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Extracts from the Ro|>ort of the Executive com mittee of the American Tenqicrance Union : The Pledge. “ The Pledge, trifling as it may appear to some, has evinced a surprising powerto reclaim and save. It has proved a strong tower to many a redeemed captive. O.d associations too, have been broken up. The miserable slaves of the bottle, idle and vicious, have been raised to respectable standing in society and placed in regular employment; and the instant and almost universal activity ofthe re claimed to reform and save others, with their open and constantly avowed hostility to the temp tation in all its forms, has kept them hitherto, as a body, from the path ofthe destroyer. Oflhc improved character and condition of these reformed men your Committee can only speak in general terms. They have in most ca ws* passed from the extremes of poverty, of mental and moral debasement, domestic disorder and misery, to the enjoyment of all those privileges ami comforts which make life desirable and man a blessing to those with whom he is associated. Their physical organisation, has, in a short period, to the surprise of all around them, soon acquired natural (lower. Men, who it would seem must soon fall into a drunkard's grave, who could scacc totter to the dramshop, hnve soon become by total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors, perfectly healthy and strong. One is known to your Committee, now a vigorous, animated lecturer, who on the night in which he signed the pledge, was obliged from feebleness to sit down six times on the crub-stones ofthe street, on his way to his dwelling. Their burning thurst for liquor, has, in most cases,left them on signing the pledge or in a short (icriod after, so as to occasion them no distress or trouble. Their mental power has in many cases burst forth to the surprise of all who knew them. Men who for years had been lost to the world, and were known, only as stupid, sottish, imbecile drunkards, have, in instances not a few exhibited rare powers of public address, and for hours com manded the attention of large and intelligent au diences, producing conviction where all argu ment before had failed, exciting sympathies where none had before existed, and producing an almost complete revolution in society. Their self-respect and moral sense, too, have risen at once as from a night of oblivion. Men who were lost to all sense of shame, who were seen day by day ragged, filthy, unshaven, who cared not who were their associates, how low their condition, who would even make their bed with the swine, men who would lie and steal, and trample under foot the Bible and the Sabbath, are now well dressed, respect themselves and their standing in society, abhor vicious company and vicious conduct, and fed again, and jiorhaps far more deeply than ever before, that they arc moral and accountable beings and responsible for nil their conduct to thegreat Author of their exis tence. * * * * ♦ There has also been a happy restoration of natural affection. The moment the dramshop has been forsaken and rum renoutied, that mo ment the heart has turned back to its long for saken home, to the abused wife and wretched children. Here have been found objects of at tachment, which have melted the long brutalized spirit, and there have been a devotion to their in terests, a willingness to labor for them and a determination to provide future welfare, soothing the sorrows and afflictions that were hurrying them to the grave. From these various results of the reformation of au untold number of drunken husbands, farthers and sons, there has Wen an actual relief of dotnes tic misery and creation of domestic happiness probably never before realized from any one oc currence in Divine Providence. ♦ * * Two reformed inen are now mayors of cities. Another, who was a notorious drunkard, is now a chief marshall in one of our cities. A physician and surgeon, for the last ten years intemperate, and for the last two years grossly so, signed the pledge just before last Christmas, and carried his certificate as a Christmas present to bis mother. He was a lost son, restored after hope had expired. A Mr. K. was picked up in the street, in one of ■our cities, in the night drunk—head lying on the curb stone. A four horse stage passed over the ground immediately after he was removed. lie belonged to a highly respectable family, and was ruined by fashionable tippling—he was induct'd to sign the pledge, and now is a blessing to his fam ily. A wholesale hardware merchant, connected with the highest circles in T., went rapidly from fashionablo drinking to the most abandoned drunkeness—his family was broken up—he had delirium tremens repeatedly and was considered a hopeless case till a Washingtonian got him to sign tho pledge. He is now very active in the tempcr&nae cause, and doing good—is restored to his family'and happy. A young man, in Philadelphia, who, but a day or two before was writhing under the horrible insanity of mania a potu, was induced to attend a meeting, and while the pledge was circulated, he expressed a desire to sign his name in the pres ence ofthe congregation, which was granted. It created no little sensation from the fact that he was well known. The act was sincere, and the example noble, He was soon greatly exer cised on tne subject of religion, and sought an interview with the cession of a Churcn. One, who is now a useful and respectable mem ber ofthe Portland society, had been grossly in temperate for at least tweenty-five years. He had a wife and large family of children, who oc cupied the attic of a small one story house. He ivas one dav found drunk upon ope ofthe wharv c s by a leading Washingtonian, w ho introduced the subject of temperance to him, when he became furious, ami wished to fight every one who came near him: but he soon became calm, and was in - duced to promise to go immediately home and re main there, until the Washingtonian should call for him in the evening to go to a Washing tonian meeting, which he did, when he signed the pledge; lias kept it faithfully ever since, and is now asoberman and a humble Christian. One of the most interesting and touching scenes ever witnesed, was a crowded Washingtonian meeting in which this man, within two months after he was snatched from the gutter, was leading in a fervent prayer to Him who had saved him from so horrid a fate, a drunkard’s grave. Instrumentality Employed. -This is too well known to need description; — the simple tale and bold appeal of refo r med men, who have stood up before their fellow-beings, ac knowledging with singular frankness anu hones ty their character and lives; detailing the full ef fect* of intoxicating liquor upon their persons, health, morals, peace, domestic relations and moral state, —all the degradation and misery of a drunkard’s life, their wonderful deliverance from the taste and power of the cup, their sympathy for the unfortunate drunkard, and their confidence and earnest desire that he may be reclaimed, and, like themselves, entirely restored to sobrictv and peace. To a wide extent, the long-triid friends and laborers in the cause of temperance have sustain ed, counselled, and co-operated with them, en couraging them in their course, and rejoicing in all their success; the press lias been brought to their aid and to the aid of the temperance cause beyond all former jx-riods,— not only have tem perance papers been greatly multiplied, but the religious and political papers of every character have devoted their columns to temperance; —still, these men have been in this mighty movement the chief speakers who have awakened thcpublic sympathy and arouseibthe nation to decided ac tion. This instrumentality in the providence of God, has been of a most extraordinary character. That men should have been raised from the low est depths of vice and sensuality—from the entire prostration of all that is virtuous, honorable and influential, to effect such a moral revolution, may well he the astonishment of mankind. The first six who commenced this woik were not without respectable standing and character, but were decidedly intemperate men engaged in gratifying their appetite for strong drink in a public house. They were Win. Iv. Mitchell, a tailor; John T. Hoss, a carpenter; David Ander son, a blacksmith ; George Steers, a wheelwright; James McCurly, a coach-maker, and Archibald Campbell, a silver plater. On Friday evening, April 2d, 1840, they were at Chase's tavern, Lib erty-street, in the city of Baltimore, where they were in the habit of associating together after the tihors ofthe day. A temperance sermon which has that evening to be preached by a clergyman of some notoriety, became the subject ol conversa tion. It was resolved that four ot their number should go and hear it, and report its character. On their return they scanned its merit, when one of their number remarked, that “after all, tem perance was a good thing.” “ Oh,” said the landlord, “ they’re all a parcel of hypocrites. “ O yes,” replied another, “ I’ll be bound it is for your interest to cry them down any how.” From this altercation proceeded the resolution to form among themselves a temperance society, to be called the Washington Society; a pledge was written and signed ; and from want of sjieakers, each one agreed to relate hisown history. Neither ofthese six became distinguished speakers, but tho presi dent, Wm. K. Mitchell, a man of rare genius, vigorous intellect, and commanding influence, threw into the association a jiovvcr which soon caused it to he felt through the wholccity. The thrilling tales narrated by the reformed as they signed the pledge, were widely spread abroad, and by the close of 1840, thousands had flocked to their standard, many of whom had been miserable slaves to the intoxicating cup. One ot these, John H. W. Hawkins, a hatter by trade, was reduced at the age of twenty-two to extreme drunkenness. He wandered faroff from his friends to the West, where he suffered every evil from poverty, degradation, and vice;—lived years in Baltimore without providing food or do ing for his family, a living death tothem ; his wife would sit up for him until midnight and watch to see whether he came home drunk or sober; often would he fall prostrate in his hall and his little daughter would cover him with a blanket until morning light. This individual, possessed of a fine person, mellow voice, flowing speech, tender heart, and much Christian humility, soon be came a powerful public, speaker. He visited New York with four others on an embassy in March, 1841, and was listenedto by many thou sands with the deepest interest. From thence he went to Boston, where the results of his la bours were of an astonishing character. The freinds of temperance there took him into their em ploy, anil he has since travelled over seven thous and miles, delivered four hundred lectures, anil witnessed the signature to more than eighty thous and pledges. Two others, Messrs. Pollard and Wright, were-plain,'uneducated men, but great inebriates. The first had been a reformed man about five years, the last, but a few months. Their victories in New York, New Jersey, Dela ware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, almost sur pass belief, They have attended over five hun dred meetings, and obtained above sixty thousand signatures to the pledge. A third, Mr. Vickers, once one ofthe most abandoned of men, codebased as to leave his wife and five children"*cighteen months without a dollar to feed or cloth them, and who was so reduced and changed that when he finally came home his wife did not know him; this man, by his history and powerful appeals, kindled up a fiame which has now spread overall the W est, and he himself has witnessed the signature of seventy thousand names to the pledge. One individual in Philadelphia, once respecta ble in life, but who was reduced to the lowest ex tremities by drunkenness, —who sold every arti cle of available furniture and of clothing for rum, wiio left his wife to earn her living over the wash tub while his daughter was bound out to hard service, being himself an inhabitant of the wharf, the almshouse, and the Moya men sing prison, drinking daily half a gallon of common rye whis ky, has, since his reform in June, 1841, constant ly traveled, delivering one lecture on an average a-day, and has received seven thousand signatures to the pledge. Such are hut a specimen of the instrumentali ties which divine Providence has used to do what men, who had no personal experirneo in the des olating effects of intoxicating liquors could not periorm—open the eyes of a whole nation, and reclaim thousands of drunkards from the most ruinous courses. It is ananomaly in the history of man. The Young Criminal. The court was assembled—the judge took his seat—-the lawyers prepared for taking notes— the district attorney rose, and the sheriff was directed to bring in the prisoner. Then there was the rattling of keys, the turning of holts and liars, and the massy door creaked on its rusty hinges.—The crowd gathered around— euriosty ever wakeful, was excited to sec what iall had many times seen before—a man whose crimes had prepared him to he a sacrifice to the majesty ot justice and the wholesome severity ofthe law. He came—he took his seat in the dock-all eyes were ujion him. The minister of the law bade him rise—the indictment was read ; “not guilty” was his pica--counsel was assigned . and the trial proceeded. One old man, his head white, his limbs and his voice trembling, laid bis hand upon the book, and bade his Maker wit ness the truth of what he was about to say. His testimony revealed an act of cold-hearted base ness, and fixed the guilt upon the prisoner be yond the possibility of a doubt. His counsel made no effort—the judge charged thejury—they retired to deliberate. \Vhat a moment of sits prnsc was that! In a brief space were suspended mighty hope*and tears—liberty and the blessed light of heaven, or a dungeon, confinement and hard labor! Thejury returned—“ Your verdict, gentlemen,” said the clerk. “ Guilty,” replied the foreman. “ Stand up, prisoner,” said the judge. And then the culprit was admonished, sentenced and condemned to years’ confinement in the state prison. Who was he ! A young man. What were his habits? He was intemperate. Reader, you have the clue to his history. You know the cause of his downfall. A Temperance Anecdote. The Washingtonians are driving a noble bu siness among the old soakers of this Vity. On Thursday evening the church in Poydras-street was literally crammed, and many a harddrinker, we have no doubt, was taken out ofthe gutter. Among a great many pleasant anecdotes related by the speakers was one defining the unpleasant position of a certain Deacon, who wanted to be temperate without signing the pledge. He had been importuned to that effect until he became so outraged, that he arose, and before the tem perance society, delivered a speech in favor of moderate drinking. He was allowed to pro ceed, and at its termination he seized his hat, and walked down the aisle with great dignity. There was present an old toper, who, at that moment, was about as full as he could well be, and being mightily tickled at the Deacon’s speech, he staggered from his seat, and clapping the Deacon on the shoulder, exclaimed, 1 1 say— hie —Deacon, them’s my sentiments! I’ll stand by you—hie—old feller, in them’etc doctrines! So let’s go and liquor!’ The Deacon finding that his ‘ moderate drinking’ doctrines placed him in such disgraceful fellowship, went back and | signed the pledge!—[ Washingtonian, ( Pa.) “ 1 must not have such a noise here,” angrily i exclaimed the keeper of a porter house to a man who had been patronising his bar too frequently, 1 and annoying every body around him. “ Now look-a-here,” stammered out the drunken man, “if you want to keep a quiet house, you mus’nt sell liquor.” The landlord was conquered. A Total Abstinence Society, numbering sixty or seventy members, was formed at Pisgah on Saturday last. \V e learn that several new socie ties have been formed in Gadsden county. The liberal encouragement given to this glorious cause, is truly gratifying to the friends of human happi ness. — Tallahassee Sentinel. The Pittsburgh Gazette says, it is a remarkable fact that while there were i"n Washington and Alleghany counties, in Pennsylvania, in the year 1815, some fifteen hundred stills at work, there are at this time not more than fifteen or twenty still-houses at work in both counties. One cent a day carefully saved Irom the earn ings ot the poorest of our laboring class of citi zens would be more than sufficient to pay the , whole expense of a most useful newspaper. Such ; a measure would ensure for his children a treas ure of knowledge which could never be spent by them however prodigal; and fit them hovtcver j poor in vulgar wealth to become the most useful of all the members of our republican familv. From the-Temperancc Standard. Address of the Young Men’s Temperance- Association of Philadelphia. Young Men, —It is to you that our appeal is made, and we rejoice that we address you on a. subject worthy your consideration, and which deserves your favorable notice. We desire not to engage you in a work that will ever cause the blush of shame to mantle your cheek, or that will deprive you of one source of happiness! We come not to ask you to assist us in a work which will endanger the liberties of our Country, or that will spread disorder where peace now reigns! —But, we ask your aid in the overthrow of an evil that has spread desolation far and wide, and which hag been the curse of the world for ages! It has been the ruin of the noblest men, and has injured millions of our race! It has blasted the brightest hopes —sundered the dearest ties— and severed the closest relationships! It has destroyed the peace and happiness of nations of cities—of neighborhoods and individuals! It has checked the progress of liberty—retarded the onward course of virtue, and has been the chief obstacle in the way of our holy religion! It has broken the heart of the young and loving wife— made widows and orphans, and caused many a mother to weep over the premature grave of an only son! It is the source of crime-—the origin of misery—the cause of disease! It has ruined the Merchant —the Lawyer —the Physician— and the Mechanic! It is the destroyer of health and strength—of peace and happiness—of feel ing and intellect—of soul and body! Young Men,shall we appeal to you in vain ? Remember, that you will soon occupy the place ofyoiir Fathers, —on you (in part) will depend tile weal or woof our beloved country, and on . you will devolve all the responsibilities of the citizen—She man of business and the parent — and how can you meet all these claims,or rightly fulfil all these duties, if you have not pledged yourselves against this evil ! Be not satisfied with a resolution of your own rest not with the belief that moderate drinking will not injure you, but at once decide in lavor of Temperance, and “ Tovch not —Taste not — Bandit not” the accursed poison, for in avoid ance alone is safety. It is thought that there are over five thousand Young Men connected with the different Liter ary Associations of this city, and why not all unite in this cause I Why not swell the rank, and form a Young Men’s Temperance Society that shall be the pride of the city and the boast of ; our State? Wo would not live a useless life—descend un- I pitied into a drunkard’s grave, and mcivc a ! drunkard’s punishment! Then meet with us, i and engage in this cause, and enlist under thirty. ; banner. Evidence. —Father Mathew says, that the i Teetotalers of Ireland are the most happy and ! cheerful set of men he ever saw, and that they all j testify that they can go through their work more easily than when they used intoxicating liquor. Deacons op the oi,d school. — In the days of Baillie Nicol Jarvie’s father, the, ffice of Deacon | was estimated no mean distinction. Two worthy incumbents, who lived not far from the hanks of Ayr, happened to be invested with the above named dignity onthesameday. Tho more youth ful ofthetwo flew home to tell his young wife what an important prop of the civic edifice he had been allowed to become; &searchin 'the ‘butt and the bin’ in vain, ran out to the byre, where meet ing the row, he could no longer coatain his joy, but in the fulness ofhis heart, claspsd her round; the neck, and it is even said, kissed her, exclaim ing “ Oh Crummie, Crunnnie, ye’er nae longer a common cow now—ye’rs the DeacoTscow! The elder civic dignitary was a sedate pious person, and felt rather ‘biate’ in showing to his wife that he was uplifted above this world's honors. As he thought, however, it was too good a piece of news to allow her to remain any time ignorant of, he lifted the latch of his own door, and stretching his head that made Nelly all ears and eyes; “Giff ony body comes sperin’ for the Deacon, I’m just ower the gate at John Tamson’s!” Starting Children in the World. —The following extract from the works of a livirg wri ter, is replete with sound philosophy and common sense. It is well worth the attention of parents. Masonic Register. “ Many an unwise parent labors hard and lives sparingly all his life for the purpose of leaving enough to give his children a start in the world, as it is called. Setting a young man afloat with money left him by his relatives, is like tying blad ders under the arms of one who cannot swim; ten chances to one he will lose his bladders and goto the bottom. Teach him to swim and he will never need the bladders. Give your child a sound education, and you have done enough for him. See to it that his morals are pure, his mind cultivated, and his whole nature made subser vient to the laws which govern man, and you have given what will be of more value than the i wealth of the Indies. You have given him a start which no misfortune can deprive him of. The ; earlier you teach him to depend upon his own resources the better. Washington. —lt is stated as a singular coin cidence in the death of this great man, that he drew his last breath in the last hour in the last | week in the last month of the year, and in the | last year of the century, viz: Saturday night, 12 o’clock, December 31,1799.