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THE WASHINGTONIAN: AUGUSTA, NOV EMBER 5, 1842. Washington Total Mslintnce Pledge. We, whose names are hereunto annexed, desirous of forming a Society for our mutual benefit, and to guard against a pernicious practice, which is injurious to our health, standing and families, do pledge ourselves as Gentlemen. not to drink any Spiritous or Malt Liquors, Wine or Cider. JjT We hope our readers will attentively pe ruse the Report of the Committee, submitted to the Society, and published in our paper to-day. It is highly interesting, and the facts startling as true; knowing which, who can withhold his name and influence from the support of this good work. Read and circulate it among your neigh bors. In our present No. we have not room for the able and interesting address delivered by Col. Milledge, and have to defer its publication until our next. Death of George Steers. The death of Mr. George Steers, one of the original Six Reformed Drunkards of Baltimore, is announced in the New York Organ of October 15th. He died on Sunday the Oth, aged forty four years. The Organ justly remarks: “ The labors of these men, and those who have adopted their principles, all over the coun try have been crowned with large success, and proved a blessing to humanity. The names of the Six, are destined to an immortality around which no bloody stained trophies will cluster, no tears of widows and orphans will dim its bright ness. They have won an immortality of the purest and holiest character, and the blessings and tears of thousands will sanctify their memo ries. The remains of Mr. Steers, wore followed to the grave by a solemn and impressive array of friends, and the earth closed over a true friend of his kind,” A friend writes under date Oct. 27th—“ Th r cause is going ahead in DeKalb. There was a Temperance meeting in Roctbri<lge District on the 15th, when 62 names were annexed to the pledge. All that is wanting is for the matter to be properly discussed." A letter, dated Clarksville, Qa. Oct. 23d, says, “ Our Washington Society is getting on well, and our members firm. I do not know of any backsliders. We have now 223 members. At our meeting last night, it was resolved to form Auxiliary societies in each precinct, (5) in this County, and delegates appointed to attend the said places." An indictment lor stabbing lately came up in the Superior Court of the County of , in this state. The principals were Hudson Moss and his brother-in-law, Turner Lane. It was pro ved that the parties engaged in the fray were all drunk, and much contradictory testimony l>eing given in the case, a gentleman of the Bar, pen cilled the following lines : Liquor’s the source of crime and robbing— ’Tis proved the cause of all this stabbing: Old Moss was drunk, and so was Lane; Liquor had made that crowd insane; Had broken heads and bleeding sides, And bung’d up eyes and much besides; And now they come to end theii frays, By swearing each contrary ways. Fit subjects they themselves have made, To join Charles Nelson’s “ home Brigade."* ♦Penitentiary. Several of the military and fire companies in the city of New York, have adopted unanimously the Washingtonian Pledge. At the Croton Celebration in that city, on the 16th ult. appro priate banners, inscribed with mottoes expressive of their principles, were borne. The array of Temperance banners on this occasion, (says the “Organ,” was very beautiful, and some very ex pensive. One with a decanter upside down, with the “ critter” escaping, marked, “ right side up,” One of the Washington Societies had a large platform erected, a regular old fashioned well sweep, and a well, and from the “ moss covered bucket,” the sparkling Croton was liberally dis pensed to the crowd. A well disciplined military company has been formed at Hubbardstown, (Mass.) called the Washingtonian Guards, pledged both to repel the invasion of foreign enemies, and to vanquish Old Alcohol, the domestic and far more danger ous foe. Two companies of Firemen in Philadelphia have raised the Temperance flag. The Senior Class of Princeton College, New Jersey, at their last supper, permitted no wine at the festive board. Not a drop of spirituous liquors can be pur chased at Charleston, (Indiana.) Notiplcrs in Greencastlc, (Ky.) Two reformed drunkards in Maine, have suc ceeded in reforming nearly a whole county, with a population of 13,500. Os 15 rumsellers doing business when they commenced, only 11 are now engaged in dealing it, and but '2O drunkards arc left to sustain them. The “Virginia Teetotaller,” Vol. 2, number 1, comes to us in an enlarged form, and part ofa new name, published semi-monthly, without any variation in the subscription price, (SI per ann.) The Teetotaller has already done much for the Cause of Temperance, and from the healthy ap pearance of the present No. with the encourage ment to persevere in its labors, (the circulation having increased 900 in two weeks,) the friends of Temperance in the ‘‘Old Dominion” know well how to appreciate a good thing, by giving it their support; and the publisher of the Teetotal ler, without any loud, unmeaning promises, has presented a sheet well worthy their liberality. SEARS' BIBLE BIOGRAPHY, 500 Engravings. Mr. T. S. Stoy, who is agent for this place, can supply any persons with the above popular and valuable work, which we take pleasure in recommending as a book that should be found in the library of every head of a family; the pros pectus of which can be seen in our back numbers. The above work can be obtained on application at our office, or delivered to subscribers in any part of the city. Mr. J. J. Johnson. We are indebted to a friend for a copy of the Boston Mercantile Journal, containing a commu nication from “C. W.” relative to the welcome received by Mr. Johnson, the able temperance lecturer. The Marlboro’ Chappel was filled to overflowing, to hear an account of his travels in the Southern States. There was collected to gether an assemblage of not less than 2000 i>er. sons, witt open hearts and extended hands, to welcome him back, notwithstanding his unfortu nate fall, which all were ready to pardon, forget and forgive. “ He fell— and With Giant’* strength, he rose again.” The services were commenced by singing of the choir. Rev. Mr, Russell addressed the throne of Grace in a very happy manner, praying most heartily for the conversion of all, more particu larly of the vender and maker of intoxicating drinks. The President of the Society, S. b*? Holbrook, then addressed the meeting for a mo ment, and introduced Mr. Johnson, “ Goon as NEW.” Mr. Johnson then addressed the audience, evi dently under a great deal of embarrassment; he expressed it, in a humble but dignified manner, by saying that the welcome he received almost over powered his feelings —although he had fallen, since absent, yet, with joy, he thanked God he had returned a sober man, that he had labored hard to wash away the stain. He recounted his reception and labors at Mobile, detailing the wonderful progress of the Temperance cause in that place; giving full credit for all the kindness and hospitality shown him on his arrival, and during the stay of himself and Mr. Cady in that city; speaking in the highest terms of that well known and able advocate of the cause of Tem perance, the Rev. Mr. Schcon, of Cincinnatti, Ohio. Mr. Johnson then gave an account of his leaving Mobile, and his arrival at Ncw-Orleans, his reception there, of the great and wonderful progress in that city, until, in an cril hour, he fell—and in that fall, the cause was in jured; but the cause there, as in every other place, being the cause of humanity, the cause of God and man, resting its claims noton “poor, feeble, mortal man," but on its own pure and ho ly principles —it progressed, borne on by that invisible, but Almighty power, “ whose arm is not shortened, that it cannot save.” Mr. John son acknowledged his fall in a candid manner, detailing the circumstances in full, attaching no blame to any one, attributing it to his own weak ness altogether. He spoke in unmeasured thanks and gratitude of Col. Lane and other friends to the reform, for their unwearied pains taken to restore him and bring him back, and place him before the community in the position he stood before the sad accident. Os the manner in which he was again received by the New Orleans com munity, he spoke in high commendation and gratitude. It appears to me that no person, espe cially a Washingtonian, that heard hi* sad tale, but what must stop and ask himself the question, Am I safe, or sure, for a single moment 1 The answer is plain, No, not in my own strength, “unless God kcepeth the city, the watchmen wake in vain.” Mr. J. then gave an account of his return visit to Mobile, and of his kind and flattering recop tion in that place, although it was known that ho> had fallen, —but was again up and doing. He then named his visits to Greensboro’, Gainesville, Eutaw, Marion, Selma, Benton, (in this latter place 13 stores and taverns gave up the sale of in toxicating drinks!) He then visited Hainesville, Wctumke, Columbus, (where nearly five hun dred signed the pledge of Total Abstinence.) On t health of July ho spoke at Talbott on; he next paid a visit to Culloden; thence to Macon, Clinton, Milledgeville, Eatonton, Sparta, War renton, Augusta, (Geo.) and Charleston, (S. C.) —giving a very excellent account of the progress of the work in these places. Mr. Johnson closed bis remarks by admonishing xI.L, particularly Washingtonians, not by any means to touch, taste, or handle the infernal poison, lest in an unguarded moment they should fail, and fore ver remain so. For himself, he said, that by the goodness of God, he was restored again, and would rather die this monent, than taste another drop. The address throughout was a solemn warning to all—it was felt by all—it was takon by all. May it be remembered by all, producing, through the blessing of God, a good and happy effect upon all. C. W. of the Washington Total Abstinence Society of Richmond county, was cel ebrated on Monday evening last in the Presbyte rian Church, where a large and respectable audi ence were assembled. The exercises were opened by singing a tem perance ode by the choir —“My Country's Voice.’ After which an appropriate prayer was offered by Rev. Charles S. Dodd. The annual report of the Society, prepared by a committee appointed for that purpose, was read by S. T. Chapman, Esq. The report gave a very full and interesting account of the origin and pro gress of the Temperance Reform, not only within the bounds of this community and State, but thro’- out the United States, and in foreign lands. The report was unanimously accepted, and or dered to be published in the city papers, under the direction oft he committee from whom it originated- On motion of Dr. Daniel Hook, it was ltcsohed, That the several Temperance Socie ties throughout this county be invited to become auxiliary to this Society, to appoint delegates to co-operate with us, and to unite with us in all our meetings, and especially on our anniversaries and other public occasions. Another temperance ode “ The Triumph of Temperance "--being sung by the choir, Col. John Milledge then rose and addressed the assembly in a chaste, able and eloquent man ner, which was received by them with most en thusiastic applause. On motion of James Harper, Esq, it was Resolved, unanimously , That a copy of the highly interesting speech of Col. John Milledge be solicited for publication. Another temperance ode was then sung. When on motion of Rev. Wm. T. Brantly, it was unanimously Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be ten dered to Thomas S. Metcalf, Esq., for the gratui tous use of the Unitarian Church, in which the Society has held its meetings for some months past, to Messrs. Richards, Iverson, Trembly, and others, who composed the choir, for the sweet and enlivening music afforded for this occasion. « On motion of Dr. F. M. Robertson, it was unanimously Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Washingtonian, and the other city papers. The meeting then adjourned to meet on Friday evening next, in the Unitarian Church, at seven o’clock. JOSEPH A. EVE, President. Wm. Haines, Jr. Secretary. Report of the Committc. The Committee upon whom has devolved the duty of considering the history, condition, and prospects of this Society, submit the following REPORT: The friends of sobriety may well congratulate themselves and their fellow-citizens upon the oc currences of the past year. Whilst so much has transpired in the various departments of trade and business to discourage enterprise and palsy the arm of industrywhilst suspicion and distrust have taken the place of a generous confidence; — and whilst “the pure in heart” have had such reason to despond over the decline in public and private morals—it is cheering to discover one bright spot in the almost universal waste, beto kening the recuperative powers of the human character, and presenting hopes that we will eventually be a temperate, though we may not be a prosj>erous people. Os this we have ample assurance in the reports which daily reach us from every section of the country. The eye can scarcely trace a spot upon the map of the Union, where some disciple of temperance has not been laboring successfully to enforce the simple, yet, powerful principles of re form. Our onward march has indeed been sio nalized by a scries of uninterrupted triumphs, the good effects of which are too manifest to be dispu ted. They may Use read in the changed features of many of our once wretched, but now sober and | prosperous citizens —they may be discovered in the altered aspect of affairs generally—in the in creased order which prevails —in the quiet and peaceful deportment ot those who were lately the I leaders in scenes of turbuleinee, of strife and bloodshed—in a growing respect for the laws of the land, and a more ready observance of their wholesome requisitions—in the changed and chastened tone of public feeling and sentiment— in the cheerful, joyaus smile of redeemed infan cy—in the prosperity of reformed husbands—and,, in the contentment and happiness of rescued, confiding females. When asked, what good the Temperance Re formation has effected, its advocates may well reply —behold its triumphs in every section of your country —in every walk of life—in every sex and condition of your race! Its influence is confined to no nation, language, or complexion. It unites all parties, sects and persuasions, in one harmonious brotherhood. The Royalist and the Republican, —the Turk and the Christian, —the jjwarthy inhabitant of the South Sea Islands, and tfie refined and enlightened European,—the East ern Nabob, and the sturdy pioneer of the West ern wilderness, can here all unite in the same effort to promote a common and glorious object. No religious test is required —No political creed is to be subscribed to. The pride of birth, and “the pomp and circumstance’’ of wealth, are merged in the common anxiety to insure ourselves and our fellow men against the misery and degra dation that att< nd the disgusting vice of Intem perance. Your Committee would not over-estimato the character and effect of the temperance reforma- . tion. They are not the advocates of a wild en thusiasm—Theydesirenottobcnumberad among < those “ vho see every thine in temperance and temperance in ex try thine!" and yet they are not blind to the virtues of the Institution, or of its manifest and multitudinous lienefits. They would not proscribe others for differing from them in opinion; but would invite them to consider calmly and dispassionately the nature and objects of the Society—to judge of it by its fruits, and de cide accordingly. The enterprise is purely of a moral character. It looks only to reason and morality for its sup port. It disclaims all legislative action, and the exercise of undue and improper influences, It leaves every man to exercise the inalienable rights of opinion and action. Believing the use of In toxicating drinks, as a beverage, to be fraught with little good and unnumbered evils, its advo cates have pledged themselves, as Gentlemen,, and Ladies, to abstain entirely therefrom. Their language to others, is that of the Jewish Itwgi w r tojhis father-in-law, “Come with us,and we will do thee good!” Ifthe trial be fairly made, —if the promise bo found false—and if the temperance asylum be found to contain, not blessings, but curses; then may our fellow-citizens“retuin to their cups”—to the pleasures ofthe moment and the dangers of a drunkard’s retribution. No obstructions bar the way. The door is open, and all are cordially in vited to entcrand “ abide with us.” The egress is equally easy —for the Temperance Society, un like the eraveof'lhe drunkard, has away of es cape/ On the other hand, if the Institution be found a good one—if it has done much to relieve the country from the disgrace of intemperance, and the burden of a heavy consequent taxation— if it afford to the unfortunate drunkard a true as sylum—if it dry up the tears of heart-broken females, and relieve penury and orphanage of their pangs and sufferings—may we not call upon every good man and pure patriot to sustain it by precept and example—to yield it his hearty co operation and persuade others to join him in the good work 1 Your Committee would refer to facts, and leuve others to make the application. From the achievement of American Independence to a re cent period, the intemperance of this people had been observed and deplored. Statesmen had le gislated and protested against it—the pulpit had denounced it, and good men every where regard ed it as an evil of no ordinary character. And yet its progress was onward. From 1790 to 1832, the records ofthe Custom-house show the quan tity of ardent Spirits and Wines imported, to be about Three Hundred Millions op Gallons. Add to this the amount manufactured in the Country, (as well as the quantity of Beer, Por ter, and other intoxicating drinks,) and the ag fregatc does not vary much from Twenty-seven Il.ndred Millions cp Gallons H Costing, at the very moderate price of 50 cents per gallon, the enormous sum of THIRTEEN HUN DRED AND FIFTY MILLIONS OF DOL LARS. 42 The estimated cost of the Revolutionary war is One Hundred and Thirty-five Millions of Dol lars. Add to this the expenses of the United States Government from 1790 to the present time--51 years—at 15 millions per year, and we have the entire expenses of this Government equal toNINE HUNDRED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. This sum paid all the Civil and Diplomatic ex penses ofthe Country—it rewarded and sustained our victorious armies—it carried our flag trium phant over every sea—it gave to the world a new form of government— ! ’ it paid the price of liber ty ' —it purchased Florida and Louisiana, and whole leagues of valuable territory to the West; and yet, when deducted from the sum which the people paid for the uselessly destructive article of intoxicating drinks, prior to 1832, leaves a surplus