An appeal to the people for the suppression of the liquor traffic : a prize essay / by H.D. Kitchel.

  • Harvey Denison Kitchel
Date:
1848
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An appeal to the people for the suppression of the liquor traffic : a prize essay / by H.D. Kitchel. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    to this question should be earnestly sought by all who desire the consummation of this great work. And it will be found from a careful consideration of the present position of the Tem- perance Enterprise. Looking back over the whole course of this reformation, we find a number of periods at which the work nad become almost stationary. For a time no visible and decisive tokens of pro- gress were discoverable. Such a period of comparative ineffi- ciency occurred during the transition from the old to the new pledge ; and such another just previous to the Washingtonian movement. At each of these points the reform had run through an appointed stage and reached a crisis. A new direction of our energies was indicated. A higher field of effort was to be entered upon, and more decisive conflicts and more signal triumphs were the result. For a few years past we have witnessed another such season of apparently suspended progress. The rich veins which we have been working, and which in their season furnished us ample employment and large results, are no longer adequate to our full strength. We are ripe for more decisive work. And such work, we may be confident, awaits us. To reclaim the fallen can no longer be the one great aim of our efforts. The day has gone by when we could spend our whole strength on the circulation of the pledge. Least of all Avill it meet the wants of the time to busy ourselves mainly in shaping over the reformed material into new and curious organizations. We have yet much to do with the pledge, and much to do for the salvation of the fallen, and organization is yet a matter of no small moment; but we cannot rest in these without a certainty of decline. Our safety lies in a vigorous onward movement. We must advance, or it will be difficult long to hold the ground we have won. A change of aims and measures is now again demanded. There is some new field for us to enter, richer in work and in victories than any we have yet occupied. And what shall this movement be ? It is clearly indicated by the exigencies of the work. Every where our exertions are met and repelled %y one form of resistance. The force of oppo- sition which now meets us comes of the Legalized Traffic in intoxicating drinks. It is this which now checks our progress and rolls back our work on us at every point. This free uni- versal, law-defended trade in drinks is proving itself strong