Newspaper Page Text
THE WASIMMiTOM AN.
AUGUSTA. WAKCH 29, 1845. I
EDITORIAL COMM! r im
Rev. W. T. Bkaxtly, Dr. D. Hook,
“ VV. J. Habd, J\me* Harper, Esq,
'• C. S. Don, A. W. Noei., Esq.
{W- To Dhtajii StjßAOKtsrsj.—Post Masters are au i
thoiizeJ by law to remit money to the publishers of
newspapers and periodicals, in pajroent of suhscrip.
tions. Subscribers to the Watkin.tunian can (herefoi e
pay for their papers without subjecting themselres or
the publisher to the expense of postage, hy handing the
amount to the Post Master, with a request to remit it.
Klmms* Monthly Magazine.
Mr. Holmes has kindly placed on our ta
ble iho March number of this interesting
periodical. Its contents will furnish quite
a pleasant repast. At least we think so
from the glance we have taken of them.
We shall try the work, and think that
others may do so without risk of time or ;
money.
— ■ l. -:.r l
Our correspondent, Sicklk, proposes an
excellent plan for keeping up the inter- .
est of our meetings. We hope it will be |
tried. By this means some of our holi- |
day temperance orators, who are so dread- ,
fully afraid of “ becoming common,’' and (
who therefore will not speak more than (
once in one or two years, may be indu- t
ced to come out frequently to show off' ,
in debate. Many young men may he ,
stimulated to take part in our discussions. ,
Such a plan would be likely to bring out ,
a respectable squad from the Franklin <
Debating Society, who would bo willing ,
to enter tho arena as Paddy would, “for
the more fun of tho thing.” We like
tho suggestion not only because it would |
furnish speakers, but because it would i
give them something to talk about. A
gain, tho novelty of the affair, ns well as ,
tho excitement consequent upon a debate ,
would draw out an assembly. Wo hope
tho officers of the Society will try the
plan proposed by our correspondent.
Our I.«st Meeting,
We are told, was quite a pieasnnt one.
Several addresses wero made in good
taste. Our excellent Ex-President, Dr.
Joseph A. Eve, from tho pressure of pro
fessional duties, tendered his resignation,
which was accepted. A thorough-going
temperance tnan, and an ablo officer, Dr.
D. Hook was chosen. He delivered an '
effective inaugural—during which, he in 1
the name of the Society tendered its I
thanks to our late presiding officer, for
his valuable labors in the temperance
cause. This was happily done, and was
warmly applauded by the auditory. We |
trust that under the auspices of the new
President, wo will move onward, accom. ;
plishing more and more for tho reforma- 1
tion of our fellow men.
Benevolence.
This is a noble attribute. Without it
no character is perfect. It not only gives
lustre to all other excellences, but it is in
dispensable to all. There is no virtue,
no quality, which does not suffer loss,
when considered as separated from it.
Justice when isolated, is astern virtue—
Wisdom unconnected with it, is a cold,
icy attribute. There can be no enter
prise morally great without it—lt digni
fies and ennobles every quality, every
work with which it is associated. Hence
it is universally praised and eulogised—
but it is not generally practised. How is
this contradiction to be accounted for?
Is it because we are so thoroughly selfish,
that we cannot afford a place in our hearts
to that generous virtue which not only
wishes good, but does good ? Are we in
love with it for the personal benefits it
confers? It would seem so. How few
there arc who hail with delight the op
portunities presented them for doing good!
Even these aro wearied by more than an
occasional appeal to the kindness of their
natures. The various artifices resorted to
for getting contributions for humane in
stitutions, is proof of the great lack of
this virtue. Even the different Churches
resort to means the most dignified ,
and certainly not the most grave and
pious, for the purpose of extorting means
from unwilling hearts and hands. Among
them, may be mentioned Fairs. Whilst
funds aro raised, we doubt if the benevo
lence of the community is improved by
them. It is with regret that we perceivethc
Society of Washingtonians in Augusta,
has been compelled to resort to a Fair, to
meet its expenses—because it is a rebuke
to Washingtonians : it impeaches their
benevolence. Washingtonianism is the
cheapest mode of doing good; yet the
pittance required from 1400 members has
been with-held, and shame upon us, we
must beg to pay our debts.
Wc would say to our readers, if they
desire to be good and useful, they should
cultivate benevolence. Let them em
brace every opportunity for its exercise.
Let them impose a tax on selfishness,
when it rises up against aiding a good
work. Let them dwell on the benevo
lence of him, who bestows upon them
benefits in rich profusion.
Agriculturist.
If the literal meaning of the word be
adhered to, the world abounds in agricul
turists—every ploughman, and every
sower of seed and hoer of corn is an ag
riculturist. But in its extended and mod
ern sense, he only is an agriculturist, who
improves his land—increases its produce
—cultivates it neatly and properly—im
proves ihe field apparatus—understands
the analysis of soils—the properties of
manures, the kind of culture the various
crops require, dec., &c. How few there
are in the South ! How important to us
that there should he more. Under the
caie of mere dirt diggers, nnd corn hoers,
much of our sunny land has been well
nigh ruined, and much more is on the
way to ruin. Wo need the caro of
scientific men to mako tho soil of our
nearly exhausted plantations what it once
was.
However important such men would
be, it is not to be expected that many far
mers will at at once turn their attention
to the science of agriculture. Indeed
unless our colleges, or schools furnish the
means for a strictly agricultural educa
tion, tho number of men entitled to the
namo of Agriculturist will ho limited.—
Yet much may he done for the improve
mont of the farmer and his lands, if ho
would avail himself of the labors of
some practical and scientific work.—
Whilst we deprecate tho folly of South
ern and Northern literature, or Southern
and Northern religion or Southern and
Northern science, yet to an extent we
must have somo work on agriculture
strictly Southern. The reasons arc evi
dent. Our climate, soil nnd crops are
peculiar, and should bo treated of by
those who under stand them. We are
told that tho Messrs. Jones are publish
ing an excellent work, nnd wo sec by
the papers that it is highly spoken of.—
The editor, Mr. Camak, is said to ho an
able man. Although this is mere hear
say, for the publishers have not afforded
us an opportunity of judging of its mer
its, yet it is so respectably endorsed that
wc venture to recommend the Cultivator
published by the Messrs. Jones of Au
gusta, to the attention of farmers and
planters.
Beware ot Mesmerism.
A party of friends met at the house of
Mr. P. in Burke, a few weeks ago, and
among other things talked about, was
Mesmerism. Some had read about the
passes to be made—the power of the will,
6ic., but not one of them had ever seen
an operation. One of the company pro
posed in a joke, to try hispoweron a negro
girl about 12 years old, who wn%presenl.
He commenced the customary squeezing
and rubbing—looked with fixed eyes into
the darkey’s; when, to the amazement
of the operator nnd the company, the ne
gro was Mesmerized, and went into a
sound sleep. Now the operator tried his
power—bade her lift an arm, and it was
lifted. So far, it was all fun. The sleep
deepened—the pulse was felt—it was
scarcely perceptible—the breathing be
came feeble. One by one became alarm
ed—the operator partook of the panic.
The negro was shaken, but could not be
roused. What shall we do ? was the ge
neral cry. Some one proposed to “ let
her sleep on”—that “she would awake
by to-morrow.” The operator was wil
ling to do this; but the owner of the
girl told him, he “ had got the negro in
to that fix, and he could not go until I
he should, get her out.” Here was |
fresh trouble for our poor novice in
Mesmerism. He was troubled—the per
spiration poured off his ruddy phiz
Three hours passed away. The negro
showed no sign of waking. Our fat
friend perspired more freely. The Dr.
some miles off was spoken of. Some
thought the operator had gotten the ne
gro into a bad box, and he thought so
himself. Another hour rolled off; the
negro opened her eyes. All hearts were
glad—smiles played over the faces of the
woe-begone company. The operator
with solemn earnestness addressed the
company in a short, but energe'tic speech j
“Gentlemen, this is the first, and the last
time.” Every man present now believes
in the doctrine of Mesmerand no indi
vidual among them would now allow any
passes to be made over him. The negro
was not conscious of any thing that had
been been done. She was at first very
much enfeebled. She is now doing well.
The narration of this case is strictly true
in every particular.
For the Washingtonian.
Messrs. Editors , —Would it not great
ly increase the interest of our temper
ance meetings, to publish a week before
hand, the particular subject that should
occupy the Society ? Temperance is in
timately related to our personal, social,
political and religious welfare; and, it
seems to me, a subject which would bring
one of these subjects prominently before
the society, would be well calculated to
elicit much useful information. Will you
do a reader of the Washingtonian the
favor to say what you think on this sub
ject? and further, whether you think it
would be prudent to debate this question
—Ought the grogseller who sold A. B.
the liquor which so disabled him that he
could not get home, and caused his death
soon after he was carried there, to be re
ported to the grand jury, ns a trans
gressor of the criminal laws of the State?
This case is proposed at this time be
cause the facts are now so old, that if it
ho prudent to debate it at nil, it can be
done without any undue feeling.
Sickle.
Tile la use.
If there is one thing nbove another for
which we love the Washingtonian cause,
it is for its basis; for its foundation. It
stands not upon the statutes framed by
man. It does not depend upon the ex
planations or arguments of lawyers. It
asks not for decisions of Judges. It
seeks no verdict from a Jury. But on
the immutable laws of right and wrong,
written by the Creator on the tablets of
the hearts of men, it stands; and con
science, all powerful conscience, is the
Advncato who applies, and the Judge
who decides upon the arguments adduced
by the Washingtonians in favor of their
pledge.
The Washingtonian asks no protec
tion from the law. He stands upon high
er ground. He is protected by princi
ple. He is protected bv his pledge, and
the arm of his Maker, who, so long as
he places his trust in Him, will never
suffer that pledge to lose its efficacy or
its power.
What is it to the Washingtonian, or to
the Washingtonian cause, whether the
license laws are constitutional or not?
What is it to him how lawyers argue, or
how courts decide? Nothing—absolute
ly nothing. He has never had assistance
from the law—except to send him to the
House of Correction, and thus plunge
him into the abyss of degradation, de
stroy his little remnant of self-respect,
and by embittering his already wretched
feelings of contempt for himself and ha-
I tred of others, place him farther from
i reformation. He has never employed
[ the law in his labor of love, in pursua
! ding his wretched inebriate brother to
forsake the ways of sorrow and again be
come surrounded with friends, and again
resume his place in society.
The Washingtonian has never required
the aid of the law in persuading the mod
erate drinker to pause for a moment and
survey the progress he has already made
from the path of sobriety, and look into
the dreary waste of intemperance which
stretches its dark and gloomy pathway
before him. Nor has he required its aid
to persuade the young man to shun, as
he should shun, disgrace and dishonor,
which ever lies surely and inevitably in
the wine, though ever so beautifully
shielded from view, and presented under
however fascinating circumstances.—
Neither does the law aid the Washing,
tonian to awaken the attention of fathers
and mothers and sisters and brothers to
the great claims which Total Abstinence
[has upon all and every one in that ea
! pacitv, in preserving the social and do
j meslic happiness of the human family
from being entrenched upon, curtailed, j
destroyed.
The Washingtonian finds no necessity ,
for calling on the law to aid him, when
he presents before the people the tiict that
total abstinence from intoxicating drinks
prevents pauperism, wars, riots, murders,
thelts, robberies,
tion, and all the black catalogue of crime
at which humanity starts back apalled,
and the mention ot which blanches her
beaming face with deadly paleness. No
aid of law is required here; conscience j
comes in play; it convicts them of hein
ous sin in not signing the pledge, and j
giving all their influence to the cause of'
total abstinence. Conscience, in its op- \
eration, takes away the disposition to do
wrong, and with that diposition, the man
is prepared now to do right, and a for
vent laborer is gained. ()f what matter
is it, then, to the Washingtonian what
the decision of the Supreme Court may
be ? None.
Will we, if the court says tiic laws
are unconstitutional, cease to point out
the evils of intemperance? Shall we, if
a decision is given in favor of the rum- J
sellers, cease to persuade the inebriate to
reform, the moderate drinker to pause in
his career, tho youth to beware of the
first glass? No ! we will nct.
Wth God for our support; with the
pledge for our shield ; with truth for our
guide; with appeals to the hearts and
consciences of men for our weapons, we
will still march forward with our white
banner of total abstinence floating over
our heads; cheered on our march by the
music of the song of the reclaimed ine
briate, by the glad, joyous laugh of the
wife, and the happy carols of the chil
dren, to reform our glorious land. The
decision of no earthly court can inter
vene between the Washingtonian and his
end in view. All law, or no law at all,
can advance or retard us net one whit.
We do not stand trembling or fearful ol
any thing that mortal man can do or say;
our leader is the One before whom the
“wisdom of man is foolishness,” who
“out of the mouths of babes and suck
lings, perfects praise,” who “taketh the
weak and foolish of this world to con
found the mighty.”
Onward Washingtonians—faint no!
and fear not—thunder forth the truth;
speak faithfuhy and fearlessly to the con
sciences of men ; be earnest, and cease
not for one moment in your labor of
love, and your efforts of righteousness.—
Our movement depends not upon that
man or men whom John Tyler or James
K. Polk, or any other weak, erring, frail,
fallible mortal may place upon the bench
of the Supreme Court of the United
States for a few days or a few years. —
Wc cannot be thrown flat upon our backs,
our hands and our feet tied, so that we
cannot move or stir if the license laws
of this State are pronounced unconstitu
tional. Therefore forward, look not be
hind, nor to the right or to the left, one
instant, but press onward for the redemp
tion of mankind. Personal effort, and!
faithful, earnest seeking to bring men to
a sense of their personal danger, and
their duty to themselves and their rela
tives and friends, and thegrent family of
human kind, will accomplish the ends ol
the Washingtonian reform, and as we
were blessed in the outset by these ex
ertions, so will we be now, by a renewal
of the same efforts.
Let others tremble as they will; let
them fear as they may ; let their move
ment depend upon judicial decisions,
whether it advances or retrogrades; that
will not effect our movement; as we
sow we shall reap ; and let us be earnest
in sowing good seed, and we shall reap
an abundant harveat. Forward, then,
to the contest; Love, Faith and Char
ity our motto. Truth and Persuasion
our weapons. The Victory must and
shall be ours.— Boston Washingtoni
an.
The Young our Hopt —Perseverance our i
Duty.
It is with peculiar pleasure that we wit
ness the efforts put forth by the young
men of our country to arrest the progress
of intemperance. True, there are large
numbers of them, even now, who are
wedded to the cup and rapidly forming
habits of confirmed intemperance. But
how many there are who have nobly
abandoned it, and stood forth the ardent
advocates of tho cause of total absti
nence ! How many of the very best of
our younger brethren have had the moral
courage to declare their hostility to the
time-honored and too universally preva
lent custom of taking wine at the festal
party and the public house, while others,
less courageous and of looser principles,
have given themselves up to its delusive
and fatal enchantments, and are advan
cing, step by step, in the downward ca
reer of the drunkard. Our hopes of the
ultimate triumphs of the cause re6t, in no
small degree, upon the rising race. If
j the youth of our country would univer
sally embrace our principles; if parents
would diligently and prayerfully instil
into the minds of their children a defence
of these principles too strong for the
temptations of tlie destroyer, and thus fix
amongst their first and strongest impres
sions a disgust for intemperate indul
gence, (he next generation would be a
generation of teetotallers, and our nation
would rise, as on eagle’s wings, to the
j loftiest summit of human glory.
Parents ! teach your children, we be
seech you, that the dangerous doctrine
; ofthe prudent use of intoxicating drinks
is exploded. There is no such thing as
their prudent use. As well might you
talk of playing prudently with the rattle,
snake or the panther thirsting for blood;
jor of sporting prudently upon the crater
of a volcano. As prudently may vou
carry fire into a magazine of powder.
The only safe, the only true doctrine
w Inch will secure the co-operation of all
classes in the work of reform, the only
one which operates alike on all classes of
society, is total abstinence.
Fellow citizens! here is an enterprise
worthy the efforts of every patriot and
philanthropist. Your object is to rescue
a large portion of the human race from
destruction, and perpetuate to posterity
the blessings you have inherited. Ifyou
can secure to posterity virtue, intelli
gence and sobriety, they are safe from
anarchy and the attempts ofthe unprin
cipled and aspiring; but the intemperate
will be the fit tools for the ambitious and
factious to accomplish their purposes of
self aggrandizement. Cataline and his
associates were men, who had spent their
fortunes in riot and intemperance, and
who expected to obtain, by the plunder of
their country, new means of dissipation.
From these dangers you have the means
of securing your country, and with how
little sacrifice!
Never perhaps was there a time when
so much might bo done to meliorate the
condition of man with so little sacrifice.
No wilderness is to be encountered. It
is not necessary that we should shed our
blood. To accomplish this object, we
have but to follow the hold pioneers that
have gone before us in the work ; to do
that which contributes to our happiness
and safety, live soberly, temperately.—
Now, as ever, the future condition of this
country is in the hands of its citizens.
It you with your fellow citizens are neg
lectful, and suffcrtliis monster to become
reinstated in his dominion over us, our
political heavens will be shrouded in
darkness, the light of intelligence and
morality will sink in gloom, and Ameri
ca relapse into the degradation of Italy
or Spain. If you persevere and perforin
your duly, the drunkard's home shall
become (he .abode of neatness, comfort
and independence; she sufferings caus
ed by infeinperance shall cense, and the
tears it has-caused to flow shall he dried
up. Persevere! Yours is the cause of
humanity, and every effort put forth in its
behalf will be doubly rewarded. Perse
vere ! Your own safety and that of your
children and your children’s children de
mand it. Persevere! and receive for
your reward the approbation of con
science and thanks of those who shall be
redeemed thro* your exertions.— Temp.
Standard.
The Reason why Mrs. C'ustis loved Wash
ington.
Throughout all Washington’s career,
he never was known to he drunk. Many
young men. as well as young ladies,
looked upon this as a deficiency in his
character and as necessary to give quali
ty to a gentleman. Washington thought
and acted quite differently, and so did
Mrs. Custis, who became bis noble
spouse. She was rich and accomplish
ed, Washington was noble, sober, brave
and patriotic. She might have obtained
the hand of any gentleman in the colo
ny, but her eye and heart were fixed up
on Washington, and the first opporluniy
she had she made it known to him; thus
inverting the usual method by which
hearts beating in unison with each other
are made manifest. Washington was
struck no less with admiration than sur
prise for the reason she gave. What
think you was the reason 1 Why, he
was a sober man. She had beheld some
of the most brilliant minds among the
young men,of her day, cut down sud
denly by this vice, and she herself had
been an innocent sufferer. Washington
accepted of her proposition, and pledged
the honor of a sober man and a brave
soldier, that as soon as he could be re
leased from the trials and responsibilities
of the warrior, the nuptial hands should
be celebrated, which he did, and took
his seat in the Legislature. The blun
ders, mistakes and delays which attend
ed others, never befel him. He was al
ways ready for duty. His spouse, with
her principles and fidelity—his princi
ples and bravery, made him what he soon
became —“first in war, first in peace,
and first in the hearts of his country
men.” When he was appointed by tho
Continental Congress, to draw the sword