloya to our Master; and we feel deep
" that the present condition of things IN
Charlcs-Town makes it imperatively right
that we should no longer observe that ST.
lence which we have so far done. Howev-
er it has come to pass, and wherever the
responsibility rests it must be apparent to
every candid observer, as it certainly is to
us. that Charles Town is not now the quiet
and ordinary place it was few years ago.
Besides the crowds, which often, especially
at the post-ofiice corner, block our pave
ments and by offensive conduct and Ian
guage make walking on cur streets dlsa-
greeable to ladies particularly; no one who
has eve to see and ears to hear, but must
be conscious of moral condition in our
midst, most painful in its character, be-
cause so wrong in itself and so demoralizing
to all classes, especially our young men,
In our view there never was perhaps time
when profanity, drunkenness, gambling,
fighting, and other like things, were so prev
alent and took such bold unrebuked forms
as they do at present We by no means
charge these things upon the generality OF
our people. On the contrary we thankfully
and firmly believe that the vast majority of
the community are not only innocent of
them but deplore and utterly condemn
them. Nevertheless, these things are here
to an alarming and no doubt by some UNI
dreamed of extent, injuring the good name
oil our town, affecting the character of our
people, impeding the growth of religion,
tempting, threatening, aye running not a
few of the young men of our community
Knowing far more, perhaps, than is gener-
ally supposed, and foreseeing further devel-
opments, with their inevitable attendants
of municipal dshonor. domestic unhappi-
ness and individual ruin, we would most
kindly but earnestly protect against the
continuance of these evils. Our city gov
eminent and officers can, we believe, do
much by an impartial and vigorous execu-
ton of the laws TO correct these evils; but
il must be remembered that public senti-
ment. making itself felt and if need be open
" expressed, is a most indispensable and
mighty factor in bringing about decided
reformation. Hence, we appeal not only to
the Mayor and Council, but with equal il
not greater earnestness, to the people OF
Charles Town. 1t is in their power, if they
will, to correct every abuse, and, indeed, in
community like this, where so large nnm-
Der are christians, it is not too much to say
that tie church people could, if only they
would, remove all cause for such an appeal
as this and make Charles-Town an orderly
and law abiding place, more attractive alike
for business aud residence. Greeting all
rs fellow citizens whose friendship we high
" prize and whose best interests we seek
only to serve and preserves greeting many
as dear brethren in a common Gospel, for
the faithful and courageous ministration of
which we were called here; with enmity
for none and charity for ALL we pray you
for the sake of our town and its future, our
homes and their happiness, our people-our
young men especialy-and their salvation,
to listen to this appeal, which in the fear
of God, we make in loving conscientious
nes., on behalf Of order, morality and re-
ligion in our community.
A G. HOPKINS,
DALLAS TUCKER,
MILES 5. READ,