Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1892-02-16
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SHARLES Town, w. VA,
February II, 1892.
1t is with much reluctance that we
ask space in our town papers to speak
on subject indeed in its
character nevertheless, as we
think of deepest individual as we'll as
public interest. We are ministers of
Jesus Christ, and while silence may
oftentimes be golden with us, we can
not but recognize that there are times
when not to speak on public matters
would be cowardly disloYal to our
Master; and we feel deeply that the
present condition of things in Charles
Town makes it imperatively right
that We should no longer observe that
silence which we have so far DONE
However, 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 orderly place it was few years
ago. Besides the crowds, which Of
ten, especially at the post-ofice cor
ner, block our pavements and by Of
fensive conduct and language make
walking on our streets disagreeable
to ladies particularly; no one who
| has eyes to see and ears 10 hear, but
must be conscious of moral condi-
ton in our midst, most painful in its
character, because so wrong in itself
and so demoraIizing to all classes,
especially our young men. In on.
view there meyer was perhaps time
when profanity, drunkenness, gamb-
ling, fighting, and other like things.
were so prevalent and took such bold
unrebuked forms as they do at pres
ent. We by no means charge these
things upon the generality of our
people. On the contrary we thank
fully and firmly believe that the vast
majority of the community are not
only innocent of them but deplore
and utterly condemn them. Never
theless, these things are here to an
alarming and no doubt by some I'M
dreamed of extent, injuring the good
name of our town, affecting the char
acter of our people, impeding the
growth of religion, tempting, threat
ening, aye running net few of the
young men of our community
Knowing far more, perhaps, than is
generally supposed, and foreseeing
further developments. with their in
evitable attendants of municipal dis
honor, domestic unhappiness and in
dividual ruin, we would most kindly
but earnestly protest against the con-
tinuance of these evils. Our city
government and officers can. we be-
lieve, do much by an impartial and
vigorous execution of the laws to cor
rect these evils; but it must be re-
membered that public sentiment, max
ing itself felt and if need be openly
expressed, is most indispensable
and mighty factor in bringing about
decided reformation. Hence, we
appeal not only to the Mayor and
Council, but with equal if not greater
earnestness, to the people of Charles
Town. II is in their power, if they
will, to correct every abuse, and, in
deed, in a community like this. where
so large a number are christians, it
is not too much to say that the church
people could, if only they would, re-
move all cause for such an appeal as
this and make Charles Town an or
derby and law-abiding place, more
attractive alike for business and res
dence. Greeting all as fellow-citi-
zcns whose friendship we highly
prize and whose best interests we seek
only to serve and preserve; greeting
many as dear brethren in common
Gospel, for the faithful and courage
Gus ministration of which we were
called here; with enmity for none
and charity for all - we prsy you for
the sake of our town and its future,
our homes and their happiness, our
people-our young men especially
and their salvation, to listen to this
appeal, which in the fear of God, we
make in loving conscientiousness, on
behalf of order, morality and religion
in our community.
A. c. HOPKINS,
DALLAS TUCKER,
MILES S. READ,
HENRY p. HAMILL.
Flown papers requested to coDy7,