The Washingtonian, or, Total abstinence advocate. (Augusta, Ga.) 1842-1843, November 05, 1842, Image 3

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FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY OF DOLLARS. 43 An amount than sufficient to pay all the debts of all the and relieve the National Treasury from and disgrace! Le t the friend'd'this pause and "reflect! Why this immense of the hard earnings of our citizens ? where . ih ? schemes ofinterna! improvement it has perfect- ?—the cities it has built ?—the fields smiling in it has cultivated ?—the annies it has sus —the peace and abundance it has iinpart :m'! Hear the answer. Its improvement has Hen destruction, —its abundance, famine, —its harvest, misery,—its peace, bloodshed and crime, •“-its fields, the fields of death, —its cities have been Ipfppnstituted of hospitals and prison-houses,—its *rmv has consisted of 500,000 habitual, and Two ■Millions ofoccasionaldrunkards—Thirty Thou sand of whom annually went to the drunkard’s final resting place. If it were possible to call up the haggard ghosts of but one years operations, .. your Committee feel assuml they would have thirty thousand of the strongest arguments which Sjifbuld he presented toany people in behalf ofyour ■Hksociation. Nor would it be necessary to pass raKhe multitude in review, in order that each tem pSlprate drinker might seek out a ruined father, Utother, companion, or friend, who had been vic timized at the unholy shrine of Bachus. Every Mppan’s- memory would revert to the history anil «jt unhappy fate ofscores who would now have risen vprom tile dead to warn him of his danger and his M duty. Ia 1831, with a population of T vvelve Millions, consumed Seventy-two Millions Gallons of nes and Ardent Spirits; and One Hundred Thirty Millions, including Beer, Porter, &e. r about 11 gallons to every man, woman and din the Uijion! and that too, at a cost of ty-fivo Millions of Dollars! Need we say > intoxication had become almost a fashiona (tccomplishment, creditable as it was common lat it pervaded all ranks, and conditions, and ses of men—that neither the Church nor the ial Circle escaped its ruinous influexccs—that human intellect was beclouded—the human rt corrupted—domestic peace destroyed— le promoted—pauperism increased—and even iotism itself endangered in the shameless ititution of the elective franchise! 1 this condition, the Temperance Society id the country —It has been the sole agent in working relief; and yet as early as 1835, there were organised 8000 societies, embracing a mil -Ij§ lion and a half of members —1000 distilleries had " «eased operations— 1200 temperance ships were idloat— 1-2000 drunkards had been reformed —and two millions of people had ceased to use ardent spirits. Yet faithful and efficient as had been the early projectors of this reform, their success was not ~complete. Like the primary actors in every ait her moral movement, they deserve much praise: *tu for they accomplished much by the adoption of »lhe partial abstinence pledge. But every tiling bearing tins impress of humanity is progressive and improveable. Perfection docs not belong to any system in its first developements. In this instance the remedy was complete in kind, but not in extent. It was effectual as far as it went, but it reached only the branches, not the roots of Iheevil. However men had theorized, it was soon found that, harmless as vinous liquors might be in wine-growing countries, in this at least °we would be compelled to sacrifice the apparent : good, in order to insure a certain and permanent f $> immunity !roin the evil: for it was discovered to «bc am easy matter, with the aid of Chemistry, to convert the proceeds of an ordinary New England ’ if Rum factory into the most delicious draughts which had ever been imported from the Mediter ranean, the Cape of Good Hope, or the south I side of Madeira. Hence the propriety of the Total abstinence pledge, which was adopted in 1836, and which ■ insured to the cause increased prosperity. By the census of 1840, it appears that with a popula jv ’ tion increased to 17 millions, the whole amount of «w'. intoxicating liquo's (including wines, beer, por fter, &c.) imported and manufactured, only equal led about 71 millions of gallons; or 4 gallons to every individual in the nation—being a diminu tion of nearly two-thirds on the consumptions of - 1832! 0ur25,000 distilleries had decreased to r£j 10,306!! whilst the other evidences of reform had . increased in the same proportion. Still there seemed a defect in the system. It proceeded on the principle of saving the temper * ate, whilst flic unfortunate Diunkard, for whom the reform should have been mainly intended, IP was almost excluded from the pale ofits benefits, as an outcast, ruined, and beyond the hope of mercy and relief. The sth of April, 1840, marked a new era in i its progress. The principles were slightly alter ed whilst the means and instruments were radi cally changed. The history and operations of the Reformed Drunkards of Baltimore, are too well known to need rehearsal.- They have gone with a self-sacrificing, devoted spirit, into every part of the country— repeating the simple story of their own experience—presenting themselves as living monuments of the redeeming power of the pledge —appealing to the reason, the interests and the better feelings of their fellow men —ad- dressing their self-love —their devotion to their families—their patriotism and their sense of moral obligation. Nor have they appealed in vain. Every where the hosts are gathering to their call —thousands arc marshalling under the cold wa ter banner, and the cry is “stillthey come.” One man alone has taken more than One Hun dred Thousand names to the pledge, one-tenth of whom had been habitual drunkards. The Report of the American Temperance Union for 1842, mentions the number of temper ate drinkers who have taken the pledge, at two millions—of “ hard drinkers” half a million,— whilst the whole number of reformed drunkards cannot be less than 150,lH)0! In Philadelphia, all the Distilleries have been stopped, la New York, all but one, and the production ! diminished from Gj to lj millions of gallons—or about 5 millions in one year. In the State of New York, in 1825, there were 1119 Distilleries —now less than 200! In Western Pennsylvania, in 1815, there were 1500—now, about 20. In Lancaster, Pa. in 1537, there were 20—now only 2. In other sections, the diminution, if not equally ' great, is at least sufficiently so, to mark the tri umph of our cause and inspire us with renewed 1 hopes of final and complete success. In New Y ork, notwithstanding the depression : of the times, the decrease in crime and pauperism, j consequent upon the temperance movement, is ! estimated at G 3 per cent. The same calculation ! will hold good with many other places, and of 1 some a much more favorable one could he made. This new impulse must be mainly attributed to the Retormcd Drunkards, one of whom, Mr. Taylor, has been the happy instrument of accom plishing the revolution in our own state. His efforts during the last summer were as untiring as they were successful. Whole communities have been changed through his exertions, and the state owes him a deep and lasting debt of gratitude. Early in April last, this gentleman visited our city, and to him principally"may he attributed the results we have so happily experienced. In a population of about 7000,' we have about 800 Washingtonians—of whom 70 were unfortunate ■ inebriates, and about 400 temperate drinkers.— ; Let us suppose the former to have averaged four ! brinks and the latter only one per day, at I2sc. each, and we have a total saving of Thirty-one | thousand andtwcnty-fivedollars peryear, or more than enough to defray all the ordinary expenses of your city, and .free the whole community from | taxation ! This sum has actually been saved to the members ofyour society, unconscious as they may be of the fact. Who can calculate the amount of suffering it has relieved —tile misery it has averted—the crime and degradation it has prevented, and the happiness and contentment it may have diffused throughout your communitv ? W hat noble munificence is here 1 Had some Rothchild bestowed it in charity upon us, what language would have been too laudatory—what gratitude too extravagant —what monument too lolly, as an acknowledgement of the high behest? In its silent, unostentatious movements, your so ciety has not escaped opposition; and yet it has disregarded the voice of detraction, and gone for ward in that spirit of “charity which suffereth much” and is “not weary of well doing.” Your committee have not been able to obtain accurate information as to the decrease in the traffic within your city. Some have abandoned the business entirely—others find it greatly di minished in amount and profit-and an old and intelligent merchant thinks the decrease is at least two-thirds upon the sales of former yews! In 1840, there were granted in the city, 29 re tail licences—in 1841, they decreased to 20—the present year there are only 14, with the prospect of a still further diminution in 1843. Os those already licensed, some are only nominal, their patronage having fallen off to such an extent that their receipts are barely sufficient to pay the li cense. One gentleman who, six months ago, was realizing eight dollars per day from his bar, candidly confesses that this source of revenue was entirely cut off by a few weeks operations of the Washingtonians, and admits that the reform has had the effect of keeping nearly all his liquors in the cellar. These results have born attained solely by the influence of public opinion—There has been no force—no proscription—The members of your society have simply abstained from drinking and encouraged others to imitate their example.— When the disposition to reform has been mani fested, they have furnished employment, and en couraged industrious exertion; and even when members have violated their pledge and fallen, they have not been deserted; but again and a gain rescued, persuaded to renew tiieir obliga tions, and cheered forward to redoubled efforts. Is it matter of astonishment, that in some cases you should have failed 1 Because your Society has not saved every man, does it follow that it | shall have no credit for the multitude who by its efforts stand redeemed I The rescue of but one man—the reinvigorating of his mind and heart— and the reimplantation there of all the social and domestic virtues—the restoration of peace, and prosperity to but one family, would more than repay for all the time and money and anxiety be stowed upon the subject. The man who saves his perishing fellow crea ture from an untimely end, is applauded—he who battles tor his Country, is counted worthy of lasting honors and unstinted gratitude—the phi lanthropist,though laborin 'j n an humbler sphere, may be equally certain of his reward. It may be instable as time, but it will be enduring as eternity Respectfully submitted. S. T. CHAPMAN, 1 JAMES HARPER, > Committee. WM. HAINES, Jr. } Drunken Ned came home one night, and had scarcely reached the center of the room, when down he came. “ Wife,” said he, “ what did you grease the floor to-night for % You have made it so slippery I can’t stand on my feet.” For the Washingtonian. Mr. Editor —Now that the Tomahawk of po litical strife is buried, and all party rancour and ajiimosity have subsided, I would respectfully invite our fellow-citizens to rejoin us in our la bors for the promotion of the Temperance cause. Aside from party distinctions, we are all united in behalf of the national weal; and this it is, that insures us our republican institutions will flour ish—for they are the people’s, and the people all feel deeply interested in their preservation. Here every man is monarch of his own will, and he wills the success and prosperity of his own cher ished institutions. Our government, in common with like governments, is dependent on the peo ple for permanent duration—and to the perma nency of all free governments, morality is indis pensable; the people should lie instructed, there fore, as well in moral and religious, as in civil and political doctrines; for without a strict obser vance of moral and religious principles, no people, no country, can enjoy the sweets of uninterrupted freedom. Athens w;is once the fairest flower that unfolded its beauty on the plains of Greece—its delight; ill fragrance charmed the proud Grecians, and they cultivated it. But its doom was soon sealed; for industry, morality and religion, gave place to vice, corruption anil indolence—conse quently the blossom faded, and its tainted odour now quietly sleeps on the silent winds of yore. These remarks are well calculated to render my invitation not only forcible, but acceptable to every good citizen who considers himself thus instructed, and who really takes an interest in tho welfare and happiness of his country. We were greatly animated with new hopes on last Monday night, when the Anniversary of our Society was celebrated. Our eyes were greeted and our hearts cheered by one of the most bril liant displays of moral beauty and grandeur that has ever brightened the annals of our city. All sexes and conditions convened at the Presbyteri an Church, to offer up their mingled devotions at tile hallowed shrine of sacred temperance. What a sublime spectacle, to sec men forgetting their passions, and loosing sight of their immediate interests, in view of this noble and glorious cause! What a cheering circumstance to sec the beauty of our land smiling on this work of humanity! Aye, 'tis cheering indeed! Their smiles arc blflssoms of love, whose fragrance elate with hope, and whose brightness fill with joy. These facts, of themselves, are sufficient to illumine our hopes with the dawning brilliancy of success, and encircle our efforts with the sparkling glories of victory. We regret that at our celebration, not more than ten names were annexed to tho list;—howe ver, if each of these will, like the faithful servant of whom we read in the Holy Book, improve his talent tenfold, both we and they will have great cause for rejoicing. In conclusion, I would repeat my invitation, and in addition, earnestly entreat all those who have not yet joined in our efforts to promote good order, peace, and sobriety, to do so now; and thereby sanction that which, if it meet with uni versal sanction, must shed a ray of milenial glory and happiness abroad over the land, and cause a shout of hosannah’s to swell the requiem anthem that chanfs the funeral song of ruinous depravity. ZENO. For the Washingtonian. Daiilonega, Oct. 18th, 1842. Mr. Editor , —The glorious cause of Temper ance has now, we hope, a firm foot-hold in this town. Mr. Richard P. Taylor, that active friend of the cause, paid us a visit on the 29th of Sep tember, and remained four days, lecturing each night to targe and attentive audiences; and judg ing by the results which have followed his labors, much good has been done. Such lectures had never been heard in this place; they have given the community new views and feelings on the subject. On the 4th of October, those persons who had signed the pledge met in the Court house, and organized themselves into a Washing ton Total Abstinence Society, At this meeting an effort was made to make sweet cider an excep tion to the pledge, but the attempt proved ineffect ual, and was decided in the negative by a large majority; therefore the pledge remains as it should bo—total abstinencc--for there is no safe ty in any other, at least so I have found it to be in my case, as well as in many others. Some of the members seem to think there is no harm in using sweet cider; but no two could agree as to how long cider kept sweet.—Some would call it sweet while others would call it hard; and others argued against the motion that hard eider might be sweetened, and thus become sweet eider— ft'hilc it had not lost its intoxicating <[uaiities. Many persons will not sign the pledge on account ot this clause. If they so fastidiously adhere t<r the use ot one kinu of liquor, how long will it bo before they have acquired a love lor every kind. And there still remains many of our unfortunate brethren who will not give the pledge the same kind ot trial which we have done, and experience the same good results. But we will not give them up; for no one knows, hut a reformed drunkard, the earnest desire wo have that they may he re claimed, for we have fell the injurious effects, therefore we can feci for them. The following vote of thanks was unanimous ly passed by the society: Resolved, That the thanks of this Society he presented to Mr. Richard P. Taylor, for his zeal ous and active exertions in the Temperance cause in our town and elsewhere, and for the good we have every reason to believe he has done in our midst.—Also, for the new impetus which (he cause has received through his influence; and that, he has the sincere and heartfelt wish of the members of this Society, for his future welfare and that of his family. The Society is steadily increasing in numbers and usefulness. We now number eighty-nine members, among whom we can count twenty who have been hard cases indeed. I am pleased to see the rapid and increased circulation ot your valuable paper in this place. Yours, truly, A Reformed Drunkard. 2jT The following is related as a dialogue be tween a drunkard and his wife; it is in perfect accordance with the unreasonableness of drunk ards in general. “ I say Molly, what have you got for dinner 1” “ I told you this morning we had nothing in the house.” “O, well, let me take the baby, and you pick up something.” “So you told me this morning, but there’s no thing to pick up. “ Oh, pick up some codfish and potatoes, Molly, pick up something.” “But Mr. Lindsey there’s nothing in the house.” “ Nothing at all?” “ No meal, nor bread, nor butter, nor potatoes, nor a mouthful of anything that can be eaten.” “ Well, well, Molly,l say pick up a little some thing or other , and let us have some dinner, for I’m in a hurry.” List of Payments. Wo have received the following payments for the Washingtonian since our last publication : Augusta.. Jesse Kent, to June 11, 1843; Rob’t D. Carmichael, to Nov. 5, 1843. Belair.. Charles Beall, to Oct. 15th, 1843. Warrenton .. W. B. Hunley, to Nov. 5, 1843. Vienna.. Dr. David J. Bothwell, to Nov. sth, 1843. Latimer’s Store.. N. Turner, to Nov. 5, 1843, (per John \V. Fowler.') Rockbridge. .F. C. Diamond, N. W. Gordon, James W. Hamilton, Joseph Bonds, James Dia mond, to Nov. 5, 1843, (by John W. Fowler.) McDonough. .Mrs. Susannah West, to Oct. 15,1843. Dahlonega. .P, O. Connor, F. W. Lucas, A. G. Wimpy, B. F. Swanton, S. D. Crane, Win. Woods, Wm, Warwick, Mr. Lowery, James Hunter, Mai. Stansel, Z. D. Mason, to Oct. I, 1843, John Davidson, J. Worley, to Nov. 5, ’43, (by C. 11. Lcilncr.) Canton.. James A. Maddox, to Nov. 5, 1843. Marietta.. Rev. Isaac Waddcl, Jesse C. Far rar, James Carlton, Lemma Kirtley, Hiram How ard, R. A. Williamson, H. A. Fraser, Capt. J. P. Spain, Rees H. Lin, Jesse R. Hannon, to Oct. 15, 1843, Col. S. H. Long, to Nov. 5, 1843, (by Jas. A. Cooper. Clarksville.. W. C. Ritch, A. G. Pitner, Phil ip Martin, Charles B. Word, Wm. W. Ally, Alex. Erwin, A. P. Phillips, John Hunt, N. A. V. Gurley, Jehu Stcrret, John W. Martin, A, Alston, J. W. H. Underwood, Thompson Allan, E. J. Panned, Mrs C. St. L. Stanford, to Oct. 1, 1843, (per. Lewis Levy.) Win. Smith and A. G. Perryman, to Oct. 1, 1843. Hamburg, S. C. .. D. L. Adams, to June ilth. 1843. Chattanooga, Ten... Henry Timanus, to Oct. 15th, 1843. Ilichlands, N. C... Bryan S. Koonce, to Oct. 15th, 1843, (G copies.) Sneeds Ferry, N. C. ..C01. J. B. Pollock, to Oct. 15th, 1843, (G copies.) WASHINGTONIAN PLEDGES, TV EATLY printed on Cards, for sale at this Office Price, $2 per hundred. Societies can be sup plied with any quantity, at short notice. BOOK BINDERY & BLANK BOOK MANUFACTORY, OPPOSITE THE POST-OFFICE, AGGUSTA, GEO. I3LANK BOOKS, of every description, made to order, and all other kind of Books neatly bound. June 11th. 1542. ' T S. STOY.