King Alcohol in the realm of King Cotton, or, A history of the liquor traffic and of the temperance movement in Georgia from 1733 to 1887 : it also contains the history of all the temperance organizations of America, White and Colored, with numerous contributions from noted temperance workers, both men and women from all parts of the United States, and is illustrated with some forty fine portraits on steel and wood of noted temperance men and women / by H.A. Scomp ; with an introduction by Atticus G. Haygood

KING ALCOHOL
IN THE
REALM OF KING COTTON.
A HISTORY OF THE J.TQUOR TRAFFIC ANT) OF THE TEMPER ANCE MOVEMENT IN GEORGIA FROM 1733 TO 1887.

THE HISTORY OF ALL THE TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS OP AMERICA, WHITS AND COJjOKED, WITH NUMEJJOlS CONTRIBUTIONS TliOM" NOTED TEMPERANCE WORKERS, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN PROM ALL PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES,
Illustrates witli some l^nnty Jfine Igniitiraiis,
STERl. AND WOOD, OF ffOTRD TEMPERANCE MKN AND WOMEN.
H. A. SCOMP, PH. D ,
PROFESSOR on- OKEEK AND GRKHK T,ITERATUUP. IN EMOKY COLI-EOE, OXI--OHH, Gco WTTff AJV ZNTRODUCTfON B?~
REV. ATTICUS G. HAYGOOD, D. D. L.L. D.,

PRKSS OK

THE BLAKELY PRINTING CO.,

1888.



IB730

78

' <-*j (IIIt
(.JOl'Y RIGHTED, 1887. By
H. A. SCOMK
AUG 1 91943

DEDICATION.

THE W. C. T. U. OF GEORGIA, FULL OF FAITH AND OF GOOD WORKS ; FEW IN NUMBERS,
BUT, LIKE THE CONIES, HAVING THEIR REFUGE IN THE ROCK:

THE I. O. G. T.. WHO CAME "IN A DAY OF CLOUDS AXD OF THICK DARKNESS, '
AS THE MORNING SPREAD UPON THE MOUNTAINS," BRINGING LIGHT AND GLADXESS:

THE MANY I.RSSEK TEMPERANCE ORDERS, EACH IN ITS OWN WAY HASTING WITH THE KING'S BUSIMiSS:

THB MEMORY OF THK OLD TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES, INTO WHOSE LABORS WE HAVE ENTERED, WHICH,
"SEEING THAT AN EVIL THING WAS DETERMINED AGAINST THIS LAND," SOUGHT TO AVERT IT:

TO

\

THE GOOD MEN AND THE GOOD WOMEN NOW IN THE BATTLE FOR THE RIGHT AND FOR A PERPETUAL REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE WHO
LIVING, WKRE VALIANT IN THE EFFOKT TO SAVE THEIR FELLOW MEN FROM EVIL, AND DYING,
LEFT BEHIND THE INCITEMENT OF A NOBLE EXAMPLE-- THIS VOLUME IS DEU1CATED BY

THE AUTHOR.

HENRY A, SCOMP, PH.
749

PREFACE.
Forasmuch as it hath long been deemed necessary for the writer of a book to appear at the bar of the public, hat in hand with an excuse--yclept a preface--in his rnouth for daring-to intrude unbidden into its presence ; therefore, may it please the court, the defendant in the present case, testify ing- in his own behalf and endeavoring- to show cause why severe judgment should not be passed upon him, deposeth, That he did not willfully and with malice aforethought set out to commit--a book ; he only thought to perpetrate an "Article," newspaper or mayhap, magazine--a minor offence in which as a dutiful, though an adopted son, he would endeavor to ctear away from Mother Georgia's fair es cutcheon, some stains and rust which years and neglect had allowed to gather upon it.
It hath been currently reported and commonly believed in other sections of this Union, that Georgia's activity in behalf of morals and temperance is a kind of exotic-- a plant not indigenous to Georgia--but lately transplanted to her borders--a kind of reconstruction fungus. It is scarcely known that for more than three decades be fore the outbreak of the civil war. Georgia, as well as other Southern States, was the seat of a great temperance agitation which, but for the overshadowing slavery contro versy, would in all human probability, have cleared the State of the liquor traffic before the secession conflict. Of this moral revolution not only non-Georgians, but even the younger race of the native-born know little or nothing. Even the names of Georgians prominent in the great cause have passed out of mind, and are remembered no more. The lack of records of that period--the confusion as to dates and facts in the minds of the old who must look back through a vista of blood and tears in the effort to recall the
5

6

PREFACE.

events of that great moral revolution which silently, but surely changed popular views and practices in regard to the greatest question in morals of the centuries--all these were fast obliterating the few remaining traces of the history of that great reform. How often to the^author's eager queries has this ardor-chilling- answer come back : " Would be glad to help in your noble work, but my house was burned during the war, and my papers are al lost!"
Georgia, unfortunately, never grouped the facts of her temperance history into permanent form as did her sister, South Carolina, nor as did the National Temperance Society which left behind those invaluable volumes of "Permanent Documents." But these last, valuable as they are for many of the States, contain next to nothing in regard to Georgia ; not a minute of the State Temperance Society, nor of any of its auxiliaries, nor of conventions, nor of statistics, nor indeed, hardry a name prominent in Georgia temperance annals.
Again, in the chronicles of temperance literature, the State has been no less unfortunate. Dr. Rush's famous essay of 1785, is put at the head--the spring--of Temperance Lit erature in America. But, as will be shown, one of the Geor gia trustees, Dr. Hales, wrote his work, "A Friendly Ad monition to Drinkers of Brandy," and sent several hundred copies to Georgia in 1733, the year of the colonization of the State--and more than a half century before Dr. Rush's essay appeared. True, Dr. Hales was not a native Georgian, yet his long association with the colony as a trustee, identified him with its history as thoroughly as if he had been born on Georgia soil. But Dr. Hales' work is utterly unknown to the catalogues of old temperance literature. Nor is any mention made of any temperance periodical or essay as of Georgia origin in the ante-bellum. Yet the "Temperance Banner" commenced in 1834, and ending its existence in the a^hes of Atlanta in 1864, had a longer lease of life than any other temperance periodical of which the author has any knowledg-e. But neither the "Banner" nor the "Washing-

PREFACE.

7

Ionian," nor any other Georgia temperance journal is enum erated among the temperance papers of ante-bellum time, nor are files of these papers longer to be found, and few of the younger race know that such advocates of the cause ever had a being1 .
Equally ill-starred has Georgia been in the annals of pro hibition history. In the autumn of 1733 the whole colony, not then a year old, "was put under prohibition of rum and of distilled liquors--a law which remained in force for nine years. This prohibition ante-dated Maine or any other State by more than a century--for the Virginia law of 1676 was only nominal--yet the existence of such a law in Georgia is either unknown or utterly ignored in temperance history. Indeed Georgia's prohibition so far antedates the early sporadic efforts in other States, as to have been completely lost sight of. ,In prohibition history Georg-ia was already old before "antiquity began ;" but the smoke of war has obscured this old temperance history of the Empire State of the South. Georgia stood alone in the battle against the rum of New England and of Old England, yet what memo rial of this remains ? Churches, societies and governments preserve their own records, but who was to be custodian of this orphan child--Temperance--guard its annals, and restore it to its lawful place of first-born in the inheritance of history ?
Again, the motives underlying Southern temperance work are widely misunderstood. Abroad the growth of the sentiment has not been attributed so much to the convic tions of the people in favor of morality and religion, but rather to an economic business policy in the minds of the people. Take, e. g. the following from a national report: "There is good reason to fear that the popular sentiment of the South in favor of the prohibition of the liquor traffic, especially among the leading white citizens, is based some what too largely upon economic considerations involvingbusiness and industrial interests, rather than an inherent moral conviction against the use of intoxicating beverages as such."

8

PREFACE.

Other -writers and lecturers have astutely discovered that the leading motive for prohibition among the Southern whites, was the cles**^ to prevent the destruction of' the labor system through the debauchery of the negroes by the dram shops, etc., etc. Thus the work was not accredited to the moral or religious convictions of the people save in a second ary degree. It was "economic," "business like," etc. Cer tainly a fine tribute to Southern sagacity in so readily detect ing and remedying the most destructive of all the maladies which infect bodies politic, commercial or industrial. But is this all? Let the story of the following pages answer so far as Georgia is concerned. Long before some of the motives above assigned could have been operative, temper ance was a power in the land.
To present then, the facts of an unknown or an ignored history of Georgia's ancient temperance, as well as of the later work familiar to all, is the task which the author has undertaken to accomplish in the following narrative.
But it may be asked, "Why has this writer essayed such a work ? Has he been prominent among the temper ance laborers of the State, that he should undertake such a history?'* Most assuredly, No; Has he held high rank in any temperance order? Again, No. What personal knowledge had he of this history ? None. Has his line of work been in the temperance field at all ? No. Why, then, should he have undertaken such a work? For the simple reason that no one else had undertaken it, or was likely to undertake it; and Georgia's reputation demanded such a contribution to her annals.
For some unaccountable reason a number of persons outside the State who "were interesjbd in the great moral movement which for years has agitated Georgia, became possessed of the idea that the author knew much of the tem perance history of the State--an opinion wholly erroneous, since he had devoted little attention to the subject. To answer some of the questions put by these inquisitive outsiders, the author thought to gather the chief fads of the.

PREFACE.

9

post-bellum legislative, moral and society temperance work of the State, never thinking of extending- his field of inquiry. These facts he would publish in an article as a general reply to some of the queries put. to him. He little dreamed of the seductive nature of the subject. "But are effects without causes, relatives without, antecedents ? Did temperance suddenly spring from a soil wet with the blood of civil strife? Hardly. Nazareth produces no such fruit. The seeds had been planted long before. Thus into the past almost unwitting and unconsenting, he was led. The great difficulty of the task invested it with a sort of charm, and a work it has been !
Of manuscripts, books, pamphlets, newspaper-files, etc., more than 120,000 pages have been consulted, while the correspondence entailed the writing of hundreds of: letters, etc. The "Article" grew toward a pamphlet, then toward a volume--it could not be helped. All the laws, general and local, from 1733 to 1887, all the church history so far as tem perance was concerned ; liquor laws as to sailors, slaves, frecdmen, Indians, -liquor in the army, in the navy, temper ance societies, the liquor tariff and the schools--a hundred subjects were to be treated in their history. So far as the author is aware, such a history has never been undertaken in any State or in any nation. Thus it grew, without inten tion,--"without design," perhaps, the reader adds in sot to voice.
Furthermore, as it is usually the principal criminal who "turns State's evidence," the defendant would here implicate some of those who have been aiding, abetting, knowing unto, or consenting to the deed. Most of these had .hitherto borne irreproachable characters, and would never have been suspected of dark designs. Among his principal accom plices the author would name :
Rev. Dr. J. H. Campbell ; Rev. Dr. H. H. Tucker ; Rev. R. Alder Temple of Halifax, N. S. ; Dr. G. Jones, Hon. S. D. Hastings, Madison, Wis. ; Dr. Wm. Hargrcavcs, Philadelphia, Pa.; Judge A. W. C. Nowlin of the Rich-

PREFACE.

mond, Va., "Whig-; Dr. J. W. Chickering, Secretary of

the Cong. Temperance Society, Washington, D. C. ; J. N.

Stearnes, Agent National Temperance Publishing- House,

New York ; Hon. C. R. Pringle ; Col. Wm. Harden, Libra

rian of the Historical Society ; W. E. H. Searcy, Hsq.;

Capt. C. P. Crawford ; . Gen. James Long-street; Capt. J.

Mclntosh Kell, formerly of the Alabama ; Prof. S P. San-

ford ; G. W. Garmany, Esq. ; Judge Jas. S. Hook; Col.

Jonathan Norcross ; Col. J. H. Seals; Rev. Dr. Jno. Jones;

Col. C. C. Jones, Jr. ; J. G. Thrower; Rev. Alex. C. Smith ;

Gov. St. John, Qlathe, Kan.; Prof. A. A. Hopkins of New

York ; Dr. D. Dorchester, Massachusetts; Dr. A. G Hay-

good; Dr. S. Boykin ; Dr. S. G. Hillyer; E. L. Neidlinger,

Esq.; Rev. J. Austin, Pastor of the Salzburgers; Rev. R.

B. Bryan ; Mrs. Mary De Renne ; Mrs. T. R. R. Cobb;

Miss Frances E. Willard, President National W. C. T. U. ;

Mrs. W. C. Sibley ; Miss M. H. Stokes; Mrs. Richard

Webb ; Mrs. Dr. Blanchard ; Col. and Mrs. W. B. Hill ;

Dr. C. W. Smith ; Rev. Dr. A. A. Lipscomb ; Rev. J. Cal

vin Johnson ; Rev. C. H. Stillwell ; Mr. M. A. O'Brien ;

Mrs. Mary Shropshire; Dr. G. J. Orr; Mrs. E. E. Harper;

Miss Carrie Brantley ; Hon. N. C. Barnct; Hon. W. H.

Felton ; Hon. Henry Hillyer ; Col. J. M. Grog-an ; W. G.

Whidby, Esq. ; Dr. J. O. Perkins ; Rev. W. R. Branham ;

Gov. A. H. Colquitt ; Senator Jos. E. Brown; Rev. Drs.

J. H. and W. L. Kilpatrick ; Col. Patrick Walsh ; Mrs. Jas.

McCafferty ; Rev. R. B. McCall ; C. R. Hanleiter, Esq. ;

Col. Charles H. Smith, "Bill Arp ;" Prof. L. B. Evans ; Mrs.

B. H. Overby ; Dr. J. H. Carlisle ; Miss Jessie Forsyth of

Boston, and several hundreds more who have furnished

items of greater or less value.

_-

The author would also especially remember the cour

tesies -received from their Excellencies--H. D. McDaniell

and John B. Gordon, and their secretaries, Messrs. Palmer

and Warren ; State Treasurer Hardeman, State Librarian

Haralson, and the Young Men's Library of Atlanta. Many

other libraries--more than can here be named, have been

freely tendered to the author's use.

PREFACE.

II

Of the colored men who have rendered help to the

author, he desires to make special mention of Smith J.

Easley, Esq., Dr. C. O. Fisher, Dr. W. J. Gaines, Rev. A.

W. Watson, Bishop Holsey, Rev. B. F. Carter, Rev. S. E.

Lathrop, Rev. Dana Sherrill.

Fully five hundred persons have aided the author in

this work, to all of whom he returns sincerest thanks,

though he cannot mention most of them by name.

Presenting- these extenuating- circumstances and a few

of the names of his confederates, praying \ our Honors to

remember that he is not an old offender, and promising1

never to be guiltv of the like again; the author submits

his case, asking for a favorable judgment, and that you will

find for the defendant ; and he will evermore, as in duty

bound, etc.,etc.

H. A. SCOMP.

Emory College, August, 1887.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

FIRST PERIOD: TO THE REVOLUTION.

CHAPTER I.
DRINK HABITS OF THE BRITISH ISLES IN THPJ SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES.
Universality of the Drink Habit among- Britons--Ale and Beer the Univer sal Beverages--Distilled Liquors not common before the Accession of the House of Orange----Rum Drinking--Revenue--Befuddled Lords and
. . Statesmen--"Drunk for a Penny; Dead Drunk for Two Pence; Straw for Nothing"--Terrible Consequences of the Introduction of Rum; Pau perism and Crime. ................................................

CHAPTER II.
THE EARLY COLONISTS AND THE DRINK.
New England Drinks--Social Drinking--Funeral Occasions--New England becomes a kind of Headquarters for the Manufacture of Rum--West
- India Rum----The Carolinians and the Liquor Traffic--Dread of Insur rection-among the Slaves--The Course of Trade--Other Colonies. ......

CHAPTER III.
THE ABORIGINES AXU THE DRINK.
Introduction of Distilled Liquors among the Indians of Carolina and Georgia-- The Indian Traders--Rum a Preliminary to Trade with the Red Man-- Destruction among the Tribes----Many of those formerly known in the South Totally Destroyed--One Tribe starts Ambassadors in Canoes to England to Remonstrate with the King--Retailing by the Mouthful----A Murder and a Burning--The Uchees--The Cherokees--The Creeks-- Tomochichi and Fonseka. ............................. ............

Extrava Vin

CHAPTER IV.
GEORGIA AS A WINE-GROWING COLONY.
e Adaptation of Georgia to the Growth of the nd the Production of Silk--Glowing Verses of Samuel Wcsley--
XV

England to be Independent of Southern Europe for "Wine and Silk--
Georgia; Other Vine Lands also Contribute--DeLyon, the Jew--Long Efforts at Vine Growing about Savannah-- Vmal Collapse of the Wine Business in the Colony.... ........................................
CHAPTER V.
EARLY PROHIBITION IN GEORGIA.
Several Deaths from Rum within a few Months after the Colonists reach Georgia--Oglethorpe Advises the Trustees, who immediately order that no more Rum he drank in Georgia, and that all brought thither be Staved---- Georgia the first Prohibition Territory in America--The Interdict lay only against Distilled Liquors--Wines and Malt Liquors deemed Health ful and furnished regularly and in large quantities--Beer Rations for those "On the Charity"--Poor success of Barley Growing and Beer Brewing...............-..............,.......................;..
* CHAPTER VI.
RELIGIOUS ELEMENTS IN GEORGIA AND THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARD RUM (UNDER THE TRUSTEES, 1733-52):
The Established Church----The Presbyterians of Darien -- --"A Sober Peo ple"--Mr. McLeod-The Moravians--The SaUburgers--Real Prohibi-
Whitfield--Rev. Thos. Bosom worth--The Jews--Catholics excluded from the Colony--Mixing- Water with Sacramental Wine--Religion at a low ebb.................... ................ ..... ....... ......
CHAPTER VII.
THE WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION (1733-42.)
Trustees license William Callaway to sell Eeer, etc., at Savannah--Prohibition prohibits, while Oglethorpe remains in Savannah--His first return to Eng land and the Consequent Disorders ill the Colony----Defiance of Law and Bailiffs at Savannah--The Widow Hodges--Staving of Carolina Rum on the River--Trouble between the Colonies--Smuggling- of Rum from Car olina--Officers engage in the illicit traffic--Thomas Causton--The Savannah Bailiffs--Soldiers drowned at Frederica -- New England and West India Rum brought into Savannah River in the night, and landed below the City--President Stephens Talks --Mary Bosomworth's Drunken Kin dred--Fear from drunken Indians--Little attempt made to enforce law after Oglethorpe leaves Savannah--Prohibition well enforced at Freder ica and to the Sou Ward--Good health of these places contrasted with the sickness of Savannah--The law cheerfully obeyed by the Salzburgers

.CONTENTS.

XVI

FAG-I
--Loud complaints against it by the Savannah Doctor and the Druggist --"Trade with the West Indies destroyed"--"No market for Georgia Lumber "--Outrageous charges against Oglethorpe--Thomas Stephens goes to England--The Rum Party finally triumphant in Parliament-- " Backing- Down "--Repeal of the Prohibitory Act--Reflections. .......
CHAPTER VIII.
WINES AND MALT LIQUORS IN THE COLONY--THE LIQUOR SYSTEM.

CHAPTER IX.
BEGINNING OF LIQUOR LEGISLATION IN THE COLONY.
The License System a miserable failure--Rapid growth of Debauchery under it--Prosperity expected under the'Rum Traffic fails to appear--Surveyor General DeBrahm's Account--First Georgia Legislature (1755)--Rigid Laws as to the sale of Liquor to the Negroes--To Seamen--Patrols must walk through the Streets while the Service is in Progress on the Sabbath and see that the.Dram Shops are closed--The Tybee Lighthouse and the Legislative Committee --Clash between Georgia and Carolina as to the Licensing of the Indian Trade................. ....................
CHAPTER X.
CONDITION OF THE COLONY IN 1760--THE RUM IMPORTATION.
James Wright becomes Governor--Georgia's Products at that Time; no Wine nor Beer produced--Low state of the Colony--The Governor's Vigorous Measures--Little Smuggling, the Governor reports--Only two Ports of Entry, Savannah and Sunbury--Rum per 'capita--Amount imported, Duties--Distillation not commenced till near the outbreak of the Revolu tion--Only one Distillery--Rum versus the Sabbath--Liquor Revenue. .
CHAPTER XI.
RUM AND THE RED MAN UNDER COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION.
Oglethorpe's vigorous, honest -Policy wins the confidence of the Red Men-- Few troubles with the Indians while he remains in Georgia--Rum sweeps

XVlll

CONTENTS.

PAGK.
the Cherokee land in 1739--Indians believe themselves poisoned and pre pare to take up Arras against the Carolinians--Appeased by Oglethorpe-- - . Peace so " long as the Sun shines or the Rivers run"---- Rum the cause of great troubles afterward--The French and Indian Wars--Spaniards and French supply Rum to the Indians from St. Augustine and Mobile, and excite them against the Colonists--License--Traders.not allowed to abide in the Indian Country--Augusta the Depot of Supplies for the Upper Country--The Pack horse trade--Kmesiteegoe and Gov, Wright--Rum imported for '' House-raisings". . .............. ........"..........

CHAPTER XII.
RELIGION IN THE COLONY UNDER THE ROYAL GOVERNORS.
The Dorchester Immigration to Liberty County--Effects of this Immigration upon the Morals and the Intelligence of the Colony--The Salzburgers-- Mr. Bolzius' death--Quakers----Covenanter Church in Savannah----The Baptists--Abraham Marshall, Edward Botsford--" The Rum is come"---- Few Clergy of the Established Church--Probably not more than a dozen Churches in Georgia when the Revolution began......................

CHAPTER XIII.
RUM IN THE REVOLUTION.
Liquor indispensable as part of the'Soldier's Ration--Col. Maitland, overjoyed at the Savannah Victory, dies from a Debauch--Great Sacrifice made by British Soldiers in destroying their Rum during Cornwallis' pursuit of Greene----Rum at Camden, at the Cowpens--" Light Horse" Harry's Bu gler Boy----Small Rum Rations in the Patriot Army--Officers receive it by turns--Captures at Fort Motte and elsewhere----Gen. Ash's defeat and the Massacre of the Americans--No Rum to be given to the British Soldier who took a Prisoner--" Mad " Anthony Wayne and his eating, drinking and fighting Pennsylvanians in Georgia--No Rum supplied to American Prisoners on the British Prison Ships--Greene's half-naked Soldiers com pelled to do without Rum. .........................................

SECOND PERIOD: TO TIJE END OF Tp CIVIL WAR (1785-1865).

CHAPTER XIV.
POLITICAL CONDITION OF GEORGIA (1783-1827).
Political Condition of Georgia just after the Revolution--The State Constitu tion--Indian Treaties--Land Warrants, Imrriigration and Population-- The Courts and the Licensing Prerogative--Liquor Laws as to Taverns--

CONTENTS.

XIX

Tax Laws--Protection to Religious Bodies--Liquor Laws as to Slaves, Sutlers and Peddlers--Drunkenness no Excuse for Crime-Debauchery, Adulteration of Food and Drink--Spirituous Liquors and the Peniten tiary--Sunbury Academy--Legislation becoming more severe..........
CHAPTER XV.
MUNICIPAL PRIVILEGES CONFERRED.
Towns had but few Special Prerogatives for many years--Liquor Laws (17831827) for: Savannah; Augusta; Darien; Milledgeville; Macon; Hardwick; Waynesboro; St. Mary's; Athens; for the smaller Towns; Towns could preserve order, but could not license the sale of Liquors. .........
CHAPTER XVI.
DRINK HABITS OF THE GEORGIANS AND THEIR MORAL STATUS (1783-1827.)
Pen Pictures of the Olden Time from Gilmer's'"Georgians"--Drinking and Card Playing--Scant Supply of Books and Newspapers--Inventories of Estates in Wilkes County and Grand Jury Indictments--Micajah McGehee and his Distillery--The Judge--Drunken School Teachers--The Fisticuff Speaker--Bowles, the Pirate--Savannah Merchants' Inventories in 1797-- Tavern Rates--Progress of Religion--The Baptists, the Methodists-- Asbury's Journal--John XVesley--The First General Conferences--Dr. Benj. Rush--Mr. G------ and his " Wilt"--James Axley--Lewis Myers-- The Presbyterians--Synod of the Carolinas, of South Carolina and Geor gia--Deliverance of the General Synod as to Liquor (in 1766)--The Gen eral Assembly in 1811, 1812, 1818--The Protestant Episcopal Church-- The Salzburgers--The Creeks; the Cherokees--A Political Caldron--The Duke of Saxe-Weimar in Georgia --Irish Stage Drivers. ...............

CHAPTER XVII.
THE "MODERATION" ERA (1827-1832)--OLD TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.
DeQuincey's Basis for the Temperance Society--What could be done to stay the Plague?--Dr. Lyman Beecherand the Connecticut Association--Early Temperance Societies in New York and in New England--The American Temperance Society --"The National Philanthropist"--Number of "So cieties" -- Georgia a "lone star," not counted in the Reports of the National Society--The Baptists begin " Society" work in Georgia--First Temper ance Society in Eatonton--Dr. Sherwood--Great Revival of 1827--Dr. J. H. Campbell-State Temperance Society (1828)--Rev. Abner \V. Clopton--Prof. S. P. Sanford--Clopton's Virginia Societies--Southern Tern-

XX

CO N'TENTS.

PAGE.
perance bom on Southern Soil--Mr. T. J. Davis and the Jackson County Society--The Baptist Convention and the State Temperance Society-- Growth of Temperance Sentiment. ..................................
CHAPTER XVI11.
ORGANIZATION,-AIMS AXD WORK OE THE OLD TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.
Each Society Separate and Independent--Neither Uniformity of Pledges nor of Methods found among- the Societies--The Augusta Society--the Jasper Society--The Baldwin Society--The Monroe and Bibb Society--The Stone Creek Society--Points of Weakness--Temperance Literature -- Societies among the Colored People--Able Report of the Augusta Society in 1830; far in advance of its day--Societies Generally become Auxiliary to the State Society in 1832. ................... ... ................

CHAPTER XIX.
HEADQUARTERS IN MILLEDGEV7LLE (1332-36;
The State Society removes to Millcdgcville in 1832--Judge Longstreet made President, and Dr. Sherwood Secretary--The Constitution Revised and Adopted--Statistics --Difficulty in securing an Agent--The Constitution --Good results from the "Society" Movement, Testimonies--A Bibb County Wedding--Precautions against Cholera. .......................
CHAPTER XX.
OVER THE BORDER.
The American Temperance Society and ivs "Work--Drink Customs Changing ----Rapid Growth, Statistics--The Liquor Ration in the Army--"Can a Christian engage in the Traffic?"--Longevity--Congressional Temperance Society----High Tide--National Temperance Day--The issuing of the Liquor Radon stopped--Judge James AT. Wayne--The First National Temperance Convention (1833)--J. IT. Lumpkin and S. K. Talmage rep resent Georgia--Abstinence declared a Duty, and the Liquor Traffic an Immorality--Great Gains from this,1 Convention--Forward--Results far reaching....,....,,.,,. ...........................................

CHAPTER XXI.
TEMPERANCE AND THE CHURCHES.
The Baptists--Dr. Sherwood--.Rev. Jesse Mercer--Sailing on ' Brandy Bay" --The Hardshells oppose Temperance Societies--Strange Stories-- Whisky.in a Preacher's Cane--" Saying Grace" over Liquor--Dr. C. 1). Mallory and his " Prince Alcohol "--Dr. J. H. Campbell--The Metho-

CONTENTS.

s

dists--Coming out of the Wilderness--General Conferences of 1828-32-36 --The Slavery Question staves off the Temperance Issue--Methodists and the Temperance Societies--A Preacher Falls--"O Yes," a Faro Bank --Jud.ge Longstreet and the Sentinel-- The Presbyterian General Assem bly in 1828, 1829, 1830, 1834--Selling Liquor to the Heathen--Later Utterances of the Assembly--Other Presbyterians and their*Attitude to the Liquor Traffic, viz.: The Cumberland Presbyterians, the Associate Re formed Presbytery, the Independent Church (of Savannah). ............
CHAPTER XXII.

William Lloyd Garrison and the f,i/n.-nitor--Supposed connection between Temperance and Abolition at the North--Excitement at the South--Sus picions--State and Local Societies in the South begin to express their displeasure at the New Departure--Dark Designs Suspected--John A.
cliiie in Temperance effort in Georgia after r834--Rev. Enoch Reed appointed State Agent in 1834, but cannot long remain in the field--The Sardis (Bntts Co.) Society speaks its Mind----Fears of a Negro Insurrec tion-- Utter disregard of Law by Liquor Venders--State Society in 1835 declares itself totally unconnected with the National Society--Clouds gathering--Old Pledge too weak----Total Abstinence from Wine and Malt Liquors recommended--Teetotalism divides the Ranks--Muttcrings
CHAPTER XX1I1.
LEGISLATION FROM 1828 TO 1841. Towns incorporated and powers granted as to Licensing the Selling of Liquor
Matters--Slaves and Peddlers--Mr. Mills' Penitentiary Report--Various Offenaes and their Penalties--Educational Institutions and Liquor Laws for each--Kranklin College--Oglethorpe University--Mercer University ----Kmory College----Cullodeii Male and Female Academies--Cave Springs Manual Labor School.
CHAPTER XXIV.
GREAT DECLINE (1837-41)---THE FLOURNOV PETITION (1839.) Rapid Decline in the Temperance Cause--Great Increase in Drunkenness--
Schism on Total Abstinence--Loss of the " Home "--Demand for Tem perance on Steamboats and Stages--Henry A. Wise versus Debauchery in Washington--Low estate of Temperance----Anti-Treating Associations

xxn

CONTENTS.

PA.GB. ----Grand Juries Constantly Indict the Liquor Traffic. Examples--The Augusta Teetotal Society--James Silk Bucking-ham, the Orientalist, visits Georgia and lectures on Temperance--Drunkenness still increasing-- Josiah Flournoy and his famous Petition----1838 the " Petition " year in Temperance Annals--Examples--Putnam County Society's Appeal to the State--Courage of Mr. Klournoy--The Opposition he encountered---Low Indignities offered him by Liquor Devotees--Politicians take fright--Mr. Flournoy Canvasses the State with his Petition--The State stirred to its center--Address of Mr. Flournoy and Col. Lumpkin to the People--At first all seems favorable--Sadden chang-e----The Politicians and Press turn against the Petition--Mr Flournoy left almost alone--Tragic fate of the heroic Flournoy----Consequences to the Temperance Cause. . . -. ........

CHAPTER XXV.
OVER THE BORDER AGAIX--OUR OWN AND FOREIGN EANDS.
Second National Temperance Convention--Decrease in the Importation of Distilled Eiquors, but increase of Imported Wines--Statistics--The New Zealand Chief--The Sandwich Islands--Teetotalism the only Safe Doc trine-- Frauds in Foreign "Wines--The whole Land Rousing iigainst the License System--Status of the States--Ignorance as to Georgia---Mr. Jefferi-on':-, Views--France Abolishes Prohibition of the Liquor Traffic in the Sandwich Islands by the Guns of her Fleet--Father Mathew's work in Ireland -- Distilleries and their Products--Third National Temperance Convention. ... ............................. ,,..,............-.

CHAPTER XXVI.
THE CHKROlvKKS ,vN'l> LIQUOR--SAD FATE OK THE TRIBE-- REMOVED UK VOX I > TH E MISSISSIPPI.
The Cherokees forced to leave their Native Land--Thousands Perish before reaching the New Territory--Col. Wm. P. Ross' Account of the Liquor Daws of the Cherokees from 1819-Brave Struggle of the Tribe to pre vent the Importation of Liquors--The United Stales forbids the Intro duction, Vending or Manufacturing of I ,iquor among the Cherokees---- Prohibition necessary in the States around the Territory--The Tennessee River a Channel for the Liquor Traffic among- the Indians--Dragging Liquor over the Sand Mountains--Liquor the greatest Scourge of the Indian Race.................. .. ..................... ..........

CHAPTER XXVII.
TUK MORAL SUASION KRA--THK \V ASH I NGTON L\NS.
A Jolly Party at Chase's Tavern, Baltimore--Conclude to take the Pledge---- Organize the Washingtonian Society--Rapid Growth of the Washing-

CONTENTS. -

XX

toman Society in Baltimore--The Washingtonians visit New York and Boston, and Organize July 4, 1841--Tremendous Impulse given to the Temperance Cause by the Washingtonians--"On to Washington "-- Thos. F. Marshall--Congress roused once more--Whisky Traffic nearly ruined--July 4, 1842, "A Day of Wonders"--The Washingtonians in Georgia--Augusta the Headquarters of the Georgia Washingtonians--The Total Abstinence Society becomes Washingtonian in Us CharacterRichard Taylor in Georgia--Joseph W. Johnson, another "Reformed Drunkard," Labors in ihe State;--Roney's "Ginger Pop"--' The Augusta Washingtonian" July 4, 1842, in Georgia--Enthusiasm for the new So ciety--The Blessings it brought--Richard Taylor's work in Richmond, Clark, Morgan, Walton, Newton, Jasper, Gwinnett, Greene and other Counties -- " Hard Cases" feeling upward for the Ground--"A Quiet Elec tion!"--Richmond's " liloody 600"----Liquor and the Ledger--Taylor in Athens--Rocks and Riot--Madison, Monroe, Social Circle--The Index Hat--Covinglon and Oxford--"Captain" Sherman --A "Tub of Tad poles"--A Dry Land "Cruise"--A Wheelbarrow Ride--Washington ian ism a Wild-Fire, but soon burnt out--A Simple Pledge not sufficient --
1843 and at Eatonlon in the same year--8,000 Drunkards in Georgia-- " Moral Suasion," no Legislation, the Order of the Day--The Washing tonian and the Banner at "loggerheads"--John LI. W. Hawkins in Georgia, turning Savannah Upside Down --Rev. J. F. O'Neil, the Catho-
Pledge is taken--The " Morning Star " flickers anrl dies--1844 a Fierce Ordeal for the Order--Mr. Clay in Augusta--Moral Suasion found to be but a weak hold--Civil Law beginning to be regarded with more favorState Convention in Forsyth in 1844--In Macoii 1845--Cause languish ing--Statistics necessary--Colleges and Schools urged to instruct in Tem perance--Dr, Talmage--Washingtoniaiiism wanes and dies. .......... -
CHAPTER XXVTTI.
THE SOXS OK TKMI'KRAXCF.
The Reserve Corps of the Temperance Army--To the Breach--Organization of the Order in New York--Xol a Secret Society--General History--Tri umphal March of the New Order-- Prohibitory Legislation begins to gain Ascendancy and many States enact such Laws--The Sons of Temperance in Georgia---First Division at Macon in December, 1845--Statistics-- Rapid Growth--The Banner made the Organ--The Legislature refuses to Incorporate the " Sons," but several years later passes the same Act asked for at first--Plans for "Lecturing-" the State Opposition to the Order--its Complete Triumph--Great Jubilee at Macon in October, 1849 --The Prize Banner won by Box Ankle Division--"Cadets of Temper ance" organized for the Juveniles--1850. .............................

XXIV

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXIX.
OTHER PARTS OF THE LINE.
The Catholic T. A. Societies--Rev. J. F. O'Neil's work in Savannah--/ hoc sig-no vinces--Catholics would not - enter a Secret Order--Cold Water Army--Rev. Dabney P. Jones--Army in Savannah--Destruction at Manassas--G. \V. Garmany--The Temperance Banner and its Editors-- Rev. W. H. Stokes--Col. J. H. Seals--The Crusader and "Uncle Dabney"--Georgia Temperance Papers unknown at the North--State Con vention in Griffin in 1846--John Belton O'Neal--Young Warriors--An Old Lady defends "Uncle Dabney" -- The Colored People--Convention of 1848 in Atlanta -- Great Success of " Uncle Dabney " as Agent--Cele bration in Atlanta in 1-848--Col. Joseph E. Brown----Temperance Con vention of 1849 in Marietta--Expecting Father Mathew in Georgia-- Preparations for his Reception......................................
CHAPTER XXX.
FATHER MATHEW.
Father Mathew--His work in Ireland--Visits America in 1849--Goes to New England--Becomes Involved in the Abolition Controversy--Jndge Lumpkin's Correspondence with Father Mathew--The Invitation of the State Convention to Father Mathew withdrawn--Brow-beating--"Cir-
Irishmen -- Father Mathew in Augusta, in Savannah, in Columbus---His Death............. ..............................................
CHAPTER XXXI.
LEGISLATION" 1842-1860.
Towns begin to rise in Importance-- Marthasville--Special Municipal Privi leges Conferred--The License Decade (1850-60;--Villages grow into Towns, and Towns into "Cities"--Liquor Prerogatives of each Munici pality--Village Commissioners in lieu of Superior Courts--Free Persons of Color--A Foretaste of Local Option--Whisky Inspection--Disturbing a Congregation--County Legislation--The Three-Mile Law. ...........
CHAPTER XXX11.
TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS OF THE LICENSE DECADE.
Sons of Temperance--Flood Tide in 1851, Thenceforward a Rapid Decline-- Vet retained a strong hold upon Popular Affection -- Begin to try the Civil Law Again--Cold Water Army--Daughters of Temperance--Cadets --The "Younger Brothers'--Knights of Jericho----The Rechabites--The Templars of Honor. .............".,................................

CONTENTS.

'

X3

CHAPTER XXXIII.
POLITICAL.
How can Legal Prohibition be secured?--Need for a General Law--License a Miserable Failure---- Laws set at defiance--The Negro--Disunion--Ath ens Convei tion of 1854--Judge Lumpkin declines the Presidency--His Letter in opposition to Political Action--Skeich of his Life--Col. J. Norcross--The Overby Campaign (i855)-B. U. Overby nominated as the Temperance Candidate for Governor--Stirring Address issued by the Atlanta Convention to the People of Georgia--Basil H. Overby--His Position as to the Traffic--His Canvass--The Tress--The Other Parties --Lack of Organs--Atlanta -Republican----The Vote--Drops before the Storm................... ........................................

CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE CHURCHES.
The Baptists--Resolutions during the Flour noy Canvass--Great Progress of ' the Work--Convention Approves Washingtonianism--"Shall a Liquor Vender have a place in the Church ?"--The Methodists - General Rules Incorporated in 1846--Bishop Capers at the Georgia Conference in 1846 --Methodist Protestants--The Congregational Methodists--The Presby terians--The Assembly grows stronger in its Deliverances--Other Pres byterians--The Salzburgers--The Christian Church--Hewlett and his "alleged" Wife--Parson Brownlow - Death of the State Convention-- Distilleries--Fourth National Convention ...........................

CHAPTER XXXV.
THE QUADRENNIUM (1861-65).
War -versus Morals--Seeds of the Ante Helium spring up in the Post Bellum --Distillation under the Confederacy--Gov. Brown Attempts to Suppress Distilling for the sake of the Food Supply--Ilis Proclamation--Distill ing for the C. S. Government--Frauds--Enactments of the Legislature against Distilling;--The State and the Confederacy--Gov. Brown Calls for more Law--Ironclad Statutes--Giving Children's Bread to the Worm of the Still--Allowing Heads of Families to Distil a Certain Amount-- Gov. Brown's Personal Relation to the Liquor Question prior to the War --The Whisky Ration in the Confederate Army, as described by Gen. Longstreet--Liquor in the Confederate Navy--On the "Alabama," as detailed by Capt. J. Mclntosh Kell--Less Liquor used by the Confeder ates than by any other English Speaking Army--Temperance Societies Perished in the South during the Great Struggle--The Bitter End . . ...

CONTKNTS.
THIRD PERIOD: 1865-1887.
CHAPTER XXXV 1.
CHAOS--FIRST ATTEMPT AT RECONSTRUCTION (1865-68). PAG a.
The Fncl reached on Georgia Soil--Confusion--What was to lie the Outcome? Was Georgia in the Union or out?--Unwritten History----" Provisional" Government----Undoing and Retracing--The Code for the Negroes--Civil Rights--The Axe--The Fourteenth Amendment--Gen. Pope's Recon struction Convention- -A New Constitution--The First Reconstruction-- Repeal of all the Laws Prohibiting Distillation--Liquor conies up to be Taxed--Liquor L;iws as to Slaves Repealed--Education to receive ten cents from each Gallon of Liquor Sold--Local Municipal Laws--Schools --Wounded Soldiers might Peddle without Paying License Fees, but must not Sell Liquors--Sons of Temperance Reorganize--Surrender their Charter after the "Boston Resolution of the National Division Admitting Negroes into the Order--James G. Thrower Introduces the Good Tem plar Order--Fifth National Temperance Convention--National Temper ance Publishing House--Congressional Temperance Society--Sixth Na tional Convention--Liquor Power becomes a Giant through the Internal Revenue.. ................ ...................................
CHAPTER XXXVIT.
THE SECOND RECONSTRUCTION (1868-72).
General Liquor Laws -- Elections--Twenty Cents per Gallon for the School Fund--No Gaming in a Bar Room--Municipal Laws, the Towns still gaining--Cave Springs Manual Labor School--Scriven County--The Clements Institute--Kmngham County--Towns made and Mf-madc-- 1860-72........................... ...... ............... .......
CHAPTER XXXV1M.
TKMPERANCIC ORDERS.
The Good Templars--A "Good Thing out of Naxareth"--Origin and History of the Order--Platform--No License and Prohibition the Ultimate of Liquor Legislation--Total Abstinence for the Individual--A Pledge for Life--Good Templars Taunted as t " Free Love Society" because Women were Admitted--Spread of the Order--The Lecture System--Good Tem plars in Georgia--Grand Lodge formed in 1869--Attempts to Secure an Organ--The "Watchman"--"Snmpter Republican"--C?&/ W^&-r y%r/j*&--No Politics--Reform Inebriate Asylum--Degrees--The Negro Qucs-

CONTENTS.

XXV

PAG a tion Looms Up; Memorials-- A New Order for the Colored People--
Southern Convention for the Negro Question--Attitude of the Order
toward the Colored People--The Grand Lodge and the Right Worthy Grand Lodge ............................................I........

CHAPTER XXXTX.
TEMPERANCE ORDERS (1873-77).
The Good Templars--Grand Lodge in Augusta--Messrs. Crawford and Searcy, Delegates from the United Friends of Temperance--Overtures Rejected--The True Reformers (Thrower's "Kitchen Order")--Grand . Lodge without a Head--The Colored Race and the R. W. G. Lodge since iS66--Kcnrocky Grand Lodge takes' the Alarm--R. \V. (1. L. m 1868--Grand Lodges Declared Absolute as to Charters in their Sev eral Jurisdictions--R. W. G. L. at Madison, Wisconsin (1872)--Answer the Memorial of Messrs. Searcy and Elliott, by Advising the Formation of an Order--" The Colored Templars" for the Negroes--Mr. Malins wishes Separate Order unlike Good Templnry for the Negroes--Colored Good Templars in Xorth Carolina call for Passwords and Recognition--What was to be done?--The Proposed New Order could not meet this Case-- Kicked to Death by the "Tar Heels"--Judge Mlack's Amendment of 1875, J^rovidnig for Dual Grand Lodges--Th Jvnglish Threaten Seces sion--Schism t Louisville in 1876--Strange Conduct uf Messrs. Malins and Gladstone--Why was not the Dual Ixxlge Acquiesced m?--Earnest Attempts at Reconciliation and Union--British Reject nil Overtures--Col. Hastings; Defence against Malins' Charge of Traud in Regard to a Flor ida Charter--A 1 .iteraturc of Controversy--Swelling Words --Time, the Final Adjuster--Return to the Kold--The Georgia Good Templars-- Efforts of Col. Ifickman to Prevent the Order's Total Destruction in the State--Finally Successful--Cold Water Templars Growing--Sore Jleset for an Organ--Grand Lodge in 1875 Calls for a Local Oplion I/aw -- Georgia favors the " Dual" Lodge--The True Reformers (Colored) had reluctantly given up their Grand Kountain to be re-incorporated as Good Templars under the ]>uol Ivodrre System, and so the Colored (Question was at lust Solved in iS??--The United Friends of Temperance --History of this Ordur-A "White Alan's Order"--Convention at Chattanooga in 1871--Organization Hastened by the Mostnn Resolution of the Rons of Temperance Admitting Negroes--Efforts to Unite Southern Temperance People in a Single Order without Special Refen-nve to Pledges, Member ship to be Exclusively White--"Articles of Union "Adopted in 1873-- No Politics--Hack to Moral Suasion Again--The New Order very Popu lar in the South--Grand and Subordinate Councils--The Question from the U. F. T. Standpoint--Mr. W. E. It. Searcy--Capt. C. P. Cravford

CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XL.
TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION (1873-77).
PA<
Dram Shops and Gaming--Public School Fund--Corporations--Counties begin, to be Legislated for upon the Liquor Question--State Lunatic Asylum and Liquor Selling--Special Laws for Towns--"Retailer" or " Seller" --Factories, no Liquor--County Commissioners--Churches, Academies, Etc.-- "Three-Mile" Law -- Liquor Tax Law -- "TwoThirds"-- Domestic Wines--Law as to Minors--Growth of Local Option --The Macon Brewing Company--Internal Revenue--Opposition of Georgia to the System--Resolutions of the Legislature-^Distillation of Fruit............................................................
CHAPTER XLI.
LEGISLATION FROM 1877 TO 1887,
Sale of Liquor on Days of Election --The State Shows its Hand--Local Laws: the Towns--Counties--"Peaches, Grapes and Blackberries" in Law-- The Drugstores-- Minors not to Sell Liquors--Registration of Liquor Dealers--Unlicensed Retailing--Unlawful to furnish Liquor to Drunk ards--Internal Revenue--Keeping Gaming Houses--Text of the General Local Option Law 1885--Churches--Calling for the Repeal of the Inter nal Revenue Laws--Origin of the Internal Revenue--For a Long- Time not Applied to Georgia--Amount of Tax Imposed at Various Times-- Tabulated Statement of the Number of Distilleries, Breweries, Whole sale and Retail Dealers in Georgia Annually since 1865--Receipts from Georgia and from the United States from Distilled and from Malt Liquors since 1863--Comparative Tables--The Revenue Districts of Georgia-- Illicit Distillation--"Moonshiners" -- Wild Theories Concerning this Class--Tabulated Statement as to " Moonshining" in Georgia and Else where--Number and Capacity of Georgia Distilleries--Revenue Officials
CHAPTER XLI1.
THE WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
Origin and History of the W. C. T. U. Organization--Its Wonderful Devel opment--Tremendous Energy Infused by it into the Temperance Ranks --The W. C. T. U. in Georgia--Brave Women--History of the Order in the State, by Miss M. H. Stokes--Work in Atlanta--Miss "Willard in Georgia--Jufy f&l&, ^SSi~ Mr. Northen Champions the Local Option Bill in the Legislature--A Petition 600 Feet Long--COI. W. P. Price-- Miss Laura Haygood--College Prizes; Good Results--Miss Willard's Flattering Account of the Southern People--"Soft Voiced" Southern

CONTENTS. x .
Ladies and " Sir Charles Grandisons "--The South Ahead of the North A --The Atlanta Union, its Labors and its Trials--Spartan Courage--Mrs! Chapin----Hon. C. R. Pringle--Mrs. Howes----Untiring- Petitioners-- Efforts of the W. C. T. U. for the Local Option Bill--" Bitterly Opposed to License"--The Atlanta.Union in the Great Atlanta Campaign of 1885
CHAPTER XLIII.
OTHER TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS.
Sons of Temperance; Attempt to Revive the Order--Prof. McCarron--E. L. Neidlinger--Only One Division now Existing in the State--Knights of Jericho--Templars of Honor--Cadets--Rechabites--Catholic T. A. Union -- The Good Templars of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the World (English Good Templars)--Their Work in Georgia--Sketch by Miss Jes sie Forsyth--Knights of Temperance----Anti-Treating Society--Colored Societies--Emancipation and Liquor--The Good Samaritans (by Smith W. Easley)--The True Reformers--Work among the Colored People of Savannah (by Rev. Dana Sherrill) -- Work in Macon (by Rev. S E. Lathrop)--The Colored Churches and Temperance--The M.-E. Church --The African M. E. Church--Congregationalists--Colored Presbyteri ans-- The Colored Baptists ............. ............................
CHAPTER XLIV.
THE WHITE CHURCHES OF THE POST BELLUM PERIOD.
-The M. E. Church South--North inference--The Baptist State Con-
CHAPTER XLV.
LIQUOR AND EDUCATION.
e Common School Fund--Income from the Liquor Traffic (Annual) and the Whole Common School Fund (by Dr. G. J. Orr, State Superintend ent)--Tabulated Statements--Injustice of Municipal License Laws--The State Lunatic Asylum--The Local Option Idea--Its Growth in the Leg islature (by Hon. C. R. Pringle)--Various Efforts--Intense Excitement; the Bill in the House--Dr. Felton--Final Triumph -- State Temperance Conventions of iSSi, 1884 and 1885--Georgia High License Intended to

XXX

CONTENTS.

PACK.
be Prohibitory in Its Effects-- TJie^Morals of the Laiv--Interpretation Of the Law -- Atlanta Brewery --Judge Bleckley's Opinion----Perfectly. Constitutional--Party Platforms and Temperance--Democratic, Repub lican and Prohibition Party in Georgia--Gov. St. John and Professor Hopkins Visit Georgia--Their Account of their Reception--National Publication Society and Its Relations with Georgia--A Noble Institution --Temperance Papers and Literature--Domestic--The Rostrum and the Pamphlet--Senator Colquitt; Dr. J. R, Hawthorne; Rev. Sam. Jones; Rev. Sam. Small; Dr A. G. Haygood--The Non-Partisan League......

CHAPTER XLVI.
THE CONGRESSIONAL TEMPERANCE SOCIETY--THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE COUNTIES OF GEORGIA AS TO LICENSE LAWS AND PROHIBITION.
Dr. Chickering--No Georgian now a Memb^ of the Congressional Temper ance Society--Difficulty in Ascertaining the Exact Amount of Territory under Prohibition--Licenses Granted, both County and Municipal, and Cost; in the Several Counties--Number and Capacity of the Distilleries-- What Counties have Prohibition--How and when Obtained--Elections, Etc---Reflections..................................................

APPENDIX.
I. Appeal of Father Mathew and Daniel O'Connell to the Irishmen of America to Co-operate with the Anti-Slavery Party. ...................
II. Tabulated Statistics of the Sons of Temperance in Georgia. ........... JII. The Atlanta Campaign, as Described by some of the Chief Participants, IV. The Felton Wine Room Bill........................... ..........

INTRODUCTION.
All that has gone before us makes the time that now is as thousands of springs in the mountains and hills make up the full river that enters the sea. He who would know what the river is, must know what its sources are. It is given to few men to make explorations for themselves; one man who can sec, must observe for all the rest, and tell them what he has discovered. The home-sta3Ters---and they are nearly all of the people--must learn of distant lands through the eyes of travelers who have seeing gifts, and who know how to tell what they have seen. In like man ner, if we of to-day would know the history that makes us what we are, we must learn from the few who can read the dim records of past times and can set its story in order.
The true history of a people is not found in the battles they have fought, or in any mere things that they have clone, but in the ideas and convictions that have determined their actions and development. Yet of all histories the most dimcult is that which shows in the ideas of former generations the real origin of our own opinions, conduct and character,
The State of Georgia in 1887 is among the most advanced States of the Union in the work of temperance reform. Of a total of one hundred and thirty-eight counties Georgia names one hundred and fifteen that have adopted some sort of law that prohibits the traffic in intoxicating liquors. Fur thermore, it is universally recognized among" us that the purpose of the friends and advocates of tempci'ance re form in Georgia is absolutely fixed to continue what they have begun. All men know that the best intelligence and the best morals of the State are arrayed against the liquor traffic. This state of things did not come about in a day, or in a decade. Those who would explain to themselves or others the exciting state of things by what they, or their
31

32

INTRODUCTION,

contemporaries have thought, said and done during- the last
ton or twenty years are in error. To understand the case aright we must go back to Ogle-
thorpe's time and trace the progress and note the develop ment of a movement that, in its germ, is as old as Georgia, and older. For Georgia is of England.
Circumstances--rather Providences--have led my hon ored friend and neighbor, Prof. Henry A. Scomp of Emory College, to undertake such an investigation as was never heretofore made in Georgia, or, so far as is known to the writer of this Introduction, in any of her State or country, ft is fortunate for the cause Prof. Scomp would advance by this history, that he did not, at the first, know how far and into what difficult regions his explorations would lead him. It may be doubted whether his patient courage had ventured upon so wearisome a work had he known what it was to be. Fortunately for ns all, Prof. Scomp has the true instinct for historical studies ; Ins strong desire to know the real truth ns to the rise and progress of the temperance cause in Georgia held him to his long and heavy task. Once he had begun, he could not stop till the chase was ended.
The result is this book--unlike any other, and on its sub ject worth all other publications put together. l*so matter who writes of temperance in Georgia hereafter, this unique book will hold its place. Its interest is not confined to Georgia; this history will help us to understand the movement for Temperance and Prohibition in every other State and country. The fullness and accuracy ot this history makes it indispensable to all who would thoroughly understand the revolution that is steadily moving toward its consummation, universal prohibition by lasv of the traffic that curses whercv.er it exists.
The effort to regulate the liquor traffic by law in such way aa to tolerate its existence, mid at the same time secure society against its moneyed evils, is not of recent date. Prof. Scomp's history wilt show how the State has, from the heginning, tried in vain to so regulate the traffic as to rneasur-

INTRODUCTION.

33

ably secure peace and order This history also shows how all legislation that seeks only to regulate, fails. All has been done that legislation could think of to so manage the liquor traffic as to secure social peace and order, and at the same time to tolerate its existence. This history shows how society has failed to protect itself against a foe it admitted into its fold. The history of our legislation for the regula tion of the trauic make an invincible argument for its prohi bition. Prof. Scorn p's book is invaluable at this time ; in planning for the future we wish to know what the past can teach us.
Prof. Scomp's method and diligence in the preparation of this exhaustive history have been known to me. Every possible source of information has been examined. The liv ing a.nd the dead have been laid under tribute. Thousands of musty and forgotten pages have been read to find one fact, or to Jind that they contained nothing of value. The material was scattered far and near. The best of it existed in mere fragments.; the true story had to be built up slowly and laboriously. It was like the work of Agassiz--recon structing a fish of past ages from a single bone embedded in rock.
But this book is more than a record of past times ; it is a living force, and it will help to make future times. It is a contribution of very great value lo the great movement of our times, and it will shorten the time of waiting for the end that is determined upon by both intelligence and good conscience--universal prohibition by law.
ATTICUS G\ HAYGOOD.
<?.*yS?r^ (y;?., yZg7^ 16, i88/.

FIRST PERIOD: TO THE JJUJERIBAN REVOLUTION.

CHAPTER I.

DRINKING HABITS OF THE BRITISH ISLES IN THE XVIITH AND XVIIITH CENTURIES.
Drinking Habits of England in the First Half of the Xyilltfa Century.
"Fill high the bright goblet, spread the festive board !

Through the loud hall in joyous concert pour'd. Let mirth and music sound the dirge of care ! Rut ask thou not if happiness be there;

Or if the brow the heart's true livery wear ; Lift not the festal mask ! enough to know. No scene of mortal life but teems with mortal woe."
SCOTT----"Lord of

the JsZes."

During the reigns of Queen. Anne 1702-14, and of the suc ceeding- monarch, the first of the Georges, the drinking habits of the common people, as well as of the gentry, had reached a clirnax. -Drunkenness, convivial or beastly, may be said to have been habitual, or at least frequent with the major part of the inhabitants of the British Isles. For near two centu ries there had been in the aggregate, a steady growth of the drink habit, though checked occasionally for a brief period, by some restrictions brought to bear upon the evil.
From the reign of Henry VIII., England' had been becoming more and more besotted. Lords, clergymen and high-born dames had their full share in the national disgrace. In fact, the universality of the debauchery seemed to deprive it of the stigma to which it was justly entitled. "I am holier than thou," was a disparagement little feared. According to Leckey, 1 "Retailers of gin were accustomed to hang- out
1 " England in.the Eighteenth Century,"
35

3&

DRINKING HA.BITS OF THE BRITISH ISLES

painted boards announcing that their customers could be made drunk for a penny, and dead drunk for two pence, and should have straw for nothing; and cellars strevrn with straw were accordingly provided, into which those who had become insensible were dragged, and where they remained until sufficiently recovered to renew their orgies."
The same author mentions many of the most brilliant men of the century as the slaves of drink. Addison, he says, was not free from it; Oxford frequently came drunk into the presence of the Queen ; Botingbroke would sit up all night at his carousals, then in the morning, having bound a wet napkin around his [orchead and his eyes to drive away the effects of his intoxication, would hasten to his official duties. Of Robert Walpole, who afterward as Prime Minister, long held the infant colony of Georgia in mortal terror ol being delivered over, bound hand and foot, to satisfy Spanish greed and to further ministerial plans--it is said that his father was accustomed to pour a double portion of wine into the son's glass when he himself drank, saying, "Come, Rob
ert, you shall drink twice when I drink once ; for I will not permit the son in his sober senses to be witness of the intoxi
cation of the father." In 1789, according to an old magazine writer quoted by
Dr. Dorchester in his excellent work ;' 200*000 people were accustomed to resort to the "tea gardens" of London every Sabbath. Each of these visitors is supposed to have spent each Sabbath day not less than half a crown, or jCz$,ooo in all, while as to their condition on returning, he classifies this multitude as follows: Sober, nfty thousand; in high glee, ninety thousand; drunkish, thirty thousand; staggering tipsy, ten thousand; muzzy, fifteen thousand ; dead drunk, Ave thousand ; total, two hundred thousand.
Hackney coachmen about this time, it was said, drove 2 thriving business by driving through the streets of Londor during the night, and picking up gentlemen who were over come by liquor, and were either lying in the street o
*"The Liquor Problem," p. p?.

IN" THE XVIITH AND XVIIITII CENTURIES

37

\vere attempting to stagger homeward. These befuddled gentry would next day pay the coachmen for their trouble. 1
Until about the close of the seventeenth century the common people of Britain, had known but little of distilled liquors. Hitherto they had chiefly used the product of the brew. Even wines, .owing to their cost, had scarcely a place save at the boards of the rich. As we shall see hereafter, one of the most important of the uses to which Georgia soil was to be put, was the furnishing of wines for general use, thus making- England independent of the vine produce of Southern Euiopc. Among the rich the finest wines had long ago won. an established place on eve^ bill of fare, and were the indispensable accompaniment of every social occasion. The manufacture of ale and beer--the common drinks of the poorer classes, had increased to such a degree that in 1688 it was estimated that the brew product of England was not less than 12,400,000 barrels, the population at the same time being but little over 5,000,000 or nearly two and a half bar rels each for every man, woman and child in the kingdom.
Of course a small part was exported, but still by far the greater part was kept for home consumption, and it was said that about one-third of the arable land in the island was devoted to the raising of barley, Tn 1689 the importation of spirits from all foreign countries was prohibited. This opened the door to distillation in Britain, and with the great increase of distilleries, there came in like ratio, as has ever been the case, an increased popular appetite for their prod ucts. " About 1724," says Leckcy, "the passion for gin drinking seems to have affected the masses, and it spread with the rapidity and violence of an epidemic. Small as is the place which this fact occupies in English history, it was probably, if we consider all the consequences which have flowed from it, the most momentous in the eighteenth cen tury---incomparably more so than any event in the purely political or military annals of the country. The fatal passion
'See Dr. Dorchester's "Liquor .Problem" for this and several other extracts quoted in this Chapter.

38

DRINKING HABITS OF THE BRITISH LtiJLES

for drink was at once, and irrevocably, planted in the nation. The average of British spirits distilled, which is said to have been only 527,000 gallons in 1684, and 2,000,000 in 171.4, had risen in 1727 to 3,60.1,000,. and in 1795 to 5,394,000 gallons. Physicians declared that, in excessive gin drinking a ne\v and terrible source of mortalit}^ had been opened for the poor. The grand jury of Middlesex, in a powerful present ment, declared that " much the greater part of the poverty, the murders, the robberies of "London, might be traced to this single cause."
So rapidly did the evil grow that Sir J. Jekyll--a name not unknown in Georgia's history--procured the passage of an Act "imposing a duty of twenty shillings a gallon on all spirituous liquors, and prohibiting any person from selling them in less quantit3r than two gallons without paying a tax of ^50 a year." But the tiger had smelled of blood, and \vas not to be so easily restrained. The thirst}7 populace broke into riots and a clandestine traffic soon sprang up which was very lucrative, and as it met with popular favor, it could not beVepressed. "In I742 1 more than 7,000,000 gallons were distilled, and the consumption was steadily augmenting. The measure of 1736 being plainly inoperative, an attempt was made in 1743 to suppress the clandestine trade, and at the same time to increase the public revenue, by a bill low ering the duty on most kinds of liquor to id. per gallon, levied at the still-head, and at the same time reducing- the price of retail licenses from ,50 to 2Os. The bill was car ried in spite of the strenuous opposition of Chesterfield, Lord Hervey, and the whole bench of Bishops ; and while it did nothing to .discourage drunkenness, it appears to have had little or no effect On smuggling. In 1749 more than 4,000 persons were convicted of selling spirituous liquors without a license, and the number of private gin shops within the Bills of Mortality, was estimated at more than 17,000. At the same time crime and immorality of every description were rapidly increasing."
1 Leckcy's "Kngianrl in the "Eighteenth Century."

IN THE XVIITH AND XVIIITH CENTURIES.

39

It is well to bear in mind the dates and the facts given above, as we shall notice ere long the effect produced upon the early emigrants to Georgia before their departure from their native land, and also the similar results from contem porary and parallel legislation, after they had reached their new abode.
London called loudly for new restrictions upon the growing evil ; the physicians in 1750 attributed to gin more than 14,000 cases of disease in the city, and Fielding de clared gin to be the sustenance--"if it may be so called"-- of more than 100,000 people in the metropolis, and he thinks that at the present (1751) rate, very few of the common people will be' left to drink the poison after twenty years. Robbery and murder had grown so common that Bishop Benson declared that there was no safety of life in I_-ondon. "Our people," he says, "are now becoming what they never before were, cruel and inhuman. Those accursed spirituous liquors, which, to the shame of our government, are so easily to be had and in such quantities drunk, have changed the very nature of our people; and they will, if continued to be drunk, destroy the verv race of people themselves."
In 1751 some new and very stringent measures were adopted, both as to licensing distillers and also retailers of ardent spirits. The former were forbidden, under a penalty of 10, either themselves to retail, or to sell to unlicensed retailers, while only householders worth 19, and "traders who were subject to certain parochial rates without them," were allowed license to retail. Severe regulations for pub lic houses were also adopted. These measures, while they, to some extent, checked the tide of drunkenness, were in no sense a cure for the terrible malady.
These restrictive measures, be it observed, were taken about the time when Georgia passed from under the Trus tees' government, first into the royal jurisdiction direct, and then two or three years later, into a kind of seniiindependence with a local legislature and a royal governor,

40

DRINKING HABITS OF THE BRITISH ISLES

to direct the administration of affairs. From the mother country the disease was more readily transmitted to the daughter, than was the remedy. But of this, later on.
Of Scotland, whence Georgia drew much of her most fiery blood, we read that the gentry were proverbial for their debauchery, " as drunk as a lord," being* the very acme of bestiality. Hospitality demanded that a large com pany should exhaust the cask, and two men were kept waiting with a barrow at the door ready to wheel away the guests to bed as fast as they succumbed to the besot ting influence.
The common people were doubtless much more sober than the nobility, and the drinking of distilled liquors seems not to have been so prevalent in Scotland as in England, though the brewers and "ale-wives" plied their trade unceas ingly along the Tweed as well as by the Thames.
It is said that prior to the Reformation no legislation against drunkenness \vasenacted in England. Under .Edward Vi. tavcrners first received license to sell beer and alu sub ject to that singular condition "not to be drunk on the prem ises," a barrier of straw many a time since thrown in to check the angry flood. Can the difference of a few paces destroy the venom of the adders sting P
Tea and coffee came into general use much Inter than spirits! Charles II. suppressed coffee houses under the sus picion that they were hot-beds of treason/ " Good" King William was a determined champion of liquor, evidently looking to "revenue only," as he was very importunate for duties to be laid upon spirits that his exchequer might be filled. Under James L, drunkenness wns punished by a fine of five shillings/to be paid in one week after the rendition of judgment to the church wardens for the benefit of the poor. How often since has liquor paid its tithes to the church, to education, or the poor, as a kind of special atonement for its miseries!
By 1/30 Englands prisons were overflowing, her alms-
*Dr. Dorchesters "Liquor Problem," p. ?g.

IN TIIK XVUTII AND XVII1TII CENTURIES. "

4-1

houses were full;.poverty and beggary were everywhere in the land, and far-sighted philanthropists were racking1 their brains to find relief for the general misery. What was doing to oppose the growing evil?
To the legislative restrictions we have alluded. A number of great names are recorded whose influence was cast iu favor of temperance. Milton, Cow per, Young-, Lockc, and Dr. Sam uel Johnson, In his later life, championed the cause, and Addison's precepts, though not alwa3'S his example, were in the same direction. As to combined effort, like that put forth by the temperance organizations of the present day, there seems to have been, but little. In the fifteenth and sixteenth cen turies a few of these "moderation" associations are mentioned. "One was called the Society of St. Christopher, and one took the appropriate name of the Golden Band. These societies were productive of some good, tending to the increase of industry, and the improvement of morals and general good order. But they were not sufficiently numerous or radical to extensively modify society." 1
In 1646 the Church of Scotland, to promote temperance, forbade the prevalent practice of drinking healths. The Society of Friends \vere always conspicuous for their devo tion to the cause of temperance. Of the hostility of Wesley and his coadjutors to the drinking- habits of his times, we shall speak hereafter. Wesley, however, was too young in 1732 to have exerted any wide-spreading influence in opposing-the evil.
1 Dorchester's "Liquor Problem," p. 102.

CHAPTER II.

THE EARLY COLONISTS.

"But give him his ale and cider, Give him his pipe and song,
Little he cared for Church or State, Or the balance of right and wrong." WHITTIER.-- Cobbler Jfeesar's

Vision.

The more northern colonies had been settled before the revolution which brought William and Mary to the Eng lish throne. At this period, as we have seen, the flow of the still was beginning to deluge Britain. These early colonists, belonging, for the most part, to the middle and poorer classes, were addicted to ale and beer, as were most of their countrymen. These liquors were universally regarded as wholesome, and all but indispensable. Early statutes for licensing and regulating taverns specified with great particu larity what the host should furnish for both man and beast. Among these supplies liquors were constantly included. To what extent distilled liquors \vere used we have no very accurate means for determining. They were drunk we know, but probably in a much less ratio than in the Mother Country. At all events, distillation was not common in the Colonies, until long after it had become thoroughly estab lished as a leading pursuit of a large class in the Mother Country. The thrifty New Englanders, as in malting and brewing, took also the lead in distilling. Not many years after the landing at Plymouth Rock, the Puritans began to convert barley and other grains into an article of drink, but it was nearly a century later before the distilling of these cereals seems to have engaged the attention of many. Of distilled liquors at this early day brandy held the chief place, though its supremacy was soon to be contested by a new
42

THE EARLY COLONISTS.

43

rival from the balmy isles of the South--Rum, last of the

Stygian brood.

" The snaky sorceress that sat

Fast by Hell-Gate, and'kept the key."

The ability to manufacture drinks which the New Englanders discovered was expressed in the following1 doggerel sent home to England in 1630;

1 "If barley be wanting to make into malt,

We must be content and think it no fault,

For we can make liquor to sweeten our lips,

.,

Of pumpkins, and parsnips, and walnut-tree chips,"

The vice of drunkenness was constantly growing, not withstanding the efforts made to " regulate the traffic." Fines, forfeitures and public whippings were among the instrumentalities invoked to control it--to hold to the cause and get rid of the effect. New York enacted a law for fining *' Christians" guilty of drunkenness, cursing or swearing, while upon Indians and negroes guilty of like offences, stripes at discretion were to be inflicted.
Health-drinking was forbidden in Massachusetts in 1639 because of "much waste of the good creatures, and of many Other sinns', as drunkenes, quarreling, viicleanes," etc. 2 This was repealed in 1645. At the same time innkeepers were fined five shillings "for sufferinge any to be drunck in their houses, orto drink excessively ; or to continue tippling above the space of half an hour-" Excess was defined to be "when above half a pint of wine was allowed at one time to one person to drink."
Virginia had a prohibitory law passed in 1676, forbid ding the sale of wines and ardent spirits. But the law seems
never to have been enforced.

SOUTH CAROLINA.
With none of the colonies was Georgia, the young-est of all, closely connected save with South Carolina. West, north, and northwestward. Alabama, Tennessee, and the contigu-
1 "Liquor Problem," p. no. 2Liquor Problem," p. n.

44

THE EARLY COLONISTS.

ous part of Worth Carolina, were held in the undisputed grasp of their aboriginal owners. Southward was a wild waste-- and then the Spaniard--more dreaded than the savage South Carolina was settled near th re e-quarters of a century earlier than her sister colony south of the Savannah, and the latter, notwithstanding some unseemly family disputes, yet looked to the former as a kind of protectress.
For many years Charleston was almost as much the com mercial capital of Georgia, as of her own colony. Nor was the tie merely one of interchange of commodities. The influence exerted by Carolina and tier capital upon Georgia was very grcfit, and to make the bond still stronger in later times, for many years nearly all the professing Christians of Georgia were connected with some organic body whose head was in Carolina. Associations, conferences, synods, etc.. had planted their parent stocks in Carolina soil, whence Lransplantings were made to the other side of the Savannah. Since then, the influence of the older colony upon the younger was so pronounced, it becomes necessary for us to examine with more of minuteness into the political, moral and social condition of Carolina at, and before the time of the settle ment of Georgia.
Of all the charters granted to American colonies by England's sovereigns, none other had been so aristocratic, so feudal, in its character as that of Carolina. Even that of Maryland (1632) assured civil and religious equality to the settlers and the right to participate in the making of their own laws. Gut the charter granted to the eight TL,ords--Pro prietors of Carolina (1663), and the celebrated Fundamental Constitutions framed six years later by the philosopher, Lockc, for the Proprietors, to more fully define and make known the powers and purposes of these lords--contem plated a system so regal and aristocratic in its prerogatives and appointments, that it is hard to believe that a serious effort could have been made in the latter half of the seven teenth century, to establish it upon the free shores of North America. One of the Proprietors was to be chosen Palatine,

THE KARLY COLONISTS.

45

or governor, and be clothed with regal authority. At his

death the oldest of the remaining1 Proprietors was to be his

successor.

"

The eight Lords Proprietors, along with two other

orders, viz.; Landgraves and caciques, were to constitute an

hereditary nobility, having largo estates forever inseparable

from the titles and privileges of the several orders.

Each county in the province was to have eight seigniories

to belong to the Proprietors ; eight baronies to belong to the

nobility of the Province ; and four precincts, each contain

ing six colonies, to be reserved for the people.

As 12,000 acres were allotted to each seigniory, barony

and colony, there would be, of course, 480,000 acres in each

county, two-fifths of which would belong to the nobility, and

three-fifths to the people. There were to be as many land

graves as counties, and two caciques for each^county. The

Provincial parliament was to be composed of the Proprietors

or their deputies, the landgraves and caciques, and one free

holder out of each precinct, to be chosen by the freeholders

of their respective precincts. All these members were to

sit together, and each was to have one vote. Thus until the

number of counties should reach nine, the aristocratic ele

ment in the Parliament would have a majority in the Colo-

nial Parliament, and even after that, as the Proprietors them-

self had a determining vote upon all laws passed by this

Parliament, the opposition of the democratic element could

be at last defeated.

For almost three-quarters of a century the effort was made

to apply this feudal system to the administration of Caro

lina's affairs. The opposition to it was so great that even

with all its various modifications, it finally became nugatory.

If the Fundamental Constitutions framed with all the inge

nuity of a great philosopher, would not allow the popular

will a legal way to enforce itself, that will soon found

methods to make itself felt, whether fundamentally consti

tutional, philosophical or not. Insurrections and riots often

set the Proprietors' laws at defiance, and in the end the Pro

prietors were forced to yield.

46

THE EARLY COLONISTS.

But this baronial system* ineffectual as it was, did not perish without leaving an impress deep and lasting upon the social and political life of the South for ages to come. To the moulding thus given to the young colonial State in this period, more than to any other agency* is prob ably to be attributed the great "plantation" system of the South in after times, a system which has touched upon every part of the social fabric in the cotton States.
In 16/1 Sir John Veamans introduced the nrst negro slaves into Carolina (from Barbadoes), and the " plantation, system became a fixity. The number of slaves rapidly in creasing, a new source of danger was added to those which already beset the colony from Spaniards, French and In dians. Servile insurrections endangered the life of the Province, and one of those strongest arguments urged for the bounding* of the new colony of Georgia, was that this proposed free province might be a barrier both against Span iards and runaway slaves who might try to reach St. Au gustine. In Georgia the allotments of land were to be small, only Jifty acres to each settler besides his "town lot/ and a dense white population was expected and provided for by the Trustees. But, as we shall see, the plantation sys tem of Carolina was too tempting to Georgians not to be sought after for themselves.
(Jf all conditions of civilized society, that of lords and vassals is most conservative in its character, most opposed to innovation. Tts very unwieldiness prevents its adaptar tionto the circumstances of its environment. Great variety of industries under it is not possible. One or two leading pursuits always absorb its energies, and whether these pur suits be tobacco culture, as in Virginia; rice culture, as in Carolina ; cotton culture, as in Georgia, or sugar culture, as in Louisiana they are adhered to with a conservatism which is impatient of change. The tendency of the politi cal and social systems was aristocratic, not democratic, and while the large majority of the English settlers of Carolina differed in no essential respect from their coun-

THE EARLY COLONISTS.

47

try men who settled to the northward, yet such was the effect of differ-ence in social and political institutions as to produce, even long before the Revolution, most pronounced differences between the inhabitants of the Northern and those of the Southern colonies. Toryism in Carolina was rather the offspring of a fellow feeling1 for the aristocratic institutions of England, than of lack of interest in the col onies' grievances.
In that great struggle we are struck by the preponder ance of English names among the loyalists, while the Hugue nots were generally Whigs.

THE CAROLTKIANS AND THE DRINK.
'Hewitt says that the colonists began early to receive rum from the West Indies in exchange for Indians who were captured in war and sold thither. .He does not pretend to say whether or not he regarded the ruin as beneficial to the colonists, as this must depend upon the use made of it; but " where the \vater is bad, a little rum mixed with it is accounted wholesome and nourishing." The colonists also bartered lumber and provisions for sug-ar and rum. 2 As hogs and cattle could be raised with little trouble, and "Barbadoes, Jamaica and N"ew England affording a constant good price for their pork, by which they g-ot wherewithal to build them more convenient houses, and to purchase servants and negro slaves"--the traffic soon became a large one. "Pipe staves and lumber were also exported to the West Indies, and sugar, molasses, and rum received in return. In Novem ber, 1680, there rode at anchor in Charleston harbor sixteen trading vessels." 3
As early as 1671 we find among- the acts of the Provin cial Parliament, one forbidding- the retail of any drink with out license.4 The evident intent of this statute was not so.
1(1 Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Caro lina and Georgia." 2 Vols. London, 1779. Vol. 1, p. 78.
2Vol. I, p. 95. 3 Rivers' Early History of South Carolina, p. 115. 4 Rivers "South Carolina," p. 107.

48

THE ICAKl.V COLONISTS.

much to restrict the traffic as to secure to Csesar his portion of the profits.
During Crov. Moore's administration which began almost with the eighteenth century, a duty was laid upon liquors (imported)^ and upon skins and furs (exported), to defray the heavy expenditures necessitated by military expeditions. This act was to be of force for three years; but at the expi ration of that period it was continued to meet the expense of the French invasion/
During the early years of the eighteenth century, Hewitt tells us* the inhabitants of South Carolina lived frugally upon the products of their plantations* "except a little rum and sugar, tea and coffee" brought for the most part from the West Indies, and "beer and cyder" from New England.
From the report made to the Proprietors by the (rovemor and Council of South Carolina Sept. i/, 1708, we learn that the province contained at that date 3,960 free whites and 120 white servants; 4,100 negro slaves, and 1,400 Indian slaves; that provisions, lumber, etc.* arc ex ported to the West Indies* whence are imported rum* sugar* molasses, cotton, etc.; also some negroes and prize goods, chiefly claret and brandy taken from the French ; to New Rngland* New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia are exported Indian slaves, deer skins, leather* rice* etc., exchanged for beer, cider* codfish, flour* etc. "Further, we have a trade to the Madciras (from whence we receive most of our wines.") At this time the duties were collected on wines, liquors, sugar, molasses, biscuits, negroes and drygoods--amount ing to ^ i ,$oo annually, which would indicate that the quantity of liquors brought into the province was not by any means proportionate to the quantity imported into sev eral of the more northern provinces. Though a consider able quantity of rum and brandies was used in Carolina, yet the standard of sobriety was undoubtedly higher there than in most of the English colonies. About the middle of the
iHcwitt. Vol. I. pp. 155, 196. *Vol. 1, pp. 309-10.

THE KARLV COLONISTS.

49

eighteenth century, the Charlestonians are said to have for "their principal drink, punch, or grog-, which is composed of rum \vell diluted with water," while the wines chiefly used are from the Madeiras. They also "have porter and beer from England, and cyder and perry from the northern col onies," and the author naively adds, "Where rum is cheap, excess in the use of it will not be uncommon, especially among the lower class of people ; but the gentlemen in gen eral are sober, industrious and temperate." '
No doubt much of the credit for this relatively higher temperance standing1 , was due to

THK HUGUENOTS
who at this time seem to have formed more than one-third of the whole \vhite population.
After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, great numbers of these persecuted Protestants fled to other lands. Many of these exiles found their way to Carolina, and within two years more than fifty thousand acres of land had been granted to them. The flight of more thaii half a million of her most active and skilUul artisans, tradesmen and agricul turists, nearly impoverished France and her Grand Monarquc, but it proved a godsend to many other lands, Carolina among the number. "Sobriety and industry soon brought to the destitute exiles competence and accumulating comforts, and they soon saw themselves surrounded by the teeming plenty of fertile plantations." '2 Among the benefits antici pated from the coming of the Huguenots were the culture of silk and of the vine, but neither expectation was realized. Native vines had already been transplanted, and the settlers' vineyards contained some also of " the noblest and cxcellentest vines of Europe." Nevertheless wine making did not make progress, and we have cumulative evidence that far into the eighteenth century, all, or nearly all the liquors drank by the Colonists \vere imported.
T Hcwitt. Vol. TI, pp. 295-6. 3 "History of South Carolina," pp. 174-5.

50

THE EARLY COLONISTS.

Perhaps some incidental allusions in the diary of a trav eler in 1734, will give us a tolerably fair idea of the drink habit of the Carolinians at the era of Georgia's settlement.
The writer, an Englishman, says: '"We came to one Lewis, about fifteen miles from Georgetown. It being a small tavern, we called for some punch ; but he had nothing to drink but a little bumboe, which is rum, sugar and water, and some hominy, milk and potatoes." Coming to an island which had no name, one of the partj^ christened it with his own name, by throwing a bottle of rum against the largest pine tree, and it goes by his name to this day." 2
Corning again to Lewis, the travelers learn that a " very unhappy accident" had occurred the night before. "Two being in liquor, they quarreled till they came to blows, when one had the fortune to throw the other down ; the under most finding the other to be too strong for him, bit off his nose, which made the other immediately let him go ; upon which the fellow made his escape, and was not then to be heard of." 3 It seems that Lewis' bumboe had not lost all its spirit.
The writer tells us how Gov. Craven lived, for he "staid at his house three days, and met with a hearty welcome and plenty of wine, punch, and good Knglish strong beer." Leaving- Mr. John Davis, his kind hostess forces her guest to take along a "bottle of shrub." Next day the traveler arrives at Lockwood Folly, and "it being a very hot day, and myself very faint and weak, when I called for a dram, and to my great sorrow found not one drop of rum, sugar or lime" juice in the house (a pretty place to stay all night indeed), so was obliged to make use of my own bottle of shrub, which made me resolve never to trust the country again on a long journey." At Murrell's the wayfarer finds "plenty of rum, sugar and lime juice, pasture for my horse,

1 "A New Voyage to Georgia." Collections, Vol. II.
2 "A New Voyage," p. 45, 3 "A New Voyage," p. 48.

London, 1737.

P. 44 of Georgia Historical

THE KARI.Y COLONISTS.

51

but no corn." Doubtless the guest was not so much troubled at the lack of corn here, as at the lack of rum at Lewis.

At this time English ships were driving an enormous traffic in slaves along the African coast. Rum was the cheapest and the most eagerly sought, equivalent for the poor creatures torn away, to be transported beyond the seas. The native Africans says Hewitt, 1 so ardently covet promis cuous liquors, and trifling" commodities carried to them from Europe, that "without scruple, they will part with their nearest relations, their wives and children not excepted, to procure them." The "course of trade" ran thus : Rum from England and New England to Africa; thence slaves to the West Indies and the mainland colonies ; thence sugar, rum, etc., back to the Mother Country. Scruples in regard to the slave trade were allayed under plea of necessity. We recall Cowper's lines :

But the slave was not always merely "the consideration" which the traveler demanded for his rum. Happy indeed for his race had it been so ! The negro too, learned to sip the" "fire water," and some of the bloodiest pages of Caro lina's early annals, are the records of insurrections of slaves who had been maddened by rum.
'Vol. II, p. 121.

CHAPTER III.

THE ABORIGINES.

"Ye've trailed me through the forest,

<

Ye've tracked me o'er the stream.

And struggling through the everglade.

Your bristling bayonets gleam ;

Think ye to Grid my homestead ?

f gave it to the Ore ;

My tawny household do ye seek ?

T am a childless sire.

Out should you crave my nourishment ?

ICnough T have, and good ;

I" live on hate, 'tis all my bread.

Yet light is not my food."

-- The Seminote's Reply.

At the time ot the settlement of South Carolina we find the Indian tribes of Carolina and Georgia disributcd as follows :
The Cherokces extended through Northwestern Caro lina, and Northern Georgia. They were estimated at six thousand warriors. The Catawbas dwelt along the Wateree, and were estimated at 1,500 warriors; about 1/43 they were reduced to 400 gun-men. The Muscogces, or Creeks* dwelt along the south side of the Savannah from the river's mouth to the borders of the Chcrokees. Once the most powerful of these tribes, by 1775 they were reduced to 3,500 warriors, though forty years before they had been reckoned at 25,000 men, women and children. ' Along the Watcrcc and the Saiitec dwelt many small tribes, e. g. the Pedees, Santees, Winyaws, Waccamaws, Weenees, and several other small tribes. After many petty wars, these fragments were absorbed into the nation of the Catawbas. The tatter also incorporated among them-

THE ABORIGINJiS.

53

selves the remnants of the Congarees whom smallpox and intemperance, as it seems, had reduced to a mere handful.
"On Sewee Bay was a deserted Indian residence," and doubtless many of them were in every direction. The Sewecs, besides being- \vasted by smallpox and drunkenness, had lost, before the}* moved from the coast, the best portion of their tribe by sending", after solemn deliberation, a g-raiid commercial expedition to ling-land in canoes." 1 The Vamassees had once occupied the territory, in part at least, be tween the Lower Savannah and the Allamaha. Finally driven southward, the}' are said to have become the progen itors of the modern Seminoles.
When the pale faces first reached the southern coast they found the Indian knowing- next to nothing of any kind of intoxicants. Among- the southern tribes, notably the Creeks, certain herbs were decocted for a kind of religious use. These tribes held in July and Aug-nst the Boos-ke-tau, or corn dance, which varied in length from four to eight days among- the tribes. On the first day the yupon was steeped in water, and the A-cee was prepared. This seems not to have been drunk until the fifth da}*. On the second day the possan was brewed by the women and drunk. It was a powerful emetic, and was evidently intended as a puri fier, or cleansing remedy.
The Boos-ke-tau was a kind of Indian passover, and the drinks used seem not to have been of an intoxicating- nature. When youths were initiated into manhood, they were com pelled to eat the herb son-watch-caw for a whole day. This herb is very bitter. The leaves were then steeped in wafer and the decoction drunk. This was an intoxicating drink, though one little calculated to tickle the palate. Some of these drinks were also used by young- men before going" to war, probably as a purificatory rite. 2 Thus we find the Indians a sober race until the Christian's (?) liquor reached their shores.
1 "Early History of South Carolina," p. 37. 3 "White's Statistics," pp. 30-33.

54

THE ABORIGINES.

As rum had been so effective in the traffic on the Afri can coast it was not to be less powerful in controlling the American savages. Indian traders began to use it as a medium of exchange for the skins and furs of the wilderness. The children of the forest were first crazed with run.?, then cheated, and waking to a sense of their wrongs, they often made the hapless frontiersman, or the unsuspecting traveler the victim of their vengeance. Seeing, or more probably feeling-, the effects of their blunder in allowing1 rum to the Indians, the colonists made many efforts to "regulate" the traffic. Only licensed traders were to be allowed to trade with the red men. The number for each tribe was limited. No liquor was to be sold in the woods, or elsewhere than at the trading stations. Muleteers or pack horsemen were not to be left behind when their principals left the nations. A license must expire in twelve, or in the case of the more dis tant tribes, in eighteen months. These, and a multitude of other statutes of similar purport. Probably the subject most frequently coming up in the colonial legislatures for addi tional laws, was the "better regulation of the Indian trade." All to little avail. From Charleston, St. Augustine, and Mauville (Mobile), the Englishman, the Spaniard, and the Frenchman vied with one another in the effort to monop olize the Indian trade. Even the impassive Indian himself was sometimes tempted to become the "third man" between the white traders on the coast and his countrymen beyond the Savannah, or in the mountains. Loaded with small casks of rum these dusky traders would start to the dis tant, wigwarns of their kinsmen ; but " in most cases, ere half the journey was performed, these merchants were found in jolly mood around the open cask, or raging like frantic bacchanals in the forest. If any rum was left, which seldom was the case, they filled the cask with water, and on arriving at their journey's end, retailed the mixture by the mouthful" 1
During Gov. Archdale's administration two drunken
1 "Early History of South Carolina," p. 45. Note.

THE ABORIGINES.

5

Indians quarreled at Charleston, and one killed the other.

The murderer was immediately apprehended and impris

oned by the governor, but the relatives of the murdered man

demanded vengeance, and His Excellency was compelled to

give up the prisoner, who was promptly burned at the

stake by his victim's friends.'

--

In 1752 a British trader having been killed by a drunken

Chickasaw, Malatchee, the chief, attempted to appease the

English. He told Gov. Glen that an uncle of the mur

derer would offer himself to expiate the crime. The offer

was accepted, the uncle killed himself, and war was averted. 2

Rum drinking had increased with -wonderful rapidity

among the savages, as has always been the case among

barbarous peoples who live chiefly upon a flesh diet. The

writer of "A New and Accurate Account of the Provinces

of South Carolina and Georgia,"3 says : That smallpox intro

duced by Europeans is making sad havoc among the Indians,

and "Rum also has been a fatal liquor to them. Many of

them have been inclined to drink it to such an extent, as we

sometimes hear of at home in the abuse of Geneva, and

sometimes they are so little masters of their reason when

intoxicated, as to' be too apt to commit murders ; but there

are many sober men among them who abhor the use of

this liquor."

Of the philanthropic efforts of Oglethorpe to save the

red men from alcohol, we shall have occasion to speak. But

on the second day after the arrival at Savannah, after morn

ing prayers, Oglethorpe in urging temperance upon the

colonists, pressed as a second reason the necessity of it on

account of their Indian neighbors. Experience had demon

strated the terrible effects of the "fire water" upon the red

men. " But it is my hope," added the governor, " that

through your good example the settlement of Georgia may

prove a blessing and not a curse to the native inhabitants." *

'Hewitt. Vol. T, pp. 134-5. 2Hewkt. Vol. II, p. 1773London, 7733. *Wrig-ht's Oglethorpe, p. 60.

56

THE ABORIGINES.

The Choctaws-are described as " the least polished, i. c. the least corrupted of all the Indians/' ] because their remote situation had given least access to Kuropeans. The some what choleric Wesley also says of the Indians, " They are likewise all, except perhaps, the Choctaws, gluttons, drunk ards, thieves, dissemblers," whi.le the Chcrokees "are seldom intemperate in drinking, but \vhcn they can be so on free cost. Otherwise love of drink yields to covetousncss ; a vice scarcely to be found in any Indian but a Cherokee." aAs to the few Weenecs who were left, they are despised on account of their cowardice, their "superlative diligence in thieving, and for out-lying all the Indians upon the conti nent." As to the Creeks, Wesley says, "Age and reputation for wisdom and valor have given Chicali (Tomochichi, it seems) Meeko, of the Coweta town, a more than ordinary influence over the nation, though not even the show of regal power. Vet neither age, wisdom, nor reputation can re strain him from drunkenness. Indeed, all the Creeks having been most conversant with white men, are most aifected with insatiate love of drink, as well as other European vices. They are more exquisite dissemblers than the rest of their countrymen. They know not what friendship or gratitude means."
It must be confessed that Wesley's judgment in some respects was much too severe. His own austere life and rigid principles, both for his own conduct and that of others, rendered him too exacting in his demands to please the easy morals of the whites by whom he was surrounded, much less to see many virtues in heathen whose vices were first to be detected, as they \vere usually most conspicuous. Cer tainly Wcsley's account of the drunken habits of all tue Indians does not agree with what we have just cited from the "New and Accurate Account of the Provinces of South Carolina and Georgia," generally conceded to be the produc tion of Oglcthorpe. Wesley also differs much in his account
iWrights Oglcthorpe, p. 184.
Wesleys Journal, Vol. Ill, p. 50.

THE ABORIGINES.

57

of Tomochichi's inebriety, from what we have received from other sources concerning the celebrated old Mico. Thus once when Wesley was urging the claims of Christian ity upon Tomochichi, the old warrior scornfully replied, "Why, these are Christians at Savannah ! Those are Christians at Frederica! Chi-istians drunk! Christians beat men ! Christians tells lies ! Me no Christian !" *
Vet on a former occasion when first introduced to Mr. Weslcy, the old chieftain had expressed great satisfaction at Mr. Wuslev's arrival, saying to him, "When 1 was in Eng land* I desired that some would speak the GREAT WORD to me. I will go and speak to the wise men of our nation, and 1 hope they will hear. Rut we would not be made Chris tians as the Spaniards make Christians ; we would be taught before we are baptized." The old man manifested great pleasure at the erection of the Moravian School "Irene," often saying that the children of his tribe would now have a place where they could hear the good word/ From these incidents it is difficult to believe that the old warrior was a drunkard. Mr. Wesley, with the learning of the University and the stem personal discipline of an anchorite, certainly did not understand Tomochichi, nor the Indian character. Good and great as he was, he was unquestionably ill-fitted for missionary work among the heathen. \V^esley and Tomo chichi--the child of the schools and the child of nature ; the learned theologian and metaphysician, and the simple wor shiper of the Great Spirit; the creed of the one was hardly convertible into the language of the other. By the simple process of observation Tomochichi judged of the worth of Christianity. For the debauchery of its so-called adherents the untutored child of the woods felt undisguised contempt. Who can blame him for his verdict? The drunkenness which lie saw at Savannah during the latter part of Mr. Wesley's residence there, was a more powerful argument to the aged Mico than all the missionary's syllogisms.
yones "Tomochichi," p. 96. *^OTE. Tomothiehi with his nephew and several others of his tribe, accompanied l^r.
Jones "Tot

THE ABORIGINES.
But Mr. Oglethorpe's evidence as to the Creeks is more explicit still, "They are," he says, "a very healthy people, and have hardly any diseases except those occasioned by the drinking-of rum, and the smallpox. Those who do not drink rum are exceedir.g-ly long-lived. Old Bruin, Emperor of the Creeks, who died a few years ago, lived one hundred and thirty years, and he was neither blind nor bed-rid till some months before his death." 1
Mr. Bolzius too, so long the pastor of the Salzburgers at Ebenezer, says mournfully : "They (i. e. the Indians) had known nothing- of drunkenness if they had not learned it of the Christians." "They love one another so that they venture their lives for one another. In their language are no words \vhich denote obscene things or oaths, unless they learn them from Europeans."
The Carolina traders claimed the right under their licenses to traffic with the Indians in Georgia also, as the latter province had been included in the original charter of the former. This claim Georgia very natxirally denied, and much conflict of jurisdiction and bitterness of feeling- be tween the two colonies, helped, if possible, to still more complicate the Indian problem. A kind of rivalry was engendered by the eagerness of each to monopolize the trade, and the work of debauching the red man was greatly accelerated. Less than a quarter of a century later, the strongest nations were estimated at less than half their former numbers, while many of the weaker tribes had passed out of existence, or been absorbed by their more numerous neighbors. More than half the nations which once dwelt from Cape Fear to the Altamaha live .now only in name and tradition.
karris' "Memorials of Oglethorpe," p. 309.

GEORGIA UNDER THE TRUSTEES. 1732-52.
CHAPTER IV.
GEORGIA AS A WINE-GROWING COLONY.
*'With nobler products see thy Georgia teems. Cheered with the genial sun's directer beams; There the wild vine to culture learns to yield, And purple clusters ripen through the field.
No more they need th' Hungarian vineyards drain, And France, herself, may drink her best champagne, Behold! At last, and in a subject land, Nectar sufficient for thy large demand; Delicious nectar, powerful to improve Our hospitable mirth and social love; This for thy jovial sons. Nor less the care Of thy young province, to oblige the fair; Here tend the silkworm in the verdant shade, The frugal matron and the blooming- maid."
--Samuel Wesley.
The above enthusiastic outburst of the poet will serve very well to give us a glimpse of what England at that early day was expecting from Georgia.
The preamble of the Charter of the Colony under its four-fold "Whereas," gives the royal reasons for estab lishing settlements of British subjects within the Province of Georgia, viz.: Credible information that "many of our poor subjects are, through misfortunes and want of employment, reduced to great necessity, insomuch as by their labor they are not able to provide a maintenance for themselves and families." These, if helped to emigrate, might be able not only to subsist themselves, but also "strengthen our colonies, and increase the trade, navigation and wealth of these our realms."
59

60

GEORGIA AS A WINE-GROWING COLONY.

Secondly--"Our provinces in North America have been frequently ravaged by Indian enemies ; more especially that of South (Carolina," where many massacres had occurred, and the "whole Southern frontier continueth unsettled, and heth open to the said savages/*
Thirdly--If. is "becoming our crown and royal dignity to protect all our loving- subjects," and "to extend our fatherly compassion even to the meanest and most infatuate of our people, and to relieve the wants of our above mentioned poor subjects."
Fourthly--"\Ve have been well assured that if we would be graciously pleased to erect and settle a corporation for the receiving, managing and disposing of the contributions of our loving subjects, divers persons would be induced to contribute to the purposes aforesaid."
Such were the political reasons assigned for establishing this "political frontier" south of the Savannah, and twenty nobles and gentlemen were constituted a corporation under the name of "The Trustees for Establishing the Colony of Georgia in .America." Lord Pcrcival was president of this Board, and James Oglethorpe, destined to the most enduring fame of all* was one of its members.
"No colony," says Southey,' "was ever established upon principles more honorable to its projectors. Nor did the subsequent conduct of the Trustees discredit their pro fessions."
These philanthropists had long been oppressed with the wretched condition of English prisons and almshouses, as well as with the poverty of many of the people, more especially those of the great metropolis itself. Prison reform and better eleemosynary institutions had been attempted, but the crowding masses must have employment, must be fed. No possible charity could provide for their sustenance. Be sides, a charity which simply feeds, becomes itself a curse to its beneficiaries. From its fruitful womb idleness, pauperism and crime are constantly brought forth. What was to be
* "Life of Wesley." Vol. I. p. i?o.

GEORGIA AS A WNE-GROWTNXr COI.ONV.

6I

done? Tt were an endless task to crush the hydra's ever multiplying- heads. Colonization was thought of, but where? The Puritan held New Kngland ; the .Dutchman and the Quaker had pre-empted New York and Pennsylvania ; the Catholic was in Maryland ; the Cavalier in Virginia, and the Lords Proprietors had just ended their almost regal sway in Carolina. Besides, negro slavery had been introduced into most of the American colonies, and it was felt that the charity settlers and slavery were incompatible.
A happ3' thought suggested itself to the philanthropists. As the new colonists were not likely to make a "specialty" of religion, and to free them from slavery, Lords Proprietors and other embarrassments, a new colony was determined upon. A charter was applied for, and the second of the house of Hanover very generously gave the new Trustees "that part of South Carolina in America, which lies from the most northern part of a stream or river there, commonly called the Savannah, all along the seacoast to the south ward, unto the most southern stream of a certain other great water or river called the Altamaha, and westerly from the heads of the said rivers respectively in direct lines to the South Seas." The islands within twenty leagues of the coast \vere also added.
Under this charter legislative, executive and judicial powers were vested in the Trustees. They could erect courts of record, criminal and civil, and only such restric tions were laid upon their civil and political powers, as might arise from Acts of Parliament in relation to trade and navigation, and the governor appointed by the Board must also be approved by the Crown. The Trustees were to hold the lands " in common soccage, not m capite," which was a most radical and fundamental difference from the terms of the Carolina charter, as we have seen. The period of the charter was twenty-one years. The Trus tees designed the new colony to be a refuge not only to the unfortunate class of British poor, but also an asylum for persecuted foreign Protestants. Catholics were to be ex-

62

GEORGIA AS A WINE-GROWING COLONY.

eluded, as French and Spaniards were to the west and south. Fifty acres, besides a town lot and five acres for pasture, made an allotment for a settler. The lands were given in tail male, a regulation that caused great trouble afterward, though we can readily understand the Trustees' motives for such an allotment in the infancy of the colony.
In November, 1732, occurred the first embarkation of emigrants for Georgia. James Oglethorpe being appointed governor, accompanied the colonists on board the Anne.
The greatest efforts had been made to select the most proper persons for the settlement. Yet from the Trustees* own account we must doubt the wisdom of some of the prin ciples which guided their choice. "It was resolved," they publicly declare/ " to send over one hundred and fourteen persons, men, women and children, being such as were in decayed circumstances, and thereby disabled from following any business in England, and who, if in debt, had leave from their creditors to go, and such as \vere recommended by the minister, church wardens and overseers of their respective par ishes." Again, they tell us they "published an advertisement in some of the newspapers in order to prevent the ill conse quences of drawing laborious people out of the country, etc." 2 ' Two years later, " to obviate any objections which might be made by sending over any of our useful poor from England," they resolve to send Scotch Highlanders and persecuted German Protestants, as experience had shown that "many of the poor who had been useless in England, \vere inclined to be useless likewise in Georgia."
Certainly, we could hardly expect very great results in clearing up the wilderness, from such colonists as these. "Decayed" and "useless" people, bred in cities, and some recently taken from almshouses, were not the best material for pioneers in a new land under circumstances so totally different.
The charitable people who were projecting and aiding
1 "An Account showing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia." London, 1742. Ga. Hist. Col. Vol. II, p. aSi.
2 "An Account Showing the Progress," etc., p. 287.

GEORGIA AS A WINE-GROWING COLONY.

63

the new settlers, made liberal contributions for the moral and mental training of the colonists. One is struck with' the modesty of many of these donors. "From an unknown hand" is added to no small portion of the items in the list of benefactions, e. g. The Trustees Nov. I, 1732, acknowledge among other gifts, the following: "Received by Mr. Hales from an unknown hand for the use of the colony of Georgia, 40 Bibles, 60 Testaments, 100 Common Prayer, 50 Duty of Man, 50 Christian Monitor and Com panion, 71 Psalters, 50 Bishop Gibson's Family Devotion, 106 Horn Books, 100 Lewis' Catechism, /^Spelling Books, loo Primers, 100 ABC, \vith Church Catechism." 1
Thousands of books--nearly all horn books or devo tional--were sent to the colonists during- the twenty years of the Trustees' regime. Among these the most noteworthy so far as relates to the subject of this work was a contribu tion made by Dr. Hales May jo, 1733, of 200 copies of "Friendly Admonition to Drinkers of Brandy." 3 This work, of which this writer has been unable hitherto to find a copy, was evidently the work of Dr. Hales himself ; for on the 7th of October, 1734, we find the following :
"Ordered, That one hundred of Dr. Hales' books against drinking Distill'd Liquors be sent to the people of Georgia." 3
Dr. Hales was one of the Trustees, and identified with the colony in the closest manner. We see therefore that Geor gia had a temperance literature to the extent of at least one work, more than a half century before the appearance of Dr* Rusk's celebrated essay. Nor \vere books to be the only moral agencies at work in the colony. Feb. 15, 1738, Lady Osborne contributed $o through the hand of Lord Percival, "to build a church in Georgia," and many other benevolent donations of like character are recorded.
A plentiful supply of beer, punch, wine from Madeira,
1 "Journal of the Trustees." Vol. I (Ms.), p. 31. 2 "General Account of all Moneys Received and Expended by the Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America," 1733--4. I1- 343 "Minutes of the Common Council of tlie Trustees." Vol. i (Ms.), p. 125.

64

GEORGIA AS A \VJ NK-G ROWING COLONY.

and other "refreshments" was stowed away in the Anne for the needs of the voyagers.
The Anne reached Charleston, Jan. 13, 1733. A few days later the ship arrived at Beaufort, and the Sunday be fore leaving for the Savannah, the emigrants with the people of Beaufort "celebrated as a day of Thanksgiving for their safe arrival." Dr. Herbert, who had come with the colonists, arid Rev. Mr. Jones preached. "There was a great resort of the g-eiitlemen of that neighborhood, and their families ; and a plentiful dinner provided for the colony and all that came, by Mr. Oglethorpe, being four fat hogs, eight turkeys, besides fowls, Englis/i beef, and other provisions, a hogshead of punch, a hogshead of beer, and a large quantity of wine ; and all was disposed in so regular a manner that no person was drunk, nor any disorder happened." !
"From the above we may judge how universal was the drink habit among the newly arrived emigrants.
S1I.K AND WINE.
From the verses quoted at the beginning- of this chapter the reader might easily infer in what way the young colony was expected to reward the labor and expense of the Mother Countr}" incurred in her behalf. England's expenses in her foreign wars had been great. Many of her people--espe cially the factory operatives--were out of employment. Silk and wines from Southern Europe had drained her exchequer of much of her current money, and of late years those coun tries were purchasing but small quantities of woolen and other goods in British marts. How was this drainage of coin to be offset, and the "balance of trade" restored to its former equilibrium? British statesmen were puzzled.
A happy thought suggested itself. Was not Georgia in the same latitude as the Macleiras ? England can grow hcr own vines and mulberries, and make her own wines and silk ! To us iV. seems wonderful bo\v, for move than forty years, Britain hugged this phantom to her breast. Samuel Wes-
1 "An Account of the Progress,of the first Colony sent to Georgia." White's " Statistics of Georgia," pp. 45, 46-

GEORGIA AS A WINE-GROWING COLONY.

65

ley's 'poetic dreams \vere not more glow ing than were the calculations of many a far-sighted statesman and political economist.
What matters a burning climate to colonists who have little to do save to prune vines in the dewy morning hours, or cool themselves under the mulberry's refreshing- shade, or to loll idly in their hammock during the sultry noon? Women and little children could gather the cocoons and tend the filatures, or bring in the luscious grapes. What a contrast to the squalor, poverty and crime of London ! The picture was fresh from Paradise. A hundred muses tuned their harps to the praises of the new Arcadia. The oft quoted lines of Waller had now found realization :

" So sweet the air, so moderate the clime, 1 None'sickly lives, or dies before his time;
Heav'n sure has kept this spot of earth uncurst, To show how all things were created first."

A maze of filozel floated in the Knglish vision, and the bursting wine presses of Georgia would free the Mother County from her dependence upon her hated rival, France.

"Fair were the scenes he feigned, the prospects fair; And sure, ye Georgians, all he feigned was there. A thousand pleasures crowd into his breast; " But one, cne mighty thought absorbs the rest, And gives me Heaven to see, the patriot cries, Another Britain in the desert rise."

In the "Gentleman's Magazine" for September, 1734, the popular idea is well expressed :

'' Hence annual vessels shall to Europe sail, With the gay treasures of the silky spoil; And Georgian flow'rets bloom in Britain's isle. Or with rich juices which the vineyard yields, That spreads luxuriant o'er uncultur'd fields."

Oct. 3, 1732, the Trustees resolve to pay 7$ to Wm. Houston, who is to go by the first ship to Jamaica, stopping
5

66

GEORGIA AS A WINE-GROWING COLONY.

at Madeira, where he is to inform himself as to the methods of cultivating- the vine, making- wine, etc.; to take cuttings, seeds, roots, etc., to Jamaica, also to send some to Mr. St. Julian at Charleston, S. C.; thence to proceed to Georgia. 1
January 10, 1733, a letter is read before the Board stating- that Mr. Houston is in Madeira, and that he had sent "two tubs of the cuttings of Malmsey and other vines on board a ship to be forwarded to Mr. St. Julian for the use of the colony of Georgia." L'
November, 24, 1733, Capt. Fry takes " a tub of white Mulberry Plants and Burg-undy Vines" on his ship for Georgia. The author of " A New and Accurate Account af the Provinces of South Carolina and Georgia," 1733-- felicitates Britain upon the splendid results to be antici pated from the colony. ** If Spain and Italy refuse our drapery, we may reject their silk, their raisins, oil, wine, olives and divers other merchandises, and can be supplied Vom Carolina and Georgia," 3
October 10, 1735, "Received three Tubs^f Vines and ten dozen Burgundy Wine, made by Mr Chas. King of Bampton as a present from the said Mr. King to Tomo Chichi." *
March 23,- 1736, One Tub Cuttings of Lippora raisins, contributed by Chas. King for the colony.
November 9, 1737, Major Wm. Cook contributed "Six teen different sorts of Vine Cuttings from France for the use of the colony." 5
Abraham de Lyon had for several years, been cultivat ing1 a vineyard at Savannah ; and the result of his experiment was watched with deep interest by many thousands in Kngland. Many contradictory reports were circulated concern ing it. Being reputed an expert in vine culture, De Lyon
1 "Minutes of the Common Council of the Trustees." Vol. I (Ms.), p. 5. 2 "Journal of the Trustees," Vol. I (Ms.), p. 55. General Account, p. 29. 3 Hist. Collections. Vol. I, p. 77-
4 "Journal of the Trustees." Vol. I, p. 890.
5 General Account for i?37, p. 19.

GEORGIA AS A WINE-GROWING COT-ONY.

67

was supposed to be making; a supreme test of the capacity

of Georgia for vine growing.

In January, 1739, Mr. Cooksey reported that De Lyon

had grown several bunches of grapes of the Portugal variety,

the bunches weighing two pounds each. Cooksey himself

had made \vine of native grapes broug-ht by the Indians.

This wine was sweet when new, but soon soured. 1

The frost of March, 1739, according to Col. Stephens,

did great damage to vines and oranges, yet it was hoped

that enough had been saved to distinguish varieties at least.

The enemies of the colony in Britain, among whom must be

counted the Walpole Ministry, spared no pains to detract

from the worth of Georgia, ft was an open secret that

Walpole was ready to surrender Georgia to the Spaniards as a peace offering. If the House of Commons could be

brought to refuse the annual appropriation for the military

defence of the province, it was believed that the colony would have to be given up. In a debate in the House on the

6th of February, 1740, on the question, " Shall Georgia be

abandoned, <ar shall new grants of money be made?" Lord

Gage asked, ** What is Georgia good for?" to which Sir

John Mordaunt, another Walpole partisan, replied that the

object of the Trustees was to raise silk and wine. The silk had been an utter failure, and as to the wine, Sir John

''wished them--the colonists--good luck with it, but if they

were to drink no liquor except wine of their own making,

they would be the soberest people under the sun." 2 But May 9 of the same year, Lieut. Horton tells the

Earl of Egmont that Lieut. Col. Cook had made wine very

sweet and palatable from the native grapes. He thinks it

would keep a year without souring, and many m the south

ern part of the province would plant vines. 3 Col.Stephens also writes in January, 1741, that "the inhab

itants apply themselves to making vineyards every da.y more

than another, and so outvy, that had they thousands of cut

tings more than they are, they would be made good use of."*

1 Egmont Papers, p. 40. 2 Egmont Papers, p. 200.

3 Egmont Papers, p. 227. 4 Egrnont Papers, p. 286.

68

GEORGIA AS A WINE-GROWING COLONY.

On the 6th of February following-, however, Richard offsets President Stephens' letter by telling Egmont that Abraham de Lyon "on whom were founded all our expecta tions for cultivating- vines and making wine," was g-one. Reason, the refusal of the Trustees to allow negroes in the colony. 1 But this is rebutted by parts of Stephens' journal received on the 23d, in which it is asserted that there had been an "encrease of vines and mulberry trees planted,

but not in the least of corn." 2 Mr. Carteret3 of Frederica, in April visits Egmont and
reports that the native wine made from wild grapes was "sad stuff." But Stephens' journal read seven days later reports great improvement in the propagating of vines. His own vines promise well and he expects to make wine next year. Thomas Hawkins of Frederica desires a partner in the making1 of a vineyard ; each to furnish $o. Promises of great profits are held out,* and Oglethorpe, in June, 1741, reports that "in spight of all opposition vineyards gx> on

prosperously." 3 In January, 1742, one colonist is reported as a great
improver of vines, having- last year made thirteen gallons of wine.0 Mr. John Ferry, Recorder of Frederica, also writes that he has transplanted and grafted wild vines, and no vines in the \vorld look better. He too expects a large crop of grapes next year. 7 "Man neVer is, but always to be blest." Who can wonder if the Trustees should become

sadly confused by accounts so thoroughly contradictory to one another ? Although the silk fever did not become cooled until the colonies rebelled against the Mother Country, yet wine making, as one of the possible, or at least one of the profitable products of the colony, had been given over for several years before the Trustees surrendered their charter in 1/52. In the frequent lists^often quite minute--made of Georgia's products, wine is not enumerated. One of the darling1 schemes of the Board died in their own hands.

J Egmont Papers, p. 301. 2 Egmont Papers, p. 304. 3 Egmont Papers,, p 335-

* Egmont Papers, p. 345. 5 Egmont Papers, p. 351.

6 Egmont Papers, p- 399. 7 Egmont Papers, p. 431.

CHAPTER V.
EARLY PROHIBITION IN GEORGIA. 1733-42.
" 'Tis quenchless thirst Of ruinous ebriety, that prompts His every action, and irnfarutes the man. O for a law to noose the villain's'neck Who starves his own; who persecutes the blood He gave them in his children's veins, and hates And wrongs the woman he has sworn to love."
---- Cou'pers "Task."
February i, 1733. Oglethorpe and his emigrants landed on Yamacraw Bluff, Mr. Musgrove and his wife Mary_-a half-breed of white and Creek blood, afterward the cele brated Mrs. Bosomworth--had established an Indian trading post'at this spot a few months before. Mrs. Musgrove was found to be of great service as an interpreter, and also from her influence with her Indian countrymen. No other whites at that time seem to have had a permanent settlement within the limits of the present State of Georgia, though a settlement had been made some years earlier on the Altamaha. But those ill-starred settlers, after many misfortunes, had abandoned their place and sailed for South Carolina, and their vessel being" wrecked off Charleston Bar, most of them perished. Oglethorpe and his companions proceeded at once to the work of laying out the town, and building houses.
On the second day after their arrival, after morning pray ers, Oglethorpe addressed the new colonists as to their duties. Especially did he " warn them against drunkenness, from which some of them kad already suffered. The importation of ardent spirits 'was illegal, but as in every case, some might

70

EARLY PROHIBITION IN GEORGIA.

find its way amongst them, they must resist any temptation to which they might be exposed." 1
By "illegal" the General must rather have referred to permission than prohibition, for the Trustees do not seem to have made any enactment on the subject until some months later. As the licensing power was in the hands of the Board, it is evident that no private permits to retail liquors were sent along with the first emigrants. The Gen eral's declaration that "some of them had already suffered from the effects of drunkenness," must have referred to their former habits in their native country, and if so, we have a clear proof that the first colonists were not selected with that care which the Trustees, wiser by experience, endeav ored to use later.
On the yth of July, when the erection of houses was partially completed, Oglethorpe assembled the colonists to a feast, and "supplied each person with a liberal quantum of the best Bnglish beer." But by this time the General had become satisfied that the colonists were suffering now as -well asformerly, from the drinking of ardent spirits ; and that other agencies must be invoked to aid "moral suasion" which had had so little effect. He accordingly addressed a letter to the Trustees under the date of Aug. 12, 1733, saying that several persons had died, as he was satisfied, from the drinking of rum. The action of the Trustees in the matter was remark ably prompt. As their secretary, Benjamin Martyn writes to Oglethorpe Nov. 22,1733,2 we learn the determination of the Board in the case. "As it appears evidently by your letters that the sickness among the people is owing to the excessive drinking of rum punch, the Trustees do absolutely forbid their drinking, or even having any rum, and agree with you so entirely in your sentiments, that they order all that shall be brought there, to be immediately staved."
"As the Trustees are apprehensive all their orders to this purpose may be ineffectual, while the Trading House is so near, and can supply the people, they are of opinion
1Wrig-ht's Oglethorpe, p. 60. 2Transcript of Colonial Documents (Ms.), p. 36.

EARLY PROHIBITION IN GEORGIA.

/I

that the. Trading House shall not be permitted, but on the con dition that they offer no rum to sale, nor indeed keep any."

The Trading House was established by the Trustees as

a kind of depot of supplies for the colonists, and what

ardent spirits it vended, could only have been procured on

their account. The storekeeper was also their agent.

Under Oglethorpe's personal administration there can

be no reasonable doubt that the law was well enforced. Of

this we have ample testimony, e. g. that of three or four gen tlemen from South Carolina who visited Savannah in March,

1734. One writes; "He (Oglethorpe) keeps a strict disci pline ; I neither saw one of his people drunk nor heard one

swear all the time I have been here. He does not allow them rum, but in lieu gives them English beer." 1

The impartiality with which justice was meted out, won

the confidence of the Indians in the neighborhood, which

confidence increased until Oglethorpe had such power with

the red men, as perhaps was never before possessed by a colo

nial governor. An example may be cited : Once a Carolina boatman who was drunk had beaten an Indian. Oglethorpe

ordered the boatman to be tied to a gun until sober, in order

to be whipped for his offence. Tomo Chichi begged for his

release; the G-eneral refused the request unless it should be

seconded by the Indian who had been beaten. The old Mico

endeavored to persuade the injured Indian to ask for the boatman's reprieve, but he refused until Tomo Chichi

reminded him that he too was fond of drinking, though not of whipping. Nevertheless, as he was quarrelsome when in

liquor, he must expect even-handed justice to be meted out

to himself under like conditions. Fonseka, the Indian, was

convinced, and he asked Oglethorpe to let the man go. Hav

ing- obtained his request, Fonseka ran with Tomo Chichi to release the prisoner.3

The wholesomeness, if not indeed the absolute necessity

of malt liquors and wines, was all but universally conceded.

1Wright's Oglethorpe, p. 64. 3 "A Curious Account of the Indians," Col. II, 67.

By an Honorable Person.

Ga. Hist.

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EARLY PROHIBITION IN GEORGIA.

Oglethorpe himself was fully impressed \vith this belief, and was urgent upon the Trustees to keep an ample supply of such drinks always for the food of the colonists. Temper ance drew the line at distilled liquors, but strenuous efforts were made to furnish malt and brewed drinks, to meet a presumed demand of human nature. The quantity of such liquors deemed necessary for the individual, seems to us somewhat extraordinary.
Francis Moore in his "Voyage to Georgia begun in *73$>" 1 gives the allowance under the Rules of the Board, to each man, woman and child "upon the charity."
The yearly allowance to each man is: 312 Ibs. Beef or Pork. 104 Ibs. Rice. 104 Ibs. Indian Corn or Peas. 104 Ibs. Flour. i pint of strong beer (a day) " when he works, and not otherwise." 52 quarts of Molasses for brewing Beer. 16 Ibs. Cheese. 12 Ibs. Butter. 8 oz. Spice. 12 Ibs. Sugar. 4 gallons Vinegar. 24 Ibs. Salt. 12 quarts Lamp Oil. i Ib. Spun Cotton. 12 Ibs. Soap. To each mother, wife and child over twelve years of age, an allowance, in most particulars the same as to a man, was made, except that the daily pint of strong beer was omitted, though the same proportion of molasses for brew ing was allowed. On shipboard the weekly allowance to the "Charity" emigrants was : 7 Ibs. Bread.
1 London, 1844.

EARLY PROHIBITION IN GEORGIA.

73

3' pints Beer. 2 quarts water (daily), "whereof one of the quarts for drinking-and the other for dressing- the ship provisions." 1 If we compare the drink ration of the above tables with the food ration, the former seems to us out of all proportion to the latter. At the same time "the Trustees," we are told, "do expect to have a good character of the said persons (i. e. applicants for the benefit of the charity) given.; because no drunkards, or notoriously vicious persons will be taken." 2 The Trustees by this time (1735) had learned that poverty was not the only qualification necessary for an emigrant. At the same time the Board deems it fitting to warn applicants that "sicknesses were dangerous to those who drank distilled liquors, and that temperance was not only necessary to preserve their substance, but their health also." Mr. Moore saysa that he was struck upon his arrival by "some laws and customs peculiar to Georgia; one is that all brandies and distilled liquors are prohibited under severe penalties ; another is that no slavery is allowed, nor negroes; a third, that all who go among the Indians must give secur ity for their good behavior." An evidence of the determination of the Trustees to be more careful in selecting colonists may be found in a letter of Gen. Oglethorpe written on shipboard in Covves Road, Nov. 19, 1735, when he was starting with a second embarka tion of emigrants to Georgia. He says : *"Our people are very healthy and very orderly, excepting two women serv ants * * whom I have set on shore for drinking and inde cent behavior." Would that such careful selection had been the rule with regard to all the colonists who were to be brought to the shores of the Savannah and the Altamaha ! In March, 1734, Gen. Oglethorpe had left Georgia on his first return to England. He was accompanied by Tomochi-
1 Francis Moore's "Voyage to Georgia." Hist. Coll. I, 81. 2 Francis Moore, p. 83. 3 Francis Moore, p- 96. * Oglethorpe's Letters. Ga. Hist. Col. Ill, p. 4.

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1CAK.LY PROHIBITION IN GEORGIA.

chi, 1 his nephew Toonahowi, and several other Indians. Mis departure was a sad day to the inhabitants, who followed him to the boat which bore the party away to Charleston, and sadder still would it have been could the vista of the next few years have been lifted. True, the General expected to return to Georgia, and he did return, though absent nearly two years ; but Savannah needed the strong hand of Oglethorpc to give direction to the work, to repress the insubordination and riotous spirit which began to be manifested very soon after his departure, and which came near wrecking the colony ; and to enforce the laws made for the government of the people. The paternal care, as well as the rigid discipline exercised by Oglethorpc, had encouraged the colonists to active exertions in building houses, clearing lands, and planting. These settlers, gathered up from the streets of London, for the most part a thriftless people, tinused to such a climate as that of Georgia, and utterly un acquainted with the cultivating of any of the crops they were expected to grow--should never have been left with out the guidance of a master spirit thoroughly in sympathy with the Trustees' plans. The blunder in the selection of such settlers should not have been repeated by leaving them under their own control. Oglethorpe, after his return to Georgia, was but little in Savannah, and the vicious habits and dissensions engendered during his absence, would have made it a somewhat difficult task for even his strong arm to bring order out of the chaos which prevailed, though we cannot doubt that he would have accomplished the work. Thomas Causton, who was a bailiff, and also the Trustees' storekeeper at Savannah, was left in a kind of superintendency of affairs. We arc told that he was " proud, haughty, and cruel," and being of low origin he "became intoxicated with the powers vested in him."
His outrageous conduct was the subject of many peti tions to the Trustees, accompanied by a multitude of specific charges. Still Causton managed for several years to outwit
1 Pronounced Toni-o-chee-chee.

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75

his enemies, and retain the chief direction of affairs at Savan nah. Being1 storekeeper he had in his hands the means for making the inhabitants subservient to him, and probably no other man of Knglish blood, ever in the capacity of a civil officer, so perfectly played the petty tyrant on American shores. The manuscript documents of the period are monot onous with the complaints against Causton. 1 In December, 1734, Mr. Gordon was appointed by the Trustees chief mag istrate of Savannah, and the people fondly hoped for deliv erance from Causton's tyranny ; but the storekeeper soon found means to "starve out" the new magistrate, by refus ing- him supplies of any kind from the public store. So Gordon was compelled after a few weeks to return to Eng land, and Causton had the cunning- to get himself appointed first bailiff in his stead. Mr. Henry Parker was also a bailiff, but as he was too dependent upon Causton's good, graces for sustenance from the public store, he soon be came a mere tool in the hands of the former. He was, moreover, a great drunkard, and as Causton's hand con trolled the public spigot, even despite the orders of the Trustees, Parker was more than ever under the heel of his master. Christie, the Recorder, had little independence of character, and notwithstanding his official position, kept a rum shop in defiance of the Board's prohibition. Mr. Dunn, who was also appointed a bailiff after Gordon's departure, was seventy years of age, and "crazed both in mind and body;" and dying shortly after his nomination, he was suc ceeded by Robert Gilbert, " who could neither read nor write." So Causton was even more absolute than for merly. Such was the legal machinery for enforcing the Rum Act as \vell as other laws made by the Trustees. With such a civil administration, such a population and such surroundings, we may conjecture how the spirit and letter of the Board's instructions were likely to be carried out, the governing power being separated by the ocean's breadth
1 See all the Histories of Georgia: McCall I, pp. 51-55. Stcvens I, 220-2. Jones I, 266-374.

76

EARLY PROHIBITION IN GEORGIA.

from the governed, and months intervening before communi cations and counter communications could be received by either party from the other.
Before Oglethorpe reached the English shore, disorders began to be rife in Savannah.
On the 24th of July, 1734, Benjamin Martyn, Secretary or the Board, \vrites to Mr. Vanderplank that the Trustees "greatly approve of your diligence in staving rum and other distilled liquors." They are, however, not satisfied that he did not proceed further and stave the rum of John Wright and of others, " notwithstanding any combination for the prevention of it, for they do not believe any combination dared to have resisted a constable in the execution of the orders of his superiors."
"With respect to threats to sue you in England, you ought wholly to have slighted them, and I hereby acquaint you that nobody can give directions in the colony but the Trustees, and their instructions must be pursued, and they will support those who obey them. They renew them again to you to stave all rum and other distilled liquors in Geor gia ; and if any person shall resist or refuse to comply with these instructions, you are to compel them to submit, and if you have occasion for any force the Trustees will give direc tions for the effectual supporting the execution of their orders."
"Upon the receipt hereof you are to go immediately and search Wright's house and stave all the rum you can find there, and for that purpose take such assistance with you as you shall find necessary." 1
Under the same date (July 27, 1734), the Trustees send the following order to the bailiff and recorder of Savannah:
"Mr. John Wright having refused to conform to the orders sent by the Trustees, and having under pretense of his license to sell beer and ale, sold rum and refused to suffer that which he had in his house to be staved, you are heretAy required to take away his license to sell beer, ale, or any
1 Transcript of Colonial Documents (Ms.), p. 73-

EARLY PROHIBITION IN QJSORGIA.

77

other liquor whatsoever, and to give the said license to Widow Hodges, provided that she doth not pretend to sell any dis tilled liquors. And you are to proceed in the severest manner against any person who shall, under pretence whatsoever, dare to sell rum or any other distilled liquors."
October 20, 1734, Secretary Martyn warns Causton that no unlicensed trade with the Indians must be permitted. Causton must admonish the people of this order, and prose cute with the utmost severity every violation of it. An exception must be* made in the case of Mr. Musgrove, who has already been licensed by the Trustees, Furthermore, Mr. Martyn writes : "All persons that sell beer, ale, small beer, wine, cyder or any other liquors by retale, that is to say, any quantity under twenty gallons, are sutlers ; and you are to suffer no one to suttle but who has a licenss. And you must take care that no sutler sells anything1 but liquors. The sutler may, however, keep ordinaries and sell victuals and provisions of all sorts to be drest and eaten in the said sutler's house. But he must not keep any drygoods nor keep shops, for that would be encroaching on others, and the sutler's having the sole right of vending liquors should not interfere with the shopkeeper's. Therefore, if Mrs. Hodges accepts of a license to sell beer, she must give over shop. All persons who have licenses must be obliged to have in their houses accommodations for travellers." 1
The General Assembly of South Carolina had, on the gth of June, 1733, passed an Act for the "speedier and more effectual relief of His Majesty's subjects of Georgia, and for continuing the duty of threepence a gallon on rum imported from the ist of December, 1733, for raising- and paying eight thousand pounds current money for the use of His Majesty's subjects of his colony, and the said duty, as received being to be paid over quarterly, from the said ist of December, 1733, to and for the only use, benefit and sup port of His Majesty's said subjects of Georgia, and to and for no other use, end, intent or purpose whatsoever, and
'Transcript of Colonial Documents (Ms.), p. 83.

78

KARLY PROHIBITION TN GEORGIA.

Messieurs Jenys and Baker of Charles Town in South Caro lina, being authorized to receive the same and transmit to the Trustees for establishing* the colony of Georgia in America, their accounts thereof duly certified," etc. '
Then follows a list of the quarterly receipts accruing from this source. It may be here remarked that the full amount of ^T8,ooo was completed by the first quarter of 1739. Therefore the Carolinians had helped Georgia to the extent of swallowing 640,000 gallons of rum, loaded with an extra 3d. per gallon, in a little more than five years, besides other liquors "not taxed/' as the statutes say of the Indians.
A singular feature of this period is, that while the Garolinians were paying this self-imposed tax for the benefit of the Georgians, Georgia herself was under a prohibition of all <^zj^^f(/ /^z^?rj. At this time Carolina was also impos ing a tax of 3d. per gallon on rum "for the use of the Brick Church in Charles Town." R/um seems to have been the chief source of revenue for most benevolent purposes.
John \Vright's beer license seems to have been issued by Oglethorpe prior to his departure for England. The first license of which we have any record issued from the Trus tees' omce was to William Calloway, and dated October 9, 1/34. It ran as follows :
"Ordered, That \Vm. Calloway have license to sell beer, ale, and all other liquors except distill'd liquors, and all mixtures therewith." ^
Calloway seems to have been an agent of the Trustees for the selling of the above mentioned liquors, inasmuch as we find twenty-five pounds appropriated by the Board on the 2d of October, 1/34, "to be applied to the passage and subsistence of himself and a man servant;"^ though it seems singular that in such case, other licenses should have been granted either "to the widow Hodges" or to any one else.
The prohibitory legislation was intended to be far reach-
i "General Account of Effects" (Ms.), for 1734, p. 4. *Minntes of the Common Council, Vol. * (Ms.), p. 125.
* Journal of the Trustees," Vol. I (Ms.), p. zti.

EARLY PROHIBITION IN GEORGIA.

79

ing. By an Act passed April 3, 1735, for "Maintaining- peace with the Indians in the Province of Georgia," it was enacted that "persons not licensed trading- with the Indians shall for feit 100, one-half for the colony and the other half for the Prosecutor. The goods so traded in may be seized by war rant from the Commissioner and forfeited, one-half for the use of the colony, the other half to the Prosecutor. The Com mon Council of the Trustees to appoint proper officers neces sary for giving license, and to fix the salaries" of such officers." '
The Commissioners \verc to be sworn, and a book of their proceedings together with a record of the Bonds of the licensed issued by them, was to be lodged in the hands of the Trustees' secretary. The commissioner could determine complaints made by Indians, and take evidence from-the latter through sworn interpreters. He was not to receive any gift during his period of service, nor for four years after he had quit his office, under a penalty of one thousand pounds. No licensed trader was to trust an Indian for more than one pound of powder, or four pounds of bullets, under penalty of forfeiture of bond, license and debt. Each trader was to deal as a principal and give security for himself and his agents, whom he must not leave in the Indian country. The trader's license was to be renewed annually at Savan nah save those of the Chickasaw traders, which might run eighteen months, on account of the remote situation of this tribe.
April 23, 1735, the Trustees at their meeting read the several Acts in reference to Georgia, viz.: The one forbid ding the importation of rum and brandies ; that for main taining peace with the Indians ; and the one prohibiting the use of black slaves--to all of which His Majesty " has given, his Royal Assent." 'z
The Trustees on the first of April, 1737, resolved to prepare a law for the taking of Indian evidence. This was
1 ""Documents from State Paper Office" London (Ms.), Vol. I, p. 10. 2 Min. Com. Council, t, 167.

So

"EARLY PROHIBITION IX GEORGIA.

to meet the difficulties arising from violations of law by traders and others. Another law was resolved upon at the same time " against the use of gold and silver in apparel and furniture in Georgia." '
Much bitterness had been growing up between the Provinces of Carolina and Georgia. The difference of policy between the two colonies as to the rum traffic and as to slavery, caused friction, and several circumstances conspired to add to the ill-feeling already engendered. Dec. 3, ?735, Oglethorpe on shipboard in Gowcs Road, waiting to sail on his second voyage to Georgia, writes to Mr. Verelst, the Secretary of the Board, cautioning the Trustees against sending such artisans as a " millwright, cooper or smither," to Georgia on any vessel which is to come via Charleston, for'the Caroliuians, in malice toward Georgia, will debauch these men with rum and then conceal them, and so get them away from Georgia. " They have already served us so upon several occasions." The mill and the millwright should not be sent by any ship bound for Charleston. The General naively adds that they may send his stone horse "and the mares, of which 1 shall speak more hereafter, by Pearcy to Charleston, for they cannot give them rum, nor debauch them away from us." ^
In the spring of 1/36 the Savannah magistrates seized a large quantity o[ rum which was being conveyed up the Savannah to New Windsor, some accounts say, though other authorities say that its destination was Augusta. As the boat was in the channel between Hutchinson Island-- which is Georgia soil--and the town, the magistrates re garded it as brought within the limits of Georgia. The staving of this ruin roused the Charlestonians to furv, and a strong representation upon the matter was sent to Ogjethorpe, then at Frederica. Oglcthorpe writes to the Trustees in May, that some individuals in Carolina--notably one Gapt. Green--were endeavoring to incense the Uchee Indians to
T Min. Com. Council, TT, (j.
-ORlelhorpu's Letters, (.la. [list. Col. Ill, p.

EARLY PROHIBITION IN GEORGIA. ..--...

8l

fall upon the colonists. Another grievance between the two Provinces arose from, the license .system in carrying- on the Indian trade. The Georgians denied the right of Carolina to license traders for the south side of the Savannah, as had been clone prior to the founding- of the new colony. Longalter cations followed, which were finally smothered down rather than amicably adjusted, by certain compromises agreed upon, by which an equal number of traders might be licensed by each, the Georgia regulations over the trade to prevail in Georgian territory, and the Caroliiiian to be the law upon the north side of the river. Nevertheless, some rancor remained until the Revolution.
The Caroiinians had been driving1 an illicit rum traffic with the Georgians during1 Og-lethorpe's absence. At the General's first sighting of the Georgia coast upon his return, he was chagrined to find that the carpenter who had been sent with a squad of men to build a lighthouse upon Tybee, had only gotten the foundation ready. To the incensed General the carpenter excused himself by saying that " rum was so cheap in Carolina, whence his men easily got it, that one clay's work would make them drunk for a week, and then they neither minded him nor anything else."
Even while the ships were ^ying- at Tybee Carolina boatmen, under pretense of selling- provisions, were caught in the attempt to smuggle rum on board, but the officers de tected the cheat, and staved the rum.
A sad relaxation in the morals of the inhabitants had occurred. Francis Moore, who had come to Georgia at this time, says that some of the citizens of Savannah spent their time in idleness, living from the public store, utterly neglect ing their business.'
Naturally Oglethorpe was much embittered toward the Caroiinians for their attempts to corrupt his colonists, and Charlestonians spared no pains to give effect to the hate they felt toward him. This hostility prevented unity of effort against the Spaniards, when the very existence of both
1 Francis Moore's " Voyage to Georgia," p. 95.

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EARLY PROHIBITION IN GEORGIA.

Provinces was hanging in the balance. It was chiefly due to this that Oglethorpe failed to capture St. Augustine, and the Carolinians bore no part in his brilliant victory on St. Simon's Island.
General Oglethorpe, on his return to Georgia, in the early part of 1736, turned his face southward. The new col onists who had come with him were, for the most part, set tled on St. Simon's Island, on the Altamaha. These latter were Scotch Highlanders, and their bold, hardy character was supposed to be a great bulwark of strength against the designs of the Florida Spanish. St. Simon's was, from a military point of view, of great strategic importance, and the town of Frederica was laid out upon its western shore. But a strong force was deemed necessary to protect the exposed colonists, and the General was again summoned to England for consultation as to .the measures to be taken. He left Georgia the second time in November, 1736, having spent but about nine months in the colony on this second visit. It was probably in part from a design of pleasing the General, that Causton and the other bailiffs of Savannah manifested that sudden outburst of zeal for enforcing the Rum Act, which cul minated in the seizure of the Carolina rum at Savannah, as already mentioned. Certain it is that no other display of such a vigorous policy is on record, so far as these magistrates are concerned.
It was nearly two years before Oglethorpe again set foot in Georgia--years full of portent, while the colony was in its formative state, and influences good or evil were impress ing themselves upon the plastic mold of the embryo State.
The officers at Savannah were themselves implicated in the rum traffic, and were not very likely to enforce the laws against it. As hinted already, Causton's zeal had only flamed up while Oglethorpe was near. But during the General's absence the Savannah officials paid little attention to the law.
In May,- 1735, while Oglethorpe was s.till in England on his first visit, Mr. Verelst writes to the bailiffs of Savannah, imperatively ordering them to enforce the laws against tip-

EARLY PROHIBITION IN GEORGIA,

8j

pling, and to revoke the licenses of such keepers of public houses as encouraged people to idle away their time, and to send the names of the idlers at once to the Trustees.1
The Trustees are very much surprised to hear that Mr, Christie, the Recorder, is a dealer in rum, when he must know its evil effects, but he nevertheless violates the senti ments of the Trustees. Mr. Christie is therefore ordered to give an answer to this charge, till which time his petition for the lease of a Trust lot is suspended.
The Trustees have also learned that "a hogshead of rum has been retailed at Abercorn, which should not have been suffered."2
May 15, 1735, the Trustees order Causton to pay 20 to Mrs. Musgrove, as a reward for her services, but at the same time she must be informed that the Trustees do not permit the sale of rum, and implicit obedience must be paid to this order, if she expects the further favors of the Trustees.
1 Transcript of Colonial Documents (Ms.) p. 113. 8 Colonial Documents, p. 120.

GEORGIA UNDER PROHIBITION.
CHAPTER VI.
THE RELIGIOUS ELEMENTS OF GEORGIA, AND THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARD RUM.
THE SAI.ZnURGKRS.
My children' Must I leave them ? O God! my tears in anguish How --
Shall I no more receive them?
"My God, conduct me to a place. Though in some distant nation.
Where t may have thy glorious word, And learn thy great salvation." --From "Salzburg- Emigrant's Song."
At this point it seems fitting to introduce a brief account of the religious bodies and the state of religion in Georgia under the Trustees* regime. The war against rum has al ways been an essentially religious one, and a synopsis of the religious elements of that era becomes necessary to a correct understanding of their influence upon the people in this respect.
The first place among the churches of Georgia's first two decades should be awarded to
THE SALZBURGERS.
Whose eyes have not grown moist at the recital of the pathetic story of the Waldenses those Christian heroes of the Alps? W^ho can ever forget Miltons impassioned lines:
"Avenge, U Lord! thy slaughtered saints, whose bones Lie scattered un the Alpine mountains cold; Even them who kept thy truth so pure of old. When all our fathers worshiped stocks and stones,
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GEORGIA UNDER PROHIBITION.

85

Forget nol; in thy book record their groans Who were thy sheep, and in their ancient fold Slain by the bloody l-ie-dniontese that rolled Mother with infant clown the rocks- Their moans The vale.; redoubled to the hills, and they To Heaven."

A small remnant ot these children of persecution had escaped, and for seventy years had concealed themselves in the secluded valley of Teffereck, m the Archbishopric of Salz burg-, on the borders of the Tyrol, where they kept up their worship, undiscovered. But in the latter part of the seven teenth century a new Pharaoh arose, in the person of the suffragan, newly appointed. This priest was very violent and cruel, and a new crusade was organized against the poor Protestants. Their books were seized wherever found. They were put to hard labor upon bread and water for fourteen days, and then ordered to recant. A few were overawed and embraced Papacy. Others attempted to flee with their wives and children, though in the depth of winter; but their chil dren were taken from them under the pretence of giving them religious instruction. From one thousand parents who were driven from their coiintry during the years 1684 to 1686, not less than six hundred children are said to have been taken." 1 Protestant princes and nations began to take the deepest interest in the poor Salzburgers. From 1729 to 1732 a most violent crusade was carried on against these un fortunate people. Husbands and wives were separated, children were torn from their parents, and thirty t/ioitsand Protestants -were exiled during" these three 3^ears. 2 Protestant lands were everywhere opened to receive the fugitives. Just then the Trustees were petitioning for their charter, and they urged not among1 the least of the reasons why it should be granted the need of opening an asylum for persecuted foreign Protestants. The " Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge " co-operated with the Trustees in their benevolent efforts. A grant was also ob-
1 See Strobels "Salzburgers," p. 28, et seq.
2 Strobels "Salzburgers, " p. 43.

86

THE RELIGIOUS ELEMENTS OF GEORGIA,

tained from Parliament; and in the latter part of 1733, the first band of pilgrims started on foot through Bavaria to ward the seacoasl, to embark for their distant home. It is 110 part of our plan to detail the trials of this long- journey. * n November they reached .K. otter dam, where they \vcre joined by their future pastors, Messrs. BoUius and Qronan from Halle. December 21 they landed m Rutland, and on the 28th of the same month their ship sailed for the Savannah. On the 12th of March. 1734, their vessel arrived before the new town, and was hailed with shouts of welcome from the shore. Og-lethorpc, who had met them at Charleston, although on his way to England, yet with his usual gener osity, had turned back to help them in selecting a nome, now made " a right good feast for all, with very line whole
some English beer." l The new immigrants were speedily located at Ebenezer,
twenty-five miles above Savannah, and at once set to work to make themselves a home. The Xrustees might at last have congratulated themselves on receiving- one instalment of settlers who were willing to obey their laws, and faith fully aid them in carrying out their plans.
It is hardly possible to over-estimate the influence for the good of the colony exercised by these poor exiles. Their deep piety, purified by the fires of persecution, their industry, their constancy of purpose, their habits of economy, were the very elements just then most imperatively demanded in the new colony ; and these were conspicuously absent amongthe first settlers. The plain, simple Salzburgers became the sheet anchor of the new Province. In fact, it seems most likely that but for the Salzburgers the colony would have been given up. To all the denunciations of worthlessness charged against the colony- by its enemies, the thrift of the Salzburgers was brought forward in rebuttal. If the sands of the Savannah were called barren, the crops of the Salz burgers were cited to prove the charge unfounded. The showing which the friends of the Province were thus enabled
""Wrig-hts "Og-lethorpe," p. 77.

AND THEIR ATTITUDK TOWARD RUM.

8/

to make in its behalf, probably secured several annual appro priations from Parliament, when the metropolis of the Province was arrayed on the side of Georgia's enemies. No wonder the Trustees saw cause in after years to regret that any but foreign Protestants had been accepted as emigrants.' Capt. Thompson pronounces them " the only quiet and in dustrious people " in the colony.
The barren wilds about Ebenezer soon began to bloom like the plains of Jezreel. En 1741 it was said of them, " They arc a sober and industrious people, and do at present reap the fruits of their industry- They have great herds of cattle which are increasing ; their land lies very neat, and is well cultivated. They raise large quantities of corn, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, cabbages and other garden stuff." '2
Strobel well says of the inhibition against ruin and slaves, " The enforcement of these measures was attended with very serious difficulty in all parts of the colony except at Ebenezer. The first* measure was one the propriety of which the Salzburgers never questioned. Temperance societies were then unknown; but no such agency was neces sary to teach our pious ancestors that the use of alcoholic drinks is attended with incalculable evils, and that the most specific rcmed}* for these evils, is not to pass license laws to regulate the sale of spirits, but to remove entirely the cause that produced them. It is mentioned as a striking fact in the subsequent history of Ebenezer, that the exclusion of ardent spirits had contributed materially to promote the health of the inhabitants, while sickness prevailed in all those places where the sale was permitted. We wish that this whole some regulation had always been enforced, not only at Ebenezer, but throughout our country ; and especially that the descendants of the Salzburg-ers had always imitated in this respect, the example of their pious forefathers." 3
Mr. Thomas Jones in a letter dated at Savannah, Sept.
1 Egraont Papers, p. 376. 2 An Impartial Inquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, p. 159, Vol. I, Ga. Hist. Col. 3 Strobel's "Salzburgers," p. 102.

88

THE RELIGIOUS ELEMENTS OF GEORGIA,

iS. 1740, and addressed to John Lyde, also bears testimony in iavor of the Salzburgers. " The people live in the greatest harmony with their ministers, and with one an other, as one family ; they have 110 idle, drunken, or profligate people among- them, .but are industrious, many of them grown, wealthy, and their industry hath been blessed with remarkable and uncommon success to the envy of their neighbors, having- great plenty of all the necessary conven iences for life (exept clothing) within themselves, and supply this town with bread kind, as also beef, veal, pork, poultry, etc." 1
The Trustees, in the midst of many discouragements in regard to parts of the colony, could always solace them selves with the cheering tidings from Ebenezer. Lord Percival July 25, 1738, 2 has the following- abstract of the pro ceedings of the Trustees on that day. The Germans under the care of R.ev. Mr. Bolzius, he says, " had no court of just ice, or lawyer , or rum, but peace pfevail'd, and in case of any petty difference, -the Minister call'd 3 or 4 of the discreetest Elders together, who in a summary way determined as they thought just, and the partys went away contented." How this charming picture contrasts with the \vant, the idleness, and the crime recorded of some other sections of the colony in the same day's proceedings. Thus, for ex ample, mention is made of the imprisonment of two men, Bishop and Heatherington in Savannah, for " stealing- and killing- other Men's Cattel, and barriling- up the same to sell in Carolina, for Rum to supply Savannah therewith, by stealth."
On the same day also parts of the Journal of Col. Stevens, the Trustees' secretary in Georgia, \vere read before the Board. The Journal informed the Board that "the several kinds of debauchery appear'd barefaced and impu dently, and this in all ranks," and furthermore Col, Stevens wrote, that the Savannah gaol was full of criminals.
It sounds almost like burlesque upon the complaints
1 " Git. Hist. Col." Vol. I, p. zoo. a Egmont Papers, p. 16.

AND THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARD RUM.

89

always sent up to the Trustees from Savannah as various and innumerable as those which the satirist heard \vhen Jupiter threw open the trap door of heaven, that the Salzburgers were perfectly happy, ivanting nothing' except -women for marriage*
Pastor Boizius, in his Journal, writes, " Aug. 10, 1741: We have this year plenty of peaches, and as this fruit does not keep, some of the people try to make a sort of brandy of them ; others give them to the swine. This is more than anybody could have promised himself or others some years ago. Even at this time when I am writing1 , a man brings a large dish of blue grapes to me, grown wild in the woods; they are of a sweet taste, and pretty like our European grapes, so that I am very apt to believe the wild vines, if properly managed, would give good wine. Thanks to our gracious God, who gives us here every good thing for our support." 3
At this time more than 1200 Salzburgers had arrived in Georgia.
THE HIGHLANDERS.
Next in order after the Salzburgers, in point of influence upon the morals and religion of this early era, perhaps should be ranked the Scotch Presbyterians. These were not religious exiles. The Trustees, we are told, desiring- to strengthen the southern, frontiers, darkly threatened by Spaniards and their Indian allies, determined to build a town and establish a port on the Altamaha. For this pur pose new colonists must be settled, and this time they were not sought among " the decayed people " of London and Westminster, but Capt. MacKay was sent to the Highlands of Scotland, and soon collected one hundred and thirty clansmen with their families, who were willing to plant themselves by "wild Altamaha's stream." These kilted Spar-
1 Egmont Papers, p. 31. NOTE.--The first company which left Salzburg1 .
several years.--Strobe!, f, jz. 2 Strobel, p. 114.

gO

THE KKl.IGIOUS ELEMENTS OF GEORGIA,

tans who were to hold the post of clanger to the southward,

sailed in "the great embarkation " \vhich left British shores

in October, 1735.' Oglethorpe himself accompanied this

expedition, and besides Highlanders, there were also on

shipboard a number of Salzburg- recruits led by Voii Reck,

and twenty odd Moravians conducted by Bishop Nitsch-

man. John and Charles Wesley were also in the company.

The Scotch had their own minister, Rev. John McLeod,

and a few days after their arrival in the Savannah, they sailed

for the Altamaha, and laid the foundation of New Inverness,

now Darien.2

I

The author of " An Impartial Inquiry into the State and r

Utility of the Province of Georgia" (London, 1741), says of f

the Highlanders, " They are a sober and laborious people."

And Wesley, no very lenient judge when, a question of

morals was involved, also makes this minute in his journal

January i, I73/.3 ** The next day we reached Darien, the

settlement of the Scotch Highlanders ; a sober, industrious,

friendly, hospitable people ; whose minister, Mr. McLeod, is

a serious, resolute, and [ hope, a pious man."

THE MORAVIANS.
Not many of the " Brethren " settled in Georgia, nor did those few long remain.
The Trustees on the loth January, 1735, made a grant of five hundred acres of land to Count Zinzendorf, who sent over the same year ten assistants to prepare the way for the model community which the Count intended to establish in Georgia.* Dr. Spangeiiberg of Halle, led this pioneer band. They settled near Tomochichi's village, and built a schoolhouse for the education of Indian children. To this they gave the significant name *' Irene"--Peace--which virtue was a foundation stone in their faith. Old Tomochichi is
1 Minutes Com. Council, pp. 189-190. Stevens' History, Vol. I, pp. 126-127. Jones' History, Vol. I, pp. 200--201.
2 " Ga. Hist. Col." Vol.1, p. 164. 3 Wesley's Journals III. p. 33. * Minutes Com. Council I (Ms.), p. 145. Stevens I, 124. Jones I, 198, 199, 209.

AND TI1KIR ATTfTUDK TOWARD RUM.

. QI

said to have taken the liveliest interest in this school, from whose establishment he hoped lor great things for his people.
Spangenbcrg arrived in Georgia in the spring of 1735, and was joined iri February, 1736, by twenty-five more of the " Brethren," who had come over in " the great embarkation." These were led by Bishop David Nitschman. The Mora vians were noted "for sobriety, activity, and good order." Bishop Nitschman being a companion of John Wesley in the long ocean voyage to Georgia, exercised much influence over him. And Rev. Mr. Bohler, another Moravian, was, in some sense, Wesley's spiritual father.
The remarkable thrift of the Moravians, the neatness of their houses and farms, their industry, and above all. their humble piety, coulcl not but attract attention among neigh bors in whom those virtues were pre-cmineiilry. lacking. But when they refused, a second time, to take up arms when. hostilities commenced against Spain, the hatred of their neighbors was excited; and to save themselves from further annoyance they abandoned their homes--the last leaving in 1739--and took refuge in Pennsylvania.
Strangers to the English colonists in language as well as in religious tenets, the Moravians exercised but little direct influence during; their brief stay, upon the morals or religion of Georgia. But their indirect influence has been felt throughout the world. The impress made by these simple people upon the life and teachings of. Wesley is known of all men. That influence is still felt in the work of one of the largest denominations in. Georgia. About the beginningof the present century the " Brethren" established a mission ary statiorf among the Indians of North Georgia, near the Cohutta mountain. These missionaries, ever faithful to their trust, removed in 1838, along with the Cherokees, to the Indian Territory.

92

THE RELIGIOUS ELEMENTS OF GEORGIA,

En July, 1733, forty Israelites suddenly landed on the bluff at Savannah. They came unheralded and--it must be confessed--uii welcomed. No salutes expressed joy at their coming, no feasts \vere spread for their refreshment, True, the C liar tor assured religious liberty to all except Papists; but here was an clement which clearly had not been counted in the Trustees' plans. Ogiethorpe was pulled. What should he do with the new comers? Three Jews had at their own request,been commissioned bv the Trustees on the 2ist of September, 1732,"to take subscriptions and to collect mone}' for the purposes of the Charter." 3 What were " the purposes of the Charter " was not more particularly defined than by that instrument itself, but clearly the Board expect ed the funds donated to be, in every case, deposited in bank subject to their orders. These three agents had, however, ., used the money in whole or in part, for sending some of their own faith to Georgia. As this appropriation was " contrary to the intentions of the Trustees," and " as they cannot conceive but the settling of jews in Georgia will be prejudicial to the colony, and as some have been sent with out the knowledge of the Trustees," they therefore demanded the surrender of the commissions for collecting funds which had been issued to the three Hebrew agents. The Trustees also demanded of the Commissioners, or of any persons concerned in sending the Jews to Georgia, " to use their utmost endeavors" to remove them from the colony, "as the best and only satisfaction they can give to the Trustees for such an indignity offered to gentlemen acting under His Majesty's Charter."
The Trustees also wrote to Ogiethorpe to use his best endeavors to prevent, the Jews from settling in the colony.
But those dark-eyed strangers bore traces of sorrows
'Journal of Trustees, Vol. I (Ms.), p. 16.

ANT) THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARD RUM.

93

and of wrongs inflicted in their old homes under the sunny skies of Portugal, which touched Oglethorpc's generous heart. Xhe exiles, too, soon began to make themselves exceedingly serviceable to the Colonists. One of their number, Doctor Nunis was already become the chief physician of the colony, and Abraham de Lyon, also a Jew, as formerly noticed, was the most skilful vigneron, and others of the Israelites were soon advanced to places of trust. Oglethorpe would not remove them from the colony ; but superior inducements held out to them from Carolina, soon drew most of the Hebrews into that province. Even so late as 1771 only forty-nine Jews were counted in Savannah, and these had no synagogue, though they kept up their worship. 1
The Jews were described as " moral and industrious." They were wine growers and wine drinkers, though then, as now, little -given to distilled liquors. Their influence, how ever, could have counted for but little in either case ; for the Christian would have scorned to take the Jew for his exemplar.
WESLEY AND WHITFIELD.
" The world is my parish."
More than that of any other man of modern times has the influence of Wesley been left upon the tenets and the lives of the people of Georgia. Yet his personal efforts in the colony served rather to rouse antagonism than support. Humanly estimated, his labors at Savannah were productive of but little good. Had the ocean buried the ship which was bearing him hence to his native land, scarcely a ripple would have disturbed the surface of colonial morals and religion, from the results of his teachings and labors.
The great system of Christian life arid doctrine formulated by Wesley, was taught in Georgia by other teachers than its founder. The story of his life and troubles in the colony need not be repeated here. His hostility to rum and to the distillation and sale of spirituous liquors is well known.
'Rev. Mr. F rink's Account, quoted in " White's Statistics of Ga.," p- 170.

94

T1IC RELIGIOUS ELEMENTS OF GEORGIA,

|,

Among- the charges \vhich the malcontents brought against |;

him, it was declared that " all persons of any consideration j

came to look upon him as a Roman Catholic ! " One of the j

reasons for this suspicion was " his endeavors to establish I-

confession, penance, mortifications, mixing -wine -wit/i -water \.

in the sacrament, etc." 1

\

\Vesle3'-'s severe animadversions upon the drinking and I

drunkenness around him have already been mentioned. He [

bravely opposed the debauchery, though we have no t

evidence that his opposition had any perceptible effect in |

diminishing- the evil.

-

f.

Charles Wesley \vas employed as Secretary to Oglethorpe, |

and it was a part of his \vork to issue licenses to the Indian

traders. It was probably a very uncongenial business to the

author of "Jesus, Lover of my Soul.". When he left Georgia

he carried the books of forms with him, and ; for a time, the

licenses had to be written out in full.

Not less hostile to the rum traffic than Wesley himself,

was the fiery \V~hitfield, and the personal impression made

by the latter in the colony was much deeper than that made

by the former. \VesIeyans were unknown in Savannah, but

\Vhitficld]tcs were common. Many of the prominent men of

the Province became his disciples, and the common people

heard him gladly. His denunciation of all sorts of sins was

terrific, and drinking1 and drunkenness were not spared.

Most of the active opposition which rum encountered in

Savannah from the church for several years, seems to have

been from the eloquent Whitfield.

Dec. 20, 1738, having just returned to England from his

first brief visit to Georgia, he reports to the Committee of

the Common Council: " That the people of Savannah are

many of them lew'd, and drinkers of Rum in spight of the

law against it, even to the killing themselves, and are very

lazy." a In the same report he complains that Mr. Dyson,

1 A True and Historical Narrative of the Colony of Georgia in America. Charleston, 1741. Ga. Hist. Col. 1, pp. 208-209.
2 Egmont Papers, as copied by Lord Percival.

AND THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARD RUM.

9$

chaplain to Ogiethorpe's regiment, is a drunkard, and illegally marries people.
Ag-ain, in 1741, Whitfield "writes to the Board that Frederica and Darien are both in wretched plight. That Frederica was wholly kept up by the soldiery, and that too, he feared, by intemperance. 1

THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
being the established church of Kng-land, naturally fell heir to most of the benefactions made for the relig-ious instruction and public worship of the colonists. Both Wesley and Whitfield came to Georgia under orders from the Kstablished Church. Before them Dr. Herbert, who came with the first colonists, had labored three months in Savannah and then departed. He was followed by Dr. Quiiicy, who remained a little more than two years, then John Wesley came in 1736 and remained not quite two years. Whitfield reached Savannah in May, 1738. Rev. William Norris, Wesley's successor, arrived in October, 1738, and after a 3'~ear's resi dence was appointed to Frederiea, -where he resided until the summer of 1741, when he left Georgia with an unsavory reputation behind him. Rev. Christopher Orton was sent to Savannah, but died in August, 1742, a few months after his arrival. Rev. Thomas Bosom worth came to Georgia in November, 1743. A sad day for the Province was that which witnessed the arrival of this man. After two years his appointment was revoked, and Rev. Mr. Zouberbuhler was chosen in his stead. About the same time .Rev. Joachim Zubli, a Swiss, was sent to Frederica.
The transitory character of the pastorate at Savannah would hardly have allowed the incumbents, even if ever so desirous, much opportunity for accomplishing" good, and some of them were not above reproach. The morals of the people were apparently but little improved by the labors of several of them.
'Egmont Papers, p. 214.

CHAPTER VII.
THE WORKINGS OK PROHIBITION.
" Of the goodly men- of old De try field, It was often said that their only care, And their onl? wish, and only prayer, For the present world, and the world to co Was a string of eels and a jug of rum."
The sudden zeal for enforcing the Rum Act manifested by the Savannah officials, in seizing the Carolina boats on the Savannah,was rather exceptional than normal with them. As already intimated, it was probably inspired chiefly by the fact of Oglethorpe's recent return to Georgia. During bis absence in England, the Trustees found it necessary to severely censure the Savannah bailiffs in a letter of March l^, 1735* for not having adequate! v punished Toscph W^itson, who boasted of having destroyed Skee, a famous Indian warrior, with rum. This act of Watson's the Trustees pronounce premeditated murder, as killing by means of "any dangerous liquor is as much murder, as killing with any sort of weapon." * Watson had been tried by jury in November, %734* and found guilty of using "'unguarded expressions." The Court, however, not being very well pleased with this decision, remanded the case to the jury a second, and then a third time. At the last sitting they rendered a verdict against Watson for /j%ry/ The accommodating juries of those days seemed to be not unwilling to bring in such a verdict as was expected of them.
Wherever Oglethorpe resided, prohibition was made to prohibit.
* A Brief Account of the Causes that have retarded the Progress of the Colony of Georgia. London, 1743. da. History Col. tl., p. 133.

THE WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION".

97

In a letter to the Trustees, of Oct. 25, 1736, the General says :' " The people to the southward where the act against rum is strictly put in execution (are healthy), but those to the northward where they run it from Carolina in spite of the officers, are very sickly."
On the General's second return to Georgia in the autumn of 1738, he writes from Frederica, Oct. 7, 1738. J
" There is none (rum) in this part, Mr. Hortoii having used great diligence to prevent it, to which in a great measure, is owing the health and industry of the people."
Again, July 4, 1739, :j the General writes to the Board that the trials by jury at Savannah are miserable failures. The violators of the R_um Act were acquitted, in spite of evidence. At Frederica, however, the magistrates tried such cases, and soon brought the offenders to justice. Among others they punished a master of a sloop who had so many friends in Frederica that " they publickly declared in town that no jury would convict him, though he tapped a cask at noon day." By this proceeding- the authorities have " got the better of rum here."
On the 16th of the same month, the General urges the Trustees " to send over an appointment to the Magistrates of the Town Court of Savannah for the time being-, to proceed to put the Rum Act in execution." t
As already noticed, Gen. Oglethorpe spent but little time in Savannah after his first return to England. Thence forward he was engaged most of his time at Frederica and along the coast, to be on the lookout for the Spaniards. His relation to the colony became rather a military than a civil one, and Savannah soon felt the need of his strong hand to curb the mutinous spirit of its citizens.
We have already spoken of the civil officers at Savannah and the very little to be expected from them in curbing- the malcontents. One Dr. Tailfer and Robert Williams were
' Ga. Hist. Col. Ill, p. 45. 2 Ga. Hist. Col. Ill, p. 53. 3 Ga. Hist. Col. Ill, p. 73* Oglethorp^'s Letters, Ga. Hist. Col. Ill, p. So.

98

THE WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION.

leaders of the anti-Trustee, anti-Oglethorpe government. These men, we are told, had, as liquor venders, brought most of the townsmen into their debt, and they clamored loudly for the alienable tenure of lands to be granted ; also for the admission of negro slaves and rum. It is not unlikely that the last two grievances were Uigg-ed into the bill of complaints, to help make the first measure more popular; for the idle part of the inhabitants seemed to long for nothing so much as the possession of slaves. The granting of the lands in tail male was certainly a real grievance, though the Savannah burghers seem to have had, less than any others of the Colonists, sufficient grounds for demanding this con cession, as they evidently paid less attention to agriculture.
To the just demand for a fee-simple tenure of the lands, the Secretary had answered that " the Trustees were not so ignorant nor absent as to forget how necessary a part women are in a family, and that to keep them in good humor their interest is not to be neglected." 1 They therefore grant to widows one-third of their husbands' estates, and new grants to daughters and younger children who grow up, marry and settle there.
This, as will be perceived, did not cover the case. The right of daughters to inherit was the point at issue, and this had not been conceded by the Board. So the clamors went on.
l n *737 Col. William Stephens arrived in Georgia as Secretary of the Trustees. After several years he was made President of Savannah. Col. Stephens was already far advanced in years, and his mild disposition, as well as his age, rendered him a kind of tool in the hands of the schem ing officials. One great good service he performed for coming generations was the keeping a journal of the events transpiring in the Colony. Parts of this were regularly transmitted to the Trustees, and many valuable items from this journal were copied by Lord Percival--Karl of Egraont --in his private journal. The Egmont Papers have recently
1 Colonial Documents, p. 66 (MS.)

TF1K WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION.

99

bren published in library form by the munificence of a Savannah lady, 1 herself the widow of one of G-corgia's most enthusiastic tmtiquarians.
From Stephens' Journal and the Egrnont Papers we get most of the specific information we have in regard to Savannah from 1737 to 1744.
Col. Stephens, under date of Nov. 8, 1737,* relates a conversation had with the magistrates about the disorders, in Savannah. "'They proceeded to acquaint me that the constables, tything1 men, etc., were, many of them, soinfluenced and led away by these means, as any of them happened to be personally piqued, that often they neglected the due execution ot warrants, whereby justice was defeated ; nay farther, that though it -was well known there were, abundance of unlicensed tippling" houses in all parts of the town where spirits \vere sold, and that the magistrates had often given it to them in charge to present such houses (which they well knew), }^et they never could procure one presentment from them, so little regard was paid to their authority-" 3
Nov. 15, 1737, Col. Stephens notes the arrival " very wel come" of a sloop from New York. Part of the cargo belonged o the Master ; the remainder, which included butler, beer, etc., " the inhabitants were ready very eagerly to take off their hands." *
Jan. 3, 1738, Stephens " went over and talked an hour or two with him (Mr. Causton); and among other things talked of the great mischief which 1 apprehended would issue from the unlimited number of houses that sold liquors privately (though it was pretty well known who divers of them were), and even the worst of spirits from New England, or else where, which they got cheap, and thereby many of the working people were drawn in, to spend \vhat little money
1 Mrs. de Rcune. Edited by Col- C. C. Jones.

by Mr. Wm. Harden of Savannah, Librarian of the Ga. Historical Society. Stephens' Journal, Vol. I, p. 15.
3 Ibid, Vol. .1, pp. 21-22. 4 Ibid, Vol.'"l, p- 78-

100

THE WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION.

they had, or if they had none they readily gave them credit and afterward exacted payment of them, by their labor, about what they wanted. He entirely agreed with me In opinion, arid told me (what he had several times before) that he had constantly given, it in charge to the constables and tything- men, at the several courts holden, to present all such unlicensed houses, but that he could never get any such thing- done, which he could find no other reason for than an unwillingness to be the authors of severity toward their neighbors: I told him that I wished there was not a \vorse reason for it and that some among them had not been private factors, to help such houses to those liquors they sold, and found a profit in it themselves, for such things had been whispered to me as greatly suspected. Another Court being to be holden in a few days, I told him I did not doubt but he would enforce that affair home ; and he said to be Sure nothing should be wanting in him to suppress it, if possible."
Two days later, this note: l " From Highgate we had news brought that Mr. Brown, an inhabitant there, in one ot his drunken fits, with little, or no provokation, had taken his gun, loaden with dropshot and a ball, and shot his servant through the thigh, and the surgeon who dressed it said the man was in a dangerous condition." (Servant died, and Brown was convicted of manslaughter.)
Jan. 9 a court was held. a Causton made a speech and " noticed the vile abuse lately crept in among us, in selling spirituous liquors in many private houses, unlicensed to sell any sort of drink." This course, Mr. Causton says, is bring ing ruin to the colony. The magistrate determined to sup press the traffic, and he invokes the aid of all good citizens in ferreting out and bringing to justice these violators of the laws.
Feb. 8, 1/38, 3 "One Scott, a gunsmith, a notorious dealer in rum, was this day charged upon two affidavits
1 Stephens' Journal, Vol. I, p. So. 2 Ibid. Vol. I, p. 82. 3 Ibid, Vol. I, p. 102.

THE WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION.
with retailing that liquor, and bound over to the Court in order to be prosecuted for two offences, as well for selling rum, as for selling" it without being* a licensed victualler." The Colonel comments upon the affair, and sighs for the punishment of all such men who are destroying the people's health, and debauching the laborers and servants, and their houses are " places of nursery for all vices."
Scott was brought to trial on the 23d. 1 Two affidavits taken from persons who had since gone to sea, were pro duced. These testified that they had drunk " both punch and plain drains often ol his and his wife's filling to them, and that they have left a gold ring as a pledge for payment." The defendant answered that the witnesses \vcre simply friends whom he had treated, receiving no pay, " and that they had the gold ring again." It appeared f however, that the ring had been returned to the witnesses after the affida vits had been taken " to elude the law." " The jury were directed to find him guilty; but they brought in their verdict to acquit him, which -was so barefaced and scandalous a proceeding they \vere sent out again, and their verdict not accepted. But they returned a second time and persisted, so that this hopeful prosecution was defeated ; but foras much as they had divers former complaints of him of various kinds, the Court now required him to enter into his single recognizance of $o, for his good behavior, which he, not readily complying with, he stood committed till he did.* * * But the people here will not yet easily think rumselling a crime till some one can be brought to understand it with severity." No wonder Oglcthorpc was disgusted with Savannah juries.
April i, 1738. 2 * * * "Mr. William McKay came up the river this evening in a sloop from Providence, and those parts, with a cargo of Brazilletta wood, mahogany, ~ two thousand weight of turtle, etc. (not mentioning any rum, which f also imagined might be a part of the cargo), some oranges, and other fruit."
1 Stephens' Journal, Vol. I, p. I2O. 2 Ibid, Vol. I, p. 159.

1O2

THE WORKINGS OF 1J RO 11 1IJ IT! ON.

April g, 1738, ' on rising; this morning Col. Stephens finds two of his servants drunk, one of whom had just been re leased from the guard house. Thc3r had slipped out after he had retired the preceding" night, " and well knowing where to ii^cet comrades to their liking they played their parts with them over ruin as long as they were able." The Colonel resolves to make what scrutiny he can " into the dark work," and "learn who are the sellers of that liquor whose numbers are increasing daily."
Oti examination next day before-Caustoii and the other magistrates, it appeared that the two servants had visited, bought, and drunk rum. in no less than four houses, " which was the less to be wondered at, when it was so notoriously known that those private rum shops were become as com mon among the people, in proportion, as gin shops former^ at London." Admonitions, threats of the whipping- post for like offences, in the future, promises of better behavior, and the servants are dismissed, and. Col. Stephens is left, with the problem, " What course to take for suppressing this evil (daily increasing) of rumselling, was worthy a due consideration."
The journal has this entry for June 29, 1738: 2 * * * *'And the most remarkable news we heard farther from the South was worse, when one of our town boats, lately sent thither with some of the soldiers newly recovered, having Jjriiiatcly some rum aboard ; the soldiers in those parts hear ing- of it, went on board, and getting drunk \vith it, two of them were drowned bv oversetting the boat they went ashore in."
This is clearly the same incident made use of by the malcontents as a ground of accusation against Oglethorpe (Oglethorpe was still in England) and Hawkins at Frcderica.3 The complaint is not made on account of the selling of the rum nor of the drowning of the soldiers, but because Jarnes-,
1 Stephens' Journal, Vol. I, p. 167. 2 Ibid, Vol. I, p. 233. -'Appendix to "A Brief Account of the Causes which have Retarded the Prog ress of the Colony of Georgia." Ga. Hist. Col. Vol. II. p, 104.

TEIE WORKINGS OF PROf IlfJITION.

IO3

Bland, who had sold the rum, -was for a long time kept in confinement at Frcdcrica, and not allowed a trial.
September 8, 1738, Col. Stephens contrasts the perfect health of inhabitants and troops at: Frederica and St." Andrews with the fevers and agues at Savannah and shrewdly observes that " rum was not so easily come at among- the g-enerality of people there as here in all corners." J
Sept. 20, 21, 1738," the town is thrown into consterna tion by the news that more than fifty of the Upper Creeks were on their way to Savannah to visit the General. 3 It was universally believed that it would never do to allow such a band to " come and take up their abode in this town ; for \ve knew not how long* a time ; neither would it be well to do anything- to give them offence." It was resolved to send to Mrs. Matthews 1 to detain them at her plantation some distance above Savannah, and furnish them " proper sustenance " while they staid. But in case of their corning1 to town, " \ve knew bv experience that not only meat from the stores must be dealt out to them, but strong- beer also, and liquor of any kind wherewith they might get drunk, as was too often their practice, from whence great mischief might ensue." (What a contrast to Oglethorpc's bold, honest method of dealing with the red men. Witness e. g. his trip to the Co we til Town, 400 miles away iti the depths 01 the forest!)
Oct. 7, 1738," a sloop has just arrived from New York having- " plent3r of well-brewed beer aboard." This was much desired, but few people had money to bujr with.
Feb. 27, I739,'1 " It was generally believed that our vile rum houses where so much mischief was conceived had brought forth a gang of mature villains fit to attempt any wickedness."
1 Stephens' Journal. Vol. I, p. 282. a Ibid, Vol. T, p. 291-2. "It was in this month that Gglethorpe returned from his second visit to England. J Afterward the famous Mrs. Bosomworth. 5 Stephens' Journal, Vol. T, p. 302-3. 6 Ibid, Vol. I. p. 423.

IO4

THE WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION.

About this time Col. Stephens' journal begins to detail at great length a wine affair which had very serious results. His son Thomas was deeply involved, and drew Gen. Oglethorpe's displeasure upon himself. Col. Cockran, of Oglethorpc's regiment, which was stationed on St. Simon's Island, had brought over from England a large quantity of \vinesfor the use of the regiment, and had deposited it at Savannah, appointing Thomas Stephens custodian of them. Thomas Jones, the Trustees' storekeeper, it seems, reported to the General that young Stephens refused to give up these wines when demanded for the use of the soldiers; Oglethorpe charged him with embezzling the Trustees' stores, and informed him, that only out of regard for Col. Stephens, was he prevented from sending him back to England.
However much of justice there may have been in the General's charge against Thomas Stephens, the implacable enmity of the latter was aroused ; and he became the most active of the General's opposers at Savannah, and sometime afterward went to England as a kind of agent of Oglethorpc's enemies, to destroy, as far as possible, the credit of the General with the Trustees, or, failing in this, to labor with the \Valpole ministry and the enemies of Georgia in the Parliament, to defeat the plans of the Trustees, and refuse them appropriations for the defence of the colony.
Although Thomas Stephens, whom Lord "Percival calls "an egregious lyar," was once brought to the bar of the House to be publicly reprimanded for malicious slandering, yet his crusade against the General and the Trustees, along with other machinations of the foes of the colony, finally brought Oglethorpe back to England, in 1743, to demand an investi gation of his official conduct. This inquiry resiiltecl in the General's triumphant vindication fronl each and every charge preferred against him. But Georgia saw his face no more.
June 9, I/39, 1 Col. Stephens notes the arrival of Capt. Hunt with a brigantine from New York. He had just been to St. Simons to sell his cargo, " but having (it seems) some
1 Stephens' Journal, Vol. II, p. 37,

THE WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION.

10$

rum on board with him (which he said he was bound to Provi dence with) the General was so offended at his daring" pre sumption to bring- it into harbor, that he would not allow him to dispose of any other goods among them ; wherefore, after having been and disposed of his rum elsewhere, he made this second offer to sell the rest of his carg-o, but in that he did not }^et succeed, the late offense given being too fresh in memory." The Colonel thinks the Captain had dis posed of most of, his lading somehow, as the vessel appeared so much lighter in the water than formerly,
A riot was made by some drunken persons on Sunday night, August 12, 1739, and a peace-officer was maltreated. Three arrests were made, and Stephens proposed to the cul prits to intercede with the magistrates for them if they would confess where they had procured the liquor. This they agreed to do, but not at once. One of the men was lately married, and at his house the debauchery occurred. Reflection: " How ineffectual have all means hitherto been found for suppressing the sale of it (ruin) by unlicensed per sons in all the by corners of the town." '
Peter Emery, who lived at Tybee and kept a boat, was believed to be engaged in an illicit traffic. Oglethorpe had protested against the issuing of a license to his (Emery's) wife to sell beer, etc. Nevertheless, Mrs. Emery ran a chand ler's shop and of her stores " it is cornmonl3r believed, rum is one article.""3 This chandler's shop being so situated as to catch all the boats trading1 to Savannah from Charleston and the North, was an eyesore to the colony. Carolina boatmen with rum on board continually resorted thither, and an illicit traffic was carried on.
April 14, 1741,3 Col. Stephens felicitates himself upon some presentments by the Grand Jury of several of the most notorious of the unlicensed liquor venders, and hopes the magistrates will now bestir themselves " to suppress that pernicious practice which had so long prevailed to debauch
1 Stephens' Journal, Vol. II, p. 92. 2 Ibid, Vol. Ill, pp. 156-7. 3 Ibid, Vol. Ill, p. 170.

IO6

T ! I E YV O RKIXGS O I'' PRO I f IBITfON".

the common people, and contributed to their defiance of all authority under the influence and instruction of the late seditious leaders."
May 25, 1741,' Mr. Robert Williams and his brother James had arrived the night before in a sloop from the Leeward Islands, laden, with various commodities from those parts, " among- which rum, to be sure, was one." The Will iams brothers seem to have followed the familiar trick of coming- into the river at night and U'ing over until next day somewhere between Savannah and Tybee. Thus they could clandestinely dispose of their rum to accomplices on the shore.
August 10, 1741 : ''As matters stood with us at present, finding- great disorders in the streets, by means of our neigh bor Indians getting drunk, etc., T chose rather to mind what I had to do at home than go abroad and perhaps meet with something1 1 should ill-like, which may be better explained another dav."
Aug. 13, 1741,^ Jacob Matthews, who had married the half-breed, Mary Musgrove, and through his wile's influence had gained much power over the Indians, was using that power for debauching- his reel neighbors, " who by half dozens, or more at a time, have daily of late been flocking about his house in town, \vherc they continually get drunk with rum, and go roaming and yelling about the streets, as \vell at nights as days, to the terror of some, but the disturb ance and common annoyance of everN'bocly."
Two days later, " Hardly thinking it worth my while to foul more paper in tracing Jacob Matthews through his notorious debauches, and after his spending whole nights in that way, reeling home by the light of the morning with his banditti about him, unless something1 worse breaks out, for the present 1 take my leave of him and them."
Matthews did not long survive these debaucheries, and his widow soon became the wife of Rev. Thos. Bosomworth,
1 Stephens' Journal, Vol. Ill, p. 209. 51 Ibid, Vol. TTI, p. 307.

THE WORKINGS OK HKOU rjjITION*.

IO/

even a greater pest to the colony than Matthews himself had been.
The year 1739 was a dark one for the colony. The grievances real or pretended, then seemed to take definite shape, and the complainants united in a common cause, against Oglethorpc and the Trustees' Government.
The inalienable tenure of lands and the inheritance in tail mail, real grounds of complaint from the first had now been re-cnforccd by other charges against the men and the measures through whom the colony was governed.
Even so late as December g, 1738, a petition sent from Savannah to the Board prays only for the tenure of lands and the admission of negro slaves, which two concessions " will not only save the colony from ruin, but will make it the most Nourishing owned by his Majesty."* Tu this pe tition 11/ names arc subscribed, including those of Tailfcr, Douglas, Anderson, and the rest of tiie disaffected inhabi tants. At the end of the narrative which includes this petition, * the authors assign twelve " real causes of the ruin and desolation of the colony." They do not, however, enumerate the prohibition of rum among these :thoughin the " Narrative " itself, they had severely criticised the policy of interdicting the traffic, " for, in the first place, we were cut off from the most immediate and probable way of exporting our timber (the only poor prospect of export that we could ever flatter ourselves with) to the sugar islands, rum being the principal return they make, in the second place, the experience of all the inhabitants of America will prove the necessity of qualifying water with some spirit : (and it is very certain, that no province in America, yields water that such qualification is more necessary to than Carolina and (Georgia) and the usefulness of this experience has been sufficiently evident to all the inhabitants of Georgia, who could procure it and use it with moderation. A third reason which made this restriction very hurtful to
* Ga. Hist. Col Vol. IT, p. 220. * A True and Historical Narrative of the Colony of Georgia in America, r?4i.

LOS

THE WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION.

the colony, was, that thoug'h the laws \vcrc in force against it (which put it into the power of magistrates to lay hardships upon every person who might be otherwise under their re sentment), yet great quantities \vcrc imported, only with this difference, that in place of barter or exchange, the ready moiiev was drained from the inhabitants ; and likewise, as it is the nature of mankind in general, and of the common sort in particular, more eagerly to desire, and more immoder ately to use those things which are most restrained from them, such was the case with respect to rum in Georgia." i
These \vriters also assert that Bailiff Parker " was and is an absolute slave to liquor, and who plies him most has him, right or wrong, on his side." Thomas Stephens himself reports Mr. Christie as " very weak and when in his cups/' ready to certify to anything which Thomas Jones may desire.2
The opposition to Oglethorpe and the Trustees' gov ernment took form m 1739- Thenceforward the " plat form " of this party contained three planks, or demands, viz.: The admission of rum ; the admission of negro slaves and alienable tenure of land with the rights of females to inherit. This was certainly a " catching " platform, well calculated to enlist divers interests in its behalf. Few colonists could be found who were not desirous of securing the passage of at least one of these measures, and the eager ness to attain one favorite object could easily smother or lull antagonism to other measures not deemed so vital. Whether a majority of the colonists were in favor oftheimportation of rum may well be doubted, but the tenure of the land was a matter of personal interest to each one. Antag onism to the Trustees' policy made a common point of union for interests otherwise dissimilar. The flames of dis content were fanned in Charleston ; for Carolina had never been satisfied at being hampered in the Indian trade by licenses issued at Savannah.
Thomas Stephens was sent to England and actively
* Ga. Hist. Col. Vol. II, pp. 198-9. 2 "Egmont Tapers, p. 144.

THE WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION".

I0 9

employed in aiding- the Trustees' enemies. A,,_l_th,,o,, u-_g.,h,, humiliated by a reprimand in the House of Commons, yet the representations, petitions, etc., which he broiight to the aid of the Colony's foes, so strengthened the latter that in March, 1742, they defeated the annual appropriation moved for in Parliament. This defeat had a most depressing effect upon the Trustees. They had come to rely upon Parliamen tary aid, and, notwithstanding their previously firm stand against the concessions demanded, they now began to yield. On the r2th of July, 1742, they resolved, " That an Act to repeal so much of an Act made in the eighth year of the reign of his present Majesty entitled, an act to prevent the Importation and use of Rum and Brandies in the Province of Georgia, as prohibits the importation of rum into the said province from the other British Colonies be prepared, in order to be laid before His Majesty in Council. 1 ' '
A meeting to consider this Act was called for July 14, at which time it was read and ordered to be engrossed. The Trustees also petition His Majesty to repeal so much of the Rum Act as prohibits the importation of rum from the other British Colonies " in exchange for Timber called Lumber, and other products of Georgia," as this would tend to the '' increased \velfare arid improvements of the said colony." 2
Aug. 7, 1742, it was ordered that a letter be sent to Gen. OgJethorpe " To acquaint him with the vote of the House of Commons, relating to the permission of rum in the province of Georgia, and the Act which the Trustees have laid before His Majesty in council in consequence of the said vote, and also to acquaint him with the resolutions which the Trustees have lately made in regard to the Tenure of Lands." 3 Col. Stephens was also ordered " to find out how general is the desire for the introduction of negroes " * into Georgia,
i Journal of the Trustees, Vol. II (MS.) p. 205. 3 Journal of Trustees. 3 Journal of the Trustees, II, p. 215. 4 Ibid.

IIO

THE WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION.

The repealing act was referred to the Lords' Com missioners of Trade and Plantations, who objected to that provision of the proposed law which empowered the Trustees " from time to time to constitute, make, and ordain such rules* orders, and regulations for the purchasing such rum, or for the vending, selling, or retailing thereof in the said province as to them shall seem meet and convenient."*
The Trustees hereupon ordered a new Act to be prepared with a provision, "for vesting the magistrates and Justices of the Peace in (Georgia with the same powers for licensing Public Houses as are usual in Rngland." ^
Dec. 21, 1/42, a new repealing Act was read before the Common Council, also an Act " for the regulation of Public Houses, and retailers of rum in the province and for suppressing the odious and loathsome sin of drunkenness."*
On the $th of December, 1/43, the Accomptant informed the Board that the Lords' Commissioners of Trade and Plantations did not object to the two acts in their present form, although they did not approve the Land Tenure Act.* Tn May, 1/44, however, it is made known to the Trustees that the Lords' Commissioners objected to the clause in the repealing Act, which only allows the rum to be paid for in lumber and other products of the colony. They also objected to the penalty proposed (^10) for running public houses unlicensed.
The Trustees became somewhat piqued at the continued objections, of the Lords* Commissioners, and refused to change the obnoxious clauses. The matter, the next year was finally referred to a special Committee, and thus was kept pending for three or four years before all the conditions of the law were finally adjusted.
But what of Oglethorpe ? While his enemies were secretly and openly scheming against him in Savannah, Charleston and London, he was at St. Simon's with his little
' Journal of the Trustees, II, p. 221.
= Ibid.
Journal of the Trustees, II (Ms.) p. 22?. * Ibid, p. 227.

THE WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION.

ill

force, or cruising along the coasts, guarding" the colonies of South Carolina and Georgia from a Spanish foe of many time shis own number. Indeed, in July, 1742, on the self same days in which the Board were discussing the repealing of the Rum Act, the General was engaged in a life and death struggle with a Spanish foe of eight or ten times his strength in the neighborhood of Frederica. Had he failed in his heroic efforts to save Georgia we may feel assured that small indeed would have been the necessity for any repeal of rum, negro, or Land Acts, lor a province ready to be delivered over to Spain.
Oglethorpe opposed to the last the admission of rum, and in a letter to the Trustees written in February, 1743, he speaks of- the troubles at Savannah, and says that it was not until the war compelled him to remain at the South that the laws were disobeyed at Savannah. 1
The healthfulness of Frederica he attributes to the prohibition of rum, while Savannah was suffering from its admission. The soldiers at St. Andrew's, where distilled liquors were forbidden, were in good health, not so where liquor was allowed. " As for the magistrates (of Savannah) being unable to enforce the laws, it is the fault of such magistrates. I am sure here (at Frederica) the laws are strictly put in execution."
.The honest old General evidently did not know that more than a year before Col. Stephens--now become Pres ident at Savannah--had been directed "to wink at the Importation of Rum, and discourage seizures thereof; also to allow none to to be drunk but in lycenscd houses ;" 2 that the Trustees themselves had been awed into secretly advis ing that their own Act should be disrcg-arded until it should grow obsolete by disuse, and that the ,5 penalty upon ths importation of distilled liquors be " reduced to so small a sum as may not make it worth the while for any man to inform against the Importers ! " 3
"Ga. Hist. Col. HI, p. 1422 Egmont Papers, p. 395. 3 Eg-rnont Papers, p. 386.

112

THE WORKINGS OF PROHIBITION.

Even the Trustees, so long- his staunch supporters, had been cowecl by the powerful opposition, and the General was left alone, to execute the laws the Trustees themselves had framed. A few months more, however, and he was borne away forever from the colony he loved so well, and America lost in him the noblest Colonial Governor who ever held a commission from the British crown.
For nearly nine years the prohibition of the rum traffic was of legal force in Georgia. While Ogiethorpe remained in Savannah the probihition, as we have seen, was faithfully enforced, but when war and other causes had separated him from the little metropolis, the execution of the laws was committed to weaker hands, to men most of whom were themselves violators of the statutes they were sworn to defend. Then the temptations of the Indian trade, the influence of the Carolinians, the allurements of the commerce with the West indies and the Northern Colonies, all flowing with rum, the confusion of war and the corrupting presence of an im moral soldiery, all these causes operated to the demoralisation ot the people and the final abrogation of the law. Prohibition in America had " made its trial trip " under the most adverse circumstances. Dare we say, with the facts before us, that the law, crude and partial as it was, was unproductive of good ? Till we can compare it "with other methods of preventing- the odious and abominable sin of drunkenness, let us suspend judgment.

GEORGIA UNDER THE TRUSTEES.
CHAPTER VIII.
WINES AND MALT LIQUORS IN THE COLONY.----THE LICENSE SYSTEM.
" If all the world Should in a pet of temperance feed on pulse, Drink the clear stream and nothing wear but frieze, The All-giver would be unthanked, would be unpraised, Not half I Hs riches known, and yet despised; And we should serve Him as a grudging master, As a penurious niggard of His wealth, And live like Nature's bastards; not her sons."
--Milton's Coniits.
In the foregoing1 narrative frequent allusions have been made to the wine and beer drinking- habits of the early Colonists. We have remarked the allowance of malt liquors grarfted to each " charity " emigrant on shipboard, and also the quantity of the same granted each year to the Colonist in his new home. The records of the Trustees' Government give us very full data from which to form an estimate of the extent of the drinking- habits of those days, and of their influence in molding the future state. We will briefly examine some of this data before taking- our leave of the Trustees' regime.
How universal was the beer drinking- of England has already been noticed. Beer--not bread--seemed to be the Englishman's staff of life. The necessity, or at least, the wholesomeness of beer, was all but universally conceded, and the Trustees, even in their most economical reckoning's of necessary expenses, never thought of eliminating" the item of malt liquors as a superfluous luxury.
We have seen that an ample supply of such liquors was

114

WINES AND MALT I.TQUORS IN" THE COLONY.

stored in the hold of the Anne, when she sailed with the first emigrants from the Eng-Iish coast. Five tuns of wine were

taken on board at the Madeiras, where the Anne first stopped on her outward voyage. More than eleven gallons per head

for each of the one hundred and fourteen emigrants.

N"or were the Trustees unmindful of their wards after

ward. On March 27, 1734, J we find this minute, " Ordered,

That Mr. Thomas Hacks be desired to brew a Guile of the

best strong beer of fifteen Tons at six pounds per ton for the

use of the colony."

July 27, 1734, Benjamin Martyn writes to Thomas Caus-

ton, that the Trustees had forwarded ten tons of strong1 beer

(probably from Muck's brewery) in forty hogsheads, to be

disposed of at prime cost, and carriage to the Colonists.

The Trustees say that they are endeavoring " to supply the stores (in the colony) with strong" beer from England,

molasses for brewing beer, and \vith Madeira wines, which

the people might purchase at reasonable rates, and which would be more refreshing and wholesome for them." They

also empowered the Savannah magistrates " to grant

licenses to private persons for retailing beer, ale, etc." 2 The

license system for the Indian trade was also established, $ being the cost of a license.

January TO, I735- 3 (Palace Court.)

" Ordered, That four Barrels of Sope and five Guns

(Tuns?) of Strong Beer be sent by Capt. William Thompson

for the use of the stores."

William Calloway is also charged four pounds for a tun

of strong beer sent over to him to be retailed. But he may

recover two pounds of the money by returning the empty

casks.

April 23, 1735, the order for five tuns of strong beer,

which should have been sent by Capt. Thompson, is increased

to ten tuns, and will be sent by Capt Voakley.

1 Minutes of the Com. Council, VoJ. I, (Ms.) p. 114, 3 An Account showing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia. p. 289. 3 Min. Com. Council, I, (Ms.) p. 146.

Ga. Hist- Col.,

THE LICENSE SYSTKM.

115

May 15, 1735, Secretary Verelst \vritcs to the bailiffs of Savannah that " the Trustees \'ery much approve of Brewhouses being- set up, and all methods 3*011 can put in practice for bring-ing the people off from distilled liquors and for their subsisting1 thetnsel ves." l
The brewing here mentioned was of molasses, out of which small beer was made. The malting of grain "was probably not undertaken, at least, to any extent, under the Trustees' rule, although some effort was made to grow barley for that purpose on St. Simon's island. This barley, however, turned out to be little but chaff, totally unfit for the brewery. The strong- beer, as we are often told, was commonly brought from England, though occasionally from the Northern colonies, e. g. T February 11, 1736, it was ordered that Mr. Simond's account for various stores be paid. Among- these stores, sent from Philadelphia, we find, "twelve casks, gT of forty-two g-allons each of beer." 2
May 19, 1736. " Resolved, That twenty tuns of strongbeer be sent to Georgia by the Tzvo Brothers, Capt. Thomp son." 3
Aiig. 10, i/37/ a draft upon the bank of England was ordered to the amount of 91 5, 55. to be paid to Capt. Jaincs Pearse, as clue to Robert Ellis for " seventy pipes of Madeira wine at Frcdcrica, at thirteen pounds sterling a pipe, arid of five pounds five shillings for the pilotage," This wine was for the troops stationed at the South.
Oct. 5, 1/37, 3 among the items audited by the Commit tee, is the following-:
" For the beef, butter and tallow from Ireland, and flour and beer from England aud freight and primage thereof to Georgia, , i,256.183.od."
Also " an account of eleven casks of flour and ten hog-s-
1 Colonial Documents, (Ms.) p. 116. a Min. Com. Council, I, p. 252. 3 Min. Com. Council, IT, p. 3. * Min. Com. Council, II, p. 98. 5 Ibid, p. 105.

n6

WINES AND MAI/T LIQUORS IX THE COLONY.

heads of beer which Capt. Dymonel delivered to Mr. Causton June 24, I/37, 1 was laid before the Board. 1 '
January 31, 1739.
" Ordered, That fifteen tons of strong1 beer be bought and sent over to Gen, Oglethorpe, and the produce thereof applied for the clothing1 and maintaining the Trustees' servants to be employed in cultivating; lands for religious uses, and be accounted for in t!ie same manner and by the same persons as their sola bills to be accounted for." a
Again, May 2, 1739, it was ordered that fifteen tuns of strong beer be bought and sent over, charged to Oglethorpc's personal account.
In this year, 1739, an outbreak was threatened among the Cherokees. In. a short while they had lost more than one thousand of their tribe through rum and the smallpox carried up to them by the Carolina traders. The desperate savages, believing1 themselves poisoned by the traders, demanded justice from the English, threatening veng-eance, and to invoke assistance from the French. It was fortunate for the Colonists that Oglethorpe was at that time m Georgia, His character and influence among the Indians was all-powerful. His perfect impartiality and integrity had long- ago won their confidence. Meeting them at Fort Augusta, he mollified their wrath, bought and distributed 1,500 bushels of corn to help them in their starving condition^ and engaged their help against the Spaniards. 3
Mr. Eyre, who had been sent a little later to make in quiries about the carrying of rum to the Cherokees reported that he had found none among- them. Fie had heard that '' Rum was going up, and intended to stave it, to prevent the destruction of the nation." *
Oglethorpe had great confidence in the value of beer and wine as antidotes to the rum appetite, and his letters continually urge the Trustees to send over large quantities ;
1 Min. Com. Council, II, p. in.
3 Ibid, p. 192.
3 Ga. Hist. Col., Ill, p. 87.
* Min. Com. Coma. II. (Ms.) p. 313-

THE I,ICENSK SYSTEM.

117

for " beer, he says, being- cheap, is the only means to keep rum out of the colony." ' He fears that he may be left with out a supply of beer, as it requires six barrels daily for the soldiers and inhabitants of Frcderica, and he desires " at least 50 or Co tuns of strong beer" to be sent over, for " it will be a better remittance than even Bills. 1 ' 2
Mr. Thomas Jones in a letter to Mr. John Lyde, dated at Savannah,3 Sept. 18, 1740, in a tabulated price list of pro visions, says: "As to our liquors, we have wine, chiefly Madeira or Vidonia, which cost us from 33. to 33. 6d. a gallon ; strong- beer aos. per barrel, of 30 gallons ; cider ros. per barrel. Our small beer we brew of molasses, and is cheap.''
Mr. Jones saj-s nothing of any brewery on St. Simon's, or elsewhere, in the province. Yet the ' Impartial Inquiry" etc., just quoted, says, " The people of Frederica have begun to malt and brew '' while the soldiers' wives spin cotton and knit stockings. Brewing1 was certainly not among the industries of Georgia in the Trustee period.
Even so late as 1744, the Trustees are elated at the prospect of wine growing- in the colony. From Capt. Duiibar and others they hear glowing1 accounts of vines on St. Simon's where European grafts have sent out shoots twentyseven feet in length in a single summer, 5
With the repeal of the Rum Act was inaugurated the license system by which the magistrates of the province were empowered to grant licenses, " under proper restric tions atid regulations,'' for the selling of rum. The magis trates of Savannah had been authorized, ever since 1736, to issue malt and wine license but only on condition of keeping accommodation for travelers.
The Indian trade had been running under a sort
1 C,;i. Hist. Col. I1T, p. 53. 2 An Impartial Inquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia. London, 1741. :t Ga. Hist. Col. I, igq. * Ibid, p. 181. 5 Journal of the Trustees, II (Ms.), pp. 293-5.

US

WTNES AND MALT LIQUORS IN THE COLONY.

of double license system from Georgia and South Carolina, and as the latter had made no prohibition of the liquor traffic, the enforcement of the law among the Georgia Indians, was scarcely thought of. At Augusta, which was far more a Carolina than a Georgia town, a trading post had been established as early as 1735. Hither came the Indian traders from Carolina, with their pack horses, and hence, as from a trade center, they set out on their journeys to the wigwams of the wilderness. Disconnected from the lower part of the State, and looking- to Charleston as a kind of metropolis, the lawless traders paid little or no attention to the Acts of the Trustees. As early as 1740 the Trustees report that 2,000 horses and 600 men resorted to Augusta each year in the interests of the [ndian trade. 1
From all accounts, these men were, for the most part, of abandoned character. Their utter disregard of law and the irregularities and oppression of the savages of which they were guilty were the causes of many troubles along the frontier. The Spaniards from St. Augustine, and the French from Mauville (Mobile), were also bidding for the Indian trade, and usually they were more successful than their English rivals in winning the favor of the savages; a favor which later was felt by the Colonists in the French and Spanish wars.
A license of five pounds had been imposed upon the traders, and an arrangement had been agreed upon with Lieut. Gov. Bull of South Carolina, for limiting the number of such merchants and for apportioning them to the various Indian towns according to the population. But this agree ment seems not to have been carried out. New enactments in regard to the Indian trade, or measures for enforcing those already made, are met \vith at almost every meeting of the Common Council of the Trustees, but all to little purpose.
A new departure in the form of civil administration in the province, was inaugurated in 1741, when two counties,
1 A State of the Province of Georgia, 1741. Cia. Hist. Col. Vol. II, p. 72

THE EICEXSE SYSTEM.

119

Savannah and Fredcrica, were formed. William Stephens and four assistants were appointed to administer the affairs of Savannah count}r . No appointment for Fredcrica county is recorded, and in 1743 "William Stephens became Pres ident of the whole province. This form of government continued until 1750, when the Trustees ordered a Colonial Assembly of sixteen members representing the various dis tricts, to be convened in Savannah in Jaiiuarj% 1751- This was continued until June 20, 1752, when the Trustees surrendered their Charter, which would riot have expired until the next year, having been granted for twenty-one years.
Little, or nothing, of popular government was known under the Trustees' regime. A system of appointments supplied incumbents for the offices ; none was filled by general elections. Under the Presidency, the magistrates of the districts had the prerogative of licensing the sale of rum.
Col. Stephens and his assistants in July, 1745, : granted a license to a person at Augusta to keep a public house in that town. Capt. Kent, who had been previously appointed a justice of the peace for Augusta, made complaint that the President had invaded his magisterial prerogative by grant ing this license, and the Trustees sustained the Captain and ordered their Secretary to write to President Stephens and his assistants that he should have left this licensing prerog ative in Kent's hands ; as a Conservator of the peace, " had the same power as Justices of the peace have in England, and being upon the spot, must be the best judge of a proper person for having license." They further say that when the licensing was given to the President and assistants that Capt. Kent was not yet a Conservator of the peace. At the same time the Trustees express surprise that Stephens and his Cabinet have taken no measures " to punish and put a stop to such a violation of the law against negroes, nor proposed any means for the Trustees doing it, but have coii-
1 Journal of the Trustees III, p. 31.

I2O

WINES AXD MALT LIQUORS TN" THK COI-ONY.

tented themselves with seeing, and only complaining of it." The ground of the Trustees' complaint is given as follows: " ]t appearing- by Mr. Stephens' Journal of August 21, 1/46, that the Rev. Mr. Thomas Bosomworth had sent to South Carolina for six negroes to be employed on his plantation at the Forks at the Alatamaha River, and that negroes have been creeping into the colony at Augusta and other romote places," the order is given that these negroes be removed from the province.
Again, March 17, 1748,' the Trustees express astonish ment that " any expectation of them (negroes) can yet remain in Savannah and other parts of the colony. They are resolved never to permit the introduction of negroes into the colony," since the danger from their presence in a frontier province is so evident, and they advise those who still clamor for negroes to remove from the colony.
But fourteen months later, on the i6lh of May, 1749, a representation from President Stephens was read, setting forth that an "abundance of people "had applied for grants of land in Georgia ; that many negroes had been already introduced into the colony ; that the officials had endeavored, but ineffectually, to enforce the law against negroes; that they apprehend that any further efforts at carrying out the law would " dispeople the colony," and they hope the Trustees \vill permit the introduction of negroes under " restrictions and regulations," which the petitioners set forth. The Trustees yielded, and order a petition to be prepared and sent to His Majesty, praying for the repeal of the law assented to by him in 1735, which forbade the in troduction of negro slaves.
The introduction of negroes complicated the liquor problem in Georgia. For more than a century special legis lation in regard to the retailing of liquor to, or by slaves, engaged no inconsiderable part of the time of the General Assembly.
All the efforts made by the Trustees for introducing-
i Journal or the Trustees, TIT, pp. 52-3.

THE LICENSE SYSTEM.

121

breweries under their regime seem to have failed. Mr. John Terry sa\7 s, that " Georgia is a famous country for uncommon artifice and deceit," and if we may credit his assertions in a letter of Aug. 1747,' to the Trustees, the charge would not appear groundless. Terry says that Capt. Horton had had a "great copper sent over for brewing the fine barley crops on Jekyl Island ; but that, in conjunction with two Quakers--Pembertoii and Logan--from Penn sylvania, he (Horton) had had a large amount of barley, nia.lt and hops secretly brought to Jekyl and there browed, and had given this beer out as the product of the island.
Col. Stephens contended that the quantity used was no greater, if so great, after the prohibition was removed than formerly. He says, three years after the aet was repealed, that very little rum was used in drams *' unless in the winter season, but the greatest consumption of it is in making a small beverage fit for meals, which they drink instead of malt liquors, and in warm weather it is found by experience more grateful and wholesome, besides the difference of cost, the usual quantum of rum being one-fourth of a pint to a quart, of water with a spoonful of brown sugar, which materials our storekeepers have seldom gone farther for than to Charleston, and set what price they please upon." JJ
In 1747 the famous Bosom worth disturbances shook the infant colony to its foundations, with these, and the litera ture--long and monotonous--of petitions, representations, charges, and counter charges, we need have little to do. Whether or not Bosomworth and his half-breed wife, the famous Mary, were " guilty, as charged in the indictment" of history, we will not diseuss. But the verdict is unani mous that their attendant Creeks, when heated with Savan nah liquor, were several times on the point of beginning the work of death in the little town.
Before surrendering the charter the Trustees had yielded the three concessions most eagerly demanded by the
1 Board of Trade, Vol. 1 (Ms.) p. 181. 3 Board of Trade, I, pp. 90-91.

122

WINKS AXD MALT LIQUORS IN THE COLONY.

Colonists. With a fee-simple tenure of the lands, the power of importing1 rum and negro slaves, the disaffected had all which they claimed to be necessary to make Georgia " the most flourishing- of His Majesty's provinces." How \verc these fine promises fulfilled?
Hewitt says, 1 that in June, 1/52, when the charter was surrendered, " the whole annual exports of Georgia did not amount to ten thousand pounds sterling."
Jan. 1751, De Braham, afterward, for many years, sur veyor general for the Southern district of North America, planted a colony of German Protestants at Bethany. De Braham, with evident pride, elates the prosperity of Geor gia from the establishment of this colony. He says,^ that at the time of his arrival the colony was " so lowly reduced, that, had it not been for the few English in the Govern ment's employ, and the Salzburgers the author at his arrival would have found this province entirely deserted of inhabitants ; a few days before he arrived a lot with a tolerable house on it in the city of Savannah had been sold for a few shillings ; the author might have bought at that time with twenty pounds sterling near half the city."
De Braham says that in i/S 1 there were " scarce above three dozen " negroes in the colony.
By the returns from the census just taken there were reported to the home Government in April, 1753, as inhabi tants of Georgia, 2,381 whites and i ,066 blacks. But the Council thinks this estimate not to include the Donchester Presbyterians, who had begun to remove from South Caro lina to Meclway, in Georgia, in 1752. These immigrants are reckoned at 280 whites and 536 negroes. 3 The exports of the province for 1752 are: Timber, rice, 73 horses, 59"Hoggs,"
1 A "Historical Account of South Carolina ;md Georgia. London, 1779. Vol.
", p. 177a De "Brahm's Province of Georgia. Worms, Col. 1849, pp. 20-21.

THE LICENSE SYSTEM.

123

12 steers, leather, beeswax, deerskins, " Tndigoe," beaver and tar. 1
Surely something- was lacking- to make Georgia " the most flourishing of His Majesty's provinces."
1 Board of Trade, Vol. V (Ms.) pp. 53~4-

THE INTERREGNUM; REYNOLDS AND ELLIS.

CHAPTER IX.
THE BEGINNING OF LIQUOR LEGISLATION IN THE COLONY---- 1752-1760.
"Th'.excise is fatten'd with the r Of all this riot ; and ten thousan Forever dribbling out their base c Touch'd by the Midas finger of Bleed gold for ministers to sport

When the Charter was surrendered in 1752, grave ap prehensions were entertained by many of the Georgians, that the colony was to lose its autonomy, and be again absorbed by South Carolina. To this the people were violently opposed. To the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Navigation, into whose hands the administration of the Province was now committed, Mr. Edmund Gray, ag-ent of

the colony, addressed a petition, setting forth reasons why the incorporation should not take place. Among the reasons urged is the fact that the Indians cherished inveterate hatred to South Carolina on account of injuries received from the Carolinians, e. g. in the last year, when the Cherokees were committing- "Robberies, Mischiefs, and Murders on the peo ple of South Carolina, at the same time they passed through Georgia and never did any damage, but behaved with more than ordinary Friendship, of which the Carolina planters

contiguous to Augusta \vere so sensible as to leave their plantations and come into Georgia as a place more secure." 1 What a commentary upon Oglethorpe's humane policy and justice in dealing \vith the red men I

'Board of Trade, Vol. 4.

J2 4

THE INTERREGNUM; REYNOLDS AND ELLIS.

125

In the same year, Mr. Habersham, secretary of the colony, complains of the traders, who are said to have been the " occasion of almost all the jealousies and disturbances we have had \vith the Indians," 1 as they paid no attention to the regulations of their licenses. Publicly rum was not dealt out to the Indians in the various congresses held with them, nor in the presents given, but pack-horsemen continued, as usual, to carry spirituous liquors to the savages, ancl the consequences were often felt by the settlers along the whole frontier.
During these years considerable illicit traffic with the West Indies was kept up. The many creeks along the coast afforded a sort of hiding place for vessels which would bring rum and sugar and take off the ccclar and other timber with out paying duties.11
From 1752 to 1754, the political status of Georgia re mained as the Trustees had left it. The President and assistants retained their places, and the functions of their offices remained unaltered. The government seemed to be run by what littie momentum it had acquired in the past, and little new legislation clogged its cumbrous machinery.
In October, 1754, the first of Georgia's royal Governors arrived in Savannah and commenced the new administration. In January following, the first General Assembly of Georgia was convened, and thenceforward there was at least the semblance of " Home Rule " in the Province. True, the "acts" of this body had to run the gauntlet of "approvals " from the Governor's chair to the Privj^ Council of His Majesty, and sometimes months lapsed into years before the "act" became a confirmed law,--yet the right itself to originate measures, in which the needs of the people could be formulated at home, by their own representatives, rather than by strangers beyond the seas,--was no small gain, and unwonted prosperity began to appear on every side.
Two recent immigrations had also added much to the

126

THE BEGINNING OF .LIQUOR LEGISLATION

solid strength of the colony. One of these--the German,-- led by De Brahm, has already been noticed, and in 1752 and 1753, the Dorchester immigration of Presbyterians to Mid way, exerted a most wholesome influence upon the country. These moral and industrious people gave to the county-- Liberty--in which they were settled, a reputation for the worth of its inhabitants, which placed it in the fore-front of the counties of (.he State. Liberty was one of the two counties of the State which, in after times, refused retail liquor license, being in this respect among the first prohibi
tion districts in the Union. The capital of the Province had never been fixed by
special enactment of the Trustees ; but Savannah seemed, by primogeniture, to have held the nominal position of govern ing- city. As early as June, 1733, the Trustees had written to Oglethorpe : "As Savannah town is so pleasantly and conveniently situated, the Trustees, Sir, believe you will think it right to enlarge that, and make it the metropolis of the
country." l Whether Oglethorpe " thought it right " to make Savan
nah town the metropolis, the records do not say, but, at any rate, Savannah was still the capital at the time of Gov. Rey nolds' arrival. He thought it right to recommend a change of the colonial headquarters to llardwicke, on the Great Ogccchee River, although the latter town contained, at that time, but one house. As the money for the proposed new buildings necessary for the new capital was not forthcoming from the Lords Commissioners, the scheme of transfer fell through, and the capital remained at Savannah town. It does not appear that the people of Georgia were in any wise consulted, or that their preference was in any way regarded, as to the proposed change of site. Colonial governors were clothed with something of regal power, and usually cared little for the opinions of those whom they were sent to rule.
Although Georgia's exports in 1756, consisting of rjo/1-, indigo, skins, furs, lumber, provisions, and raw silk, an?counted
1 Colonial Documents (Ms.), p. 40.

IN THE COLONY----1752-1760.

127

to only ,16,776 sterling-, 1 yet the colony was on rising ground, and the newly fledged legislators were not slow to " enact " in regard to all matters pertaining- to the new order of things. On the 7th of March, 1755, just two months after the first General Assembly had been convened, we find assent given to an act just passed, " For the better Ordering and Governing Negroes and other slaves, in this Province."'J
The preamble to this act recites that whereas "the people commonly called Negroes, Indians, Mulattoes, and Mestizos have been deemed Absolute Slaves," it becomes necessary to settle and to limit the powers to be exercised over these slaves by their owners. Among the particulars of this Immensely long act we meet \vitli the following",-- the first liquor legislation, so far as we know, ever adopted in Georgia :
"And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, that if any retailer of strong Liquors shall give or sell to any slave any Beer or Spirituous Liquor what soever, without the License or Consent of the Owner or such other person who shall have the Care or Government of such slave; every person so offending- shall forfeit the sum of Twenty Shilling's sterling money for the first Offeiice, and for the second Offence, forty shillings sterling, and shall be bound in a Recognizance in

mitted to prison without Bail or main prize for a Term not exceeding three months."
In the Tax Acts of February, and of July, 1757, the sum of seven shillings was imposed by the former and of fourteen shillings by the latter, upon "every hundred pounds sterling of the full value of their stock in trade." 3 This latter rate of fourteen shillings per hundred pounds was also continued by the 'Fax Acts of 1759 and 1760.* It applied, according to the terms of the law itself, to "merchants and storekeepers." It is not stated whether or not liquor venders \vere rated
1 Ilewitt, Vol. II, p. 207. * Colonial Acts of Georgia, 1755 to 1774, Wormsloe. 1881, pp. 88-89.
Savannah; but death prevented this indefiitig-able antiquarian from publishing- them himself. Through the munificence ofhis widow and the editorial care of Col. C. C.Jooes, Jr., these Acts
3 Colonial Acts, pp. 100 and 131. * Colonial Acts, pp. 177, 196.

128

THE BEGINNING OF LIQUOR LEGISLATION

with these, but presumably they were. At all events, under

the new regime, the Provincial Treasurer issued licenses to

keepers of taverns and punch houses and collected fees lor

the same ; for by a statute of July, 1757, -for " establishing a

watch in the Town of Savannah," the superintendents ap

pointed to take charge of this nightly patrol, are empowered

"to build a Guard house on the Bluff of Savannah * * *

twenty-eight by sixteen feet Posts in the Ground and weli

planked, and a Brick chimney with one fireplace, with a shed

ten feet wide round the House and. apartments suitable for

to contain prisoners.'

To meet " the expense thereof,"

orders were to be drawn on the Treasurer, who should pay

the amount out of fees accruing from licenses of taverns and

punch-houses.

A GENERAL LIQUOR LAW.

On the 27th of July, 1757, Gov. Ellis assented to
"AN ACT?

For regulating- Taverns and Punch houses and Retailers of Spirituous Liquors." "WHEREAS, The Measures hitherto taken to prevent unfit Persons from obtain-

proved ineffectual, and the increase of tippling; houses are become hurtful and preju dicial to the common good and welfare of this, His Majesty's Province, but more especially the little tippling- houses, which are for the most part haunts for iewd, idle and disorderly people, runaway sailors, servants and slaves ; for a Remedy whereof, we humbly pray your most sacred Majesty, that it may be Enacted. And be it Enacted by "llis Honor, Henry Kills, K squire, Lieutenant Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of Georgia, by and with the advice and Con-

Province in General Assembly met, and by the axithority of the same, that no per son from and after the second Tuesday in October next shall sell any Wine, Cyder, Beer, Brandy, Rum, Punch or other strong drink whatsoever in less quantity than three Gallons at one time and to one person until he, she or they, shall have fii obtained a License from his Majesty's Treasurer, hereafter authorized to grant t same, for selling the aforesaid Liquors, under the quantity aforesaid, under th forfeiture and penalty of three pounds for every time he, she or they shall sell an quantity less than three gallons as aforesaid, to be levied and recovered by th

nature, and the half of the forfeiture shall

IN THE COLONY----1752-1760.

129

ntity of three gallons, shall pay for every License which shall be obtained pursuant to the direction of this Act, the several Sums or Rates following (that is to say) every Person living within the Limits of the Town and Township of Savannah who shall obtain License to keep a Tavern, punch house or Victualling house, or
lions,

License

lil :

strong Liquor whatsoever in less quantity than three gallons, shall pay the sum of

Forty Shillings, and every Person who shall obtain a License to keep a Tavern,

punch house or victualling house, or to sell or retail any strong liquor whatsoever

in less quantity than three gallons in any part of this province, out of the Limits

of the aforesaid Towns, shall pay the sum of Twenty shillings sterling;, all which

said Licenses shall continue in force but for one year only, and at the Expiration

thereof shall and may be renewed under the Restrictions hereinafter mentioned at

the Direct of the Ju

app.

eby dir

. the taking out or renewal of

every such License, shall be for the use of his Majesty, to be applyed to the Fo'ti-

fications ; And be it further Enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the Justices

of the peace of the several and respective Districts of the said province (except the

District of Savannah) or any two of them, arid the Justices of the peace for the

district of Savannah, or any five of them, shall and are hereby required at the

respective Courts of Requests to be held for their several and respective Districts

nest after the second Thursday in October next, and so yearly during the continu

ance of this Act to inquire into the fitness and qualifications of such person or

persons as shall or may apply for Licenses According to the Intention of tins Act,

and shall then and there grant a Certificate under their hands and seals to every

such person as they shall think fit and proper to obtain a License as aforesaid,

directed to His Majesty's Treasurer for this Province, who is hereby empowered to

grant such Licenses accordingly, provided always that no License shall be granted

to any person or persons whatsoever without Certificates as aforesaid of his, her or

the

the said Tre

sha

a License to any person not qualified contrary to the intention of this Act he shall

for every such License forfeit and pay the sum of five Pounds ; And be it further

Enacted by the authority aforesaid, that in the Body of every Order or Certificate

from the said Justices of the Peace for granting a License, and in the License

itself, the Street. Lane, Alley, Road, Bridge, Ferry, Village, Town or other place

where the Tavern or punch house is to be kept shall be particularly mentioned and

specified; otherwise such Order and License shall be deemed as void and of none

Effect. And be it further Enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any Person or

Persons, other than such as shall be hereafter allowed by the said Justices at the

time and manner aforesaid, shall at any time from and after the second Tuesday in

October next obstinately and upon his own Authority take upon him, her. or them

130

THE BEGINNING OF LIQUOR LEGISLATION

the selling (without such License as aforesaid) of Wine, Cider, Beer, Brandy, Rom, Punch or any strong drink or other Spirituous Liquors whatsoever, under the quantity of three gallons, shall forfeit the sum of Twenty Shillings, upon con-

said Court, upon Information thereof given upon the Oath of one Creditable Wit ness, to any Justice of the .Peace for the District where the Offence sba'l be com mitted. Provided always, and be it further Enacted by the authority aforesaid, that nothing in this Act contained shall be construed lo extend to give any Power to the said Justices, to order ITis Majesty's Treasurer to grant any such License to any Person who hath been bred to, and hath heretofore used the Trade of a Carpenter, Joiner, Bricklayer, Plasterer, Shipwright, Wheelwright, Silver or Goldsmith, Shoe-, maker, Smith, Taylor, Tanner, Cabinet-maker, or Cooper, arid shall at the time of his or their application for such order, be able and. capable by his or their honest Labour and Industry, of getting a livelihood and maintaining himself and family

this Act that no such Tradesman shall from and after the passing of this Act, keep any common Tavern, punch house, tippling house or commonly sell Wine, Cyder, Beer, Brandy, Rum, Punch, strong drink or other spirituous Liquors whatsoever.

their own authority, taking upon themselves to keep common Taverns, punch houses or tippling houses as aforesaid; And for preventing, suppressing- and punish ing of such Vices as are commonly practiced in such public houses, Be it Enacted by the authority aforesaid, that any Justice or Justices of the Peace shall have power, and are hereby empowered to put in Execution all Laws, both Statute and Common, of the kingdom of Great Britain, which have been provided and are now in force, for or concerning the Abuses or disorders of Taverns, Ale houses, Victualling houses and Retailers of any sorts of Liquor whatsoever, and the Owners or Masters thereof, and all Persons which, contrary to the said Laws, do haunt and frequent the same as fully and effectually to all Intents and Purposes, as the same ought or could be within the kingdom aforesaid, and every person who shall offend contrary to the said Laws or any of them, are declared to be and are hereby made liable to the same forfeitures and penalties to be levied and inflicted as the same is accustomed and appointed in the kingdom of Great Britain ; And be it further En acted by the authority aforesaid, that every Person at the time of their receiving the

granted, in Twenty Pounds, that he will fulfill the usual Conditions required to be performed by this Act, as likewise that he will not sell any strong liquors whatever to Indians, nor yet to Negroes, without producing- first their Owners or Overseer's leave in writing, for so doing ; And be it further Enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any Person or Persons not having a License who shall sell to the Indians rum or other strong Liquors shall forfeit the sumo/ five pounds, to be levied by a War rant of distress under the hand and seal of one of the justices of the Peace, and if such a levy cannot be obtained on the Goods of the Offender he, she or they so offending shall suffer not exceeding one month's imprisonment ; And be it further

IN THE COLONY ----1752-1760.

1$!

to receive for each Certificate which shall be granted the sum of one shilling and no more, and Ills Majesty's Treasurer, who shall grant such Licenses, shall receive the
keeping the same fairly Entered in a Book to be kept for that purpose, and no per son except the saicl Justices ami the person authorized to grant such Licenses and Bonds, shall claim or demand any Fee or Re\vrircl for the same, any Law, Statute or Usage to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding; ; And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, that the penalties or Forfeitures expressed in this Act shall be appropriated and applied, the one half to His .Majesty, his heirs and succes sors for the use and defence of ihe Province, and the other Moiety to the Party that will sue for the same by Action of debt, Plaint, or Information (if under Ten pounds) at the Court of Request, if above Ten pounds, at the General Court ; And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, that this Act shall continue in force for two years from the passing thereof, and from thence to the end of the next
DAV'D MONTAIOUT, Speaker
" By order of the Upper House. PAT. HOUSTON.
" Assented to 23d July, 1757. 1 HENRY ELLIS."
The above act, given at length, served as a kind of basis for future legislation for a century thereafter. Many parts, of it were repealed or amended, yet the liquor laws of Georgia down to the Civil War, still \vere largely modifica tions of this original statute.
The Negro law already quoted was also revived or reenacted in 1759, 1764, and afterward, and, -with some addi tions and a few changes, was, in its essential features, in force until the issue of the Civil War set the Africans free.
A law of 1759 imposed upon Savannah watchmen a fine of five shillings for each case of intoxication among them while on duty, said fines to be applied to the repairing of the watch house. a
So extremely jealous were the colonists of Spanish power, that a law was enacted in 1757 forbidding- any one, under heavy penalties, to drive, or to transport, any cattle, horses, rice, or other provisions of any kind whatever, to the
1 Colonial Acts, pp. 144, 148. 2 Colonial Acts, p. 171.

132

TIU': IJEGINNTNG OK LIQUOR LEGISLATION

south side of the Altamaha. Whether liquors were included among " other provisions " is not stated. Most likely they were, as their use had become so general.
The jealousy and fear \vith which Catholics were re garded had a most painful exemplification during Reynolds' short administration. Although Georgia's part in the mat ter was most honorable, yet Britain's name received a stigma which time cannot efface,
It was in the autumn of 1755 that the English Lieu ten ant-Governor of Nova Scotia, which had been ceded in 1713 to England by the French, ordered the Acadians--contrary to the express stipulations of the treaty which exempted them from the taking up of arms against France or their former Indian allies,--to take the absolute oath of fealty to the English crown, or depart the Province. It was supposed that by scattering these poor Acadians through the Provinces their identity as a people would be lost. Four hundred were sent to Georgia, arriving in the winter of 1755-6; utterly destitute, they were quartered upon a people hardly yet ac customed to subsist themselves without annual charities from the Mother Country. The Governor and the colonists cared for the poor exiles as well as their limited means would allow. They \vere fed at public expense until spring, when most of them left the Province, working their way back northward. Those who remained lived, for the most part, near Savannah, and having been charged with Cutting and appropriating to their own use the most valua ble timber, a very severe act was passed against them in February, i757- ] The Justices were empowered to bind them out to such persons as were -willing to take them; they were not to have fire-arms except upon the plantations, and their condition was made one of servitude. 3 To us it seems strange that Englishmen, so justly famed for their zeal in the cause of human rights, could have been guilty of such cruelty as that with which the poor Acadians were treated. But it
1 Colonial Acts, p. tiS.
2 Stevens' Georgia, Vol. I, pp. 413, 417. Jones* History, Vol. I, pp. 501-5.

IN THE COLONY----1752--1760.

133

is hard for us now to conceive of the hatred, suspicion and fear with which Protestants and Catholics even so late as the eighteenth century regarded one another. Even the Trus tees of Georgia, liberal as were their views, and open-handed as was their generosity to\varcl the poor and outcast of all classes,--believed it an absolute condition for the security of the Province, that Papists should be excluded from it. In June, 1745, the Trustees required all colonial officers to in clude in their oaths of office the " Declaration against Transubstantiation." '
The liquor laws'made in reference to negroes and other servants, evidently applied to the Acadians also.
Gov. Reynolds had been succeeded in his office early in 1758 by Lieut.-Governor Ellis. In the same year the Province was divided into eitH.it parishes. This was with reference to the establishment of the worship of the Church of England. A salary of ^25 was to be paid to the pastor of each settlement. But most of the parishes never had any ministers of the English Church settled within their bounds during" the whole colonial period. In 1769 there were only two churches of the establishment in all Georgia, and there were seldom more than three Episcopalian minis ters in the colony at one time. 2 The division into parishes became rather a political, than a religious, arrangement; for the parishes elected the delegates to the Legislature, and when the Revolution began, by a simple change of name, they were converted into counties, and all traces of their ecclesiastical division were lost. Except among the Salzburgers and the Presbyterians, there seems to have been lit tle more than a "form of godliness," without its power.
1 Journal of the Trustees, II (Ms.), p. 245a White's Statistics, pp. 93, 94.

CHAPTER X.
'SIR JAMES WRIGHT----1760 TO THE REVOI.UTIOX.
It was Governor Wright's misfortune to fall on troublous times. Of the three colonial governors he was by far the ablest, and his whole administration shows an earnest desire to advance the interests of the people. But dissatisfaction With the policy of the Mother Country was gradually paving the \vay for the outbreak which! was soon to follow. Never theless, for the first few years of his rule, comparative quiet prevailed, and the material interests of the people prospered .greatly.
Governor Wright reached Savannah in November, 1760. From a letter of his to the Earl of Shelburne, we extract the following particulars in regard to the condition of the colony at that time : The population from the best information ob tainable amounted to 6,000 whites, men, women and children. He adds, parenthetically, "And I had afterward reason to think there \vere not so many." This estimate included two troops of rangers and an independent company of sixty men in His Majesty's service. The " foot-militia" numbered 1,025.
" The return made me of negroes in the Province amounted to 3,578, but which I soon found greatly exceeded the real number then in the Province." " In 1760 they ex-
J34

SIR JAMES W RIG I IT----1760 TO THE REVOLUTION. 135
ported, as appears by the custom house books, only 3,400 pounds of rice. ~::~ "" * In 1761 we loaded only 42 sail of sea vessels."
The Governor, with justifiable pride, quotes the above returns, to compare them with those of 1765 and 1766, show ing the rapid increase of the province, both 111 population and wealth. In 1766 he estimates the white population at 9,900, " or say 10,000, of which 1,800 are effective militia. Of negroes we have at least 7,800." In 1765, " though a short crop," 10,235 pounds of rice were exported, and 153 vessels had been loaded. But even in 1766, the Governor says, "We have DO manufactures of the least consequence ; a trifling quantity of coarse homespun cloth, woolen and cotton-mixed, amongst the poorer sort of people ; for their own use, a. f.cw cotton and yarn stocking's, shoes for our negroes ; and some occasional blacksmith's work. But all our supplies of silks, linens, woolens, shoes, stockings, nails, locks, hinges, and toots of every sort, * ~:f ":c~ are all imported from and through Great Britain." l
Sir James reckons the expenses for the government in 1761 at 4,4-22, 16s., ^d. Among- the sources of revenue he counts tavern licenses at about 60, which sum is to be applied as a sinking fund to pay a debt of ^"300 due for repairs on (Christ) Church. 3 In 1763 Ciirist Church received from the tavern licenses ,69, 7s., 4d. (The Act was passed March 27, 1759)- I n J/^i the Church received from this source ^76, and in 1762, ,78, i/s.
November 8, 1/62, Governor W right asked the Board to dismiss Chief-Justice Grover from his office. Among- the charges preferred agamst Grover was one by Daniel Ken nedy, who asserted that while seeking a fugitive slave he found him in Savannah, and demanded of the Chief-Justice the custody of the negro. Grover, however, made Kennedy drunk, and then told him the negro was free, and finally offered Kennedy IQ to acknowledge the negro as free.
1 Stevens' Georgia, II, p. 55. 3 Board of Trade-. 11 (Ms.), p. 96.

136 SIR JAMES WRIGHT----1760 TO THE REVOLUTION.
This Kennedy refused to take, and having brought suit, he recovered the slave. 1
At the port of Sunbury In 1763, rum, molasses, sugar and panolcs inade almost the sum total of imports. These Collector Thomas Carr says, come trom St. Croix and other West India ports. The rum pays a duty of 9d. per gallon.2
THE SAUUATTI.
A law was passed in 1762 to bring* about a better observ ance of the Sabbath. The fifth section of this Act reads as follows :
" That no vintner, innholder, or other person keeping any public house of
shall they suffer , yards, orchards
sum of five shillings to be paid by the keeper of such house for every person enter tained by them." 3
Section 10 of this Statute enacts:
"That this Act shall be read yearly and every year, at least four times in each year, before sermon begins. And every minister is hereby required to rc;^d the same in his respective place of divine worship."
The reader \vill perhaps be struck with this method of publishing laws by reading them before the congregations. It should be remembered that in this year, 1762, the first newspaper in the colony--"The Georgia Gazette"--began to be issued, and the most ready way for publishing neces sary intelligence was by oral announcement before the respective congregations. Nothing here is said about those parishes which then had no churches.
SLAVES AND PATROLS.
In the Statute concerning- "Slaves and Patrols," 4 enacted in 1765, the eighth section reads as follows :
1 Board of Trade, X (Ms.), P- 2. '2 Ibid, 90 et seq. 3 Marbury and Crawford's Digest, p. 411. 4 Marbury and Crawford, p. 419, et seq.

SIR JAMES \VRIGI-IT----1760 TO T!I L-: REVOLUTION. 137

" WHEREAS, Many irregularities may arise by patrols drinking too much

liquor before or daring the time of their being on duty; Be -if. furlher enacted by

the authority a foresaid, That any person whatever who shall be drunk during the

time of his service on the patrol, shall be subject to the penalty of a sum not ex

ceeding

upon o: h fir

the respe

stricts where the offence shall happen."

By an amendment made to the foregoing- act in 1768,'

the patrols of Savannah were empowered in case any riot or disturbance be made by disorderly white persons in the streets, squares or lanes of that city, or in any tippling house, or

tavern, or punch house, in their respective districts, havingcalled a constable to assist, to enter such tippling- house, tavern, or punch house, and arrest such white person and hold him until morning-; if, however, the arrest be made in the tippling-, or punch house, or tavern, the constable--not the patrol--must keep the prisoner in his charge, and the justice may impose a fine not exceeding- ten shilling's.
By a statute of 1770 (" Slaves and Patrols ") section 31,

it was enacted as follows :*

" That if any retailer of strong liquors, or any other person or persons, shall give or sell to any slave any beer or spirituous liquors whatsoever, without the

offei

i po nds

jrlii

with one or more sufficient s ireties before any one of the Justices of the Pe

fo

the parish where such offenc shall be committed, not to offend in like manner, anc

to be of good behavior for ne year; and for want of such sufficient sureties to bi

committed tQ the nearest co mon jail for a term not exceeding three months."

GAMING.
Gaming, the all but universal concomitant of tippling-, was beginning to corrupt the colonists. May 26, 1764, Gov. Wright \vrites to the Board of Trade in reference to a bill for suppressing- lotteries. In this letter His Excellency com plains of " excessive and deceitful gaming, which vice is creeping in apace." 3
1 Marbury and Crawford, p. 425. 2 Marbury and Crawford, p. 435s Board of Trade, Voi. XI (Ms.), p. 6.

138 SIR JAMES WRIGHT----1760 TO TilK REVOLUTION.
.it are often reduced to poverty and distress; J!e it therefore en id after the first day of June next after the passin
same to be' sold in his, her, c or apartments thereto belong draughts, shuffle boards, bil games, or implements of gaming, in his, her, or tl or apartments thereunto belonging, by any app
of the parish or place whei
Of these fines one-half was to go to the informer; the other, to the church wardens and vestry of the parish, for the use of the poor. If no goods should be found for the levy, the offender might be imprisoned for ten clays, or until the fine should be paid.
These laws, as we shall see, remained in force when the colonies had revolted, and as they by trial, were found not altogether adequate for the several purposes for which they were intended, the penalties were increased. Thus by an Act of 1777 persons who kept the licensed public houses just described, and permitted gaming on their premises, were mulcted in the sum of tiveiity pounds ; and betting on horseracing was punished by a fine of one hundred pounds.
In 1762 was also enacted the statute in reference to Sabbath breaking, from which an extract has already been taken. Not only were labor and trade on that clay inter dicted, but also all kinds of sports, such as foot-bail, fishing, hunting, etc. The preamble to the law sets forth the following :
" WHEREAS, There is nothing; more acceptable to God than the true and sincere worship and service of Him, according to His holy will, and that the keeping holy

the Lord's day is a principal part of the true servic
The first section of this law compelled all persons to attend worship on the Sabbath. Section 3 forbade all travel on that day. Section 6, for the better keeping- ol good order on the Lord's day, enacts :
" That the church wardens and constables of each parish respectively, or any
time ot" divine service, walk through the town of Savannah, and the respective towns of this province, to observe, suppress, and apprehend all offenders whatso ever, contrary to the true intent and meaning of this Act ; and they shall have power, and are hereby authorized and empowered to enter into any public house, or tippling house, to search for any such offenders; and in case they are denied entrance, shall have power, and arc hereby authorized and empowered to break Open, or cause to be broken open, any of the doors of the said house, and enter therein ; and all persons whatsoever are strictly commanded and required to be
Act, on the penalty of ten shillings sterling for every refusal." 2
SEAMEN.
The tippling houses of Savannah., even in those early days, were become a source of great trouble to masters of vessels, on account of the toils which they spread for the sailors. This state of things is revealed in the preamble of an Act approved March 6, 1766."
" WHEREAS, Masters and commanders of vessels trading to this province are often greatly distressed by the neglect or desertion of their seamen, which is, in general, occasioned by such seamen being harbored and entertained by, and run ning in debt with the keepers of taverns and tippling; houses, and ill disposed persons, to the great detriment and hindrance of trade, for prevention of which evil, Be it enacted, * * *
Section K. " All and every keeper, or keepers of taverns, or tippling houses, or any other person, or persons whatever, who from and after the passing of this Act shall sell any wine, punch, beer, ale, cider, or any spirituous liquor whatever, to any seaman or mariner belonging to any ship or vessel, and having signed any agreement, pr contract, as aforesaid, to the amount of more than one shilling arid
aforesaid, to drink or tipple in his, her, or their house, or furnish such seaman, or mariner with any liquor as aforesaid, after the hours of nine of the clock at night, unless with the knowledge, or by the leave and consent of the master or
1 Marbury and Crawford, p. 410. Prince's Digest, p. 836. 3 Marbury and Crawford, p. 411. 3 Marbury and Crawford, p. 414.

140 SIR JAMES WRIGHT----1760 TO THE REVOLUTION.
shall, upon proof of such offence, forfeit the sum of twenty shillings tcrUng, to be recovered and applied as in this act is before directed " (2. e., to the support of the poor in tht- parish where the offence was committed).
The seaman who thus absented himself, without the permission of his commander, was liable to arrest arid im prisonment in jail or in the workhouse, for a term not exceed ing- thirty days.
SMUGGLING.
The network of islands along the whole extent of Georgia's Atlantic coast from the Savannah to the St. Mary's as well as the large number o[ streams which empty into the ocean along this same line of seaboard,--offered, in those early clays, peculiar inducements to the unscrupulous masters of vessels which traded along this coast from New England to the West Indies. Cargoes of sugar, rum, etc., could be easily run into the Altamaha or into any of the numerous creeks along this sunny coast, and traded off for timber, which was then carried to the islands. New Eng land ships seem not to have been so largely engaged in this illicit trade, as they could not find market for lumber at home, and usually their owners demanded mone3r for their cargoes.
The New England trade, since it was continually draining the colony of read}r money, and had but little of exchange of commodities in its transactions, was generally regarded as very unfavorable to Georgia.
The Home Government was anxious to break down this illicit traffic which was continually undermining the not very large revenue which the duties were expected to pay, and one of the special commissions given to Gov. W right, was to use the greatest diligence to ferret out the clandes tine traders, and put an end to their unlawful gains. It will be remembered that the venerable President Stephens often more than hinted his conviction that the vessels which came in to the Savannah, \vere in the habit of stopping

SIR JAMES W RIGHT----1760 TO THE REVOLUTION. (41
between Tybee and the city, where the lading of spirits \vas taken out; after which the vessels would conic up to the town. Col. Stephens often observed that they "s\v;im light in the water/' and he seemed at no loss to assign the reason therefor. This kind of trafoc had been kept up for more than twenty years. Governor Wright thought that he had put an end to it by building a fort on Cockspur Island, and by employing armed cruisers along the coast. In August, 1/64, Sir James writes to Edward Scdgwick, " I think I may assure His Lordship--the Earl of Halifax--that no kind of smug gling or practice injurious to His Majesty's revenue of cus toms, is effected here, and that the little trade we have is perfectly fair and honest." *
Again in October of the same year, Sir James writes/ this time to the Earl of Halifax, who had been giving some directions in regard to the suppressing of smuggling, that there might have been formerly some very inconsiderable illicit trade ivhich was carried on at the lower end of Tybcc and at Sunbury. The method, he says, was to discharge cargoes before coming up to Savannah. The articles contraband were foreign rum and sugar, chiefly from St. Croix, together with a few articles from the East Indies. The Governor says, his fort (George) on Cockspur and the establishing of a port of entry at Sunbury, together with his cruisers, have made smuggling so hazardous as to effectually prevent it.
In August, 1/65, the Governor again \vrites to Lord Halifax, " Nothing to report relative to illicit trade." ^
The folios?ing December he writes to Hon. Henry Seymour, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary for the Southern Departments, " I firmly believe no illicit trade is carried on within this Government."
But Sir James* confidence that smuggling was effec tually suppressed docs not agree with a report made a few
i Documents from State Paper OSce. Vol. Ill (Ms.), p. g?. * Ibid, p. too. * Ibid, p. 120.

142 SIR JAMES WRTGIIT----!/6o TO THE REVOLUTION.
years later from the Custom House at Savannah. This latter document was entitled :
^ " Aii estimate of the annual loss to the Revenue by illicit trade in G-eorgia," for three years, commencing with January, 1/69. This " Estimate," although starting out with an hypothesis, yet doubtless contains much of truth.
'' Supposing the white inhabitants to have been upon an average 11,000 during that time/* then--"RUM" annually consumed, suppose half a pint per day for each white person upon average (including town negroes for [i. e. instead of] those sick) but deducting for 3,000 children and 1,000 others who cannot afford it (we have) gallons 159,687.'*
To meet this demand there were : " Entered annually at the %^orts of avannah and Sunbury'*---
West India Rum. ...........................42,226 gallons, North America.............................31,71.5 ,,
Total............ 73,911 ,, Distilled in Colony. ..........................5,000 ,,
Deduct for Indian Consumption............. .10,000 ,,
68,941 ,. Ergo: Short upon Custom House Books ....... ........90,746 gals.
" Though part of this deficiency is no doubt foreign, yet it stands in place of so much British, to which may be added about 5,000 gallons of Brandy, G-in, Arrack, and Cordial from Foreign Islands, making in all 95,746 gallons of British rum short upon the books ; of which suppose onequarter to be North America (to evade the country duty) and three-quarters or remainder, to be given from the Windward British Islands ; then the duty lost upon the four and one-half per cent, in the AVest Indies equals j^ioi, us.
Calculating the cost at one-quarter sterling per gallon, the Collector estimates the consumption of *' Mclasscs*' at 20,000 gallons annually, while there were entered at Savannah and Sunbury only /, 224 gallons ; distilled in the
% State Paper OQice Vol. VI (Ms.)

SIR JAMES WRIGHT----1760 TO THE REVOLUTION. 143
province 5,000 gallons ; re-exported, 631 g-allons, or 5,631 gallons remained \vhich had not paid duty, which from 7,224 leaves only 1,593 gallons, which, deducted from 20,000 gallons, the presumed total of foreign importation, would leave 18,407 gallons short upon Custom House Books.
" This deficiency of Molasses though small in proportion to the inhabitants, is thought to be the amount of what is smuggled ; for having" but one Distilling- House in the Province, and that one lately erected, the country people for want of opportunity are not yet accustomed to the use of the article, so that the duty lost in Georgia is ^76, 133., I id., supposing- all foreign."
In this same report wines are estimated at " one pint per day for 160 people, upon an average ; for as yet the inhabi tants are not in affluence enough to use it generally."
This supposed consumption would demand 29 tuns of wine annually ; while, in fact, there were entered at Savan nah and Sunbury amiualry :
From Great Britain, Madeira, and coast ways.. ....... .28 Tans. Deduct amount re-exported. ........................ 6 We find Custom House short. ...................... 7 "
" This deficiency may be one-third claret, but as this sort would not be drunk, if it could not be smuggled, upon account of the price, the whole may be supposed half Port, half Madeira, so that the duty lost in Georgia upon this article equals 26, 53."
Although "supposition" enters largely into the estimates of the foregoing report, yet from this contemporary and very competent \vitncss, it is very clear that a very large part of the liquors used in the province were supplied by the illicit traffic, which neither forts nor cruisers had been able to destroy.
The matter-of-course way in which it is assumed that so much of an allowance of liquor per capita must be made, shows how general the drink habit was at that period which immediately preceded the separation of the Colonies from the Mother Country.

144 SIR JAMES W RIGHT----1760 TO THE REVOLUTION.
Mo abstainers for conscience sake are even thought of in this estimate. Three thousand children, too young to have begun to tipple, and one thousand " who cannot afford it/ are deducted from the whole white population ; while for those too j^Xr to use rum, the " town negroes," who, it seems, were supplied from the gin-shops, in spite of the rigid laws to the contrary, might be substituted, so that "no deduction for sickness " need be made.
Another item of value for our history we cult from this report, viz., that concerning
DJSTILLATTOX.
It will be noted that at this time, hardly two years before the Revolution began, there was but one distilling house in the province, and that one lately erected." The " Report " intimates very plainly that this distillery was , engaged in the distillation, of " Mclasscs" alone. This distillery was probably located near the river, and just below Savannah, as we may infer from a comparison of two passages from a MS. volume from the State Paper Ofricc/
One of these extracts, giving an account of a "?vo/" among the patriots, in February, 17/5, two months before the battle at Lexington, Massachusetts at Wells Wharf (which in the other extract is also called the " Still House Wharf ") savs that the rioters were inflamed with cherry brandy. It does not appear that fruits or grain were used in this distillery, only "Melasses," of which we find mention of many hogsheads as lying on the wharf.
Pastor Bolzius, as we have before noted, in speaking of the abundant peach crops raised by the Salzburgers, said that some of the people tried to distill a sort of brandy out of the fruit ; others fed it to their hogs.
Hewitt/ enumerating the products of Carolina, a few years before the Revolution, says that the planters " distill brandy of an inferior quality from peaches." No mention
Vol. VI. pp. 240 and 95^ A Historical Account of South Carolina and Georgia. London, 1779. Vol. II, p. JO?.

SIR JAMES WK.IGIIT----1760 TO THE REVOLUTION. 145
of the distillation of cereals has been found by the writer in any of the authorities consulted by him as one of the prod ucts of the colony in the ante-Revolutionary period.
It is hardly possible that any such industry, if it existed in Georgia in those days, would have escaped the notice of the painstaking Governor, who enumerates more than once products of the province with the greatest minuteness. Nor do the tax laws of the period make any reference to dis tilled products of domestic manufacture. The brewing of strong beers at that period seems to have been as little fol lowed as the distilling* of cereals, although " small beers " brewed from molasses seem, to have been found in every household. The brewing of these was a part of the care of the housewife, and the process was apparently as well under stood and as universal as the kneading of dough. The luscious %)eaches, persimmons and other fruits, domestic or wild, doubtless were used freely in the manufacture of home made drinks.
Sir James Wright to the Earl of Shelburne writes, Nov. 18, i/66/ enumerating the principal products and imports of the colony. Of the former, he says, " Our whole strength is employed with rice, indigo, corn, pease* and a small quan tity of wheat and rye, and in making pitch, tar, turpentine, and staves, and in sa\ving lumber and scantling and boards of every kind, and in raising stocks of cattle, horses, mules, and hogs, and next year, some essays will be made toward planting and making hemp/ No mention is made of barleygrowing nor of any kind of liquor making. Capt. Hortons brewery seems to have lasted no longer than the time when the troops were removed from St. Simons.
Again, in September, i//3, in a categorical answer to specific questions (fir "Heads of Inquiry") as to the "State and Condition of the Province of Georgia," Sir James an swers the Earl of Dartmouths question as to the products of the colony (Question [I) ; that "the staple commoditys are rice, indigo, deerskins, raw silk, pitch, tar, turpentine, beef,
* State Paper OfSce III (Ms.), p. 175.

146 SIR JAMES WRIGHT ----1/60 TO THE REVOLUTION
pork, Indian corn, pease, tobacco, staves, shingles, lumber of all sorts, and we have a great deal of fine live oak for ship-building-, and hemp will grow very well, but little is planted as yet. And besides these, cattle, horses and live stock are exported to the West Indies. And also beeswax,' beaver skins, etc., etc."
The averag-e value of exports annually for five years was .101,240 sterling. The white population the Governor estimates at 18,000, the black, at 15,000.
It will be observed that in this accurate listing of prod ucts no reference is made to any distilled or brewed liquors. The Revolution found Georgia, we must confess, a tolerably free customer at the world's liquor marts; but not a vendor, nor, to any considerable extent, a manufacturer of either distilled or brewed drinks.
There was no vine culture at that period in the province, as we are informed by Surveyor General DC Brahra,1 although wild grapes grew everywhere abundantly. Not withstanding this prodigality of nature, De Brahm almost pathetically, adds : "Yet there is no person who will listen to her addresses, arid give her the least assistance, notwith standing many of the inhabitants are refreshed from the sweetness of her wild productions."
Georgia's products at this time were not rated very high by her neighbors, if we may judge from a sarcastic speech of a member of the South Carolina Legislature upon the proposal to call a colonial Congress.' The proposed Con gress, this bilious member compared to a dish, into which " New England will throw fish and onions; the Middle States, flaxseed and flour; Maryland and Virginia will add tobacco ; North Carolina, pitch, tar and turpentine ; South Carolina, rice and indigo ; and Georgia--\vill sprinkle the whole composition with sawdust."
TAXES AND SPECIAL FEES.
The Tax Act of 1768, imposed upon every 100 of
1 Province of (Georgia, p. 24. 2 Ramsay's South Carolina, Vol. I, p. 13.

SIR JAMES WRIGHT----1760 TO THE REVOLUTION. 147

"Goods, Wares, and Merchandize imported to be sold again," a tax of six shillings. In 1770 this Lax was assessed at 43., 6d.; in 1773 it was raised to 7s., 6ci., and so continued

until the Revolution. In 1774* a scale of wharf and porterage fees was fixed
for Savannah. The wharf charges upon a hogshead of rum, or a pipe of wine of "about 100 gallons" were put at three pence* while for a barrel of " beer or cyder," the wharf master could exact one penny in charges. Porterage'J on a hogshead from " the top of the Tlluff and delivering the same on the Strand, or at any place between that and Saint Julion street inclusive, Nine Pence."

For the like delivered to any part of llroughlon Street.......... is.

"

"

"

"

King Street. .............. is. 3d.

The liquor trade must have been no inconsiderable one to have called for such detailed legislation at that early day.
Among the appropriations made for 17/3, we nnd the following : "*
. "Tu Abigail Minis for providing provisions and liquors Tor Committee of both Houses of Assembly appointed to ?iew the lighthouse on Tybee, per account llfteen pounds, three shillings."
From the above it would seem that the wine, Apollinans, and other y>tv//7* ^z?*j of Modern Congressional and Legislative Committees, are not without precedents, even in this free land.
* Colonial Acts, pp. 408, g, n. ^ Colonial Acts, p. 4.17. = Colonial Acts, p. 391.

CHAPTER XI.
RUM AND RED MKN. 1760-1775.
" O Pale face ; can you tread Above the slaughtered dead You've made, where once the Tndian trod In peace, nml say the white man's God Commands you to rejoice ? Hark, the Great. Spirit's voice Is selling: on the wimls, Paleface !
-- 'J',.-L-ums,'h's Reply--Oliver f. Taylor.
For more than a century, one of the most knotty prob lems for Georgia statesmanship was " f/ie Indian question.''' With the little grant of land made by Old Tomochichi to General Oglethorpe, the English had gained a foothold on the south side of the Savannah, and from this time the Kng-lisli began to look with covetous e\^es upon the wide territory stretching" southward and westward. King- George had already, in the plenitude of his grace, granted the Trustees full title, under certain restrictions, to the magnifi cent domain which reached from the Atlantic to the low tide water of the South Sea. But the Indian owners of the lands had not been considered in the grant. Nevertheless, Og-lethorpe'a sense of justice would not allow of the appro priation of lands without the consent of the original owners. A treaty was therefore made, and while the first Governor of the colony remained in America, he took care that the rights of the Indians should be scrupulously regarded.
The first treaty, made with the Lower Creeks in 1733, was not very definite as to the lands ceded to the English. The Creeks consented that the new corners "shall make use of and possess all those lands, which our nation hath not occasion to use." This provision was added, that the Eng lish " upon settling every new town, shall set out for the use

RUM AXI) RED MEN. 1760-1775.

149

of ourselves, and the people oi our nation, such lands as shall be agreed upon between their beloved men, and the head men of our nation, and that those lands shall remain to us forever." '
These Lower Creeks at that tune possessed nine towns in the lower part of the province. For a time the English colonists were brought into direct contact with the Lower Creeks only ; but the establishment of a trading" post at Augusta in 1736, which became a kind of headquarters for the trade with all the Indians of Middle and Upper Georgia, and even of Alabama in so far as the English trade reached to the last, made necessary some further treaty stipulations. The lawless traders who rendezvoused at Augusta had brought rum and the small-pox to the Cherokees, and more than one thousand of the tribe perished in a single year. Believing themselves poisoned the furious savages were on the point of taking up the hatchet against the upper settle ments and of invoking the help of the French. To appease these, Oglethorpe--although the offending traders were Carolinians--made a long journey through the wilderness in August, 1739, and concluded a treaty at the Coweta town. In this compact the Indians acknowledge the grant made to the Trustees along the Savannah as far a.s the Ogeechee, and along the sea coast to the St. John's, with the islands except St. Catherine's, Ossabaw, and Sapelo. also the lands from Pipe-makers' Bluff to Savannah. 2
These treaties were made " with stout hearts and love," and the Indians engaged to keep the talk in their hearts "as long as the sun shall shine, or the waters run in the rivers."
The Cherokees were not parties to any of these treaties, but Oglethorpe had soothed their wrath by a large present of corn at Fort Augusta, and b3T certain regulations for the future conduct of the Indian trade.
In 1759. owing to the misconduct of the Virginians, augmented by the oppressions of the Carolina traders, the Cherokees broke into open hostilities and the border settle-
1 See Mc-Call's History of Georgia, I, pp. 358-9. Jones' Hist. I, p. 142. 2 McCaU I, pp. 363-7. Jones' Hist. T, pp. 316-18. Stevens' Hist, I, pp. i$7~8.

i 50

RUM ANL) RED MEN. 1760--1775.

rneiits of South Carolina \vere deluged in blood. Georgia did not suffer very severely in this war, and the Cherokees 'seem still to cherish the memory of Oglethorpe's justice, and vented their rage upon the Carolinians alone. Yet the [ndian trade under the clouble license system of the two provinces furnished many complications.
After the cession in 1761, of Florida, " but little more than a barren waste," to Britain, and the removal of the Spaniards from the Southern border, the 1 ndian question formed the chief subject of legislation for Georgia. About this period the Indians were decreasing rapidly. European diseases had carried off great numbers ; maii}^ had been trans ported and sold into slavery in the West Indies, " But, of all other causes," says Hewitt, 1 " the introduction of spirituous liquors among them, for which they discovered an amazing fondness, has proved the most destructive." Their consti tutions were undermined, diseases engendered, quarrels ex cited, with their terrible results among a savage people, and the Europeans with whom the Indians came into contact did much to corrupt them morally as well as uhysically. Many vagabond whites--desperadoes and refugees from justice--had taken up their residence among the Indians, and these were "worse than the Indians themselves," as Sir James 'Wright expresses it. Notwithstanding the regulations forbidding the importation of spirituous liquors into the Indian country, few traders seem to have regarded the interdiction, believ ing themselves able to escape the penalties attached to the violated law. The Indians had come to believe the use of rum a sort of right of which they were wrong-fully deprived, and their first demand of a traveler, trader, settler, or Gov ernor, was usually for ardent spirits.
At the "Talk" 2 held at Little Galsey, April 10, 1764, Emisteseegoe, chief of the Creeks, complained that he had been promised " six cags of rum, to treat the head men," but had received none, a grievance of very great character in the eyes of the chief.
1 A Historical Accounl of South Carolina and Georgia, JT, 279. London,1779. 2 Board of Trade, XT, p. 17.

RUM AND RED MKN. 1/60-1775.

I5I

Eli W right on the 2/th of .August of the same year writes to the Board of Trade that nearly, if not quite, all the difficulties arising between whites and Indians are occa sioned by the " great misconduct and abuses of the traders and pack-horsemen employed there, who 1 may say with truth arc the very worst and most abandoned set of men," also they "are not the honcstest or soberest people/' *
Many efforts were made to regulate this trafSc by agreements between the colonial authorities of Carolina and Greorgia, as to limitations to be imposed, but with poor success.
In July, i/(>5/ John Stuart, the most successful and the most trusted by the savages, of all the Indian agents ever appointed by the British (government for the Southern prov inces, wrote from Charleston to &ov. ^Vright in reference to a new compact between the two colonies. He says, ".The complaints from every quarter of the disorders com mitted by the swarms of pack-horsemen in the nation and occasioned by want of regulation and by unlimited intro duction of spirituous liquors, rendered it incumbent upon me to propose some method for remedying and stopping evils which otherwise must infalliblv and soon defeat every measure that has been taken* and throw Indian affairs back into a state of confusion/'
Col. Stuart then informs Grovcrnor WYight that he had already laid before (governor Johnston, of South Carolina, a scheme of regulations which he had prepared, and which he was confident would meet the great and growing evil. (}ov. Johnston had approved the plan-- and now Sir James' approval was also sought as the scheme was to be applied by the two colonies jointly.
The first Regulation provided, "That no trader shall by himself, or substitute, or servant, sell or give any Indian any spirituous liquors of any kind whatever."
Third Regulation : "That in case any trader by himself, substitute, or servant, shall send more than ten gallons of
i Board of Trade, Vol. XI, pp. 25-27.
* Board of Trade, Vol. XI, p. 91.

152
ruin at any one time into the Indian nation, or, in case there shall be found in the possession of any one person above that quantity in the Indian country, such person shall be considered as having forfeited his bond and license."
Gov. Wright, 1 in his answer to Col. Stuart, says that having compared Col. Stuart's proposed Regulations with those which he had already issued to the Georgia traders, 2 he finds that they, for the most part, coincide.
Among those parts in which they do not entirely agree, he does not include Col. Stuart's first and third Regulations, showing that similar restrictions as to rum importation into the Indian country had already been made, as we learn also from the laws governing Indian license, then in force in Geoi-gia. But the Georgia restriction had been more absolute, as it totEilry prohibited the carrying of rum to the Indians " under any color or pretence whatever."
But, though Sir James declined to enter into the agree ment with the neighboring1 province, we find him making many and loud complaints of the evils growing- out of the overlapping license system, which was, to large extent, mutuallv nullifying the laws of the respective colonies, for the traders, " who are in general a disorderly set of people," under cover of license from one province, were constant!)' setting at defiance the laws of the other. As the Indians held a position of nominal independence, althoug-h on Georgia soil, it was impossible to control traders who carried Carolina licenses.
At a "Talk" 3 held in Savannah, September 3, 1768, Emisteseegoe complains heavily of the outrages of the traders, and of their disregard of the Regulations. A chief burden of his complaint is in respect to spirit uous liquors being carried into their nation, although " limited to a particular number of cag-s, yet that number is
1 Board of Trade, XT, p. 101.

RUM AND RED MEN". 1760-177$.

153

not regarded, but is constantly increased by every indirect means," * * * " and the Indians are often induced to part with their skins (presumably of animals?) for rum, which should be laid out in clothing- and necessaries for their fami lies, and they also part with and sell their horses for rum."
To this part of the chieftain's complaint, Gov. \Vrig~ht answered that his instructions and orders to the traders had been, "that they shall not carry any rum into the nation, except about fifteen gallons once in three months for build ing" of houses and other necessary purposes."
Liquor at " house-raisings " was, it seems, regarded as " necessary " by our fathers, as \vell as by so many of their children.
Although the treaty with Spain had brought Florida under the sovereignty of Britain, yet the Spaniards still looked with longing- eyes toward the " Flower Land," and their vessels sometimes succeeded in running into the southern inlets of Florida and Georgia, to hold clandestine intercourse with the Indians and bribe them away from Knglish allegiance, and stir them up against the Georgia settlers. Governor Wright, in a letter' to Hillsborough, June 26, 1769, informs His Grace, that some Spaniards fishing along the Florida coast, had met with some Creek Indians whom they took with them to Savannah, and there made them presents of rum, sugar, and tobacco. Sir James is very apprehensive of the dangerous consequences of such intercourse, and advises that Spanish fishing along the Florida mainland be stopped.
The growth of population along the Upper Savannah brought the Georgians into contact \vith the Cherokees, as well as with the Upper Creeks. After the Cherokee war had ended, the question of boundary came up for adjust ment, for somehow these dividing- lines did not remain inviolable commensurate with the shining of the sun and the flowing of the rivers, notwithstanding- the protestations of sincerity on the part of the contracting parties. A boundary must be fixed.
State Paper Office, Vol. IV, p. 133.

154

RUM AND RED MEN. 1760-1775.

" In the year 1763, 1 the Governors from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia met in congress at Augusta upon Savannah stream, with the deputies sent by the two Indian nations, the Creeks and Cherokees. In this Congress a temporary boundary line was settled between the settlements and lands reserved for the Indian hunting ground, which line should not be transgressed by cultivating- lands on the west side upon reserved lands for the hunting- ground of the Indians, and thereby disturb the Nations in their quiet possession. This line was ascertained and concluded upon the aoth day of November, 1763, and in the year 1766 this line has been regularly laid out and marked by a proper geometer in the presence of Georgian Commissaries expert in the Indian language, and some Indian deputies. 'I"hey begun at the mouth of Little River upon Savannah stream above the cataracts, and went up that river, until they came to the head of one of its branches, vitlffo called (Williams Creek); from thence they went south, as far as St. Mary's, in a manner as laid out in the following- table," etc.
How long- this " fixed" boundary remained inviolate we know too well. When we. think of the Punic faith which Knglantl and children of English blood have kept with the poor children oi the wilderness, we can feel that the fierce curse of the poet is not undeserved :

thy jewel'cl sword;

And i And fro
The c
Well may'st thou stand when natior Their cannon toward thy throne ! But when thy starving millions feel A foe in thee alone, Nor thrones, nor lords, nor martial pc Can stand the onset of that hour."
1 De Brahm's Province of Georgia, p. 33.

CHAPTER XII.
RELIGION AND MORALITY" IN GEORGIA JUST PRIOR TO THE
REVOLUTION.
The growth of the colony, slow as it was, had distanced the advance made by the inhabitants, cither in morals or in the facilities for the spread of the Gospel. After the coming of the German colonists to Bcthany, in 1751 and 1752, and the Presbyterian immigration to Medway, a little later, Georgia can hardly be longer called an asylum for religious refugees. A few immigrations, inconsiderable in number, and apparently leaving but little impress upon succeeding- times, were made by certain religious sects.
Among these may be mentioned the settlement made on Little River by '' one Edmund G-rey, a pretending Quaker, who left Virginia with a number of those inhabit ants, and settled Brandon upon Little River in this prov ince." 1 \\r e have already seen Grey's name m the petition presented to the Lords Commissioners ag-ainst the proposed consolidation of Georgia \vith Carolina.
But Grey did not seem imbued with the peaceful sentiments for which the Quakers have always been distin guished. He soon left Brandon and settled upon the neutral lands between the Altamaha and the St. John's, which were not to be settled by either English or Spaniards. Here he made a kind of refuge place for debtors and crimin als, both English and Spanish. He so adroitly shifted his position, as to practically hold possession of this country for several years. " When ordered away by the Spaniards he moved to the river Altamaha ; and when ordered away by the English, he did pretend to g-o and settle on the
1 De Brahm's Province of Georgia, p. 30. 155

I$6

KICl.IGIOX AND MORALITY IX GEORGIA

south side of the St. Mary's* thus deluding both English and Spaniards, increased daily, and became very formidable, no doubt would very soon have been ungovernable, had not this neutral land been added to the Oovernment of Georgia by the cession from the crown of Spain to the crown of Rngland, which was one of the articles stipulated in the Treaty of Keace between those two Crowns, made in 1763."
After this very un-Quaker-Iike procedure had left Rrandon deprived of the presence of its founder, the settle ment was revived by Joseph Mattock and some other Quakers, who were, for a time, very prosperous, but a threatened war with the Uchces ran these peaceable settlers out of the colony, leaving no memorial of the Friends in the colony, save in the name of a fountain seven miles from Augusta, still known as the Quaker Spring/
In the winter of T/68-g, a colony of 107 Irish Hrcsbyterians settled the little town of Queensbury on the Ogeechee about 120 miles above the river's mouth. De Rrahm writing" three or four years later, says there were here "above 200 families, mostly Irish, from which it was generally called the Irish settlement." ^ But Queensbury did not flourish, and only from the fact that it was not ^<?^/, but only dying, was it saved from a place in Col. Jones' charming work, " The Dead Towns of (xeorgia."
These two immigrations, small as they were, seem, with a single exception (of which presently), to have been the only additional instances of the transfusion of new religious blood into the body ecclesiastical, prior to the Revolution. The former sects had, some of them at least, received slight additions to their numbers, either by natural increase, or by the coming of other foreigners of like faith; but the influence of these churches seems to have been very circumscribed. Each sect confined its work to its own vicinity, and but little effort, either at proselyting from one another, or at converting the neighboring Indians, was
% Jones' llisl. I, p. 440. Also, "Dead Towns of Georgia," p. 247. * Province of Georgia, pp. 25, 26.

JUST PRIOR TO THE REVOLUTION.

157

made. The mission spirit was not abroad in those days, and the outside world felt but little of the heat from an almost expiring' flame.
The Salzburgers, from difference of languag-e, as well as from a non-aggressive policy, confirmed by centuries of habit, as a means of self defence, from their very inoffeusiveness being less likely to provoke hostility, confined their labors to their own borders.
Of the first pastors Mr. Gronan had died in 1745. Mr. Bolzius survived his colleague twenty years, dving-about the close of 1765, after more than thirt}^ years of life in Georgia. How forcibly Mr. Bolzius reminds us of the primitive pastors of earl}* Christendom. A shining light, not at Rbenezer only, but even beyond the sea, his radiance and warmth were felt.
How often had his cheering- testimony been adduced by the Trustees, in the midst ol their discouragements, to offset the calumnies of Georgia's enemies ! Always hope ful, always cheerful, ever thanking God, and taking fresh courage, we almost come to mourn his death as that of a personal friend. What primitive simplicity was that which reigned at Ebenezer. " The people live in the greatest harmony with their ministers and with one another, as one family. They have no drunken, idle, or profligate people among them, but are industrious, and main' have grown wealthy." '
What a pastoral scene was that which Whitefield describes upon his visit to Kbenczer! " Mr. Bolzius called all the children before him ; catechized and exhorted them to give thanks to God for his good providence toward them ; then prayed with them, and made them pray after him ; then sang a psalm. Afterward tlte little lambs came and shook me by the hand, oue by one, and so ive parted." '2
Of what other colonists in America could it be said as Whitefield says of the Salzburgers five years after their
1 Letter of Thos. Jones, in 1740. a Strobel's SaJzburg-er.s, pp T 10, in.

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RELIGION AND MORALITY IX GEORGIA

arrival in Georgia, " The3' have no courts of jurisdiction, but all differences are immediately settled by their pastors."
But this happy state was not always to continue. Before the Revolution began, the enemy had sown tares in this field, using- as his wily agent one of the pastors sent from Germany, and the war itself brought sadness, strife, and corruption where all had been peace and contentment. But we will not anticipate.
The Medway congregation of staunch Puritans had increased somewhat by inner growth, though neither did the3* seem to aspire after missionary laurels. The steady habits arid strong character of this congregation may well justify 13r. Steyens' observation of the present race of people, viz., "The sons of that colony have shown themselves worthv of its sires ; their sires were the moral and intellectual nobility of the province." The very hotbed of patriotism in the Revolution was among- the Medway Presb3'terians, and -one of their congregation was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The influence of this church upon the moralit3* of Liberty county has been felt most sensibly until the present clay.
Of the Highlanders at Darien as a religious body we hear but little in later times. Mr. McLeod, their pastor after a few years left them and settled in South Carolina. It is said that he became a Whitefieldite. We hear little more of the Scotch as a religious organization. Christ's Church at Savannah was for a considerable part of the time without a rector. The Lutherans had established a church there some 3'ears before Air. Bolzius' death, though difference of language prevented the worship from affecting the English population. A small Presb3'terian congregation existed at Savannah, having a Swiss, Rev. J. J. Zubli, for pastor.
As to Augusta, the pack-horsernen, traders and the mongrel crowd which dwelt there for some years, seemed to have dispensed with any sort of worship. But in December, 1750, Mr. Zouberbuhler wrote to Mr. Martyn, ' that the
3 Board of Trade IV, p.p. 63-65.

JUST PRIOR TO THE REVOLUTION.

159

people of Augusta had themselves built a church, the first built in the colony by voluntary subscriptions, it seems--and would help support a minister of the Church of England. Mr. Zouberbuhler also says in the same letter that he had just dedicated a new church at Savannah, and that many negroes attend the service.
The Baptists, who, with the Methodists, were afterward to be the great pioneers of the woods of Georgia as else where, were somewhat sporadic in their first efforts in the colony. We read of Mr. Nicholas Bedgewood-Whitefield's Agent at the Orphan House, that he joined the Charleston Baptist Church in 1757, and began to preach shortly after ward, exercising his ministerial functions at and near the Orphan House, where he baptized a number of converts. Some years later he removed to South Carolina.'
One of Mr. Bedgewood's converts, Mr. Benjamin Stirk, began to preach at several points above Savannah, using1 private houses, it seems, as places of meeting, Tuckaseekirig, about forty miles above Savannah, being a kind of center of his labors; but he died in 1770, without establishing- an organized church, or at least, one of which any records have been found.
The year after Mr. Stirk's death, the Tuckaseeking neighborhood was visited by Rev. Edmund Botsford, a young licentiate from South Carolina. Mr. Botsford traveled extensively in both Georgia and Carolina, until 1779, when the approach of the British drove him away from his home in Burke county, and he fled from the State, no more to dwell within its borders. He seems to have founded not more than one church in the State, though he planted the seed for several. ~
But the real pioneer of the Georgia Baptists was R.CV. Daniel Marshall, who began to preach on the Kiokee above Augusta, probably about 1770 or 1771. Where the town of Appling now stands, Mr. Marshall, in 1772, organized the
1 Campbell's Georgia Baptists, p. 9. 2 Campbell's Georgia Baptists, pp. i72 ~3-

l6o

RELIGION AND MORALITY IN GEORGIA

first Baptist Church in Georgia, 1 Mr. Botsford's church, constituted in 1773, being- the second. Dr. Campbell thinks that probably another church, Red's Creek, was organized about this period. 2 If so, it was probably the third and last Baptist Church constituted in Georgia before the Revo lution.
But Air. Marshall's experience on first entering; Georgia was not the most pleasant. At first he preached in private houses; but having commenced one of his meetings, he was arrested, while engaged in his opening prayer, by the constable of St. Paul's Parish, and made to give security for his appearance at court. The constable was acting' under authority of the Act of 1758 which established Colonial worship " according- to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England." A Parson Ellington seemed to be the principal accuser. Mr. Marshall was ordered to corne as a preacher no more into Georgia. He answered " Whether it be right to obey God or man, judge ye," and continued his ministry.
The arrest of Air. Marshall affords a singular example of the manner in which the Act of 1758 was to be applied. Salzburgers, Highlanders, Irish Presbyterians, Moravians, Jews, and all other bodies and forms of worship. Catholic cxcepted, were tolerated and protected by the Chart.]-, and liiicler the regime of the Trustees, How then could the Statute of 1758, passed by a. legislature for the most part Dissenters, have been intended to curtail freedom of worship ? This " Act for constituting- the several divisions and districts of this province into parishes, and for establish ing religious worship therein, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England, and also for em powering the church wardens and vestrymen of the respective parishes to assess rates for the repair of churches, the relief of the poor, and other parochial service," was certainly misleading in its title ; for while the obvious inten-
1 Campbell's Georgia Baptists, p. IO. 2 Ibid, p. 12.

K"EV. SAM P. JONES.

JUST PRIOR TO THE REVOLUTION,

l6l

tion of the law was t.o establis/i, not to suppress, religious worship, the words " accordmg to the rites and ceremonies (if the Church of England " might be construed by bigoted churchmen to . limit the mode of worship to that of the Established Church. 1
To sum up the religious forces openly at work In the colony at the beginning of the Revolution, we find, say, three Baptist churches, all near the Savannah, with MessrsMarshall and Botsforcl in charge, probably assisted by some licentiates; three " Established " Churches, apparently with out rectors, unless forsooth our intolerant friend, Parson Ellittgton, was ministering' to the church and troops at Augusta; three, or probably four Presbyterian Churches, viz : At Medway, Savannah, Darien (?), and at Queensbury (?) ; the Salzburgers had several churches along the lower Savannah, but altogether concerned with G-ermaii immigrants. Bethany was also thriving, but from internal growth. All told there could hardly have been more than a dozen churches in the province, and of those actively engaged with the English-speaking population there were not more than half that number. The state of religion among the English population was deplorably low. It is said that on one occasion in 1772, Mr. Botsford had commenced a sermon in the courthouse of Burke county to an audience at first tolerably attentive, " but toward the close of the service one of them bawled out with a great oath, ' The rum is come.' Out he rushed ; others followed ; the assembly was left small, and by the time Mr. Botsforcl got out to his horse, he had the unhappincss to find many of his hearers intoxicated and fighting. An old gentleman came up to him, took his horse by the bridle, and in his profane dialect most highly extolled both him and his discourse, swore he must drink with him, and come and preach in his neighborhood. It was no time to reason or reprove ; and as preaching- was Mr. Botsford's business, he accepted the old man's invitation and made an appointment." Fifteen converts were shortly made as a
1 See Stevens' Hist, of Georgia, I, pp. 444-5.

162

RELIGION AN1J MORALITY IN GEORGIA.

result of this invitation, among- them the wife and son. of the jolly host, who himself became sober, though never a professor of religion. 1
The population of Lower Georgia, with the exception of the Medway Congregation, came direct from European homes ; the middle and upper parts of the province, however, were colonized by Virginians, Caroliiiians, and others who were to the manner born, and had graduated from the Colonial school with all its rough virtues and vices. Marked differences between these populations long; existed, perhaps to some extent, still exists, and the Revolution helped to bring out these peculiarities of opinion and of action in a very marked degree.
If we may give full credence to De Brahm the character for intelligence and morality was certainly higher among some of the Lower Georgians than among those of the middle and upper portions of the State.
From a " peculiar observation " of the Bethanv Germans, he finds not many " well built attitudes " among the original immigrants, " nor are their countenances expressive of intelligence," all of which De Brahm attribute's to the hard, hopeless lives of the past; the children, on the contrary, were intelligent, marry with handsome faces, the effect of the liberty and comparative release from care. Among" all natives of America the author has made like observations. "While not. well educated, they use, with rare power, the amount of learning which they may have acquired. In Georgia the best of authors find ready purchasers and appreciative readers. " This province was scarce thirty years settled, before it had three fine libraries in the city of Savannah, the fourth at Ebenezer, and a fifth ninety-six and three-quarters miles from the sea upon the stream of Savannah. In these libraries could be had books written in the Chaldaic, Hebrew, Arabic, Siriac, Coptic, Malabar, Greek, Latin, French, German, Dutch and Spanish, beside the English, viz., in thirteen languages." '2

REVOLUTION.
CHAPTER XIII.
" On the cold ground, Why, soldiers why,
Should \\-e be melancholy, boys, Why, soldiers, why,
Whose business 'tis to die? What, sighing?-- Kit: '
Brink on, down fear, be jolly, boys, " Tis he, you, or I,
Cold, hot, wctj or dry, We're always bound to follow, boys,
And scorn to fly."
Great as were the eventual results to the cause of human freedom from our Revolution, they were reached at the expense of heavy draughts upon popular morality. In nothing else was this universal degeneracy more clearly seen than in the habits of intemperance then confirmed and settled upon the people. The presence of a British soldiery with their attendant habits of inebriety had told upon the communities where these troops were stationed, to the great degradation of morals, as at Frederica, Augusta, and elsewhere. I3ut now familiarity with scenes of bloodshed, dnd the kind of lawless, vagrant life which many adopted* generally at first from necessity, sometimes from choice* and the removal, to a great extent, of the accustomed restraints of civil life, produced fruits of evil for generations after. Prior to the war almost all the spirituous liquors consumed in the colony were imported. Only a small quantity was of domestic manufacture, and even the distilled liquors of the province were from imported molasses. Out the cutting 06 of foreign importation caused the Southern colonies to
163

164

THE REVOLUTION.

undertake distillation at home ; and the converting- of cereals into distilled liquors, at least so far as Georgia is concerned, may be said to date from the Revolution.
In the famous non-importation measures adopted by the colonies in 1769, Georgia acted with much promptness. These measures, which were intended to bring Great Britain to terms by a refusal to have any commercial dealings, either direct or indirect with her or her colonies, among other articles of trade, forbade importation " on our own account, or on corn mission or purchase, from any masters of vessels, transient persons, or non-subscribers, any wines after the 1st of March next."
The importation of iieg-roes was also strictly forbidden, and the pledge was entered into to " encourage and promote -American manufactures, and of this province in particular,"
Of course among- the objects of common use from which the Georgians \vere thus excluding themselves, was the strong beer of England used in such lavish quantities by the first settlers. Nor had any other considerable source of supply for malt liquors than the Mother Country yet been found, or rather, perhaps, yet been sought.
Two sources of supply for rum had been open hitherto, the West Indies and New England ; but as most of the islands with which the colonists had any dealings were in British possession, the New England rum seemed likely to monopolize the market. This New England rum was evidently much less in demand than the West India, and was a very interior article.
An English traveler some years before had described the drink of some of the provinces thus : " The rum they generally have from their stores, is the Neiv England sort, which has so confounded a Gout, and has so much of the Molasses Twang, that 'tis really nauseous ; and this held up to a very large price. Sometimes, indeed, a European vessel lands to the Gentlemen in the neighborhood, a cargo of another sort; which, however, never diffuses itself to those beneath them. * * * The Beer they brew is ex-

Tin: REVOLUTION.

165

cellent, which they make in great quantities, of Persimmons, etc., or Molasses, for few of them are come to malting their corn of any kind, at which f was much surprised, as even the Indian grain, as I have found experimentally, will pro duce a wholesome and generous liquor. The meaner sort you Jincl little else but water amongst; when their cyder is spent, mush and milk, or molasses, hominy, wild fowl, and fish, are their principal diet, whilst the water is presented to you, by one of the barefooted family, in a copious Calabash, with an innocent strain of good breeding" and heartiness, etc." '
Georgia xvas not however, held very long under the non-importation compact, as we may learn from Sir James Wright's report of September, 17/3, in which full details are given of both the import and export trade of the colony. We find a. larger list of each than at any previous time m the history of the province.
Georgia did not take an active part in the Stamp Act imbroglio, and in consequence, some very bitter reproaches were cast upon her by her sisters.
The Fire Company of Charleston had resolved that " no provision be shipped from this province on any pretence whatever to that infamous colony G--g--n, in particular, or any other that makes use of Stamp paper." It was also proclaimed that " five honest men were not to be found in Georgia," and the " Georgia. Gazette," of July 9, 1770, con tained some doggerel to the same purport.

"Mourn. (Jeorgin. mourn your wretched state. Repent, reform, ere it is too late. Or youll be doomed to Hell,"? etc.
in January, 1775, at an association of forty-five delegates held in Savannah, it was covenanted that " we will not, from this day, import, or purchase any ^v? from any port in the world, or import any molasses, svrup, coffee, or pimento from the British plantations, or from Dominica; nor wines
Ua. His. Col. TV, pp. 33-4. tbid, "tJbs. in America." a State Iaper ORice Vol. IV (Ms.), pp. 174, 175.

166

THE REVOLUTION".

from Madeira or the Western Islands, nor foreign Indigo." Also no slaves were to be imported, or purchased after March 15.
Georgia, the weakest of all the colonies, was ap parently most exposed to the horrors of war. With most of her territory in the hands of savag-es who were in the British interest, and ready to fall upon the weak colony which stretched along the Savannah and the coast for near three hundred miles ; with Florida prepared at any moment to invade from the South, and a coast fuU of harbors for the enemy's fleet, and lined with islands where a foe commanding' the waters coidd easily entrench himself, and, in perfect security, fall upon the weak settlements from his inaccessible strongholds ; with a royal Governor, loyal to I~Iis ^Majesty, and doing his utmost to further British views ; with many disaffected ; the oullook for the patriots was anvthing but encouraging.
In February, 1776, Col. Lachkm Mc111 tosh, commander of the Georgia troops, wrote to Washington, 1 " Our prov ince has a front along the sea-coast of above one hundred miles, covered by a range of islands, divided from each other bv eight rivers from the mainland, which make as many good inlets and harbors, most of them capable of receiving any irlgate, and, as some say, much larger ships. Our settlements extend back to the northwest above two hundred miles, in other parts to the southward not above ten, and very thinly inhabited ; indeed, this large space of land, altogether, has not more than three thousand men, chiefly in the back country, and many disaffected and doubtful in our cause, especially the men of the greatest property among us. Ovir slaves will be about fifteen thousand souls, mostly within twenty miles of the sea-coast, and make above thirty-five tierces of rice annually, besides many other articles of provision, which, with our fine harbors, make the security of this colony, though weak in itself, of the utmost consequence to the whole continent of America;
1 White's Historical Collections of Georgia, p. 02.

THE REVOLUTION.

167

and we have every reason to think our enemies intend to make it a place of general rendezvous and supplies."
Col. McTntosh estimates the Cherokees, Choctaws, Creeks, and other Indians within striking* distance, to have at least "ten thousand gun-men, brave, intrepid, and eager for war." A British army of regulars was at St. Augustine,
and a British fleet was then on the coast. The first step which (Georgia was compelled to take
necessarily savored of rebellion. As the Governor could at pleasure dissolve the Legislature, there was no possibil ity for the patriots even to ^/^vzr ^ !?f/ f <? Az%c///Z!T;zf?'/ a point of great valne in a political revolution. Governor Wright, representing the ^^<z/administration of affairs, was still nominally Governor at Savannah, while the patriots with their " Council of Safety/' and " I'rovincial Congress " were exercising--self-constituted--the real functions of what little civil government yet existed in the troubled province. But this double svstein could not last. In Janu ary, 17/6, Governor Wright was arrested in his own house, and paroled. lie soon escaped and succeeded in reaching the British fleet below the city, and for several years was absent from the colony. The Provincial Congress in April formed a temporary constitution, the fourth article of which
reads as follows :
"That all the laws, whether common or statute, and the Acts of Assembly which have formerly been acknowledged to he of force in this province, and which do not interfere with the proceedings of our Continental, or our Provincial
Congress, and also all and singular the resolves and recommendations of the said
Continental and Provisional Congress, shall l*e of full force, validity, and effect.

Indefinite as was this constitution, inasmuch as its powers were made contingent upon the decrees of other legislative bodies wholly beyond its control, yet there was little change of legal status so far as the people were concerned. The Liquor Laws along with others in all their forms, remained unchanged, only as affected bv the non-importation measures last adopted about a year before ; but the encouragement to "home industry " now given, as well as the cutting off of

l68

THE REVOLUTION.

imports, turned the colony to its own productions of liquors as of other necessaries.
The non-importation agreement " discountenanced and discouraged every species of extravagance or dissipation, especially horse racing-, and all kinds of gaming1 , cock-fight ing, exhibition of shows, plays, and other expensive divers ions and entertainments," and it is probable that until the British invasion of 1778, the recommendations arid resolu tions were tolerably well regarded, in most parts of the province. After that time little of civil administration was known in the colony until the British were expelled near the close of the war.
The temporary constitution of April, 1776, gave place in February, 1777, to a permanent constitution, which has been altered and amended tune and again, but many of \vhose most essential features survive in the constitution of Georgia to-day. All the liquor statutes, restrictions, and licenses were carried over from the old regime, and from a legislative standpoint, there was apparently but little of revolution so far as this fruitful field for statutes was con cerned. Import duties with no importation, could not amount to much. But liquor was to be furnished " for house raisings, and other necessary purposes," and the supply of the " Liberty Boys" was one of the necessary piirposes; for it was not to be thought of, that soldiers in the field and serving their country, should be cut off from their necessary rations of rum. It was regarded as hardly pos sible for troops to subsist, at least, contentedly, without liquors. Even when a deep spirit of discontent against Britain had manifested itself, and the colony was murmur ing against the exactions from their scanty revenues to feed the hungry soldiers quartered in their midst, they had still agreed to furnish by Act of 1767, as indispensable supplies, " fire\vood, candles, vinegar, and salt, bedding, cooking utensils, small beer, or cyder, not exceeding five pints, or half a pint of rum, or in lieu thereof threepence per diem for each man." '
1 State Paper Office, Vol. Ill, (Ms.) p. 301.

THE REVOLUTION.

169

What the sulky colonists thus grudgingly doled out to troops alrcad3T regarded in a half hostile light, they could never think of refusing to the patriots defending their lives and homes. But to procure even these scant supplies was no light matter. Ramsay says, 1 " Supplies for public exigencies in South Carolina before the reduction of Charles ton (1780) \vere principally raised by taxing lands and nc%groes." Three such contributions had been already levied, viz., in 1/77, when nearly one-third of a dollar per head was assessed for negroes and a like amount for every hundred acres of land; in 1778, another tax nominally ten times the amount of the tax of the preceding year, but which, from the depreciation of the currency, yielded only about twice as much as as the tax of 1777- In 1779, a tax of twenty dollars paper currency was imposed upon, each head of negroes and upon each hundred acres. But twenty paper dollars were then onlv equal to about one dollar in specie.
If the wealthy province of South Carolina found so great difficulties in maintaining a military establishment, with a constitution and a government long recognised, what must have been the difficult}' with so weak, exposed, and divided a province as Georgia, with a constitution hastened to an untimely birth by the throes of revolution, and regarded by many of the people as the illegitimate offspring of rebellion and treason ? Without a judiciary system, or officers whose authority was acknowledged, the supplies for the feeble army which Georgia could put into the field must be chiefly collected from voluntary contributions, or from impressments, and '* They may take who have the power, and they may keep who can," very soon became a sort of accepted system as to revenue.
In the winter of 1778-9 the tide of war began to roll over Georgia. Hitherto most of the fighting had been with Indians. But now British regulars \vere invading the province. A battle was fought at Medway in November, 1778, and the Puritan congregation were made to pa}r for
1 Ramsay's South Carolina, Vol. II, p. 100.

I/O

THE REVOLUTION.

their loyalty, as their church was burned by the British, and the country laid waste. In January, 1779,* Savannah fell* and nearly at the same time the enemy captured Sunbury which had become even then a kind of Ray of Naples resort for the Colonial planters. In the same fatal month Augusta was captured, and the British had possession of all Georgia. Many of the patriots ned, and, fur a few days, all opposition seemed to cease. McCall quaintly says," " The oath of allegiance was administered to the inhabitants who remained, and the torch to the habitations of those who had ned to Carolina."
Crcn. Lincoln on the north bank of the Savannah, was unable to meet the victorious enemy, and there seemed little hope that the province would be soon redeemed. To make matters worse, Gen. Ash, who had been sent with a detachment across the Savannah, was surprised by the enemy on the ^d of March in a most injudiciously chosen camp, and his army was totally defeated. This battle of Drier Creek as it was named, afforded an instance of the Briton's love of grog as well as of his brutality. Sir James Baird who commanded the light infantry of the British, is said to have cried out to his men in their pursuit of the fleeing Americans, " Whoever takes a prisoner shall lose his ration of rum." And Dr. Stcvens adds/ " Many, who on their knees implored mercy, were bayoneted by the brutal soldiery, who would not lose their allowance of grog." As evidence of the probable truth of the report concerning this bloody order, is adduced the fact that of the whole loss, 340, of the Americans on that fatal day, considerably more than one-half had been left dead on the field of battle, a disproportion perhaps never found in a battle fought with the implements of modern warfare. But what was the life of a rebel compared with the loss of a Briton's rum ?
To reconcile the colonists to the Mother Country it was

i See McCalls Hist, of Georgia, Vol. IT, pp. iq?, 175. i?7, %9^. 3 Ibid, Vol. II, p. 192. ^ History of Georgia, Vol. II, p. 196, ^/jey. Sue also Jones Georgia, Vol. II, p. 350.

History of

THE REVOLUTION.

I/I

proclaimed that no duty* tax, or assessment should be levied upon Georgia save such duties as should bo necessary for the regulation of commerce, and the proceeds of these duties were to be applied exclusively to the use of the colony/ Such terms four years earlier would doubtless have held the province to the British Crown, and that loo, with< out the presence of a conquering arnay; but now it was too late. Prostrate and bleeding as she was, her patriots had become too much alienated from Britain to desire her protection. As to the patriots in arms,coniiscation, murder, transportation to the \Vest Indies, or confinement on foul prison ships were some of the forms of punishment provided for them.
Gen. Lincoln, with his half starved and ragged troops, could make but little head against his disciplined, wellarmed foe, and proscription and rapine went on with but: little check.
But Lincolns active brain was planning a ro/(/> <V/? zfz/// which, if properly carried out, would probably have rolled back the war-tide from the Southern provinces for the rest of the conflict. This plan was to bring DEstaing and the French fleet to his aid and at one stroke capture the British army, the same tactics followed two years later by Washing-, ton at Yorktown. That DEstaings rash gallantry lost this . splendid prize of a well-laid scheme, was no fault of the gallant Lincoln. The long delay, the rash effort to storm the fortifications so judiciously defended by Colonel Maitland, the bloody repulse, the death of Pulaski, Jasper, and others, have tinged this page of our history with sadness.
The credit of this brilliant British victory was un doubtedly due to Col. Maitlaud, who, although not commander-in-chief, yet, as chief engineer, had planned the fortifications and conducted the defence. But rum proved a more formidable antagonist to him than the allied army. Less than three weeks after the victory he died. " Me had long been in the habit of indulging himself freely with his glass;
* McCall, Vol. IT, p. 215.

172

THK REVOLUTION.

but during the siege he found it necessary to restrain a propensity which had become constitutionally necessary for the preservation of his health. After the siege was raised, and the combined forces retired, he returned to his former habits and gratified them to such an extent as to produce convulsions, of which he died suddenly."'
It was during this year that (general Washington made complaint of the abuses which he understood were practiced in the hospital departments of the Southern army, tending " to the extravagant waste of public property." Often the surgeons' mates were found "indulging their palates with fine mutton and Madeira wine, while the poor sick soldiers were languishing in want."- Perhaps if thecommander-inchief a. year or two later could have looked upon the famishing fragments of the Southern army, he would have found small occasion to complain of an extravagant use of Madeira, or of any other imported wines.
The capture of Charleston by Sir Henry Clinton, and the loss of Lincoln's army by the surrender, seemed to take away what little of hope the patriots had. Carolina and (Georgia were both at the conqueror's feet and all possibility of successful resistance seemed taken awav. The story of the next few months is one from which an American would gladly turn away -- confiscations, prison ships, starvation, transportation to the West Tndics, murder and rapine every where, a debauched soldiery running riot, and committing all manner of excesses. The vulture seemed to gloat over the land.
R.amsay says/ that after the capture of Charleston a large class of formerly well to do citizens, driven to utter despair by the miseries surrounding them, attempted to drown their wretchedness "in the excessive use of spirituous liquors, which proved the source of many diseases, and very often destroyed life."
The remnant of the (Georgia brigade along with Gen.
' McCall. Vol. 11. p. 270-
* Mc(':UI. II. p. 280.
a History of the Revolution of South Carolina, Vol. II, p. 123.

THE REVOLUTION".

1/3

Mcliitosh, its commander, had been captured in Charleston, and there seemed nothing' left to oppose the British arms on the south side of the Savannah. The outrages of the wanton soldiery toward the female sex drove from the province such as could get away. The spirit of mortal man could not endure such horrors, and very soon a partisan war commenced which aimed at extermination, and the insolent eneirry began to find vindictive foes hovering- in every forest near their outposts, or concealed in every deep swamp read3T to use the first opportunity to wreak vengeance upon cither British soldiers or their Tory adherents. Desolation brooded over the face of nature. Except those days had been shortened, no flesh had been saved. 1
Perhaps no more complete pen picture of the ruin of morals, as \vell as of fortunes, wrought by the war, at this time can be found than in the effect upon the quiet Salzburgers. They had been divided in sentiment when the strife began, the majority siding with the Whigs, yet there were a number of Tories among them. These were led by Pastor Triebner, who had 'been sent over from Germany a few years before, to fill the pastorate made vacant by the death of Mr. Lembkc. It would be well for Mr. Triebner, if his name could be forgotten. He had already been the source of much trouble to his people, and when the British reached Savannah, he went 1o the British commander in that city, took the oath of allegiance, and conducted a detachment of British soldiers to Ebenezer. These soldiers threw up a fortification near the ne\v church and established a permanent garrison there. Many of the Salzburgers were induced, under promise of British protection, to take the oath of allegiance, but most held on stoutly to the .Republican cause. Of these the property was seized, and the pronig'atc soldiery heaped every species of insult upon them. A few of the Salzburger loyalists soon made themselves especially obnoxious by helping, and even leading in the work of pillaging their neighbors, doubtless instigated by their
1 McCall, Vol. II, pp. 283-291.

1/4

THE REVOLUTION.

unnatural pastor. Among those specially conspicuous for their cruelty mention is made of one Eichcl, an " inhuman miscreant," who lived at Goshen ; and Martin Dasher, who kept a public house five miles below Ebenezer. " These men placed themselves at the head of marauding parties, composed of British and Tories, and laid waste evcrv plantation or farm whose occu pan t was even suspected of favoring the republican cause. In these predatory excursions the most revolting cruelty and unbridled licentiousness were indulged, and the whole country was overrun and devastated."' Ebenezer was made a kind of headquarters for troops operating toward the north and west, and the corrupting influence of the presence of these soldiers was felt for generations afterward. The new brick church was converted first into a hospital, then into a stable, and so continued until the war closed. The church records were destroyed, and the building outrageously dese crated. Muskets and cannon were discharged at surrounding houses, some of which, until recently at least, bore the marks of this insolent ferocity. Rut worse than all was the moral corruption engendered. "The soldiers were licentious in the extreme, and lippling-houscs were established for their accommodation in several parts of the town. These became the resort for the soldiers and many of those Salzburgers who espoused the royal cause, and thus habits of intemperance were introduced, and the once sober and moral Germans soon learned to imitate the vicious practices of their corrupted and debased English associates. It was bad enough to desecrate the church, to devastate the country, and to drive off the inhabitants. These were, however, light evils compared with the poisonous moral influences which were spread among those who remained, by the vicious practices which are always more or less incident upon the soldier's life in the camp. These effects were seen and felt many years after the Revolution terminated." ^
Fortunately when the war was ended, A Jr. Tricbner,
* StroUels iSalzburgers, pp. 2OT 209.
- Strobe], p. 208. Air. Strobf I was fur several years pastor of Kbenezer chnrch, and was himself one of the SiUzburgers.

THE REVOLUTION.

1/5

realizing that Ebenezer would not be the best place for his future home, left the colony along- with the English troops, and, to the general gratification of the Salzburgers, never returned.
The Salzburgers were left without a pastor until 1785, their " holy and beautiful house " had been laid waste, and their congregation was scattered. Bitterness and corruption of morals had entered where all had been fidelity and peace, where a civil magistrate had not been needed, and where love had universally reigned. It was well that the pious Bolzius had been taken away from the evil to come, and that his eyes never beheld the entrance of the serpent into that little Eden which he had done so much to plant in the wilcls by the banks of the Savannah.
To make the year 1780 still darker in our annals, the army sent to the redemption of the South under the in competent Gates, was wholly routed at Camden in August, the brave De Kalb was killed, and the prospect became even darker than before. Ramsay, in describing the rout of the militia at Camden, says,' that it was " perhaps occasioned by the folio wing causes : The troops being badly supplied, had for some time subsisted on fruit scarcely ripe, without any regular rations of flesh, flour, or spirituous liquors,* "" ":<" and their strength and spirits \vere depressed by their preceding low regimen, so that they could not stand before bayonets." The Historian clearly was a strong believer in a courage of the brawn, as well as of the heart, and in spirit uous liquors as a necessary element of physical bravery.
Privateers were running- out of the secluded harbors along the coast at this time, and often succeeded in bringing back stores for the use of troops and citizens.
Civil government in Georgia had virtually ceased. The Legislature had scampered away from Savannah when the British appeared, and had appointed no Governor. Several attempts \vere made to secure a meeting of the body at Augusta, but without success. Speaker W err eat ordered
1 Vol. II, p. 148.

1/6

THE REVOLUTION.

an election of a new Legislature. Me Call says,' "It is be licved that all the members that constituted this body, ivere elected in the county of Richmond." Augusta was seized, and the peripatetic body next met at Heard Fort in Wilkes county. Next the body' met at Ebenezer, and at last returned to Savannah after the expulsion of the British. But little of the staple of civil legislation could be expected of such a body under such circumstances. Of course general legis lation was out of the question, and what of civil law was administered was chiefly of a local character, and probably more the result of custom and the passions of the hour than of any constituted authority.
The defeat and capture of Ferguson's army at King's Mountain, late in 1780, and the brilliant victory of Morgan at the Cowpens in January, 1781, and the appointing of G-rcene to the southern army, began to turn the tide in favor of the sorely tested patriots, and 1781 was as glorious for their cause as 1780 had been disastrous.
Ramsay says of the condition of the American army as it fled before Corn\vallis in January, 1781, and the suffer ings seldom paralleled, which the soldiers endured in the depth of winter : " They were some time without meat, often without flour, and always Avithoi.it spirituous liquors." Scarcely fed or clothed, they were compelled to wade deep creeks, and dry their tattered clothes by the heat of their own bodies, or less frequently by a fire hastily'- kindled, yet they " submitted to all these difficulties \vithout the loss of a single sentinel by desertion." -
The historian also cites as an extraordinary instance of British endurance in the eagerness of Cornwallis and his army to capture the flying Americans, that His Lordship not to be impeded in his fierce pursuit, destroyed most of his stores, while his soldiers " beheld, without murmuring, their most valuable baggage destroyed, their spirituous liquors staved, when the}- were entering oil a service in which

1 History, Vol. II, p. 289. 1 History of the S. C. Revolution, II, p. 208. Southern Campaigns, p. 248.

Also I.ee's Memoirs of the

THE REVOLUTION.

1/7

it would be much wanted, and under circumstances which precluded every prospect of future supply.''
A grievous item in the complaints made as to the treatment of prisoners on board the prison ships, at Charles ton, was that " wine and such like comforts particularly necessary for the sick in southern climates, could not be obtained from the British hospitals." '
Almost all Georgians in the service at that time were with Greene's army though a partisan warfare was waging" in the upper part of the State. And political hatred had reached such a pitch "that a Georgia parole, and a thrust with the bayonet, were terms of like import,"
Dr. Fayssoux describing- the suffering's of the prisoners on the prison ships, says, 3 " "The hospital at tiiis time was reduced to the greatest distress imaginable, the sick with out clothing", covering-, or any necessity but one pound of beef and bread, very lit,tlc sugar, no wine, and rarely a small allowance of rum."
Cornwallis forbade all vendue masters, auctioneers and other licensed tradesmen to sell to any prisoners held in Charleston on pain of having their licenses taken away irom them.
When General Greerie finally returned to Carolina and while he was holding1 Charleston and Savannah in a kind of siege, so that the British durst not venture into the country, the destitution of his array was so great, that many of his soldiers, we are told, had no clothing1 save a strip of cloth tied around the bod}'. And brave old " Mad Anthony" Wayne from Ebenezcr in April, 1782, writes to Col. Jackson, " We are in great distress for want of shoes, shirts and overalls; the Virginians have marched upward of three hundred miles barefoot, in which situation they still con tinue.3 I send you a gill of spirits for each man. with you, and a little for your own use, as we have not a sufficienc}1" to divide among- the officers in general, I have directed a
1 History of the S. C. Revolution, Vol. II, p. 288. 3 Ramsay, TI, p. 533. 3 Stevens 1 Georgia, II, p. 278.

178

THE REVOLUTION.

distribution between Colonels White, Poscy, and yourself, by which means your officers will participate in rotation at your table." '
The distress of the times may be well illustrated by the story of the distribution of certain stores which were sent to Governor Martin by Captain Ig-natius Few. 2
From these stores there were reserved, after inspection, for the Governor and Council seventy-five pounds of sugar, nine bushels oi salt, and twenty-three gallons of rum. To the President \vere given two gallons of rum; to each member one gallon ; the remainder the Governor was to dispose of as he should deem proper. The President was to receive two quarts of salt and ten pounds of sugar, each member of the Council was to have five pounds of sugar and one quart of rum, and the messenger of the Board had an allotment of five pounds sugar, one quart salt, and one half gallon rum.*
Everything* was scarce except money. Of that com modity there was a plethora. When Mrs. Clarke fled from Georgia in the time of direst calamit}^ Mr. Jefferson supplied her with ten thousand dollars, but it took seven hundred to purchase a pair of shoes, and Major Horry in his " Life of Marion " says that " a cow would not give a shock of corn for a horse load of this money." While Gov ernor 'Howley and his court were retreating from the British, they paid out their paper money for lodging. "The value of paper money was at that time so much reduced that the Governor dealt it out by the quire for a night's lodging of his party, and if the fare was anything extraordi nary, the landlord was compensated with two quires ; for which the treasurer required a draft, made out in due form. and signed by the Governor." *

THE REVOLUTION".

1/9

Joyful as was the coming- of peace, it witnessed great changes wrought in the morals of the people by those years of strife. The spirit of dissipation, disregard of civil authority, and license, for 3^cars to come were to manifest, themselves. The seething elements would riot calm, the vices eng-endered or fostered in the war, were now to vex society and the family. The vices poorly held in check under the imperfect colonial regime, now aggravated and intensified immeasurably, were transferred to an embryo State whose prerogatives \vere not yet defined, much less acknowledged. No central national power was recognized as supreme. Vast territories of rich lands in the hands of the aborigines to the westward, offered tempting bait to. the ambitious, whose greed of gain and lust of power,. might here find play with but slight chances for hindrance.

SECOND PERIOD FROM THE REVOLUTION TO THE CIVIL WAR.
CHAPTER XIV.
"LIBERTY." LIQUOR LAWS OK (; LX) KG i A . 1/83----I 827.
" Pass where, we may, through city or throng-h town, Vifl.-i^e or hamlet, of Lhis merry land, Though lean and beg-^ar'd, every twentieth pace Conducts th' unguarded nose to such a whiff Of stale debauch, Forth issuing- from the stills That law has lieensYl, as makes Temp'ranee reel. There sit, involv'd and lost in curling clouds Of Indian fume -anil ^uxzliny deep, the boor. The lackey, and the groom ; the craftsman there Takes a Lethean leave of all his toil ; Simih, cobbler, joiner, he that plies the shears, And h<; that kneads the dou-h : all loud alike, All learned, and all drunk."
-- Coivfiers " Task."
The end of the Revolution found Georgia in a more unstable situation than we can readily imagine. Her civil constitution, adopted in 1777, was hardly 3r et known or even thought of, as the basis for legislation ; and the various enactments of the straggling-, and little more than self-con stituted, L-egislature, added to the lawlessness which long; years of bloodshed and freedom from all restraint of civil law had engendered--produced a kind of chaos which could hardly be reduced to order. The Constitution itself was an experiment made by people totally unused to popular gov ernment founded on a popular charter as the source of authority for their laws.
Tt is a wonder that the experiment succeeded so well. The instrument, however much of good it contained, yet
i So

LIQUOR LAWS OF GEORGIA. 1/83-1827.

l8l

was very imperfect, and its benefits were due moi~e to the strong- sense of private and social rigiits so characteristic of the Saxon race.
The iirst. Constitution had declared of iorce all those existing- laws and acts which did not conflict with present or subsequent laws passed by either the Provincial or Conti nental Congress. This was certainly a vague g'uaranty, and the acceptance of it by any considerable portion of the people, only illustrates ag-aiti the fact that men, rather than measures, command popular support. The high character of the men holding- the chief places of trust was regarded rather than the defectiveness of fundamental laws.
By an Act of Feb. 25, 1784, it. was declared that all laws in force May 14, 1776, not contrary to the constitu tion and laws then (1784) existing, should remain in force, as well as the common law of England, in so far as its statutes had been formerly applied in Oeorgia. 1 This was doubtless the best policy that could have then been pursued ; for a civil constitution must grow ivit/i. and to a people, and become bone of their bone, and strength of their strength.
New territory from the Indians was added. As the Indians now lacked Knglish support, treaties for land were comparatively easy.
By a treaty at Augusta in 1783, the land up to the mouth of the Kiowe was acquired, and the then large counties of Washington and Franklin were carved out of the new acquisition. hi 1785, by the treaty of Golphinton, the lands lying between the south stream of the St. Mary's and the Forks of the Oconee and OcmuSgee were added, the red man's face was turned toward the setting sun, though, until 1802, the Oconee was the treaty barrier against the encroachments of" the whites. In 1802, by the treaty made at Fort Wilkinson, part, and in 1805, by the Washington treaty, the remainder, up to the Alcovy, of the land between the Oconee and Ocmulgee, was acquired, and so the border remained until the second war with Great Britain.
1 Martrary and Crawford'y Digest, p. 404.

I 82

" L1BKRTY."

Land \varrants,especially for the newly acquired terri tory, began to be drawn. It was a beginning of the lottery system of land distribution in Georgia, which, in itself, worked great corruption among- the people, and the distri bution was sometimes attended with perilous consequences. In May. 1784., the first session of this L,arid Court \vas held in Augusta. Very many applicants for land appeared, but lor some reason, the Court was not ready to proceed with the distribution. The impatient crowd became violent. "A "few evil disposed persons hinted to the people at large, whose minds by the ]iucc of the cane, were already inflamed, that there was a more concise way of obtaining their warrants. They immediately herded, and, 1 must con fess, looked formidable." 1 For a time the mob were cajoled with promises, but on Saturday they rushed pell-mell into the office bearing down all opposition* seized the warrants indiscriminately, and soon four or five hundred were missing. New \varrants had to be issued, and the \vhole matter was involved in endless confusion.
A strong current of immigration about this time set in from the Carolinas and Virginia, especially into Middle Georgia, though the population could hardly have increased during- the war. The population in 1773 was not much above 30,000 whites and blacks. During the war Georgia lost, according to Ramsay, one thousand white citizens and four thousand slaves/ or about one-sixth of her entire population. In the apportionment made by Congress in 1/83, on the basis of population for tax purposes, Georgia was rated at 25,000 inhabitants. Air. Gervais moved to reduce the apportionmcnt to the basis of 15,000 inhabitants, asserting that there were not more; but his motion was rejected/ At that time only New Hampshire, Rhode Island, jMaryland, and Con necticut, had any authentic statistics as to population.
The State records of this period arc very incomplete. Indeed, in 1786, quite a dif&culty was stirred up between
* Slevcns History, Vol. IT, pp. 355-6. 3 Ramsays Revolution in Smith Carolina, Vol. II. p. 3?o.
^ Madison tnpers, Vul. 1, p. ^37.

LIQUOR LAWS OF GEORGIA. 1/83-1827.

183

the new State and its metropolis. Certain documents belonging" to the State had been retained in Augusta after the order of the Rxecutivc Board for their removal. Savan nah claimed the papers under the Constitutional provision that each county was to have the custody of its own records. But Chatham's (county) records were also the records of the State; for the parish and county were, lor a long* time, synonymous politically, with the province. Much liti gation ensued before the papers were finally sent to Augusta. Indeed, it seems from the State records extant, that some of the lacking papers were never sent.
In t/S^ another revision of the Constitution occurred, and another in T/o.8.
Counties now began to loom into importance as members of the body politic, and certain prerogatives, which in Colonial days, had been centered at the provincial capital, were now allotted to these subordinate divisions.

CKGISLATIOX.

The inter-county commerce, if we may so term peddling, was however, stilt a matter of State control, and an act of 1/96 continued to the Treasurer of the State the licensing uf peddlers and other transient tradesmen. But most other licensing powers were lodged in tlie courts of the county. The prohibitions against gnming and sports of all kinds on the Sabbath, as well as the keeping open of public houses and the entertaining of any, save strangers or lodgers, were still maintained ; the Church wardens and constables of the parishes, as of yore, were required to " walk through the town of Savannah, and the respective towns of this province," once in the forenoon and once in the afternoon, in the time of divine service, " to observe, suppress, and apprehend all offenders whatsoever, contrary to the true intent and mean ing of this act/' Tavcrncrs and tippling-house keepers, who dared to " sell wine, punch, beer, ale, cider, or any spirituous liquor whatever," to any articled seaman to the amount of more than one shilling and sixpence per day, or who should

lS4

*' LIBERTY.

presume to entertain such seaman in his, or her, or their house, to drink or tipple after nine o'clock, were punished as in the Colonial period. The laws in reference to the selling of liquors to slaves began to be made more specific if not more severe; also the laws against drunkenness in patrols
were continued. Many other enactments, however, as to liquor vending
began to appear on the statute books. The most important of these was that regulating

TAVERNS.

Approved December 24, 1791,' and running as follows: >N J. From and after the passing of this

LIQUOR LAWS OF GEORGIA. 1/83-1827.

l8$

Sections til and IV of the above act, which were after ward repealed by the penal code, related to retailing without license. Section 111 enacted that any person who shall, unlicensed, keep a tippling* house, or sell \vinc, beer, cider, ruin, brandy, or other spirits, or a mixture of the same,shall be fined ten pounds, one-half to the informer, the othcr,to the use of the county. A merchant, however, may sell liquor not less than a quart, and a planter, or other person, may dispose of the distilled products of his o\vn grain or orchard, not in less quantity than a quart, without license. In Chatham, Liberty and Efnugham counties, how ever, the merchant must not sell in quantity less than a gallon.
Under Section IV a license fee of two pounds was exacted before the license could be issued.
By an Act of 1702 the clerk of the Superior Court was allowed in the Fees List the sum of four shillings and eight pence for every tavern license, " including* every service therein." ^
An act of r/86 had already declared any tavemcr \vho permitted gaming on his premises, incapable of keeping a tavern, and also affixed a penaltv of five pounds for a violation of its provisions.
Section V of the Tavern Act repeals all previous acts " within the purview of this act." " y^r<?z/z^v/ always, that the corporation of the city of Savannah and Augusta shall have the sole regulation and power of governing and direct ing taverns and granting licenses, within ihuir several jurisdictions."
The rate fur tavern license was nxed by act of December i$, 1809, at five dollars; with a proviso added excepting Savannah, Augusta, or any other incorporated town. The second section of this act reads as follows: "Any person on application, and complying with this law, may have license to retail spirituous liquors, without being obliged to keep other entertainment ; -/-y^z/?^?^ such person shall give
? Marbury and CmwforJ, p. 23%.

I 86

" LIBERTY.

bond, and sufficient security to the inferior court in the 1 sum of five hundred dollars, to keep an orderly house ; and provided also, that if the}- do keep a house of entertainment, they shall not be allowed, any other pay than agreeable to tavern rates." 1
These acts incorporating- the restrictions for the Sabbath of the Tavern Act of 1/62, and those for seamen, of 1766, constituted the tavern laws of Georgia for many years.
Liquor in the hands of venders paid tax along* with other wares and merchandise. This tax after the Revolu tion became very much higher than before.
In the tax law of 1790, Section III assesses a tax of fifty shillings upon every hundred pounds sterling of all foreign goods, wares, liquors, and merchandise, sold, bargained, or trafficked for, and four pounds w;ts imposed upon the factor or broker himself.2 This heav}^ tax seems to have been "a war measure," and was soon reduced--m 1793--to four shillings and eightpence.
From 1802, and for many years thereafter, the tax on the stock in the trade was 3i*^cts, per $100.
In 1792 was passed " An Act to protect religious socie ties in the exercise of their religious duties." A fine not exceeding five pounds was imposed upon the guilt}7 party,in default of which payment, the offender was to be committed to jail for a term not exceeding ten days. Tf the offender \vcre a slave, he should be punished by whipping.
By an amendatory statute to the foreg-oing law in December, 1808, it was enacted:
" SKCTTON I. It shall not he lawful for any person to sell, or cause to be sold, , beer, whiskey, -in, rum, or br andy, or any other intoxicating

resorted to for c

propriated to such worship.

or offenders, sha j] be su,bjt-cl. to the penalty of thirly dollars, which sh:-ill be recover-

istices of the inferior court, and

1 Clayton'* Digest , p. 568. 2 Marbury and Cr;awford. p. 482.

LIQUOR LAWS OI<- GEORGIA. 1783-1827.

187

Provided nevattu'lcss, that the penalties of this Act shall not extend to licensed retailers of liquors, actually residing- within the limits herein pointed out." '

The Act of December, 1808, B in reg-ard to the sale of liquor to slaves, with its preamble, is as follows :
merchandise, under the denomination of shopkeepers, to encourage the slaves of this State, to sell unto them a quantity of provisions and other commodities,
license of the owner or owners of such slave, or slaves, by which the owners of such slave, or slaves, arc, and may he, great sufferers, should such pernicious, practices continue.
It is therefore enacted, that all persons tavern, and are retailers of spirituous liquors, ; sale a license is necessary, must take an oath before the clerk of the inferior court on receiving- such license, not to sell to aiiy mixtures thereof, without the permission, or consent, of the owners, agents, attorneys, or overseers of such slaves."
The second section of this Act, affixes a penalty of thirty dollars to a violation of the law, and a recognizance of two hundred dollars with sureties for good behavior for the remainder of the year. I f the offender failed to furnish such sureties he was to be incarcerated in the jail not more than six months, and was also liable to prosecution for perjury before any proper court.
An amendatory Act to the above in J 1810, repeated the clause requiring- an oath from the applicant on receiving license, but in creasing1 the fine (which was to be collected in the Superior Court) to not more than $300, nor less than $100, for each offence, one-half to be paid the prosecutor, the other half to make part of the county funds.
By a statute of 1818,' Section IV, it was enacted, viz.:
" If any slave, or slaves, shall be found in any store, house, or tippling shop, unless sent by his, her, or their owner, owners, overseer, or employer, after the hour of nine o'clock at night, or before daybreak in the morning, or on the Sabbath day, it shall be taken and received as presumptive evidence against the
1 Clayton's Digest, p. 480. 2 Clayton, p. 567. 3 Clayton, p. 653. * l.aniar's Digest, p. 810.

l8S

" LIBERTY."

person or persons owning, or person keeping the store or tippling-shop, of a viola tion of this ;u-l and punished accordingly, which presumption may be rebut ted by any other circumstances in favor of the reused."
It. A van also enacted, Sec. XIII, that

other person whatsoever, shall sell to or furnish any slave or slaves, or free
for his own use, or for the purpose of sale, such person so offending shall, upon conviction thereof, pay a line of not less then ten dollars, nor more than fifty dollars, for the first offence, And upon a second conviction, to be subject to Roe and imprisonment in the common jail of the county, at the discretion of the court, not Lo exceed sixty days' imprisonment, and five hundred dollars fine.
" Provhit-il, nothing herein contained shall prevent the owner, overseer, or employer, from furnishing their slaves, or those under their care, with such quantity of spirits, etc., as they may believe is for the benefit of such slave, or slaves, but in no case to permit them in any way to furnish others therewith."
These laws remained in force until the civil war.
SUTLERS.
In the Militia, law of 1803, we find the following regula tion :
"When sutlers shall attend regimental ur other musters', they shall be con sidered under the direction of the commanding oniccr present with regard to the time and place of their selling liquors, or other refreshments and that it shall be lawful for said commanding officer, to grant exclusive privileges to such persons as may engage to furnish spacious and convenient places of parade."
This sutler law, continued in iSo/, was agjain continued in i8%8/ with the additional provision that such sutlers, on parade days, should not be subject to license laws.
This Militia Act of 1818 permitted the commanding officer at such muster,to confine any persons who should interrupt or molest any officer or soldier on parade, for not more than one day,nor less than six hours, "during \vbicb time they shall not be allowed to drink any spirituous liquors." Any non-commissioned officer, or soldier, who should behave mutinously, or leave the ranks without permission, or " appear on parade drunk," was to be confined for the day and fined at the discretion of the court of inquiry, not more than thirty, nor less than five dollars.
* Clayton'x Digest, p. 108. = Lamar's Digest, p. 466.

LIQUOR LAWS OF GliOKCIA. T 783--1827.

189

PEDDLERS.
By an act of 1817 peddlers were required to procure license from the clerk of the inferior court of the county in which they expected to vend their goods. The sum of $600 was exacted for license* one-half to be appropriated to county purposes, the other half to the use of the State, and the peddler was also compelled to pay five dollars to the clerk ns a personal fee, and subscribe to a stringent oath to observe all the regulations with which the itinerant trading had been hedged about bv former statutes. vYn extra license was also required for each additional wagon, cart, or other vehicle employed by him in his traffic. His person must also be described, so that there could be no mistaking his identity.
The amended act of 1824. turned the peddler licensing again into the hands of the State, and the Comptroller General was authorized to issue such licenses, receiving himself a fee of five dollars for the license, while the Treasurer received one hundred for the State, which was made part of the Poor School Fund, and the Treasurer received a fee of $2.00 for his counter signature to the license. Fines for violation oi the law which were to be paid to the clerks of the inferior courts of the respective counties where the offences were prosecu ted, and became part of the poor fund for such counties. But notwithstanding the State license,any corporate town might levy a tax not exceeding fifteen dollars per day upon such peddler for selling wilhin its limits. Out all these statutes always left the trade, by any person, in the manufactures of the State license-free, a measure which doubtless helped to increase the revenue. Special acts were occasionally passed for the benefit of individual retailers by which they were freed from the payment of license. Thus in 1809 an act was passed wherein it was recited that David Limeberger of Emngham county, having lost one of the " most useful and valuable members of his body in the service of his country/' should be " authorized and privileged to sell and retail spirituous liquors (in the county in which he may reside)

I go

" .LIBERTY.

free of license or charge/ only being subject to the fines and forfeitures prescribed for licensed retailers by the act of December, i8o8/
DRUNKENNESS NO EXCUSE.
lii the oth Section of the Penal Code of 1816, appears a statute ^ which remained a permanent part of the law cf (Georgia, viz:
" Drunkenness shall nut be an excuse fur any crime or misdemeanor, unless soch drunkenness was occasioned by the fraud, artifice, or contrivance of other person, or persons, for the purpose of having a crime perpetrated ; :ind then the person r persons so causing said drunkenness for such malignant purposes, shall be considered a principal, and suffer the same punishment as would have been inflicted on the person committing the oiTence if he, or she, had been possessed of reason and sound discretion."
DEBAUCHERY.
Section VM of the Penal Code of 1816."
"If any person shall he guilty of open letvdness, or any notorious act of public indecency, tending to debauch the morals, or keeping open tippling houses, on the Sabbath day, or Sabbath night, he or she shall be indicted, and,

Section VIII enacts :
" Any person who sha.ll keep and maintain, cither by himself, or herself, or others, % common, ill governed and disorderly house, to the encouragement of idleness, gaming, drinking, or other misbehavior, or to the common disturbance of the neighborhood,or orderly citizens, such person so offending shall, on conviction,
tion of the court."
These statutes continued a permanent part of the penal code of (reorgia.
ADULTERATED KOOI> AND DRINK.
Section XIV of the J*enal Code of iSi6,* provides that
" Any baker, bre\vcr, distiller, merchant, grocer, or other person, selling unwholesome bread, drink, or pernicious and adulterated liquors, knowing them to
* Claytons Digest, p. 320. a Lamar, p. .565. * Lamars Digest, p. 596. * l^amsr, p. 598.

LIQUOR LAWS OK GEORGIA. 1783-1827.

191

be so, shall he indicted, and on conviction, shall be fined or imprisoned in the common jail, or both, at the discretion of the court."
This statute continued an unchanged part of the penal code.
SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS VS. THE PENITENTIARY.
The Penal (Code of 1816' prohibited the introduction of any spirituous or fermented liquors into the penitentiary-- penalty for violation twenty dollars--"save such ns the keeper may use in his own family, or which the attending* physician may prescribe for a convict in ill health, and administer himself or deliver into the hands of a person authorized to receive them."
The latter part of this act, vi%., that in regard to the administering of liquors to a convict, has remained in the penal code to the present day.
The Tax act of December, 1804, already given in sub8tance,rcmained in force for many years thereafter, at least,in so far as its provisions applied to liquors and to liquor venders.
An Act of 1811 ^ may serve to remind us of "the bloody chasm " between the Whigs and Tories of the Devolution, which was not soon bridged over. This statute granted to the Commissioners of Sunbury Academy 166^$ acres of "the distillery tract"--of goo acres--adjoining Sunbury, and con fiscated as the property of Roger Kclsall, and now the property of the State.
How the epithet "distillery" became attached to this body of land, we arc not informed ; but the story of Col. Kelsall's capture at Sunbury in June, 1/81, illustrates the drinking habits of soldiers, especially the British of those days.
Captain Irlowell, in command of an American privateer, had secretly entered Sunbury Inlet, where he learned that the British ofKcers of the fort a few hundred yards away, were to dine with Mr. Kitchens, the Collector of the Port, on the King's birthday.
i I,amar, p. 666. = I,amr, p. 2.

192

" LIBERTY."

Presuming that the officers, as was their wont, would indulge freely in their liquor, Howell quietly ran up the river under cover of darkness and took the whole party prisoners. Howell, it is said, \vho had been grossly insulted by Kelsa.ll formerly when he (Howcll) was a prisoner, started with his captive to the river, intending to drown him, but was prevailed upon by the prayers of Mrs. Kitchens to forego the pleasure of strangling his enemy. Pie released the whole party on their parole, and safely reached bis vessel and escaped from under the guns of the fort.
Such were the general laws of Georgia in regard to the liquor traffic, which were enacted before the beginning of organized efforts in behalf of temperance. As will be ob served, the object of this legislation could have had but little reference to revenue, since the license fees for retailing were too small, even with the large number of venders, to have aggregated a very large sum, and as to fines and forfeitures, these were most generally applied in some form of aid to the poor, as if in compensation for the poverty caused by the drink. Indeed, the chief objects of this legislation seemed to be the restricting of the traffic to " proper persons," under certain penalties for violation. These re strictions looked chiefly to the preserving of reasonable decorum on the Sabbath along with the protection of won ship, to the preventing of the sale of spirits to negroes, and to prevent,as far as possible,the natural incentive kindled by liquor, toward other vices, as gaming, lewdncss, idleness, etc.
It seemed to those legislators, that to " break the conncction,* so to speak, between tippling and these other attendant vices, and to separate them as far as possible, was all that legislation could effect. Dram drinking and these other evils, cousins german to it, zj/ continue; true policy demands that they should be kept apart, lest their strength be mutually multiplied by contact.
It is easy to see moreover, from preambles and statutes continually increasing in severity of penalty and particu. larity of detail, that the laws were constantly disregarded, and were failing of their purpose.

r

CHAPTER XV.

MUNICIPAL. PRIVILEGES CONFERRED PRIOR TO 1827

" Estates arc landscapes gazed upon a while. Then advertised, and auctloncer'd away. The country starves, and they that feed lh* o crcharged And snrfeilcd Iswd town with her fair dues. By a just judgment strip and starve themselves."
-- Coivper.
Georgia has been less affected by the growth of civic corporations within her territory than have most States of the Union. Until forty years ago the largest towns in Georgia would not have been classed as more than large villages, or fourth class towns, so far as population was concerned. The preponderance which great cities have invariably acquired over the States in which they have grown up, has not been felt in any such degree here, as in some even of the other Southern States. These little " states within the State," the inevitable result of commerce and manufactures, and rendered stronger than ever by the concentrating power of steam transportation, gradually absorb within themselves the functions of State government, and their citizens soon begin to stand in an attitude toward State and County control, very different from that of their rural neighbors. That the inhabitants of the city should regard the State administration from their own peculiar standpoint, folio \vs as a matter of course. Very much of the " solidity " of the South and of the Cotton States in particular, has grown out of the general identity of interests among a rural population.

SAVANNAH

was " regulated " by an Act of t/6o. She became a city in being, it is said, the fourth incorporated city in the

13

193

194

MUNICIPAL PRIVILEGES

United States. By an Act of 1787 ' her wardens were to have the power of justices of the peace. Xhcy were em powered to make by-laws, impose " such pains, penalties, and forfeitures, as shall be conducive? to the good order and government of the town," etc. They might assess a rate, or such rates upon the inhabitants, as might be necessary for the purposes which they should deem proper. In accor. dance with the Act a of 1789 a Mayor and Aldermen were appointed. An Act of 1796 granted civil jurisdiction, not involving real estate, to the city court when not more than fifty dollars was the amount in suit, but an appeal to a jury of seven men might be taken. 3 This Jurisdiction was limited to $30 in i 807.*
In 1808 the council was empowered to levy a tax to pay for a \vatch or guard. 5
The wharfage and storag'e rates fixed in 17/4, including liquors of all kinds, have alread}^ been given.
A statute of 1825 {i permitted the Aldermen to have control and regulation of all shops, stores and barrooms,-- a new name; they might assess all taxes necessary for the usual needs of incorporated towns ; they should also have the sole power to govern and direct taverns, and to grant licenses within the city.
By Act of i823, 7 fines, formerly imposed and collected by the corporate authorities of Savannah, were turned over to the inferior court of Chatham county, and in 1828 the Mayor's Court was forbidden to levy an annual poll tax exceeding one dollar.8
Auffustcz became the capital of the State in 1780, but only temporarily, as we have seen. Tt was incorporated as a city in 1798, y and its Council was empowered to make such by-laws, rules, and ordinances, respecting the harbor, streets, public buildings, workhouses, markets, wharves,

1 Marbury and Crawford's Digest, p. 122. 2 Marbury and Craw ford, p. 123. 3 Marbury and Crawford, p. 125. * Clay ton, p. 388. 6 Clayton, p. 244.

Dawsorfs Digest, p. 469. 7 Dawson, p. 124. 8 Dawson, p. 476. " Marbury and Crawford, p- 136.

CONFERRED PRIOR TO 1827.

I95

public houses, carriages, wagons, carts, dray's, pumps, buckets, fire engines, the care of the poor, the regulation of

disorderly people, negroes, and in general, ever}" other by law, or regulation that shall appear to them requisite and necessary for the security, welfare, and convenience, of the said city, or for preserving peace, order, and good govern

ment within the same. The Council also had authority to assess such taxes as might be necessary, and impose fines for offences, etc., though the General Assembly reserved to itself to revise, alter, or repeal this last-named grant.

In 1820 ! the Council of Augusta were constituted com missioners of the Richmond courthouse and jail.
An Act of 1822 2' gave to the Council jurisdiction in civil cases from 30 to $300, between parties within the city. (In 1817 the powers of the City Council of Augusta were made co-extensive with those of Savannah's Board. :i

An Act of 1818* had extended the police authority of the Council along a radius of three miles (/'. e. in Georgia) from the city, and the Council could make "such ordinances and by-laws for the preservation of peace, good order, and sobriety, and for the restraint and regulation of retailers of spirituous and fermented liquors, shopkeepers, and others, within those limits, as they are now authorized to make within the city of Augusta."

A law of 1820 forbade the Council after the expiration of the then running licenses to require of any resident of Augusta " wishing to retail spirituous liquors, a sum exceed ing- fifty dollars, as a license for the same;" but it was neces sary for the applicant to be recommended in writing by two respectable citizens,

Darien was " regulated " in i8o5, 6 and its commissioners were given control of the streets, wharves, lanes, etc., with power to assess rates, and impose lines. In 1808 they were authorized to erect a workhouse for confining all disorderly persons. 7 The town was incorporated in i8i6, s and its

1 Dawson, p. 428. '

* Lamar, p. 1000, !' Dawson, p. 428. 5 Clayton, p. 245.

7 Clay ton, p. 498. 8 l,amar, p. 1009.

196

MUNICIPAL PRIVILEGES

Council could control public houses, assess taxes, etc. In iSiS 1 it was made a city, and its Mayor's Court received jurisdiction in civil cases not exceeding; S$ioo. This amount was extended to $150, in 1821. a
Jl'filledgevme'w&'s located in 1803;" made the State capital in 1804; in i8ro4 Its commissioners were authorized to pre vent illicit traffic of shopkeepers and slaves, and iu iSi6 they

were authorized to impose fines, assess taxes, etc. Macon was incorporated in 1823, and its police court
was allo ivccl to impose a. tax upon liquor venders in the streets or on the public square, not to exceed five dollars yearly on retailers of less than five gallons.
Hard-wick was incorporated in 1793, but died of a linger ing birt/i which was protracted through most of a century.
Statg-sb&roitgJi was made the county site of Bullock in

1803-7 Waynesborougfiw&'S, laid out in 1783 ; commissioners were
appointed in 1803 ; 8 incorporated in 1812, with powers to im pose fines and taxes; retailers of spirituous liquors mig-ht not be charged more than the regular license of the State.
Jackson was incorporated in i826.9 Warrenton was laid out m 1797, and incorporated in iSio. 1"

Scindersuillc was laid out in 1796, incorporated in iSio." Maliorysvitlff was incorporated in 1819.'^ Ir-wmton was incorporated in i8i6. 13 Washington was incorporated in 1805." Its com missioners were empowered by act of 1821 to issue licenses at not more than $5.00, which license could not run more than one year. Peddlers were to be charged $5.00. St. Mary^s, by act of 1797,'* was permitted to make laws

1 Lamar, p. 1013. a Lamar, p. 4333 Clay ton, p. 107. * Clayton, p. 624. '- Dawson, p. 4446 Marbury and Crawford, p. 7 Ciayton, p. 143. 3 Clayton, p. 127.

'' Daw-son, p. 470. ' Claylon, p. 607. " Lamar, p. 948. 13 Lamfir, p. 1050. JS Lamar, p. 1024. u Clayton, p. 278. 15 Marbury and Crawford, p. 126.

CONFERRED PRIOR TO 1827.

IQ/

for its own good government; by act of 1802 the commis

sioners could impose fines not above fifty dollars, assess taxes, and after 1804, could control public houses. In 1826* they were given jurisdiction in civil cases not involving" real estate.

Athens was incorporated in 1806.- In 1815 authority was given to impose taxes, 3 and in 1822 to impose a tax equal to loo per cent, upon ail licenses to retail spirituous liquors. 4

Jefferson was incorporated in I8O8. 5

Watkmsville was incorporated i8o6. 6 Act of 1822 per mits a tax of $5.00 on all retailers of spirituous liquors. 7
Salem was incorporated i8i8. s Apflington was incorporated in i8i6.a Wrightsboroug'/i was established 1799.' Act amended 1809.

Knoxville was incorporated in 1825." Commissioners might impose a tax of $3.00 on retailers in streets or on the square, and license such retailers.
Dccatur was incorporated in 1823.'Berricn became a county site in i826, 13 then named Dray ton. Blahely became a county site in 1826,'* with the justices of the Superior Court of the county for its commissioners. Springfield was laid out in I799- 10 No corporate powers granted for some years. Ebenczer was incorporated in I796. 10 Elherton was incorporated in 1803. 1T

Petersburg was incorporated in i8o2. 18

Ruckermlle was incorporated in 1S22. 1 "

1 Dawson, p. 469. a Clayton, p. 329. 3 I,amar, p. 1006. - Dawson, p. 442. '- Claylon, p. 499. e Clayton, p. 305. 7 Dawson, p. 443. 8 Lamar, p. 1045. 9 Lamar, p. 1027. 10 Marbury and Crawford, p. 131.

" Dawson, p. 463. ] - Dawson, p. 446. rj Dawson. p. 170. '* Dawson, p. 469. Ir' Marbury and Crawford, p. 158. 1(l Miirbury and Cvawford, p. 154. l7 Clayton, p. 144. J8 Clayton, p. 92. 19 IDawsoii, p. 442.

198

MUNICIPAL 1'RIVII.KGES

S"wainsboroitg-/t, was incorporated in 1822.' Fayettcville was incorporated in 1823.- The Commis sioners might impose a tax not more than $5.00 on retailer; in the squares and in the streets. Carnes~t )ilte was incorporated in 1807. By the Act of 1808 the Commissioners could impose a tax not more than $6.00 upon retailers in the streets or on the square, not more than five gallons in quantity to be sold, at o'nce. Grec'iisboroitgii was established in 1786.' Incorporated in 1803. Latvrcncei'illc was incorporated in 1821. By the Act of i8235 the Board might tax retailers of liquors, not more than $5.00 yearly. Clarksi'illc was incorporated in iS23. 6 Gainesvillc was incorporated in i82i. 7 Sparta was incorporated in 1805. s By an Act of 1822 the Council might limit the number of those retailing less than five gallons,9 and the yearly tax upon these was not to exceed $10 }T earIy. By an Act of 1827, w no colored man was to be allowed to keep a house of public, nor of private entertainment m Sparta, nor vend wares, goods, merchandise nor spirituous liquors. Poiucllton was incorporated in i8i6. f ' M'cDouougJi, was incorporated in 1823. 12 Perry was incorporated in 1824.''* M'onticcllo was incorporated in i8io. u Louisville was laid out in 1786, regulated iSi/.' 3 Clinton made county site in 1808 ; incorporated i8i6. 16 D'libliti was incorporated in 1812.'' Sitnbury was incorporated in

vford, p. 167.

CONFERRED PRIOR TO 1827.

[99

Riceborough was laid out in 1/97.' Lincolnton was incorporated in 1817." Daniels-villa was incorporated in 1817. 3 Forsyth way incorporated in 1823. Amendment of 1824* allowed the Council to impose a tax of not more than $3.00 annually upon venders in streets or on the square. Mount Vernon made a county site in 1813.* Madison was incorporated in iSop. 6 Covington was incorporated in 1822."' Council might impose a tax on liquor venders in the streets not more than $5.00. Retailers must sell in quantities less than five gallons. Lexington was incorporated in i8o6. 8 Council permit ted to tax liquor venders on the streets not more than $5 daily. Repealed in 1826." First town in the State to tax retailers. Neimnan was incorporated in 1823."* Zebulon was incorporated in 1825." Hartford was incorporated in i8ii. ia Eatonfon was incorporated in 1809." Clayton was incorporated in 1821. u Jacksonborojtgh laid out 1/97, was incorporated in 1823." Craxvf.ordsville was incorporated in 1826." Might tax retailers in'the streets not more than $3.00. Jacksonville was incorporated in i8i5.' T Tkoma^i'illc made public site, 1826." Mario,h regulated. 18 11 ; incorporated, i8i6. 19 Thoimaston was incorporated in 182$.TM Monroe was incorporated in 1821."'

Marbury and Crawford, p. Ig?. mar, p. 1044. mar, p. 1041. \vson, p. 456. mar, p. 2O3.
Clayton, p. 553. Dawson, p. 441. Claytoii, p. 307.
wson, p. 469. wsoo, p. 329. Dawson, p. 46$.

12 I.amar, p. 936. " Clayton, p. 55;. '* Oawstm, p. 43515 T) aw son, p. 4 go. "Dawson, p. 467. " I^mar, p. 1015. ls Dawson, p. 468. 19 E-amar, pp. 939-940. " Davvson, p. 460. 21 Da wson, p. 43%.

2OO

MUNICIPAL PRIVILEGES

Of the sixty-eight in corpora tea cities and towns of Georgia, we are surprised to find how very few had the licensing* power vested in the town authorities. )uite a number of these corporations had the power to impose taxes upon street venders of liquors, but the licensing power had been reserved up to 1827, the beginning of the temperance revival, with most jealous care, in the hands of the county authorities. Only about one-fourth of the whole number could impose taxes on the traffic in any form, and even the very small fees to which these corporations were limited, were so inconsiderable that their powers were clearly of a police character, intended chiefly for the maintenance of peace and good order. Even Savannah, which was considerably older than the State Constitution, we find received its licensing prerogative some years after the century had begun. The same observation is true of Augusta. To repress, not to give unlimited control, was the clear intention of old municipal laws. It \vas a kind of right of self-defence, with which the towns \vere endowed, and the civil and penal powers conferred, were apparently the least which, could be given, and at the same time ample enougii to be likely to accomplish the main object intended, viz., the preservation of order. A city court hardly outranked that of a country justice as to its penal jurisdiction, and its liberties in the matter of licensing were of the most meager character.
'Washington, one of the oldest and wealthiest towns in the State, only received so late as 1821, the authority to grant license to retailers of spirituous liquors, and the license fee could not exceed five dollars annually, and it was not until the next year that Athens was permitted to impose a tax----not a license--not greater than the State tax, up Km her liquor venders. It was some years later before the licensing power was lodged in the hands of the city council.
Lexington, Fayetteville, Knoxvillc, Watkirisville, Lavvrenceville, Carnesville, Crawfordsville, Covington, Forsyth, Macon, and two or three other towns probably, for th<e acts relating to them are somewhat indefinite, \vere only

CONFICKKKJ) PRIOR TO I 827.

2OE

permitted to impose a small tax--m>t exceeding- five dollars --upon liquor venders who sold, their goods in the streets or on the squares. Milledgeville might prevent illicit traffic between shop-keepers and slaves, and St. Mary's and Darien had civil jurisdiction where no larg'e sums were involved.
All in all, the licensing power of municipalities in 1827 was of the smallest, and was intended for protection not for revenue.

CHAPTER XVI.
DRINK HABITS OK THE GEORGIANS AN 17 THEIR MORAL STATUS. 1783-1827.
"And priest and soldier trilled good songs for mass. And All the prayers the priests said were, Pray, drink! And all the soldiers swore were, Drink! Till Mirth sat like a. jaunty postillion Upon the back of Time and urged him un.
That quaint old book, "Gilmcrs Georgians," furnishes some rare pictures of the social and domestic life of the people of this State during the latter part of the last, and the early part of the present, century. Most of the book is descriptive rather of Middle and Upper Georgia than of the lower and first settled portions of the State, though, doubtless, many of the sketches might apply to every part of the commonwealth.
Upper and Middle Georgia, it will be noted, were settled from other colonies, and not by immigrants from Europe direct, and marked differences of character between the Upper and the Lower Georgians are yet observable. The dashing, reckless frontiersman of the " Up countrv" was not reared in the crowded cities of the Old World as were many of the " low country " people, and his virtues and his vices were his own, and were as characteristic as his own individ uality. Among the latter though the pioneer would prob ably have ranked them as virtues \vere drinking and gaming. And as social intercourse furnished most of the pleasures which came to the lot of the early settlors, and as drinking and card playing were the all but universal concomitants of hospitality, these vices were not likely to wane. We take a
202

DRINK* HABITS OF THE GEORGIANS.

2OJ

few samples from "The Georgians/' to. illustrate the life of the period.
The Governor says/ " The preacher and the school master, the first to commence the onward march of civiliza tion, were very slow in reaching outskirt settlements. Most who did were drunken Irishmen or dissolute Virginians, who found the restraints of society in the old countries too bind ing tor their comfort, and therefore moved to the new/
In charity for the clergy, we will suppose that the Governor means that only the ranks of the schoolmasteis were recruited from "drunken Irishmen and dissolute Vir ginians."
lie proceeds: " Newspapers were confined to the select few. It appears from the record of the Gourt of Ordinary of Wllkes county, that five out of sixteen wills had the makers' mark put to them, instead of their signatures. The proportion of those who could not write must have been still greater among those who died intestate.
"" In the inventories of estates from 1/77 to 1783, the first five had only four books, and they valued at six shillings. The next four had one entry of books, coupled with sleighs, and both valued at four shillings. In the next three there is but one book, an Old Testament. In the next three there is an entry of one parcel of old books, valued at five shillings. In the next eight no mention is made of books. In the next five there is an entry of a prayer-book. Then there are three in which there is one entry of an old Bible and a hymn book. The next has an entry of a. parcel of old books, valued at seven shillings and sixpence. The next thirteen have no entry of books. The succeeding one has an entry of a tomahawk, prayer-book and Testament; the next, of a Bible ; the next six, one Hiblc ; and the next fourteen arc without any entry of books at all."
Perhaps we may get a fair idea of what the people con sidered the duties of the officers of the law in regard to public morality from a presentment made by the Wilkes
* GQmers " Georgians,*" p. 180.

2O4

jRINK HABITS OF THE GEORGIANS

Count}* Orancl Jury in 1785:' " We also present Hczekiah \Vheat for profam swearing", also Stephen Tirooks for profam swearing, also John Boggs for profairi swearing-, also Win. Vardiman for profain swearing-,"---then follow nineteen ad ditional names apparently indicted for the same offence-- "also John Bragg for fighting and gambling, Joseph Parham for gambling, also Grant Taylor and William Osborne for fighting, also Joseph Ryaii for profain s\vearing, Richard Powe]l for gambling, also James Williams for profane swear ing, Daniel Young for gambling and suffering it to be done in his house, Peter Stubblefield for gambling, Daniel TerondiL for suffering gambling in his house, also Owen Shannon for swearing and gambling, also "Thomas Shannon, Jr., for gambling, also Frederick Lipham for suffering gambling in his house ; also the Magistrates knowingly suffer the Sabbath to be broke bv merchants dealing, and negroes and others playing fives and other vices, in particular the Magistrates about town, who see it frequentl}-; C. Z. Micajah Willamson, William Moor and Henry Mouiig-er, Esquires; also, that the militia officers in different districts do not keep up a patrol, from which the inhabitants suffer great damage by negroes riding horses at night and many other mischievous acts, also that people are suffered to gallop and run horses through the town of Washington ; also that there is never a fine inflicted upon officers and privates for not obeying their orders, and for omitting their duties in the town of Washington, also in all other parts of the county ; and also that the constitution as it stands debars us from some privilege easements."
This presentment is instructive m what 't omits, as well as in what it. expresses,
" Profain swearing," "gambling or suffering it to be done in one's house," "fighting," "Sabbath breaking," "gal loping " of horses through the streets, etc., are the offences regarded as penal under the law, but nothing is said about drinking or drunkenness, yet these vices were prevalent and all but universal. Drunkenness was regarded, manifestly, as
1 Gilmer's " Georgians," p. i87-

AN1> THEIR MORAL, STATUS. 1783-1827.

205

a failing rather than a crime. Indeed, immediately after the above grand jury presentment follows a " lye bill" given by Andrew I/razer to Micajah. Williamsoii for " calling him (Wiiliamson) rogue and several other unguarded expressions which I am certain I should not have done had i not been much intoxicated both in excess of drinking, and spirit or heal of passion."
Of a distinguished Georgian, well known in national councils, G-OV. G-ilmer says, that this statesman had suc ceeded in defending himself from the effects of drink until he became paralyzed* after which, still continuing to use the accustomed quantity, he often lost his self control and made himself the terror of the society which he frequented by his looseness of tongue.
Card playing was the general pastime. At a social gathering the young people danced, while the older " played whist, drank, and talked politics." Gov. Gilmer gives an account of a quarrel and a life long enmity between two leading families ol Middle (reorgia--all originating at his father's house under the heat of drink and gaming during one of these rural entertainments.
" He (Micajah McCrehcc) was the first ot the settlers who planted a pcachj orchard on the waters of Broad River, turned its fruit into brandy, and then into dollars. The habit of drinking what made drunkenness was, in early times among the frontier folks, almost universal. Brandy making and selling was the most profitable of all employments. Micajah McCrehee made from his orchard sixteen hundred dollars a year, when that sum purchased as much as five thousand dollars does now. * * % His constitution was so strong, that he battled with death, taking brandy until he was upward of eighty years old. When he was young it took drinking all day to make him drunk, fie became a member of the Methodist Church during the great religious excitement of 1809--10--ti. He still continued to get drunk. When he was spoken to about it, he said that the habit was so confirmed that he could not live without the free use of

2O6

DRINK HABITS OF Till: GEORGIANS

brandy. He was requested to say what q nan tit}* was neces sary for his health. He agreed to trv to limit Jitmself to a quart a day, but the allowance failed to keep him alive."
The garrulous old Governor says, "The boys had 110 marbles nor tops, until their own labor added to their fathers' means to buy them. All work, little play, no fruit, poor eating, thin clothing, open houses, hard beds, and lew blankets, made children hardy, or killed them. No novels, pianos, or idleness filled the heads of the girls with vain imaginings. The sing-ing- at the meeting1 houses of the primi tive Baptists tempted but few to attend for the sake of the melod3r . The great pleasure indulged in by the youngpeople was dancing- at night. The married women sought recreation from their six clays' work by visiting their neigh bors 011 Sunday. The men went to musters, shooting matches, and horse races on Saturdays. Housekeepers treated their friends and their own families to a pudding for dinner when company came, and the man of the house drew forth his bottle of whiskey.
" Hollow trees supplied cradles for babies. The fine voices which are now heard in the pulpit and at the bar from the first native Georgians began their practice by cry ing, when infants, for the want of good nursing."
Of a celebrated judge it is said, " His deficiency in the discharge of his duty as a judge, proceeded from the control which his early habits of drinking- arid gambling continued
to have over him. More than once after delivering a strongcharge against gambling to the Grand Jury at the opening of the court, he went to the faro table at. night, and by his bold, hazardous playing, sent the gamblers off for the want of money, who had continued to play in defiance of his judicial authority. He never went upon the bench drunk, but his red eyes and trembling hands sometimes showed that he had been in his cups the night before. Dissipation and degrading practices prevented his seeking the society of ladies. His taste was never so refined as to reform his

AND THEIR MORAL STATUS. 1783--1827.

207

low indulgences. He was kind, and would have been goodtempered, but for the perpetual excitement of whiskey. His agreable social qualities would have made him the delight of the best society, if his vicious inclinations had not carried him elsewhere. Nobody ever conversed with him or heard him speak, who did not admire him, and regret that his unfortunate fate had subjected him to temptations too strong to overcome. He had the organization and endowments of the greatest man of his ag'e and country. As he was, he only played second fiddle to one of the most ignorant and lawless." 1
Gov. Grilmer's account of his boyhood teachers certainly does not reflect much credit upon the art pedagogic: The first was a deserter from the British navy, and afterward proved to be a thief. The third WAS a drunken Irishman. The fourth was " an old Virginia gentleman, who had immigrated to Georgia, because his drunken habits had lost him most of his property and otherwise disqualified him for the society of his class, tie wrote a good hand, and could cipher. There was a distillery for making- brandy not very far from the schoolhouse. During playtime he would sometimes go over to it, and then teaching ended for that day." The next teacher " got drunk every Saturday when he had the money, and could get where whiskey was sold." Of a certain Speaker of the House of Representatives it is related, that ** he was scarcely able to read or write, was a cut-an d-shuffle, three-up card playing, or bawdy-house bully, utterly devoid of honesty, of large, brawny body, and powerful fisticuff fighting capacity. '"J
Toward the latter part of the eighteenth century, the noted semi-pirate, William Augustus Bowles, was cruising along the southern coast, and inflicting such da mage upon Spanish commerce in particular, that the Spanish authorities offered $6,000 and 1,500 kegs of Tajfe rum distilled from molasses, for his capture. But notwithstanding1 the tempting' nature of the reward, both in kind and in amount, Bowles
s " Georgians," p. 211. B " Georgians," p. 261.

208

DRINK HABITS OF THE GEORGIANS

eluded his pursuers, and, for a long* while, continued his depredations on commerce. 1
How large a part of the trade of those years was in the vending- of liquors we may gather by a glance at any of the few Georgia newspapers--only two or three in number of that day. Thus opening" at random a file of the " Colum bian Museum and Savannah Advertiser," we find in the issue of March r4, 1797, on the first page, sixteen advertise ments of Savannah merchants. Nine of this number make special mention of liquors in their inventories of goods in stock. Three do not specify the kind oi wares traded in, though spirits were in all probability included.
Robert and John Bolt on g-ive notice that they sell London porter at $3.00 per dozen " by the small quantity," and " $2.75 per grocc." .
James Wallace &. Co. have received from the West Indies, " Barbadoes and G-ranada Rum of excellent flavor, in puncheons," also " High Proof Jamaica in puncheons."
Johnston, Robertson & Co., are now landing- " S pun cheons of pure Jamaica excellent flavored spirits."
William Lamb has just received from St. Croix "per schooner 'Regulator,' 12 puncheons well-flavored old second and third proof St. Croix Hum," and he has on hand " 6 puncheons old fourth proof Jamaica spirits, 10 pun cheons Northward Rum, 3 pipes Holland Gin, 20 hogsheads London porter. Copper stills, 43 and 49 gallons each," and a large assortment of other goods,
The schooner " Sally " from Boston, is landing for George Lamb, " French brandy in pipes, and Northern Rum in barrels, and much other merchandise."
Robert Watts has just received from St. Croix by the "Regulator" "nine puncheons weH flavored last year's rum."
The Huntress from New York had just brought to Richard Dennis " 14 puncheons York Rum, ro pipes best Holland g"in, 2 pipes French braiidj', 5 pipes Teneriffe wine, 6 barrels cider, and 20 quarter casks sherry wine."
1 Stevens' "Georgia," II, p. 448.

AND THEIR MORAL STATUS. 1783-1827.

209

Stratford Brown, along with a great variety of other goods, advertises also " Best bottled brown stout porter, London particular Madeira wine, Red port by the pipe, or boxes of 6 dozen, R_um, etc/'
Tt really looks as if the chief import trade at Savannah was in liquors ; but there is no mention here of native wines, nor of liquors distilled at home.
The provisions of those statutes which gave to the Courts authority to control taverns, and fix the price at which all articles should be sold, have already been noticed. This license prerogative was eventually given to the inferior courts of the county, though, at first, the superior courts took cognizance of tavern regulations.
The " Tavern Rates " of Wilkes county in 1786, fix the liquor CVzr/^ for taverns as follows : *
s. d.
Good Jamaica spirits per gill ............................... o 6
Good \Vest Jndia. Rum per gUL............................. o 4 TafTc or Northern Rum per gill- ........... ......... ..... o 2
Good Madeira Wine per bottle.............................. 4 8 AH White \Vinc per bottle.................................. 4 8 Claret and red wines per bottle................ ......... ... 3 6 Porter per bottle.......................................... i g
Strong malt beer per quart.... ... ............... ........ o 4 Good whiskey or brandy per gill............................. o 6 Good Geneva per gill...................................... o 6

For ever) warm dinner. ...... .. ........................ I 6

""

" breakfast................................... i o

cold dinner.. '' brcakfas 1 ' supper .
For corn or oals per quart.................. .. For stabling for even* horse per night, with fodder c For good pasturing for twenty-four hours ........

PROGRESS OF RELIGION FROM 1/83 to 1827.
We have seen that up to, and during* the Revolution there were probably not more than a dozen churches, all
* Whites "Statistics of Georgia," pp. 610-11.

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DRINK HABITS OF THE GEORGIANS

told, in the colony. Of course, a foreign war on the coast, an intestine conflict in the interior, and Indian wars on the border, had not done much for the advancement of religion and morality.
The Baptists had a few churches not far from Aug-usta, and after the conflict closed, they began, with great energy, the spreading of the gospel in every direction. Under the labors of Abraham Marshall, Silas Mercer, and others who now put shoulder to the work, the progress was very rapid. "The Georgia Association was formed in 1784 by the union of five churches. In r/SS there were 27 Georgia churches in connection with this Association, which contained 2,270 members. In 1790 there were forty-two Baptist churches in Georgia, whose membership was 3,211 ; and in the follow ing year, 1791, there were forty-seven churches, whose total membership was 3,557, there being thirty-two ordained ministers and forty-five licentiates. In the year 1794 fiftytwo Georgia churches, with one whose application was refused, are reported in the minutes of the Georgia Associ ation." The estimate is 53 churches and 3,640 members. 1
In 1813 there were five associations having- 164 churches
and 15,755 members. Of these associations the largest was made up chiefly of colored members.
In 1824 there were estimated to be 264 churches, 115
ordained ministers, 25 licentiates, and 18,108 members of the
Baptists in Georgia. 2 In 1827, the same year in which temperance societies
^egaii to be formed, a great revival of religion swept over
Georgia, and in 1829 there were reported 356 churches, 200
ministers, 16 associations and 28,268 members. 3

parish." Like the Baptists, the Methodists began to secure a foothold in the section above Augusta. With only two or three preachers for several years, the denomination never theless, grew very rapidly. Soon i,roo members were reported. Humphries, Major, Hope--Hull., and a few other names are associated with this early Methodist history. Francis Asbury first came to Georgia in 1788, though he had been annually visiting- the Carolinas for several years. Perhaps since the days of the apostles,no man has ever been more apostolic in life and labors than Asbury,, With an infant church thinly scattered along- the seaboard from Maine to Georgia, and over the mountains into the wilder ness of Kentucky and Tennessee, through heat and cold, storm and sunshine, in perils of the wilderness, in perils of. wild beasts, and of men as savage as they, ofttimes in. affliction and enduring- hardships of every kind among1 rude frontiersmen, year after year, the faithful Asbury went on, visiting his great parish. How mortal man could have endured his hardships seems to us a mystery. To Asbury, far more than to Weslcy, is Georgia and American Metho dism indebted, not only for its wonderful spread, bxit also for the spirit of life and doctrine characteristic of Methodists. Some extracts from Asbury's journal give us very vivid pictures of the morals, habits and religious condition of the people. Georgia Methodism through all this period (1783-- 1827) was a part of the South Carolina Conference, and most of what is said in regard to Carolina applies with equal force to Georgia.
July 25, 1780, in North Carolina Asbury writes: 1 "I dwell as among thorns and scorpions ; the people are poor and cruel to one another ; some families are ready to starve for want of bread, while others have corn, and rye distilled into poisonous whiske3r , and a Baptist preacher has been g-uilty of the same, but it is no wonder that those who have no compassion for non-elect souls of people, should have none for their bodies."
1 Journal, Vol. I, 299.

213

DRINK: HABITS OF THE OKOKGIANS

From the above it would seem that Asbury had fallen in among the Hardshells or ironsides, whose hearts had been frozen by the fatalism of their own faith and teachings.
Nearly ten years later at Chester, S. C., the good bishop writes^ (Feb. 24, 1790), " Some here have been awakened, but they lean to Calvinism, and the ]ove of strong- drink carries almost nil away; my spirit was botvcd clown amongst them. I spoke a little, and so did brother Wliatcoat. \Vc appointed a night meeting ; there camu only two men, and they were dru.uk/'
Two days later the following entry is found : " After ndmgj thirty miles through heavy sands, we came to Doctor Fuller's. 1 am strongly inclined to think I am done with this road and people. They pass for Christians--a prophet of strong drink might suit them. T was clear in not receiv ing anything without paying for it."
But the drinking habits of the people were weighing heavy on the good preacher's soul. He writes on the 28th : " The inhabitants of this little town (CampbeU Town) seem lobe sober and industrious; but even here I found some drunkards/'
March 7, 1791, at Hudson's Ferry, Georgia, the Bishop says: ^"1 preached with some freedom, but the people ap peared wild and stupid, t was alarmed at hearing a man talking long and loud, thinking he was drunk, and would come in and disturb the congregation ; but he was, as 1 afterward learned, an Antinomian." People in those days, it seems, often stressed orthodoxy while they ^zj^rf^^V morality, a habit not altogether unknown to the prescni age
The Bishop was very much disgusted with Wayncsborough, Georgia, as we find in his diary of March 25, 1792.^ This \vas on account of the prevalent dissipation of the people. " Let preachers or people/' he says, " catch me in Wayncsborough until things are altered and bettered/'
i Journal, Vol. If, p. 06.
^ Journal, Vol. It, p. 96.
3 Journal, Vol. II, p. 123.

A XL* THEIR MORAL STATUS. 1783-1827.

213

Feb. 4, 1793,' "We came to Salt Kctchers' bridge, where we stopped to pay our fare--hut. oh! the scent of rum, and men tilled with it! 1 low shocking1 ! Who could enter such a house?"
On the Sabbatli following", he writes,- "f preached with some life on Ezek. XXXV3 : 25, 26,but, alas ! the people are so dissipated, and so ignorant of gospel truth, that it is difficult (o preach to them but I cannot spare, thoug-h they keep their course to hell."
The dissipation of Carolina's gay metropolis caused Asbury to regard the city as a kind of Sodom, and more than once he records his displeasure at such wickedness. Thus Feb. 24, 1794, he sa3r s : "I now leave Charleston, the seat of Satan, dissipation, and folly. Ten months hereafter, with the permission of divine Providence, I expect to.see it air am.
Even the Bishop's long suffering spirit could not al ways forbear ; he writes March 14, 1795." " I preached, prayed (and the people said) stormed and scolded. When the meeting was over, I saw the new- still house, which, as George Fox said, ' struck at 1113- life/ and we found it neces sary to deal plainly with Brother------about his distillery, and to tell him what we apprehend would be the con sequence if persisted in. Its natural tendency would be to corrupt- his family and the neighborhood ; and to destroy the Society. O that the snare of Satan may be forever broken ! "
On Monday following- we read, "Rode fort}- miles to M. S. My body is weak, and so is my faith for this part of the vineyard. This country improves in cultivation, wicked ness, mills, and stills. A prophet of strong drink would be acceptable to many of these 'people. I believe that the Methodist preachers keep clear, both by precept and ex ample. Would to God the members did so, too ! Lord, have pity on weeping, bleeding Zion."
1 Tournal, JI, p. 154a Journal, II, p- T553 Journal, 1 1, p. 2ig.

214

DRINK HABITS OJ-' THE GEORGIANS

From this lamentation of the pastor it is clear that some of the Methodist Rock--despite all the rigid discipline of the " societies,"--\verc nevertheless tainted with the liquor leprosy.
This for April 4, 1796,'--in South Carolina--" There is a general complaint of the want of corn in these parts ; and no wonder when we consider the great storm they have had, and the number of stills in the country. The people here drink their bread, as well ns eat it." Not the first instance of famine bred of the still-\vnrm.
April ii. i/o,6/al. Connells, N. C. : "After preaching, I was going to administer the sacrament, and discovered that what they had provided for wine was, in reality, brandy, so 1 desisted."
The trail of the serpent was over all, as ^. ^-., " \Ve con tinued our journey down Waked Creek bv Robinson's house, mills, and stills, and brought up at Turbot Cottingham's, at the Beauty Spot. Notwithstanding* all that Methodists, Baptists, and three meeting houses have done, the people are still far from ^vz//Z^// in a spiritual sense." ^
Even in 1812, when the brave old man's course was nearing its end, he still was often brought face to face with his old enemy--the liquor demon. liaving crossed Broad River, December 8, on his famous horse Fox--nearly as wellknown to American Methodists as his owner,--he writes/ "We dined in the woods, and stopped at Esquire Leech's. Brandy and the Bible were both handed me; one was enough --I took but one." We cannot doubt which one he chose.
Our only apology for quoting Bishop Asbury's journal at such length is that not only the views and the teachings of the founder of American Methodism are of value in them selves considered, but also because these stand as the rep resentative doctrines of the church, in regard to the manu facture, sale, and use of alcoholic liquors. That the member-
i Journal II, p. =47-
^ Journal If. p. 248.
"Journal MT, p. t2.
* Journal II, p. 339.

AND THEIR MORAL STATUS. 1/83-1827.

2E$

ship have, in practice, kept up to the same high standards, we would not dare to say. That many, very inany, in stances of lapsing on the part of individual Methodists have occurred, and arc constantly occurring, is painfully true, yet who has ever heard of a Methodist Conference which refused to indorse the doctrines set forth in these quotations from Bishop Asbury ?
Indeed, so well assured have Methodists always been as to the meaning of their standards on this subject that when Mr. Axlcy tried repeatedly at the General Conferences to have a law inserted into the Discipline forbidding members to distill or sell spirituous liquors, the proposition was voted down on the ground that the church law already required liquor dealing to be dealt with as other immoralities.
Mr. AVesley had been far in advance of his age in his antagonism to the liquor trafBc, more advanced in fact than his own church had shown itself, even long after his death. We have quoted some of the melancholy entries in his Jour nal during his short residence in Georgia, in regard to the debauching of the Indians, as also in regard to the drinking habits of many of those of his own race with whom he came in contact.
In England his opposition to ardent spirits was no whit abated. Even while in Georgia, he had, as we have seen, been accused of mixing water with the sacramental wines.
rlis deliverances on the sins of distilling and of selling spirituous liquors, sound more like the utterances of the temperance " cranks" of the present day, than any other writings we And in the eighteenth century. He writes in 1760:
" But neither may we gain by hurting our neighbor in body. Therefore we may not sell anything which tends to impair health, such as, eminently, all that liquid fire com monly called drams, or spirituous liquors. It is true these may have a place in medicine ; they may be of use in some bodily disorders, although there would rarely be occasion for them were it not for the unskillfulness of the practitioner.

2IO

DRINK HABITS OK THE GEORGIANS

Therefore, such as prepare and sell them only for this end, may keep their consciences clear. But who are they ? Who prepare them only for this end ? Do you know ten such dis tillers in England? Then excuse these. But all who sell them in the common way to any who will buy, are poisoners in general. They murder His Majesty* s subjects by tv/iolcsale, neither does their eye pity nor spare. They drive them to hell like sheep, and what is their gain? Is it not the blood of these men ? Who, then, would envy their large estates and sumptuous palaces? A curse is in the midst of them, t/ic curse of God cleaves to the stones, t/ie timber, f/tc furniture of them. The curse of God is in their gardens, their walks, their groves, a fire that burns to the nethermost hell ! Blood, blood is there, ihe foundation, the floor, the roof, the walls are stained -with blood! And canst thou hope, oh, thou man of blood ! though thou art ' clothed in scarlet and fine linen, and farest sumptuously every day,' canst thou hope to deliver down thy fields of blood to the third generation ? Not so, for there is a God in Heaven ; therefore thy name shall soon be rooted out. Like as those whom thou hast destroyed body and soul, thy memorial shall perish with thee,"
What a first water " temperance fanatic " Wesle}* would now, if living, be accounted! Where can another such fiery invective be found in the annals of the eighteenth century ?
May i, 1743, when John and Charles Wesley were form ing the "General Rules" of Methodist societies, they incor porated this "plank" ecclesiastical, that the members should abstain from doing harm " by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced, such as drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity." Thirty years later Mr. Wesley, discussing the cause of famines, " To set aside partial causes, which indeed, all put tog-ether, are little more than a fly upon a chariot wheel, the grand cause is because such immense quantities of corn are continually con sumed by distilling. * * * # How can the price of wheat and barley be reduced ? By prohibiting for-

AND Til 1C IR MORAJ, STATUS. 1783-1827.

2I/

ever, by making a lull end of that bane of health, that destroyer of strength, life and of virtue, distilling1 ." 1
A rank prohibitionist in 1773 ? Who ever heard the like? WesJey continues pommeling- the State for granting license and permitting the traffic.
" It is amazing that the preparing or selling this poison should be permitted, i will not say in any Christian country, but in any civilized State. Oh, it brings in a considerable sura of money to the Government. True, but is it wise to barter men's lives for money? Surely that gold is bought too dear, if it is the price of blood. Does not the strength of every country consist in the number of its inhabitants ? If so, the lessening their number is a loss which no money can compensate. So that it is inexcusable ill husbandry to give the lives of useful men for any sum of money whatever."
In 1789 this "fanatic" asks of his preachers, "Do you choose and use water for your common drink, and only take wine medicinally or sacramentaily ?"
. How could Asbury, fresh from the teachings of such a man, take any other course than that of constant hostility to the liquor traffic in all its forms ?
In 1780 the American Methodist Conference, Asbury presiding, passed this "question:" " Do we disapprove the practice of distilling grain into liquors? Shall we disown our friends, who will not renounce this practice?" Ansiver; " Yes." This was while the Revolutionary struggle was in its most critical period; when morals were shamefully relaxed. In 1783 we find this "question," and "answer." "Should our friends be permitted to make spirituous liquors, and s"^|l and drink them in drams ?" Answer; "By no means. We think it wrong in its nature arid consequences, and desire all our preachers to teach the people by precept and example to put away this evil." In 1784, when the Methodist Epis copal Church was organized, this : " May our ministers or
1 These extracts from Mr. Wesley have been, for the most part, taken from a capital article by Dr. J_ M. Buckley in " One Hundred Years of Temperance," pp. 305-306.

218

DRINK HABITS OF THE GEORGIANS

traveling preachers drink spirituous liquors ?" Answer: " By no means, unless it be medicinally." '
This was the year the first preacher was appointed to Georgia, though he did not arrive until 1/85. Dr. Buckley, from whose essay these extracts are taken, says that this last rule was expunged in 1786, probably as reflecting; upon the preachers, since the "General Rule" forbade all Metho dists, preachers and people,to drink liquor or erig-age in the liquor traffic. Dr. Benjamin Rush, whose famous essay of 1785 is popularly treated as the beginning of the temperance reform, urges other Christian denominations to make the sale and consumption of ardent spirits a. matter of " ecclesiasti cal jurisdiction," and says, "The Methodists and Society of Friends have for some time past viewed them as contraband articles to the pure laws of the Gospel, and have borne many public and private testimonies against making them the objects of commerce. Their success in this benevolent enterprise affords ample encouragement for all other reli gious bodies to follow their example."
Tt would seem from this extract that Dr. Rush in 1/88, knew of no other religious bodies than the Quakers and the Methodists^ which had put the manufacture, sale, or use of ardent spirits under ban, and had made all or any one of these offences cause for ecclesiastical action.
Rut the pressure of universal custom seems to have had its influence on even the Methodists, for there was evident ly some relaxation in the rigidity of the old laws. In 1/89 Mr. XVesley's reluctant proviso at the end of the " Rule/' " unless in cases of extreme necessity/' was struck out; and in 1/90 "buying or selling" was dropped out, and the inhibition was against "drunkenness or drinking spirituous liquors, unless in cases of extreme necessity." The law had softened into :
" If any member of our society retail or give spirituous liquors, and anything disorderly be transacted under his roof on this account, the preacher who has oversight of the
* "One Hundred Veu.rs of Temperance," p. 307, ^/ jry.

AND THEIR MORAL STATUS. ' 1783-1827.

219

circuit shall proceed against him, as in the case of other im moralities, and the person accused shall be cleared, censured, suspended, or excluded, according to his conduct, as on other charges of immorality." This was no small '' letting down" of the high standard sustained for near half a century; and manifestly was winking at the universal habit of drinking and trafficking in ardent spirits. The poor proviso prohibiting " anything disorderly to be transacted under his roof," was a fatal concession to the liquor-loving member.
It is not very gratifying to Methodists of to-day to recall this relaxation of discipline during the " Dark ages" of temperance history. It affords no comfort to know that the standard (temperance) of other denominations--unless we except the Friends--was, at least, not higher than that of the Methodists. This loosing of discipline began to be felt, and doubtless many Methodists were caught in the snares of drinking and retailing.
It was during this period that Methodism in Georgia lost one of its earliest friends, Mr. G\, a man often mentioned in Asbury's Journals, for the Bishop was often his guest. Air. G. was a most open hearted man, liberal in his support of the church and its institutions. By his testament his negroes--twenty or thirty in number--were emancipated, bequests for benevolent purposes were made, and to his son, Mr. G\ zpzY/r<y ^/^ j/?7/.
The poison was corrupting the whole current of religious lilc, and when the first General Conference of the church met in 18E2, Rev. James Axley introduced the resolution already quoted, forbidding preachers to retail spirituous or mall liquors. In lieu of passing this %notion of Axley's, another resolution was passed, vix.:
" It is with regret that we have seen the use of ardent spirits, dram-drinking, etc., so common among the Metho dists. We have endeavored to suppress the practice by our example, but it is necessary that we add precept to example. And we really think it not consistent with the character of a

22O

DRINJ.V HABITS OK TliK GEORGIANS

Christian to be immersed in the practice of distilling or retailing an article so destructive to the morals of society; and we do most earnestly recommend the Annual Conferences and our people to join with us in making a firm and constant stand against the evil which has ruined thousands, both in time and in eternity."
/Although this resolution was tolerably strong as com pared with the general status of religions sentiment at that time on the temperance question, yet Dr. Duckley is cer tainly right in pronouncing as weak the clause : " We really think it not consistent with the character of a Christ ian to be immersed in the practise of distilling or retailing." " J?r<?//y /^/?%X' zV <?/ ro7ZJ7J/^// " How does that diluted utterance tally with the uncompromising rule of 1743, which enjoined the avoiding of " drunkenness, buying, or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless in cases ol ex
treme necessity " ? In the next (.General Conference (iSi6) Mr. Axley again
brought up his resolution, and it was passed, though some weak-kneed members wished to amend with :
"That every prudent means he used by our annual Con ferences to discourage the distilling and retailing of spirit uous liquors among our people, and especially among our preacher " This moral suasion f^rwzzVv ?"r^(??'^ was, however,
defeated. In 1820, at the third General Conference, an effort was
made, to amend Mr. Axley's resolution passed in 1816, by striking out that part of the resolution which forbade local preachers to retail liquors, but the proposed change was rejected. Out a motion to make the distilling of spirits cause for forfeiture of church standing, was lost. In 1824 no deliverance of any sort was made.
As Dr. Kucklev observes, AJethodisni in 1812 had reached its lowest point in regard to its antagonism to the liquor traffic. The tide began henceforth to rise. It was felt that something more was needed than to " really think it not consistent with the character of a Christian to be im-

AND THEIR MORAL STATUS. 1/83-1827.

321

mcrsed in the practice of distilling or retailing ; " No such watery--or alcoholic--utterance was ever again heard from Methodism's highest ecclesiastical court.
Of course the rules of the church as expounded by the General Conference, were the laws for Georgia Methodists; and the South Carolina Conference, of which Georgia, until 1830, formed part, we may suppose, ebbed and flowed in temperance sentiment along with the other parts of the church. Of T^ewis Myers--a famous name in Georgia Methodism about the beginning of this century, it is said, " He fought against everything opposed to it (Methodism). Drunkenness, eock-fighting, duelling, were not less objects of attack than the theater, the public show, the powdered head, or the frills and ruffles of the young ladies, and none
ever escaped him." ' Rut we are not to suppose that Methodists by any
means kept entirely clear of liquor either as to the sale or use. l^ev. G. G. Smith, in his llistory,quotes Asbury in 1803, as saying that " the great hindrance to the work of God in Georgia was Sabbath markets, rum, races, and rioting." And Elisha Ferryman, an old Baptist, is quoted^ as follows: " In those days almost everybody was in the habit of drink ing ; young and old, rich and poor, Christian and sinner, all would drink, and many of them get drunk into the bargain."
The Methodists of Georgia numbered somewhat more than twenty thousand at the commencement of the great
temperance revival in [827.

THE PRESBYTERIANS
at Darien, Medway, and Savannah, seem to have had three churches at the beginning of the Revolution. in those days the Presbyterians of Georgia were under the jurisdiction of the Synod of the Carolinas, and so remained until 1813, when the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia was formed. This body was divided in 1845, and the Synod
i Smith's History of Methodism in Georgia and Florida, p. 99. * Smith's Georgia Methodism, p. 10.1.

222

UK1NK HABITS OF THE (.JHOKGIAXS

of Georgia, made up of five Presbyteries, was organized, and there were then near 5,000 Presbyterians in the State/
Like the Methodists* the Presby.terians belonged to a body whose chief council--national in its character--had the power of forming1 those disciplinary rules which are the laws of the church. The utterances of the G-cneral Assem bly therefore are binding upon Georgia Presbyterians.
in 1/66 the General Synod gives this admonition : "That as the too great use of spirituous liquors at fun erals in some parts of the country is risen to such an height as greatly to endanger the morals of many, and is the cause of much scandal* the Synod earnestly enjoins that the several sessions and committees shall take the most effectual methods to correct these mischiefs, and discountenance by their ex ample and influence all approaches to such practices, and all ostentatious and expensive parades, so inconsistent with such mortifying and distressing occasions."^ in 1811 a committee was appointed "to endeavor to de vise measures, which, when sanctioned by the General .Assem bly may have an influence in preventing some of the numer ous and threatening mischiefs which arc experienced through out our country bv the excessive and intemperate use of spirituous liquors, and that this committee be authorized to correspond and act in concert with any persons who may be appointed, or associate for a similar purpose, and that the committee hereby appointed, report to the next General Assembly/' " This committee reported at the session of 1812, and the following plan was adopted to meet the great evil:

cumstancus may render expedient, on the sin and mischiefs of intemperate drink ing, in which, as veil as on all suitable occasions, both public and private, it will be proper pointedly and solemnly to \varn their hearers, and especially members of
the church, not only ayainst actual intemperance, hut against all those habits and indulgences which may have a tendency to produce it.

* Assemblys Digest, pp. 265 - Assemblys Digest, p. Ro6. ^ Assemblys Digest, p. Soy.

206, 848, ^/jr^.

AND THEIR At URAL STATUS. 1/83-1827.

223

SI-ICONn.--That it be enjoined on all Church Sessions within the bounds of the General Assembly, that they exercise a special vigilance and care over the conduct of all persons in the communion of their respective churches \\ ith regard to this sin, and that they sedulously endeavor by private warning and remonstrance, and by such public censures as different cases may require, to purge the church of a sin

TuiKij.--That it be recommended to bcrs of our Church, th:U. (hey exert then among their congregations, and the tracts, or other printed compositions on thi produce a suitable impression against the us* sohricty and temperance.
FouRTTi. --That it be recommended to the officers and members of our Church: to take such measures as may he deemed proper and elTet^uat, for re ducing the number of taverns and other places of vending liquors hy small measure, in all those parts of our country in which either their excessive number or the improper character of such places renders them a public nuisance. It is nelieved that the evils arising from these sources are incalculably great, and that by prudent management they admit, under Providence, of very considerable diminu-

This action o[ the General Assembly was chiefly due to the efforts of Dr. Benjamin Rush, the celebrated champion of temperance, whose little tract on the "Effects of Ardent Spirits on the Human Body and Mind," in 178$, has furn ished a kind of era whence the modern temperance reform is commonly dated. Dr. K.ush was himself a Presbyterian elder, and for many years, he had been appealing, both per sonally and by petition, to the various evangelical bodies to exert their utmost efforts in the cause of temperance. We have already found him before the Methodist (Jouference in 1/88, and we have noted his urgency for other ecclesiastical bodies to imitate the Methodists and the Quakers in their con demnation of alcohol. Now after the lapse of more than twenty years, we find him in 1811, before the chief council of his own church, distributing his tracts and urging the church to action. ]t was doubtless the influence produced by Dr. Rush's tracts which originated the third of the above resolutions, viz.: that commending the diffusion of temper ance addresses, sermons, tracts, etc. Dr. Wm. Y. Brown justly says of this action of the Assembly: "Although it
* AssembJy's Digest, p. 807.

224

DRINK HABITS OK THE GEORGIANS

seems to have contemplated at the time, only mitigating the evils of excessive and intemperate use of ardent spirits, yet it was a grand movement in the right direction, and it gained strength by its own momentum." *
The Assembly's pastoral letter in iSiS, says : "The first thing we shall mention is the crime of drunkenness. This crime lias at all times been a curse to our country, and has often made lamentable inroads upon our church ; we are con vinced it may be opposed more successfully by prevention than in any other way. * * * * For this purpose (%. ^. to save our fellow men) we earnestly recommend to the ofncers and members of our church to abstain even from the common use of ardent spirits. Such a voluntary privation as this, with its motives publicly avowed, will not be without its effect in cautioning our fellow Christians and fellow citi zens against the encroachment of intoxication ; and we have the more confidence in recommending this course, as it has already been tried with success in several sections of our church." *
\Vc see then that in those very years when the Methodist bark was driving nearer than at any former time, to the dan gerous breakers on alcohol's shore, the Presbyterian vessel was beginning to get under way with her sails set seaward. Perhaps it was well that one denomination should incite another to renewed effort.
In 1818 the Assembly counseled the "ministers, elders, and deacons of the Presbyterian Church" against the habit of treating. The laws of the Assembly, of course, became part of the ecclesiastical government of the Synod of South Carolina and (Georgia, which was organized, as before said, in 1813.
The Presbyterian Church, in (Georgia, although never very strong numerically, yet by the intelligence of its min istry* and the generally high character of its membership, has always exerted great influence upon the morals of the State.
' "One Hundred Vuars of Temperance." p. 286. * Assembly's IJigcst, pp. 807-8.

AND THEIR MORAL STATUS. 1783-1827.

22g

THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
the cLiurch which was established first in the colony, seems not to have had during; these years (1/83--1827) more than two or three hundred members, and for many years not more than three Episcopal ministers were, at any one time, resident in Georgia.
While the virtues ol sobriety and temperance were regularly commended, in a general way to the people, no specific utterances on the subject of temperance appear to have been made either by the church in general, nor by the Diocese of Georgia, in particular.
THE SALZHURGERS
had suffered mucn in moral declension since the days of Bolzius. After the departure of the recreant Triebner with the British, the church, was left without much spiritual oversight. In 178$, however, Mr. Berg-man, the elder, arrived, and began his long; pastorate at Ebenezer. Rut " some of the members of the church had fallen into rather loose habits of living, and the establishment of one or two drinking shops at Ebenezer exerted a most injurious influence upon the morals of not a few. Mr. Bcrgmnn remonstrated against such conduct, but he was perhaps, rather too mild and lenient in the enforcement of the church discipline, to effect much of a reformation. Still the church made some progress, while it must be admitted that the tone of piety was far below what it had been in former years/'^
Rbenexcr was made the county site of ErEngham county in 1796, a. circumstance which the Salzburger historian deplores. " Tt would have been well for the Salzburgers if their town had never been made the seat of justice. There are always men of debased morals collecting at a county site, who drink, gamble, and indulge in almost every species of vice ; and these influences did not fail to affect the Salz-
* Strobcts "Salzburgers," pp. 230-231. 15

226

DRINK HABITS OF THE GEORGIANS

burgers, some of whom were, alas! too easily seduced from the right way."'
The historian rejoices in the fact that Ebcnezer's not very accessible situation caused the county site to be removed, in 1799, to Springfield five miles away. But the seeds of evil had been sown, and the historian pathetically laments " (he lax state of morals " and " the want of proper church discipline." This latter had become a dead letter. " Many of the members became very irregular in their habits, so that their conduct was a just cause of offence to the more godly and consistent part of the congregation." As a result many of these felt constrained to quit the church of their fathers and unite with others " better calculated to aid them in the cultivation of their hearts, and the fuller development of the Christian character." 2 The degeneracy of the church produced clearly to a large extent, by the presence of the tippling shops, causes Mr. Strobel to apply the plaint of Jeremiah to the Salzburgers: " Yet I planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed ; how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me."
The persecutions in the valleys of Piedmont, in the Tyrol, and along the Salza, had not brought half the ruin to the pure morals of the church.
The Methodist and the Baptist churches in Georgia have been great gainers from the Salzburg blood infused into their ministry and membership. Part of this debt was discharged by the settling" of Rev. Lewis Myers, mentioned before, m Effing-ham county. " He was a warm friend of Sabbath schools and the temperance cause, and gave to both the full weight of his influence." 3
Mr. Berg-man, the younger, became pastor in 1824, and soon began to manifest more zeal in the administration of discipline than his father had shown. " He had seen that intemperance was prevailing to -ather too great an extent
1 Strobcl, p. 2342 Srobel, pp. 2.15-246. 3 Strobel, p. 256.

AND THEIR MORAL STATUS. 1783-1827.

227

among the people of the county, and that some of his own church members were not as free from this sin as he had a right to expect. He therefore felt constrained to reprove this vice from the pulpit, and to suggest the propriety of organizing a temperance society. This measure met with very few advocates, and it is said that one of his members rebuked him publicly, in not very mild terms, for his temer ity in attempting to correct this evil. lie was not. however, driven from his purpose." '
Jt does not seem that Mr. Bergman succeeded in form ing a temperance society at Ebenezer. The author, after diligent inquiry, of Rev. Jacob Austin, now for thirtyyears pastor at Ebcnezer, as well as of other well posted Salzburgers,--has failed to find any tra.cc of this embryo temperance society. The opposition to pastor Bergman's proposal probably nipped the bloom before the fruit ap peared.
THE IXDIAXS
and the Indian boundary lines formed the subjects of chief, but continued, political trouble in Georgia for more than half a century. In fact, from the Revolution to the Civil War, Georgia was never without an " issue/ and its people were reared in the storms of violent political agitation. Gen. Glarkcs attempt to plant a colony west of the Oconce, in the Indian country, in 1/94, and the famous Yazoo fraud of 179$, by which a company of speculators succeeded in inducing the Georgia legislature to part with a vast domain of Georgias AVestern territory, now included in the Stafes of Alabama and Mississippi, caused great excite ment. The consideration price was a mere bagatelle in comparison with the worth of the lands. The State was kindled into fury. Many of the corrupted legislators fled from the State ; one from liancock county was followed by some of his enraged constituents to South Carolina, and killed ; and the political ruin of all those concerned in the transac tion, followed. The troubles with France and Spain deeply
i Strobel, p. 257.

228

DRINK HABITS OK THE GEORGIANS

affected Georgia, the most exposed of the provinces to the attack of both nations. Jackson's Indian campaigns were almost in Georgia territory, and the Creeks and the Cherokees were in a constant state of unrest, and were often provoked to acts of hostility, by intriguing- white men.
In 1802 the State of Georgia ceded to the Government her western tcrritorj---now Alabama and Mississippi ; the United States as consideration agreeing to extinguish the Indian title to any lands claimed bj* the red men in Gcorg'ia. To procure compliance with this contract was ts*^ State's political problem for the next thirty-five years.
Jackson's treaty of 1814 with the Creeks, acquired the lands from the Chattahooche to the Altarnaha. In 1821 another treaty dispossessed the Creeks of the lands between the Flint and the Ocrnulgce. The Creeks were growinghostile, and when the United States Commissioners met the chiefs in their national council at Broken Arrow, in 1824, the Indians refused to cede any more lands. Part of the Creeks, headed by the celebrated Mclntosh, were favorable to the cession, however, and on February 12, 1825, this party negotiated a treaty at the Indian Springs, by which the lands to the Chattahoochee were ceded. The rag-e of O-poth-levoholo, the leader of the hostile Creeks, knew no bounds and the tragic murder of Mclntosh b}- a large band of dele gated warriors a few months later, forms one of the most thrilling stories in Indian history. Col. Crowell, the Indian agent, was believed to be the instigator of the Creeks in their opposition to the project of removing- them beyond the Mississippi, and it was believed that he was acting under ad vices from Washington. Would the United States Govern ment carry out the stipulations of twenty-three years before and remove the Indians from Georgia territory?
It was not believed in Georgia. President Adams ordered Gen. Gaines to prevent the survey of the Indian lands ordered by the Legislature, and Georgia's fiery executive, Governor Troup, ordered the Georgia militia to hold them selves In readiness to support the surveyors. A conflict

AJXD THEIR MORAL STATUS. 1783--1827.

22g

seemed unavoidable. Mad President Adams been as deter mined as Governor Troup, hostilities between Georgia and the General G-overnrnent. must have broken out at once. The causes of aggravation had been in existence for many years, and the Indian question had heated the passions of the Georgians to the last degree. But the President tempo rized, and the conflict was averted. The survey was completed ; the Indian Springs treaty was not abrogated-- Washington to the contrary, notwithstanding,--the lottery was put to work, and in 1827 the last of the Creek territory in Georgia was disposed of to the pale race which ninetyfour years before had only sought for a little strip of land around Yamacraw TMuff.
But tlic Cherokees in the mountain districts of Georgia still held out. Occupying Cherokee Georgia with a con stitution and laws of their own, they declared themselves independent, and claimed the protection of the General Government on the ground of stipulations made to insure to them and their heirs forever, the quiet and peaceable posses sion of the country which they held. Georgia's Legislature claimed criminal jurisdiction over this territory and proposed to bring to trial all offenders against the State laws. The Cherokees forbade any person to settle in their bounds, or trade with them without a permit. This last prerogative was also claimed by the General Government, which refused to permit either settling or trading in the Cherokee country by outsiders without its special license. Thus three separate authorities were contending for supremacy in the same ter ritory, and a clash was inevitable. The Cherokees, in 1817 and in 1818 ceded the territory now know as Newton, Gwinnett, OeKalb, Walton, and parts of Hall and Habersham counties, and the next year gave up the remainder of Hall
and Habersham, and all of R.abun counties. The \vhite man was fast approaching the mountains, that beautiful country so pathetically described by Bancroft, The Cherokees were grown desperate. They resolved to go no further ; their land had long been a refuge for abandoned whites ; traders

23

DKTNK HABITS OK THI-J GKORGIAXS

with United States licenses defied the laws of the State, and those with Cherokce permits, respected neither the authority of the State nor that of the General Government. Vice and crime of every description found ready refuge in the up country. Such a condition could not remain. But the sequel does not belong to the period of which we are now treating.
It is not surprising that Georgia under the excitement ol these Indian questions during so many years should have become a veritable political caldron. Every man was a poli tician, and heavy drafts, as usual in such times, were made upon the morals of the people.
Many of the most distinguished ministers were intense partisans. Gov. John Clarkc, who was chosen to succeed Gov. Rabun, who died in ofRcc in 1819, was personally an issue in Georgia politics for several years. R.ev. Jesse Mercer, the leader of the Baptist Church in Georgia, preached at Gov. Rabun's funeral, and according to all accounts made use of his opportunity to pour hot shot into the Glarke party, using as illustrations the many jrrcgularities charged against the Governor's private life, and indeed, if there is any mod erate percentum of truth in the stories told of Clarke's life, it must have been cause for much of the hostility of pious peo ple toward him. in his dissipation, he was said to be quarrel some and dangerous. "Many stories were related of terrible acts of his commission--riding into houses, smashing fur niture, glass, and crockery, of persecutions of his family and weak persons whom he disliked."'
in the fierce contest between Clarke and Troup for the governorship in 1823, most of the ministry and the press were bitter advocates of the latter. The election then was in the hands of the Legislature. An immense crowd was present on the appointed day ; breathless silence and intense anxiety. The ballots, to the last one, seemed to indicate a tie, but that last one gave the office to Troup. .Members shouted, kissed each other, and wept. Daniel Du@c, a Meth-
* Sparks "Memories of Fifty Years/ p. 79.

AND THEIR MORAL STATUS. 1/83-1827.

231

odist, cried out, "O Lord, we thank Thee! The State is re deemed from the rule of the devil and John Clarke ;" and Jesse Mercer walked out of the chamber waving his hat and shouting*, "Glory!"
Of course the universal concomitant of this political ex citement was the liquor bottle, and politics repaid the obliga tion by becoming a training school for King Alcohol.
In 1828 appeared a book of "Travels in America," writ ten by Bernhard, Duke of Saxe Weimar, a near relative of the royal family of England. The Duke visited South Carolina and Georgia, but some of his descriptions of the inhabitants, more especially those of the latter State, received from Georgians the severest criticism. His Highness vents his spleen toward the Georgians as follows:
"The inhabitants of Georgia are regarded in the United States under the char acter of great barbarians, and this repuLii-ion appears really not unjustly con ferred. \Ve sec unpleasant countenances even in Ttaly; but here all the faces are
haggard, and bear the stamp of the sickly cliniatc. "fletwecn \Varrcnton and Powcllton we had a drunken Irishman for our driver,
who placed us more than once in great danger. This race of beings, ivho have spread themselves like a pestilence over the United States, and here also, are
despised even by the Georgians. "Toward night we reached a trifling place called Sparta. We were obliged to
stop here some time, as the stage and horses were to be changed. \Ve seated ourselves at the fireplace in the tavern. All of a. sudden there stood betwixt us, like an evil genius, a stout fellow, with an abominable visage, who appeared to be intoxicated, and crowded himself in behind Mr. Bowdoin. J addressed this gen tleman to be on his guard for his pockets. The rufnan made a movement and a dirk fell from his sleeve, which he clutched up and marie off. They told me he was an Irishman, who, abandoned Lo liquor, as most of his countrymen were, had 110 means of subsistence, and often slunk about at night to sleep in houses that might be open. Most probably he had intended to steal. \Vc then obtained another driver, whom from his half drunkenness and imprecations, I judged to be
a son of Ifibemia, and was not deceived."
Thus far the Duke. It seems that his anger does not allow him to see any virtues in the Georgians. And he evi dently has a secret grudge against the people, when he terms them "barbarians." But there was another side to the story which His Grace does not bring out in his " Travels," but which " the party of the second part," has brought in by
way of rebuttal.

232

DRINK HABITS OF Tilt; GEORGIANS

Col. Goode of Barn well District, S. C., at whose house His Grace stopped on his \vay to Augusta, says: " About daybreak the Duke, with his suite, consisting- of three or four outlandish men, arrived at his (Goode's) house nearly frozen to death with riding all night in very cold weather, and presently called for breakfast." XVhilc this was preparing His Highness took it into his head to inspect the out build ings and the servants' quarters. After examining the cot ton gm, saw mill, negro houses, etc., he came back express ing his satisfaction with what he saw.
At breakfast the party were suddenly startled by the cry of "Fire," and all sprang" up in much trepidation. Find ing the alarm to be false, His Grace seated himself again at the table, but began such a tirade against his host's wooden house, that the landlord indignantly left the room.
The party then entered the stage and started for Au gusta ; but Finney, the driver, very soon found that the Duke proposed to control the movement of the coach. As Finnej7" was carrying the U. S. mail, he at first remonstrated, and then flatLy refused to obey the, royal passenger. The party, Finney says, threatened to throw him from the stage seat; and he in turn, true to his Irish blood, defied them, cle daring that but for the fact that he -was charged with the mails, he would pitch his royal highness of Saxe Wei mar into Goode's mill pond. At this His Grace drew his broadsword and Finney, his blind hammer, and for a few moments the prospect looked warlike, until friends--not " mutual," we may well suppose--interfered and quieted the belligerents. Such was the account given by Goode and Fin ney, of this rencontre, and the Grand Duke evidently entered Georgia with his mind very strongly prepossessed against tavernkcepers arid stage drivers in general, and Irish drivers in particular. This introduction to Georgia was hardly cal culated to give His Grace very favorable views as to the peo ple, and perhaps furnished inanj' of the "barbarian " specters which seemed to haunt him during1 his short sojourn here.

CHAPTER XVII.
THE MODERATION ERA, 1827-1836. OLD TEMPERANCE SOCI
ETIES.
" The most remarkable instance of a combined movement in society which history, perhaps, will be summoned to notice, is that which in our days has applied itself to the abatement of intemperance. Naturally, or by any direct process, the machinery set in motion would seem irrelevant to the object. If one hundred men unite to elevate the standard of temperance they can do this with effect only by improvements in their own separate cases. Kadi individual, for such an effort of self conquest, can draw upon no resources but his own. One member in a combi nation of one hundred, when running a race, can hope for no co-operation from his ninety-nine associates. And yet, by a secondary action such combinations are found eminently successful.. I-faving obtained from every confederate a pledge, in some shape or other, that he will give them his support, thenceforward they bring the passions of shame and self-esteem to bear upon each member's personal perse verance. !Not only they keep alive and continually refresh in his thoughts the gen eral purpose, which else might fade ; but they also point the action of pubMc con tempt and of self-contempt at any defaulter much more potently, and with more acknowledged right to do so, when they use this ioAuencc under a license, volun teered, and signed and sealed by the man's own baud. They lirst conciliate his countenance through his intellectual perceptions of what is right, and next they sustain it through his conscience (the strongest of his internal forces), and even through Uic weakest of his human sensibilities. That revolution, therefore, which no combination of men can further by abating the original impulse of temptations, they often accomplish happily by maturing the secondary energies of resistance/
" ?^w^roff VlAjw/M^fZ."--ZJr()M/!T<T.
While the reasons for temperance societies given above could probably be somewhat re-enforced, yet they are sufficiently cogent to show the natural grounds oil which such societies arc based. Given a generally and deeply felt want, and men begin to associate themselves, to rem edy the evil, or supply the deficiency. In every age and in every land tnan has sought help from consociation. This apprehension of the effectiveness of combined effort is the foundation stone of all our religious, benevolent,
233

234

THK MODERATION ERA; 1827-1836.

political and commercial organizations. The little rivulet, hardly sufficient to turn the child's toy mill, yet united with thousands more of its like, becomes the mighty stream on whose bosom the navies of the world may ride. J3ut, for this mutual reciprocal action and influence of man upon his fellow, of what use would be our church organizations and other organizations whose aim is the good of men? If the general prevalence of an evil and daily exhibitions of its harmfulness could furnish any grounds for organizing against it, certainly the liquor traffic has of all evils, pro duced before the eyes of men and in the light of day, the most damning evidence against itself. The trouble with it, indeed, was in the other direction, its magnitude appeared so overwhelming that it seemed nothing* could be done. The General Association of Connecticut in 1812 received the report of the commiliee appointed the previous year to con sider the great evil, and suggest remedies. The committee reported that, "after the most faithful and prayerful inquiry they were obliged to confess that they did not perceive that anything could be done." This report roused Dr. Lyman Bcccher, who was present, who immediately moved the appointment of a committee to report at once on ways and means to arrest the tide of intemperance. Dr. Beecher was made chairman. The antidotes recommended by the com mittee were: The preaching of sermons on the evils of intemperance ; the banishing of ardent spirits from ecclesias tical gatherings; the abstaining of church members from intoxicants; the exclusion of such liquors from the family, and the admonishing of children against their use; the sub stitution of other drinks for their laborers, by farmers, mechanics and manufacturers ; the circulation of temperance literature, and the organization of voluntary associations to promote morals.
The American Temperance Society was therefore organized in Boston, January 10, 1826. The permanent organization was not, however, effected until February 13, when the name was taken--" The American Society for the

OLH TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.

23$

Promotion of Temperance." Dr. Justin Edwards, the lend ing; spirit in the new society, said that it was " formed not for the suppression of intemperance, but tor the promotion of temperance." In April a temperance paper, 7%^ Wz/z</;zd:/ .f%;^z?z//Sr^?j//* was started in Boston, R.ev. Wm. Collier, editor, its motto was " Temperate drinking is the down-hill road to intemperance;" but no pledge of abstinence even from distilled liquors was yet required.
In 1826 and 1827, societies on the basis of abstinence from distilled liquors, were formed in most of the New Eng land colleges, and at Princeton, N. J.
Virginia is credited with inaugurating a temperance movement in 1827 ; (.he work really began in the Old Domin ion a few months earlier, as we shall see. Through the exer tions of Dr. Edwards in 1827, a fund of $7,400 was raised for the employing an agent to work under the auspices of the National Society, and Rev. Nathaniel Mewitt, of Connecticut, was employed to labor in New England, .New York and Pennsylvania.
November 14, 1827, the first Annual Report of the American Society was given to the world. The earlier temperance societies, except that of Massachusetts, all became merged in the American Society. "At the annual meeting of the Society, January 28, 1839, it was reported that 222 societies had been formed. Six of these \vcre State societies, namely, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Illinois. One had also been formed in Montreal, Lower Canada. Of these 222 societies, 13 were in Maine; 23 in New Hampshire; /in Vermont; 39 in Massachusetts; 2 in Khodc Island; 33 in Connecticut; 78 in New York; 6 in New Jersey; 7 in Pennsylvania; I in Delaware; i in Maryland; 5 in Virginia; 2 in North Caro lina; i in South Carolina; I in Kentucky; i in Ohio, and 2 in Indiana. In 1830 there were eleven State Societies." '

GEORGIA,
it will be observed, is totally omitted from this report.
iDr. Dorchesters "Liquor Problem," pp. 225-6.

She

236

TI1K MODERATION ERA, 1827-1836.

is credited neither with a State, nor an auxiliary, society. What are the facts?
The writer has searched long and carefully for the first organized society. The authorities are not perfectly at one, either as to the time or place where this parent society originated.
Beyond all question, the Baptists are entitled to the chief honor in the introduction of temperance societies into Georgia. For several years they were the chief supporters of those institutions.
The venerable J. H. Campbell, D. D., of Columbus, Ga., author of the " Georgia Baptists," writes that the first society was organized in Eatonton in July, 1827. Dr. Camp bell, then a young man of twenty, was studying theology with R.cv. Dr. Adiel Sherwood, of Eatonton. Dr. Sherwood was a leader among the Baptists of those days, and his life was a benediction to the whole State. He originated the plan of the Rnptist State Convention; also, that for the founding of Afcrcer University. As minister, teacher, and writer, Dr. Sherwood was n power for good. Dr. Sherwood says, in his journal, that in i82/ a revival of great force began at Eatonton--indeed, 1827 was the revival year of Georgia--and the whole State was aroused, on the subject of religion. Dr. Sherwood says:
"During the meeting at T^atonton, we formed a small Temperance Society, composed, 1 think, of Thomas Cooper, J. Clark, A. Richardson, myself, and per haps three more, in the succeeding April of 1628, at the meeting of the State
Convention (Baptist) at Monticello, 1 requested Ahncr Clopton, then agent of the Columbian College, who was in (jeorgia, to write a constitution, and on Tuesday we organized thu "Georgia State Temperance Society, (Jen. Shorter, president; 1C. Slmckleford, secretary; A. Sherwood, treasurer. After this J was the secretary of the society, and continued so until 1 left the State for Washington City a. period

This account, almost T/rr^zjVwz, of the first temperance society, and of the organization of the State Society, is found in the Christian lndc% History of Georgia Baptists/ indeed, as to the time, place and circumstances of the formation of
* "Memoir of Adiel Sherwood, D. I)./ by His Daughter, pp. 231-2. - Ibid. pp. i?S -q.

01,L> TI^EPERANCE SOCIETIES.

237

[lie State Temperance Society, nil parties arc agreed, i.e., in April, 1828, at Monticello, Dr. Sherwood moving" in the mat ter, and Mr. Olopton preparing" the constitution.
Mr. Clopton was a Virginian, a Baptist minister, who, as agent for Columbian College,, Washington, D. C., visited Creorgla several times, collecting funds for the institution. Mr. Clopton was an ardent temperance man, and had organ ized the Virginia Temperance Society in October, 1826, and the first temperance society of the State also.
Of Mr. Clopton, the distinguished Professor Sanforcl, of Mercer University, thus writes to the author:
".I date the origin of the temperance enterprise in Georgia back to the year 1827. The man whom I have ever regarded as the pioneer of the temperance cause in our State was Rev. Abner W. Clopton. of Virginia. Tie came to Georgia,

my father's house. At that day it was '-ustomai-y for almost everybody to drink. A sideboard was an indispensable article of household furniture, and the cut-glass decanter stood on the board well filled with its varied contents of Holland gin, Jamaica rum, or rye whiskey, not. forgetting the sweetening- for those who 'took sugar in them.' The man who did not invite a friend or neighbor, who casually called to see him, up to the sideboard to 'lake something,' was regarded as churlish and utterly wanting i n hospitality. An incident is related that occurred with Mr. Clopton himself, that illustrates this point. His first appearance in Georgia was at MethcsJa church in 'Old ("Jrcene.' Jfe preached one Saturday, but said noth ing about temperance in his sermon. After service be was invited home, by one of the prominent deacons of the church. Arriving at home, the good deacon was horrified to find the decanters all empty, and he lost no time in apologizing Tor the oversight. 'Bro. Clopton,' he said, 'you must really excuse me--I have not a drop of H-hiske}' in the house--it is the Jlrst time 1 have been out in twenty years, but 1 have just sent a boy on horseback after some, and it wont be over a half hour before he gets back.' Mr. Clopton, with his ready tact and good sense embraced the occasion so opportunely offered, and 'preached unto him' temperance.
'"Clopton then began his temperance mission in earnest, and although only a mere lad, I remember what a flutter he created in the community about Greens boro; and particularly among; church members. lie was regarded as utterly hetero dox, and T remember a good old lady, who, after listening to one of his sermons on temperance, remarked, 'What a pity that so good a man and so excellent a preacher as Mr. Clopton, should destroy his influence, by talking so much about

"Clopton started a Total Abstinence Society in Orccnsboro, and although small in numbers, yet that society served as a rallying point for many years, and was productive of much good. My father was among tbe original pane]. Promi nent among its members, \vas that noble old man, Dr. .Txyvich Pierce, who con tinued to preach temperance to the end of life."

238

THE MODERATION ERA, 1827-1836.

Judge A. W. C. Nowlin of the Richmond (Va.) Whig, a nephew of Mr. Clopton, has kindly furnished the author the MS. copy of an address delivered by himself, entitled, "The Origin and Originator of the Temperance Movement in Virginia and the Southern States." From this address we glean the following-:
Mr. Clopton was born in Transylvania county, Virginia, in 1784, and nearly all his life was spent in his native State. Entering- the Baptist ministry in 1823, he became pastor of some churches in Charlotte county, Virginia.
"It was while engaged in this work, and while attempting to enforce church discipline in his church, thai lie had his mind directed especially to the subject of temperance. When he took charge of the churches in Charlotte, he found that the vice of drunkenness prevailed to an alarming1 extent among the members, and he commenced at once a war of extermination against it. In public addres ses, and in his private conversation, he exposed, with great severity, the guilt and odiousiiess of that vice.
"At that period he used moderately ardent spirits himself, which was indeed a universal custom, and professors of religion and church members considered it A mark of hospitality to set spirituous liquors before their guest. Mr. Clopton followed the general custom of using stimulants as a cordial for weariness and fatigue. indeed i have now in my possession a liquor ease and bottles which were accustomed to sit upon his sideboard, having inherited (these) from my mother, who was his youngest sister.
"In May, 1824, Mr. Clopton writes Lo his father about some difficulties en countered in his church: ' The trials which I have lately had will, f hope, serve to put me on my guard, and a new case of intemperance, a female, has occurred, that makes me almost afraid to drink spirits. You will be surprised; and now, if after all my preaching and zeal against this ruinous vice, I should be overthrown, how awful must be my condition!'
"The following year he determined to abandon its use altogether, the im mediate cause of which resolution is given by a friend in the following words:
" 'While sitting one day at dinner, he was informed that a female of respect able connections with whom he had been well acquainted, and for whom he entertained high esteem, had been carried home in a state of beastly intoxication. Ife was astounded. .Dropping his knife and fork, he resolved instantly and solemnly, to use ardent spirits no more.'
"Desirous of extending the benefits of this resolution, Mr. Clopton formulated the plan of a temperance society.
"A7r. Clopton had iti'vct then heard of the existence of any similar otgani^a/ion, and to him. belongs the undisputed honor of having originated the plan and formed the first Temperance Society ever J~o7'ine.d in. Virginia or the Soitfh. T have ascer tained by my investigations into this subject, that a similar society was formed

the least detract fr<
that the American Temperance Society was originated in Hoston, Mass., in the same year, but its founders and that of the Virginia Temperance Society were entirely ignorant of 1 each others' acts."
Dr. J. B. Jetcr, the biographer of Mr. Clopton, also says, that Mr. Clopton knew nothing" of any temperance organi zation elsewhere, when he orig-mated the Virginia Society'. Judge Nowlin continues thus:
' According- to previous notice, a large congregation assembled at Ash Camp Meeting House in Charlotte county, on .Friday, the 27th day of October, 1826,
ot been able to obtain
same rule upon his
" Mr. Clopton made a stirring appeal in behalf of the cause, after which only ten persons, eight of whom were ministers, signed the pledge." Mr. Clopton then, made a stirring- address to the little band on the great importance of the work, and the need for faithfulness in its behalf.
About this time Mr. Clopton writes to his father ot much opposition to his work, especially on the part of Baptist ministers, but he rejoices in his tribulations.
At the close of 1827 he sums up his year's work and mentions the rapid increase of the temperance society, and
1 Billy J. dark's Society,

24O

THE MODERATION" ERA, 1827--1836.

"the visible salutary influence which it has had upon the churches and on society."
Mr. Clopton was much opposed in his own county. Calumny and falsehood in every form were employed to crush the new movement. 4: Lovers of strong drink viewed (the society) as an unrighteous combination against their liberty/' and " by even some good men it was contemplated with mingled emotions of surprise and pity." Mr. Clopton superintended the publication of several temperance tracts, and Rev. Eli Hall published a little temperance work, "Wis dom's Voice to the Rising Generation/' which had a wide circulation in Virginia, the Carolinas, and (Georgia.
At the first anniversary meeting of the Virginia Tem perance Society held at Deep Run Church in Ilenrico county, September 28, 1827, the names of 123 members were reported. Of these, 2/ were Baptist ministers; one a Kresbyterian minister, and one an Episcopalian rector, and 59 were heads of families. Several auxiliaries were organ ized as the result of this anniversary, among these the Worth Amra Juvenile Temperance Society, the first juvenile society, it seems, in the South. The second anniversary was held in Powhatan county; the third in Fluvanna, after which the annual meeting was transferred permanently to Rich mond. Mr. Clopton, however, did not attend many more of these meetings, having been called to his heavenly rest, March 20, [833.
If it should excite surprise that so much space has been given the Virginia Temperance Society, the answer is that the connection between the Virginia and Georgia societies, at the beginning, was most intimate. As we have seen, Mr. C. Clopton was the author of the constitutions of both State societies. The Virginia State Society preceded that of Georgia by about a year and a half, though the forma tion of local societies in Georgia was begun in advance of the State Society. It is most likely that the two State con stitutions were identical, or at least, not essentially different. The author has searched, or has had searched, every nook in

OLD TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.

24]

Georgia, where there seemed to beany probability of finding a copy of the Georgia Temperance Constitution, but he has thus far failed to find it. He has also made several attempts to find a copy of the Virginia constitution, but with like ill success; and Judge Nowlin, it seems, has likewise failed in similar efforts. When the Georgia, State Temperance Society began to meet in Millcdgeville (in November, 1832), a committee was appointed to revise and report the constitu tion. The author has found a copy of this last document, which in its chief features, is probably like its prototype. This paper we shall present hereafter. Mr. Clopton says the Virginia. Constitution which, he privately formulated in the spring of 1826, contained thirteen articles, though two of these were afterward modified.
As will be noted, all the authorities thus far quoted, date the beginning of temperance organizations in Georgia, in the same year, 1827. Dra. Sherwood and CampbeH, Prof. Sanford and the "Christian Index History of Georgia Bap tists/' all agree that "Society" work began at that time. Another claimant for priority has, however, recently ap peared.
Mr. G\ J. Davis, of Cave Spring, Ga., a gentleman sev enty-six years of age, in a letter published in the "Christian Index" in November, 1886, gives an account of a temperance society in Jackson county, which was formed ui 1824. Mr. Davis says:
"On the 4th of July, 1824, Jeremiah Kecves, Joseph Davis, John Wallace. Joseph Tollard, J. J. 1'ollard, sod others, met at lhc old Walnut Turk Raptist Church in Jackson county in this State, and organized the first temperance society then known in Georgia. After agreeing upon and adopting a constitution find by
laws, they named their Society 'The Jackson Comity Anti-Intemperance Society,' and elected Jeremiah Reeves, President; Joseph Uavis, Secretary; John Wallace, Joseph Pollard and J.J. Pollard, Managers.
"The men who were prominent in the organization of this Society \vere all members of a Baptist Church. Jeremiah Reeves was a prominent preacher, and Joseph Davis, a well-known deacon. The Society grew rapidly, and in a short time numbered 800; nearly all the prominent men of the county became members, the Methodists and Presbyterians joining in. Quarterly meetings were held during the year in different parts of the county, and an annual meeting was hctd at JefTer-

THE MODERATION ERA, 1827-1836.
of years this Society existed i
If the Bapt
Thus far Mr. Davis. There is a circumstantiality in the account, which certainly argues much in its favor. The author has endeavored to learn more of this society, but with but little success. Mr. Davis writes that he was him self the custodian of the constitution and by-laws of this old society until within a few years. Mr. Joseph Davis, the secretary of this old society, was the father of our corres pondent. But if the date, July 4, 1824, be correct, the Jack son County Society would not only antedate any other society in Georgia, but it would also take from Mr. Clopton's brow the laurels of pioneer in Southern temperance society work, and the American Temperance Society, and all the State temperance organizations, and nearly all the local societies, even of New England, would be distanced in point of antiquity by the Jackson Countv Society. Mr. Davis is very confident of the correctness of his memory as to the time of organization. The author confesses to no small desire to establish beyond question the correctness of this date, 1824, yet it is clear there is much that militates against it.
Dr. Sherwood was, of all the men of his day, one of the very best acquainted with Georgia's history and internal con dition. Indeed, the various editions of his "Gazetteer of Georgia," have long been a mine out of which writers upon all topics connected with Georgian matters have been accustomed to dig treasures. He was, in fact, the PROGRES SIVE man of his church. The father of the State Conven tion, clerk of the General Association, traveling and preach ing over all parts of the State, could he have remained

OLD TRMPERAXCK SOCIETIES.

243

ignorant of the existence of a society numbering- 800 mem bers, of which one of his ministerial brethren was president, and especially when only one or two counties intervened between Jackson and his own home in Putnam, or in Grccnc? Dr. Sherwood declares himself the originator of the first of these societies, and he went to his grave with that conviction, We are compelled to ask, "Is not Mr. Davis' memory at fault in assigning a date so early as July, 1824, for the organiza tion of the Jackson County Society-?"
Rev. Jeremiah Reeves removed to Jackson county in 1823, and we learn that during- his minist^ in this county " He encountered considerable difficulty and persecution on account of his stern advocacy of the mission and temperance cause. The association (the Sarepta) in which he was then thrown, was 'anti at that time. He persevered temper ately but firmly, till he became instrumental in forming many societies throughout the bounds of the Association, and also the means of getting up a good missionary spirit."
How many societies had been formed before the State "Temperance Constitution was drawn - up at Monticello in April, 1828, we are not informed ; most probably very few. The State Society seems rather to have given birth to i:he auxiliaries for some time thereafter, than to have been the product of their united efforts and supported upon their shoulders. The Christian Index History speaks of the Slate Society as having " between fifty and one hundred auxil iaries," a though this must refer to the later stages of the Societj-, when its sessions began to be held in Milledgeville.
The State Temperance Societ3', thus organized chiefly by Baptists, retained for several years a kind of tacit connection with the Baptist State Convention, which was organized a few years earlier. The two bodies had no organic connection, yet as the Temperance Society was born at the Baptist Convention of 1828, and as it was chiefly fostered by that denomination for several years, it seems
1 Campbell's "Georgia Baptists," p. 249. z Campbell's " Georgia Baptists," p. 179.

244

THE MODERATION ERA, 182/1836.

most natural that the Society should hold its annual meetings during* the sessions of the Convention. In fact, there were two or three seasons of the year, in those days of somewhat difficult travel, at which political, religious, society, or commercial gatherings were held. These great occasions were chieHy at Millcdgcville in November, during the session of the Legislature, and at Athens at the annual Commencements of Franklin College in July and August. As these summer meetings at Athens preceded the autumn elections, they were esteemed by the aspiring- politicians to be of the greatest importance; and a crowd of statesmen would be attracted to the Commencements far more to have a hand in " fixing up the State " for the fall elections, than by any special desire to foster learning. So the annual gathering of the Solons at the State capital in the autumn afforded opportunity for the ybrjv/z^" of societies, clubs, parties, etc.
The annual meeting of a representative assembly of any denomination of Christians, served also as a signal for rallying the leaders and the most devoted of that particular fnith and order.
The ecclesiastical gatherings were, however, confined chiefly to a single denominational body, and could only be taken as representative of that special denomination. They were not so open in their charaacter as to command support from outside organizations of any kind.
The Baptist State Convention (the eighth in order) met in Milledgeville in March, 1829.
At the Convention of the previous year (April, 1828). when the State Temperance Society was formed, we find in the Minutes* of the State Convention (p. 2.) the following:
".AVja/z/ft/, That this Convention is gratified to witness the successful efforts against the immoderate ose of ardent spirits in our country, and hopes the time is not far distant when every Christian shall be Oiled with a better spirit."
The Minutes of the Convention of 1820 contain the
following:

Ttrr. Dr.J. H. Kilpatrick of While Plains, Georgia.

m J ) TEM PERANCK SOCIKT1 KS.

24$

"The Ami-Intemperate (this seems to have been the title first ndopted) Society for this State is increasing-; and it is worthy of remark, that in public assemblies hitherto accustomed to use ardent spirits to great excess, not half the

;i.bstinon.co from ibis liquid."
During the two years preceding this Convention's meet ing, Georgia had been swept by great revivals of religion. In 1828 it was estimated bv the Convention that 2,500 had been added to the Baptist Church alone, since the summer of 1827, and at Milledgeville it was computed that 8,000 had joined the same communion within twelve months.
The Convention of 1830 met at Bethesda church in Greeiie county. The Minutes for this year (p. 4) have this resolution :
rdny ;il 2 P. M., in order to give the :ms to have been changed), nn opporon the State religion (pp. 6 and 7) notes
bath Schools and Tract Societies, also "Temperance Societies."
A similar notice of the existence of temperance societies is found in the Minutes of the Convention of 1831, which meeting was held at Duck head church in Burke county.
Of this meeting- we find the following account in the " Constitutionalist " of June 14, 1831.
"The Georgia Temperance Society held its fourth anniversary at Buck-head, Burke county, April y, 1831, Gen. Reuben C. Shorter in the Chair. It is supposed there are 3,189 members of temperance societies in Georgia, and that at least 50,000 persons have been benefited by their exertions. The Report of the Augusta. Temperance Society states that more than three-fourths of the dram shops in this city arc supported by negroes."
The Baptist Convention of 1832 met at Powellton, in Hancock county, in April. The Minutes contain no refer ence to temperance organizations of any kind, and the writer has not been able to learn whether the State Temperance Society met in connection with the convention this year. If so, this was the last simultaneous meeting of the two bodies, for in November of this year the "Society" met in Milledge-

246

TIIIC MODERATION ERA. 1827-1836.

viiie for the first time, and the aniiual meeting's \verc thence forward held in the capita! until 1836, when the State Society became defnnct.
As will be observed, the accounts of these unnuaj meet ings of the State Society are ver\r fragmentary, yet all has been given here which the most laborious examination through a mass of old man it scripts, newspaper files, etc., has been able to develop. We could wish this part of our his tory more complete ; especially would we be glad to have more of "the gospel of statistics." From a comparison of the notices of newspapers of the forming of societies here and there all over the State, the author is satisfied that the number of members (3,189) "supposed" to be fomiccled \vith temperance societies in the State, is far below the mark. 13 y 1831 very many societies having" no sort of connection with the Baptist Church had been organized, and these were most probably not represented in the State Society, so long' us ;t was a seeming appendage to the Baptist State Convention. In fact, the entering- of other denominations into society work (as was dist i nelly mentioned in 1832) seems to have been the controlling' reason for transferring the annual meet ing- to Milledg-evilJe, that there might not seem to be any sectarian influence dominating in its work.*
Scant as are the notices of these early State Conventions, we can y?A. discern signs of growth, not in numbers merely, but in the advanced positions which were taken year by year. Thus, in 1828 it was "the immoderate use of ardent spirits" against which ''successful efforts" had been directed. Tri 1829, "not half the quantity" is. now used "in public assem blies hitherto accustomed to use ardent spirits to excess." Social custom rs yielding", and the neglecting- to place the dram bo'ttle on the sideboard is no longer "considered a breach of politeness," and e-ven /i arresting" is "frequently" gotten through with without liquor; and, -mirabile dictu! '* Htum al weddings in respectable families, there ha-vc been many instances of entire abstinence from this liquid/"
There is a tone of sc;l [-abnegation ui this crucifying1 of the flesh on wedding occasions that sounds almost pathetic.

CHAPTER XVIII.
FORM OF ORGANIZATION OF THE OLD TKMPERANCE SOCIETIES.
"We are struggling in the morning With the spirit of ike night; Hut \ve trample on it scorning, Lo, the sky is bright. We must watch, the day is breaking, Soon, like Memnon's statue waking With the sunrise into sound. We shall raise our voice to Heaven. Chant a hymn for conquest given, Seize the palm, nor heed the wound."
-----trail's Mission."
There was an inter-independence among- the early tem perance societies which precludes the application of any very uniform standard, either as to organization, pledges, or methods oi working. If we may judge of the original con stitution of the State Society by its amended form of 1832, no uniformity of pledges was required among the constitu ent societies, nor were there any prescribed methods of work. Perhaps a sample or two from the mass of "Society" consti tutions, by-laws, etc., will best illustrate the work of those early organizations.
THE AUGUSTA TKMPERANCE SOCIETY
was organized Feb. 7, 1829. After a preamble in which the evils of intemperance are depicted, and the necessity for action is set forth, the following constitution was adopted :*
"AKTici,!': I. The Society shall be called the Augusta. Society for the pro motion of Temperance.
"A^T. It. It ahull be the sole object of this society, to counteract, lessen and prevent, by such means as seem best calculated to accomplish the object, the degrading and ruinous vice of intemperance.
''ART. ill. The membcrs of this society shall consist of those persona who manifest their approbation of its object and design, by subscribing this constitution.
? "Constitutionalist/* Feb. 10, iSzy. 247

2^8

1-OKM Or ORGANIZATION OF Til 1C

"ART. 3V. The society (after the first: election of officers) shall meet annually on the second Monday in January, when they shall choose by ballot a President and two Vice-Presidents, a Recording Secretary, who shall also be Treasurer, a Cor responding Secretary, and seven other members, who together shall constitute a Board of Managers, any live of whom shall form n quorum for the transaction of

"ART. V. At all meetings of the Society, or Hoard of Managers, the President shall preside; in his absence cither of the vice-presidents, and in the absence of the three any member may he called to the Chair.
"ART. VI. The Recording Secretary shall record the proceedings of the Society, and of the Board. The Corresponding Secretary shall conduct the correspondence of both, and the Treasurer shall have charge of the funds of the Association, which shall be held subject to the order of thu Board of Managers.
"AR-r. VII. The Hoard of Managers shall meet on the cull of the President,

have power to fill all vacancies in their own body, to call extra meetings of the Society, and to conduct its ordinary business, and it shall be their duty to endeavor to increase the number of the members.
''ART. VIIt. It shall be the duty of the members of this Society to abstain from the use of distilled or ardent spirits, except when the same may be deemed necessary as a medicine, and to endeavor by all prudent and moderate measures, to discourage their ti.-;e by others, and to promote as far as practicable, by their influ ence and example, those temperate habits which are considered intimately con nected with social order and individual comfort.
"ART. IX. Any member who, in the opinion of the Hoard of Managers, shall by his conduct, manifest a disregard of the great object of this Society, shall forfeit his membership therein.
"ART. X. It shall be the duty of the Board of Managers tn keep a register of all eases of casualty or crime resulting from intemperance, which shall come to their knowledge, to be incorporated, as far as may be deemed expedient, into their annual report, and iL shall be the duty of the members of the Society to commu nicate to the Hoard, any information they may obtain in reference to this subject.
"ART. XT. Any member desirions of withdrawing from the Society may do so at any time hy notice to that effect, given in writing to the Recording Secretary.
"ART. XII. An address on the subject of intemperance shall be annually delivered before the Society by some member appointed for that purpose, by the Hoard of Managers.
"ART. XIII. The Society shall publish annually the report of the Hoard of Managers, and they may add to it such address, sermon, or tract, on intemper-

"ART. XIV. This constitution may be amended or altered at any general meet ing of the Society, by a majority of the members present.''
Published by order of the Society, Mll/rO^ ANTONY, ^JV.r/W;/. JAMES HARPER,

OLD TEMPERANCE SOCIETFES.

249

Such is one of the most elaborately drawn of all the constitutions of the old temperance societies. Its strong points and its weak, in the light of fifty-eight years' experience in temperance work, stand out to the vies? of every thoughtful man. Of course, the looseness of the pledge, and the ease with which it could be assumed or laid aside, will not commend it to the more exacting obligations of existing organizations. Y"et some features of this old constitution might be incorporated into our modern methods with profit, r.^. the obligation of the member for personal effort in discouraging others from the use of intoxicants. Also the obligation of the individual member to be a factgatherer* in the collection of all statistics which may come under his personal observation, as to the effect of liquor in producing casualty and crime, is certainly worthy of imitation.
Many of the rural societies had much shorter constitu tions than that of the Augusta ; but it is a noteworthy fact, that, almost without exception, the societies formed after i82() take the /A?/f pledge so far as ^z/v^v;/ spirits are concerned. The somewhat temporizing promise to abstain from " the immoderate use" of such liquors, as we find it stated in the Baptist Convention of 1828, soon gave place to complete abjuration of such drinks, ^. .$% the Jasper County Society's Second Article reads:
"The objects of this Society are to lessen and prevent the use of ardent spirits, and the members pledge themselves not. to use any except as a medicine in bodily innnnity."
The Baldwin County Temperance Society, organized in 1831, has its Sixth Article as follows:
" The members of this Society recognizing the principle of /^A*^ abstinence as the only safety of the temperate, and the only hope fur the intemperate, do solemnly engage entirely to abstain from the use of ardent spirits, except when rendered necessary as a medicine, and to endeavor to promote tile like abstinence on the part of their friends nd acquaintances, ann. all to whom their influence extends."
" ART. VTI. The members of this Society will no longer regard it us an act of civility to invite a friend to drink, either in their own houses or elsewhere."
" ART. VTII. The members of this Society viewing with deep regret the evil effects of treating by candidates for the 1 ,egislature and other public oMces, hereby

FORM OF ORGANIZATION OF THE
candidate, who may be guilty of this practice, eitr by their approbation or knowledge." 1
The Union Temperance Society of Monroe and Bibb counties, adopted a constitution December 3, 1831.
The Third Article enjoins total abstinence from buying;, selling1, or drinking" ardent spirits, except medicinally.
Art. IV requires the members, both by precept and example, to seek to suppress the use of such liquors. 13y Art. V they are pledged to withhold their suffrag-e from any candidates who use spirits for electioneering purposes.
The Board of Managers of this Society must look after the conduct of the members, exhorting* to faithfulness, and ''expelling" by a two-thirds vote, those who are disorderly, or who violate the constitution, but the expelled member shall have the right of appeal to the Society. A member who has not violated the constitution may withdraw from the Society by applying' to the Board, and furnishing" to the Recording Secretary reasons for so doing.
The Board must provide for temperance addresses, pro cure tracts and other publications lor distribution, and the Corresponding Secretary is to correspond with other secre taries on all subjects of general interest to the temperance cause.
This Society did not propose to let its works be hid. July 4, 1832, is to be celebrated by it, and all, "especially the ladies." are invited, also the Revolutionary veterans "whom we cannot expect to have with us long," No spirituous liquors or wines will be used on that day. Mr. Washington Poe \vill deliver the address. Rev. Mr. Pattersori will offi ciate in his clerical capacity, and A. A. Gaulding \vill read the Declaration of Independence, an indispensable part of the Fourth's ceremonies in the olden time.
The Stone Creek (Twiggs County) Temperance Society, organized in 1832, b\r Art. V pledges its members "totally to abstain from the use of distilled spirits, prohibits the use of such liquors in their families, enjoins upon them to dis-
1 Federal Union, January 26, iS 3 2.

OLD TEMPIiKANCE SOCIETIES.

2$I

courage others from such liquors. Of course the proviso, "except medicinally," is appended. Violation of the pledge involves expulsion, and the expelled cannot be readmitted under less than six months of probation, during which lime he must totally abstain from ardent spirits. Any member in good standing may, however, withdraw by presenting his reasons in proper iorm.
The Baldwin County Temperance Society, organized July 20, 183$, pledges as follows :
"Am. JII. We, whose names arc hereunto annexed, believing that the use of ardent spirits is not only unnecessary, but hurtful to the social, civil and religious

for the entertainment of friends, or for persons in our employment, and in all suit able \vays, we will discountenance the use of them throughout the community."
Rev. C. D. Mallary, Rev. C. W. Howard, Judge J. G\ Polhill, and Mr. Morman, appear as the leaders of this effort about the State capital, though Millcdgeville itself had had a "society" already for several years.
The Tnrvcrsville Temperance Society's (1832) Seventh Article, is as follows :
"Any person shall he a member of this Society, by signing these articles and pledging himself to absUiiu totally from the use of disLilled spirits, and from any beverage or mixture knu\vn to contain them; unless, indeed, the s^mie shall be thought necessary for him in sudden emergency of disease."
This Society furthermore enjoins upon its Secretary to correspond with other societies for giving and for gaining information, which shall be laid before the Society at its regular meetings.
The examples given above furnish fair samples of the nature of the pledges taken by the members of the old temperance societies.
As will be observed, there are considerable differences in the restrictions of the pledges. Some enjoin simple abstinence from the use of ardent spirits, except "in the sudden emergency of disease." Some also bind the signers not to traffic in intoxicating liquors, nor to permit the use of such stimulants in their families, nor to furnish them to
^Federal Union, July 25, 1835.

252

FORM OF OlUiANV/ATION OF TIIK

employes. Others again pledge the members not. to furnish these drinks, as formerly, to friends, or to guests; while others bind the signers not to "consider it a breach of polite ness" to forbear placing- such beverages before visitors. Other pledges withhold suffrage from candidates who treat^ or who themselves indulge "iuunodcratcly'* in ardent spirits.
This great diffcrencc in the qualify and quantity of restrictions laid upon the members of the old Societies, would, at least, indicate the complete inter-independence of these organizations. The State Society was vested with no controlling authority over its auxiliaries. It was itself only a kind of mass meeting, advisory in its character, intended for consultation, upon tlic great questions wherein lay it.s special work, arid having only the power of rccoinmciiding to the auxilinries the line of work to be followed. This loose ness (if organization was undoubtedly a great hindrance in spreading- the work. Nobody being specially responsible for anything was not the most effective way to reach out after the thousands who were suffering' from the liquor traffic. Agents were needed, who should be constantly in the field; but who could employ them? who be responsible for their pay? It was not until 1834, it seems, that the State Society felt itself authorized to put an agent in the field, and even then the Society had great difficulty in furnishing the funds necessary for his support, for even the short period during which he was employed.
Another defect in the ''Constitutions" was the ease with which the obligation "noose could be slipped" by thirsty members. (Nearly all those documents contained a pro visory article through which a member could withdraw from the Society, by merely giving- notice to that effect. There were many withdrawals under tins provision; and its benefits seem to have been often made of avail on occasions, such as Christmas festivities, the celebration of "theglorious Fourth," or the approach of an exciting election--and there were not many elections free from great excitement in those clays, etc.

T KM Pi-: RANGE ^OCIKTIES.

25.1

Not only was the great facility in getting- rid of the obligation taken on entering' a society by simply withdraw ing- a great hindrance to permanent work, but the very rare meetings of a society prevented those safeguards from beingthrown around the members--and particularly around those who were peculiarly tempted--and thus very much of the proposed good was lost. Most societies provided in their constitutions for annual meetings for the election of officers, etc., but man}- seemed to have had no other regular meetings of the membership. A few met "quarterly," as it was termed; and, possibly, a very few may have had monthly meeting's, ft is plain that such rarity of convocation must of itself have been almost fatal to the fundamental idea of society as an instrumentality in the accomplishment of good. What is "society" without association? That enthusiasm for a cause, that unity of purpose, the mutual encouragement ; that wis dom from a multitude of counsellors,, as well as other appar ent advantages gained from regular and frequent gatherings, all were lost by meetings only annual in their recurrence. 'With no sacred convocations save the seasons of the great feasts, the Jews, time and again, went over to the idolatry whose sacrifices burned morning and evening- around them. But we must not judge the tentative efforts of the early ternperance associations, with their faults or their virtues, by the experience gained by more than a half century of all imaginable efforts. Faults of organization have been found, and many a new order has since then made its trial trip over the stormy sea ol intemperance. Many leaky parts have been repaired ; new crafts have taken the place of the old ; yet we cannot refuse to the old societies the meed of great praise for the great good which the}r accomplished in their day.
THE METHODS OF THE SOCIETIES.
While, of course, the general purpose of all the societies was identical, yet there was not much more of uniformity in the methods of work than in the form of their pledges. One or more addresses generally made part of the pro-

2^4

FORM OK ORGANIZATION OF Till]

gramme. These, like the meeting's of the societies them selves, were always open to the public, and the effort to im press the people with the value of temperance, and to secure the signatures of as many members as possible, were the marked features of the programme. Gut addresses upon a single subject so well understood, seemed likely soon to grow monotonous, and to no longer excite interest. The programme must be varied, and dialogues, debates, cel ebrations, etc., were part of the machinery brought into requisition.
At the,celebration of July 4, 1832, at Davidsou Hill, Alorgan county, it is said that "although an immense cro\vd was present, and the meeting was of a political character, yet no alcoholic, fermented,or exhilarating fluid of any kind was used--nothing hut the pure cold water, \vhich emanated from the hill in plenty, was drank during the enjoyment of this day.'* This was regarded as a most signal proof of the good effected by the new Society.
The Baldwin County Societyin 183$ bears a conspicuous part in the celebration of the Fourth. The order oE proces sion is given :
First, A Military Escort. Second, Temperance Society. Third, Sabbath Schools. Fourth, Orators and Clergy. Fifth, Mayor and Council. Sixth, Citizens.
Mr. Washington Poe delivered the address, and instead of toasts, as had been the universal rule hitherto, patriotic and moral sentiments were expressed in many short speeches. Certainly a temperance sentiment, strong enough to set aside such a long standing custom as that of toast drinking, was not to be lightly spoken of.
The Jasper County Society, at its meeting, Sept. /, 1832--there were four or five auxiliaries to the County Society, for county societies seemed to cohere by a sort of natural attraction--was addressed by Mr. G-rinncII, who pro posed "that some article be added to this Constitution by which any member might be expelled for becoming intoxi cated on wine." Mr. WhitReld seconded this motion. Mr.

OL1> TRMPEKANCK SOCIETIES.

255

Burney suggested an alteration in the proposed article of the Constitution which should read thus:
"ART. VII. Although this Society has prohibited the use only of ardent spirits, yet, it being- shown to the Society that any member has become intoxicated on ardent spirits or any other liquor, he shall be expelled from this Society." This article was adopted at a subsequent meeting. So "the lighter drinks" were already giving1 trouble to the societies.
The Jasper Societ}-, like others, doubtless, was in a quandary as to its expelled members, i.e., as to whether these should be put upon a kind of probation, or be permanently expelled ; and inquiries as to the usages of other societies in this particular case were made. Upon learning that expul sion with other bodies was generally without expectation of reinstatement of the expelled, the society resolves to adopt the same rule. It was also made the duty of each member "to report any violation of the constitution."
Dealing wilh members accused of violating the pledge --or constitution, as it was then called,--necessarily added to the constitutions and by-laws of the societies ; for while the original articles provided that offenders should be separated from the body, they had not provided the/^w this cutting-off process was to be curried out. This new and most unpleasant part of the temperance \vork involved the creation of tribunals for the trial of the accused, and of rules by which the trials should be conducted. Thus the "'constitutions" usually kept growing- to tneet cases not previously provided for, and, of coarse, became much more elaborate than at first.
The societies made it part of their work to distribute temperance literature. Most addresses of special value, even before the rural societies, \vere printed and circulated. There was no temperance periodical published in the South until 1834; but very many papers published elsewhere, as well as tracts, were circulated. For several years the "Temperance Recorder," published at Albany, N. Y., seems to have been the paper for temperance readers in Georgia, and we find many efforts made by the societies to extend the circulation of this periodical.

OF ORGANIZATION OK THE
In the old journal of the Jasper County Society, kindly furnished the author by a former secretary, the venerable Rev. C. H. Sullwell, now of Rome, G-a., the following- min ute for October 31, 1833, is found:
"A resolution was then passed, on motion of Air. Burney, that measures 1>e taken to foi-m a temperance society among- the colored population of the county, and that a suitable person be selected to carry that resolution (into effeel?). Mr. Wm. V. Jkirnev volunteered his services, which were accepted bv the society.''
How extensive was this effort in behalf of the colored population, the writer has been unable to ascertain. Most likely many such efforts were made, but the records of most have yielded to time and the conflagrations of the civil war.
In December, 1833, the Jasper Society appointed a com mittee "to ascertain, if possible, the number of." distilleries and dram shops, the quantity of ardent spirits sold, and the number of drunkards in the county," and make their re port at the annual meeting" of the society in October, 1834. Unfortunately this report was not forthcoming. Such data from all the counties would, in the dearth of government statistics, be of much interest.
THF, AUGUSTA SOCIETY.
One of the best of the old temperance societies was that established in Augusta in February, 1829. Dr. Milton Antony was President, Augustus Moore and William J. Hobby were Vice-presidents, John H. Mann and James Harper, Secretaries ; and William Robertson, William Poe, Joseph A. Eve, Ignatius P. G-arvin, Lewis D. Ford, George Thew and Joel Catlhi--Managers.
The first annual report made by this Board of Managers, Feb. 6, 1830, is a remarkably strong paper, and gives evidence of a grasp of the subject, its difficulties and its needs, such as is rarely found at that period. The growth of the Society had been constant. From a very small number of members it had grown to near two hundred, while
" The number of persons who have lessened the quantity formerly consumed, or abstain entirely, yet have not. joined tiie Society, is probably still greater.

257
it has swelled into an association, tinder whose banner arc found enlisted men of ail ranks and professions, and of every faith.
Taking the amount of liquors consumed in the whole Union before the temperance reformation began, estimated at sixty millions of gallons yearly, the Report computes t\vo millions as Oeorgia's probable consumption by her 400,ooo people.
" The ruinous effects of ardent spirits upon our black population should be a matter of serious alarm in a State containing- so large a number of slaves. Obser-
rate parents, into whose y whose minds have been cs
ees those to whom he looks up, as the poisonous cup? Almost all the this part of 01
plantation. Now every caution is necessary to prcvei effectual in checking depredations of all kinds."
A foot note adds it " as a \vell known fact that at least two-thirds of the grogshops are supported by negroes, and so well supported that fortunes are frequently realized--it is not unreasonable to suppose that one-half the money thus applied, is dishonestly obtained from their owners or others. The evil is great, and calls loudly upon the proper authorities for a remedy."
The Report scouts the idea that ardent spirits are neces sary for health in a Southern climate, and quotes Prof. Dickson of Charleston, a high medical authority, who says: "1 protest against its employment in any form of chronic

258

VORM OF ORGANIZATION OF THE

disease, or for any other than transient purposes. I would give strong drink only to him who is ready to perish."
It is estimated that 30,000 die annually in the United States from intemperance. "In our own city, during- the year which has just past, the whole number of d eat ITS among1 our adult white population was forty-five. Of this number twelve could be clearly traced to intemperance, that is, about one-fo^lrt/l of the whole number. Of these twelve, one was a case of suicide, committed during" the ternporar\* derangement produced by ardent spirits, and two others were individuals who refused to sign the constitution, In our own county the only individual charged with the offence of manslaughter, during- the past year, was in a state of intoxication when the crime was committed."
As. to the social glass: "Is there any courtesy m oifcring to a guest liquid fire? Shall poison be offered to a friend for fear of giving offence? Away with the friendship that rests on no better foundation than this."
As to drunkards : "There is yet another class who object to our association--we mean the drunkards, To their objection it is unnecessary to reply. Our Society v/as not established for their reformation--that we consider almost hopeless. If however, any such should desire to re form, we charge them to bring all their remaining strength of mind in aid of their resolution." ";f * v~
"The only remedj" for intemperance is in a change of pub lic opinion ; and until this shall be effected, legislative enact ments \vill be nugatory. The day however is not far distant, when the tippling houses, those nurseries of infamy and crime, will be unknown. Public opinion will so plainly have marked them as destructive, that our legislatures and corporations ivill suppress them. When that clay arrives it should be kept as a. jubilee."
This in 1830! General prohibition is here clearly fore shadowed, and confidently anticipated as the natural and national resxilt oi growth in temperance sentiment. This was two years before the American Temperance Societ}^, in its Fifth Annual Report, began to agitate the subject of re-

O1,D TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.

259

straining1 the traffic by legislation, arid three years before the Subject was taken up by the first National Temperance Con vention at Philadelphia (May, 1833), thorou^hl^y discussed, and planted in the most progressive minds as an ultimate in temperance reform. Many of the leading thinkers of the land by 1833, had g-oiie down to this bed-rock foundation in re formatory work, but how many individuals, even, much less how many temperance organizations, had then published to the world their confident expectation of general prohibition?
The old Society, and the later temperance organiza tions of Augusta, had. on their rolls of membership man}1" of the leading men of the State, and several ot national rep utation ; but of these hereafter. This Society, like many others, did not become a component part of the State Society until the latter moved its annual sessions to Milledg-eville, in November, 1832. As before intimated, the total of members (3,189) estimated ia the State Societv report at Bxick-head in April, 1831, was far below the mark, as very many societies made no report to the State Society while the latter had a seeminq; connection with a sectarian body.
In the autumn, of 1832 the Augusta Society is called to meet "to consider amongst other matters, the expediency of becoming auxiliary to the Georgia Temperance Society. From some recent circumstances an opinion is entertained by many, that should the society here become auxiliary to the State Society, the cause of temperance would be more effectually promoted. To the society it will belong to judge of this." The meeting1 approved of the proposition, and so, after near four years of independence, the Augusta became a component of the State Society. Prior to its union with the State Society, indeed, immediately after the first anniversary in February, 1830, the Augusta Society issued a call to all similar societies in the State to forward to Mr. James Har per, "the names of their officers, the number of their mem bers, and such other interesting- information respecting; the temperance reformation as they may possess." Editors throughout the State were requested to insert the call.

CHAPTER XIX.
HEADQUARTERS I IV MII.LEDGEVILLE. 1832-1836.
"(lo bear, and feel, and see, and know, All that /yj7/ hath felt and known, Then look upon the wine cups glow; See if its beauty cun alone Think if its Kavor you will try \Vhun all proclaim, Tis drink and die. Tell me I A<j^ the bowl/7a6; is % feeble word,
With strong disgust is stirred When I see, or hear, or tell, Of the dar
Pursuant to a call published throughout the State, the Georgia State Temperance Society met in Milledgevillc, Mov. 13, 1833.
This was doubtless a judicious step, for the great num ber of societies now existing; in various parts of the State, could not be brought into active concerted efforts in behalf of temperance while the meeting of the central body was regularly held in connection with any ecclesiastical organi zation. The Baptists had been pioneers in the work, but most other churches were by this time enlisted. Gen. R. C. Shorter, who had been elected President at Monticello in 1828, was still in office, but the moving power of the body had been Rev. Dr. Adicl Sherwood, who was the very efficient sec retary.
After the opening of the session, Gen. Shorter asked to be excused from serving longer as President. Mr. Stocks, president of the State Senate, moved the appointment, of Judge A. B. Longstrcet, as permanent President of the Soci ety. The motion was carried, and Judge Longstreet
260

HEADQUARTERS IX M i I .l.^DGEVir.I.E. 1832-1836. 261
remained in office so long thereafter as the State Society had an existence. Dr. Sherwood was continued as secretary. The newly elected President, after some remarks, took the Chair and credentials frorrl a large number of delegates were presented.
After a report from the Executive Committec,a com mittee " consisting of the. President, the Secretary and Dr. Antony was appointed to r*??/^' the constitution and report this evening/' The Secretary was directed to make extracts from the communications of-the auxiliary societies and incor porate them in the printed proceedings of. the meeting. Also we find the following:
Ajo/cw/. Tliat we endeavor to raJse $Tou in order to print a.nd circulate the "National Circular."
In the afternoon the Society examined and finally adopted the constitution which is given below.
Dr. Antony delivered a very interesting address, for which he received a vote of thanks.
On motion of Attorney-General Jenkins, the Executive Committee was directed to appeal to the auxiliary societies for funds " necessary to carry into effect the great objects of our Association/
The officers elected at the morning session were then confirmed in their respective offices, under the new constitu tion, and others were elected for the new ofnces, provided for in the constitution. They were:
Hon. A. B. Longstrcet* Augusta, President; Dr. T. Fort, Milledgeville, ist Vice-President ; ITon. Thos. Stocks, Greensboro, 3d Vice-President; Col. Joseph H. Lumpkin, Lcxiogton, 3d Vice-President; Rev. Dr. A. Sherwood, Eatonton, Secretary; Wm. Turner, Esq., Eatonton, Treasurer; Messrs. Hines, Fort, Polhill, Standford, and Fogle, Executive Committee.
President Longstreet, Col. Lumpkin, Mr. Cone, and Mr. Jenkins were appointed to deliver addresses at the next annual meeting; while Col. King, Judge Stocks, and Dr.
* Many of the Societies bad already circulated this paper.

2 6-3

HEADQL'AK'rKRi IN M I LA ,KDG EVILLE. 1832-1836.

Macon were appointed a committee to prepare by-laws to be presented at the next meeting, which was appointed for Tuesday after the second Monday in November, 1833.
Col. Mercer, the former treasurer, then paid over to the Secretary the fund remaining- in his hands ($24.50), which was appropriated in paying" for the printing of the Minutes (.if 1831. This fund was collected nearly all at Bethescla. Also lands were raised for printing- the Minutes. Some con tributions were also made for specific purposes, as the print ing- of 10,000 copies of the " National Circular," with which the Executive Committee was charged.
In the, societies reported at this meeting--about sixty in number--were over 5,000 members, while at least twenty or thirty societies had made no report. The total of member ship "was computed at about 7,500.
The Executive Committee reported that they had been unable, even after long public notice, to secure the services of a traveling' agent. They had also commissioned Col. Lumpkin and Mr. Cone as delegates to the American Tem perance Society, but learn that the appointees were unable to attend the National meeting'. More systematic efforts to exterminate intemperance are called, for. The Ex-Committee mentions " as favorable, the hearty co-operation of our Methodist brethren. With a few honorable exceptions, they had stood aloof from any part in this benevolent enter prise, maintaining that members of churches were also (members) ot temperance societies ; but the fallacy of the objection has been disclosed, and they are coining- up to the work with their characteristic zeal. So zealously do they enter into the matter that the words of the Saviour, 'The last shall be first,' are literally fulfilled."
The Committee say that the chief obstacles in the vay are professing Christians and temperate drinkers. The latter are a special hindrance; though they may drink but little, and that too at home, yet the}- do (he cause of tem perance greater harm than ten times their number of drunk ards, since the sot is too loathsome to tempt any man to follow in his footsteps. lie makes no disciples.

HEADQU'ARTKRS IN M1LLEDGEVILJLE. 1832-1836. 263
The Committee are urgent for an agent, if possible, but if not, they think the next best thing* is to circulate as widely as possible the "National Circular," and to see to it that every Jamily receives it. The Putnam Society circulated nearly twenty copies for each member.
CONSTITUTION OF THK GRORGLA. TRMFKRAXCK SOCIRTY AS REVISED AlsO AOO1TET),
!Kov. 13, 1832. ist. This Society shall be called tbe Georgia. Temperance Society. Its object shall he the suppression of the vice of intemperance. ad. The Society shall be composed of delegiU.es from the County Societies, but each society shall be entitled to one delegate, which does not find it convenient to he represented through the several (.Jounty Societies. 3d. This Society shall meet annuallyat Milledgcville on the Tuesday after the second Monday in Movcmber. 4th. At each annual meeting the following officers shall be chosen in such man ner as the Society may direct, ?"'=.. :L President, a ist, a ad, a gd Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and n Executive Committee, lo consist of fi\e members^ all of whom shall hold tht:ir appointments till their successors are chosen. In the absence of the President, the Vice-Presidents in their order shall preside. IT th&se are absent a President shall be appointed/Vz)Av/f. Tii the absence of any omcer his place shall be filled in the same way. glli. Jtshall be the dutyof the Executive Committee to manage theaffairsof the Society in the recess of its meetings, to conduct its correspondence, to collect such
ports of the Treasurer, to appoint delegates lo the American Temperance Society, and to report their proceedings at each annual meeting through their Secretur
6th. Auxiliaries to this Society may be received upon their Constitution with a resolution of their body, expressive of their \vish to become auxiliaries.
After the present scsaton, delegates shall be admitted upon producing a certifi cate from the ollieers of their appointment.
the use of ardent spirits, except as a medicine, but it shall not interfere with the private regulations of the auxiliaries, further than to recommend.
8th. This Society shall have no connection iu its associate character, either with Church or SUite.
gth. The fundsof this Society shall consist of voluntary contributions only, and shall be applied to the objects of the Society exclusively.
Tolh. To alter this Constitution the votes of two-thirds of the members present at a meeting shall be required.
itth. The Society may make any By-l.aws and regulations not inconsistent with this Constitution, and upon a vote of two-thirds of the members present at a
Such was the Constitution adopted by the State Society
From the "Constitutionalist," Jan. 4, 1833.

264

HEADQUARTERS IN MILLE1X ; KVI LLE. 1832-1836.

at its first Milledgeville session. T-Io\v mucli it varied from the original compact of 1828, it is impossible now to deter mine, in the lack of the former instrument.
It is called a revision of its predecessor, and most prob ably is essentially identical with it. It was Federal, in its character, arid contemplated the grouping of the separate societies into county societies, which latter were to compose the State Society ; and the latter regarded itself, in so far, at least, a member of the American Temperance Society as to appoint delegates to attend the latter and participate in the proceedings, standing, so far as we are able to perceive, in the same attitude as other State societies to the National body.
It was felt to be very necessary to put an agent into the field, to devote his entire time to the \vork ; but the Society did not succeed in effecting- this object until the summer ol 1834, -when at a called meeting, held at Athens during the commencement of Franklin College, Rev. Mr. Rcid was employed, though he does not seem to have long- remained in the field.
Of the meeting of the State Society in November, i833 ) the writer has been able to find only incidental notices. A distinguished minister 1 who was present on that occasion^ says: "Judge Long-street and Judge Joseph H. Lumpkin were the chief speakers, and I \vell remember that their efforts were of the highest order." The proceedings of the meeting, however, the writer has not been able to find, Nearly as meager is the account of the State Society's anni versary in 1834. But it is time to examine some other data.

RESULTS OF THE TEMPERANCE SOCIETY MOVEMENT.
That the temperance societies began at once to tone up the morals of the people, we have abundant proof. Even in 1828, when the State Society was organized, we have seen the Baptist State Convention expressing its gratification at " the siicccssfiil efforts against the immoderate use of ardent
1 Dr. S. G. HHlyer, of Washington, Ca.

HKAIJQLTAR TICKS IN" M I LLEDGKVI LLE. I 8 32--I 836.

265

spirits," and the good effects of the work were felt in every direction.
The grand jury of Burke county, at its May session of 1829, reports but a small number of criminal prosecutions; though it is to be lamented that cases of brutal intoxication^ although much more rare, do still too frequently occur. Says the jury: " Could this besetting- sin be totally eradicated, few people would exhibit fairer traits of character than the citizens of Georgia, and to us it appears that it is 111 our power to do much to produce this desirable result. If all who have the same views of this subject with us, would,each in his own sphere,do what he could to promote reformation in this respect, the drunkard \vould be rarely seen among us. If it should become the fixed determination of all such to withhold their countenance from the intemperate; if habitual intoxication should be deemed a sufficient disqualification for employment, and if this sentiment should become gen eral, and this degrading- vice be removed from us, we should indeed be a happ3 r people." 1
About this date the press published widely the state ment of an Knglish traveler who asserted that he had "seen more beastly ('beastly' is the Englishman's ultima t/tule in the abominable) drunkenness in one day in passing- twice alongIlolborn, than I saw among Americans in several months." Arid the editor of the Philadelphia " News" declares that in a two years' residence in London, lie had seen more inebriety than in a lifetime in the United States. "Yet, to judge from some of the addresses of the temperance societies, there is hardly a sober man in our Republic." The "Constitutional ist" quoting this declaration of the Philadelphia editor, adds:
"We are not unfriendly to temperance societies, and it is probable they have accomplished much good, but a good thing may sometimes be made, by an over-effort, good for nothing, and men may become intemperate in their very temperance." This sage advice has been unstintedly be stowed upon temperance advocates from that day till this.
1 The "Constitutionalist," May 19, 18x9.

266 HEADQUARTERS IN MILLEDGEVILI.E. 1832-1836.
If Americans in 1829 were not so drunken as the British, it by no means proved them a sober people ; they were only less debauched than their Bnglish cousins. But there were many downward stages between the limbo of tippling1 and the hells of beastliness to be encountered along Holborn and the Strand, and the tendency of our nation, before the tem perance reformation, was rapidly downward. Only time, a very short time at that, was needed to bring; Americans to an unenviable comparison with the English,
Some of the Georgia papers of this era quote with ap proving comments, an article from the "National Gazette," which article commends the temperance societies for hold ing to the use of wine, "on the very safe ground that drunk enness is almost, if not wholly, unknown in wine countries." The writer says that in a year's residence in France, he had seen only one drunken man. The same was true of Spain, "whose inhabitants are proverbially sober, although wine is abundant and cheap.
The same writer, about July i, 1830, also gives the whole number of temperance societies by latest returns (to Janu ary, 1830) as 1,590. Since January 575, new societies, \vith 26,427 members had been, formed, \vhile 28,851 new members had been added to old societies; 161 societies, with 22,351 members had been organized in one year in Connecticut alone. "In the State of Georgia there are at least 20,000 persons who were formerly in the habit of daily drinking spirits, who, now, seldom if ever, taste them." !
Much danger to drinkers from suddenly adopting; total abstinence from ardent spirits, had been predicted, but tem perance men replied \vith statistics from the prisons, and elsewhere, where the experiment--it was an experiment, then it seems--had been made. In the Maine prison, the ine briates were found to "soon renew their youth" on cold water. Harvests were reaped, ships sent to sea, houses and churches built, and militia and other meetings "formerly the scenes of disorder and confusion by the use of intoxicating liquors, are now held without them."
1 "Constitutionalist," July 9, 1830.

HEADQUARTERS IN MILJ.EDCEVI MJG. 1832-1836. 267
The Georgians very heartily approved the army orders of Gen. Cass1 , Secretary of War, under Jackson's administra tion, which forbade the further issuing- of the liquor ration to the army.
The Georgia "Messenger" of Oct. 2$, 1832, has the following:
" Practical Temperance. Married, in the vicinity of Macon, on Sunday even
ing last, by Henry 13. liill, Ksq., Mr. Mitchull llarkias to Miss Polly Radford. ft is worthy of note and imitation, that, tJ( hough a considerable parly attended,
and the evening was spent with great conviviality, yet not a drop of ardent spirits was used."
" Rven at weddings in respectable families there have been many instances of entire abstinence from this liquid." Such was the language formerly quoted from the report made to the Baptist Convention in 1829. But what of the custom from which the above marriage festivities were such a notable exception? *' Even at a wedding," on the Sabbath, where " a considerable party attended," and " the evening was spent with great conviviality, yet not a drop of ardent spirits was used I" \Ve may easily imagine the drinking which was regarded as the necessary concomitant of a marriage.
The Macon " Advertiser" of April 22, 1831, quotes from the Boston" (.Gazette "--and witu evident approval--an article which asserts that though intemperance had been checked by the great efforts of 1828--9, " yet it is now on the increase," and " only by encouraging the drinking of light wines, as claret, can the evil be stayed." The article demands, there fore, the removal of all duties on the importation of such wines. This " temperance drink " doctrine was, as we have seen, of very ancient date in Georgia, Oglcthorpe and the Trustees having adopted it as the most effective way to counteract the inroads of rum into the colony.
In 1832 it was confidently asserted that that dread scourge, Asiatic cholera, was approaching, nnrl it was very soon ascertained that, like the destroying angel, it distinguished almost unerringly between tipplers and abstainers.
^ Issoed Nuv. 2, 1832.

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II I-JAJDQUAKTUKS 1 N M U.I^EUC EV11 ,LE. 1832--1836.

A distinguished" gentleman, who had carefully examined into the matter, said that " had it not been for the sale and use of spirit, there had not been enough cholera in New York to have caused the cessation of business for a single day."* Indeed, from every quarter came the same testimony, and so plain and convincing- was the connection between cholera and tippling that many liquor venders were appalled at the results of their owntraftic and stopped selling, saying, "This will never do; the way from the grogshop to hell is too short." Newspapers which had never contained a word in favor of temperance, were now teeming with cautions to the people to abstain from intoxicating liquors. .The line between the temperate and the intemperate was the line literally between the living and the dead. The Georgia papers, as others all over the nation, printed weekly direc tions for averting the pestilence, <r. g"., we extract the follow ing from the Georgia " Messenger " of June 28, 1832 :
" Sobriety cannot be too strongly recommended ; conse quently, avoid all excesses of eating and drinking, fur it has been observed that drunkards and debauchees have been most exposed to the attacks of cholera."
*' The excessive use of strong liquors is very pernicious, and taking unmixed brandy when fasting is equally so. Persons who have contracted the habit of doing so, should, at least, first eat a piece of bread. The same objections apply to drinking white wine fasting/'
"All beer and cider of bad quality ought to be avoided." Nor was this warning without cause. In Montreal, where more than 1,000 deaths from cholera occurred, only two of )he deceased had been members of temperance societies, and no members of such societies m England, Scotland, or Tre land had been known to fall victims to the scourge/ Nor TV ere these exceptional cases; the evidence in favor of temperance was cumulative to repletion.
* Permanent Temperance Documents, Vol. I, p. 280. 2 Permanent Temperance documents, Vol. T, pp. 2UT-2.

CHAPTER XX.
OVER THE BORDER.
"But is there no middle way between total abstinence and the excess which kills you ? For your sake, reader, and that you may never attain to my experience, with pain T must utter the dreadful truth, that there is none, none that I can find."
Charles Lamb. -- "Confessions of a 'Drunkard."
It has been shown that the Southern temperance move ment was born on Southern soil. Yet the streams collecting in the Southern part of our country were gathering force at the same time that the waters of the great Hood were rising in New England, and elsewhere. But great movements hav ing like ends in view, could not gjo forward without some concert of action naturally taking form and assimilation throughout the different parts of the work. It becomes necessary for us to recapitulate the temperance movement elsewhere in the Union, before proceeding with our special task.
The American Temperance Society, as we have noticed, was organized in 1826. Its problem was, "What shall be done to banish intemperance from the United States?" * The Society's answer was, *' By abstinence from strong drink/' and its proposed plan was by " light and love to change the habits of the nation, with regard to the use of intoxicating liquors/' The Societv maintained these theses:
"ist. Ardent spirit, which is one of the principal means of drunkenness, is not needful, and the use of it is to men in health always injurious."
"zd. It is adapted to form intemperate habits, and while it is continued the evils of intemperance can fiever be done away."
' 3d. The use uf this liquor is causing a general deterioration of body and mind, which, if the cause is continued, \vtll continue to increase."
" 4tb. To remove the evils, we must remove the cause; and Lo remove the
* Permanent Temperance Documents, Vol. 1, p. Ti.
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tc with the evil, and he
Such was the Societ}-'s " platform." /;/ hoc signo vinccre I'olitit. It resolved that it was " expedient that more syste matic and more vigorous efforts be made by the Christian public to restrain and prevent the intemperate use of intoxicating" drinks."
Of this National Society Hon. Marcus Morton was chosen President; Hon. Samuel Hubbard, Vice-President; William Ropes, Esq., Treasurer; John Tappan, Esq., Auditor, and Rev. Leonard Woods, D. D. ; Rev. Justin Edwards, John Tappan, Hon. George Odiorne, and S. V. Wilder, Executive Committee. Other members were Rev. William Jenks, Rev. Warren Fay, Rev. Benjamin B. Wisner, Rev. Francis Wayland, Rev. Timothy Merritt, Hon. William Reed, and James P. Chaplin, M. D.
On the 12th of March the Society met and chose eig-htvfour additional members; all from the New England, or Middle States, and the ex-committee issued an address to the people, presenting in a strong* light the evils of intemper ance and asking for a fund with which to employ an agent who should be kept in the field.
Dr. Calvin Chaplin, of Wethersfield, Ct., about this time wrote a series of articles in the " Observer," in which he championed total abstinence from ardent spirits.
As already mentioned in this work, the first temperance paper was the " National Philanthropist," established in April, 1826, in Boston, Rev. William Collier, Editor. In Sep tember, 1826, a society composed of more than fifty heads of families and more than one hundred and fifty young men was formed at Andover, Mass., on the basis of abstinence from distilled liquors, save as a medicine. 1
In January, 1827, through the exertions of Dr. John
1 Permanent Documents, I, p. 15.

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Marsh, a fund of several thousands of dollars was raised, and Dr. Nathaniel Hewitt was appointed the Societys agent.
Much progress was made during the year, and it was announced as no longer fashionable " to drink ardent spirits in decent company," nor was it a breach of hospitality to omit to offer them to guests; also, that the use of such drinks was not necessary to the health of laborers as formerly supposed; but, on the contrary, rather injurious, as well as being the forerunner of intemperance.
Ship-owners were urged to ofzjj?jd^ their employes from the use of liquors; and those having charge of the education of the young, to impress upon their pupils the necessity of shunning even moderate drinking.
In November, 1827, Nathaniel Hewitt was reappointed agent for a term of three years.
More than twenty military companies during 1828 had resolved on total abstinence. The same doctrine total abstinence from ardent spirits had been resolved on by the officers of four regiments, by ten medical societies, and by a large part of all the ecclesiastical bodies of the country. The New Hampshire Legislature had formed a total abstinence association among themselves. The immorality of the trafnc was the nrst point won in the work. This was gained on the high ground of Christian duty to our fellow men/
In 1829 the "Journal of Humanity "was established with Rev. Edward Hocher as Editor. At the end of this year more than one thousand societies had been formed, embracing more than 100,000 members, and there were eleven State societies. Of the societies Maine had 62 ; Now Hampshire, 46; Vermont, 56; Massachusetts, 169; Rhode Island, 3; Connecticut, 135; New York, 300; New Jersey, 21 ; Pennsylvania, 53; Delaware, r; Maryland, 6; Virginia* $2; North Carolina, 15 ; South Carolina, 10 ; (Georgia, 14; Alabama, 8 ; Ohio, 30: TCentucky, 9; Tennessee, 5 ; Miss issippi, 4; Indiana, 13 ; Illinois, I ; Michigan* 3 ; Missouri* I.
Permanent T^ocumcnts, f, p. 3?.

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" More than fifty distilleries had been stopped ; " more than 400 merchants had quit the traffic, and 1,200 drunkards had reformed. Some towns had no venders of liquors; vagabonds had been reclaimed, much religious fervor had taken hold of the churches, and popular sentiment had become more pronounced against the traffic; while there had been much improvement in the morality, thrift and intelligence of the people. In this year too, the first apostles of temperance had planted their standard in the British Isles.
The rapid growth of the work continued through 1830. One Southern Congressman declared that in his district defeat would certainly meet any candidate who should use liquors to secure his election. 1 Tn Washington many board ing"-houses ceased serving liquors, and many Congressmen became abstainers. President Jackson, returning- from an extensive tour, reported the quantity of liquors used in the quarters of the Union visited by him had been diminished by more than one-half.
The Secretary of War gave it as his opinion, that of the more than one thousand desertions from the army in 1829, "nearly all had been occasioned by drinking." From Jan uary i, 1823, to December 31, 1829--seven years--5,669 desertions had occurred--the standing army contained only 6,000 men, chiefly from the use of liquor. Gen. Cass, the Secretar}- of War, had withheld the liquor ration with the best results. Seven new Stale Societies were organized in 1830. Rhode Island soon afterward joined the number, and only Maine, Alabama, Louisiana, Illinois, and Missouri re mained without State Societies. The National Society hact for its aim to have a local society in every town, village, and county, in the country.
On the first of May, 1831, we find this summary a of societies: Maine, 140; New Hampshire, 96 ; Vermont, 132; Massachusetts, 209; Rhode Island, 21 ; Connecticut, 202 ; New York, 727 ; New Jersey, 61 ; Pennsylvania, 124;

2 r'ermanent Documents, t, p. 38.

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Delaware, 5 ; Maryland, 38 ; District of Columbia, 10; Virginia, 113 ; North Carolina, 31 ; South Carolina, 16; Georgia, 60; Florida, r ; Alabama, 10; Mississippi, 19; Louisiana, 3 ; Tennessee, 15 ; Kentucky, 23 ; Ohio, 104; Indiana, 25 ; Illinois, 12 ; Missouri, 4; Michigan, 13 ; more than 2,200 in all, and with tiumbership exceeding 170,000. But so incomplete were these numbers, that it was computed that the total of societies amounted to 3,000, and that of members, to at least 300,000-
In 1831, it was reported 1 that more than 1,000 distill eries had been stopped, and " many of the owners would not open again for the wealth of creation." Many venders of stills could no longer 'find a market for their wares; morality had so advanced that many churches would not receive among their communicants any venders of spirit uous liquors. A benevolent individual offered a prize of $250 for the best essay on the following- subject, :
"Is it consistent with a profession of the Christian religion for persons to use, as an article of luxury or of living", distilled liquors, or to traffic in the same? And is it consistent with duty for the churches of Christ to admit those as members who continue to do this?"
Over more than forty competitors, this prize was won by Dr. Moses Stuart of Anclover. Temperance was spread ing- in the British Isles, and was exciting deep interest in Sweden and in other parts of the Continent. Chancellor Walworth of New Vork, was exerting- himself to have a society established in each school district.
As to the effect of temperate habits on health, fudge Cranch, quoting Dr. Hosach, says 2 that one-half of the Friends live to forty-seven 3'ears, on account of their tem perance, and one in ten lives to eighty, which maximum is not attained by more than one in forty of the whole popula tion. The average of human life is thirty-three years ; there fore, more than fourteen years are gained by temperance.
1 Permanent Documents,- I, p. 50. '-' Permanent Documents, I, p. 91.

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In the winter of 1831--32, Dr. John Marsh of Connecti cut, appointed agent for Baltimore and Maryland, visited Washington/ and held a meeting in the Capitol. The Scc_ rctaryof War, Gen. Cass, presided, and Walter Lowry, Clerk of the Senate, acted as secretary of the meeting. Rev. Reuben Post, Chaplain of the House, offered prayer, and addresses were made by Dr. Marsh, IJons. Felix Grundy, of Tennessee; Theodore Frclinghuysen, of New Jersey; Isaac C. Bates, of Massachusetts; James M. Wnyne, ol Georgia, and Daniel Webster, of Massachusetts. All the speakers lauded the work done by the Temperance Societies. About the same time, William Wirt added his testimony at n meet ing held in Baltimore.
The evil effects of liquor upon our soldiers and seamen were also discussed in the Washington meeting, and Mr. Waync, addressing Gen. Cass, urged the abandoning of the spirit ration for the army. Mr. Waync, in his remarks, said : ^ " The small quantity of ardent spiiit allowed creates an appetite for more, and it often happens, both in army and navy, that a month's pay of the men is spent for the means of intoxication. Tn our little army of 5,642 men, there have been, it is stated, 5,832 courts martial within five years, of which five^ixths are chargeable to intemperance ; also, 4,049 desertions, of which almost all are chargeable to intemper ance. Desertion alone has cost the TJnitcd States $336,616 in five years. Add to this the declension of moral feeling, the disease and premature deaths produced, and what a hideous aggregate does it give of the ravages of intemper ance. What has been done, it was right and best to do gradually. But now strike boldly in unison with the public tone; fulfill its expectation; recommend the entire disuse of spirits, and receive from your countrymen the praise of not being statesmen alone, but statesmen and benefactors. Give us your aid to bring upon men almost the brightness of the world's first morning."
Drunkenness of oniccrs had also caused the loss of many

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vessels ; the inebriety of one man on the " 1-vothsay Castle" had cost more than one hundred lives in the going down of the ship.
The churches had been prosperous to art extraordinary degree; as liquor had relaxed its hold religion had advanced, and great revivals and large additions to the membership of the various denominations had followed.
Three more State Societies, viz.: Maine, Rhode Island, and Illinois, had been formed in 1831, and only three States --Louisiana, Alabama,and Missouri--remained unorganized.
New York had in 1832 added more than. 50,000 mem bers, and had sent out more than 100,000 " family constitu tions "' with the purpose of making each family a temper ance society. Ma 113' towns reported great improvement in morals and health from the stopping of the distilleries and re; tail shops, and medical authorities were everywhere adding the weight of their testimony in favor of temperance. Especially was this marked change noticed in regard to the cholera, as we have seen.
Jt had also begun to be regarded as an immorality demantling church discipline, to use ardent spirits at all.
The Associations of Massachusetts, Maine, and Connect icut ae'vised the formation of societies everywhere, and called upon their congregations to resolve themselves into such organizations.
Georgia gets one or two brief notices in these national records. Thus in 1832, we find this minute: 2 "The Com missioners of the town of Athens, Georgia, have imposed a tax of $500 on every person who shall retail spirituous liquors." Also, " In a number of counties in the State of Georgia, the members of the bar have formed themselves into temperance societies, on the plan of abstinence from the use of ardent spirits. The3' have addresses delivered on the subject during the sitting of the courts, and are accom plishing great good to the community. The Committee (of

2 Permanent Documents, I. p. 225.

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the A.. T. S.) would earnestly rccommend that a similar course be pursued throughout the country." The Commit tee urge the people to abstain from the manufacture, use, or furnishing1 of ardent spirits.
The National Committee, at, a meeting- in Boston, Sept. 21, 1832, resolved, 1 that it was "highly desirable that meet ings of temperance societies and friends of temperance be holden simultaneously, on one day that may be designated, in all cities, towns, and villages, throughout the United States." The day appointed was Feb. 26, 1833. It was believed that a national clay would aid a national work. The means to be used were universal rind all-applicable in character, viz., " "Lig-ht and love, manifested in sound argu ment and kind persuasion, for the purpose of inducing all voluntarily to abstain from the use of ardent spirit as a drink, and from furnishing it for the use of others." Ministers were asked to read the Committee's circular from their pulpits, and editors to publish it.
November 2, 1832, the War Department issued the lieg'ulatioiis, to which reference has already been made, viz.:
"ist. Hereafter no ardent spirits \vill be issued to troops of the United States, as a component part of the ration, nor shall any commutation therefor be paid to them."
"2d. No ardent spirits will be introduced into any fort, camp, or garrison of the United States, nor sold by aii3T sutler to the troops. Nor will any permit be granted for the purchase of ardent spirits."
In view of the spirit ration formerly issued to the troops, an allowance of 8 pounds of sugar and 4 pounds of coffee, to every 100 rations \vere given, and at posts the soldiers might have, at their option, ro pounds rice instead of the 8 quarts of beans formcrl}- given.
In December, 1832, the Coinmitt.ee issued a call for a general convention to meet in. Philadelphia, May 24, 1833, " to consider the best means of extending by a general diffusion of information, and the exertion of a kind and
1 Permanent Documents, I, p. 23-!, et. seq.

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persuasive moral influence, the principle of abstinence from the use of ardent spirit throughout the country." 1
Each State Temperance Society was invited to send three or more delegates, and each County society to send one or more. The Committee suggested the new National Tempe rance Day, Feb. 26, as the proper time for the appointing (if these delegates. Where no societies existed friends of the cause might meet and appoint representatives. 2
In Kebruarv, 1833, the Secretary of the Committee visited Washington, and, at the request of man}' Congress men, lectured on the Sabbath in the Capitol. During- the week a meeting- was held in the Hall of Representatives for the purpose of organizing a " Congressional Temperance Society." G-eii. Cass again presided. Addresses were delivered by Congressmen Cook, Briggs, Condict, Reed, Tipton and Stewart, and by Senators Wilkins, Tip ton, Frelinghuysen and .Dr. Thomas Sewall of Columbian College.
This meeting unanimously recommended total abstinence front ardent spirits, and discountenanced the manufacture of, or traffic in, spirituous liquors. It urged the friends of temperance to persevere in their efforts, approved the stop ping of the spirit ration to the army, and recommended a like order for the navy, also recommended total abstinence on the part of " superintendents of public works, proprietors of railroads, steamboats, stages, etc., as measures to increase the value of their services, as well as the comfort and safety of the community." All friends of temperance were urged "to add the influence of their names and examples as members of temperance societies, and in all proper \vays to promote the formation of such societies, Tin til they shall become universal."
The speeches elicited during this meeting contained much sound, as well as t>ery strong doctrine. The proceed ings were published in a pamphlet of 48 pages, and were widely circulated, exerting; much influence.
Thus was formed the American Congressional Temper-
1 Permanent Documents, I, p, 252. 3 Permanent Documents, Vol. I, p. 257.

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ancc Society, which, through a chequered course of death and revival, still exists. Tn its earlier days, more especially, it was a great power for good, and, in no small degree, gave impulse and added influence to the great work of reform. Many legislative societies were formed on the same phm with the Congressional Society. It does not appear, bowever, that any such society existed in Georgia, although, the sessions of the State Society were held at Milledgeville after 1832, during the sessions of the Legislature. The Ag%r^/ foundation on which the liquor dealer justified his traffic, was strongly expressed in one or two formulas: "When ever there is sufficient ground for believing that a given injury will be done to the community by somebody, it then ceases to be a moral wrong for any one to inflict that injury." Compare with the Saviour's moral code, "ft must needs be that offences come, CUT woe unto that man by whom the offence comcth."
Anotheryj^z/?r^zi?/z which the liquor dealer lays to his soul, was that the general responsibility for the wrongs of his traffic, was so infinitely divided and sublimated that the share of the individual was next to nothing. "My sales," savs the vender, "will not affect the sum total, and my aban doning the traffic would not sensibly affect the general traffic; wy responsibility is nothing."
The first National Temperance Convention met in Inde pendence Mall, Philadelphia, on the 24th of May, 1833, Reu ben H. \\^al worth of New York, president. Among the sixteen vice-presidents, we find the name of Joseph rl. Lumpkin of Georgia. William McDowcIl of South Carolina was also one of the number. These were the only vicepresidents south of Maryland. Dr. S. K. Talmage wns the only other Georgia representative whose name appears in the proceedings of the meeting ; though Dr. Brantley, who offered the opening prayer, had been formerly a resident of Augusta, though now of Philadelphia.
This convention was perhaps, in its influence upon its own, and upon subsequent generations, the most important

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temperance convocation ever held in America. The report of the standing committee which was adopted, was a very able document as well as one of immense *'sweep."
It declared it the duty of all men to abstain from drink ing1 or trafficking'in ardent spirits, and unite with temperance societies. It recommended to the State leg-islators to form societies of their members as congressmen had done; ap proved of the suppression of the liquor ration in the army and navy, and recommended, like measures in the merchant marine ; recommended the formation of temperance socie ties in all mechanical and manufacturing establishments ; and in each ward of every city, in each town, and in each dis trict of every county in the United States; also advised that each society control its own operations and employ its own agents; that each family procure some temperance periodical ; recommended the increase of temperance gro ceries, public houses, and steamboats, and commended such to the patronage of the temperance public, and urged that emigrants before arriving be formed into temperance socie ties. The report also advises simultaneous meetings every where on the last Tuesday of Kebruary, 1834, for planning, consulting, etc.; also the opening of correspondence with the friends of temperance in other lands for union of effort ; also the getting of full statistics for these simultaneous meet ings--and the embodying of these in their annual reports-- as to population, numbers in temperance societies, additions during the past year, the number of venders who have quit the business; number of groceries and taverns where spirit is not sold ; number of retailers, and quantity of liquors sold ; number of drunkards reformed ; present number of drunk ards ; number of distilleries stopped, and number still going ; number of deaths, presumably from intemperance ; propor tion of crimes due to drink, and also the proportion of pau pers and criminals from the same cause.
It was resolved that the sole object of the American Society and of the various State Societies " is now, ever has been, and ought always to be, the promotion of temperance."

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It was also recommended to the friends of temperance to examine as to the best modes of disposing- of superfluous grain, which, it was supposed, would be left when distillation should cease, and publish the results of their examination through the press.
The medical profession was commended for its support, and was asked to see if substitutes for alcohol in medical practice could not be found ; editors who had helped were also thanked ; young- men were called upon to unite with some ternpcrance society, and the fair sex were urged to Kelp on the good cause. .The aims of the temperance cause demanded the help of every patriot, for its ennobling influ ences are intended to purify and make permanent the very foundation principles of good society and government.
Such is a somewhat meager synopsis of this report, and it is given here to present the aims and views of temperance workers in that da}'- when the "society" was a ne\v imple ment for the accomplishing of moral and national ends. We see here the hopes and plans of those philanthropists por trayed in vivid light. The experience of half a century has shown some of the methods proposed by the committee to be almost, if not quite, impracticable. More compact and better disciplined organizations were needed against the wily and persistent foe; but human wisdom could not foresee these needs ; the test of experience had to be applied.
A.t the great mass meeting on the evening of the 25th, several addresses were made. Georgia was represented on the platform by Col. Lumpkin. Through the iiberalit}" of Mr. Stephen Van Rensselaer, of New York, 100,000 copies of the ]proceedings of the convention were published and distributed. More than 60,000 societies, with more than 1,000,000 members, had been organized ; more than 2,000 distilleries had been stopped ; more than 5,000 retailers had quit the traffic ; ardent spirit had been banished from the army, and nearly from the navy, and more than 5,000 drunk ards had been reformed. No \vonder the champions of the cause in that new morning looked confidently to the speedy

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end of that scourge of a thousand years. Alas ! how often has the shout of victory been raised by the temperance host, only to find the subtle foe from an ambush bringing' on a new attack from an unexpected quarter.
Of the Standing Committee of the National Society, made up of one member from each State, Dr. S. K. Talmag-c was the member from Georgia.
The convention recommended no temperance drink as a substitute for spirituous liquors, save cold water. Nothingwas said of malt liquors or wines.
This Convention gave great impetus to the temperance cause, and no such advances had hitherto been made in the work as in the six months immediately preceding this meet ing. But perhaps the truth that was quarried out, discussed, and universally accepted bv this Convention, that the liquor traffic was an outrage upon morals, and inconsistent with Christian obligation, has had more to do with turning the world upside clown than any other article in the temperance creed. True, many men had denounced the immorality of the traffic before, and some small associations of local power, had declared loudly against it ; but the Philadelphia Conven tion was a representative American bod}*, including rnany of the leading minds of the Union. Tt held the position of a National Temperance Church, and its utterances, resolutions, and recommendations had somewhat the force of articles of faith in the temperance work of the future. Doubtless the members of the convention themselves could but dimly foresee the logical outcome of their own deliverances, for, granted that the liquor traffic is immoral, then the necessary conclusion must follow, that those who aid and abet the wrong, by giving it legal sanction and protection, cannot but be partners, silent it may be,--but partners nevertheless --in the traffic, and must be held responsible before God and man for its results. What the results of the business were, there could be no sort of doubt. Tt. coulcl not but be that men should feel that the legalizing of wrong was of itself wrong. And the battle naturally turned against the

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license system. It is safe to say that while intelligent Christian conscience has power over men, the battle can never be transferred from that line.
In 1834 State Societies were organized in Akibama and in Missouri. On!}- one State, Louisiana, now remained un organized. This year the Committee reported more than 7,000 societies with upward of 1,250,000 members between twelve and ninety years of age. The traffic was decreasing. One man who had annually sold in Connecticut $40,000 worth of copper for stills, now did not sell $500 worth. More than 1,000 vessels were now afloat without any grog on board, and marine insurance had been reduced five per cent. Liquordom was much alarmed. At a large meeting in Boston of spirit venders, it was resolved " that we look wil. h deep regret upon the proceedings of the self-styled friends of temperance,"
Moderation societies had gone down everywhere. Such were the "One Glass a Day " societies of Scotland and else where. The recognition of ardent spirit as a poison allowed 11 o tampering with it, and moderate driziking seemed but an attempt at moderate sinning. An arrow of fire had been lodged in the Christian conscience, which would no more allow of slumber. License fortified itself by a double wall.
ist. It claimed to restrain and prevent the sale. But it was answered that licensing for more than half a century had not restrained the traffic, but had only increased it. Besides, the licensing of sin was not the way to restrain or hinder, but to sanction and perpetuate it, and the lesson taught was, that sin, if carried on according to law, was right, a doctrine at once destroying the very foundation of Christianity and of all virtue.
2d. When this outer wall was carried, license was found still entrenched behind another "objection," viz. : " If men of conscience and character be not licensed to carry on the business, the traffic will fall into the hands of those of no conscience, and the last state will be tenfold worse than the first."
1 Permanent Documents, I, p. 352, sf. serf.

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But it was answered, that It was not found necessary to license respectable counterfeiters, gamblers, or swindlers to prevent the country from being1 overwhelmed. Truth and duty can only allow legislation to defend the community from sin, not to license it, and the liquor traffic must stand before legislation as any other vice. Legislatures began to have the alternative presented to their consideration: Shall the traffic be treated as a virtue, or as a vice ? Enlightened con science could have but one answer. Men began to turn to prohibitory legislation as a necessity of the stern logic of morals; no escape was allowed.
From this time temperance conventions began to de_ nounce the nefarious practice of sending- ardent spirits to the South Sea Islanders and other heathen ; for these poor creatures were literally slaughtered by such liquors. Humanit3r and conscience were now fully arrayed, and the lines of battle were cleai'ly drawn.
This Philadelphia Convention was the last, as well as the first of the ante-bellum national assemblies, in which the author has been able to find any representatives from Georgia. But it is time to turn homeward after this general perspective of the temperance landscape.

CHAPTER XXI.
TEMPERANCE AND THE CHURCHES.

were, as we have seen, the pioneers of

temperance

society movement in Georgia, and many of the leading

ministers and laymen of that denomination were among- the

pillars of the cause for all after years. To Dr. Sherwood,

more than to any one else, is the inception of temperance

societies in the State undoubtedly due, and he remained

Secretary of the State Society until his removal from the

State in 1836. The man who searches the files of old Georgia

newspapers of those days will meet very often with calls to

"Temperance Societies,"signed by Adiel Sherwood. Tnfact

Dr. Sherwood seemed so essential a part of the State Society

that after he left Georgia, the Society went down, and ceased

meeting1 at all.

Dr. Sherwood was a native of New York, but came to

Georgia in 1818, and was a resident of the State until 1836,

when he removed to Washington, D. C., to accept a Pro

fessorship in Columbian College. He resided in Georgia

again from 1839--1842 ; and a third time he took up his abode

in the State, from 1856-65. He died in St. Louis in 1879, at

the age of eighty -eight.

REV. JESSE MERCER,

the acknowledged leader of the- Georgia Baptists, had a some what peculiar experience on the temperance question. For
284

TEMPERANCE AND THE CHURCHES,

28 5

several years, as we are told by Dr. Mallarv, his biographer, he took no active part in support of the new movement. Under medical advice, he had used Cognac brandy for several years, and it is said, that many of those who wished to justify themselves in a course of tippling, plead the example of Mr. Mercer as an excuse for indulging their own appetites. In 1829 he wrote a letter, published in the " Christian Index," of Philadelphia, justifying- his own course in withholding- his signature from the pledge, and in using spirits medicinally. Dr. Brantley, whom we meet with a few years later, at the Philadelphia Convention, made some severe strictures upon Mr. Mercer's letter, and declared it the duty of man, for the sake of his fellow, to abstain from every appearance of connection with the evil. tie said that though an expert, sailor, with a good boat, might " crnise about in Brandy Bay without being; drawn into the whirlpool of intemperance," yet some less skillful neighbors might be tempted by his example to venture upon the same deceitful bay and be lost. Tt was a duty of a Christian " neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stnmbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."
Convinced that his example m using brandy was used by the tipplers for evil, Mr. Mercer gave up his spirits, and remained a total abstinence (which then meant the leaving off of spirituous liquors) man until his death. But Mr. Mercer did more for temperance than merely to affix his name to a pledge. He championed the cause at a time when his name was a mighty power. He supported the first tern perance paper--the " Banner"--which was ever published in the South. This paper, begun in 1834, was edited by Rev. William H. Stokes and Mr. W. A. Mercer; but the pecuniary burden was borne by Mr. Jesse Mercer, and, as we are told, at a considerable loss to him. Mr. Mercer, his biographer tells us, thought his health rather improved than injured by leaving off the brandy. 1
But while the Baptists did so much to advance the
1 Mallary's -'Life of Jesse Mercer," pp. 223-235.

286

TEMPERANCE AND THE CHURCHES.

temperance society movement in Georgia, no other denomination suffered so much in its own ranks in conse quence of adhesion to the cause. The " benevolent institu tions " of the day, under which were understood Missions, Sabbath Schools and Temperance Societies, soon found a large party bitterly opposed to their progress. They were called " unscriptural," without divine warrant, and of human institution. As missions first came in order of time, they encountered the first opposition. The trouble seems to have begun in the Hcpzibah Association about 1819, nnd about the same time the Piedmont Association refused to have any connection with missions. Other associations either followed these two, or were divided among them selves. This disaffection was already rife when the .Baptist State Convention was organized in 1822, and about five or six years later Rev. Jordan Smith led an anti-party, which organized itself into the Canoochee Association. Nonfellowship with the Convention, and refusal to receive delegates from missionary bodies, became the rule with these opponents to the " benevolent institutions." Of course, the Sabbath school was treated as of " human" frailty, and came in for its share of opposition. (The Georgia Sabbath School Society, or Convention* was estab lished in 1825.) Tract societies were also opposed, and when temperance societies began to be organized, in 1827, they found hostility from the same quarter. Indeed, the men who championed temperance societies were the same who favored missions and Sabbath schools, and it was to be expected that their old antagonists would naturally be found arrayed against them, on personal grounds, if for no other reasons. Strange stories are told of some of these yy<*yv^jv%<V&\ as the anti-missionary party soon began to be popu larly named. A minister who was traveling through the bounds of the Piedmont Association, in 1820, stopped on a Sabbath and preached, and was then " invited to dine with a preacher who kept a grogshop! " ^
* Campbells "Georgia Baptists," p. 83.

TEMl'ERAXCE AXIJ THE CHURCHES.

287

Of Rev. Isham Peacock, who is called the father of the Piedmont Association, it is related, that he" carried whiskey in his cane, and would drink before his congregation, to illustrate his position that he could drink and not become intoxicated." 1 Dr. Sherwood saj^s, " It looks strange to see a minister nearly one hundred years old using such strong but dangerous arguments, to co.i~ry his point." So bitter was Mr. Peacock's opposition that hc,iri rS33,would not attend the meeting of his own association, because one of its ministers, Rev. Mr. Westbury, had joined a temperance society.
A venerable minister says that some of the Hardshells were in the habit of " saying grace'' over their liquor before drinking.
One or two extracts will show the position taken by the anti- missionary associations. The K.ehoboth Association, in 1837
" Resolved, That the systems of the clay--benevolent, so-called--such as Bible,

divine revelation, and, therefore, ami-Christian, etc." Fellowship was therefore

The Yellow River Association, in 1838, passed this :
Convention, Bible Society, Tract Society, Temperance Society, Abolition Society, to the missionary plan, now existing in the United States, arc miser iptural, and

It must be apparent that the name " Abolition Society " was inserted in the list, to bring odium upon the other societies, as there was 110 abolition society in Georgia.
. Many of the churches refused to receive into their pul pits ministers who were members of temperance societies^ or believed to be favorable to such institutions. Disruption and confusion were everywhere, and disorder and laxity of discipline were the inevitable consequences.
1 Christian Index History of Georgia Baptists, p. 166.

I

288

TEMPERANCE AND THE CHURCHES.

Yet the missionary and temperance party, which com prised most oi the intelligent part of the denomination, pressed on with their work in spite of the division of the church which came.
Among the Baptist ministers of those days conspicuous for devotion to the temperance cause, was Dr. C. D. Mallary, whose name has already been given in connection with the forming of temperance societies. Or. Mallary wrote a little work "Prince Alcohol," an allegory in the style of Bunyan, which was published by the Tract Society, and had a very wide circulation.
Another name already frequently appearing in these pages as an authority for many statements made, is that of J^cv. Dr. J. rl. Campbell, author of the "Georgia Baptists," a venerable soldier of the cross, who after sixty years in the ministry, still survives. Dr. CampbelTs name is often found in those early conventions, and he was most active in temper ance work from the first. He is probably the only living member of the old "Eatonton Society, the first organized in the State.
"Thou'rt but a Afuthotly man." says Parson, and lays down 'is 'at, An'e points to the bottle of gin, "Sat J ruspecks tha. for that."

THE METHODISTS,
as has been already remarked, had reached low water mark in 1812, so far as temperance was concerned. The failure to pass Axley's resolution, forbidding stationed or local preach ers to retail spirituous or malt liquors, even with all the "regrets" which the Conference expressed on account of dram-drinking, etc., was a stigma to that church, winch, along with the Friends, had been first and most vehement in its advocacy of abstinence. The ?/zzV<y protest then uttered against the debauchery of the day, does not have the old Wesleyan ring. Methodism had plowed with the liquor heifer and had yielded much of the secret of her strength. The

THOMAS STOCKS-

TEMPERANCE AND THE CHURCH 1:13.

289

narrow portal between self-denial and duty to our fellow beings through old Wesleyanism, demanded that all human actions must pass, had been widened until avarice and appe tite, scarcely challenged, were stalking through it. But the tide began to rise once more. In [828, on motion of WiJbur Fisk, the General Conference adopted the following:
WlfERKAS, The rules and examples of the \Vcsleyan Methodists, from the founding of their existence as a people, both in Europe and America, were calculated to suppress intemperance and to discountenance fhc needless use of ardent spirits; and
"WHEKKAS, The public mind in our country, for a few years past, has been remarkably awakened t a sense of the importance of this subject; therefore
Aev^/zv!/, ^3/, That we rejoice in all the laudable and proper efforts now making to promote this religious object, so important to the interests both of the church and nation.
"VPrjo/z/^ff, jrroM^, That all our preachers and people be expected, and tlicy are hereby expected, to adhere to their first principles, as contained in their excel lent rules on this subject, and as practiced by our fathers, and to do all they pru dently can, both by precept and example, to suppress intemperance throughout the land.
".AV.MA^/, /A/;t/, That to bring about the reformation desired on this subject, it is important that we neither drink ourselves (except medicinally) nor give it to visitors or workmen."
In 1832 the General Conference appointed its first com mittee on temperance, "who shall take into consideration the section of our discipline respecting the retailing of ardent spirits, and to whom memorials, petitions, and all matters respecting the manufacture and use of ardent spirits shall be referred, and that they report to this conference/'^
In 1836 the demand was loud from many parts of the church that Wesley's old Rule of J/43 be restored. The sentiment of the church was overwhelming in favor of the restoration, nearly six-sevenths of the ministers of the church voting for it* and two-thirds of the General Conference, but by a technicality of interpretation, the enemies of the meas ure succeeded in defeating it.
The slavery question was beginning to absorb tnc atten tion of the church, and its organic unity was threatened*
% General Conference Journal, Vol. I, p. 359. = General Conference Journal, Vol. T, p. 369.

2QO

TEMl'KRAXCK AX'1.) THE CHURCHES.

Slavery was the Lore most question until 1844, when division came. The Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1848, restored Wesley's Rule of 1743, and that rule is to-day the law of that church-- a rule which has made the Methodist Episco pal Church the fighting" host of the temperance army, since it suffers no compromise with the rum power, and carries the black flag- as its .sole banner in the warfare. But our atten tion must be turned to Southern Methodism.
In 1830 Georgia Methodists were cut off from South Carolina and formed into a new conference, the Georgia, which held its first session in Maconin Januai^, 1831. As the General Conference alone could change the discipline, the actions or resolutions of a single conference could have no force as organic law ; but resolutions of a conference could show the sentiment of its own constituency in regard to any question of public interest, and it was not likely that such a burning question as temperance would or could, be ignored.
As we have seen in the reorganization o f the State Temperance Society at Milledgeville in 1832, great gratifi cation was expressed at " the hearty co-operation of our Methodist brethren," who had., for the most part, " stood aloof from an}^ part in this benevolent enterprise, maintain ing that members of churches \vere also of temperance societies." ' The standiftg afoaf was not due to hostility to the purposes of the association, but to a belief that the ob jects of the Society were already provided for in the con stitution, and in the proper working of the churches them selves. " The Methodist Church is a good enough tempe rance society," was one of the most common sayings among Methodists. It was felt to be in a measure, at least, a reflec tion upon the church to even imply that an outside organization for the improvement of morals was necessary. Tii a recent letter to the author, the venerable Dr. J. H. Campbell--himself a leader in temperance society work-- says of this attitude of the Methodists : "I am by no means sure that they \vere not right."
1 See Committee's Report.

TIIMI'KRANCK AND THE CHURCHES.

2@I

But the liquor question confronted Methodists along other lines, :is \vell as that of personal faith and conduct* It was sapping- the very life of civil liberty and law, it was corrupting Jie youth, the manhood, and the womanhood of the land ; it was degrading the negro, and destroying the Indian ; it was profaning the Sabbath, and turning riot loose through the country. How could the cumbrous machinery of a confession of faith, or of a church discipline, be brought To bear against these evils? Clearlv its methods must be chieny M^<z^z/;' in their character. " Thou shalt not" it could say to its own communion ; but how about the thou sands who did not acknowledge its authority, and wholly repudiated any obligation to its exhortations ? Was no etlort to be put forth for the salvation o[ these, if that help could be ailorded outside of strict ecclesiastical lines? Good common sense answered, Yes, and the Methodists threw themselves into the work with a heartiness which soon placed them among the foremost champions of the "Society" movement. As the old law of the church had been very strong on the side of temperance, there was but little friction " produced by the new departure. Being from its birth little else than " missionary " in its methods of propagating the gospel,the Methodist Church could have no very yrrwMopposition to missions, Sabbath schools, temperance and Tract societies, and other such " human institutions."
But some sad examples of human frailty were furnished by the ravages of liquor, even among the ministry. At the first Conference the Minutes record the death of John MeVean, once an honored preacher, but " one of those men who, sincerely pious, are yet sadly weak, and ever and anon, in the course of his life and ministry* he would drink to excess. Then there was deep remorse, and an entire reform, and
then, alas! there was another fall. He had lost bis place among his brethren as a preacher, but when the lonely, weak old man came to die, he left his little all to his old
yoke-fellows." '
* Smiths " Methodism in Georgia and Florida," pp. 2<J(j-2jo.

2Q2

TEMPERANCK .VXD THE CHURCHES.

The itinerants of those clays had some rough experiences, especially in ! he newly settled portions of the country. Here all kinds of debauclierv, as drunkenness, gambling', etc., held high revel. One night Isaac Boring, having preached at a private house, as Methodists did often in those days, announced another appointment, when a gambler arose and gave notice that the next night* at a certain place, he \vould open a faro bank.
The gilted Judge Longstrect, \vho was President of the State Temperance Society from 1832 to 1836, was a devoted Methodist, and afterward for eight years President of Emory College, and still later Chancellor of the University of Mississippi. Georgia probably never produced a more brilliant man than Judge T^ongstreet. In the manifold characters of editor, author, judge, lawyer, lecturer, college president, and preacher he attained eminence, in some of them unquestioned pre-eminence among his fellow citizens. For several years he edited the " Sentinel" at Augusta, and <* all the secular papers of that day in (Georgia, the "Sentinel" " was the staunchest friend of the temperance cause. No temperance periodical, nor any religious,was published in the State until 1834, and the press usually gave but the most meager reports of temperance meetings, or omitted them altogether ; but the "Sentinel," underjudge Longstreet'a editorial care, never lost an opportunity to say a word in behalf of the cause.

in 1828

THE PRES13YTER.1AN GENERAL ASSEMni,Y

"JP^jo/?Vf/, That in view of the exceedingly heinous nature of the sin of intemperance in the use of ardent spirits, as in direct opposition to the authority and moral government of Ood ; its wide-spread prevalence, infecting, as we are Mot without reason to apprehend, some members, and even officers, of the church, the dreadful miseries it inflicts on society in alt its interests, physical, political, moral and religious ; and especially in view of the great guilt that rests on the church in this matter, not merely from so many of her members participating in it, while others, with thoughtless insensibility, minister Lhe means of its indulgence to its deluded victims ; but especially in having greatly failed, as the light of the world, and the salt of the earth, by tier instruction, her example, her prayers, and her vigorous efforts every way to stay the plague.

TEMPERAXCK AXD THE CHURCHES.

293

"This (General Assembly <lo appoint the fourth Thursday of January, TSag, a dav of fastmg, humiJiation and pr.-jyer, with special reference to this sin recommend to .'ill the people of their eortimunion its solemn observance as Moreover, they give ii in charge to all their ministers who may officiate occasion, by prayer and study to have their minds thoroughly impressed with

of the sanctuary, that all the peoplfe to whom they minister, may be brought most fully under the same impression, and aroused to a vigorous exertion of all the means which duty and sound discretion dictate for arresting; this hateful and desolating abomination. "'
The General Assembly of 1829
" Kcsolwt, That thtjy cordially approve and rejoice in the formation of

spirits, as expressing disapprobation of intemperance in the strongest and most efficient manner, and making the most available resistance to this destructive and wide-spreading evil.
1 That they earnestly recommend, as far as practicable, the forming of temper ance societies in the congregations under their care ; and that all the members of the churches adopt the principle of entire abstinence from " the use of ardent spirits.
"That as friends of the cause of temperance, this Assembly rejoice to lend the force of their example to the cause as an ecclesiastical body, by an entire abstinence themselves from the use of ardent spirits." 2
Tn 1830 \ve find this as to the Manufacture and Sale :
" Resolved, That while this Assembly would, by no means, encroach upon the rights of private judgment, it cannot but express its very deep regrei, that any members of the Church of Christ should, at the present day, and under existing circumstances, feel themselves at liberty to manufacture, vend, or use ardent spirits, and. thus, as far as their influence extends, counteract the efforts now mak-

1834. " Kesalved, That the traffic in ardent spirits, to be used as a drink, by any people, is, in our judgment, morally wrong, and ought to be viewed as such, by the churches of Jesus Christ, universally." 3
1837. " It is with the utmost surprise and pain that we learn from the reports of two or three Presbyteries, that some of their members, and even ruling elders, still manufacture and sell ardent spirits. These things ought not so to be. They are a stumbling block to many, and have a manifest tendency to bring over whelming calamities, both temporal and spiritual, on society at large. No church can shine us a Hg-bt in the world, while she openly sanctions and sustains any practices which are so evidently destructive of the best interests of society."*
1 Baird's Digest, p. SoS. 2 Digest, p. 8oS. 3 Digest, pp. 808-809. * Digest, p. Bog.

SALE TO HEATHEN TRIBES. 1834. " Communications from the London .\fis5 British and Foreign Temperance Society, were made to the Assembly by the R Dr. Edwards, Corresponding Secretarv of the America regard to the de.strucl ive effects produced in the Soi !lh -Sea Islands, by ]he tra
'Resolved, i. Thai we 'deeply sympathise wiih OL rhich through agency of so
demoralising the character, and destroying the lives aiid souls of men.
a violalioti of the principles ;ind precepts of the Christ ian rclieioii. and ousrht to
!ri 1838 the differences as to the doctrine, polity, etc., which had agitated the Presbyterian Church, for several years culminated in the separation of the body into the Old and the New Schools. These domestic troubles, like those which were at the same time racking the Methodist Church, seemed to have partially turned the attention of the Assembly away from the liquor traffic and its antidotes. 8Lit in 1842 the Old School Assembly responded to the question propounded by overture to it: " Whether the manufacturer, vender, or retailer of intoxicating- drinks should be continued in full communion? " aa follows : *' That whilst the Assembly rejoice iti the success of the temperance reformation, and will use all lawful means to promote it. they cannot sanction the adoption of any new term, of communion"
This was evidently, as Or. W. Y. Brown says, not an answer to what the memorialists had asked, i. c\, " Whether, under the present state of affairs, the vending- of intoxicating' liquors to be used as a beverage was an 'offence,' recognized as such by the Word of God, and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church ?'' and next year, from the Synod of Pittsburgh the question came up squarely before the Assem bly : " Should a retailer of intoxicating- drinks, knowing that they arc used for the common purpose of beverage, be
1 Baird's Digest, p. Bcyj.

TEMPERANCE AND THE CHURCHES.

295

continued in the full privileges of the church, and certified in good standing- ? " The Synod of Pittsburg- having decided that retailing liquors constituted an " offence," as the true interpretation of the standards of the church clearly demanded, the Assembly, " after an exciting debate, approved the \Imutes of the Synod." '.This exception was, however, added : " ISxcept so far as they seem to establish a general rule in regard to the use and sale of ardent spirits as a-beverag-e, which use and sale are generally to be disapproved ; but cac/i, case must be decided in view of all the attending1 circumstances that go to modify and give character to the same." ' 'Phis decision seemed to relegate to the lower courts of. the Church the examination of " each case" to find those "attending circumstances that go to modify" it. This answer was not so explicit as many Presbyterians desired, and a more specific rule was called for. This, how ever, was not determined until some years later, and we will not anticipate.
Such was the law of the Presbyterian Church as to temperance and the liquor traffic. Of course, Georgia Presb\r terians, as others, accepted these deliverances as the law of their Church, The Synod of the Carolinas, which had been divided into those of North Carolina and South Carolina and Georgia, in 1813, suffered further division in 1845, when the Synod of Georgia was set off from that of South Carolina, and was made to include also the Florida Presbytery in addition to the iour Georgia Presbyteries-- Georgia, Hopcwell, Flint River and Cherokee, At the time of the separation, the new Synod probably included between 4,000 and 5,000 members. In 1849, White's Statistics give : Sixty-eight ministers, 107 churches, and 5,059 communicants for the whole Synod. a

OTHER PRESBYTERIANS.
There were also three smaller bodies of Presbyterians in Georgia: The Cumberland Presbyterians, the Associate Re formed, and the Independents.
V. Brown in "One Hundred Years of Temperance," pp. 283-304

296

TEMPERANCE AND THE CHURCHES.

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
was organized in 1810, but its first General Assembly was not formed until 1827. In 1828, however, the General Synod of the Church adopted this preamble and resolution :
" WHEREAS, This Synod, seeing and lamenting the great evils which attend the intemperate; use of ardent spirits throughout our country generally, and seeing with pleasure the active exenions which are now made by other good people, and "by temperance societies throughout the "United States, and wishing to contribute the influence of our beloved church in forwarding so good a work; therefore,
"Resolved, That the preachers belonging co this Church both ordained and

nance the use of ardent spirits in their several congregations, settlements, and families, and wherever their influence may extend."
The Fifth General Assembly at Nashville, in 1833, passed

ed, That the 4th day of July next be set apart as a day of thaiiksgiv-
specud effort to promote the cause of Temperance." '
Xhis church has always been arrayed strongly on the side of temperance ; but as its advent into Georg-ia belongs but in small measure to the " Moderation " era, we will pass over to a later period its further \vork.
THE ASSOCIATE KEFORME!} CHURCH
--perhaps, better known as the "Seceder" Church--was born in Philadelphia, in 1782, of the union of the Associate Presbyterians with the Covenanters, or Reformed Presby terians. The " Associate " Presbytery had been organised at Gairney Bridge in Scotland, in 1733, while the Covenanters were of the stern old Scottish churchmen, who could never be reconciled to the corruptions of the church under the Stuarts. These two bodies coalesced in America, whither many from each had fled or been banished. We have already noticed the settlement of some of them (Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, they were called) at Queensborough, Jefferson county, Georgia, not long after (?) the Revolution. They adhered most rigidly to the Westminster Confession and the cate chisms. They were never numerous. When the Presbytery
1 " One Hundred Vears of Temperance," p. 328.

TEMPERANCF, AND THE CHURCHES.

297

of the Carolirras and Georgia was formed, in 1790, there were in Georgia eight congregations, while in South Caro lina there were twenty-two, and in North Carolina fourteen congregations, or forty-three in all, while the total of mem bers reported was 840, though it is said that not more than half the congregations reported their communicants. 1
The Presbytery of Georg-ia organized in March, 1843, " embraced the State of Georgia, and a few vacancies in Alabama and Tennessee. The ministers constituting the Presbytery of Georgia were John S. Pressley, Thomas Turner, and D. C. Haslett. The ruling elders were Alex ander Cowan and William Little." 2
This Presbytery was merged in 1875 into the Second Presbytery and lost its organic existence.'s From a friend, a minister of the Associate Reformed Church,* the author learns that there are at present in the State six ministers and 463 members belonging to organized congregations ; and some others not connected with congregations.
But though not great among the flocks of Israel, the Associate Reformed, true to their Scotch ancestry, have been found stubborn champions of the right. About the close of the last century one of its ministers was charged with intoxication, with profane swearing, and with embezzle ment of money. The minister was in 1801 suspended from his functions, and as a considerable party followed him, great trouble prevailed in the church/'
As to the attitude of the church to the questions of which this volume treats, Mr. Martin says: " There has been no formal deliverance on the subjects of temperance, prohibition, etc., by the denomination. We have always
1 History of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South, by Robert Latban, D. D., pp. 286-7-
2 History of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South, by Robert Lathi D., p. 386.
3 History of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South, by Robert Latha IX, p. 388.
*Rev. J. E. Martin, Pastor of Hopewel! Church, Newton County, Ga. 5 History of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South, by Robert l.tttha IX, p. 290, t-t sft/.

2C)S

TEMPERANCE ANP THE CHURCHES.

favored, and labored for, them in the pulpit and privately, but there has ever been a marked distinction between us and the Methodists, in combined aggressive work-too much so, no doubt."

THE INDEPENDENT PRESBYTERIANS.
This body has made no official deliverance upon tempeiance. Only one church of " Independents " is found in the State, but it is in a very flourishing condition. This is the ancient church planted in Savannah about the middle of the eighteenth century. Dr. Axom is at present its pastor. Of this church we have spoken in the first part of this work.

CHAPTER XXII.
A NEW FACTOR. ABOLITION VS. TEMPERANCE. THE STATE SOCIETY. TOTAL ARSTTN^NCE.
The first temperance paper was The "National Philan thropist," begun in 1826, by Rev. William Collier. This was in 1829 merged with the "Investigator/ of which \Vm. Lloyd Garrison was editor. Garrison had been for a few months (in 1828),editor of the"Philanthropist." In January, 1831,he began the "Liberator," the <zz/c:^ roMr&rv of Abolitionism. This, inconsiderable as it, in many respects, certainly was, raised a furore at the South, and its sentiments were regarded as intended to incite insurrection among the slaves. In ac cordance with a resolution of the Georgia Legislature of 1831 2, Gov. Wilson Lumpkin offered a reward of $5,000 for the arrest of Garrison, that lie might be brought to trial un der the laws of Georgia!
With Garrison the temperance cause in New England seemed to be connected, by virtue of his editorial relation ship, and much suspicion was felt toward all the temperance periodicals sent to the South. Many copies of the "Liberator" were secretly distributed through the slave States, and very many believed that a censorship of the mails ought to be adopted, to prevent the diffusion of the incendiary docu ments. But such a hue and cry began against Garrison in his own section, that it was confidently predicted that Abo litionism would die in its swaddling clofbcs. The cloud, not then larger Lha.n a hand, it was ilioui^h!., would soon pass away.
This early connection between temperance and abolition periodicals undoubtedly did much to prejudice the popular mind in the South against temperance publications from
200

3OO

A XJi\V FACTOR. AHOl.ITION VS. TK M PKKAXr I-;.

abroad, and as yet, there was no journal to champion the cause in the South. In the meeting's of local and even of State Temperance Societies in those days, we often find in timations, either direct, or implied, of the jealousy toward I^ew England temperance journals. '.Thus, when the South Carolina State Temperance Society was organized in De cember, 1832, the Executive Committee was directed to "subscribe for one hundred copies of the 'Temperance Recorder' from the first number, and present one to each lo cal society in the State, and request members to subscribe for that paper. This selection is made because your Com mittee find that the 'Recorder' is exclusively confined to the subject of temperance, and has manifested no disposition to meddle with the local institutions of the South." 1 Similar sentiments are often found in the records of local societies in G-eorg-ia. The "Recorder" became quite popular in the South, and for several yenrs seems to have had almost ex clusive control ol the field of periodical temperance liter ature.
But the little spark was fanned and kept alive, and the fierce contest waged between Georgia and the General Gov ernment in regard to the Indian lands, had left Georgians in no very pleasant frame of mind toward the Federal au thorities ; and when this new factor of Abolitionism had en tered the field, the demand was vehement that it should be stamped out, and vague questioning's as to the -va^ue of the (Inio-fi began to float in the breezes.
The part taken by Col. J. H. Lumpkin and Dr. S. K. Talmage, as representatives of Georgia, in the first great Temperance Convention of 1833, has already been, noticed.
It seems that these gentlemen, or at least, Col. Lumpkin, had been delegated to proceed to New England on business connected with the educational affairs of their church, the Presbyterian, in the South. At a banquet in Boston, Col. Lumpkin had uttered some sentiments in regard to his own personal hostility to slavery, which the Boston papers had

THK STATf-} .SOCIETY. TOTAL AIJSTf.VEXCK.

30!

caught up and published, \vith comments. The sentiments were only in accord with those of Washing-Ion, Jefferson, and other Southern Statesmen who had looked with alarm at. the probable consequences of slavery to the Union, as well as at the evils of the institution in itself. The speech a few years before would probably have excited little com ment, but in the excited state of public feeling- at the South it was pounced upon, and Col. Lumpkin was made the tar get for many n. poisoned shaft. For several months the speech was an issue in Georgia, and as party feeling was in tensely bitter, it was canvassed in every possible form.
But the breach between North arid South was very much widened by certain events of 1834. Chief among these may be placed the Murel conspiracy. John A. Murel, the cele brated land-pirate of Tennessee, had been detected and ap prehended early in that year, through the shrewdness and courage of a young Georgian, Virgil. A. Stewart. The de tails of the diabolical conspiracy which the Murel clan had laid for insurrection, destruction, and rapine throughout the South, sent a chill of horror to every part of the land.
The Murel clan, had long- been engaged in the work of stealing, selling, " running," and then murdering the poor, de luded negroes, and had gathered no small amount of booty in their horrid business. The systematized plan of insurrection which Murel had devised caused the Southern people to be lieve themselves standing upon a slumbering volcano, which might at any moment swallow them up. It was hardly more than was to be expected, that Garrison and his coterie of Abolitionists in the North should be popularly connected with the vile Murel clan of the South. The connection, too, between these Abolitionists and the temperance press of the North, caused much grave suspicion to be attached to temperance work in the South. From 1834 the temperance cause in Georgia and in the South rapidly declined. Tariff and anti-Tariff, Nullification and Union, the Indian question, and the new slavery agitation were affording- a vent for pop ular enthusiasm, and temperance, as is usual in such circum stances, was compelled to give place.

302

A NE\V FACTOR- AUOJLtTION VS. TEMPKRANCE.

In August, 1834, at the Athens Commencement, a strong effort was made to give the cause a forward impulse. Col. Lumpkin, Hon. E. A. Nesbit, and other distinguished gen tlemen, labored mightily to infuse new life into this philan thropic movement. A State agent was appointed (Rev. Mr. Reid), and it was hoped that temperance might again ad vance as in former years. At the beginning of this year, a temperance paper had been established at Washington, Ga., and it was hoped that the temperance people would rail}- to both agent and paper. 1
Of the State Society meeting of 1834 we can find but few details. The chief question seems to have been the " ways and means" for keeping the agent in the fie!d. But the " means,'' in sufficient amount, at least, seem not to have been forthcoming, as we do not, find the agent at work in 1835-
Pcrhaps a sample or two of some of the expressions from iocal societies in reference to Northern TemperanceAbolition papers will best illustrate the feeling of those days.
At the meeting of the Sard.is (Butts county) Temper ance Society, August 23, 1835, a preamble with resolutions in regard to " incendiary newspapers from the North," was presented and adopted. The preamble sets forth that certain. " envious fanatics " had been sending a newspaper, " Human Rights," to certain of the members and others, " without their knowledge or privity in any manner whatever, as though there was the slightest alliance or connection be tween the objects of our Association and the wicked machinations of those detestable Abolitionists, which paper is circulated for the abominable and bloody purpose of abol ishing slavery in this country." The sending of the paper to the members of the Society is declared insulting, and all fellowship with the senders is disclaimed. As it was sup posed that the addresses of the members to whom the ob-
J Rev. Enoch Held was employed in July, 1834, at the Athens Commencement, as State Agent of the Temperance Society of Georgia. He seems, however, only to have been engaged until the next winter, when his work was stopped, probably from a laek of funds with which to prosecute it.

TJIK STATE SOCIETY. TOTAL ABSTINENCE.

303

noxious journal was coming- had been obtained from the ''Temperance Recorder," a resolution was adopted demandingthat the editor of that paper should satisfactorily explain his presumed misconduct, otherwise his paper was to be tabooed.
It was also recommended to the Georgia Temperance Society to call a convention of the temperance societies of the State, to get an expression of views as to the designs of the Abolitionists, and the best means for thwarting- them.
The influence of abolition papers under a temperance dress was constantly denounced. It was very generally be lieved that the secret agents of these New England societies were at work among- the slaves, and many a warning" was given out to the inhabitants to take ail precautions. Tt was be lieved, too, that liquor was used by these temperance Aboli tionists to secure the negroes more thoroughly to their purposes, arid many a note of alarm was sounded.
The liquor venders, in defiance of laws, and despite the danger to the common safety, continued to entice the poor negroes into their shops and ply them with liquor. The "Augusta Constitutionalist,'' of Oct.. 31, 1835, calls attention to the wild, threatening conduct o[ negroes who had obtained whiskey from a dramshop on Broad street, and danger is apprehended.
Nov. 9.--Trouble reported in Wrightsboro ; retailers selling to slaves. The grand jury was urged to take hold of the matter. In the same month the Augusta Council order that "all those wishing to retail must be recommended by responsible men before commencing business, and each man who recommends an applicant is to be held responsible for the sum total both of license and pena.lty for violation." Li censes were not to be transferred without consent of the Council. All retailers, except tavcrners, were ordered to put sig-nc over their doors, and no slave was to enter such shop bet\veen nine o'clock P. M. and sunrise, nor on the Sabbath, on which day all sales were prohibited. The impunity with which these laws were violated is forcibly expressed in some

304

A NEW FACTOR. ABOLITION VS. TEMPERANCE.

queries put by the "Constitutionalist" to the Council: " Is there any attention paid to these ordinances ? Is there no retail shop in this city that docs not sell spirituous liquors to slaves, and on the Sabbath P"
The State Temperance Society met Nov. 5, 183$, at Millcdgevillc, Judge L,ongstrect, the President, in the chair and Dr. Sherwood, Secretary. The attendance was small; most of the speakers appointed had failed to attend. Mr. Paschal of Lumpkin, gave a somewhat gloomy picture of affairs in his own county, in which he said "there were nearly <?f Ag&vaT drunkards ; that at one term of the court more than one hundred persons attended to take the benefit of the Ty/jo/z^^^r^/ that in some parts of the Cherokce circuit, Temperance, Bible, and other societies, had been presented by the grand juries as evils, and the people had been ad vised to %cvzAT^ A&^yr?f<3^ <?/"j7^/% j<?c?r^j / / / "
Judge Polhill said that in his circuit there had been four trials for murder during the year; three of the accused were drunk at the times when they committed the murders; and the fourth, if not drunk himself, had committed the crime at, or in, a ^rj/^^ry- The Executive Committee re ported expenditures in excess of receipts by $/o or $80.
It was resolved that so much of the Fifth Article of the Constitution as authorized the Executive Committee to " appoint delegates to the American Temperance Society, be rescinded/' The Georgia Temperance Society, it was said, had never been auxiliary to the American Temperance Society ; had reallv no connection with it, and this vin dication was added, " Tt is hoped now that slander \vill shut its foul mouth." Friends of temperance were admon ished to discontinue the "Recorder" and patronize the "Tem perance Banner/' the Georgia periodical.
The attendance at this Convention was very smalt; only three counties, Richmond, Grecnc, and Columbia had sent representatives, and the names were riot given on account of their fewness ; but reports were sent from several other counties. Some of these, as Putman, Henry, and Baldwin,

1

THE STATE SOCIETY. TOTAL ABSTINENCE.

30$

had tried monthly meetings with a good degree of success, and the Society recommended the plan to all. We extract this item from the Report made to this society.
" The probable number of members in the State is about 10,000. We may safely put down 100,000 more as good members except their names, and we may add 75,000 more who arc influenced in a greater or less degree by the temperance reformation. Us bitterest enemies, men now engaged in distilling the poison, admit the great good effected by temperance societies."
Judge Longstrcet was reappointed President, and Dr. Sherwood* Secretary, while Dr. Fort, Judge L-umpkin, and Judge Stocks were continued as Vice-Presidents, and Mr. William Turner retained his place as Treasurer. One hun dred and fifty-five dollars had been paid to the agent, and the Committee had paid near half the amount out of their own pockets. " A financial basis was certainly necessary."
We see in this meeting of the State Society some indi cations of the mighty under current of suspicion and distrust which was prevailing in regard to the national movement in favor of temperance. It was thought best to sever all, even apparent, connection with the .American Temperance Society, for otherwise the State Society would incur the odium which had begun to attach to the national or ganization. Henceforth the blight of the slavery question was to hinder, even where it did not wholly prevent, all active co-operation between the two sections in active tem perance work.
But the tide was ebbing. Although most of the socie ties had adopted total abstinence from distilled liquors as the State Society had recommended, yet very many were going back to old habits. The enthusiasm of the first efforts had cooled so far as most of the signers were concerned. Then nothing more was needed, in order to return to old drinking habits than to have the signer's name erased from the subscinptions appended to the constitution of the local society, and the obligation ceased. Then the rarity of the meetings of the society could hardly keep alive the zeal first aroused. Enthusiasm is not man's normal state, nor can it be made

306

A NEW FACTOR. ABOLITION VS. TEMPERANCE.

the standard for measuring the moral life of an individual or or of a community.
Something- else was necessary. Men began to believe that fermented liquors, and wines, \vere the lures which drew the reformed back into debauchery, and it was suggcsted that it would be better to forego all liquors, fer mented and distilled, in order to restrain the weak from the power of temptation. Tt is doubtful whether the world has ever seen so great an example of social self-sacrifice as that which prompted the sober men and women of the old temperance societies to voluntarily take upon themselves the yoke of total abstinence from drinks, which they had used from childhood, and of whose harmful ness to them selves they were, for the most part, not convinced, and all in order to save the weak brethren, whom the mild bever ages led into the more ardent. Tt was to eat no meat while the world stands, if thereby a brother may be caused to offend.
The total abstinence pledge of the new order seems to have been first suggested from Augusta, where the matter had been agitated for some tune before it was presented for formal consideration. But. in the Report from Augusta to be read to the State Society, by Mr. Wm. J. Horry, in which the State Society was to be asked to recommend the teetotal pledge to the auxiliaries, a vigorous discussion sprang up. Tt was demanded that the matter be postponed; the debate was so protracted that the matter could not be finished, and a new convocation was called.
Many opposed the new departure, but the most ad vanced temperance men favored it and the new scheme was brought before the State Society in November, 1836, and after a warm discussion, as it seems, for we can find no full, account of the proceedings, the Mi-total recommendation was adopted.
Very great differences of opinion existed in reference to this new pledge. Very many societies refused to adopt it; and many others were divided in their sentiments. The

THE STATE SOCIETY. TOTAL ABSTIXENCK.

307

Augusta Society in which tcctotalism seems to have had its birth, was divided as to the propriety of the measure. At a meeting in December, 1836, a new pledge was adopted as the Eighth Article of the Constitution, in this form:
"The members of this society pledge themselves to abstain from the use of all intoxicating liquors as a beverage, and to endeavor by all proper and discreet measures, to discourage their use in others."
In the address which the society issued to defend their course before the public, we And the following:
"Until within two years the advance oF the temperance cause had exceeded the most sanguine expectations. Mow it is hindered, and blighting ills arc return ing with fcarfnl results. 714*- ^f^/?zCf *L? ^/^j// ^ <^ ?Af MM^y^rr /? <</" /AVfa-

The address further declares that the present pledge of temperance societies will effect nothing in favor of temper ance, while intoxicating liquors arc improperly used. The alternative of teetotal abstinence or of abandoning the society movement altogethcr,is now presented to the world. The address adds that ^the excessive use of wines, etc., is to be attributed to the proscription of ardent spirits." To these who object on Scriptural grounds, the address puts the case as follows:
"Is it not //JO/W/y /-^/ to ,?ArA from things lawful, but whose use, under
thought and sorrowed we have pursued the only alternative; we have raised the spotless banner of total abstinence, and under it we wish to live and labor."
Over fifty signatures arc appended to the new pledge, and Dr. Antony the first president of the old society, and the man who declared seven years before that retail license ought to be refused was made President of the new organzation ; its Secretary was Hcrschul V. Johnson, afterward governor of the common wealth, and, in 1860, a candidate for the Vice-Presidency on the Douglas ticket.
The more advanced advocates of the temperance cause throughout the State seem to have accepted teetotalism as the foundation stone *<)r the new temperance edifice ; but a multitude, doubtless a. large majority of the old society members, refused to subscribe to the new doctrine. As mo^t
i Augnsla "Chronicle," Dec. 31, 1836.

308

A NEW FACTOR. ABOLITION VS. TEMPERANCE.

of the active temperance men, however, indorsed, the change of policy, the working- power of the old societies was gone, and most of them speedily went into decay. After 1836 we hear but little more of the old temperance societies begun in 1827.
In August, 1835, a correspondent, "T. F. S." of Savannah, in a letter to the "Temperance Banner," pleads for the repeal by the Legislature of all license laws. The Legislature, the writer says, has acted on this subject formerly and may act again. "The power that can prohibit the sale in certain quan tities, can prohibit it altogether. If it was found unsafe then, to allow any and every man the privilege to sell ardent spirits, and that some restrictions \vere necessary, surely now, when the retailing license is proved to be an evil--is admitted to be a public nuisance, our Legislature will not hesi tate, when the matter is placed before them, to lend their powerful arm to stay the torrent of destruction which Hoods our land, sweeping in its course thousands of our fellow men."
The *' Banner," commenting- on the above communica tion, expresses the hope that the Legislature, even without the presentation of a memorial, would adopt some means to "stop the traffic, and (will) shut down the floodgates to the poisonous current." This was the first stroke in the direc tion of legal prohibition for the State.
Of course, warm discussion followed on this proposition. " PERSONAL RIGHTS " were urged against the measure. One correspondent, " Enquirer," declares that the Legislat ure has no right, for five dollars, to " empower a man to prosecute a business infinite!}' more demoralizing to society than brothels or gambling- houses." It has no right to coniVr on dealers the privilege to make paupers to be supported by the public ; to multiply criminals to be prosecuted at public expense. The repealing- of the license law would, of itself, as " an expression of public opinion, go far to rectify the evil we combat. It \vill no longer be held to be morally, because legally, right." A pure intelligence from another sphere,

THE STATE SOCIETY. TOTAL ABSTINENCE.

309

seeing1 the miseries of the traffic, would be astounded to read the statute, "An act entitled an act to regulate the sale of ardent spirits f or the public good" If not for the public good, it should be abrogated, or changed, to "An act for the destruction of the citizens of the State."
A writer in the " Chronicle," in 1836, calls upon the Legislature to " pass a law prohibiting the granting- of retail licenses to the extent we now have them, and which, all will allow, is a gross c-viL If the price of licenses could be so raised that it would ainouttt to a prohibition, or nearly so, they (the legislators) would confer a much greater benefit upon the community." The same \vriter takes to task the owners of real estate who lease or rent their property to keepers of grogshops. Many more of these dens are now to be found than when temperance societies began their work. The refor"^nctt^on is not gaining*
It seems, too, from the same writer's testimony, that there were many " who, after pledging themselves to dis courage the use of ardent spirits (nevertheless) traffic in the article to a great extent, and make a liznwg for themselves by dealing out this source of death and destruction to others."
" Moderation " had had a trial of nine years.

CHAPTER XXIII.
LEGISLATION FROM 1828 TO 1841.
Nearly all the statutes pertaining to the liquor traffic during- these years were of a local character. Indeed, the " Moderation" period was hardly likely to be fruitful of pro hibitory acts. But many new towns were springing up, chiefly in the territory lately acquired from the Indians. These acts of incorporation did not transfer the licensing power to the municipalities, but only g-ave certain police powers tor the regulation of the towns. The inferior courts still controlled the granting of license.
In 1828 the following towns were incorporated: Hamil ton, Greenville, Columbus, Talbotton, LaGrange, Ncwman, and Holmsville ; in 1829, Campbelton, Carrolton, Bainbridge, and Vernoii. In 1829, by an amendment to the in corporation acts of Macon and Clinton, no slave nor colored free person was permitted to keep a house of entertain ment, vend any goods, wares, merchandise, or spirituous liquors, under penalty of forty days' imprisonment, or fine not less than $>io, nor more than $50. In 1830, Macon's act was amended by a clause prohibiting any one from selling spirituous liquors in any quantity to a slave, without a ticket from his owner, overseer, or employer. Offenders against this act were to be prosecuted in the Superior Court; onehalf the penalty ($30) to be paid to the informer, the other to the county.
In 1830, Madison, Irwinville, and Hawkinsville were 310

LEGISLATION FROM 1828 TO 1841.

$11

incorporated, and Lumpkiri, West Point, and Social Circle in 1831 ; Amcricus, Thomasville, Jefferson, Fort Gaines and Roanoke in 1832; Centreville and Cassville (afterward Cartersville), Dahlonega, and Lowndesville in 1833; Gumming;, Ellijay, Spring Place, Marietta, Cuthbert, and Rome in 1834 ; in 1835, Daiiielsville and Blairsville; in 1836, Drayton, Rehoboth, and Chatooga was changed into LaFayette; in 1837, Indian Spring-s, Florence, Troupsville, and Whitesville ; in 1838, Lanier, R_eidsville, Tazewell, Albany, Canton, Bris tol, and Springfield; in 1839, Oxford, Crossplains, Corinth, Starkville, New Gibraltar, Summcrville, and Salem (in Dade county); in 1840, Houston, Shearer Springs, and Palmyra ; in 1841, Dav'isville--a total of fifty-three towns in fourteen years.
None of the new charters gave more than police powers to the towns to which they gave corporate existence, but several Corporation Acts were amended during this time, and additional powers conferred on the Town Commis sioners. In 1831, by an amendment to their charter, the Commissioners of Athens were empowered to issue license for the retailing of spirituous liquors; they could fix the amount at any sum they chose, and no one was allowed to retail liquors without this license ; and in 1833 the Legis lature allowed the Council to impose fines to the amount of $100.
By an Act of 1835, Columbus was constituted a city, with authority to levy a tax of fifty per cent, of the State tax ; and on merchandise arid stocks a tax of not more than 2^ per cent, of the capital employed.
Section 10 of the Act of 1836, constituting Brunswick a city, provided that the Mayor and Council should have power to regulate all stores, shops, and barrooms, " now- ex isting or hereafter to be established within the limits of the corporation, and shall govern and direct taverns, and the granting of licenses, under such restrictions as they shall from time to time establish and declare."
The incorporating act for Springfield (1838) provides

312

LKGTST.ATION KROM 1828 TO 184!.

that "the Commissioners shall have power to grant to, or withhold from, retailers, license to retail spirituous liquors within, the corporate Limits of said town, and to the extent oi two hundred yards beyond the corporate limits of said town, 011 every side." Vending- without license from the Commis sioners, might be punished by fine of one hundred dollars, re coverable by any person who may bring1 suit in a court of competent jurisdiction; half the fine to go to the informer, and half to the town.
Another amendment to Columbus' charter, in 1841, im poses an annual license tax of thirty dollars on all retailers of spirituous liquors. Refusal to pay the tax, shall, after twenty days' notice of demand of same, bring- forfeiture to the city from the retailer of one hundred dollars in each case, and the vender was also to be held guilty of a misdemeanor before the Superior Court, and be fined and imprisoned at the discretion of the court.
An Act of r83t provided that no keeper of a tavern, tippling- house, or any other person should have power to lodge a detainer for debt against any articled seaman com mitted to jail by his captain, owner, or consignee, but the jailor must surrender such seaman upon the demand of the cnptain, owner, or consignee, who had committed him. This law bears a very close resemblance to the old colonial statute in regard to seamen, formerly given.
fn 1831 the War Department ordered the Indian agents to remove from the Indians any white persons who should become lazy, dishonest, or intemperate, as setting- vicious examples before the Indians, a measure against \vhich the Senate of Georgia vigorously protested, as the ag-ents were thereby clothed with more authority in Georgia territory than the State Government possessed.
An Act of 1832 authorized the Captain of the Gainesville Cavalry Company to arrest any non-commissioned offi cer or private who should appear on the parade ground intoxicated, and have the offender tried by a court of inquiry; fine not to exceed five dollars.

LEGISLATION FROM 1 828 TO 1 84?.

3X3

At the same term of the Legislature it was enacted that no slave nor free person of color should vend goods, wares, merchandise, or spirituous liquors--other than allowed by the State laws--in Hancock or Richmond counties.
An Act of 1832; explanatory of the Peddler Act, per mits any individual to sell, without a license, (?y article manufactured in the State, or books or maps manufactured anywhere.
Mr. Charles G. Mills, principal keeper of the penitentiary, says in his report for 1832 that the diminution of crime is gratifying, for which several causes are to be assigned. Among these causes he puts temperance. "The progress of temperance in our State, I am sensible, has had much in fluence."
We may well suppose that a very large proportion of Mr. Mills ^^j" came from the dramshops, if the peniten tiary statistics of 1835 be taken as a criterion. According to this canvass of the prison, there were then 101 convicts within its walls, 97 of whom were questioned.
Of these, very intemperate were .............................. 5 Intemperate ..
e drinke mperate .....

Abstemious ... ......................... .................. 4.1
By an Act of December 21, 1833, "the judges of the In ferior courts of Liberty and Gamdcn counties, shall have the power to grant or refuse license to retail spirituous liquors, as in their judgment may seem proper." Under this act both counties banished dramshops from their borders, and were long free from their blighting influence. So far as the author has been able to discover, these were the first fp^.f in the United States in which the liquor traffic was sup pressed by law. Perhaps it is not invidious to say that Liberty county, the home of the old Dorchester colonists, has perhaps furnished more men of stamina and real worth than any other county in the State.
* Georgia. Journal, 1835.

314

LEGISLATION J-'ROM 1828 TO 1841.

The penal code of 1833 repeats the penalty long" ago affixed to "lewdness or any notorious act of public inde cency, tending to debauch the morals; or keeping open tippling- houses on the Sabbath day or Sabbath nig-ht, shall on conviction, subject the offender to fine or imprison ment in the common jail, or both, at the discretion of the court." A like penalty is to be meted out to any baker, brewer, distiller, merchant, grocer, or other person, who may sell unwholesome bread, drinlc, or pernicious and adulter ated liquors, knowing1 them to be such.
The penal code of 1833, as to the penitentiary: "The prisoners shall not be permitted to use any spirituous or fermented liquors, except as prescribed by the physician for the sick." Salem's amended act (1833) puts a penalty of $100 fine upon unlicensed retailing", one-half of the fine for the informer, the other to the corporation.
An act of 1834, for Laurens county, provides that no slave nor free person of color shall sell or give to any slaves, or free colored persons, any ardent spirits without consent and presence of the owner, overseer, or employer of such slaves. Penalty not less than twenty, nor more than one hundred lashes on the bare back. Also
Any owner who allows his or her slave to keep or give away, or sell any ardent spirits, is liable to fine, or im prisonment, or both, at the discretion of the court.
Warren, Troup, Gwinnett, Hancock, Taliaferro, Clark and G-reene counties, by act of 1835, paid over to the poor school fund, all fines, forfeitures, etc., accruing- to the counties respectively from criminal prosecutions, or from bonds to prosecute, or from bonds for appearance of offenders, or from any otner violation of the penal laws of the State.
An act of 1838 prescribes the following1 oath to be taken and subscribed to before the Clerk of the Inferior Court by each applicant for retail license:

FROM 1828 TO 1841.

Each vender of any quantity of liquor less than a gallon, was required to take and subscribe to the above oath annu ally, and failure, or refusal, to do so, subjected the vender to all the penalties imposed upon unlicensed retailing.
A statute of 1839 forbade any slave or free colored person in McTntosh or Liberty counties to keep a house of entertainment, or vend goods, wares, merchandise, or spirit uous liquors, for his own profit (other than what is allowed by the existing laws of the State).
This act was almost identical with that of 1829, in favor of Macon and Clinton.

EDUCATIONAL IKSTTTUTTONS.

Kit dictu foednm visuqtie haec limina tangat,

Intra. quac puer csl. Irocul hinc, procul indc puellac

Lenoum et cantus pcmoctantis parasitj.

Maxima, debetur puero revcrcntm. Siqnid

Turpe paras, ne tu pucri coiitempycriR annos.

%/}*z^/&z/.

We have seen already that by a statute of 1831, the Commissioners of Athens were permitted to impose a license tax of any amount which they might sec fit, upon retailers. The license tax was put at $500, and for some years the bar rooms were shut out of the town.
The decade 1830 40, saw the birth of the denominational colleges of the State. Prohibitory laws were enacted for the localities adjacent to these male colleges for, thank Heaven ! no such legislation has ever been needed for our female seminaries and vigorous cfTorts were made to keep the tempter away from the boys in our higher literary insti tutions.
The three denominations, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist laid the foundations of their colleges almost at the same time. Each institution started as a Manual Labor School, but a few years experience soon convinced all parties

316

LEGISLATION FROM 1828 TO 184!.

that the proper adjustment of the " manual " to the literary was an exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, undertaking, and the experiment was abandoned.
Suction V of the Act (1835) i n corporating Oglethorpe (Presbyterian) University, provides that:
" No person shall establish, keep, or maintain any store or shop of any descrip tion, for vending any species of merchandise, groceries, or confectioneries of any kind whatever, within a mile and a half of either the University, or Manual Labor Institute."
The penalty for violation of this statute was to be not less than $500, nor more than $1,000, one-half the fine to go to the University.

MERCER UNIVERSITY (liAI'TIST).
By Section V of the amended Act of Incorporation of the Baptist Convention of Georgia, approved December 22, 183%, it was provided :
" That upon the premises now owned by the Baptist Convention of the State of Georgia, in Greene county, or that may hereafter come into their possession, no person shall by himself, servant or agent, keep, have, use, or maintain a gaming house or room of any description, or permit, with his knowledge, any house or room occupied, or owned by him, to be used by any person whatever as a gaming place; nor shall any person, upon the premises aforesaid, by himself, servant, or agent, keep, employ, or allow, with his knowledge, to be kept or employed on the premises he may occupy, any Tare Table, Billiard Table, E. O. Table. A. B. C. Table, or any other table of like character; nor shall any person by himself, servant, or agent, upon the premises now owned by the above said Convention, in Oreene county, or that may hereafter come into their possession, be allowed to sell ardent spirits, wine, cordials, porter, or any other intoxicating drinks whatever, nor permit the same to be doc with his. or her knowledge or approbation on the premises which he or she may occupy. -^VvzvVAv/, however, that the Trustees of the Mercer University may have power to authorize any individuals to sell ardent spirits, wine, etc., upon their premises for medical and sacramental purposes. Any person violating the prohibitions contained in this section, shall bu liable to be indicted for a misdemeanor before the Supreme Court, and, on conviction, shall be fined in a sum not less than one thousand dollars for each and every offence."

EMORY COLLEGE (METHODIST).
At the first meeting of the Board of Trustees, February 6, 1837, it was resolved that the site of the College should be called " Oxford." It was also

LEGISLATION FROM 1828 TO 1841.

317

" Re-soh'cd, That the lots offered in the town of Oxford he leased for nine hundred and ninety-nine years with a condition expressed, that 110 jntoxicatingliquor shall be sold, nor any game of hazard allowed on the lots, under penalty of forfeiture."
July to, 1837, it was also
" A'?sok'eii', That the resolution passed in February Jasl, directing- the lots in Oxford to be leased for 999 years, lie amended, so that the said lots be sold with the same conditions annexed, and that the titles to said lots shall revert lo the Trustees upon the- violation of said conditions, and the- bonds be prepared accordingly."
Some additional legislation was enacted about fifteen years later, but of that hereafter.
CUl.LODEN MALE AND .FEMALE ACADEMIES.
By the incorporating Act (1838) the Trustees could prevent any person from '' selling or vending- spirituous liquors that intoxicate, by retail, or in less quantities than one g-aUon (and that not to be drank where sold), at any house, or place within one mile of said academics." Viola tion of this law subjects the offender to a fine of not less than twenty, nor more than thirty dollars for each ollence, which fines were to be appropriated to the uses of said academies. Provided, " Nothing- in this act shall be so construed as to prevent tavern keepers in Culloden from furnishing- their boarders or travelers with liquor."

1,A GRANGE MANUAL LABOR SCHOOL.
The Trustees of this institution were empowered by the Act of Incorporation (1838) with jurisdiction over their premises not to exceed roo acres, and might prevent the vending, or retailing, of any spirituous liquors, wines, cordials, etc., by assessing- a tax not exceeding five hundred dollars upon such venders or retailers; and the Trustees could recover such license fees by suit brought in the Superior Court.
The Cave Spring Manual Labor School charter (1839) provided that the Trustees might prevent the traffic in liquors 011 the premises owned, or to be owned, by them. The provisions of the act were similar to those of the act

318

LEGISLATION FROM 1828 TO 1841.

incorporating1 Mercer University. Each violation of this act was to be punished by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars.
The Trustees of Mercer University were by Act of 1840 made Commissioners of the town of Penfield.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
The Act of 1792, and amended in 1808, which provided for the protection of " Religious societies in the exercise of their religious duties" by imposing" a fine not exceeding $, or not more than ten days' imprisonment upon offenders, was so amended in 1841 as to make the offences indictable, as other criminal cases, before the Superior Court, and the convicted, if a free white, was to be fined not less than ten, nor more than fifty dollars ; while a slave as per the old statute, was to receive " not exceeding thirt37 -nine lashes on the bare back."
It will be remembered that one of the " disturbances " specifically mentioned in the statute, was the retailing of liquors within one mile of the place of worship, except by licensed venders living- within the proscribed area.
As the year 1841 saw the last of the Cherokees leave Georgia, and the whole territory reduced to white settlers, and the State laws extended over it, we have a convenient period for suspending here our history of liquor legislation, while we notice some events of a different character which intervened between the decadence of temperance societies in 1836, and the appearance of Washingtonianism in Georgia in the autumn of 1841.

CHAPTER XXIV.
GREAT DEC-LIXE, 1837-1841. FLOURNOV'S MOVEMENT, 1839.
"And the children of Israel re, dslivered them out of the hands o!
After the teetotal pledge had been recommended by the State Society in November, 1836, a division began between the followers of the old standard, and thiosc who had uplifted the new. As most of the active temper ance men had adopted the new pledge, the old societies were left, for the most part, without leaders--a loss which hastened the dissolution already impending over them. A very few of the old societies maintained, for a time, a sort of nominal existence, but most of them gave up the ghost. The State Society itself had died at the birth of this, its last offspring, Xeetotalism, and thus the infant was left without mother or nurse, to make its way with a very perverse generation.
Some of the best known nexvspapers of the State have scarce a notice for several years of any kind of temperance society work. Drunkenness was gaining throughout the land, and the usual accompaniments of crime, accidents, and miser}^ followed in its train. The loss of the steamer Homeon" the Carolina coast with many valuable lives, through, as was generally believed, the drunkenness of some of the ship's officials, sent a thrill of horror through the country. A number of Georgians perished with the ill-fated vessel, and a loud protest went up from every quarter against " stage and steamboat companies, which seem to have often employed heedless, hurra, drunken drivers and captains. From these and the badly constructed boats and stages, our
319

330

GRliAT I>ECHXK, 1837-184!.

hearts are pained every month with accounts of steamboat
disasters or upset stages." ' A letter of Henry A. Wise of Virginia, in reply to an
invitation, from the Maryland State Temperance Society (1837) elicited much comment from the Georgia press, and drew upon the writer many adverse criticisms from his
political enemies. Says Mr. Wise, " Now Sir, 2 1 am but thirty years old
and for the last eight years and some months of my life, 1 have not tasted a tablespoonful of ardent spirits, or drunk one half gallon of wine. * * * I state the Tact then to the nation, that some of the higher executive officers at Wash ington are and have been notorious drunkards, drunkards in every sense of the term, habitually affected by ardent spirits-- drunk at least once a week--impaired in constitution by the use of strong drink ; and I further state that I have often heard the reason assigned, and believe it was a valid one for the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States not sitting in the evening, after dinner, when the public business required it, that many of the members were so much in the habit of intoxication, that they were not only themselves unfit for public duty, after a certain hour in the day, but were likely to interrupt others discharging their duty. During1 the latter part of the session of Con gress, when the two Houses were compelled to sit late, mem bers too drunk for the decency of a tavern barroom, were ji not uncommon sight in the Senate Chamber,and in the flail of the House of Representatives of a Republic whose fathers handed down to it the hallowed and immutable truth,'that no free government,or the blessing of liberty, can be preserved to any people, but by firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality and virtue ! !' These are facts, Sir, which, in my name, if you choose, you may bring to the attention of the Convention as worthy the people of the United States." Mr. Wise says that his assertions apply with equal force to both Whigs and Tories, in " about

FLOURNOY'S MOVEMENT, 1839.

321

exact ratio of their numbers in the list of public men," and *' their habits are known by the boys on the streets of Washington," As to himself : " I have been a candidate three times for the suffrages of the people in the oldest district of Old Virginia, proverbial for ' honey drams,' 'mint juleps/ 'hail storms,' ' slings,' ' dew drops/ and every description of nee tared drink, and have never found it necessary or requisite to obtain a single vote, to resort to the vulgar graces of the familiar cup."
The publication of this letter created quite a sensation in Georgia ; the partv organs bitterly denounced Mr. Wise's statements so far as their respective parties were concerned, though they were probably not averse from letting the public give full credence to all the damaging reports as to their opponents. When were politicians and political news papers ever otherwise known ? But Mr. Wise's assertions, true or false, certainly did not prevent his own rapid political advance in ent-
Reflecting men felt that something ought to be done to check the flood tide of evil which the drain shop was intro ducing into politics : but what was that something ? Various remedies were suggested.
The people of Macon in 1838 organized a kind of citi zen's league, and about 300 of the best citizens of the town entered into a compact, pledging themselves not to support any candidate for the Legislature, or for any other county office, " who will himself electioneer by treating* in liquors of any kind, or by giving barbecues, or who will place monev in the hands of others to do so for him." The evil had indeed swelled to such proportions that the Bibb grand jury recommended to siippress the " alarming evil of election eering by treating in spirituous liquors and by public bar becues." !
Speaking- of grand juries, the author feels amply justi fied in asserting-, after no little investigation, that the utter ances of Georgia grand juries in regard to the liquor traffic,
1 Georgia "Messenger," 1838.

322

GREAT PEC1.INK, 1837-1841.

especially the illicit trade and the violation of license laws, would, if collected, make a library of no mean bulk. A large majority of these semi-annual deliverances condemn the flagrant violations of liquor laws.
A few examples of "presentments " only need be given: The grand jury of Richmond county " present as a grievance, the practice of persons selling1 spirituous liquors without license, and trading "with negroes, believing that many are now pursuing this practice in and around our city in violation of the law." * The grand jury of Burke county declare it " notorious that the laws prohibiting the sale to negroes are rendered inefficient by the many devices practiced successfully for their evasion.'* 2 The jury recommences that an oath to obey the laws be required of all who receive license ; also, an oath that the licensee, when his permit expires, shall swear that he has not violated the laws. Poor jurors! They imagined that the danger of indictment for perjury would be " well calculated to prevent offences of this kind." In the same year, the Scriven grand jury tackled the evil by recommending- that the license fee be raised to twenty dollars! and if the Senators and Representatives of the county " cannot secure a general statute for the State for this purpose, let them at least secure one for Scriven county." The Richmond grand jury again, in 1840, in a state of desperation, present the dramshops which are constantly the scenes of illicit traffic with negroes. Numerous shops on the roads leading into Augusta are kept up, the jury says, by this traffic. If these shops are licensed, the authorities should at once set about reforming them ; if unlicensed, they should be prosecuted. The Judge of the Inferior Court is called upon to order the constables to find out if each retailer has license, and report the guilty parties at once to the jurj'. The Inferior Court is urged to license no retail ers except those of known good character ; and each applicant
1 "Constitutionalist," June 2O, 1837. 2 "Chronicle and Sentinel," May 15, 1837.

FLOURNOY'S MOVEMENT, 1839.

323

for license should be required to produce the certificates of at least twelve freeholders* residents of the district, approv ing the granting of license to him. A like suggestion of preliminary is made to the city council.
The Elbcrt grand jury of 1841 has an extra grievance in "the constant habit of boat hanils selling spirituous liquors to neajroes on the Savannah River."
Let these examples, taken from thousands of like char acter, suffice. If any laws have ever been conspicuous for their failure of accomplishing their purpose, they must be these G-corg-ia statutes which proposed to " regulate" the granting of liquor licenses.

THE AUGUSTA TEETOTAL SOCIKTY,
one of the very few which kept alive during these years, had quite a varied experience.
In August, 1837, a few months after the new departure, "A Friend to Temperance" calls loudly through the " Chronicle and Sentinel " to know what has become of the new organization. What of all their recent zeal and promises?--a!3 was apathy. There had been, perhaps, one or two meetings since the organization of the society, "but, it seems, to btl le purpose." Activity was imperatively demanded. A meeting was called, and Mr. I-I. V. Johnson made an address.
The society was impressed with the necessity for work, "for the old society will probably never meet again, and teetotalism is now on trial." The new society expresses its kindly feelings toward the old, the house out of which it had itself sprung, and disavows all pretension to superior right eousness above that enjoined in the Scriptures. This charge was often more than insinuated against the teetotalers. In 1838 the society inaugurated a system of monthly public meetings, with lectures, and the society steadily grew in numbers, though in this year it lost one of its strongest pil lars by the death of Dr. M. Antony, who had helped to organize the old society in 1829, and when the division

324

GREAT DECLIXE, 1837-1841.

came in 1836, he had identified himself with the teetotalers, and had been one of the strongest champions of their cause.
The society ought certainly to have flourished, if bril liant oratory could have kept it alive, for some of the most gifted speakers of the land --some with a national reputation -- are credited with "addresses," at these meeting's. Among these we see the names of Judges Lumpkin and Long-street. Drs. W. T. Brantley and G-. F. Pierce (afterward Bishop), Mr. H. V. Johnson, and many others scarcely less known. The local strength of this society was also very great. Drs. Eve, Antony, and Robertson, Messrs. James Harper, William Haines, Tolman, Dunlap, Whitlock, Taliaferro and Spear, -- are regularly found in the list of officers. The society grad ually grew to 450 members in 1841, when it was swallowed up by Washmgtonianism.

JAMES STI.lv BUCKINGHAM, M. P.,

the celebrated traveler, visited America in the autumn of 1837, and remained three years lecturing on various subjects -- chiefly oriental or benevolent. His motto was "Temper ance, Education, Benevolence, Peace." In February, 1838, he reached Charleston. After a series of lectures on Pales tine and Egypt, he usually delivered one or two free dis courses on temperance. In Charleston, Mr. Buckingham raised funds for the starting of a temperance journal in Co lumbia. In Savannah his lectures were "crowded to excess,"

"The hospitalities of its elegant and polished society were of almost daily

occurrence, and the nattering; attentions we received were such as to make our stay

there agreeable in the extreme. Here, too, the cause of temperance and the for

mation of Sailors' Homes were not forgotten. Two meetings wore held on these

the chu ch of the

of ;he

nd h

the United States, and at these such a spirit was awakened, as induced the liberal

merchants and ship-owners of Savannah to determine to follow the example of

Charleston, and go beyond it, if necessary, in the promotion of both these kindred

objects.

"Augusta, Macon, Columbus and Montgomery were next visited in a land

journey of several hundred miles across the States of Georgia and Alabama to

Mobile, in each of which lectures were delivered; and in the latter then happy and

flourishing, but since afflicted and almost desolate city, scourged by pestilence and

f-res in continual succession, all the hospitalities and popularity of Charleston were

FLOUKNOY'S MOVEMENT, 1839.

325

renewed; while in all some effort was made publicly and privately, to promote the temperance cause, and in Aug-usta, the capital (?) of Georgia, with great success."
Returning from New Orleans, Mr. Buckingham re-vis ited, in inverse order, the towns mentioned, to Charleston ; then via Columbia, Aug-usta and Athens, to the " magnificent Falls of Tuloola and Tukoa, in the mountaitis of Georgia ; " thence northward.
During1 his sojourn in America, Mr. Buckingham deliv ered, gratuitously, about one hundred and fifty lectures, and collected $100,000 for various philanthropic purposes, " the custody and administration of which were confided to other hands." 1 Georgia papers speak of Mr. Buckingham's efforts in terms of unstinted praise. He was, if not the father, at least the principal promoter, of the early temperance move ment HI Great Britain.
But the great increase of drunkenness received but little check from the teetotal societies, which were but few in number. Some advanced thinkers had begun to surmise that the proper remedy was to strike at the root of the evil by suppressing the retail license system of the State. We have seen that, in 1830, the proposition was made by the Augusta Temperance Society Executive Committee to sup press retailing in that town. Liberty and Camden counties had " g-one dry" under their special acts; several college sites had prohibited retailing within a limited area. Why not extend the area, and include the whole State ? Several bold thinkers were already pondering this question. The matter was put to the test.

JOSIAH FLOURNOV.
"He that has not usurped the name of man, Does all, and deems too little all he can, T' assuage the throbbings of the fester'd part, And staunch the bleedings of a broken heart."
Josiah Flournoy was a native of Virginia, in which State he was born in 1 790. He emigrated to Georgia when a
1 Appendix to "History and Progress of the Temperance Reformation in Great Britain and Other Countries of the Globe." London, 1854.

mere lad. Settling- near Eatonton, by frugality and extra ordinary business tact he acquired a large property. Plant ing was then a source of almost certain wealth to the thrifty, and Mr. Flournoy was one of the most energ-etic planters of his day. He was a man of great breadth of mind, as well as of extraordinary force of character. His moral and religious convictions were of the most intense, and with him to believe, and therefore to speak and to act, were related as cause and effect. He sought no office, nor, perhaps, ever thought of political preferment. He was a Methodist class leader, and probably a licensed exhorter, though as to this his son-in-law, Rev. W. R. JBranhan, from "whom many of the facts concerning- his life have been derived, is not cer tain. But he often delivered discourses from chosen texts, and his originality of treatment and strong1 common sense never failed to make a deep impression upon his hearers. His personal influence in his community was very great. Mr. Flournov early embarked in the temperance cause, and entered into Its service with characteristic zeal, and without mental reservation or self evasion of mind, in any degree whatever.
It was not in accordance with Mr. Flournoy's deep con victions and ardent temperament to look with indifference on the great decadence of temperance sentiment and the alarm ing increase of drunkenness and its attendant miseries. To his clear, practical mind, the idea occurred of striking- home at the source of the evil, by suppressing the license system, for, if the scorner be cast out, \vill not strife and reproach cease? With such a nature as his, it was but natural that the new idea should absorb him. It became his thought b\~ day and his dream by night; he could not rest. Did not the Legislature possess the power to repeal the license laws? Could not pressure be brought to bear upon this law-making and zm-making body, sufficient to compel it to this step? The two steps in the process seemed plain enough, and Josiah Flournoy threw himself with all the enthusiasm of his intrepid heart into the effort.

MOVEMENT, 1839.

327

A glance at the situation, as to prohibition elsewhere, may serve to throw some light on the inception of the move ment in Georgia.
The year 1838 may be called the Petition year in temper ance annals, for in that year legislatures began to be impor tuned to repeal all liquor license laws. Maine was the first State to move in the matter. A bill to repeal license to sell in quantities less than twenty-eight (28) gallons had been in troduced, into the Legislature at its session of 1837--8, but it Jailed by one vote to pass the Senate. Tennessee passed a bill repealing tippling house licenses and making the retail ing of spirituous liquors a misdemeanor, punishable by fines at the discretion of the courts/
On the %gth of April, 1838, the Governor of Massachu setts had signed a bill passed by a more than two-thirds vote of each branch of the Assembly, forbidding retailing less than fifteen gallons, except by apothecaries and physicians, specially licensed for that purpose. Penalty for violation, twenty dollars.
The license law of Connecticut was abolished by the Legislature in May, 1838, and heavy restrictions imposed upon the sale.
R.hodc Island and New Hampshire enacted local option laws, leaving the license question to the townships.
The Supreme Court of Massachusetts afnrmed the con stitutionality of the prohibition law when the case was tested.
The Committee of the iVInine Legislature to which the petitions were referred, declared that the license system which had begun in Massachusetts in 1646, had, after near two centuries of trial, proved a wretched failure. Intemper ance, rare then, had grown, until now we were called a na tion of drunkards. The sanction of laws had deprived the traffic of much of its heinousness in the eyes of a people who readily and naturally confounded moral and legal right. The Committee recommended not only the repeal of the license laws, but also the enactment of a prohibitory statute,
* Permanent Documents, Vol. II, p. 66, fA Jry.

328

GREAT DECLINE, 1837-1841.

only excepting1 alcohol necessary for the arts and medicine. The Massachusetts Legislative Committee also reported not only in favor of repealing- license laws, but also for '' the en tire prohibition of the sale of spirituous liquors as a beverage."
The New York Legislative Committee recommended a prohibitory bill similar in its provisions to that of Massachu setts ; while the Connecticut Committee thought the best way to deal with the matter was to refer the question of license to the towns.
In February, 1838, Congress was petitioned by certain army officers stationed at Sabinc Lake, La., who asked that the gill of whiskey still allowed to each soldier on fatigue duty might be withheld, as it was promoting- intemperate habits.
This memorial was presented to Congress by Mr. Web ster, who expressed a sense of " peculiar pleasure " in offer ing it. Petitions were also sent to Congress, asking- that the usual rations of grog issued to sailors be discontinued, and many of the river towns petitioned that the issuing of liquor to steamboatmen be prohibited.
Such was the status of the nation toward the license question among its own people (of the Indians hereafter) when Josiah Flournoy began to meditate on the subject of repealing the Georg'ia license statutes.
Early in 1839, a meeting of citizens of Putnam county (Mr. Flournoy's county) issued an address, through its com mittee--

" TO OUR FELLOW CITIZENS OF GEORGIA : '
"The undersigned were appointed a committee at a meeting- of a respectable number of the people of Putnam county, to address you upon the subject of the evils which afflict our whole community, originating- from the practice of retailing intoxicating; liquors in our State. We know that in coming- forward to address you we stand exposed to all the prejudices which usually assail attempts at the reformation of great and prominent evils. The advocates and the victims alike rally to their perpetuation, and proscription places its hand upon all who dare to raise, or assemble around, the new standard. The imagination is set most actively to work to hunt up speeches to alarm the inconsiderate, and to bias and influence
1 "Christian Index," March 21, lS39-

FLO'JRNOY'S MOVEMENT, 1839.
their judgments. The ever active vigilance of liberty and freedom is aroused, lest some great constitutional rights shall be invaded; the 'Union of Church and State,'
rich, some trick of a political party, a. sectarian, measure, and many such other cant phrases, are the notable arguments which are ever and anon opposed to the march of reformation.
to which the retail of intoxicating drinks has given bjrth, to listen for a moment to
composed, of the Christian and the sinner, the Methodist, Baptist, and I'resby(erran; the Union and the States' Rights man; the lawyer and politician; the docfor and the divine; the rich, the poor, and those of competency; the temperate and the intemperate; the retailer and the purchaser; the farmer and the merchant; all these
co-operate with them in the great and the good work. We approach the task \vith unfeigned pleasure, fortified by the conviction of our rectitude, and the unanimity of those in the midst of whom we reside; we can but believe that the same moral sense which has awakened here the energies of this gre;tt reform will not slumber
and moral worth. "Ori Sunday, the 24th day of February, a portion of the citizens of Eaton ton
of a congregation of about one hundred and twenty persons, one hundred and eight signed the memorial. Another meeting in another part of our county has been held, and with corresponding success and equa? unanimity. Upon a subject
condition of those who frequent it, and satisfy yourselves whether the retail there carried on has produced most good or harm. ff the quantity of harm prevails over the good, ought not the evil to be suppressed, and will you not lend us your
affrays and riots which engage the time of the country happened in, or at, a grog shop. Look to the many murders and manslaughters which are almost everywhere to be met with, and see how many arise from feuds engendered while the parties
"Against the influences of these retail shops the law frowns with indignation. The keeping of a tippling house for the encouragement of drinking is an offence against our Jaws, and punishable with loss of liberty or property, and yet these
drank. Drunkenness is made no excuse for crime, and yet we make it lawful to retail the intoxicating draught which turns reason from her throne, and while in that overthrow crime is perpetrated. Could we ask a stronger argument for our cause than that which your own laws furnish ? Look around you, fellow citizens, and see how many objects of charity have been made by frequenting these retailing

ns and its magnitude.
The i'ollowmg is the form ol a petition ,vhich had already been signed by nearly 300 persons in Putnam, a no subject can present more unanimity: 1
' Tp f/if Senate and Jfoitsu of fteprKsentafives of this Suite, for i " The undersigned, citizens of this Slate, beHevhi
of yo
esent it to the.
they represent. The Committee as
Armed with this petition, Mr. Flournoy started in. his buggy to canvass the State, to secure signatures. Many thousands of names were secured, and the success oi the enterprise seemed assured. From the frequent notices which appear in the old newspaper files, Mr. Flournoy must have visited nearly all parts of the State during" the year. He had left his own business matters--no very small charge--in

FLOURNOYS MOVEMENT, 1839.

331

other hands while engaged in this Cincinnati-is work for the public good, and his estate suffered heavily from has absence.
But he was not to be permitted to carry on his work of humanity without let or hindrance. The " opposition " seemed for a time to content itself with personal annoyances. Tearing up his buggy, shaving and painting his mule, and creating disturbances at his meetings, were among the ?^^y /%7^7/wzTMZ.? with which the brave old planter was confronted. But these methods, as usual, recoiled with great force upon the miscreants themselves, for honorable men scorned to be counted with the herd which resorted to such devilish strategy.
The opposition which was of real force came from other quarters.
The " Christian Index " ' contains the following:
" \Ve are permitted In make the following extracts from a letter to a friend in this place (\Vashington. (Ja.) It is truly humiliating to find that the very persons who ought to be the foremost in putting down vice and in promoting virtue, arc the persons whose influence is most pernicious to society. Jf ever Lhcre was time when a Christian community ought to exert itself, it is the present. Are our l^egislators to go from our grogshops, or are they to be selected from the sober and in telligent part of our fellow citizens ?
" W. II. STOKisa, y/or /C</7/(V."
" EATOXTOK, May 30. iSgq. " DSAK. Duo. C.: $ * * * in regard to the subject upon which you write, 1 never intend to cease my efforts, by all ways And means, until Georgia, is freed from these fountains of crime existing under the solemn sanction of law, in the shape of grogshops. I commenced tins work a little Jfist fall, and then stopped until I could get everything ready for a general attack through the State. We commenced to open our batteries in February, and since that time have been hard engaged, everywhere with most unexpected success. " I have addressed thousands in public meetings, and spoken to hundreds in private. I find the number of those who favor the plan of a law to banish the tippling shops from the land to be as S and (or?) g /*/// of Jo. T^o proposition can be oRercd to the citizens of (Georgia that will meet with the samu unanimity, nor any ten combined ca.n produce the same good. 1 have just retomcd from a trip of Leo days to the South. To one of the lower counties f believe every man would sign our petition, and nowhere, even among the worst drunkards, do I meet with opposition. " t And more difficulty with men who call themselves politicians than any
ijnnu 13, 1839:

33 2

GREAT 1.1ECI.JNE, 1837--1841.

other? ; as a class they are least to be expected to do anything; to promote the morality of the country. With a few exceptions, they seem desirous to keep back ail that would elevate the great mass of society; I suppose, for fear they

opposes this law, and knows what he is doiny at the same time, will deserve

of the

He

hi

The "Christian. Index" from which so much of the history of the Klournoy movement has been extracted, was m 1839, so far as the author has been able to find, the only religious journal published in. the State. It was then *' backed " by Rev. Jesse Mercer, the patriarch of the Georgia Baptists. After Mr. Mercer's conversion to the temperance cause he steadily proved his faith by his works, using* voice, pen and money for advancing the cause. The "Index" and the "Temperance Banner"--both of which journals had Mr. Mer cer for their financial basis--were found actively champion ing the cause. Rev. W. H. Stokes, of whom hereafter, was one of the editors of each of the journals, and was doinggallant service in the noble cause.
In the number of the "Index" from which the above letter was taken, a correspondent, V. S., 1 relatesan interview with a gentleman from Lumpkin county, whose account of the morals of the people and of the state of temperance in that section, was not very flattering1. This gentleman, not a Christian, but an advocate of temperance, tells of a wealthy old Baptist of that county who had proposed to him to go into a partnership with him in the erection of a distillery to "convert corn, the staff of life, into that poisonous article which not only destroys the body, but kills the soul." Many pecuniary inducements were offered, but the non-professing temperance man declined to accede, as he was unwilling" to
1 Vincent Sanford (?)

VLOURNOY'S MOVEMENT, 1839.

333

risk the direful consequences likely to result from the article which it was proposed to distil.
The editors add: "We have often thought persons em ployed in the business of distilling grain, much like the inquisition, that endeavored to draw forth confessions by torture--it is only by torture that substances of any kind will give out alcohol to drown men in perdition and ruin."
The "Flournoy movement" stirred the State as perhaps no effort of a pacific policy had ever done before. Public meetings \vere called, and the matter was discussed. On Sabbath afternoon, March 28, all the churches in Macoti called meetings to "consider the propriety of petitioning the legislature to abolish the retail license,"
Mr. Flournoy's zeal seemed to increase as time went on. May 30 he writes to the "Messenger" that he regards it as a "strange matter" that the citizens have so long borne with liquor venders, men "so abandoned in principle and so mischievous in their practices,'' "an aristocracy which puts itself above the ordinary avocations of men by refusing- to labor and claim to dictate as to who shall be elected to fill the offices of the country," "require all candidates to pay them a heaxy tax," "clai-m the right to corrupt the slaves, and possess their few cents of hard earnings, and send them home to their owners drunk and unfit for business." "But," he adds, "many of these retailers join most heartily in our petition to have liquor banished from the land, Hon orable exceptions these to that wretched class of dealers who care not who suffers, who weeps, who is killed, who is hanged, so they but keep in the shade, and have soft hands."
Some timid politicians " fear their old masters, and dreading the loss of their influence in the elections, scarcely know \vhat to say, or what to do. I can tell them once for all--the grog-shop influence in Georgia is about to be broken up, and he who comes first to the work will come off best."
The Grand Jury (of Bibb county) of September, 1838, it is claimed, was the first to call on the Legislature to stop

334

GREAT DECLINE, 1837-1841.

the evil by stopping the retail. "The \vretched actings and doings in violation, doubtless, of our laws in many of these places, both by day and night, are shocking to humanity;" the Grand Jury believe " the remedy is with the legislature," the senators and representatives arc called upon to exert themselves " to prevent this abominable evil." Signed by all the jurors--James D. Lester, Foreman.
The Grand Jury (Bibb) in May, 1839, declare the "use of spirituous liquors rapidly increasing," and ** unless the strong arm of the law is soon stretched forth to correct and check its further progress, we fear for the future." The " Messenger" grows solemn in view of the magnitude of the evil, and of the radical nature of the proposed remedy. "If this \vork be of men it will come to nought, but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it.''
The people of Houston county assembled, July 18, " to consult upon the course necessarj- to pursue in the present aspect of that very interesting question."
A large concourse and a warm discussion " upon the pro priety" of legislative action, Drs. Patillo, McGeh.ee, and Ball, Gen. Eli Warren, Maj. Scarborough, and others, leading. This meeting' appointed a committee of nine " to report suitable candidates." Col. Wiggins "was nominated for Sena tor, and John Lamar, C. H. Rice, and F. D. Wimberly, were nominated lor Representatives. "Ratified unanimously."
This meeting indicates that a new turn had been given to the matter. It is perfectly clear that there was no expect ation at the outset of running candidates for the Legislature. The petitioners had calculated on making; such a showing; with their lists of names, before the General Assembly, that it was hardly deemed a matter of question that that body would promptly grant their request. By midsummer, how ever, it had begun to be evident that the politicians had too much dread of the " wet " men, in the close contest between the Van Buren and the anti-Van Bureii, or Union and States Rights parties, to dare the risk of losing the grog-shop element. Believing' that the Legislature, as from the then

FLOURNOY'S MOVEMENT, 1839.

335

outlook, it was likely to be constituted, would not heed their petition, the temperance leaders in a number of coun ties began to take measures for electing1 men who would hearken to their behest. Soon this new factor began to challenge the attention of the politicians and party press. Each side, to curry favor with the liquor element, charged the Flournoy petition to its opponents, and the politicians made all haste to clear themselves of all connection with a movement \vhich might damage their own political pros pects. Of course, all were " temperance men," but "popu lar sentiment was not yet ready," " opposed to legislating morals into people," etc., etc., ad infinitum.
Mr. Flournoy's own political opinions, never before thought of outside of his own neighborhood, now began to be a State issue. " Was he a States Rights or a Van Burcn man?" was discussed as though the destiny of the State \vas concerned in the answer. A bitter gubernatorial contest was wag-ing, and by a close majority of only some hundreds Judge McDonald was elected Governor. His opponents freely attributed the defeat of their candidate to the " Flour noy movement." It was charged that Judge Doug-herty, the States Rights' candidate for Governor, had signed the petition. This Mr. Dougherty's partisans denied, but of course, all possible political capital was to be made of the -charge. The question of constitutionality was lugged in. Hon. A. H. Chapped pronounced the proposed measure constitutional, but doubted its expediency ; Mr. Bivins declared the desired legislation unconstitutional, etc.
The "Standard of Union" attacked the measure, but " Fair Play " in the " Messenger " answered so crushingly that the "Standard of Union "did not return to the attack. The "ColumbusEnquirer" charged that the circulating the petition had done much harm to temperance and good morals, and that "drunkards and g-rogshop keepers are much bolder now than they were six months ago." The reformers " by defect of judgment" \vere going too fast for public sentiment, and the drunkard and the grog-seller saw themselves rein forced by manv good men who were opposed to the law.

33^

GREAT DECLINE, 1837-1841.

That Mr. Flournoy bad no expectation of makingan issue before the people in the choice of candidates, is perfectly clear from a card of August 8, 1839, published in the " Southern Banner" of the i^th of the same month, and signed by Mr. Flournoy, and that sterling judge and noble hearted philanthropist, Joseph H. Lumpkin.
" 7b //&f /*rt^ o/" (Tvw^Ya: "The following issue has been made up and presented, fellow citizens, for
your decision : " Has the legislature of the State the right, and is it their duty lo pass a law
to suppress tippling houses ? Holding, as the undersigned do, the affirmative of both these propositions, we have submitted the question for your determination. The next inquiry, how is pnblic opinion with respect to this mailer to be tested ? In other words, should we fail lo obtain a majority of the people to sign our memorial, is it just to infer thai we are in the minority ? We think not, for many reasons. Two otity need be assigned to satisfy you of the correctness of our con clusion. Tn the first place, these petitions cannot be presented to ever)-person, or perhaps, even to a moiety of our entire population ; and secondly, many who take

but fair play, then we sh;ill insist that the opposition get up counter memorial, as they are doing in some of the counties, and let the result be determined by the plurality of signatures. So far as we have any control over this movement, we pledge ourselves to ask wj action of the Assembly, unless uur members exceed greatly the numbers of the opposition. The plan here proposed is not new, but claims universal precedent for its authority.
" The rule here proposed is that which is acted upon by the British rarliament, the Congress l" the United States, the Legislatures of the respective States, and every other deliberative body, so far as \ve kno\v.
"TnStAH PLOURSOY,

" N. H. The newspapers of the State arc respectfully solicited as ;i personal favor, to publish the foregoing card."
Such was the inception and course of the famous " Flour noy Movement," as it has been commonly termed. It must be perfectly plain to every honest, intelligent reader, that the petition had no connection with politics--as that name is usually applied--and least of all, with any political party. Yet the charges of a party organ, and the echo from the party j^w^, succeeded in the course of a few weeks in im pressing the people, that somehow their respective favorite parties were in danger, and "they forsook him and fled." It is not improbable that a few scheming politicians--as poti-

337
-in, i a.jjn_ii^ n_i \v txi *a. J. lie it; \v j.
ir followers fall away to the olc

338

GREAT DECLINE, 1837-1841.

self opposed to the demand of the memorial, and on motion of Mr. Cone the matter was tabled for the session; such also was the fate of Mr. Vincent's bill.
Nov. 18, Mr. Wooley introduced into the House a bill to " Repeal all laws, prohibiting, without first obtaining a license, the retail of spirituous liquors."
Nov. 6, 1840, Mr. Roberts introduced into the House a bill to repeal the license-regulating act of December, 1838, but the measure was lost by a vote of 64 to 98.
Nov. 13, 1840, Mr. Loveless introduced a similar bill into the Senate.
Not an act touching upon liquor could be passed by the Legislature of 1839--40. It was freely charged that the Flournoy petition set back the temperance cause by many years, and the politicians were everywhere washing their hands from all connection with temperance--save in the abstract, of course.
After a long and painstaking examination the author must confess that he has been able to find verv little active temperance in 1838 to suffer a set back. There was a strong latent temperance sentiment,--not directed, however, to any very specific end,--a sentiment only as a kind of negative in the way of the grogshop. After the adoption of total ab stinence by the State Society in 1836 the division which grew up between, the teetotalers and moderates ended in the quiet demise of most of the old societies, and not enough total ab stinence organizations had taken their places to very sensibly leaven the temperance ideas of the masses. Temperance \vas at a 4ow ebb before the Flournoy petition was circulated ; it remained at neap tide until Washingtonianism aroused ,-' a new enthusiasm throughout the land.
But what of the heroic standard bearer of this crusade ? His son in-law,1 says:
" I am reminded that 'the blood of the martyrs is ll rnoy's premature de
and grief attendant upon his heroic efforts to was aroused and consecrated lo his cause; hi
1 Rev. W. R. Branham.

FI,OURNOY'S MOVEMENT, 1839.

339

more exceedingly; his hope had brightened into certainty. Hut \vhen the sudden disappointment came, when his childlike confidence in bis feJfo-.v men--in the best men he knew. W;LS so rudely shocked by their desertion of so holy a cause for a mess

strain--which, with some slight additions from other sources, was more than he could bear. Were all that he \\-asin this cause--all that he did and suffered for thu drunkard known and fresh in the minds of the people of this day--his memory would be embalmed, enshrined in their hearts--as the hero--the martyr in the strife for prohibition in that hour when he was left to tread the wine press alone, and no man stood by him."
On Josiah Floumoy was charged the depression in temperance sentiment,as well as the want of success in the work of 1839. H^ was made the scapegoat, and on him were laid the results of political schemings and party com binations, wif.h what injustice we have seen. If temperance became political, he was not responsible for it. As announced in the outset all parties and all creeds were represented in the initial efforts.
The petition framed at Eatonton and the address sent out to the people of the State, were indorsed by all the political and religious organizations. That Air. Floumoy followed out the original plan in good faith, is surely demonstrated. \Vhy should he have been made to bear alone the disappointment and the reproach of defeat? Georgia has erected many monuments to her various benefactors, but who of them all labored for her with more of fidelity, philanthropic zeal, devoted courage, and Christian selfsacrince, than the brave-hearted planter of Futnam county, who gave to the cause his all of service, and his life. Should the day ever (lawn when men will pay to their benefactors the homage they freely oSer to their destroyers, it may be that a fitting tribute to the memory of that temperance hero who, with his strong mind enshrouded in gloom, lay down with his buried hopes in a premature grave.

CHAPTER XXV.
THE INDIANS.
" Abba, when the snow doves minion. Takes my forest home nt night ;
When the eagle breaks his pinion In the swiftness of his night ;
\Vheri the roe-buck comes to wander Krom the green hilla faraway ;
\Vhen my beating heart grows "fonder For the sunny isles of day ;
When my forest home is taken. And the stronger bids me Ace ;
Abba, call me thy forsaken. Take my spirit home to thee." //wtvr.7/".A^-!W<^<v, /4f Zwd/aw y*AVZr (1836.)
Perhaps since the-day when the remnant of the Jews, captured by Adrians army at Bother, and sold under the Oak of Mamre, took their departure forever from the Sacred Land, where the Jew was henceforth to be a stranger, no sadder sight has been known in the worlds history than that of the Gherokees, leaving their homes along the Coosa and the Etowah for a home in the unknown land toward the setting sun. The Creeks a few years earlier had quit the banks of the Ghattahoochee, and taken up their abode beyond the Mississippi; but the Cherokces still lingered in the beautiful valleys of North Georgia. But the march of destiny had sealed the Indians doom, he must leave the home of his fathers. At New Echota, the Ghcrokee capital, where the council fire was annually kindled, the last treaty was made. By its term the State of Georgia was to take possession of the territory on the z^th of May, 1838.
A fateful year was 1838 to the Cherokees. Before they reached their western home more than 4,000 had died of
340

THE INDIANS.

34%

suffering;, and that home sickness made hopeless and in curable by despair. I Tome was to be borne nevermore.
The author requested Col. William P. Moss, son of the celebrated chief, John Ross, to give him some account of the temperance cause among the Cherokecs. Col. Ross' re ply is extremely interesting. If. was published in the "Cherokee Advocate," Fort Gibson, Indian Territory. From it we extract the following :
" What proportion of the Cherokee people prior to 1785, when they negotiated their first treaty with the United States, were temperate, T have no source of information at hand to enable me to express an opinion. From the manner how ever in which they have held their o\vn during a hundred yeans twice told, of trial, tribulation, and war, and their remarkable recuperative powers, in rising phoenixlike from the ashes of disaster after disaster, it is evident that they were never materially enervated by vice and dissipation. In a word, that the mass of them have been temperate, healthy, energetic and self-reliant. Their laws \vouij doubtless have been more full and stringent in prohibiting the introduction and vending of intoxicants among them bin for the fact that the laws of the United States have largely prevented action on their part. In examining the records at our command I submit the following :
"Oct. 28, iSio. It was decreed by the National Council, that no persons, not citizens of the Nation shall bring into the Nation and sell any spirituous liquors under penalty of forfeiting- such liquors, and having them disposed of for the benefit of the Nation. Any citizen who shall receive and bring into the Nation spirituous liquors for disposal, being the property in whole or in part of noncitizens shall pay a tine of one hundred dollars, and have the liquors confiscated as above. This ordinance went into effect January i, 1820. Oct. 28, 1820. Any person permitting his negroes to purchase and vend spirituous liquors shall forfeit and pay a line of fifteen dollars for every such offence. Negroes found vending liquors without permission from the owners were punished with ' fifteen cobbs or paddles ' by the patrolers of the settlement in which the offence was committed, and every settlement was authorized to organize a patrol company.
"Nov. 8, J322? 1 The National Council being fully convinced that no nation of people can prosper, or flourish, or become magi la aimou s in character, the basis of whose laws is not founded upon virtue and justice ; and in order to suppress as much as possible those demoralising habits (drinking and card playing) which were introduced by foreign agency. ^V.rp/z'.rt/, That any person who should bring ar dent spirits within three miles of the (Jencral Council house, or to any court house during the General Council, or the sitting of the courts and dispose of the same, so as to intoxicate any person, should forfeit the whiskey and have the same destroyed. Persons playing cards under like limitation were lined fifty dollars. Any persons introducing into the Nation and disposing of playing cards, were fined twenty-five dollars.
* The year is torn ont so as to make it illegible.

342

THE INJMA.VS.

"Jan. 37, 1824, The vending- of ardent spirits at hall-plays, all night dances and other public gatherings was prohibited under penalty of having the iiquors wasted. Any officer failing to enforce the law when advised of its violation was subject to conviction and fine at the discretion of the court. This act went into effect January I, 1825.
"Nov. u, 1824. Any white person hringing spirituous liquors into the Cherokee N"alton and disposing of them contrary to law shall pay a One of one hundred dollars, and any citizen of the Nation purchasing liquors from such person within the limits of the Nation shall be Rued in like sum ($100.00).
"Oct. 2<s, 1825. A tine imposed upon one Samuel Henry, for introducing brandy was remitted except the Marshal's fee and the eonii scat ion of the brandy, upon the condition that Henry should obligate himself under bond and security tu the future, never to violate the laws of the ^Nation by the introduction of ardent spirits into the Nation, under penalty of making good the fine remitted, and of being further dealt with as the law directs.
"Sept. in, 1031. The Western Chcrokecs (those who had been moved west of the Mississippi River) made it unlawful fur any person to vend ardent spirits within five miles of the place for holding their National Council during the sessions thereof under a penalty of five dollars for each offence.
"Sept. 28, 1839.1 The National Council of the Cherokee Nation, as iv now exists--declared the introduction or vending of ardent spirits shall be unlawful and all persons are prohibited from bringing; them in, or engaging in the traflic within fi\c miles of the National Council, or within one mile of any court while in session or of any public gathering or meeting under the penalty of having the same wasted by u. lawful officer.
"September, 1842. The introduction and vending of ardent spirits declared to be unlawful under penalty of having the same wasted and a hue of not less than ten nor more than fifty dollars upon the conviction of the offender by the courts of the Nation.
"Oct. 31, 1843. Authorizes officers to procure search warrants, to enter and examine any house where they may have reason to suppose that ardent spirits are concealed, in. order to waste the same.
'Dec. 11, 1843. Authority given to a special guard during the session of the National Council to waste intoxicating liquors and to arrest and confine until they become sober, drunken, disorderly persons,
"N~ov. -3, 1849. Authority given'to sheriffs to summon, a posse of four persona to assist, if resistance should be offered, in wasting spirituous liquors, and allowing one dollar per day for such service.
"Nov. 4, 1850. Amending- act of Oct. 25, 1841, declares no property ex empted from sale to satisfy a fine imposed, and imposes a fine of twenty-five dollars on the officer who fails to prosecute.
"Nov. 4, 1860. Authority given to any citizen to arrest any person introducing spirituous liquors into the Nation and conveying them to any place therein, and to waste the same ; also to the members of any assembly or congregation met for religious worship, to take such temporary measures for the suppression of the sale
3 This was shortly after the removal beyond the Mississippi.

THE- INDIANS.

343

ice in the use of ardent spirits in their vicinity as they might deem proper, nod guaranteeing them immunity for damages that might result to persons from the exercise of the authority given by the act.
"Nov. j, 1875. Kvery person who shall set up and keep a house, room, or place for the purpose of vending- intoxicating drinks, who shall introduce, vend, or in any other manner dispose of for gain any intoxicating liquors, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned, for

than one hundred, dollars, or by both fine arid imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court. Provided however, that this section shall not be so construed as to prohibit the introduction and use by licensed physicians for medical purposes, of alcohol, or other spirits.
"Kvery physician, apothecary, druggist, or other person who shall in state of intoxication prescribe or administer any active poison ' as a medicine, thereby en dangering- the life of such person upon conviction shall be imprisoned for any term

not exceeding one thousand dollars, or be both fined and imprisoned at the dis cretion of the court.
" Every person who shall willfully annoy by word or deed or in'auy manner disturb any school, religious, polilical, or social public meeting, lawfully assern-

"The High Sheriff at Tahlequah may summarily arrest, imprison, and hold, until duly sober, any person acting improperly there, while under the influence of intoxicating drinks.
"The compact entered into around the great council fire at Tahlequah, the 3d day of July, 1843, between the Cherokees, Creeks and Osages, stipulates that 'the use of ardent spirits being- a fruitful source of crime and misfortune we recommend its suppression within our respective limits, and agree that no citizen of our nation shall introduce it into the territory of any other nation, party to tins compact.' This provision of the compact was agreed to, also, in the compact entered into at Eufaula, .f. T., in i 836, between the Chickasaws, Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaws, Seminoles, "SVichitas, Comanches, and the tribes and affiliated bands of Indians residing in the southwestern part of the Indian Territory.
"The treaty of 1366, beUveen the United States and the Cherokee Nation, Article 27, stipulates that no sutler or other person connected with a military post, either m or out of military organization, shall be permitted to introduce any spirit uous, vinous, or malt liquors into the Cherokee Xajion. except the Medical De partment proper, and by it only for strictly medical purposes. This provision of the treaty has never been enforced by the United States.
"The laws of the United States make it a penal offence for any person to introduce, vend, or manufacture ardent spirits in the Indian Territory, and punish
an indictable offence for any person to give or sell to an Indian, either in or out of the Indian country, any intoxicating- liquors. A very larye number of persons are annually arraigned and convicted by the United States Court for the Western Dis trict of Arkansas for a violation of the provisions of the Intercourse law. And

344

THE INDIANS.

such will continue to be the case as long as liquors are manufactured and sold by whites on the border of the Indian country. The only effectual check to the tragic in the baneful article, and violent and murderous effects it rjroduces among the Indian people, will be found in the prohibition of its manufacture and sale as a beverage in the surrounding States, and in the laws of the land placing whiles and negroes on the same level with the Indian in regard to its sale and manufacture. The manufacture and primary disposal of all intoxicants, whether distilled, fer mented, or chemically prepared, emanate from the intelligence, the skill and the cupidity of the whites, and until the lav lays its lion paw on them, it is idle to expect that the principles of temperance will govern the entire Indian people.
"So far as reminiscence is concerned, I may remark that my recollection ante dates, by several years, the removal of the Cherokees and Creeks from their eastern to their western homes. And from that down to the present, with the interval of a few years spent away from home while a student. I am not now s?tare that there was any restriction upon the sale of liquors to Indians east. f the Mississippi River, imposed by the United States laws, or by those of the States of Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, or Tennessee, by which the Chcrokees were surrounded. 'Doggeries/ as they were called, abounded around them and in their midst, after the States extended their laws over them, and their people be^an to crowd hi among them and appropriated their lands. Flatboats descended the Tennessee River loaded with flour, bacon, whiskey, and other products, and stopping at various landings along the Indian settlements, sold them whatever they wanted, and were able to pay for. I have known Creek Indians to buy whiskey by the barrel at Center's tending, Ala., construct a temporary drag of a couple of hickory poles, with a few cross pieces for a frame, put the barrel on that, hitch a horse between the poles, which answered the purpose of shafts, and draw it across the Sand Mountain and the Coosa River into the Creek country. The sale of liquors to the Indians was productive of some drunkenness and much trouble to individual Cherokees ; but the great mass of the people, aware of the trying circumstances which surrounded them in the effort which finally succeeded in forcing them to abandon the homes of their ancestors, were distinguished for habits of abstinence and sobriety. Everv precaution was used by their ofHcers and influential men--and with marked success--while moving to their present homes, to prevent drinking and excesses of every character, and those who did get drunk and behaved in a disorderly manner were overpowered and bound with ropes until they became duly sober.
"In this country, before the Tva?, the laws of the United States and of the Cherokee Kation prohibiting the introduction of intoxicants, supplemented by the active and persistent efforts of such men as the Rev. S. A. Worcester, the min-

both men and women, exerted a marked influence upon the Cherokee people in favor of temperance. Mince the war, the same influences, to <ome extent, are at work, and while the majority of the people are temperate in their habits, and compare perhaps favorably in that respect with the people by whom they are surrounded, it cannot be denied that the effects of the war, the increase of pop ulation on their borders, the extension of railroads through their country, awl the influx of lawless whites among them, exert a constant force unfavorable to sobriety

r

THE INDIANS.

345

among them. The illicit introduction and sale of whiskey and its villainous com pounds and aduiterations arc noted throughout (be Territory. The advocates of lotal abstinence arc numerous, active, and in connection with a very large percent age of church followers among- the Clierokees, are making; successful headway against the enemy. \Yhcn the law ceases to <_! scrim ma to between whiles, negroes, and Indians, and when the manufacturers and salesmen in ihe States are hunted out with as much persistency by the officers of the law as smugglers are now in the Nation, we may reasonably expect that there will be a material diminution in the consumption of liquors, and of crime and sorrow \\-hicli now spring from drunk enness."
Such is the history of intemperance and of temperance legislation among the Cherokees. Believing that the facts of that history which belong to the trans-Mississippi story of this interesting people would prove not unacceptable to the reader, the author has given all that portion of Col. Hoss' letter also.
We see that legislation as to liquor was earlier among the Indians than among the whites, and it stands as a lasting shame to our civilization that the whites not only did not aid the Indians In preventing the importation of rum, but con stantly thwarted the red men in the execution of their own laws against the traffic.
Sad it is to think that of all the wrongs suffered by the red man from the white, the loss of his ancestral home was not the greatest. In 1738 and '9, the white man's rum had de stroyed a great part of the Cherokee Nation along ihe Upper Savannah ; in 1838 and '9, the wretched remnant spared by disease, rum, and the s\vord, were collected and marched to their distant homes in a foreign land. Rut every mile of that long journey was marked by the mounds of the dead. Thrice and four times happier those whose bones were moldering in their native valleys, who were never to know that worse than Babylonian exile, since it was unlighted by any hope of return.
Helenus and his Trojan exiles reminded themselves of their city and country by naming a little Troy and Pergamus, a tiny Xanthus, and Scaean Gates in far-away Rpirus ; so the Indian, " beyond the river," made his hills and vallevs and streams and towns perpetual reminders of his old home in Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.

CHAPTER XXVI.
OVER THE BORDER.

The Second National Temperance Convention had met

at Saratoga, N. Y., August 4, 1836. Georgia, as may be inferred from the action of her State Society in 1835, was not

represented. At the Saratoga Convention the name Amer

ican Temperance Union, was adopted in order that Canada

might be included, as the former name, United States Union,

did not apply to the British Possessions. Mr. E. C. Delavan,

always liberal, gave to the Union $10,000 to aid in its work.

The first convention had impressed the doctrine of the

immorality of the liquor traSc; the second advanced to the

total abstinence pledge, but many of the old moderation

army had deserted the standard. Three hundred and forty-

eight delegates, representing nineteen States a.nd Territories,

and the Canadas, were present. Reuben Wal worth was

made President again. Seven vice-presidents were named, only one from the South, Samuel Blackwcll of Virginia.

The convention found "encouragement in the progress

of the cause," and declared the " proper means " for accom

plishing the work to be " abstinence from the use, as a bev

erage, of intoxicating liquors, and from the making and fur

nishing of it to be so used by others;" that the men who drink

are not proper judges of the propriety of using liquor; that

intoxicating liquor has been proven in nowise useful nor

needful; that it is not right for men to use such a beverage

Mrs. McCord.

346

OVER THK BORDER.

347

which causes others to offend. The convention hailed with approbation the increase of total abstinence societies, espe_ cially among young men. A long discussion grew out of the wine clause of the report, but finally the resolution recom mending" total abstinence was unanimously adopted.
The Corresponding Secretary had visited Washington and reorganized the Congressional Temperance Society, which seems to have gone down. This society in its re newed zeal, loudly commended total abstinence, and de clared it was incumbent on Congressmen to "discourage by all suitable measures, the use of the means of intoxication in all public works, in the army and the navy, in merchant ships, in colleges and schools of learning, in all national fes tivities, in agriculture and manufactures, wherever, in a word, we can meet that mighty agency of evil, and save our country and the world from its further desolations."
A great decrease in importation of spirits was reported. The distilleries of New Voric had decreased from 1*149 in 1829 to 337 in 1835. More than 100 towns, *' by the force of healthy public sentiment, stopped the sale of intoxicating drinks within their limits, and the cities arc feeling the healthful innucncc." '
But the wine importation from 1826 to 1836 had about doubled ; in the former year it amounted to 3,4.36,460 gal lons at an original cost of $1,731,738* In the latter year the amount was 6,525,21% gallons, costing $3,37S7S" Wine drinking was clearly on the increase.
The Executive Committee recognize the fact that the age of novelty has passed? and that temperance work must rely on the diffusion of its principles and the facts of the case, for further progress. First and foremost must abstinence from malt liquors and wines, as well as from distilled drinks, be inculcated. Several States were working under the two fold pledge, z. ^.: The old moderation obligation, and the *' comprehensive," or full pledge, an arrangement which hardly secured concert of action.
* Permanent Documents, Vol. It, p. 35.

34S

OVER THE BORDER.

Tu 1837 the two refectories under the National Capitol had each an extensive bar attached to it, but by order of the presiding- officers of the Senate and of the House,the attach ments were removed.
In 1838 Kentucky had 1,200 grog-shops licensed by county courts and town corporations, and 2,400 unlicensed-- 3,600 m all, nnd 20,000 drunkards, or six to each drunkery ; 3,600 crimes of various magnitude, of which 2,250 to 2,700 are chargeable to the dramshops, 500 paupers costing $25,ooo, two-thirds due to liquor. 1
New York City had 3,000 licensed and 1,000 unlicensed' saloons ; Philadelphia, 1,500 licensed ; in one ward of 500 houses were 156 groggeries. Boston had more than 600 licensed grogshops, and about one-third as many unlicensed. Baltimore, about the same number ; St. Louis had 160 dramshops, retailing 116,800 gallons yearly ; Washington, with 6,000 inhabitants, had 226 licensed houses, selling- 122,ooo g-allons annually. In this year 8,000 paupers from intem perance were reported in Massachusetts, and three-fourths of the 4,025 commitments are attributed to liquor.
An estimate of the towns of the three most temperate counties in New York gave one drunkard to every twenty inhabitants, which proportion would give 750,000 drunkards for the whole United States, with, 15,000,000 people, and " long- observation has shown that about one in ten of these die every year." New Haven lost 100 adults by death in 1837, of whom 33 died drunkards. 3
A New Zealand chief, reproached by a foreigner on account of his drunkenness, replied, "It is true I am a drunk ard. But who taught me to drink rum? It was you who first broug-ht it to me, and told me it was good. The first time I drank it, it made me sick. The second time, it made me sick; but the third time it staid \vith me. I began to love it and I love it still. Now it has made me old, and nearly ruined me. There is no way to stop the evil, but by banishing- it from the river altogether,"
1 Permanent Documents, II, p. 90. 2 Permanent .Documents, II, p- 103.

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349

The Sandwich Islands had been put under prohibition b3r the natives, but the French ships compelled the Islanders to open their ports to rum. Temperance societies had been formed in the West Indies, and one in South America, at Menahem. Fifteen temperance journals for the United States and Canada were reported, and seamen's boardinghouses had made many mariners temperate.
In 1839 it is related that the teetotal pledge " is the only one which is used to any extent. Few families of charac ter and respectability now offer to their g-uests the more virulent intoxicating- drinks, and to a very wide extent, the use of the milder and comparatively harmless, is now, at the dinner table or in the social circle, unknown." "The tip pling house and tavern bar system is becoming; more odious," while treating is "frowned upon by enlightened freemen."
The London packet-ships from New York had resolved to remove intoxicating liquors from their tables. Wine is now the " chief support of intemperance, especially among young men and the higher classes." The wine consumption had greatly increased, while the distilleries had rapidly de creased--in some States more than three-fourths had stopped.
The committee expose many frauds in the matter of wines. Many establishments existed at Marseilles and else where for manufacturing imitations of port and other wines. These imitations \vere shipped to Oporto, where, by col lusion with custom house officials, they were branded and sent over the world as genuine. America alone was annu ally consuming full 50,000 pipes of Madeira, while Madeira did not produce more than 30,000, and so of other liquors. Four-fifths of the wine drunk in Britain, Mr, Beardsell said, was entirely innocent of the juice of the grape. In 1812 there were shipped from Oporto to Guernsey 135 pipes and 20 hogsheads, while there were landed in London from Guernsey 2,545 pipes and 162 hogsheads of port wine! In 1826 there were exported 28 pipes of wine from Oporto to the Channel Islands, and 293 (!) pipes were sent thence to London! In 1828, 70 pipes mysteriously increased to 75

35

OVER THE BORDER.

after leaving- home ! in 1829 the Channel Islands received no wine from Oporto, yet shipped 90 pipes to London ! In 1830 they sent to London 247 pipes, though they had re ceived tio7ic from Oporto! In 1833 they sent 862 pipes, though they had received none! In 1835 Oporto shipped in all 38,4/9 pipes, and London received 32,536. The wine frauds were so outrageous that it was said that genuine port wine could only be obtained, by going to Portugal, raising the grapes, expressing the wine,and riding home on the cask.
The whole country was becoming aroused against the license system. In 1838 the Maine State Society called loudly for legislation to stop license. In 1840, a State (Mas sachusetts) Convention of 1481 members met in Boston, and called upon the people to demand the repeal of license laws. The Rhode Island Legislature had granted local option, and Providence and other large towns had refused license. Con necticut (in 1839) referred the granting of license to the towns, some of which had prohibited the sale; others removed license, threw open the traffic, and thus destroyed the monop oly out of which a few barroom keepers were making- for tunes/ In 1839 between 30,000 and 40,000 petitioners called upon the New York Legislature to break up the retail business. Three forms of petition were to be presented : ist, To prohibit the traffic outright; or 2d, to submit a pronibitory statute to the suffrages of the people; or $d, to sub mit it to the towns to decide upon the granting of license. The second measure had not many advocates; the third, which was popular at first, was, after due deliberation, dropped by the State Convention of August, 1839, and the first form, viz. : Prohibition pure and simple, was asked for. The Convention resolved to "never cease our efforts to pre vent the licensed and unlicensed sale and use, as a beverage, of intoxicating drinks; and that until efficient and correct legislation is had by our State, we will yearly importune and petition our Legislature on this subject." New York had in 18^9, 191,258 members in temperance societies, all of whom
i PcTimuient IJ^ocumtmls, IT, p. iSS, ^/j^.

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351:

had signed the total abstinence pledge. The Legislative Committee answered the petition by recommending moral suasion. Thus baffled, the temperance advocates at first thought to undertake to elect none but representatives favor able to their own cause, but postponed this alternative for the present.
The New Jersey Temperance Convention at Newark, Aug. 14, 1839, resolved to support no legislative aspirant " hostile in feeling and practice to the great objects of the temperance enterprise, or to the legislation that is necessary to remove the evil." l A similar resolution was passed by the Pennsylvania Temperance Convention at Pittsburg Nov. 6, 1839 ' so also the Delaware Convention at Georgetown. The latter demanded legislation ag-ainst the making and the vend ing, though not against the drinking, of ardent spirits.2
Virginia had not. advanced far on the road to tectotalism and the old moderation societies had "generally ceased from all action." 3
North Carolina had prohibited the sale within five miles of her University, and within two miles of Davidson College. Illinois had repealed her old license law, and referred the question of license to the towns.
Mississippi retained its bold position of former years. The report (1839) says; 4 "In Georgia, but little dehnite public action has occurred m the last year; though in several counties the cause has been pressed onward, with a commendable zeal. No report has been received." It is wonderful how these " Permanent Temperance Doc uments" so very valuable in most respects for temperance history, should have been so completely ignorant of what was doing in Georgia, It seems clear that the executive committee had never heard of the Flournoy movement at all, and yet, as we have seen, that effort was abreast of the most advanced in favor of prohibitory law. The Wisconsin
1 Permanent Documents, II, p. 204. 2 Permanent Documents, 1?, p. 208. a Permanent Documents, II, p. 209. * Permanent Documents, II, p. 215.

352

OVKK. TIIIO "HOK.DER.

Temperance Society at Troy, Feb. 13, 1840, resolved that it was the duty of temperance men to inform themselves as to the candidates' views on this subject, and prefer men of sound temperance views and habits.
The Iowa Territory Temperance Society was formed Dec. 25, 1839. The Governor, Robert Lucas, recommended the repeal of all license laws as morally wrong, which advance in temperance legislation, the National Executive Committee very much approved. The Committee estimates the number of teetotalers in the whole country in 1840 at fully 2,000,000.
This report mentions the "Cold Water army" as com ing up from all over our land, with waving banners. These children are regarded as '* a security for the temperance reformation, for at least two succeeding- generations, and we hope forever." July 4, 1839, a procession of 2,500 children marched through Baltimore, and juvenile societies were organized all over the land.
With approval are quoted the words of Mr. Jefferson, shortly before his death : " Were I to commence my admin istration again with the knowledge which, from experience, 1 have acquired, the first question which I would ask, with regard to every candidate for public office, should be. ' Is he addicted to the use of ardent spirits ? ' "
According to the Marshal's returns, there were in 1810, in the United States, 14,191 distilleries, producing- from fruit, grain and molasses 25,704,625 gallons of spirits, while the average annual importation from 1800 to 1810 was 7,512,415 gallons of foreign spirits. '
But King Kamehameha, of the Sandwich Islands, was the avant courier of the prohibition army. August 28, 1838, " Be it enacted by the King and Chiefs of the Sandwich Islands in council assembled : That after the first of January, 1839, the importation of rum, brandy, gin, alcohol, and all other distilled spirits whatever, shall be prohibited to be landed at any port, harbor, or any other place on the Sand-
1 Permanent Documents, Tl, p. 248.

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353

wich Islands, and that all \vines imported shall be subject to a duty of one-half dollar per gallon." 1
It was this embargo which the magnanimous (?) govern ment of France proposed to raise by the guns of its fleet. The king and chiefs of the islands were not to be allowed to make laws for the gx>od of their own subjects in their own territory, because, forsooth, the commerce of France might perchance lose some thousands of Louis d' ors by the pro hibiting of the wine importation. The nineteenth centur}has seldom seen a parallel to this outrage upon the rights of nations, save in British laws upon the opium trade with China, and that dastardly attempt to compel Madagascar to receive foreign spirits.
Father Mathew's work had been progressing in his native island, and the fifth report of the American Temper ance Union Executive Committee 2 exultingly says; " Ire land is sober. Near 5,000,000 of her population have aban doned the use of intoxicating drinks. Her prisons are nearly empty. Her cities are quiet. Her distilleries are converted into manufactories and oat mills. Her fairs are without a drunkard. Her families are being clothed. Her children will soon have bread enough, and to spare."
The King of Sweden had been, the firm champion of the temperance cause, and had freely given his royal aid to Rev. Robert Baird, in his temperance missionary work. In 1835 twelve thousand reformed drunkards had been reported, but as these had taken only the old pledge, and still con tinued to use fermented liquors and wines, most of them had fallen back into their former intemperate habits. Some thing more was needed.
Massachusetts had repealed her fifteen-gallon law. The New York Legislative Committee reported in favor of re ferring the matter of license to the towns, but no definite ac tion had been had. Rhode Island had raised her license fee to $50, and taverns were not to sell on the Sabbath. Penn-
1 Permanent Documents, TT, p. 260. 2 1841, Permanent Documents II. p. 267.

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sylvania had ordered that six weeks' publication of appli cation for license must be made. Tennessee and Mississippi remained upon their high statu quo as to license. Many temperance people still opposed legislation on the subject.
The U. S. Census for 1840* gave 9,657 distilleries, mak ing" 36,343,236 gallons of spirit. It was estimated that in 1825 there were 40,000 distilleries producing 72,000,000 gal lons. 2 Pennsylvania had(iS4i) 707 distilleries against 5,000 in 1825; New York, 219 against 1,200 in 1825. fn 1825, with 12,000,000 people, there would have been an average of six gallons for each individual man, woman and child ; in 1841, with 17,000,000, the average was only two gallons. The great decrease in drinking habits had gone hand in hand with the decrease of crime. In 1826, with 182,000 inhabi tants, New York City returned. 652 indictments; in 1839, with 325,000 people, only 389. 3
The Third National Temperance Convention mot at Sar atoga, July 4, 1841, six State Societies having" requested the meeting. Georgia, so far as the author can find, had no rep resentation at this meeting. But a new power was begin ning to be felt from one end of the land to the other.
] Permanent Documents II, p. 278.

for it. M Permanent Documents II, p. 282.

CHAPTER XXVII.
MORAl. SUASTOX KRA. THE \VASHINGTONIANS-
" 'Quench, mighty God, hv thine own power, By love and truth, with spring and well,
With stream and cistern, flood and shower. In mercy quench this fire of hell."
On Friday evening-,' April 2, 1840, there met, as was their wont, at Chase's Tavern, Liberty street, Baltimore, six convivial friends. At this tavern they had been accustomed to while away their evening's in revelry and jollity, and they themselves had no thought of passing- this evening- in any other than their usual manner. Few groups of men ever looked less like revolutionizing- a continent. Their names and vocations were as follows : William K. Mitchell, tailor ; John F. Floss, carpenter; David Andcrson, blacksmith ; James McCurley, coachmaker ; George Steers, ------; Archi bald Campbell, silver plater.
"A clergyman who was preaching in the city had given notice; that on that evening- he would deliver a discourse upon the subject of temperance Upon this lecture the conversation of our six heroes turned ; whereupon it was determined that four of them should go and hear it, and report accordingly. After the sermon these returned and discoursed upon its merits for some time, when one of the com pany remarked that, 'After all, temperance is a good thing.' 'Oh,' said the host, ' i hey are all a parcel of hypocrites.' 'Oh, yes,'replied Mr. McCurley, 'I'll be bound for you ; it's your interest to cry them down, anyhow.' ' I'll tell you what, boys,'says Steers, ' let's form a society, and make Bill Mitchell president.' 'Agreed,' cried they. The idea seemed to take wonderfully, and the more they laughed and talked over it, the more they were pleased with it. After parting that night they did not all meet again until Sunday, when they took a stroll, and between walking and treating, they managed to arrange the whole matter to their entire satisfaction. It was agreed that one of them should draw up a pledge, and that the whole parly should sign it (he next day. Accordingly, on Monday morning, William K. Mitchell wrote the following
1 Annual Report of the Maryland State Temperance Society for 1842.
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MORAL SUASION ERA.
" ' I'l.KDCE.
" 'We, whose names are 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, that we will not drink any spirituous or malt liquors, wine or cider.'
"Mitchell went with his pledge about nine o'clock Monday morning to Anderson's house, and found Anderson sick in bed, from his Sunday adventure. ' He arose, however, dressed, and there did himself the honor of being the first man who signed the Washingtonian pledge.'
"After obtaining the names of the other four, the worthy President finished this noble achievement by adding his own. On the evening of that day (April 5) they met at the residence of one of their number, and duly formed themselves into a society, by assigning to each the following offices: President, W. K. Mitch ell ; Vice-President, Archibald Campbell; Secretary, John F. Hoss ; Treasurer, James McCurley; Standing Committee, George Steers and David Anderson.
" Having thus summarily provided themselves with offices, they next turned their attention to obtaining members, and to devising means to defray the expenses of their meetings ; it was therefore agreed that each man should bring a man, and every one should pay twenty-five cents upon becoming a member, and twelve and a half cents monthly thereafter.
" The next debate was as to the name they should give their society. A num ber were proposed, among them that of Jefferson ; when it waa finally agreed that the President and Secretary should be a committee to draft a constitution and select a name, which they did, and gave to the association the name of the Wash ington Temperance Society.
"At their second meeting they had two new members ; after this they met for some time, every week, at their old rendezvous in Liberty street, but the landlord's wife complaining that their company was no particular advantage to the house, the lady of the president kindly offered them the use of one of her own rooms, where they continued to meet until their numbers had increased so much as to make it necessary for them to seek more extensive accommodations. Their next move was to a carpenter's shop, in Little Sharp street, where they remained until some weeks afterward, when they removed to their present quarters.
"At this time the society had enlarged so considerably that it became a question how they could employ their time so as to make their meetings interesting. Their worthy President, ever ready with expedients, suggested that each member should rise in his place and give his experience ; and, by way of commencement, he told what he had passed through in the last fifteen years, and the advantages he derived from signing the total abstinence pledge. This was the origin of that most excellent plan which the Washingtonian Society and all its auxiliaries have adopted for giving interest and effect to all their meetings. From this time the Society increased very rapidly. It was proposed that they should hold a public experience meeting, and arrangements were made for one to be held on the igth of November, in the Masonic Hall, in St. Paul street. At this meeting Mr. Mitchell and others related their experience with great effect ; a number of signers were obtained, and the attention of the public was attracted to the movements of the Society.

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" Too much praise cannot be awarded to these men ; they spared neither money nor their time in carrying out the principles they had espoused. Many a poor fellow who, from the effects of liquor, had become a burthen to his family and himself, was fed and clothed by them, and won by kindness to reform his life ; even more than this, they have supported the families of those whom they had induced to join with them, until the husband and father had procured work, and was enabled to support them with his own hands.
" The peculiar characteristics of this great reform are--First, a total absti nence pledge. The idea of a partial pledge seems never to have entered the minds of these honest fellows. Second, the telling to others what they knew from experience of the evils of intemperance, and of the good which they felt to result from entire abstinence. They knew of but one way to rid the world of the evil, and that was to strike directly at its root. They knew, too, if others could know the suffering which resulted from the custom of drinking, that they would renounce forever this social yet destructive habit.
" 'Vice is a monster of so fearful mein, As to be hated, needs but to be seen."
"By this reformation, commencing, as all great reforms, whether religious or political, ever have, among the people, a class has been reached which otherwise_ might never have been affected by the labors of those good men, who had for so many years been engaged in diffusing the principles of temperance ; result ing, as it has, from a singular combination of providences, it is fully adapted to all necessities of the people.
" By the Christmas of 1840, the reform had become so popular that thousands had flocked to its standard and enrolled themselves as the friends of temperance.
"But a new feature was about to be added to the character of these move ments, which was to complete this already wonderful system.
" A merchant of Baltimore, who was a friend to the cause, was in the city of New York, and happened to be present at one of the simultaneous meetings which were held in that city. Being requested, he gave a short account of the history of the Washington Society and temperance at home. After the meeting, while in conversation with Dr. Reese, of that city, the idea was suggested of pro curing some of the ' Washington ' men to come to New York and tell their expe rience. After his return to Baltimore this gentleman learned that such a delega tion could be had, and wrote immediately, through Dr. Reese, to the New York City Society, a proposal to send five men, who should engage to hold experience meetings twice every day for one week, in such places as the friends there might select, if privilege were given to draw on them for a sum sufficient to defray their expenses. This letter was promptly responded to, and in one week, on Monday, March 22, Messrs. Hawkins, Pollard, Shaw, and Casey took passage in the cars for New York, and on the next morning were followed by Mr. Mitchell.
"Their first meeting in New York was held on Tuesday evening, in the M. E. Church, Green street,_ being the first Washington Missionary meeting ever held in the United States. This meeting was a type of that success which was ever to accompany the new system of temperance. The ' New York Commercial Advertiser,' speaking of'it, next morning, says :

MORAL SUA^I ON
iied to he contagious, fur others followed ; and dutingntinued 1o come forward and si<m, until more Hum :i sd, a Uu: g-e proportion of which \vere from iiit^mpe.vaVe old arid -^ray-headed. Such a scene as was beheld at the vere signing, and the unaffected tears that were flowing-, and the cordial greeting" of the recruits by the Baltimore delegates, was never be fore witnessed in New York.'"
Such was the beginning; of the wonderful Washingtonian movement. Christum Keener said that its great advantage was that, it "readied hundreds of men that would not come out to our meetings; they go to their old companions and drag- them, riot by force, but by friendly considerations of duty, and a sense of self-respect, into their ranks, and watch over them -with the solicitude of friends and brothers."
.During- the stay of the five Wnshiugtonlans in Now York over 2,500 pledges were taken, many of the signers being confirmed drunkards. Many husbands and wives whom alcohol had separated, were reunited, and scattered families were brought, into the same household again. Invitations poured in from all quarters, asking for the help of the new reformers. In Baltimore, at. the first Washingtonian anni versary in April, 1841, six thousand individuals walked in procession with banners and music, and it was said tiiat during six months of 1841 the whiskey inspections in Balti more fell short of those of corresponding months of 1840 by 405,582 g-allons, a decrease of 25 per cent., and the number of licenses fell short by 166.
In April, Ha\vkias and Wright went to Boston and com menced work there. Thousands-- very many of them drukards of long standing--signed the pledge. The enthusiasm was unboxmded. Tremont Temple, Fancuil Hall, the Odeon, the churches, the prisons, even, were meeting-places, and from the highest ranks of societv down to the convict cells, the recruits poured in To join the new host. Many liquor dealers of their own accord gaxr e up their nefarious business,

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while city governments suddenly found their expenses grow ing lighter, and old temperance champions were delighted at the work of their new coadjutors. The Washingtonians commonly spoke of themselves us reformed drunkards. The new pledge which excluded wine and cider, took the place of the old, which allowed both. Suasion was the Washingtonian weapon, and reforming the drunkard the chief work. It is most probable that moral suasion and the attempt through it to raise the fallen, both reached in the hands of the Washing-tomans, the ultimate limit of which they were capable. We fail to see how human effort, along" these lines, could accomplish more than was accomplished by these extraordinary reformers. The Washingtonians in America, and Father Mathew in Ireland, did all that men could do in persuading men away from the evil. No other temperance efforts have ever been so popular. The pulpit favored W^ashingtoniamsni, the press encouraged it; the moral sentiment of the people bade it God-speed, and no small part of the drinking class hailed it as, in a sense, their own measure, for was not the society born at a tavern bar, and nurtured by tipplers? When suasion is urged we can point to \Vashingtonianism as its embodiment. The Washing-tonians too, were very fortunate in their use of " experi ence relating" at their meetings. Such personal efforts en listed the crowds, and never Eet the interest flag. Whoever saw an audience grow sleepy at a religious meeting, when personal experience was under recital? There is an adhoim~ nem-iiess in the method which does not suffer it to grow dull, even though it may hold much that is absurd. Very few of the original Washingtonians had the graces or the power of what the world calls oratory, yet their simple stories had wonderful power and pathos in them.
Another chord, that of sympathy, was set to vibrating by the Washingtonians. John H. W. Hawkins' favorite expres sion, " I'll never slight a drunkard as long as I live," touched the popular heart, and became a kind of keynote in the new symphonv which was charming- the \v^rld.

360

MORAL SUASION ERA.

Boston became a kind, of headquarters for New Eng land Washingtonianism, which radiated in every direction. Immense crowds greeted the heralds of the new order. Pro cessions with banners and mottoes, with music and flowers, met and escorted them. Perhaps no other popular move ment ever spread with such rapidity.
No former anniversary of the nation's birth had ever been celebrated with such eclat as that of July 4 and 5, 1841. More than 200,000 reformed drunkards then rejoiced as " free indeed." Divines, statesmen, literary men and women rejoiced in the rising" day of freedom, and millions of children with banners marched to celebrate the " Second Declaration of Independence."

The Wash.iiig-ton.ian movement began to infuse new life into old temperance organizations. State and County Con ventions began to revive, and the '.Third National Conven tion, as already related, met at Saratoga July 27, 1841, 540 delegates, representing nearly all the States, all sects and parties, being present. At this convention Or. J3ea.rn.an. declared that the Washingtonian was the first temperance movement that could properly be called a reformation. Other organizations had rather directed their attempts to the saving of the young and those not yet besotted- Washing-tonianism, however, dredged the gutters to bring out the drunkard.
Four thousand two hundred pledges had been taken in Boston, four-fifths from drunkards. Of the Saratoga Con vention it was said : "Never, perhaps, has there been a busi ness meeting in the world, so full of joy, love, and praise."
About the ist of January, 1842, a tract entitled "The New Impulse " appeared in Boston. This was in part a me moir of John II. W. Hawkins, who had already become the
1 Life of John H. \V. llavrkins, by "W. G. Hawkins,p. 123, et .ivy.

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36 I

great central figure of the new movement. Its summary of the numbers of the Washiiigtoiiians at that time accredits Baltimore with 12,000; New York, 10,000; Boston, 5,000; all other places in New England, 73,000; other Northern. States, 100,000, total, 200,000, of whom a majority were supposed to have been hard drinkers, and a large proportion of these were hardened drunkards. '
This estimate makes no account of the South, though Washingtonianism had begun to spread in that section also. The sailors too, were falling into the new order, and manv began to choose the money equivalent rather than the grogration formerly issued.
In the West the cause was advancing. About 8,000 tee totalers were found in Cincinnati at the beginning of 1842. Dayton, Columbus, and Chillicothe averaged over 1,000 each. St. Louis had more than 2,000, Louisville a large number, and Ohio was estimated at 30,000 Washingtonians.
Legislative temperance societies began to be revived, and the cry of " On to Washington " was raised, for the national capitol was believed to be deeply affected with in temperance. On February 25, 1842, a great meeting was held in the National Hall of Representatives, many members from both Houses being present and taking part. Much of this Congressional enthusiasm was due to the sudden awak ening" of the silver-tongued Thomas F\ .Marshall of Kentucky, who at this time was aroused to the perils of his condition on the borders of insanity. He not only signed the pledge himself, but fay his eloquent pleadings so wrought upon his fellow Congressmen that many were induced to follow his example. The Old Congressional Society--not a total absti nence organization -- had languished and died. It was now revivified for the third time and the marrow of teetotalism was injected into its whitened bones, George N. Briggs of Massachusetts, was elected president. Georgia was repre sented on the Executive Committee by Hon. Lott Warren. More than eighty members of Congress joined, signing the
1 IJfe of Hawlvins, pp. 165-6.

362

MORAL SUASION I:KA.

total abstinence pledge. Dr. Thos. Sewall of Columbian College, exhibited his celebrated stomach plates before this society of statesmen on the 2/th of February, and produced no small stir among* the members and in the audience.'
As to the marine,"the spirit ration has been abandoned at sea in nearly every merchant ship, coaster, and whaler, that has floated upon the ocean." ^ Nearly 7,000 pledges were taken in New York City in 1842. " It is a subject of deep interest to the patriot that most of the Irish emigrants who land on our shores bring with them a temperance certificate/' and during an ocean passage an inspector did not see a drunk ard. Of course this was due chiefly to the labors of that good man, Father Mathew.
in April, 1842, it was estimated that the demand for whiskey was not more than one-half that of the preceding year, and the distilleries were now running not more than half the time. Whiskey was selling at eleven cents per gal lon in Cincinnati, not half the price of the year before, and sellers were daily quitting the business. At \Vilmington, Del., the best brandy was sold publicly at twenty cents per gallon. St. Croix rum brought to New York had to be returned on account of low prices. "*
The ^th of July, 1842, was a gala day for the whole Union.
"It w;tj a. day of wonders. Could an angel from heavei\ have down over our land and wituessscd on that day, the hundreds aud thousands of bca.iH.iful processions, seen the sobriety, order and joy, the blessedness ol ten thousand hearts, but recently miserable beyond what language could express, in their connection with a drunken husband and father, surely ho would have sounded long and loud the trump of praise to Him who has remembered us in mercy." *
Temperance periodicals sprang up all over the land and
about this time the American Temperance Union "Journal" counted nineteen new temperance papers on its exchange
list, nearly half of which had the now honored title of " fj/aj^-
* Sixth Report of the American Temperance Union. = Permanent Documents IT, pp. 332-4. ^ Life of HaWkins, p. 196, fYjry. * Journal of the American Temperance Union, for August, 1842.

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363

ingtonian" and covering the country westward to Indiana, and southward to North Carolina.
The great outrage perpetrated in 1839 by the French in compelling the Sandwich Islanders to open their ports to French liquors, had borne its baneful fruit, and we read in 1842 that "Monolulu became a scene of revelry and noise, and the resort of the vicious, never before surpassed." * One could wish that Capt. Cook had never set foot upon those sunny shores, and that the islanders had been left undis covered in their wave-girt home.
Ln 1840 the total of distilleries in the United States was given at 10,306 (in Georgia, 393). Total production 41,402,^ 637 gallons (Georgia's production was 126,746 gallons). There were 406 breweries in the Union ((Georgia owned 22 of these establishments). Total capital employed in liquor making $9,[47,368, with 12,223 employes. (Georgia's part is given at $28,600 of capital and 218 employed). ^
At the time when Washingtoiiianism began, many of the old State Societies had grown inactive, or had ceased alto gether to exist. In Maine and Massachusetts new State Societies on the teetotal basis had arisen, alongside the old. When the seventh American Temperance Union anniver sary was held in May, 1843 (in New York), it was announced that Massachusetts, Connecticut, and three Western States had formed State organizations under the Washingtonian banner, Massachusetts thus had ^r^v separate distinct State Socie ties and Connecticut had two. State anniversaries had been held in many States. South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi--/zz>/ Georgia--among them, and reports had been published.
The Cold Water army was grosving every where. The report (1843) says: "Few towns or villages in the United States, even at the farthest West, are without a temperance society on the total abstinence plan." It was estimated that 500,000 tipplers and 100*000 sots had signed the total absti-
Permanent Documents, Vol. 11. p. 351.
Ibid, p. 357-

364

MURAL, SUASION ERA.

nencc pledge within two years, while the "cases of apostasy are exceedingly rare." *
Mr. Delevan reckoned the total abstainers at 4,000,000. The decrease in the quantity of imported liquors at New Vork for the first quarter of 1843, as compared with 1842, is remarkable:

Quarter Casks of brandy in...................... Pipes of (jin ................................... Units and Pipes of Winu......................... llogshends and half Mpes of AVine................ Quarter Casks of Wine. ......................... Indian Barrels of Wine....................... .. lk)xes. ........... ............................ Pipes of Hrandy.................... ........... Jlalf Pipes of Brandy...........................

i 026 i 096
285 2 318 6 053
qSg 6 358
44 2 034

? 265
84 19? i 109 238 227
u 38

For the year ending September, 1840, there had been consumed in the United States 43,060,884 gallons of distilled spirits; 4,748,362 gallons of wine, 23,310,833 gallons of beer, ale, and porter, or 71,120,089 gallons in all, costing $22,791,336.
According to judge Cranch the cost of our imported liquors in 1831, with only 12,000,000 inhabitants, was $48,000*000.
In many cities the ladies formed Martha Washington societies to supply the wants of the newly reformed drunk ards. Results were encouraging. Several hundred intem perate women had been reclaimed also. The Governor of Maine and all his council took the pledge, and Washingtonian Temperance Societies were common in legislative halls.
So powerful a weapon did "moral suasion" appear thot it was believed sufficient to accomplish the work without legislative aid. Connecticut repealed all her prohibitory statutes, leaving to j^jz<? a " fearful experiment."
The seventh report (1843) of the Union says that Boston and all Massachusetts, save one county, had not a licensed public house. \^erv many towns were now refusing to grant liquor license. Philadelphias licensed houses decreased from
* Report, p. S, <V jr^.

THE WAHIIINGTONIAX^.

365

1,140 in 1837 to 560 in 1843 ; Cleveland's 99 licenses in 1836 fell off to 8 in 1843. St. Louis' 134 in 1841, \vere reduced to 27. The Washingtonians at Hartford celebrated the 4th of July in the first distillery built in the State. The orators stood on a still turned upside dozvn, and "Deacon Giles' Distil lery " at Salem, Massachusetts, was used for a temperance celebration. " Nearly one-fourth of all the sailors who have landed in the United States during" the last four years have taken the pledge, and they keep it better than landsmen,"

CHAPTER XXVIII.
TT1E WASHINGTON1ANS II? GEORGIA.
" Simply let these, like him of Samos live, Let herbs to them a bloodless banquet give ; I-n beecheri goblets let their beverage shine Cool from the crystal spring, their sober wine."
-- translation from Afilton.
The author has not been able to fix with absolute cer tainty, the date of the first Washing-toman efforts in Georgia. The ** circumstantial evidence/ however, seems to point to the latter part of October, 1841, as the time, and Augusta as the place, where the first organization was effected.
The fifth anniversary of the Augusta Total Abstinence Society was held November i, 1841, and new officers were elected. From, the report we gather that " the great and general use of intoxicating drinks, and the ruin resulting from it, operated so powerfully on the minds of some phil anthropists, and patriotic incli viduals, that an effort was made to form some plan by which this desolating scourge could be stayed." The old temperance societies with their pledges, allowing wine and beer, had been tried, and for a time had accomplished much good, and had excited great hopes of arresting the evil. I3ut after twelve or fifteen years of experience--though great g^od had been done, yet the truth was manifest, that the whole ground had not been covered; intemperance still prevailed. The ^zaTof intoxi cant had been changed, but the result was the same. " The wine drunkard followed as swiftly the road to ruin, as he who slaked his thirst with rum or gin." In view of these facts the State Society in 1836, at Milledgeville, had recom mended the total abstinence pledge. The Richmond Society divided; the most active members* adopting the total absti-

THE WASH r:\GTOxiANS IN <;KORGIA.

367

nence pledgee. This society now (1841) numbered 358 mem bers. (We hear nothing- of the old society.) The report commends the Washingtoniari work, and from its language seems to regard the Total Abstinence Society of Augusta as alread}^ identified with Washingtoniaiiism. The report ex presses gratification at the proposition to call a convention to form a State Society, and asks that the Augusta Society shall appoint delegates to that convention, whenever it shall meet. The report closes with the true Washingtoman ring-, by urging individual effort.
Now, this report still speaks of the Augusta Society as the Total Abstinence Society, and it was presented only a little more than seven months after the Washingtoiiians had held their first meeting---the New York--outside of Balti more, and no Washingtonian had yet entered the far South ; yet one year later, in the autumn of 184.2, we find the Washingtonians of Augusta holding their anniversary. When Mr. Taylor, a regular Washingtonian, visited Augusta in April, 1842, and held a series of temperance meetings, the " Chron^icle and Sentinel " : informs us that the Total. Abstinence Society,' before his coming-, numbered 450, and that this societ3^ unanimously adopted the Washingtonian pledge. Three hundred new members were added during Mr. Taylor's stay, making the whole number of \Vashingtonians in Augusta, 750. Augusta's whole population, by the census of 1840, was 6,402, nearly half of which was colored; there fore, nearly twenty-five per cent, of the whole white popu lation had joined the new order. As the pledge of the latter was not materially different from that of the Total Absti nence Societies already existing-, the transition from the old to the new was not seriously opposed, it would seem.
One of the earliest of the " reformed " drunkards to visit G-eorgia was Joseph W. Johnson, who had been " a regular low drunkard, degraded, debased ; having the appearance of a man of seventy, while yet not forty. Rum had done ail it could do for him, but put him in the grave." 3
1 April 26, 1842. 2 Permanent Documents U, p. 324.

368

THE WASIIINGTOXIAN'S IN GEORGIA.

In February, 1842, Johnson visited Mobile and New Orleans, taking about Jour thousand pledges in the two cities. In the Louisiana metropolis twenty-eight liquor dealers gave up the traffic. And of the vast host ($0,000) of inebriates who had signed the pledge, the report says that they had thus far been true.
The " Macon Messenger" of July 14, 1842, says oi Johnson:
'The efTorts of this gentleman in other places have been attended with most signal success, and we bespeak for him an attentive hearing. He gives a plain, unvarnished talc of his os?n experience, exhibiting in his personal history the extreme point of human abasement to which liquor will reduce n man, and the possibility, aye, the certainty, of reformation by a resolute abandonment of the pernicious stuff. The gentlemanly drinker, as well ^ the habitual sot, may aee some shades and shadows of his o\vn lineaments reflected in this living mirror of a reclaimed drunkard, and profit by the exhibition."
The " Fourth " of 1842 was celebrated at Forsyth by the Total Abstinence Society. R.ev. (afterward JSishop) George F. Pierce and Dr. A. H. Means delivered addresses, and 66 pledges were taken. On the three nights following, Joseph W\ Johnson lectured in the same town and took or ^/z^?vv/ avz<^ _/?zv signatures--many from habitual drunkards. Tt seems that the " low, drunken sot " Johnson, was more suc cessful than the two brilliant preachers in reaching the brutal ized class.
The " Messenger/' July, 1842, of Macon, says:
" About five hundred n:nncs have been added to the Total .Abstinence Associ ation of this city within a few months past--three hundred of whom have made the pledge during Mr. Tohnson's lectures. As the substance of the pledge mav not be known to many and misunderstood or misrepresented by others, we annex a copy of it, as subscribed to in this city and county :
" ' \Vc, the undersigned, do hereby pledge ourselves to abstain from the use. as a beverage, of all intoxicating drinks, and to use all our influence to induce others to pursue the same course."
iThis pledge, as will be seen, differs somewhat from the pledge--the regular \Vashingtonian--which Taylor and other new workers were using elsewhere in the State. The term'V/fAMViffj//Mg " of course, left something to the signer's option, and most of the subscribers doubtless felt themselves at liberty to use cider, and perhaps even malt liquors. This was substantially the total abstinence pledge of the temperance societies.

THE WASHIXGTONIANS IN GEORGIA.

369

In the same paper from which the above account was taken, C. Roney advertises a " Temperance Beverage"-- " Ginger Pop"--to be had of the subscriber by the bottle or dozen, at all times, from sunrise till 10 P. M. He keeps it in ice, which renders it a cool and refreshing- beverage. Next door to the " Messenger" office.
Whether the new subscribers to the pledge regarded Mr. Roney's ginger pop as in the list of " temperance bever ages," we are not informed--most probably some of them were his customers.
A correspoiident of the "Messenger," "J. H. C.," at whose identity we would perhaps not find it hard to guess, writes from Clinton in the Jul}^ 28th, number:
"We heard glorious news from Augusta some months past (the April meet

ly a county in the We have had a Hot but the present w
. II 1

knows, have made a favorable impression upon all. We bespeak for him and the

Questions as to the eligibility of certain persons to mem ber ship in the socict}* troubled some organizations. J. H. Ellis explains the case in the " Messenger," Aug. 4, 1842, as follows :
" ' Persons who deal in liquors, and intend relinquishing the traffic when rid of the stock on hand when joining ; in like manner clerks and all who are not volun tary dealers in the article are proper members of the society,' and people are urged tot to ' place any obstacle in the course of this institution to hurt or destroy it, as there are those attached to it whose salvation, soul and body, seem to depend on abstinence from the inebriating- bowl.' "
Secretary C. A. Ellis publishes the Washing-toman pledge along with the old total abstinence pledge, and announces it as always open for names at the bookstore on Mulberry street.
On June TI, 1842, the first number of "The Washingtonian " made its appearance in Augusta. It was published by James McCafferty, and for editorship seemed to look to the Augusta Washingtonian Society. Of this society Or.

370

THE WASHINGTONIANS IN GEORGIA.

Joseph A. Eve was President, Rev. William T. Brantley, Vice-Presiclent, and William Haines, Secretary and Treas urer. The " Managers " were James Harper, Dr. F. M, Robertson, E. W. Tolman, Jcssc Walton, James W. Whitlock, William Shear, and C. C. Taliaferro. These officers had been conduct ing" the Total Abstinence Society, and when that society went over in a bod}- to Washingtonianism, they remained in office. There was, indeed, so little difference between their old total abstinence pledge and that of the Washing-tomans, that the transition was hardly felt.
The "\Y~ashingtonian" started out as a bi-monthly, and its patrons are notified in the first issue that they may expect its appearance on. the first and third Saturdays of each month. The first number contains Thomas F. Marshall's celebrated speech on "Fashionable Wine Drinking," delivered in the Broadway Tabernacle, New York, May 7, 1842.
July 2 we find a letter from Richard P. Taylor, who had stirred up no small excitement in Augusta in April. Mr. Taylor writes from Deeatur, DeKalb count}', June 17, and says: "We are turning1 some of the counties in the upper part of this State upside down, or rather, right side up."
Great preparations were made for the celebration of the Fourth throughout the State. Augusta, which was a kind of headquarters for Washingtonianism from the first, had a great parade in the afternoon. The order of the procession is given thus: Band of Music, Members of Washington Total Abstinence Society, Catholic Total Abstinence Society, Executive Committee of Washington Total Abstinence So ciety, Board of Managers of Washing-ton Total Abstinence Society, the Reverend Clergy of the City and County, Speak ers, Officers of the Catholic Total Abstinence Society, Pres ident, Vice-President and Secretary of the Washington Total Abstinence Society.
The speakers were Dr. F. M. Robertson, and Messrs. Gilbert Longstreet and James S. Hook.
Notwithstanding- a heavy shower of rain, the procession was a brilliant affair, and the result was most encouraging.

THK WASHIN'GTONIAXS IX GEORGIA.

3/1

The Washingtonian Declaration of independence was commonly read on these temperance Fourth-of-July jubilee occasions. This was a kind of re-arrangement of our Na tional Declaration, and the King of G-reat. Britain was sub stituted in the revised document by the not very compli mentary title, Prince Alcohol, the Washing-tomans being patriots who had forsworn allegiance to the doggery monarch.
The great blessings which temperance had brought to the country in general, and to Augusta in particular, are commented upon from every side. The " Washingtonian'' says:
" Every inhabitant of our city must notice the difference between the present and the past. The streets, instead of being thronged at nisrht with drunken, noisy persons, arc now peaceful and still ; hut, what is a cause for s! iM greater joy, is the changed condition of the family of him who once was an inebriate. Instead of being haif-dad and half-starved, they are now \vtll dressed and fed. The wife no longer dreads the return of her husband ; children no longer fear the effects of drunken rage, avid parents console themselves \\-ilh the thought that there is a safeguard for their children. The reformed inebriate himself is changed, and become a new man. His rest is sweet and refreshing ; his unquenchable thirst has left him ; he

occupied in society before his downfall ; and in this he is aided by those who have assisted him to extricate himself from the pit into which he had fallen. In view of at! ^hesc great benefits resulting from the efforts of the friends of temperance, how can any high-minded friend of his country and fellow beings resist the en treaties so often made by the W ashingtonians to show by his example that he ap proves of, and wishes success to. (heir laudable efforts hi the cause of huniunily?"
fuly 5, at Louisville, Jefferson county, a large number of citizens assembled to organize a society. Judge Rerrien, John G-- Polhill, Dr. P. S. Lemle, Herschel V. Johnson, and other men of note took part in the meeting.
The Seventh Article of the Constitution adopted by this society had something " mutual " in its character, viz.:
" It shall be the duty of the President, at his discretion, to relieve, from the existing funds of the society, any individual who manifests a strong disposition to reform, and will take the pledge of this society." The pledge read as follows: " We pledge ourselves, in honor, not to drink any spirituous or malt liquors, wine, or hard cider, unless for medical purposes, or on sacramental occasions."
The rapid growth of Washingtonian ism has never been equaled by that of any other temperance movement. To be

3/2

TUT-: ^VASHINGTONIAXS IN GEORGIA.

explained, seemed to secure for it at once a place in popular sympath}-. One of its apostles, R. P. Taylor, the '' Reformcd Drunkard," writes, under date June 23, 1842, 1o the " Washing-tonian" from Marietta, Cobb county, that 200 had "signed the Washington" 111 Decatur. " T am no\v at work in this place, and everything is going ahead gloriously. There were fifty-one accessions last night. We are making a clean sweep in the upper part of this State. Marietta has eight or ten grogshops, that 1 expect will close up in a fe\v weeks. * * I hope to visit Augusta again in the fall, and give you all another broadside." The same paper also con tains this item :
" CHEEKING !

lost tenantles ed within its

The " Banner"' has news from Mr. Taylor in M on roc, Walton county, in July. He had labored very successfully, and had organized a flourishing society (Washington:an), and had gathered into his fold " some very hard cases."
At Mallorysville, about the same lime, a " Thomas F. Marshall Total Abstinence Society" was formed, of which S, A. Johnson was President; Wm. L. Wooten, Vice-Presi dent ; James W. IJmton, Secretary and Treasurer.
Of E. A. Kendall, who committed suicide on the 2gth of June, at Dccatur, the '' Washing-tonian" has an account written by E. N. Calhoun. and signed by Hon. William Ezzard, John W. Fowler, L. C. Simpson, R. M. Brown, T, B. George, Levi Willard, and W. II. Dabney.
From this recital we learn that Mr. Kendall had been a hard drinker, had had delirium tremens, and Dr. Calhoun says, that, twelve hours after his death
" I opened him and found the liver unusually enlarged and of a very light grayish color, and it would crumble from pressure between the thumb and finger, as though it had been boiled for a whole day. The stomach was small, arid, in Us uudistendcd state, would' not have held more than one pint. I opened the stomach and found that it contained nothing except about half an ounce of ulcerated maltcr. The whole mucous membrane of the stomach exhibited a dark and putrid an'X'arancc, mixed with ulcerated matter."

THE WASHINGTOXTANS IN GEORGIA.

3/3

From a letter of August i, 1843, signed by Jesse C- Farrar, and published in the " VVashirig-tonian" of August 20, we learn that Mr. Taylor's work in Marietta resulted in a Washingtonian organization of more than 230 members.
In August, Joseph Johnson appeared in Augusta, but he had not had as wide a field as T ay lor, but was very suc cessful, and it was thought would bring over the remaining " hard \ins.'' The Augusta Society at this time levied an annual fee of J?/7y cents upon each male member for contin gent expenses.
Sept. 3, the " Washingtonian" copies from the " Ranncr," the latest temperance news. Of signers there were in Co.lumbus, upward of 400; in Talbotton, about 2/0; inForsyth, near 260; in Macon, near 500; while in Cull,odensviUe "a clean sweep" had been made, scarce a man or woman being left wj^vz^/, and in Clinton, '' where there used to be as many red noses as red hills, there has been quite a change."
.A classification of the Augusta Society in September, 1842, gave : " Males over 18 years of age, 451 ; males under 18 years, 76 ; females over 14 years* 222 ; under 14 years, 24." total 773: about sixty of whom had been ** /r<?r<3Tr(?jr.f/' but " \vho have thus far, it is believed, strictly and honorably adhered to the pledge/' Only /^zTVr^vz had withdrawn since the organization of the society* and _/<?r had died. Of the old Total Abstinence Society, about 100 coincided with the \Vashmgtomans in practice; and of i/o, no information had been obtained. Thus there were of total abstainers in Au gusta, 1,043. A committee was appointed to hunt up these teetotalers, get their names to the Washingtonian pledge, and then deposit the roll in charge of a committee in some central part of the city, and invite signatures.
Another article, copied from the " Temperance Banner" (Penficld), informs us that Mr. Taylor had visited Pcnfield (at that time the site of Mercer University), and had, at his first meeting, taken 131 pledges. Next day, another lecture and fifty new pledgers. Mr. Taylor announced that he could only stay one day longer. In consequence of this an nouncement

THE WASIII.XGTON1AXS IX GEORGIA.
es and everybody, for miles nroimrl, were present--not even forg-et-
seat near the speaker. This evening's address was one of Mr. Taylor's best efforts, ami at the clobe the list of pledges was swelled to 232 ! Well done, Penfieid. We think ;.i blow has been struck that will drive the Old l-'rince from this region.
viduaLs within miles of our village but have signed the pledge--' hard cases,' shopkeepers, and all. Our friends are in the best spirits, and :i ball has been set in mot urn, that will roll on, and roll on, till the cloven foot of Prince Alcohol will not make a single track upon the sands of our soil."
"The Penfield Total Abstinence Society has dissolved, and a meeting of all the friends of the cause is to be held at 1 o'clock to-morrow afternoon, for a new organization, when, doubtless, the principles of the Washing tomans will be adopted."
"At our request, he (Mr. Tayior) politely handed us the following- article:
semmating the principles of the Washington Total Abstinence Society. 1 l u >.ve visited the following' counties: Richmond, Clark, Morgan, Walt on, Newton, Jasper, Gwinnett, I )e Kalb, t'obb, Forsyth, Cherokee, Henry, Pike, liibb, Hald\\-hi, Putnam and C.reene. 1 hiring the four months above mentioned, in visiting these counties, I have delivered one hundred and forty-two addresses, or lectures, in one hundred and twenty-live days; the number of societies organized, in the above counties, upon the Washingtonian principle, is thirty-one; the number of accessions to the pledge in these societies is 6,310. Of this number, there arcover Goo reformed drunkards, 500 of whom are me71 with families; over -2,000 moderate drinkers, i.6".o temperate men, and 2,coo ladies.
"I will explain what I mo.-m by the different classes here mentioned: Bv a drunkard, 1 mean a /{<?>;/ ff ;sr. one who falls dtns-n, and feels for the gromjd ?//>want, or holds fast to keep from falling off. F>y a moderate drinker, O7ie who is in post-haste to the suiter, who lets 'his moderation be known to all men.' l!y a
know, sir, what I mean by indies. We- dare not suppose fhcm to be in the habit of drinking; but some of them think that a little wine, porter, and cider, brandy peaches and syllabub, are mighty nice. Of course, we dare net lay brandy, gin ami bald-face whiskey to their charge.' "
In September, 1842, there were in Charleston 1,905 male and 517 female abstainers, and Rev. J. F. O'Ncil (of Savan nah) had administered Father Mathew's pledge to about two hundred persons.
A letter of October 9, from Clarks-yille, informs the public that Tayior had visited that town. Result: A Wash ington Societv with one hundred and thirty-one members, some of whom
" 'Have been as great drunkards as any in the State; and, although we have clone well, we hope still to do better, as we are ;Ji, comtnittecmen, and ladies and all, up

THE WASH1NGTONIANS IX CIKORC.1A.

375

and doing.' 'ATany ve>y hard cases have been reformed. Some of them, who had not seen a sober day in years before "Mr. Taylor came here, now are doing; well, and arc very firm, although many temptations are thrown in their v/ay. At our public election, on Monday last, there were but two drunken men in town., and they were from a distance, and by night they had Jeft our town, and everything was quid. Heretofore, on the night of an election, the drunkards (and there were many of them) were lying in the streets all night, and disturbing the citizens. Some of the reformed, who have not been seen in church in ten or twelve years, now attend church regularly, and in good clothing, in place of their old and patched rags.'"
The State election in October of 1842 was regarded as a day "big; with fate," by both political parties :
"Their whole strength was rallied at the ballot box, and instead of the loud bacchanalian shout, which formerly announced a trio of voters led by some promi nent member of the party to which they were -jtttached (the voters), coolly and deliberately exercised that greatest of privHegcs--[he right of suffrage, as it should ever be done bv men. worthy of the title of freemen--in their sober senses. Never, since our lime in Old Richmond county (and \ve have spent our days from youth to manhood In it, and witnessed some 'Georgia Scenes' ' some ' Hob Stallons' and 'Bill Durham' ca.-.-artings--round about the courthon-c on the clay of election,--have we witnessed as pcace/iblc an election, as on the first Monday of October, 1842. Long will it be remembered by the friends ot" temperance and good order.
"The 'Bloody 600' of Richmond county (who have been represented in sev eral "European newspapers, as a '/>ody of six hundred nun somewhere in AV-JY// <4me>-iia, nt'toi ions ft>r Iht.-ir d>."<pei <ite chtt racist tit flection*!' composed of the bone and sinew of our happv country---men, who could in the language of Marshall, fell hundreds of their country's foes, did occasion require--njarehed in procession, in unbroken phalanx, to deposit their votes for the men of their choice. Men worthy

body of voters are true friends to mankind, the friends of liberty, peace and good order--members of the "Washington Total Abstinence Society. * * * We are glad to inform the friends of this glorious reform abroad, that not. only our county, but the whole State of (.Jeorgia, is rallying to the call of their com)try. Temperance societies are springing up in almost every village and town, and their advocates enlist in the cause with ardor." "
In the autumn of 1842, Joseph Johnson having returned to Boston, met an immense audience at the MarLboro Chapel, who listened with eager cars to his story of work in the Southern States, and, alas! to the account of his own fall in New Orleans, where the power of temptation had momen tarily asserted its old sway over his shattered frame. But
1 An allusion to Judge Long-street's popular book. 2 The '"Washingtoniati," Oct. 15, i3j2.

3/6

THE WASIIINGTONIAXS [X GEORGIA.

profuse was the gratitude be expressed to Col. Lane and others in New Orleans for their efforts to bring him back to the ways of rectitude. Although his fall had done the cause in the Crescent City great hurt, yet he had been again received, and assisted in his temperance work. He again received a Mattering reception in Mobile, where the story of his fall had not been di vulged. He then visited Greensboro, G^ainesville, Eutaw, Marion, Sclma, Benton (in this town thirteen stores and taverns gave up the sale of intoxicating drinks). He then visited Haincsville, Wetumka, Columbus (where nearly $00 signed the teetotal pledge). On the 4th of July he spoke at Talbotton; thence to Culloden, Macon, Clinton, AJi Hedge ville, Ratonton, Sparta, Warrenton, Augusta, and Charleston, in all of which towns the cause was progressing gloriously. He implored the \Vashingtonians never '' to touch, taste, or handle the infernal poison, lest in an unguarded moment they should fall andy^rrz/rr remain so. For himself he said, that by the goodness of (lod, he was restored again, and \vould ratlier a^i? //fzj* ?g://z/vz/, than taste another drop."
The Richmond County Washington Total Abstinence Society held its first anniversary in the Presbyterian Church in Augusta, on the evening of Oct. 31, 1842.
A report of the progress of the work not only in Geor gia, but elsewhere, was read by S. T. Chapman, Jr.
This report, prepared with much care, informs the society, among other things, that America's liquor bill for 17(^0-1832 had not been less than $1,350,000,000, while the Revolutionary War cost $135,000.000, and the expenses of the general government at $15,000,000 yearly from 1/90 to 1841, amounted to only $000,000,000. This latter sum had paid all our civil and diplomatic expenses--supported our armies, carried our flag over every sea--gave the world a i*ew form of government--purchased Florida, Louisiana, and our western domain--yet was short of the liquor expen ditures by $450,000,000.
But liquor had made returns also for this vast capital:
" Its improvement has been destruction, its abundance, famine; its harvest,
misery; its peace, bloodshed and crime: its fields, the fields of death; its cities have

THE \V.\SHINGTONIANS IX GEORGIA.

377

been constituted of hospital-, ami prison-houses; its army has consisted of 500,000 habitual, and 2,000,000 of occasional drunkards, thirty thousand of whom an nually went to the drunkard'a Anal resting- place." * * * *
" This new impulse in temperance must be mainly attributed to the reformed 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 may be attrib uted principally the results we have so h.-ippily experienced. In a population of about 7,out), we have about Soo Washing-tomans, of whom seventy were unfor tunate inebriates, and about 400 temperate drinkers. i-ct us suppose the former to have averaged four drinks and the latter only one per day, at ?2^t. each, and we have a total saving of $31,025 per year; 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 of your society, unconscious as they may be of the fact. Who can calculate the suffering it has relieved--the misery it has averted--the crime and degradation it baa prevented, and the happiness and contentment it may have diffused throughout your community ? What noble munifi cence is here! Had some Rothschild bestowed it in charity upon us, what lan guage would have been too laudatory, what gratitude too extravagant, what, monu ment too loft}', as an acknowledgment of the high behest ? * * * In 1840 there were granted in the city twenty-nine retail licenses. In 1841 they decreased to twenty. The present year there are only fourteen, with the prospect of u still further diminution in 1843. Of those already licensed, some are only nominal, their patronage has fallen off to such an extent th.-it their receipts are ban-ly suffi cient to pay the license. One gentleman who, six months ago, was realising eight dollars per day from his bat, candidly confesses lhat 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 till his liquors in the cellar.
"These results have been 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 Uie disposition Eo reform has been manifested, they have furnished employ ment, and encourage! industrious exertion : and even when members have violated their pledge and fallen, they have not been deserted, but ngain and again rescued, persuaded to renew their obligations, and cheered forward to redoubled efforts, f s it matter of astonishment thai in some cases you should have failed? Ilecausu your society lias not saved every man. does it follow that it shall have no credit for the multitude who by its efforts stand redeemed ?"
On motion of Dr. Daniel Tlook, it was resolved to invite the several temperance societies throughout the county to become auxiliary to the Augusta Society. Col. John Milledge delivered a " chaste, able and eloquent " ad-

3/8

Tin-: \VASHIXGTOXIAXS IN GEORGIA.

dress, which was enthusiastically applauded, and its publi cation asked for.
On the 29th of September, Richard P. Taylor had ap peared in Dahlonega, and a society of eighty-nine Washingtonkins was formed. Many refused to sign the pledge because it prohibited sweet cider, though, as " a reformed drunkard " writes, no two could agree as to how long cider would keep sweet. The writer says that "there is no safety in any other (pledge), at least so I have found it to be in my case, as well as in rnanv others/'
The Oglethorpe Society* of Houston county, called for a State Convention to be held in Milledg^eville in December, but the call was not acted upon in time for a meeting.
From April to December, Mr. Taylor had delivered two hundred and forty lectures in forty counties of upper Georgia, and had secured io,8f8 subscriptions to the \Vashingtonian pledge, '" /oo of which were the hardest kind of cases, and about 500 of them were men of families." The "Washingtonian" commences, on the gd of December, the publication of some letters from Mr. Taylor's journal. Mr. Taylor, writing from Athens, November 24, 1842, says that he will commence, from that point, his letters--a truly " un pleasant" task, because of his incompetency as a writer, to do justice to his subject. " I know nothing about grammar," he says, "neither do I understand the stops or punctuations, as some call them. 1 am also a miserable speller; but not withstanding all these impediments, if you will take it on yourself to regulate the bad grammar, bad spelling, and fix your own stops, you are perfectly welcome to these facts for your paper, if you consider them worth publishing."
There is a quaint uniqueness of expression and origi nality of style in Mr. Taylor's letters, which make them very entertaining, notwithstanding the editor's Awz/zg" ^??</ in the matter of grammar, spelling and "punctuations."
Mr. Tavlor says that when he arrived 111 Augusta in April, one could not pass up Broad street without coming in contact, at every few paces, with " a rum mill, or, in other

TI1K \VAS1LI\'(JTON'IAXS flV GEORGIA.

3/9

words, a grogshop, or doggery. Some of them were termed respectable drinking houses--that is, the resort of more respectable and fashionable drunkards, those who dissipate in the third or fourth story ; who go their brandy-toddies, mint-juleps, gin-slings, wine and porter, etc. There were others adapted to men in different circumstances, and in

-

,

could get drunk for twentv-five cents, and then be hurled

out in the streets, there to snooze away until morning, and

the rolling of wagons brought him to his senses. There

"were rum mills, also, to accommodate the black population ;

these might be iound in the more secluded parts of the city.

Their proprietors sunk so low, in their own estimation, as to

rinse the glasses negroes use."

Mr. Taylor says in his second letter that having deliv

ered ten lectures in Augusta he departed for Athens and

commenced his course.

.,

wed b\ others,

ing up the meeting fr that Might. Mothers and daughters

frightened, and rushed for the door ; rocks were rlung in the house by the gang of

rioters, one of them came near hitting an old gray-headed man near the door.

After that night our congregations \\-crc small; men did not like !o bring their fami

lies out to the meetings, to expose them to the insults of a mob. 1 was informed

hy some of the citizens, thai for some time past they could nut, in peace and safety,

ous meetings at night, in consequence uf frequent interruptions by the

1 gave seven lectures in Athens, received new accessions every nigh* ;

as partially put down by the citizens, and ten of them were arrested

while 1 was there. 1 visited Athens again four months after that--was requested to

lecture ; the first night the students were very civil, the second night they com

menced another row. T took my seat, told the citizens I should not lecture, unless

they quelled the mob --also offered my o\vn services to thrash some uf them ; thai

offer, however, was the rcsuk of passtun. i felt sorrr for it as soon as my passion

" Washmgcoiiian." December if, iS-*J.

380

Till-: NYASmXGTOMANS IN GEORGIA.

n knows 1 should dislike it, and would deserve no credit jocasicm, with men so destitute of tlic qualities of genllemen----At rangers to even the tiral principles of good breeding ivml civility. For my a\vii part. I never was within the walls of a. college ; yet 1 am sorry that such is the

lo the credit of the Faculty and citizens, they did, I believe,, what they could to

among the students, young- men who would out take any part -

lecture ; after which some twenty or thirty names were added to the pledge. Two
young ladies had the firmness and decision 10 walk up to the secretary's table and put down their own names. * * "\Yc> arc now numbering in Athens about three
hundred members who have signed the Washington pledge." Kuur other societies in the county brought the sum total to about 500 names.
Mr. Taylor mentions the case ot a young mechanic in Athens, who was an attendant upon one of his lectures, though quite drunk at the time. When the call for signers was made, he started for the secretary's table, " but the whole aisle was too narrow for him." Grasping- the table with his left hand, he wrote down his name with the right hand, though "it would have puzzled half a dozen lawyers to make it out. * * He holds on firm to his pledge, and is now doing well."
From Athens Mr. Taylor went to Madison where he found many members of the old Total Abstinence Society. This society unanimously adopted the XVashing'tonian pledge. After a week of lecturing the society had swelled to two hundred. The Madison Society was doing mission work in Morgan countv, had established four or five other societies whose total membership footed up about Jive hundred,--"A good many of them hard cases," as Taylor puts it. A week's work in M on roc resulted in a society of 150 members, "some of them pretty hard cases."
Three lectures at Social Circle and a society of fifty or sixty members, giving a total of about 300 Washing-tomans in Walton county. Taylor tells the following:
" There was one fellow at the Circle who was truly a hard case. When he got drunk his wife used to quarrel with him about it; he had to confess the com, and sometimes, rather than to get a jawing, lie would stay from home until he got over
his spree. When he returned home to see his old woman, before he went into the
house, he would first throw in his hat; if she did not nin% that out of doors, he

TF1 C WASHINGTON IA NT S IN GEORGIA.

381

would then thro\v in his =h< might throw himself in, f. signed the pledge, is rtovr \velcomed home by his old woman.
" From the Circle 1 \vent to Coving-ton and Oxford, lectured ut those two places every niglu for one week ; during- thai week all the students in "Emory Col lege but two, signed the pledge, and very near all the citizens of Oxford; some of them regular hard cases. \Ve also made a pretty clean sweep in Covington. We "are numbering in TVewton county seven hundred accessions to the pledge. We have some as warm advocates of the cause of total abstinence in >Tewto;i county, as there can be found in Georgia, or the whole United States."
Mr. Taylor then proceeds to mention "some of the hard cases " who were pledged in Newton.
The first of these is "Captain" Shermun, "a man of limited education, but of an honest heart; noble, generous son); a high sense of justice and honor; a perfect gentle man. He had been in the habit of drinking, more or less, for thirty years ; lor fourteen years a hard case.'' The Cap tain's style of dissipation was of the spreeiiig type, on which occasions he was very prone to fight on slight provocation, though jovial and good-natured when sober. He was a cur rier by trade. Fie had a wife and six children--a very respectable and deserving family, I houg'h in very indigent circumstances.
'I:Je had been drinking the evening before he came out to the lecuire. He listened with some degree of impatience, thinking me too personal, because 1 hap pened to hit his case cxaeth . lie. was almost induced to commence a quarrel. JUs family was there. You might have seen his heartbroken wife, sitting on the opposite side of the house, watching his movements. You might have heard the silent prayer breathed to heaven for the rescue of her companion. A.H the ener gies of her sou) were centered cm thai one point. While she thought of his wretched condition, of her children, of t lie days of her childhood, when all around was bright and joyful ; of her lirst love, and then of that dark cloud of despair which was thrown around her like a mantle of her blasted hopes, her fond dreams of happiness scattered to the winds, she was broken off from these meditations by a long, loud clapping of the ciingreg-ntion. She raised her eyes to discover the cause. Tier heart leaped for joy as she beheld her companion walk up to the table and grasp the peri. J TC subscribed his name to the pledge. There liked to have been a shout in the camp. That pledge has saved him, and he is now a respect able member of the church, brought in during a religious revival in that place, not long: since. Ifis family are now joyful and happy. 1
"Captain Sherman, after he had taken the pledge, was very poor indeed; he
1 "\Vashirigtonian," December 17, 1^42,

382

'HIE WAS1IINGTOXIAXS IX GEORGIA.

said he was like a picked fowl, and all he prayed for was life, for the feathers would grow out of themselves. The feathers are growing out, sure enough; he is now getting along well, and his family living in a paradise, compared with their former condition. * * He is one of the most zealous advocates of the cause in Newton. He lectures in different districLs of the cunnty, and meets with good

oUicr 10 McUonough; lectured at both places, and was well liked. Me is oae of the best samples of a. tub of tadpoles f ever saw, for he certainly comes it all heads and points. 1 have laughed to hear him talk until my cheeks have been lame for three days after. It was enough to czicitc anybody's laughables; it would even make a Quaker open his mouth; and the Captain would keep his face perfectly straight all the time, and in the biggest kind of earnest."
One old man, a terrible drunkard, living several miles from town, came in to "curse out" the temperance revival. Having- thoroughly saturated hinself with liquor, he stormed and cursed until dark; when dead drunk, "to save expense, he took up his lodging in the street. His claim to such accommodations was only disputed by a herd of hogs, which wns expressed by their grunting and rooting. They did not trouble him long, for as soon as the scent of whiskey pene trated their noses, they made their escape, tt wns lucky for the old soldier that this herd of swine were not raised on still-slops ; if they had been, the way they would have walked into his still vats would have been a sin to Crockett."
N^ext morning, the old man having somewhat regained consciousness, called tor the pledge, read it over, said he would sign as soon as he had taken one drink more, so as to "jjV<zafy" his nerves. "He \vent to a grogshop, and took one real roaring slug; that was his last, for he came back imme diately, and signed the pledge. He held out iirm, and was zealous in the cause afterward."
From Clarksville a correspondent writes, November 28, that Mr. Taylors work had added 4.00 or $00 names to the Washingtonian pledge in that county. Taylors account of his work informs us that he went from Govington to Monticello and flillsboro in Jasper county; about loo acces sions to the pledge. Some of the "cases" here were not only "hard" but the "hardest kind." Considerable opposition at Monticello "in consequence of an attempt to legislate some few years since. The Flournov petition excited strong

THE \VASIIINUTON~IANS IN GEOKGIA.

383

prejudice against the cause throughout the whole county. We met also with considerable opposition from an anti-tern perancc clergyman, who figured largely in the streets. It seemed strange to us to see a preacher of the gospel pub licly opposing total abstinence ; but when I discovered him to be half drunk, the mystery to my mind was solved." Mr. Taylor concludes that if such ministers are followers of Jesus Christ, he should himself prefer to be a deist, or atheist, rather than accept such a Saviour.
From Monticello, Mr. Taylor, with Capt. Sherman, made a "cruise" to Lawrenceville which, "for the size of it, was a place of considerable dissipation ; 1 think it contained four rum-mills that were well sustained. The opposition to the cause of total abstinence was very rank here in consequence of theFlournoy petition. We were several days in Lawrenccville before we could raise a breeze ; but when they did start they went with a perfect rush--nearly the whole town signed the pledge, and amongst them were two or three grog sel lers. I believe the rum-mills in that place are all closed up. There was one of the biggest kind of drunkards who signed, and his whole family followed suit--he had a. wife and seven or eight children. This man would get drunk, neglect and abuse his family in every way ; sometimes he would under take to whip his wife, but fortunately she was too much fur him, and would thrash him out, but they do not nght any more now since he has signed the pledge; besides, he is a mechanic, gets plenty of work to do, and of course they are getting along svell."
Another "case," who formerly gulped from thirty to forty drinks a day, and had spent $10,000, signed the pledge, although "it made him very sick to give up his cups."
Another " case" had been sent to the penitentiary sev eral years before, for assault with intent to kill; he was pardone<j out of prison, signed the pledge, '* and is now an active laborer in the neld."
Another man--a common laborer--who spent all his living for liquor, was hired for " a quart of the meanest kind

384

THE WASI-TINGTONTA-NS fN GEORGIA,

of bald-faced whiskey to come down to the tavern where Captain Sherman and myself put up, to give us a regular damning. The poor fellow got too drunk, he could not get to the house ; he fell down on the opposite side of the street, broadside in the gutter. It was raining1 hard at the time, the water foamed up around him, and some fellows standing by were laughing at the wretched victim of so cursed a habit. I could hardly keep the tears down, or my heart from jumping out of my mouth. Yes, although a loathsome object, I pitied and loved him as my unfortunate brother, although I hate the vice to which he was enslaved, with a vengeance. I owe old Prince Alcohol a grudge, and if I could but live to see the old gentleman quartered--his limbs, heart; liver, lights, guts, and brains scattered to the four winds of heaven, or sunk in deepest hell, my revenge would then be satisAed. \Vc marched over the way through the rain and mud until \ve amvcd at our patient's house, which was out doors. There the sick man lay on the broad of his back, his mouth wide open, his eyes set in his head ; he looked more like a dead than a living man ; of course, we did not halt to feel his pulse, for the disease was far from being a new one; in fact, the Captain and myself were ac quainted with this disease, experimentally, and now the best medicine to give him was to get him out of the mud-hole and place him on terra, firma, in the performance of which we got ourselves completely plastered over with mud--in fact, as far as the dirt was concerned, it would have been diScult to have determined which was the drunkest, our selves or the man we rescued. I made inquiry fur a wheel barrow, found one, got the poor fellow on board, and the Captain and I held him on while a negro wheeled him home. When we got in front of the miserable old house where he stopped (/fT?" ^" d^/aT ^V /zz/r), there stood his wretched looking wife and children in the door ; she was naught but the wreck of a woman--pale and emaciated ; her garments old and ragged, her constitution broken down, her eye sunken and dim, her How of spirits gone, her heart torn and mangled

THE WA.SHIXGTONIANS IN" GKORGI A.

385

--in short, she seemed enveloped in the darkest mantle of despair; yet I could but smile at her expression when we came to the door. She said her husband was often brought borne drunk, but she never saw him coming in that kind of a vehicle before. This wheeling drunken men home on wheelbarrows was a new idea to them in the upper part of Georgia, but it ]s very customary at the Nori h. 1 have had the honor o[ such rides myself; but I suppose no one wishes to rob me of such honors." Taylorsays, the man on coming to himself had " the horrors, double and twisted." His shame caused him to sign the pledge, and the change in his family, Taylor savs, lie " \vill not fool his time to de scribe."
These extracts from Mr. Taylor's letters have been given at some length, because, as pen portraits, they seemed to give more vivid representations of Washingtonianism in Georgia than any other writings now extant. Of all forms of temperance work in this State no other has left so little in the shape of permanent records as the Wash ington Society. Without either a National or a distinctive State organization to serve as centers for the collection, and preservation of important data, its chronicler is compelled to sift contemporaneous literature of every kind to gather up something like a fair account of its history. There was but little of compactness in the tremendous power which Washingtonianism set in motion. Outside of the pledge itself there was hardly a bond of any kind among the millions whose names were subscribed to the system.
The practical machinist who stands looking at one of the many " rapids " in Georgia's rivers,--feels a pang at the lavish expenditure of unemployed water power--a power sufficient to turn all the cotton spindles in Christendom; so the philan thropist who contemplates the enormous moral forces which Washingtonianism set in motion, wonders at, .and regrets, the tremendous " waste of moral power" in the lack of proper direction given to this mighty movement. Perhaps since the days of the Crusades, no other such moral or

j86

THE WASHINOTO-XIANS IX GEORGIA.

religious upheaval has been known as that stirred up by the Washing to mans in America and by the Father Mathew movement in Ireland. Men thought the panacea for the terrible disease had been surely found. " Ireland is sober," "America has been redeemed," " King Alcohol has been dethroned, and his reign is done,"--were among the glad and confident expressions heard on every hand. No other temperance effort has ever inspired such confidence in its ultimate success; no other ever received such general sup port, nor encountered so little opposition. The press en couraged, the work, the pulpit and the rostrum favored it, the drunkards, by the hundred thousand, allied themselves with the new movement, all the inspiration of song, of poetry, of music, banners and processions, celebrations--all the sympathy enlisted by woman's tears, by orphans' cries; all the enthusiasm awakened by the approving smile of beauty--all these and more were invoked to their utmost limit by Washingtonians. It is doubtful if ever again such uncalculating devotion to the great cause will ever be so generally, so fully aroused, as in the days of the \Vashingtonians. It was moral suasion "run to seed."
But Washingtonianism left the enemy skulking in the camp. The devil was to be exorcised by persuasion alone. He was not to be "cast out" utterly. But its demon refused to yield to any such charms, but still lurked around his old dwelling though it had been swept and garnished, and in the end returned with other spirits and " dwelt there " making the latter end of many a one of his old subjects worse than the beginning.
Had the mighty impulse but swept by the law's strong arm the whole liquor tranic from the land, we may well imagine that, perhaps, the heaviest part of the battle would then have been fought. Never was a time so auspicious for such a movement to accord with the moral convictions of the people ; but alas! this mighty movement was allowed to expend itself in emptiness. The nail was driven but not clinched, and soon through the gaping seams the flood was

THE WASHlXLiTOXIAXS IX GEORGIA.

387

again rushing in. Less than ten years after that famous meeting* of '' the six" at Chase's tavern in Baltimore, the world would never have known from a comparison of the sums total; so far as Washingtonlanism was concerned, that that mighty impulse had ever stirred and quickened the hearts of the nation. While thousands had been benefited to the extent of being led to think of, or at Icnst to _/rf/ the mighty quickening, no other temperance effort has left to posterity so small a residuum of tangible results.
The Christinas holidays of 1842 were a trying ordeal to the Washingtonians. The old Christmas customs, and the continued presence of the dramshops, so tempting to the lately reformed, were too much for very many, and they fell. A few weeks before and. " you could not look upon the woe-begone and blighted visage of intemperance ; all were happy then. But a few short weeks and how changed the scene! Men pledged upon the honor of^rM/^r/^r;;, have vio lated their faith, and even now, regardless of .mr^ ^ ^A'd&?, continue to indulge in that which they have pronounced 'injurious to their health* standing, and families/ Some poor fellows have really tried hard, it seems, to stick to it (the pledge), but could not. Many of them have had their names erased as often as the third time, and have come back to try again."'
The same paper from which this extract was taken con tains the "circular" of anew order, the Sons of Temper ance, signed by Evan Griffith, Thomas Edgcrly, and J. W. Oliver, Committee, gri Henry street, New York.
The " Washingtonian," in a musing mood, thinks " something on the order of the Sons of Temperance is needed, and would prove a great accession to stability, with many members." Thoughtful men began to suspect that additional restraints were needed, that the sorely tried new converts having done all, might stand ; but as to what that new thing should be, they were not determined.
Tt was hard for men to believe that " deliver us from
] The "Washingtonian, Jan. 7. 1643.

388

THE \\'AriMIiN'GTOXIAXS EN GEORGIA.

temptation " might be partly answered by delivering temp tation from themselves.
With the beg/inning- of its second volume (June ro, 1843) the " Washing-toman " grc\v from a bi-monthly into a weekly. Its editorial staff was certainly ;i strong* one, ?</;.: Revs. W. T. Branlley, W. J. Hard, C. S. Dodd, Ge<>. F. Pierce, Col. John MiIIedge, L)r. F. M. Robertson, Dr. 1). Hook, S. T. Chapman and James Harper. The paper did not "expect to realize a fortune, but wished to do good/' The state of the market and general news items were to be added to its weekly bill of fare.
The advantages which temperance has brought to Augusta arc summed up thus: In 1829, when the first society was formed, and for two years afterward, " the num ber of deaths front intemperance, among the white popula tion alone, was ascertained, with a near approach to certainty, to be twenty-five annually." Bacchanalian broils disturbed the city almost nightly, and the youths were led astray, while the then annual cost of intoxicating liquors to the city was $30,000 greater than now.
The " Banner" (temperance) was laboring at this time to get statistics of the strength of the temperance organiza tions of the State, but with very indifferent success. Mot more than 6,$00 members--"perhaps less than one-fourth of the entire Cold Water army of the State"--had been re ported, and only about fifty societies. The collection of temperance statistics, it seems, has always been difficult. The writer knows it to be t/te case at. present.
For several months calls had been heard from various parts of the State that a convention be held. There had been no State Temperance meeting since 1836. Fenfield Washingtonian Society, of which Rev. B. M. Sanders was president, and Professor S. P. Sanford, secretary, asked that the State meeting should be held iu Pe 11 field, July 24, 1843.'
Pursuant to this call, " a convention of the friends of temperance met at the College Chapel, at Penricld, at early
1 "Christian Index/' June 30, 1843.

THE WASHINGTONIANS IN CJKORGIA.

389

candlelight, on the evening of the 24th. The convention was organized by appointing N. H. Craw ford* President, and Dr. F. C. Lawrence and John M. Ashurst, Secretaries.
The following delegates then appeared and announced their names, and made reports from the societies they sev erally represented, to-wit:
Hearnvillc Total Abstinence Society, Putnam county-- Henry S. Davenport.
Jones (3ounty Temperance Society--Rev. J. H. Camp bell.
Temperance Society at Clopton's MiLLs, Putnam county, --J. M. Ashurst and William Wilkcs.
Crawfordsville Society--L. L. Andre\v,*J. \V. Reynolds, Col. A. G. Janes and Dr. R. Q. Dickinson.
(Greensboro Total Abstinence Society --William S. Mor gan, Elias B. Corlew, John F. Zimmerman, Josiah Da vis, V. San ford and J. W. Godkiii.
Penfield Washingtonian Society--B. M. Sanders, Dr. J. S. Baker, B. Brantley, Dr. E. C. Lawrence and Rev. P. II. Mcll.
Madison (Morgan county) Society--Col. J. B. Walker, Thomas J. Thomasson and T. J. Burney.
T \vigg-s County Society -- Rev. C. D. Mallary and Henry Bum.
Society at Kilpatrick's, Putnam county--J. M. Ashurst. Oglethorpe Temperance Society--N. M. Grawforcl and E. M. G-ilham. Rchobothvillc, Morgan county--Rev. N. Hill, Jos. J. Loudermilk, and John II. Flawkins. Mars Hill Ternpcrance Society--Bedford Langford and John Gar wood. Walkinsville Washington Total Abstinence Society --George M. Paine. Social Circle, Walton county--Gco. W. Graves, John W. Gresham, and T. Gibbs. Salem (Clark county)--Francis A. Clark and Francis Hester.

390

THE WAriHINCi'l'ONIAXS IN GEORGIA,

Harmony Temperance Society (Putiiam county)--John A. Cog-burn.
Eaton ton Total Abstinence Society--Col. John A. Wing-field, John M. Ashurst, and William A. Iloughton.
"We have here a total of eighteen societies ; three are called "Total Abstinence" Societies, two are called "Wasiiingtonian," and the others are not defined as to their position 011 total abstinence, Tt seems most probable from what we have seen of the work of Taylor and Johnson, in the localities of these societies the year before, that most of them had embraced Washingtomanism.
The President estimated Georgia's drunkards at 8,000, and declared that this band of inebriates could control (or be made to control) the elections, as that majority was never gained by one party in political contests.
Next clay the Business Committee (Crawford, Campbell, Sanders, Burncy and N. Hill) reported a series of resolu tions: One was that ' ~ A committee of five be appointed to prepare a report on the cause of temperance generally, and an address to the public; both to be published after the ad journment of this Convention."
It was also resolved that the members of the Convention be requested to act as agents for the ''Temperance Banner," themselves subscribing-, and also to "aidin the circulation of all ot/a-r temperance papers publis/ied i/i our State t/iat may be deemed worthy."
Temperance celebrations were recommended, to the so cieties throughout .-the State, also the collection of statistics was urged, which statistics were to be for warded to the "Banner."
The co-operation of the fair sex was also asked for ; and religious, temperance,and political papers were requested to publish the address, as well as the proceeding's of the Con vention.
The committee appointed to prepare the address were Messrs. Mell, Ashurst, Campbell, O. L. Smith and Paine.
Afterward, Dr. Lawrence, using Sewali's plates, demon-

TliK WASIII\T GTONIANS IN GEORGIA.

39!

strated before the body the effects of alcohol on the human stomach. Addresses were also delivered by Messrs. Ashurst, Overtoil, Hillyer, Campbell and Davenport.
It was resolved to submit to the committee appointed to prepare the address, the propriety of holding another convention in the autumn, the Committee having the prerog ative of selecting time and place, should it be deemed expe dient to hold the convention.
The address, which is a good, strong document, is too long to be inserted here. One or two extracts will show the mellowing influence of Washingtonianism and the yielding of legislatTO'it to persuasion. The Committee
"Would endeavor to en force upon your attention but one single idea, and that is the importance of keeping- temperance untrarnmeled and free from connection with any other subject. Us past history has shown that it is most efficient and successful ivhen it stands on its own merits, and operates by its own unaided energies.
''A few vcars :iyo, actuated by the most conscientious motives, we endeavored to brmsf to our aid the strong arm of the law; but the result has taught us a lesson, which in our subsequent efforts should not be lost upon us. In casting our eyvs over the State ive.saw- every conspicuous point occupied by individuals, who, under the sanction of law, dealt out. in open defiance of public opinion, that which cor-

anti looking- too exclusively lo the abstract principles of tight, we sought by the stern i."iiactrnc-nts of law to remove the evils----an,/ mo*/ signafly failed.
" A.1I past experience has shown that in a country like ours those laws which arc in advance of public sentiment, are in their very nature inoperative. When the people themselves are the franiers aud executors of the laws, they must be satisfied of their utility, or they will suffer them, however enacted, to He a dead letter upon the statute book."
The evil, the committee says, is an individual and social one, and to be met on those lines.
" If we can only persuade our fellow citizens not to use the article, though the fires of ten thousand distilleries should be kindled where one now hunts, though grog shop were established by IHAV in every house and streams of alcohol should literally flow down our streets, we would he a. free, a temperate, a prosperous people. It is not the manufacturing and the vending, but the use of the article that causes the mischief, and the only way to prevent the supply is to destroy the demand. Our error has consisted in this: That \ve have lost sight of the cause and wasted our strength in fruitless attacks upon the effects. We repeat it, it is against the con sumption of the article that our efforts should be directed. * * Depend upon it, fellow citizens, the only ,-an-s^ of the evil is that men-will think, and the only remedy

392

THE WASHINGTON JANS .IN GEORGIA.

It will be observed that Augusta, and indeed most of the eastern part of the State, was not represented at the Pen field Convention. One resolution offered by the business com mittee very naturally caused some future heart-burning-, viz.: That in which the delegates are called upon themselves to subscribe for the " Banner" and act as agents in increasingits circulation. They may also " aid in the circulation of all other temperance papers published in our State that may be deemed worthy."
As the " \Vashingftonian " was the only " other temper ance paper published in the State," it was felt that the report at least insinuated that it was a doubtful matter whether it was to " be deemed worth}' of support." Tt seemed an effort on the part of the convention to lift the " Banner " upon the shoulders of the " Washingtonian." Tn behalf of the Edito rial Committee of the " Washingtonian," Rev. C. S. Dodd demanded of the Business Committee of the Convention an explanation of this ambiguous resolution. Rev. J. I-J. Camp bell disavowed, on behalf of the Business Committee, all intention to reflect unfavorably upon the " Washingtonian," but shortly afterward an acrimonious controversy sprang up between the " Washingtonian " and the " Banner," and feel ing's not the most amicable, continued to prevail between them.
The Perifield Convention did not represent one-twen tieth of the temperance strength of the State. The com mittee resolved to call another State meeting to be held at Eatonton in November, 1843.
At this date the convention assembled at the Union Church in Eatonton. Twenty-eight societies were repre sented by ninety-three delegates. Fourteen, or just one-half, of the societies were Washingtonian ; six of the others are called " Total Abstinence Societies," and the others simply " Temperance Societies."
Rev. B. M. Sanders was made Chairman, and Messrs.

THE WAS! IINGTONIAXS [X GEORGIA.

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Ashurst and Lawrence were again appointed Secretaries. Rev. W. A. Florence offered the opening- .prayer. A " business committee," consisting of Messrs. Campbell, Trailers! edt, Wittich, Tucker, and Turner, was appointed. This committee reported a resolution in favor of appointing a committee to address the people of the State. In accord ance with this resolution Messrs. Wing-field, Wittich* Mell, Lallerstedt, and Flint were appointed as said committee,
Addresses were delivered at night by Messrs. Wittich, Phinigee, Flint, and Dr. Joel Dranham.
A communication from the Monticello Cold Water Association was rccci ved and read. This was the first appearance of the " Cold Water " army at a. State meeting. There \vere a number of such societies already in existence in Georgia.
Mr. Hudson offered the following, which was adopted :
" Resolved, That this Convention do not propose to further the cause of temperance by any other means than that of moral suasion."
Another resolution recommended to societies through out the State to hold celebrations " with temperance bar becues, lor the purpose of bringing together and addressing such as are usually indifferent to the temperance move ment."
Another resolution provided that a committee of one from each county in the State be appointed, to gather sta tistics of the various societies and forward to the " Banner," and to the "Washing-toman."
It was resolved that the officers should retain their places for the year; that the body should meet annually " at such a time and place as may be deemed proper/' shall " consist of delegates from all temperance societies of the State who think proper to send them, and shall be called the State Temperance Convention of Georgia." Dr. H. H. Tucker informs the author that he suggested the name of the State body thus reorganized after a sleep of seven years.
Both the "Banner" and the " Washmgtonian" were recom mended by the convention. The latter paper, it seems, was now "deemed worthy" of a place in temperance literature.

3Q4

THE \VASHINGTO NIANS LiV GEORGIA.

Forsyth, and the 230! of November, 1844, were selected as place and date for the next meeting-of the convention, and a committee, of which H. H. Tucker was Chairman., was appointed to select an orator for that occasion.
This State Convention held in Ra tori ton in 1843, is the first in which Savannah seems to have been represented, though here only by letter. Indeed, the Georgia metropolis seems to have been very much later in temperance work than the towns in the upper and middle sections of the State. R. P. Taylor had visited Savannah in the winter of 1842--3, and had stirred considerable interest in the cause. ft was the swell from this storm, which had brought Savannah into active sympathy with the temperance reformation, though Rev. J. F. O'Neil had organised a Catholic Total Abstinence Society there two or three years earlier. But Southern G-eorgia evidently too*k little active interest in the early temperance movements which had swept over other parts of the State. We have mention of comparatively few societies south of the parallel of Macon. But early in 1844, the prince of the Washing-tomans, John H. W. Hawkins, readied Georgia, and his enthusiastic efforts soon beg~an to be felt in those sections where he labored?
JOHN HEN 14V WrLLIS HAWKINS
was born in Baltimore, Sept. 28, 1797. A hatter by trade; from tippling he became a " hard case," drifting downward to that very certain goal of drinkers--wretched poverty. He had spent his living with the barkeepers, and very natu rally was nothing- bettered, but rather g-rew worse, until the summer of 1840, whereafter a debauch, in the midst of his wretchedness, through the tears of his daughter, he was in duced to undertake a reformation of his Hie. He signed the new Washingtonian pledge, and joined the new organization, then but two or three months old. Very soon he became a leader in the new society, and went \vith the first missionary party that went to New York, sent out from Baltimore. Of his labors at the North we have already had some account.
Leaving Baltimore in November, 1843, and coming via

THE WASHLXGTOXiAXri IJS" GEORGIA.

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Norfolk and Wilmington, he arrived in Charleston, Decem ber 2. He remained until January 13, 1844, and a multitude subscribed to the Washingtouian pledge. He visited Colum bia, Aiken, Georgetown, nurl Hamburg-, S. C.; and on the 24th and 25th of January was in Augusta, Ga. January 28, he was in Athens ; thence he returned to Augusta ; thence to the South Carolina Temperance Convention at Charles ton, Februar3T 6, 1844, and a few days later he reached Savannah. The success of his work in the South was won derful. Writing from Savannah, February 12, Mr. Hawkins says:
" I have never visited a place in all my travels where the people have laken hold of the subject of temperance as they have here in Savannah. Before my ar rival they had done but little, and when I arrived the friends of temperance Lold me thai I had a hard place to operate upon, and to the utter astonishment of every one, the house was filled lo overflowing : many had to go away, they could not geL in.

March, 1841, when poor Lalham cried oul, ' Can I be saved, is there any hope for me ?' The next meeting was held in the Methodist Church--a larger place; that was crowded to excess ; and oh! what a time it was! scarcely a dry eye in the house. One hundred and thirty signed the pledge. The next meeting was held in the Mariner's Church ; the number that signed there made over 200 in three nights. Ought (" to be discouraged at such results as these? JSTot T have never been discouraged for a moment since, in the providence of God, I have been called to this work. I now look back with astonishment, and am compelled to say: ' Truly, this is the work of the Lord and marvelous in our eyes.' I shall (remain) in Savannah till about Ihe last of this month ; and I think by that time, with fluaid of such men as hure and w7/ sign the pledge, we shall rout the enemy, horse, foot, and dragoons. I shall not at present go to New Orleans'as I contemplated, on account of the health of Mrs. Hawkins. When I finish my engagement at Savannah, 1 contemplate visiting Macon and Milledgeville, then return io Charles ton."
On February 19, Mr. Hawkins writes to his son 1 from Savannah.
" The cause of temperance is making a tremendous excitement in this place. Jl would he impossible for me to give you an adequate description of the interest which is felt here. The people seem amazed ; the high, the low, the rich and the poor, alike Hock Lo the churches long- before the hour of meeting. Such crowded houses f have seldom witnessed anywhere. Over 200 signed the pledge at two meetings--many of them poor unfortunate drunkards, and the people take notice of (hem, and give them employment ; this is as it should be. T really suppose rhat
1 "Life of Hawkins, p. 295, etseq.

39 r>

THE Vv'ASHINGTONlANS IN GEORGIA.

1 here will be a reaU:r revolution in this place than in any other T have ever visited. The talk is from morning until night, temperance, leiriperar And grogshops they V;ilk it uiuil long- after midnight. A tre struck at the sailor boarding houses, thi.it have long- becm the of this poi-l. .Several have been (put) into jail to await their

thing."
From this it would seem Vhat the old laws so long- on the statute book, in reference to the protection of sailors, had been of little force. Sailors were still impressed by the abandoned saloonists, and this man-stealing- business was going on, almost as it had gone on near a century beCore.
Mr. Hawkins' efforts seem to have been productive of great gx>od in Savannah. He remained there just one month, Fie labored diligently to suppress the infamous practices of the sailor boarding- houses. Afterward, in New York, speak ing- of these " land piraies " of the Savannah River, he said :
" The}" actually steal the crews of vessels, lock them up in their rum boarding houses, until they strip them of every thing. The captains and crews who came to the lectures came armed." One of these land sharks was taken up by the city authorities and mulcted in a fine of $500, during Mr. Hawkms' stav in the city.
February- 19 a very enthusiastic meeting was field by the Savannah Washingtonians, in the Methodist Church. Rev. Mr. Ross presided. Haw-kins was at his best, and the list of signers was lengthened to considerably more than 400 names. A somewhat singular incident is in point to illus trate Flawkins' power with all classes.
" The Roman Catholic priest (Rev. J. F. O'Neil, presum ably) determined to so far dismiss his prejudices against the Protestants as to invite Mr. llawkins to address his people on a day which Hawkins should name. The Father accord ingly called upon him, stated the extent to which intemper ance prevailed among his flock, and solicited Mr. Hawkins' aid in the effort to reform the tipplers. Mr. Hawkins readilyagreed to lend his help, and at the appointed time repaired to the church (a large one), which he found full to overflow ing-. On advancing- to the chancel, he observed that a table

THK WASHINGTON TANS IX (GEORGIA.

397

had been placed in front of it. Father O'Neil inquired of the sexton why it was there. 'And sure, sir, it is for the spakcr to stand upon/ was the reply. * Remove it immedi ately,' said the pastor; ' Mr. Hawkins is good enough to stand within my chancel.' The pastor then took his seat immediately in front of Mr. Hawkins, and as the Jnt.ter pro ceeded in his remarks, the tears began to course down the good Father's cheeks, and before the speech was done, he, with hundreds of others, wept aloud. The audience were deeply moved. As soon as the address was done. Father O'Ncil sprang to his feet, and called to the sexton to ' fasten every door of the church; let no man nor woman leave the house until you have all signed the pledge/ Sordid he de sist until his flock were all pledged to the principles of total abstinence/ '
Mr. Hawkins left Savannah for Milledgcville, where he lectured two or three days, then three days of work in Macon, and he returned to Savannah March 12. Mr. TIawkins expressed the greatest delight at the manner of his reception in the South. " I. have never seen people/' said he. " fake hold of the cause as they do."
The Temperance Society at Savannah numbered at his arrival, 22$ members. After twenty-one days of labor the number had grown to 724, and with fine prospects for further growth. A Cold \VaterAnny was organized, for which 300 badges and as many music books were ordered. Very touch ing testimonials of appreciation \vere tendered him, both at Savannah and at Charleston.
This was the first, and also the last, lecturing tour of the great apostle of ^Vasliingtonianism to Georgia, though, he once after passed through the State from Alabama 4o Charles ton, to speak in the Palmetto capital.
Of all the Washingtonians, he seemed to come closest to the popular heart. The well-known story of his reforma tion, largely through the efforts of his young daughter--a story so touchingly told in " Hannah Hawkins, the Re-
* Life of Hawkins, pp. 300-301.

39$

THE WASHINGTON I AN S IN GEORGIA.

formed Drunkard's Daughter,"--thrilled thousands of read ers. Rev. Dr. John Jones, who heard him in Athens, tells the author that Mr. rl aw kins, describing the di faculty of reformation on the part of the sot, exclaimed, " The appetite for strong drink never dies, it only slumbers. God grant that with me it may be an eternal sleep," a prayer which he may well have uttered, for doubtless to the end it was, for him, a constant battle against the tempter.
One of the immediate results of the Savannah temper ance work was the establishment of a little temperance paper, called the " Morning Star," which, though its race was but brief, yet served to show the new zeal infused into the metropolis. The " Star" shed a. few rays of light, which afford us help, even now in our search. It tells us, in March, 1844, that the parent AVashingtonian Total Abstinence So ciety had then more than seven hundred members; the Mechanics' Auxiliary Society had a large list, though only two weeks old; the (Catholic Total Abstinence Society, under Rev. J. F. O'Neil, was very flourishing ; a society had been formed among the soldiers in the barracks ; some of the ships touching at the port were " organized," and sailed away with ^vzZzXj?* societies among their own crews, and only a JYvz7/zgvz'.y ^<?f?/v^z}fg ,&g?j^ seemed necessary to make the organization complete.
With Ilawkins' visit, Washingtonianism in Georgia reached its climax. Thenceforward, though with occasional local revivals, the general tendency was unmistakably down ward. Great numbers either had their names "scratched " from the pledge, or fell into drinking habits, regardless of their obligation. Washingtonianism did not supply that progressive, educational, suggestive system which is abso lutely necessary to keep alive in the human mind an interest in its work. Graduation was reached too early ; the course was completed too easily ; a pledge and a diploma, and the work of progress was done.
The year 1844--a " Presidential " year of unprecedented excitement--was peculiarly frying to the temperance cause.

THE \VAS1UXGTOXIANS TX GEORGIA.
The annexation of Texas, with the almost absolute certainty oi' war with Mexico, had been added to the fiery political issues formerly disturbing* the people. Then the cloud along1 the Northern sky had been growing-, and its porten tous blackness had been vastly increased by the prospect of an immense territory now about to be acquired, for which the slavery question was to be settled. It was impossible for temperance even to hold its own, much less advance, in the midst of this wild political storm.. Perhaps the situation can best be outlined by a quotation from the "Augusta Washing-toman," of August 17, 1844:
"The temperance cause is now passing- through the severest trial to which
pled-
him in his downward course, we think very doubtful."
The " Washingtcmian" then makes an appeal to temper ance men to hold fast to their pledges ; it urges the politicians to abstain from the use of spirits either personally, or for influencing voters; declares that it will give the names of any candidates found treating- voters, and will use all possible exer tions to defeat such candidates. It is clear that the editors were beginning to be very "shaky" in the polity of "moral sua sion alone" formerly so loudly proclaimed--at least, so far as politicians were concerned. In a tone that has somethingmore than moral suasion, the paper adds :
"There are many thousands of temperance men, and they may feel bound to vote for the advocates of the moral reform! or at least, not to vote at all if their political friends prove to be their temperance enemies. It is certain that the

400

Till? \VASHINGTOX1ANS IN GEORGIA.

friends of temperance arc sufficiently numerous in this State, to hold the balance ol" power between the two parties in (heir own hands, and that they may not feel it their duty to use it for the promotion of virtue and order, we are not prepared to
.Is il wron.g, or would it be strange, for such men so to discharge their duties zens, as to prevent the desecration of the political aluirs of their countrv,-- serve their Stale from the disgrace of having- its destinies controlled" by hilcm-

lives. so that it shall not be trampled, under foot? Surely the cause of human virtue. and the consequent permanence of Republican institutions, is as dear to them as the success of any political leader."
Very sound logic, if not very great party fealty. Early in this year Mr. Clay visited Augusta, and the "Washmg-tonian," prior to his coming-, tried to suade the dramsellers to close their shops--at least along \the principal streets, during" his stay, that such offensive spectacles as those might not be seen to mar the general appearance of deccnc}^, as well as of beauty, for which the town was noted. It does not seem, however, that the dramists profited by the hint, but still they kept open doors while the renowned statesman was in {lie city. The "Washmgtonian" was beginning to quote approv ingly the views of those who believed the aid of the civil Jaw should be invoked to stop the traffic, for
" The ranks of the rumseller have been sifted, and those who remain are deaf to voice of justice ami the appeals of humanity. In vain have we placed before, them hundred thousand of their countrymen, miserable wrecks of humanity, paupers
harge, robbed by them of property, health, hope and happiness. In vain have we told them of their fifty thousand customers and dupes, immured by

thirty thousand maniacs, the fruits of their traffic, in whom they have blasted the attributes of reason and effaced tin: linage-of the Almighty. In vain have \ve pointed the7Ti to the fresh grave* of thirty i housand American citizens, which they have digged and filled through the. profit of three years' labor. In vain have \ve brought to their view the dying beds of this vast array of victims, embittered by horrors which no human tongue can describe. In vain have we begged them to consider the three hundred thousand loathsome drunkards, the work-of their bands, now staggering- toward eternity; and appealed to them on behalf of the pining wives and haggard children of this mighty host, on whom they are indicting Vhe. tormeiHs of the damned. They have turned a deaf ear to the cries of the afflicted. Mam mon is their god. * * * Those among us who supposed that rum-drinking- a:id rum-selling could be rooted out by argument and persuasion have been disappointed in the result, and are no\v prepared to go with their brethren in the advoeaey of additional means. The differences which threatened a short time since to thwart

THE WASIUNGTONIANri IX GEORGIA.

401

the temperance movement are therefore healed, and all, \vithout exception, fire prepared to labor side by side and shoulder to shoulder, not in substituting legal for moral means ;-md placing our main reliance on the former, but in bringing about correct legislation as an auxiliary to the mighty and efficient influence of light and love."
The " Washingtonian," commenting- on the above, says :
" Could the temptation now be removed out of the way by the united force; of legislation, and a rectified public sent-imeuL, and the rising- "-eneration be permitted to come up \vithout Hie allurements of the barroom and the grogshop, it is believed our beloved country would soou exhibit to the world a spectacle of peace and pros perity, .sublime and beautiful."
Really, the spirit of Josiah Flournoy seems again to have clothed itself in flesh and blood, and the most thoughtful began to see clearly that there were a multitude of drunk ard-makers in the land, who were like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear. On them persuasion was spent iri vain ; with no god but mammon they would not hearken to the wails of widows or orphans, but would still ply their hellish trade, regardless of its consequences. It could not but be that when the connection between cause and effect was so plain, when the road from the dramshop to the drunkard's grave was so glaring, that men would begin to ponder on some means of suppressing such a terrible nursery of misery and crime. By a letter of October 16, 1844, we learn some thing- of the state of temperance in Savannah. The writer, G. W. Adams, says that the \Vashingtonian Society, num bering about 600 members, had been in a cold state for some time, but it was hoped to revive it by monthly meeting's. The Marine Total Abstinence Society, organized by seven persons in April, had grown to ninety members ; the Oglethorpe Barracks Temperance Society among the soldiers, numbered about thirty ; the Cold Water Army, organized by Mr. Hawkins, was prosperous--its membership not given,
As to the effect of temperance the writer says :
" The recent election (Slate) was probably the soberest and most peaceable of any ever held in the county, though hotly contested. IS either party, to my knowl edge, kept any rumshops open for the purpose of making votes ; and I think a part of this was in deference to the feeling of temperance men."
Burke county is reported to have five societies, with 377

402

THE WASIIINGTONIANS IN GEORGIA.

members. Albany's society is going" backward, having- de creased to about sixty members, hardly half of its former number.
Unfortunately very little data are given whence we may judge of numbers or of progress in the societies.
The State Temperance Convention met in Forsyth, November 21, 1844. James Spear, Esq., of Upson county, was called to the chair, and H. H. Tucker and D. Evans were appointed secretaries.
The weather was very inclement, and only about forty delegates were present. Neither Col. J. H. Lumpkin, nor his alternate, Mr. J. A. Wingfield, was on hand to address the convention as per appointment of the preceding year.
Among the " ways and means" reported by the com mittee, for advancing the temperance cause, was the concen tration of patronage upon one temperance paper. The com mittee professed equal friendship for "the two temperance papers now published in the State, and regret to be com pelled to make a choice between them, but they are forced to the conclusion that the ' Temperance Banner' can be most successfully sustained, from the fact that it is the cheapest publication of the two." The committee advise a union of the tWo papers, if practicable, that the cause may have one organ properly supported in the State. The com mittee '* learn, with regret, that the * Temperance Banner' has been published hitherto with loss to the proprietor, and that unless renewed efforts are made to sustain it, it will be discontinued. They learn that, with 1,500 paying- sub scribers, at $i each per annum, it can be continued--addi tional editorial assistance can be procured, and its usefulness thereby greatly increased." A resolution was accordingly introduced that the members of the convention should pledge themselves to endeavor to procure the 1,500 sub scribers by the first of January.
A constitution and laws for the future government of the convention were adopted.
Col. Joseph H. Lumpkin was chosen president. The

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vice-presidents were appointed, one from each congressional district:
Joseph Gumming, Savannah.................... for the 1st District G. _M. Dudley, Sumler.. ...................... " zd Rev. Seneca O. Bragg, Macon.. ............ .... " 31] Dr. A. Means, Covington. ............. ..... " 4th Rev. W. .IX Covvdry, Cave Spring ............. " 5th Asbmy ["lull. Athens.. ...................... " 6th Rev. I!. M. Sanders, Penfield ........... ...... " ytb Uev. W. T. Brantley, Augusta. . ............... " 8th
Corresponding; Secretary, James Harper of Augusta; Recording- Secretaries. Dr. E. C. I^awrcnce and H. H. Tucker ; Treasurer, B. Brantley.
A circular address was ordered to be prepared. The " Washiugtonian" was not very well pleased with the con vention--naturally, not with that part of the report which recommended concentration of effort upon one paper. It had " a secret suspicion" that the " Banner" editor had loaned his spectacles to the committee while making; up this report. It cannot understand how a weekly like itself, at $2 yearly, can be more expensive than a bi-weekly like the " Banner," at $1. It begs to assure the convention that, if compelled to suspend publication, it will not be from a tl iwit/idrmval Q\. their patronage."
The 1; Washingtonian" regards the convention as " a failure in every respect." If not better attended it would be better to discontinue the convention, fo: at present it " is little better than a publication to the enemy, of the weakness of our ranks."
The lesson taught in 1844 did more than the experience of any previous year to convince thinking men that the removal of legal restraints, and the use of moral suasion alone, was a blunder hard to be remedied, and most of the State Temperance Societies in that year reported in favor of prohibitory statutes. The Committee of the American Temperance Union report in favor of removing the tempta tion :
"If such drinks (spirituous) \vere wholly removed from vie"-, there would be

404

THE \VASHIXC;TONIANS IN GI;OKC;IA.

an acquiescence almost universal. Hut while they are daily presented to view, there will be drinking and drunkenness in society." '
The Washing-tonians, lo a large extent reformed drunk ards, would hear of nothing but " kindness" in dealing with the traffic, and many of them came to regard law and its punishments as hostile to society. Many averred that if jails a lit? other prisons were done away with, men would embrace temperance at once. This cry was taken up by the rumsellers, who, to a man, were in favor of moral suasion alone as the weapon for temperance men to wield, for thus their traffic would have more than a living chance, since vice tolerated never fails to grow.
Mr. Sargent, one of the brightest luminaries of the temperance reform, voiced the opinion of nearly all advanced temperance champions, when he says: " \ believe moral suasion alone, as a means of ridding the world of drunkenness, would prove about as effectual as a bulrush for the stoppage of the Bosphorus. In spite of the expectations of the most sanguine suasiotiists, unless opposed by some more powerful barrier, this river of rum and ruin will flow on to eternity.
" 'Rusticus cxspofkit <1 um transom- amnis, el Hie I.abilnr <;t l:.ibetur in ojmu- voiubilis aev urn.' "
Discouraging as was the outlook when compared with the bright prospects of [842, yet the report of the National Committee declares that the progress in South Carolina and Ocorgia ' has recently been greater than in any other part of the country." z
The fervor of temperance work seemed, however, warmer elsewhere at this time than in America, its native
land. The report for 1844 says :
"Soon New England rum will cease doubling Cape Horn. On the iilh of last December, the ship 1-Ieber, from Massachusetts, stopped at Honolulu with
seventy hogsheads of rum. She had visited Mozambique, Madagascar, Sydney,
Kew Holland and New Zealand without And ing a market. It w:is put up at auc tion, and only five casks were sold. On the 2gth of December, she reshipped her
1 Permanent Temperance Documents II, p. 23 (of Report for 5844.) z Report, p. 36.

THE \VASIfrN GTONIATSS IN GEORGIA.
it back to Boston, to flood the poor p
The State Convention lor 1845, met in Macon, June 4. The President, Col. Lnmpkin, being- absent, Rev. S. G, Bragg was chosen Chairman, E. O. Cabaniss and W- J. Andersen, Secretaries. Eight}-- eight delegates were present.
A business committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Postell, J. Lamar, J. A. Wingfield, E. A. NisbetTand D. C. Campbell, while another committee, Messrs. Kendrick, 5. Anthony and C. D. Sandford was appointed to procure speakers.
At the meeting of last year, a resolution had been offered TO employ an itinerant lecturer. This resolution was now referred to a committee of Messrs. Nesbit, Talmage, Anthoriy and Ellis. This committee reported in favor ot: employing an agent, as a means to revive the cause which was admitted on all hands to be in a languishing-state. The committee recommended that the executive committee be directed to "open a correspondence with Mr. G-oug-h, a dis tinguished, pious and sincere temperance advocate, to ascer tain whether, and at what time, and on what terms--his ser vices can be had.'" In the event of Mr. trough's acceptance, the executive committee should notify the societies, and con cert with them ways and means, for his compensation. Should Mr. Gough deline, the executive committee should select some one else to act as active agent.
The funds of the convention were evidently at a Eow ebb, as only $28 could be found in the treasury. A tetter was received from Mr. John Belton O'Neal, the distinguished temperance champion of South Carolina, inviting- the con vention to send delegates to the South Carolina Convention at Pendleton, Aug"ust 5. In compliance with this request Rev. Jas, O. Ancfrew, J. C. PosteJI, N, Hoyt, W. T. Brantley, Dr. L. E>. Ford, E, A. Nisbct and D. C. Campbell, were ap pointed to meet with the Palmetto Convention.
The lamentable decline in the temperance work was attributed in a large degree, to the failure of the societies to

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THE WASHINGTON I A'XS IN" GEORGIA.

hold regular meeting's, for the delivery of temperance ad dresses, and it was recommended to them to hold meetings at least every three months and have addresses delivered.
The convention adjourned and went in a body to Ihe Presbyterian Church, where Mr, J. A. Wing-field delivered the address ; twenty-two signatures were added to the pledge.
The Business Committee " learn that there are still pub lished in the State of Georgia, two papers." Though " both are good,"yet they advise concentration upon the "Banner." H was recommended to the "Banner" editor to enlarge his paper, if practicable, and add an "agricultural department," to increase its usefulness and its circulation.
'Ihe necessity ior State statistics was felt, and it was determined to appoint a committee to correspond with judges of the Superior Court, solicitors general, eminent lawyers and physicians of the State and the officials or the penitentiary and oilier leading men, to ascertain, as far as possible, the effect of intemperance in producing crimes and disease. Also the testimony of the various churches was to be sought. Ministers wore asked to communicate to the corresponding secretarv such information as they may possess in regard to the effects of intemperance in bringing about the exercise of church discipline. It was resolved that liquors were productive of the most incalculable evil hi the political canvasses of the State, and the convention resolved to use its most strenuous efforts to oppose this custom. A committee was also to obtain an estimate of the additional taxation incurred by the crime and pauperism produced by Hqnor. This committee consisted of 13. C. Campbell, \V. Poe, and E. A. Nisbct. Dr. S. K. Talmage introduced a res olution which was unanimously adopted, appealing for help to mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters, to young men both .for their own safely and for their influence on others ; to sober men for their influence inside the society ; to the intemperate " that we may help them to overthrow their worst foe," to parents, to urge their children to form juvenile associations,

THE \VASIIINGTONIANS IN GEORGIA.

407

to prevent the acquisition of an evil habit; to " instructors in colleges and schools to promote temperance associations among their pupils as an antidote to one of the most prolific sources of that insubordinate spirit which has lately dis graced so many of our literary institutions."
Appeals were also made to venders of liquor to abandon a business so fraught with woe, nor for the sake of ill-gotten gain to sacrifice their own families. It was recommended that county societies be resuscitated, and that the convention should earnestly strive during the corning year to regain its lost ground.
Most of the officers were re-elected for the coming year. The next annual meeting was appointed for the Wednesday preceding the third Sabbath in May, 1846, and to be held in Macon ; but an intermediate session was also to meet at Milledgeville on the igth of November, 1845. On motion of Dr. Talmage all clergymen were requested toprcacji on temper ance on the first Sabbath in September. One hundred and forty-six pledges were obtained during this meeting of the convention. *
This was evidently a rfj^/rV/zg" convention. Much of its activity seems to have been due to Dr. Talmage, who was indefatigable in devising TevzjAy and j/zra/zj to advance the cause from its then low estate.
The " Constitutionalist" of November 13, 1845, publishes the penitentiary report, from which it appears that out of a total of 124 convicts, eighty acknowledge their crimes or their conviction, due to rum.
On the iztliof July, 184.]; the Augusta "\Vashingtonian" breathed its last alter a brief existence of three years, the first year as a semi-monthly, the last two years as a weekly.
Its last corps of editors consisted of Revs. W\ T. Brantley. W. J. Hard, C. S. Dodd, Dr. D. Hook, James Harper, and A. W. Noel. It had been conducted with ability, but it had never had an equal share with the " Banner " in the patronage of the convention. In fact, while the " Banner" was made

408

THE WASHIJVGTOX1ANS IN GEORGIA.

the organ of the convention, the recognition given to the "Washingtonian" was of tl^e forced kind. The first allusion to the paper placed it in the equivocal category of such publi cations as "may be deemed worthy of support." Afterward the chief allusions to the " Washingtonian" on the part of the convention were made in the form of a request that it should give up the ghost to make room for its rival, an invi tation which the paper was not very eager to accept. At the Atacon Convention, as we have seen, surprise was ex pressed, when the body, or rather the committee, learned that the " Washingtonian/' in spite of their invitation to die, was still living on. A new call for its demise was made, and on the 12th of the next month, the paper passed into the non entity to which so many temperance papers have gone.
The " Washingtonian" was true to the principles of the Society of which it was the organ. It floated 110 other Hag from its mast-head than that of total abstinence and moral suasion, though its editors had begun to feel that something else was indispensable to hold what suasion had won.
But Washingtonianism as an organization, was fast nearing the western horizon; a new order was coming.

CHAPTER XXIX.
THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE. 1
" I will neither make, buy, sell, nor use as a beverage, any spirituous or malt liquors, wine, or cider."
The Sons of Temperance grew up to meet the failures of Washinglonianism. It was the reserve corps gradually forming* to cover the retreat of the great unwieldy, undisciplined host of the "Reformed Drunkards." It was soon discovered that the reformed were rapidly falling away; the demon was again beginning to assert his sway, and no small number of those who had become somewhat noted as lecturers of the j<??Yz/ jjzj;^7z type had themselves become r/zjY??/jyVfj ^ //^^?i?r^--not of the force of temperance prin ciples--but of the power of the tempter to reclaim his own subjects. Thus while Washingtonianism was in the full sweep of its triumphant march, and men were hailing its progress with loud huzzas, and were anticipating a speedy victory, and the near annihilation of the liquor fiend, the desertions were going on with accelerated pace. In front, the reform was sweeping all before it; but in the rear the process of disintegration was fast dissolving the temperance army. The novelty of the new idea soon wore ofT; the ?(/^;Z<? ^ra^ of the early flame could not be maintained ; enthusiasm is not man's normal state, and without enthusiasm Washingtonianism could not live. Its appeals were to the emotions, and it did not provide the j/Vry/M^ elements necessary to per manent success. Tt is remarkable too, that Washingtonianism had so little recuperative power. A second great
emple. O. H. nf Halifax. JJ. S.

410

T [110 SONS OF TKM P FRANCE.

triumph on a former battlefield was hardly ever won by it; its energies seemed to be expended with the first effort ; and a reserve force was sadly needed. This reserve corps the Sons of Temperance fortunately had the foresight to form before the rout became g-eneral. When the Washing"tonian host at length broke in confusion from the field, the victorious enemy suddenly found his pursuit checked by a far better disciplined temperance army, which held higher ground, and was now beginning" to deploy its lines through the battle smoke to cover the retreat, and meet the liquor onset.
September 29, 1842, sixteen men l met in Teetotalers' Hall, in New York, and organized the First Division of the Sons of Temperance, " The objects of the new society were declared in the official records to be : To shield its members from tJie fails of intemperance; to afford -3/iuttial assistance in case of sickness; and to elevate their characters as -men.
The Sons of Temperance began as a benefit society ; a fund was established for the payment of sick and funeral benefits; for admission of members by ballot, and through a ceremonial initiation, for an entrance password, and for try ing offenders and inflicting' penalties.
" From the beginning, the order disclaimed the ap pellation of a secret society. Unlike such societies, its prin ciples and objects were published broadlv in the face of day. Nor has it any claim to be an oath-bound society, unless the simple repetition of the pledgee can be called an oath. That its regular meetings should be private, was rendered expe dient by the nature of its organization. As a beneficial cor poration, it must guard itself from imposition ; as a brother hood, it must take cognizance of the reputation and deport ment of its members; as a society, it has its own peculiar and private affairs to transact. The order has as sound reason for privacy as bank directors, insurance companies, and
'"Daniel H. Sands, John \V. Oliver, W. IS. Tompkins, James Bale, Edward Brusle, Isaac J. Oliver, Thomas Kdgerly, Oeorge McKibbcn, Joseph K. Ban-, Thomas SwenartOn, F. \\. \Volfe, J. ti- Elliott, John McKellar, John Koiman, Henry I.loyd, and Edward T,. Snow.

THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE.

41 1

church courts. It was deemed advisable at the outset, that the Order should throw around its regular meetings some such guards as those which protect the retirement of the family circle from unauthorized intrusion, and that entrance should be bargained for by the means, not of knockers and door bells, but of a simple password." *
The officers for the direction of the Division were: Worthy Patriarch, Worthy Associate, Recording Scribe, Fi nancial Scribe, Treasurer, Conductor, and Inside Sentinel. "An initiation ceremony was adopted October i, and the * sixteen' were initiated, and two weeks later eleven more were added* and the pledge adopted which it was afterward determined could not be changed but by unanimous vote of the members of the National Division of the order." ^
About a month after tbe organization, plans began to be formed for extending the order, and a committee of seven was appointed " to prepare a constitution for the fountain head of the Sons of Temperance." Three weeks later (November 18), a committee of three was appointed " to pre pare a circular for the temperance press throughout the country."
In this circular it was announced that the Sons of Tem perance had three distinct objects in view : " To shield us from the evils of intemperance ; afford mutual assistance in case of sickness, and elevate our characters as men."
The first object was to be attained through the total ab stinence pledge ; the second, by the payment of an initiation fee and by weekly payment of dues. Out of this fund not less than $4. a week was to be paid to a sick brother, and $30 to his family or friends in case of his death, and $15 in case of the death of a brother's wife. The third object was to be accomplished " by adopting such rules for our government as are found best calculated to unite us as a band of brothers laboring for each other's welfare."
It was designed to establish Subordinate Divisions, Grand Divisions, and a National Division.
' Rev. R. Alder Temple, in " One Hundred Years of Temperance." * Samuel \V. I lodges in " (Jenlennial Temperance,*' Vol. --, p. -+^x).

4! 2

THE SONS OF TEM PICKAXOK.

The first of these was to be composed ol the rank and file oi the order, whose meetings were to be weekly, and whose officers were to be elected quarterly.
The State divisions were to meet quarterly, and were to be made up of the worthy patriarchs (acting) of the various subordinate divisions. The chief ofEcer of the Grand Divi_ sion was designated the Grand Worthy Patriarch.
The National Division was to meet annually, and was to be composed of all past and acting worthy patriarchs of the respective Stale Divisions. Until the National Division could be constituted, the Grand Division of New York would exercise the functions of the National Division.
The New York Grand Division GonstiLution was adopted December y, 1842, and three days Inter the Grand Division was formed, and Daniel H. Sands was chosen Grand Worthy Patriarch. In this same month the Grand Division began to grant charters, granting the first to itself s a su bordinate division, after a formal application ; then Union Division No. 2 was constituted, then Friendship Division, of Ghelsca No. 3, was constituted December 30.
New York then repaid the debt due to Baltimore for her " Washingtonian" missionary work of two years before, by sending Messrs. Snow and Oliver to the latter city in April, 1843, to organize divisions, tn a few days these dele gates reported four divisions opened during their absence, viz.: One in Philadelphia ; one in Baltimore ; one in Wash ington ; and one in f^aleigh, N. G. This last was opened by granting an application for a charter presented by Mr. John Zeigenfuss, of Raleigh.
Divisions were formed in Virginia, Connecticut* and Massachusetts, but the number of grand divisions necessary to form a national division was not attained until June, [844.
"When the order was organized the great object \tas to provide a home for the reformed man, and friends to sus tain him in time of trial. Up to that time all labors had been in the line of what was called moral suasion. The

THK SOXK OF TEMPEKANTGE.

41 3

abolition of the rumshop had not been thought oiV but Uiis organization of determined men, having in view the salva tion of their associates from the curse of drink, soon brought with it the question : " Would it not be better to try to re move the temptation from the man, than to spend all our time in helping the man from the temptation ?" 2 Thus the prohibition idea began to take fast hold of the order, and the Sons decided that voting for license was a violation of the pledge, and Neal Dow, the Maine champion, was brought up in the pale of the order.
" The progress of the order during the first decade or its existence was a grand triumphal march. At the close of 1845 it numbered fourteen grand divisions, 650 subordinate divisions, and 40,000 members"--a splendid phalanx to re trieve the Wast\iiigtonian retreat, which, in 1845, had be come general all along the line. Tti 1846 New Vork (State) voted " N"o License," bv a majority of 45,4/8, a victory which caused immense rejoicings throughout the United States, and on. the 9th of June, of the same year, 12,000 Sons of Temperance assembled in New York " to hold a national jubilee and celebrate, amidst the waving of flags, the ringing of bells, and the thunder of cannon, the marvelous triumphs which had been achieved." At the close of 1846 a member ship of 100,000 was reported, and the next year only four States remained in which the Sons of Temperance had not established their order. In the same year Philip S. White established the order in the British Provinces, and late in 1847 the first division was established in England itself.

THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE IN GEORGIA.
Perhaps the sketch of the early history of the order m Georgia can best be given in the words of the present Grand Scribe of the Order, Rev. R. Alder Temple, of Hali fax, N. S., in a communication to the author:
1 The writer doubtless means that no temperance society as such hud as yet put prohibition down as one of the planks of Its platform.
2 S. W. Hodges, in "Centennial Temperance," Vol. 557.

414

THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE.

and these, from their habits, seemed least inclined to countenance it. In the end, however patient labor won success.
"In July, 1844, W. S. Willifoi-d, Esq., of Macon, having applied to the Must Worthy Scribe for information, and received the necessary papers, commenced a propagation canvass. In the following November he wrote, inclosing an applica tion for a charter :
" '1 have bee 11 working- hard ever since the receipt of your kind favor of the ifith of July, 1844, to interest our leading temperance men in the order, as I feel convinced it is the very thing we wanted fur the cause in this State, and, in fact, at the whole South. Until this time, however, T have not been able to get a suffi cient interest awakened to authorize our petitioning for a charter. Hut I am happy now to state that \ve are fully alive Lo the interest of the canst;, and are determined to establish the Sons of Temperance in this State.'
"A charter to open a division having; been granted, Tomochichi Division No. i, was instituted at AT aeon, on the zgth of December, 1843. W. S. Williford was elected Worthy Patriarch, and Edwin Salisbury, Worthy Associate.
"Within twelve months from this date, the following divisions were organized in Georgia, viz.:
"Toonahowi, No. 2, instituted April 13, 1846, at Savannah, by Deputy Most Worthy Patriarch \V. S. Williford; Joseph Felt was elected Worthy Patriarch, and Ceorge W. Adams, Worthy Associate.
"Oeatiehee, No. 3, instituted July 17, at Tlawkinsville, by Deputy Most Worthy Patriarch Williford, assisted by A. G. Butts; N, W. Collier, Worthy Patriarch, and A. R. Kclland, Worthy Associate.
"Oconee, No. 4, instituted August 15. at Eatontoii, Putnam county, by A. G. Hurts, assisted by John H. Morgan, of No. i; Junms A. Winglield, Worthy Patri arch; and
" "vtontezuma, No. 5, instituted December '2, at CuHoden, Monroe county, by A. G. Butts, Worthy Patriarch, assisted by K. L- Wood; Rev. James Smith, Wor thy Patriarch, and Col. L. T. Ooyal, Worthy Associate.
"The constitutional number of divisions having been organized, and the order being now fairly established in the State, the Grand Division of Georgia was estab lished on the zgth of December, 1846, under special dispensation, by Deputy Most Worthy Patriarch W. S. Williford, and the following officers were installed, vis.:
"Grand Worthy Patriarch--W. S. Williford, of Macon. "Grand Worthy Associate--Joseph Kelt, of Savannah. "Grand Chaplain--James Smith, of Cullod.cn, "Grand Scribe--G. S. Obear, of Macon. "Grand Treasurer--F.. Saulsbwry. of Macon. "Grand Conductor--A. G. Hurts, of Macon. "Grand Sentinel--E. A. Burch, of Hawkmsville. "On the zzd of March, 1847, Augusta Division. No. 7, was organized at Augusta, by Deputy Most Worthy Patriarch W. IT. Brown, of Philadelphia, who was then traveling on business through the South.

TIIK SONS OF TEMPERANCE.

415

"The following statistical returns were made to the National Division by the Grand .Division of Georgia, in June, 184?, via.:

Number of Subordinate Divisions .................... 7 Number of contributing; members ......... ........... 205 Number of deaths................................... 2 Violated the pledge. .............. ..................... 3 Sick and Funeral Benefits paid................... .......$%Ti 71 Cash on hand......... .......................... 440 45

"At the annual session of the Grand Division, in October, 1847, the following were elected Grand Officers :

Grand Worthy Patriarch.....................Joseph Felt. Grand Worthy Associate. ...................George S. Gbear. Grand Scribe.. ........ ..................... -William Dibble. Grand Treasurer............................. E. C. Grannies. Grand Chaplain............................. Thos. Flewellen. Grand Conductor........... ............... George W. Adams. Grand Sentinel ................ ............ Alonzo Wardwell.

" In June, 184.8, the following returns were made to the National Division from

Georgia, viz.:

Number of Subordinate Divisions ............ ............

30

N umber of Contributing Members .................... i ,014

Number of Deaths .....................................

20

Number violated the Fledge. ..................... 66

Sick and Kunera.1 Benefits paid. ...

.................$ 254.87

Cash on hand-................ .. . ........... 1,235.69

"At this period the order had fully proved its value in the- State by concentrat ing and harmonizing the efforts of temperance men, and by giving a character of permanence to the temperance reform ; and its beneficial influence could already be traced in the moral anU social improvement which marked its progress.
"Among those .who won distinction by their ?.eal and alacrity in establishing the order in Georgia were; W. S. Williford, who became member of the National Division in 1848, and died universally regretted by the order, in 1858; Joseph Kelt, and George S. Obea.r, who were elevated to seats in the National Division, the former in 1847, and the latter in 1851; "William Dibble, A. G. Butts, A. V. Mann, W. ft. Dewees, E. A. Burch, J. A. Hough, H. Huff, I,. T. Ooyal, and Rev. S. G. Brag-g.
" Under the direction of the pioneers, into whose hands its destinies had

reached its zenith, with a membership of 13,663, and funds in hand and invested, amounting to the aggregate of $10,758."
Thus tar we have followed Mr. Temple, whose admi rable summary, taken from the records of the National Di vision; have been of the greatest value. At the time when the author wrote to Mr. Temple, the most prominent of the

4l6

THE SOXS OF TEMPERANCE.

surviving laborers among-the Suns of Temperance in Georgia, could give next to nothing1 in the form of statistical in formation as to the progress of the Order. The bloody qiiadrennium had blotted out the records and had dimmed the memories of those davs when the So/is were in their glory, and after long1 arid fruitless scarcli at home, the author was compelled to seek from Nova Scotia (/) the records of the work by the Order in Georgia.
Recently, however, an old bound volume of the records of the Georgia Grand Division was found by Mr. W. G. Whiclby, of Atlanta, and forwarded to the author. This volume--formerly the property of Judge John J. Floyd--covers only the period 1846-9, while the Order was in its most vigorous growth in the State.
From this volume we learn that at the time of the organ ization of the Grand Division (Dec. 29, 1846), it was '''Resolved, That this Grand Division be located in the city of Macon." Also "that the regular meetings of the Grand Di vision be held on Wednesday after the second Monday in January, April, July, and October."
At the quarterly meeting; of the Grand Division January T2, 1847, Grand Worthy Patriarch Williford reported all the Subordinate Divisions, except Oeonee, in a flourishing condi tion. The growth had been healthy, but not so rapid "as we had reason to expect." The prejudices ag-ainst the Order were fast giving way. The Eatonton (Oeonee) Division alone was in. a dormant state.
Messrs. Williford and Felt were chosen Representatives to the National Division, and they were made the bearers of the following petition to the National Division :
"Resolved, That the Grand Representatives to the Na tional Division be instructed to endeavor to have the Con stitution of Subordinate Divisions so altered that all the officers, except the Worthy Patriarch and Worthy Associate, shall be eligible to re-election." Also they were instructed "To endeavor to have the Constitu tion of the Grand Division so altered that the meetings

THE SOWS OF TEMPERANCE.

417

shall be held semi-annually, instead of quarterly, or that it be left to each Grand Division to regulate the number ol its meetings, providing it meets not less than annually." Also, "To endeavor to have the constitutions of Subordinate Divisions so altered that the omcers shall hold their oRices for six months, instead of three, as now."
At this time the question of "degrees" was agitating the new order throughout the whole country. The Georgia Grand Division strongly favored the conferring of degrees, and the delegates to the National Division were instructed to vote for any resolution in favor of degrees, which might come before the National Division ; if the National Division should deem it inexpedient to enact a general law as to degrees, the delegates were instructed to vote for any measure which would confer upon eaeh Grand Division discretionary power as to conferring degrees, "^r^z^f*/, the degrees to be conlerred shall be the same* throughout the United States, and based upon the principles of our Order, Love, Purity'and Fidelity."
In accord with a resolution of the Grand Division, the Grand Worthy Patriarch appointed deputies, as follows:

For the ist or Bibb District. ........... I*. \V. P., Murdoch, of No. i.

" 3d " Chatham " ............. "

Griffin, of Xo. 2.

3d " pulaski " ............. "

Hough, of No. 3.

4th" Monroe " ............. "

Dewees, ofNo. 5.

" gth" Richmond" ...........* "

HuS, No. 7.

The quarterly meeting of the Grand Division for July, 1847, for lack of a quorum, was not held.
At the meeting held October 14., TS^y, the Grand Worthy Patriarch reported the granting of charters to eight new Divisions, viz.:

Worth Division........ No. 8......... Thomaston, Upson county.

Germany " ......... " g. ....... .Milledgeville, Baldwin "

ONeaJ

" ......... " 10 ....... GrifRn, Pike county.

Franklin " ......... "n ........Jackson, Outts"

Adelphi " ......... " 12........ TTaynesvillc, I louston county.

Bethesda " ......... " 13........ Attapnlgus, Decatur

Randolph " ......... " 14. ........Cuthbert, Randolph

"

Vumassee " ......... " rs. ....... .Savannah, Chatham

"

41 8

THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE.

Permission had been granted to several Divisions to "hold public meeting's in regalia."
Each Division had been required to notify all other Divisions in the State of the expulsion of members, that the Order might be kept untrammeled in its work by the impo sition of the unworthy.
The Grand Worthy Patriarch also recommended " the adopting some public journal as the official organ of the Order in this State," which would be almost indispensable as the Order increases.
The efficient work of Past Worthy Patriarch Butts in the organization of Divisions was acknowledged ; likewise Past Worthy Patriarch Obear had done effective work in the same line. The Grand Worthy Patriarch recommended that an act of incorporation for the Grand Division be procured from the legislature.
The Representative, Joseph Felt (Mr. Williford did not attend), to the National Convention reported that he had been unsuccessful m obtaining any of the alterations in the National Constitution asked for by the Grand Division of Georgia.
The following officers were elected for the next year:
Grand Worthy Patriarch, Joseph Felt. ................... .of No. 2 Grand Worthy Associate, George S. Obear ............... " i Grand Scribe, Wm. Dibble, ............................ " i Grand Treasurer, E. G, Granniss. ......'................. " r Grand Chaplain, Thomas Flewclleii. .......... .... ..... " S Grand Conductor, George \V. Adams. ... . . ............ " 2 Grand Sentinel, Alon>;o \VardwelL ....................... "

order, and course of business, reported. The report was accepted, and a committee was appointed to superintend the printing oi 200 copies for the use of the Subordinate Divisions.
The District Deputies appointed at this meeting were:

86

THE RELIGIOUS ELEMENTS OF GEORGIA,

tained from Parliament; and in the latter part of 1733, the first band of pilgrims started on foot through Bavaria to ward the seacoasl, to embark for their distant home. It is 110 part of our plan to detail the trials of this long- journey. * n November they reached .K. otter dam, where they \vcre joined by their future pastors, Messrs. BoUius and Qronan from Halle. December 21 they landed m Rutland, and on the 28th of the same month their ship sailed for the Savannah. On the 12th of March. 1734, their vessel arrived before the new town, and was hailed with shouts of welcome from the shore. Og-lethorpc, who had met them at Charleston, although on his way to England, yet with his usual gener osity, had turned back to help them in selecting a nome,-- now made " a right good feast for all, with very line whole
some English beer." l The new immigrants were speedily located at Ebenezer,
twenty-five miles above Savannah, and at once set to work to make themselves a home. The Xrustees might at last have congratulated themselves on receiving- one instalment of settlers who were willing to obey their laws, and faith fully aid them in carrying out their plans.
It is hardly possible to over-estimate the influence for the good of the colony exercised by these poor exiles. Their deep piety, purified by the fires of persecution, their industry, their constancy of purpose, their habits of economy,--were the very elements just then most imperatively demanded in the new colony ; and these were conspicuously absent amongthe first settlers. The plain, simple Salzburgers became the sheet anchor of the new Province. In fact, it seems most likely that but for the Salzburgers the colony would have been given up. To all the denunciations of worthlessness charged against the colony- by its enemies, the thrift of the Salzburgers was brought forward in rebuttal. If the sands of the Savannah were called barren, the crops of the Salz burgers were cited to prove the charge unfounded. The showing which the friends of the Province were thus enabled
""Wrig-ht's "Og-lethorpe," p. 77.

TUB SC\NS OF TEMPERANCE.

419

Worthy Patriarch, Wm. Ilaines, District No. 5, Richmond.

Past \Yorlhy Patriarch, JI. Garmany, "

" 6, Baldwin,

Past Worthy Patriarch, T. Flewellen, "

" 7, Upson and Pike counties.

Past Worthy Patriarch, \V. H. llewecs "

"8, Hultscounty.

Fast "Worthy Patriarch, A. G. Butts, "

" 9, Southwestern Georgia.

Messrs. Williford, Dibble, and Murdoch were appointed a committee to correspond with the editor of the "Temper ance Banner," and if practicable, arrange terms for making that paper the organ of the Order in Georgia.
At the quarterly Grand Division meeting-, January 12, 1848, the organization of Eureka Division, No. 16, at Albany is reported, Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch Butts being the instituting officer-
The committee appointed to secure from the Legislature an act of incorporation for the Grand Division, reported that the act passed to the third reading", when it was lost, " the only instance on record when the Legislature of Georgia has refused to incorporate a charitable institution ; and why have they refused this?" Mr. Felt answers:
" I believe the only true reason y^ieh can be assigned for the refusal is, that the word fcmp^rancr was named in it. As it will be nearly two years before the Legislature will meet .-ijrain, ; 1 do not know that it is necessary for the Grand Division to take any further action in the matter at present."

A rcso!ution was introduced at this meeting, that the Grand Representatives to the National Division be requested to urge that body to so alter its constitution as to allow clerks and those who furnish spirituous liquors for cus tomers," to be eligible to membership in subordinate divi sions, but the resolution was tabled.
The committee in reference to securing- an organ for the order, reported that they had perfected arrangements with Mr. B. Brantley of the " Temperance Banner," by which that sheet was to include in its title the words, " Or gan of the Sons of Temperance in Georgia," and from onehalf to one whole column was to be at the disposal of the order for publishing a list of Grand Division officers and Deputies, and a list oJ the Subordinate Divisions in the StaK",

1 After 1843 the Georgia Legislature, for thirteen years.met biennially.

420

THE SONS Ol-' TEMPKRAXCE.

fur all of which the order was to pay twenty-five dollars amiually. Xhe report was accepted and adopted.
As to the incorporating act, \ve find this comment upon the Honorables : "Many of the members (of the .Legislature), no doubt, were afraid that by the influence of o?tr principles, f/u-ir drinking privileges might be restricted. Your committce learn that \ve ai-c under many obligations to Air. Ramsay of Harris county, for his firm defence of the bill."
As this proposed act was identical save in the names of l he applicants, and in two or three unimportant verbal changes, with the incorporating act which finally passed the Legislature four" years later (1851 -2), we may be pardoned for inserting the latter, not only for its historical value, but also to show from what threatening dangers the prudence of the Oeneral Assembly of 1847 saved the State.

" Till'. ACT.
""WiiF-REAd, "W. S. Williford, William Dibble, George S. Obear, P. A. Lawson, G. L. McLesky, Joseph Felt, Barnard Hill, John J. Floyd, E. G. Cab mess. and T. S. Pinckard, have, by their memorial, stated that there exist divers subordiiiaLe divisions of the Sons of Temperance in this State, over which there is a pre siding; or superintending Grand Division, composed of the memorialists, as mem bers, and others who have joined in promoting: the good of the order, founded on the principles of temperance, benevolence and brotherly love, Lhe object; of which is to shield from the evils of in temperance, afford mutual assistance in case of sick-

'' SRC. XXV11. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Georgia in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, that the several persons hereinbefore named, and others who are, or may become, members of the Grand Division of th Sons of Temper ance of the State of Georgia and their successors, shall be, and they are hereby de creed to be, a body politic and corporate, in name and deed, by the style <>f ' The Grand Division of the Sons of Temperance of the State of Georgia,' sairl Grand Division to be located at M aeon, or such other place as may be determined on by said Grand Division, and by said name and style shall have perpetual succession oC officers and members, and a common seal, to use. and shall have full power to make and amend, change and alter such by-laws as may be agreed upon by the members of die same, Prwidt-J, such by-laws be not repugnant to the constitution and laws of this State, or the United States.
"SEC. XXVITT. And be it further enacted by the authority of the same : That they shall have full power and authority, under the style and name of the Grand Division of the Sons of Temperance of the State of Georgia, to take, hold, and enjoy, real and personal property, to sue and be sued, implead and be im-

THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE.

421

pleaded, answer and be answered unto, in any court of law or equity, or any tri
bunal having jurisdiction thereof, and also to receive, take, and apply, bequests, devises, or donations, that may be made to mid for the uses and purposes intended by said institution, and shall be, and are hereby declared to be. vested with all the powers and advantages, privileges, and emoluments -jf :\ society of people incor porated, to the purposes and intention uf their laudable institution.
" Si;r. XXIX. And be it further enacted, etc., That all regular subordinate divisions under the power and jurisdiction of the said Crand Division, and such others as may be chartered by authority of the same, are hereby declared to be bodies politic and corporate, in name and deed, bv whatsoever style and name they may be called and known in their constitutions, with equal powers to those which art; hereby granted the said ' (Jnmd Division of the Suns of Temperance of the State of Georgia,' so long as the said subordinate divisions remain under tbe power and jurisdiction of the said ( Irand Division, and in all things abide by, and conform themselves to, the resolutions and by-laws of the same, and no longer.''
Such was the act which the far-sig-hted(?) House of Rep resentatives refused to pass in 1847, but enacted in 1857-2. The bill was introduced by Mr. Bethune of Muscogee, and after its rejection, Mr. Ramsay of Harris, tried in vain to secure a reconsideration. At the same session several lodges, institutes, and the Irish Union Society of Savannah were in corporated* and other acts almost identical in language with the proposed incorporating act for the Sons of Temperance, were constantly passing both branches of the Assembly. The stigma, which this Assembly of 1847 aflixed to the fair name of the State, cannot be explained on any enlightened or hon orable motives. It would be far more agreeable to omit this paragraph from Georgia's legislative annals, but the truth of history demands that it be chronicled. A majority of the representatives of 184.7 were either too cowardly or too much in love with liquor and the liquor power, to grant a legal existence never before denied to a moral or beneficent organization.
During the first quarter of 1848, the Sons of Temper ance Divisions of the State nearly doubled--going up from sixteen to thirty. Two of these new divisions were established in Columbus, and one each at Stone Mountain, PenAeld, Haralson, SandersviHe, St. Cloud, Fort Gaines, Atlanta, Franklin, Newman, Lincolnton, Sparta,and Gallioretta.
The promptness of the Grand Scribe, Wm. Dibble, was

422

THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE.

acknowledged by an order from the division, that tic be pre sented with a gold pen and pencil, and the financial condition was thought to be such as to justify the paying the actual expenses of the grand deputies in their work, likewise were the expenses of the other grand ofEcers to be defrayed.
To devise methods for ^/^rz?^" the State was a prob lem before the Grand Division; representative Guyard pro posed the employment of one agent in each Congressional District, whose compensation was to be provided for by vol untary contributions from the Divisions.
It was also recommended that a great temperance camp-meeting -on the same plan with the religious meetings of the same class should be held at some suitable camp ground. This meeting was to commence on Friday evening, the day o( , and continue as long as "might be thought proper; temperance music was to be provided, and the model of an old fashioned camp meeting was to be followed out.
With the July session (1848) the quarterly meetings \\ere changed into semi-annual, in accordance with the new rule adopted that year by the National Division. Thus Georgia scored one victory in the National Division, having secured one of the measures which her Grand Division had asked for formerly.
At the annual meeting in October, the number of divi sions had swelled to ninety-two, in full operation, and dispen sations had been granted to twelve others which had not yet been instituted. The former opposition, not only from rumscllers and rum-drinkers, but even from the church, had at tirst impeded the order. Now we are told that the oppo sition from the church is fast giving way, and many minis ters o! the(rospel had become active members of the Order.
The rumscllers opposition had also been somewhat lessened, but from other causes. While a few had closed their doors from a conviction that they were doing wrong, manv more had done the same, because the order had taken a\vay their customers. Many rum-drinkers were now "clothed, and in their right mind.*

THE* SONS OF TEMPERANCE

423

The deputies had been very active this year in the organization of divisions, and special acknowledgments were made to Messrs. Flcwellen, Lawson, Foglc, Walker, and B. Brantley, for their efficient services.
A salary of $300 was allowed the Grand Scribe for his services.
ft seems that some question as to the full import of the pledge had been raised, and to meet this difficulty Repre sentative Smith offered the following, which was /za^wzTMj^y adopted :
".AVjo/zv^, That it is the sense of this Grand Division that the drinking" of J7{w^ <r;"</!?f- is a violation of the pledge.
"^/w/z/v/^ That the above resolution be published in the Temperance Man ner. signed by the Grand Worthy Patriarch and Grand Scribe."
The officers elected for 1840 were the following, viz.:
Bernard mil, Grand Worthy Patriarch; William Dibble, Grand Worthy Asso ciate; W. S. WillLford, Grand Scribe; G. W. Key, Grand Ghaplain; E.G. Granniss, Grand Treasurer; P. A. J.,awson, Gnmd Conductor; T. y. Gardner, Grand Sentinel.
The semi-annual session of the Grand Division was held in Griffin, April 25, 1849. The number of divisions had grown to 16$. Two divisions Ogcechee and Sand Town had failed ; the former from opposition from ?f//^?Z, and improper understanding of work ?c/zYA;, the division. The Sand Town Division had failed from " the violent opposition to our cause of the members of the Christian church in its immediate neighborhood."
The following, offered by Grand Conductor Lawson, was adopted :
"V?rjo/:vrf/, That a. grand jubilee of our order, under the direction of this Grand Division, be held in the city of Macon on Wednesday, the a^th of October, and that a banner be presented to the division which shall turn ont strongest on Hiat occasion, in comparison with the distance and convenience of travel, and the number of members in the division; /^/"tw/V/i!/, that Divisions l*fos. i and ?3 shall not be considered in the award."
October 24, 1849, the Grand Division met in its annual session. Near two hundred delegates were in attendance, and many visitors beside. The occasion of the jubilee, and the high, tide on which the order was riding, combined to bring a great influx of visitors into Macon. The jubilee

424

THE SONS or TEMPKKANCK.

address was delivered by Dr. Alexander Means of Oxford, and a committee of three was appointed to thank the speaker for his " able, chaste and eloquent address, and request a copy for publication."
The prise banner was awarded to Triumph Division, No. 250, of Box Ankle, Stewart county. One would suppose that this division merited the banner, as it had attended the jubilee en masse--every one of its fourteen members beingpresent, and the " Forsyth Bee" tells us that the division iva/ked one hundred and seventy-five miles to reach M~acon, and sivam several rt-vcrs on the ivay.
The report of the Active Patriarch, Mr. Hill, shows that during1 this year 147 new divisions were formed, bringing1 the whole number thus far organized up to 251,
The committee appointed to examine Grand Worthy Patriarch Hill's report recommended a vote of thanks to the Grand Worthy Patriarch, " for the very able and zealous manner in "which he has tilled the office for the past year, believing- that the unparalleled success of the order lias been owing1 in some degree to his untiring zeal in the cause for which we are associated, and that a National Division regalia be presented to him as a token of our regard-"
At, this session of the Grand Division we find the first official notice taken by the Grand Division of the " Cadets of Temperance," and the Grand Worthy Patriarch's report in forms the Grand Division that the National Division had given authority to several Grand Divisions to make such ar rangements with the "Cadets" and the "Younger Brothers" within their several jurisdictions,as they may deem " proper for the better advancement of the temperance cause. There are ten or more sections of Cadets of Temperance in this State, many of which, (and probably all) are in a highly flour ishing condition, and doing much good within their member ship and influence, in forming (in youth) habits of virtue and temperance. These sections are without any connectional organization, and, 1 understand, design shortly to organize a

HE SON; S OF TKM PEKANCK.

425

State Grand Section. T bespeak for them your favorable consideration."
The committee to whom was referred the part of the Grand Worthy Patriarch's report in reference to the " Ca dets," reported it " highly important to organize a Grand Section of Cadets in this State, under the supervision and direction of this Grand Division." The committee also rec ommend uniformity of rules, constitutions, usages, etc., and advise the appointing1 a committee of five to draft a constitu tion and devise forms for subordinate sections, which com mittee must report at the April (1850) session of the Grand Division.
One hundred dollars were loaned to the Grand Scribe for paying- for the printing- of this matter for the " Cadets." Those sections which had been organized under the Pennsyl vania arid1 New York Grand Sections were to be furnished with the new Constitution and Form Book free of cost- It was resolved that this committee of five should be authorized to organize a Grand Section of Cadets of Temperance, and report at the April meeting.
Augusta Division was causing trouble to the Grand Division at this time by "receiving and retaining members in their division while engaged as clerks in the sale of alco holic liquors." The Grand Worthv Patriarch tried to cor rect the evii through Deputy Hairies, and afterward through Deput}- Felt, but both officers failed, and the Grand Deputy appointed a committee of three to open correspondence \vith the refractory division, and demand compliance with the law of the order, or the surrender of the division charter.
The officers elected for 1850 were the following:
John J-. Floyd, Grand Worthy Patriarch; Alexander Means, Grand Chaplain; P. A. Lawson, Grand Worthy Associate; Thomas Flewellen, Grand Conductor; W. S. \Vil3iford, Grand Scribe; John \Y. Burke, Grand Sentinel; E. C. Granniss, Grand Treasurer.
It is proper now to bring up to this new decade, begin ning with 1850, some other departments of temperance work, that our history may preserve something (.if chronological order, and present the simultaneous growth of all the forms of temperance labor.

CHAPTER XXX.

OTHER PARTS OF THE FIELD.

" Though days of denial Their sorows repeat,
YJon't give up the trial Till sure of defeat;

Have missed the sweet boon,

Because they relinquished

The contuse too soon."

--Josephine Pollard.

THE CATHOLIC TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETIES.
It has been a subject of much regret to the author that he has been unable to secure such full data of the work of the Catholic Total Abstinence Society in Georgia as he could wish. Most of the surviving members, even of that society seem to attribute its organization to the visit of Father Mathew to Georgia in the winter of 1840-50. But that this is a mistake we may readily infer from the account of Mr. Hawkins' address in the Catholic Church of Savannah, which we have already cited.
But in point of fact, the organization of the Catholic Total Abstinence Society in Georgia antedates Mr. Hawkins* visit by several years. The moving spirit in the re form was Rev. J. F. O'Neil, of Savannah. Doubtless the movement was inspired by the wonderful success which Father Mathew was meeting with in Ireland, and the intem perate habits of so many of his Irish parishioners, doubtless impelled Father O'Neil to commence his good work.
The nrst account of the Catholic Total Abstinence So ciety, which the author has been able to nnd, was copied from the "Savannah Republican" of March, 1841. The

OTHKK rARTri OF THE FIELD.

427

writer praises the temperance cause for its most salutary re sults for good which it has exercised upon society in Savannah. It had already "diminished to some extent the importation into this place fromNorthern ports, of spirituous liquors. May its good effects continue to increase, and may the reverend gentleman who is devoting his time and talents in so righteous a cause* and all those who are engaged with him, receive the reward of their Heavenly Master/
From this extract we may infer that the society prob ably began its existence about 1840.
The following is the form of pledge subscribed to by the society :

To abstain from all [ntoxicatmg Liquors
while i am
Ibis Society, cx.cept when prescribed as i medicine by a bkillful
person."
On the back of the pledge is a form of prayer which is used daily by those who subscribe thereto. It is as follows: " May God grant me grace to keep my pledge through the Cross and Passion of Jesus Christ. Amen."
Of the Catholic Total Abstinence Society when Mr. Hawkins visited Savannah, we have already taken notice. It would seem from the account given in " Hawkins* Life" that the Catholic congregation on that occasion signed the \Vashingtoman pledge. This latter pledge was more com prehensive than the Catholic Total Abstinence Obligation, inasmuch as malt liquors, wine, and cider were included in it.
How widely extended in Georgia was the Catholic

428

OTHER PARTS OF THE J-'lELD.

Total Abstinence Society, the author has not been able to ascertain. There was a society in Augusta, which took part, Or at least, WAS, programmed to take part, in the 4th of July (1842) festivities, ft is possible that other such societies may have existed elsewhere in G-eorgia, but they were probably not very numerous.
All probably owed their existence to Rev. J. F. O'Neil, who also established some societies in South Carolina. 1 These societies perhaps kept up a sort of existence, until the coming of Father Mathevv, when they were greatly revived.
Air. G. W. G-armany of Savannah, in u letter to the writer, gives the J olio wing personal recollections in regard to Catholic Total Abstinence Societies :
" The Roman Catholics stood aloof from the ' Close Orders.' Those organi zations were considered by their clergy as seen f societies, and %a such in violation of church rules.
" The ' Open Order ' was favored in Savannah by Father J. F. O'Neil and in Augustrt by the Rev. Father iJarrie. And about 1849 or 1850, at the coming of Father Mathew, and through his efforts and influence, a wonderful impetus was given in the Catholic congregations particularly. The interest was kept up with varying degrees, until the war. After its close, Father Pendergast took an earn eat hold of the cause in. Savannah, and brought the Si. Patrick Total Abstinence Society up to be the most powerful (individual) society in the State, and it is still one of the must numerous, this other Catholic clergy having kept actively at work in the cause. since Father Pendergast left Savannah.
" When the Sons of Temperence were at their strongest, although the Catholics would not join them, their clergy (untie? the lend of Father O'Neil) every one signed a petition asking for an ordinance by the city council, to prevent the wale of liquors on Sunday. (The closing of grog shops. J ''
It is a matter of regret that no more data from the work of Rev. J. F. O'Neil has been obtainable.
That this gentleman was a great power for good in Savannah, and chiefly among a class of persons who could not have been reached through any other agency, is perfectly plain.
CO.I.D WATER ARMY.
An antiquarian friend tells the author that this organ ization was introduced into Georgia by Rev. Dabney P. Jones, and about 1848 or 1849. This gentleman is certainly
1 Rev. Father Barrie of Savannah was also active in the work.

OTHKR PARTS OK TIIC Flttl D.

429

mistaken, as to the date at, least, for the Cold Water Army was in Georgia fully six or eight years before the date mentioned. Thus we find the " Temperance Banner" and the ' Washingtoniau," about 1843 and 1844, ln ^ry'in S *- ct statistics from all temperance societies in the State, asking that the number of the Cold "Water army should be reported along- with the number of the temperance society. At Mouticello, in 1843, there was a compairy of the " Army " numbering- eighty members. There were doubtless many other companies, but the author has not been able to gather statistics of their numbers or organization. The army seems to have kept up its organization longer tha.n many of the efforts made by the older people,
Mr. Garmanv says: " The Cold Water arnyy was organised here (Savanna!)) about 1854--only one company.
" The boys kept up their company with much pride, escorting their comrades ' one by one ' to the depot or wharf as they lc!t for distant schools and collcg-es. The war came on and they returned home, joined the ' Og-lethorpe Light Infantry' under Capt. Francis S. Bartow, volunteered, and went into the Virginia army. The deeds of valor and the shattered ranks of Bartow's Regiment at the * first battle ' of Mauassas, tells what became of the Cold Water army of Savannah, There were but few of the command that escaped the iron and leaden hail that was poured in upon their ranks. A few, however, did escape, and some still live in Savannah.
" I was gratified, a few weeks ago, when a man made himself known to me as a Mr. Wright; he was the youngest member of the Cold Water army. My heart beat with joy to see this mature, sober man, whom 1 remember as the almost infant member of the Cold Water army."
Doubtless the experience of the Savannah company was not an isolated one. How many a gallant soldier now lies sleeping1 under the little hillocks that are scattered from the Potomac to the Rio G-rande, in the swamps and on the mountains, who began his service in the juvenile companies of the Cold Water army, Glad indeed would this chron-

430

OTHER PARTS OF THK J-TEKI).

icier be, had he ample data to give a more detailed and complete history of those youthful bands and trace the character-moulding influences of those childrens temperance organizations to which, no doubt, many a sober, upright citizen to-day owes no small part of the probity with which he is now credited.

THE " TKAf PERANCE BANNER " AXI) ITS FIRST gBlTOR.
Very frequent allusions to the "Temperance Banner" have already been made* and from its columns ^hieAy at second-hand much information has been gleaned in the progress of our work. An account of the "Banner" has been postponed to this late place in the hope that something more complete might be furnished from which the sketch could be prepared. This hope has not been realized. Only two or three volumes of the "Banner" could be found after a most exhaustive search. The last editor (Col. J, H. Seals of the " Sunny South") lost his ofRceand files when Shernian burned Atlanta in November, 1864, and only a few copies have been discovered in other hands. This is the more to be regretted, as the "Banner" was the first temperance paper established in the South, and %/rry few temperance papers have ever had so long a lease of life (1834 1864).
To the Rev. Jcssc Mercers conversion to the temper ance cause reference has already been made, rlaving been converted, heart, mind, and y^^f^fw^ he became financial surety for the new z/f^?;rr a temperance newspaper, an un heard of attempt in the South. The paper was established at Washington, Georgia, in July, ? 834, Its editors \vere Rev. W. H. Stokes and Rev. Wm. A. Mercer.
Of the senior and chief editor, we present here a sKetch partly from the " History ol the Baptist Church in Georgia," and partly from the pen of his niece, Miss M. H. Stokes, the present indefatigable secretary of the Georgia Womens Christian Temperance Union. The name ^>/<?^rj seems to be closely linked with the temperance cause. Not only has the relationship been illustrated by the _^rjV temperance editor,

OTHER PARTS OF THE FIEUX

431

and the first Women's Christian Temperance Union Secre tary, but also the organizer ot the Cadets of Temperance, a juvenile order still a power for good, was Wyndham H, Stokes of G-ermantown, Pennsylvania.

REV. WILLIAM II. STOKES
was born m Laurens District, South Carolina, in 1798. Irle was licensed to preach in 1825 and came to Georgia in 1829. For the next four or five years Mr, Stokes was engaged partly in teaching, and partly in missionary \vork in Western Georgia and in Alabama. In 1833, when the * Christian Index " was bought by Rev. Jesse Mercer and transferred to Georgia from Philadelphia, its former place of publication, Mr. Stokes became associate editor of the new paper which was established at Washington, Georgia.
From, an old diary kept by Mr, Stokes and now in pos session of his daughter, Mrs. Hillsman of Madison, Georgia, we extract the following:

was lustra mental in subduing, and how many victims it rescued from the con sequences of drunkenness, eternity alone will disclose."
While engaged thus in editing a religious and atempez~ance paper, "Mr, Stokes was also pastor of the Crawfords. ville Baptist Church, and preached often to churches in country neighborhoods. As travel in. those days was prin cipally by private conveyance, he would sometimes not reach home until night had set in, and his daughter remem bers that on such occasions the older children would say they 'feared Pa was killed this time' for his life had been threatened by liquor sellers."

432

OTIIKK PARTS OF THE FIELD.

As the temperance and the mission questions were con vulsing the Baptist Church in those days and finally produced a division in the church, and as the champions of one of the new measures -were likewise the advocates of the other, many of the missionary preachers were barred out of churches in which the anti element predominated. Mr. Stokes was not without experience of this same treatment. In March, 1832, having been voted out of a church in Western Georgia on account of his missionary and temperance sentiments, he makes a long, but uncomplaining account of the matter in his diary. In the latter part of the recital he uses these words:

Mr. Stokes, when the " Index" and "Banner" were removed to Peniield about the first of the year 1841, also took up his abode in that new town, the then seat of Mercer University. But shortly afterward, having- closed his edi torial career, he removed to Hancock county, where he be came pastor of certain churches. In 1854 he removed to Texas, settling near Marshall, where he died in 1862.
After the "Banner's" transfer to Penfield, it was owned and edited by Mr. Benjamin Brantley, a name well known in the Georgia temperance annals. Mr. Brantley ran the paper until 1855, when it was purchased by Col. John H. Seals, now of the "Sunny South," Atlanta. Col. Seals says that he ran the paper under its old name for a year or two, then changed it to "The Temperance Crusader." He adds:

OTHER PARTS OF THE FIELD.

433

old apostle of the cause. ''Moral Suasion' was the only policy advocated, and all powerful was his eloquence; on this line."
As before mentioned, Col. Seals' files perished in the Atlanta holocaust of 1864--a loss which the author has, after his utmost efforts, failed to completely supply. Only a few of the volumes has he been able to find, after his longsearch. So far as can be ascertained, this paper lived longer (thirty years) than, any other temperance paper ever pub-lished--i-n-Am,eri.ca-x Vet, strange as it may appear, the author has been unable to find the slightest mention made of the 'Banner" in any of the lists of temperance periodicals of the ante-bellum period. Dr. Albert G.Lawson, in his paper en titled/' What the Century has Shown in ^Temperance) Literature" read before the Centennial Temperance Conference, in Phil adelphia, in 1885, in his summary of temperance newspapers, utterly ignores the " Banner," as, indeed, he has left out all mention of Southern temperance publications of that time, save "The Temperance Herald," published at Lexington, KvDr. La\vsoii docs not mention a single temperance paper, pamphlet, address, or report of any kind which belonged to Georgia of the olden time. Even Dr. C. D. Mallary's " Prince Alcohol," published by the American Tract Society, and widely circulated, is left unnoticed.
Another catalogue of Washingtonian papers omits all notice of the "Augusta Washingtonian." Very many ad dresses delivered before State conventions, at celebrations, and on other important occasions, were published either in pamphlet or newspaper form, yet Georgia is credited with no temperance literature of any kind. Why this strange omission? Was it because of the action of the State Tern-

r erv
paper, when the Murcl excitement was still in the very air? From whatever cause, so far as being counted in the ranks of temperance literature is concerned, Georgia temperance pub lications had as well have been issued in Congo.

434

OTHER PARTS OF THE FIELD.

But, to return to the " Banner." The Temperance Soci ety in 1835 and in 1836 commended the paper. While the " Banner," at the first, was the champion of the old temper ance societies founded on the moderation principle, it moved along with the current of advancing- thought, and became the advocate of total abstinence. It stood up bravely for the Flournoy petition in 1839, receiving1 its full share of abuse for the same. When the Washing-toman movement added fresh life to all departments of temperance work, the " Ban ner," although not the organ of the new crusade, was still fighting1 on the total abstinence line, and the State Conven tion, organized in 1843, declared strongly in its favor, and the next year adopted the paper as its organ. Under the head ing;, " Organ of the Slate Temperance Convention" the paper was issued for several years. We have already seen how the Sons of Temperance adopted the " Banner," a few years later, as their organ. In 1855, when B. II. Overby was the temperance candidate for Governor, the paper championed him, and Col. Seals writes that it was also a Good Templar organ.
Thus, few temperance papers in America have had so varied an experience as the " Banner." .As champion of the old " Moderation " societies, then as a total abstinence advo cate, then urging the repeal of the license laws in the Flournoy agitation, then a moral suasionist of the total abstinence type, then the organ of the State Convention, then battling for the Sons of Temperance, and other tem perance orders of various kinds ; then laboring" for a temper ance candidate, pure and simple--prohibition,--the " Ban ner" ran the whole gamut of the temperance scale, but it never advocated license as a temperance measure. The " Banner " was a power for good in Georgia, and since its demise no other temperance periodical in the State has been able to take or maintain such a place in the popular affection as this first Southern press champion of the noble cause.
THE STATE TEMPERANCE CONVENTION
met at Griffin in 1846. Of its full proceedings the author

OTHER PARTS OF THE FIELD.

435

has not been able to obtain a copy; but the employment of a State lecturer was still an unanswered question before the body. It seems that the committee had been unable to procure the services of Mr. Gough, as the convention had voted, and no other lecturer had been selected. Various efforts were made to supply the deficiency. One District Society sought to remedy the failure by a kind of volunteer Lecture Bureau, in which ten or twelve gentlemen agreed to stump the district during- the 3T ear. Gut this method did not work well, comparatively little being done. Neverthe less, the new temperance machinery now put into the field in the form of new organizations, was making itself felt, and so much vitality was exhibited that it was determined -to make a strong rally to Griffin in 1847, and form some tuorfciiig plan for the future. Some societies niel on the 22cl of February--notably a district meeting' at Forsyth, called by Rev. S. G-, Bragg, an Episcopalian clergyman, who was vicepresident of that Congressional ID i strict Society. Many other meetings \vere held, and so much enthusiasm created, that the Griffin Convention of June 23, 1.847, was the largest deleg-ated body ever held in the State to that time. The "Banner" estimates the number of delegates at three hundred, though one can hardly count up more than two hundred from the minutes. Judge Lumpkin, the president, was absent, and Rev. S- G- Bragg, third vice-president, was called to the chair. H. H. Tucker, the regular secretary, was present, and James H. Bailey was made his assistant
There were represented here : Twenty-two " Temper ance " societies, thirteen " Total. Abstinence " societies, thirteen Washingtonian societies, five Divisions Sons of Temperance, one Temperance Association, and two Cold Water armies. Thirty counties were represented by socie ties of some order. These counties were mostly in the middle belt of the State, but Savannah was \vell represented by several societies. Augusta, the late headquarters of Wasbing-tonianisrn, was not represented! South Carolina sent a delegation, consisting of Hon. J. B. O'Neal, Major S. S.

43^

< JTHKK PARTS <JI' T H K FIELD.

McCulloch, Rev. W. B. Yates, Andrew Wallace, Rice DuLin, James Divver, G. W. Garmany, J. M. Woodruff, and J. Bryce.
In the afternoon of the fii-st day the convention formed in procession and marched to the Baptist Church, where hi on. J. B. O'Neal, the distinguished South Carolina orator, delivered to an immense audience a stirring- address of more than two hours in length. The publication of the address was asked for. In compliment to the South Carolina dele gation, a committee of thirty, with Judge Lumpkiu at its head, was appointed to visit the State Convention of the Palmetto State, to be held at Winnsboro in the followingmonth. Addresses were also delivered bv Mr. Yates of South Carolina, and Lieut. Duryee of New York.
On the second morning- of the convention, the Coid Water army oi Griffin, composed of boys, for the most part of ten or twelve j^ears of age, with their banners, and arrayed in tasteful uniforms, presented themselves before the convention. Rev. Mr. Wilson introduced the young" warriors and tendered their services for the "great 'moral conflict with a celebrated Prince called Alcohol."
"This interesting- taaod of \varriors lender their services U during- the war, and pledge to you, sir, their sacred honors. Tl by their side and the motto inscribed upon their banners, tell you of their warfare are not carnal. TM ~;'~ * They hope their scr rejeeted by this body."
The Captain of the army then addressed the convention in a neat and appropriate manner. He was followed by the Secretary of the Army, who, in a capital speech, presented to the convention a copy of the Constitution of the Cold Water Army of Griffin, with the names of the members--seventyone in all-- "enlisted for life, to fight under the Banner of President Cold Water against King- Alcohol. * * * We, sir, are a small band of small boys ; but if kind heaven per mits us to live, we will be men like yourselves by and by, and we are determined to be temperance men."
The Captain of the Macon Cold Water Army--Master EUis -- then offered a toast. The "Banner" says: "The scene

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437

to us was one of the greatest interest. There were very few dry eyes in the convention." Some of the canteens were Ailed with water from streams flowing into the Gulf ; others from streams disemboguing into the Atlantic, to symbolize the broad philanthropy of the temperance cause. The ven erable Dr. Lovick Pierce and Hon. J. B. (J'Ncnl responded to the addresses and the toast with "most touching and pa thetic eloquence/* and then, at the request of the convention, President Rragg "invoked the blessing of the Lord of frosts upon the Cold Water Army."
Among the matters submitted by the business commit tee was the following query : " Is the selling of intoxicating liquors, cither by wholesale or retail, consistent with the total abstinence pledge?*' Jt seems the committee expected that the discussion would be a two-sided affair, as they pre sented the question with the preface that it was submitted for " friendly, if not y^rywo/zzioMJ discussion." Nobody, how ever, was found to champion the negative, and the conven tion rendered, by unanimous vote, an affirmative answer to the query/
The convention found that *' from indications, palpable and manifest," the temperance reform had "received a new impulse." In order to keep the cause moving onward and not lose Lhc advantage, the old remedy was recommended of meetings of the societies at least monthly, and all pastors were urged to preach on the subject of temperance at least once a year.
The necessity for employing " some able and prudent person to lecture on temperance in the State," was apparent, and the executive committee received instructions to employ such an agent.
The " Banner'' received strong indorsement from the convention, also Dr. Edwards' " Temperance Manual." The good effects of district meetings were so apparent that it was urged that they be held yearly. Just before the meeting of
The convention AVjf/wi/, that the selling of intoxicating liquors, either by
wholesale or retail, is xnr consistent \vith the total abstinence pledge."

43 8

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the State Convention county organizations were urged, and banners and badges lor each were advised.
As to communications received by this convention, it was a subject of remark how widel}' their spirit varied from that of former \-ears. No\v all was encouragement, then almost all was gloom and despondency. It was declared that " there now exists a more healthy state of feeling- on the subject of temperance than has ever before been known in Georgia." The circulation of tracts and temperance song books, and the organization of juvenile temperance societies were urged, and every member was asked to lay before his communitv "the inconsistency and pernicious effects of the present license system." A hand was also extended to " hail the total abstinence sailor." The Seaman's Total Abstinence Society of Savannah was represented in the convention by Mr. William K.ing.
On the second day addresses were delivered by Rev. D. P. Jones, Hon. J. B. O'Neal, and Dr. L. Pierce. But per haps the most important act of: this convention was to ap point as its Slate lecturer

REV. DABNEY P. JONES.

Of all the champions of temperance who have appeared in Georgia, no other has been so well known to the masses of the people as "Uncle Oabney" P. Jones. It has been a matter of much regret to the author that he has been un able to find a diary of Mr. Jones' labors--one kept by his own hand. Such a journal would of itself be a history of Georgia temperance for near two decades. From Mr. Jones' son, Dr. G-. L. Jones, of Apopka, Fla, we have some account of Mr. Jones' life--though only a very small part of his temperance labors can now be recorded. From Dr. Jones' letter we extract the following :
""Dabney Philipps Jones was born in Rowan county, North Carolina, Septem ber 13, 1791, and died near Palmetto, Georgia, March 7, 1867.

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439

in Madison and in Ogiethorpe (counties). About 1829 be removed to Coweta county, then almost a trackless wilderness, and opened up a farm about five miles south of Palmetto. (White gives this item in a sketch of Mr. Jones. l)
" 'Mr. Jones assisted in creeling the first church in Coweta, and preached [he first sermon in Newrnan, in a rude log bouse. He also delivered his first temper ance lecture on the 4(.h of July, 1832, and from this period until 1847 he lectured at most of the Superior Courts, when the friends of temperance called upon him to be their representative. Mr. Jones' labors are well known in Georgia. He is an interesting man, full of anecdote, and one cannot be in his company without being convinced of his worth.' "
Dr. Jones says that his father labored in the organiza tion of AVashingtonian societies.
"The beginning of his public career as a lecturer was at Griffin, Georgia. A State Temperance Convention was held there, at which a Mr. ITewlitt \vas put in nomination for State f^cturer, with a salary of $i,So a year. This my father earnestly opposed, on account of the salary feature, and it was defeated; where upon some friend, unexpectedly to my father, put him in nomination. This he positively declined; but the convention would not let him off, and he finally con sented, if they would leave off the salary feature. He was then unanimously elected, and from that time on for some years, at his own expense, except voluntary contributions (and, as his family veil knew, at financial loss, in neglect of his private business), he traveled over the whole State--not a county in the State that he failed to visit and lecture in. He probably had a larger yV7-.w<i/ acquaintance than any other man who ever lived in the State. Universally known, and called by old and young, white and black, ' Uncle ])abney.' Thave heard him speak of an appointment: he had in Mullock counly, 'in the wire grass." Threats were made by some 'roughs,' that he should not speak. lie went, and found a crowd, and among them some rough fellows with large sticks. When the time for speaking arrived, he went into the stand, and they arose and started to him, when a large, square-shouldered woman arose and stood up before him, and lold them they would have to walk over her dead body to get to him. [Dr. Jones does not say what was the outcome of the affair, but wo may presume the Ajwzv.? (?) recoiled from the woman and took their leave of the speaker.] He organized many divisions of the Sons of Temperance, t have an old banner presented by 'Uncle Dabucy' Division; also, a large ////rjjvrv silver cup, presented bj a division organized by him in Tennessee. Almost the last effort of his life was in Chattanooga, in iS66. Just after the war, broken np financially, dispirited, old, and feeble in health, he refused a number of urgent appeals from frieuda in that city, but finally consented to go. They met him at the train and escorted him to the hotel. At night the Episcopal Church was thrown open for the meeting. He delivered a lecture, and at its dost?, opened the doors of the Sons of Temperance (the city was then garrisoned with Federal troops), when among the large number that came forward was a federal officer, and, without thinking, he placed his hand upon his shoulder, and said, 'My friend, yon arc about to put on a more honorable uniform than vou have ever worn before.'
* "Historical Collections." p. 41.4.

44

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This brought down the house. Me was escorted hack to the train at night, came
home, and a few days after :i carload of corn-- very much needed--followed.
"L attended my father in his last illness. 1 thought he needed stimulants, but he said if 1 could not gel them except from a barroom, he would die without
them."
Such was the man selected by the Griffin Convention in 1847 as its lecturer. The position was no sinecure. The year's report shows that it was one of toil. Rev. Hiram Phinazee, it seems, was also to be in the field, but, his health soon breaking down, Mr. Jones was left to bear the brunt alone. At the convention held July, 1848, in Atlanta, Mr. Jones reports for the year $,$5$ miles traveled--a very large part by private conveyance--lectured before eighty-five societies, forty-one of which he organized or revived from the dead. " 1 have received in all about 3,000 signatures to our pledge ; many of the societies I have formed now number three or four times their original members. T have delivered 145 lectures, besides discharging duties connected with my clerical office."
Perhaps 3,000 signatures may not seem such a great work after all. Father Mathew, laboring in cities and crowded centers, could address more than that number each day. But *' Uncle" Dabucy had no such a teeming constit uency. Very few towns in Georgia could count more than a few hundred each of population, and ofttimcs long stretches of wilderness, or of sparsely inhabited country, must be traversed in going from one town to another. As to com pensation " tjncle " Dabney says: " I have received in all from volunteer contributions, along with some clothing valued at the price paid by friends, $555. All rny expenses, including a buggy and two horses for the public service, amount to $379.12^. Deduct this from $555, leaves a bal ance in my favor of $1/6.87^."
The work of the agent was a somewhat varied one. *A1though not then an authorized agent for establishing Sons of Temperance Divisions, he speaks of organizing several, tie revived Washingtonian--total abstinence--and old regular societies. Total abstinence seems, however, to have been

OTHICR PARTS OF THE

441

the basis of all. He was also very active in forming sec tions of the Cold Water army, and verv many of these youthful soldiers were enrolled through his efforts.
About this time we find some discussion about the propriety of forming- temperance societies among the colored people.
A correspond en t writing to the " Banner " in June, 1847, hardly thinks it advisable. % his writer, who signs himself " Sprucewall," describing a visit to a meeting- of the blacks held for the purpose of forming a temperance society among them, says : "The first preliminary was a very good prayermeeting---then followed an attempt to organize them into a temperance club." The matter was explained to them by a white friend ; then several of the negroes gave their own views at great length, nearly all opposing the proposed measure, ft seemed to be impossible to make them fully comprehend the nature of the pledge, nor why they should take it for the good of others. The meeting broke up with out producing any visible impression upon the auditors. The writer argues the impossibility of teaching the negroes the nature of an obligalioit, or inducing them to observe its conditions. As they did not have to provide for their fami lies, this powerful argument was lost upon them. " When the negro gains his freedom, or becomes more moral and up right, more intelligent and virtuous, then I think, will be time enough to hand him the pledge, with the hope that its sacred honor will be preserved.'*
Another " Banner" correspondent--"Red Pepper/' re plied to "Spruce\vaII " that the very description of the negro character--their ignorance, or disregard, of an obligation-- their stolid indifference as to moral questions--were but argu ments conclusive that they should have the benefit of the society's restrictions.
A good many temperance societies seem to have been formed among the colored people, thuugh we have no data from which to form any estimate of the sum total of such
societies in the State.

44 2

OTHER PARTS OF THE FIELD.

The officers of the convention elected in 1847, "-ere :
President, Joseph H. Fumpkin; First District, Vice-president, Wm. King; Second "District, Vice-President, Rev. Dr. L. Pierce; Third District, Vice-Presiclenl, Rev. Dr. S. G. Brag-g-; Fourth District, Vice-President, Hon. J. J. Fioyd Fifth "District, Vice-Pvtsident, C.en. VY. Kzxard; Sixth District, "Vice-President Rev.W. J. Parks; Seventh "District, Vice-President, V. Sanford, .Esq.; Eighth Dis trict, Vice-President, Rev. W. T. Brantley; Corresponding- Secretary, K. G. Cabaaiss; Recording Secretaries, H. FT. Tucker and James H. Bailey; Treasurer, lienjamiri Bran Hey, Esq.
Executive Cojnmittee--"Located, at Maeon. W. S. Williforcl, T. A. Brewer, J. H, Ellis, William Dibble, and A. H. Freeman.

THE STATE TEMPERANCE CONVENTION OF 1848
met in Atlanta, July 5. The efforts of "Uncle T)abney," of the lusty "Sons," of the "Banner," and of other agencies, had conspired to bring together such an assemblage of temper ance delegates and visitors as had never before been seen in Georgia. President Lumpkin presided, and Win. Hain.es and L. T. Doyal were appointed secretaries.
,, The agent's report was so satisfactor3T that it was re solved to keep him in the field, and pay him $600 a year as salary. A committee was also appointed to settle with the agent for his past services. While the " Banner " was warmly commended, it was thought it ought to be removed from Penfield to a more central location, and a committee was ap pointed to confer with the editor as to the matter of removal. [This change of location did not take place until near ten years later .J
Hon. J. B. O'Neal, along with a South Carolina delega tion, was again present, and delivered an eloquent address on the first day of the meeting. Hon. Robert M. Cliarlton also made a strong appeal.for the cause. Delegations were appointed by the convention to visit the Alabama and South Carolina conventions.
The " Banner " says of the convention :
" Thursday was the great day. The convention and a large procession of Sons of Temperance, Daughters of Temperance, and several companies of the Cold "Water Army, with a large and enthusiastic number of ' Old Regulars,' and friends of the cause, were formed into -A Hue ;-;L the spring on the west of the city, under the direction of Dr, Smith, marshal of the day. The procession, led bv music fc

443

line. The

of all ages and sex

c from the band, tl:

delivered the annual address, after which a

the Captains and members of the Cold Wat

sponded to by the I Eon. T- B. O'Xeal and tf;

cises tit the stand were of'thrilling interest, at

a happy influence upon generations to come.

* * The number of delegates

present was between five and six hundred--near three times the number ever in

attendance al any previous temperance convention in Georgia, Our estimate of

the number of persons present of all classes, i.s not short of ten thousand. It will

Again the shout of victory arose over the land. In the popular enthusiasm of that day, it was fondly believed and loudi}" proclaimed that the " days of the Old Prince are num bered." The Committee on the State of the Reform re ports : ** From the mountains to the sea, from the Chattaboochee to the Savannah, the glad acclaim of thousands hail the advance of the reform. This is no overdrawn picture, to fas cinate your eyes with unreal colors--it is sober, but glorious truth, uttered by sober men, who bring- testimony in the glorious cause. Upon the snow-white folds of the flag* ol Total Abstinence, whether it \vaves above the battle-stained hosts of the Washing-tonian army, the fresh and brilliant co horts of the new league--the Sons of Temperance--or the welcome army of young" heroes, bearing the standard of ' Cold Water,' we read in glowing characters the strange device--' Excelsior.' "
There may seem something- of the "spread ea^le" in this glowing report ; yet really the signs of the limes seemed to favor the belief that the true antidote was now applied to the terrible malady.
Of course, during- this era moral suasion was still the weapon in use. It was somehow believed that the enemy

444

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need not be forcibly ejected from the land ; simply cut off his supply of ririi.' material in the shape of the fresh crop of youth from which his ranks were constantly recruiting", and the work would he clone T
A fair sample of the working temperance t/tcory of the lime may be found in a published address of Col. Joseph E. Brown/ delivered at Canton, July 28, 1848.
Col. Brown quotes very freely from the Bible to prove that the "z(,v.v.y'' of sacred Writ follow upon those who nse wine or other inioxicating drinks ; while the nation in which such drinking prevails will " go into captivity, because they have no knowledge, and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst," while hell opens its mouth to receive the tippler at las*. " L,et it be remembered," says the speaker, "that all this resulls from the drink ing--if you please, the &%z&w?^ ^rz^z/z^--of intoxicating liquors, for where there is no drinking there is no drunken ness/' At length the speaker confutes the idea that haul's permission of a little wine to Timothy, ns well as other pas sages sometimes quoted by liquor champions, can be con strued into an allowing of the use of such drinks. In view of all these Rible denunciations, the speaker adds, " Ought not we, as Christians, to stop and think before we further lend our influence to the destroyer, and, by the force of our example, aid in this work of destruction? 1 have always

would a den of rattlesnakes. " The destroyer is still mowing down, annually, 30,000
of our valuable citizens ! Should any foreign foe invade our soil* and do us half this injury, every patriot in the land would be in arms against him. Let us then all unite with the cold water army, and help to bear its banners over every hill and dale, until its victories shall be complete, and drunkenness unknown tn our land.
United States Senator from

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445

The State Convention for 1849 met in Marietta, June 27 and 28, Judge Lumpkiu presiding. Many delegates were present, and South Carolina, ns usual, sent a visiting delega tion. The proceedings were deeply interesting. Addresses were delivered by Dr. A: Means, D. C. Campbell* Col. Greshum, of South Carolina; Rev. D. P. Jones, Messrs. Alien, Mill, Richards, Lester, and others.
On the second dav was a great procession, Mr. La] 1 er st ad t being marshal of the day. A long array of Sons of Temperance, Cold Water Soldiers, " Old Regulars," Cadets of Temperance, Daughters of Temperance, ct nl-, moved in the throng. J. S. WiugficLd delivered the annual address. As al the former two conventions, the youthful speakers of the Cold Water army and of the Cadets created great en thusiasm. Judge .Lumpkin responded to these in his hap piest vein. Inspiring music was furnished by the Penfield band, and by the choirs of the churches. The cause was greatly advanced. Great satisfaction was expressed by President Lump kin's positive contradiction of rumors cir culated in the press in reference to the proceedings of the National Division, which were believed to have reference to slavery. It was declared that the sentiment of the national body was '' decidedly in favor of keeping the temperance cause aloof from all other questions, and nil other organiza tions, political and religious."
Atlanta and July 23, 1850, were selected as the place and time for the next State Convention. It \vas, however, pro vided by a resolution that if Father Mathew, who was daily expected at New York, should consent to come South in pur suance of the invitation sent him, the convention might be convened in a call meeting at Augusta.
As the writer has not seen a cop]' of the minutes of 1849, he has not been able to give more specific details of this convention's work. The "Constitutionalist" says that about one thousand delegates were present, though this is probably an over estimate.

44^

OTHER PARTS OF THE FIELD.

The officers elected were:
President, Judge J. H. Lunipkin; First Vice-President, "Win. King; Second Vice-President, T)r- I,. Tierce; Third Vice-President, Rev. S. G. Bragg; Fourth Vice-President, Hon. J. J. Floyd; Fifth Vice-President, Gen-W. W. Ezzard; Sixth Vice-President, Rev. W. J. Parks; Seventh Vice-President, Vincent Sanford; Eighth Vice-President, L. 1"). Lallerstadt.
E. G. Cabaiiiss, Cor. Secy.; J. W, Burke, Rec. Secy.; V. P. Gaskijl, Asst. Executive Committee: \Vm. Dibble, M. E. Rylander, J. VI. Ellis, T. A. Brewer, A. R. Freeman.

CHAPTER XXXI.
FATHER MATHEW.
" The hero of two worlds, that man The brave Lafayette, in old limes WE More hallowed far thy deathless titles are, Friend of mankind. O sainted Theobald! A peace apostle 'twixt two worlds of peace, Thine is the triumph that can never cease."
--Aatfy Jtmtlinc Stuart Jfnrtley.
Father Mathew's great work in bis Fatherland in rescu ing millions from the demon of the bowl, the world knows by heart. Using the simple pledge :
"I promise, while 1 belong- to the Teetotal Society, to abstain from all kinds of intoxicating drink, unless used medically; and that I will discountenance, by
The brave priest started on his mission among- his de graded countrymen. Flow well he wrought is known to all. In a few years more than six millions had taken his pledge; thousands of groggeries were closed, and it really seemed that Rrin was about to shake off the terrible thrall in which she had so long- been involved. "Ireland is redeemed," was borne on every breeze. Probably near two-thirds of her whole population had been pledged, and it was devoutly be lieved, that the reign of the monster in the Green Isle was at an end. Tiie lamentable falling- away--the return to the gutter--the famine and pestilence which swept the devoted island when in two years half a million people died of star vation, while the distilleries used enough grain to feed the starving1 host, all this we need not repeat. Brave Father Mathew--the Washingtonian of Ireland--struggled on like the hero he was, against the terrible tide. Satan had not been
447

44-8

FATHER MA/CHEW.

cast out; the still and the grog-shop were yet left ; and the breath of the basilisk still lured men back to destruction.
Father Mat hew had often been importuned to visit
America, and filial^, in the latter part of June, 1849, he
landed in New York, and at once entered upon his work in
the metropolis, chiefly devoting; his efforts to his own coun
trymen. Thence he went to New England, and labored at
Boston and in other cities. As already noticed, the Georgia State Convention had
made provision to have itself convened in extra session at Augusta to meet the good Father, could he be prevailed upon to visit Georgia, and great was the anxiety to see and to hear and to honor the renowned temperance apostle. But a chill was to be thrown over all this enthusiasm.
In November Judge Lumpkm writes to the "Banner" an nouncing the withdrawal of the invitation to Father Mathew to visit Georgia.
This extraordinary step was the result of a newspaper article sent to Judge JLumpkin early in September, and contain ing an account of an interview between. Father Ma.tb.cw and Wm. Lloyd Garrison and other leading Abolitionists. Messrs. Garrison, Francis Jackson, Wendell Phillips, and I-I. J. Bowditch of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society had waited upon Father Mathew in Boston, to ask for his pres ence at the anniversary celebration of the West Indian emancipation. Father Mathew, feeling the embarrassment of the situation, declined the invitation. Then, as the story goes on, "in the course of the interview, and to subdue some of the reverend gentleman's scruples, it became necessary to remind him of a once famous circular addressed by Daniel O'Coimell and himself, in which they called upon the Irish resident in America to unite with the Abolitionists, and to never cease their efforts until perfect liberty be granted to every one of her inhabitants--the black man as well as the white."
There is a peculiar tone of hrotv heating noticeable in this Boston interview. Father Mathew's visit to America, as

FATMKR MATHEW.

449

everybody knew, was in the interest of temperance, and the leading Abolitionists had themselves been among the fore most champions of the same cause in the earlier years of the Reform. It was known that Father Mathew expected to visit tile principal cities of the whole country--South as well as North--on his mission, and that the linking- of his name with a cause so odious at the South, as abolitionism, must, in a great measure, cripple his efforts in that section. Yet this committee had so little regard to the success of the Father's philanthropic labors, that they determined to force com pliance with their demand for his presence on this anniver sary occasion, whatever might be the consequences. "It became necessary to subdue some of the reverend gentle man's scruples." How dictatorial for the apostles of free dom !
To make Father Mathew's situation still more embar rassing, or, more likely, to gratify a sort of splenetic revenge, the committee hunted up, and republished in the " Libe rator," the " circular " signed " Daniel O'Connell, Theobald Mathew, and seventv thousand other inhabitants of Ire land/' l
This li circular," and the published interview of Messrs. Garrison and company with Father Mathew, were repub lished in the Athens "Banner" of August 30, 1849. Sep tember 4 Judge Lumpkin wrote to Father Mathew, at Boston, sending a copy oi the interview, and the accornpa.nying circular, and asked if the latter was genuine. He added that on Mathew's answer would
" depend your capacity for

itter."

I at any sacrifice, sav

1 This Address was read at a great Anti-Slavery meeting held in the Old Cradle of Liberty, Boston, January 23, 1842. Sec Austin's "Ut'eof Wendell Phillips, 1 ' pp. iO5-g, f?or the Address, .sec Appendix I, ro this Volume,
29

450

FATHEK MATHEW.

After the lapse of a month, Judge Lumpkin received a brief " private " reply from Father Mathew, which, of course, could not be made public. Meanwhile several Temperance Associations met, and passed resolutions revoking- the invi tation g-iven to Father Mathew, in so far as they were par. ties to it by the action of the convention. October 12 Judge Lumpkin again wrote to Father Mathew, saying that since his (Mathew's) reply neither denied the genuineness of the " circular," nor intimated any change as to the views ex pressed in it, his proposed visit to the South."" would be productive of evil, and nothing- but evil, to the temperance cause." Judge Lumpkin asks that the seal of privacy on Mathew's letter be broken, as it. was indispensably necessary that the correspondence be made public ; also, that Mathew will give an account, over his own signature, of the inter view with Messrs. Oarrison and company. No reply to this letter being; received, Judge Lumpkin published the corre spondence (omitting1 the " private " letter), and withdrew, by the advice of the Executive Committee, the invitation to Father Mathew to visit. Georgia.
December 22 Father Mathew writes from Richmond, Va., to Judge Lumpkin. He complains :
"My sing-le-mhideclncss in the advocacy of the, to me, all-absorbing cause of temperance, is not, in this great country, well understood. In my own beloved

slightest injury on the temperance cause, by advocating: the repeal of the union
with Mr. Garrison, in the 'Adams House,' I vainly thought my solemn declara tion of being firmly resolved not to interfere in any, in the slightest degree, with
the anxieties of the moat sensitive American. 1 now, dear and honored Judge, renew this declaration, and I most respectfully urge that no man, who himself enjoys freedom in this 7nost emphatically free country, can require more from one

making- my reply private, and my not bavin- answered your seco the honor to be, dear Judge,
"Your .Brother in Temperance, and Devoted Friend, "THKOBAI-L>

MATHKW."

FATHER MATTHEW.

45 I

Father Mathew arrived in Augusta, Jan. 18, 1850. He was met at the Hamburg Station by a number ot Au gusta citizens and escorted in procession to the Catholic Church in Augusta. An address of welcome was delivered by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Barrie, which was replied to by Father Mathew. A large crowd greeted the great coldwater champion. The " Constitutionalist " says of him : " It is the zeal of a noble and self-sacrificing philanthropy burning at his heart that has given to his tongue the lire of true in spiration. It beams in his benevolent countenance, and appeals to those whom he would win from folly and vice with almost resistless persuasiveness. He is the great moral reformer of the age, pre-eminently so."
On Sunday (the 2oth) Father Mnthew officiated at the church, then administered the pledge. Again after high mass, at 10:30 o'clock he presented the pledge. At 3:30 P. AI. he lectured on temperance and administered the pledge again ; so also on Monday. By Sabbath afternoon, notwith standing the inclemency of the weather, he had pledged more than 600. On the 22d Father Mathcw left Tor CharlesIon and Savannah. On tlic 2$th he arrived in the latter city. The Mibemian, the Irish Union, and the various temperance societies escorted him to the residence of Mr. Pendcrgast, with whom he was to be a guest during his stay in the city.
February 16 we find the indefatigable reformer in Columbus. A deputation from the Sons of Temperance waited on him and tendered him the hospitality of the city. On Sabbath he administered the pledge to a great number, though still indisposed from recent and severe illness. From Columbus he went on to Montgomery and New Orleans, then up the Mississippi. He remained in America until autumn, then returned to his native land, where he died in 1856, in his sixty-sixth year.

" There is A tear for all who die, A. mourner oer the humblest grave,
Hut nations swell ins funernl cry, And triumph weeps nlxjve the brave."

CHAPTER XXXII.
LEGISLATION 1842-1860. TT1K LICENSE SYSTEM.
Lord.
The growth of towns and their independent legislation is bcg-iniiing- to be more manifest, though not in so marked a degree as in the license decade ?8$o--60.
In 184.2 Villa Rica was incorporated. In December, 1843,0 little hamlet destined to be famous in temperance annals, was added to the number of (Georgia's incorporated daughters, its name was Marthasville, but the world has learned to know the little railway station as Atlan ta. Marthasville was very modest at its birth, having barely the right to elect ii.s commissioners, and keep order in its narrow limits. Cassvillc was &??" at the same session of the Legislature, but with greater demands from her mother. While the Atlanta Commissioners could do little more than run stray dogs and cattle out of their streets, Cassville re ceived the prerogative to tax any itinerant showman, or trader, not more than twenty dollars on each day's exhibition, or sales. At the same session of the legislature, (Triffin grew in to a cilv. From 184^ the Legislature began to hold biennial ses sions. In 184.5 Thomaston's amended charter permitted the issuing of license at not more than ten dollars yearly, to re tailers of spirituous, or of fermented liquors, while five dol lars daily might be collected from peddlers and itinerant traders.
452

LEGISLATION 1842-1860. THK LICENSK SYSTEM. 453
Ruckersville's charter, amended this year, prohibited Ihc selling" of liquors without license from the town council. Penalty for violation--indictment in Superior Court, and fine upon conviction, not exceeding $100, one-half to the informer, the other to the county. This act was so amended in 184.7, that the commissioners were compelled to grant license to any applicant who complied with the State laws for such permits.
Marietta's charter was amended, though no special license functions were added to the powers of its council.
Gumming was so incorporated as to be allowed to tax itinerant traders not more than twenty dollars daily.
In 1847 Macon's amended charter permitted the mayor and council to license, regulate, and control all taverns and public houses within the town limits. They also should have the "sole and exclusive right of granting license to re tail liquors in the city of Macon, and of fixing the rates of such license, and the terms upon which they shall issue ; of declaring such licenses void when said terms are not com plied with. (White says that the first ^yrjrM/y/zfw^ in Bibb county was against a free colored man for retailing hquor.)^
Tn this year (1847) Cross Plains bloomed into a city un der the name of Dalton.
Atlanta, too, was before the Legislature,and her Mayor and Council were permitted to license retailers of spirituous liquors, without which license no one was to retail in the town. The license was fixed at not more than fifty dollars, and was to be appropriated to the use of the city.
At the same session of the Assembly, Rome was made a city, having /^r j(%///f ^yffdg^/r.'g'J <zj ^4^^z/(?. Blairsville was also incorporated this year, and the charter of the " Muscogee Poor Asylum " allowed no one under a penalty of twenty dollars--recoverable for the use of the Asylum--to " erect a booth, stall, shop, or other convenience, for the selling of spirituous liquors, 0:1 the land rented, purchased, or other wise obtained for the use of the Asylum."
* "Statistics of Georgia," p. 114-

454 LEGISLATION 1842-[860. TI1K LICENSE SYSTEM.
The General Assembly of 1849--50, either incorporated or amended the charters of Tunnel Hill, Ogiethorpc, Spring field, Lumpkiii, Buena Vista,; and Cartersville.
Temperance Hall belonging to the Muscogce Division No. 29, of the Sons of Temperance, was incorporated at the session of 1851--'2, the same year in which the Legislature was emboldened to pass the incorporating act for the Grand Division of Georgia Sons of Temperance.
The years 1850-60, make up what might be properly called
TI-IK LICENSE I) EC ADR.
Prior to 1850 comparatively few of the towns of Georgia had acquired the prerogative of controlling the retail license system in their own limits.
Most of the towns were still subject to the inferior courts so far as the liquor traffic was concerned, Incorpo ration usually meant simply the conferring the right to "regulate" and control a town by suppressing disturbances, caring for its sanitary condition, and the right to levy a. tax to be expended for public improvements within the town, limits. In this 7zr?f decade, however, very great advances in the acquisition of separate civil prerogatives were made by the towns. Not only did the number of these "States within States " increase, but their powers were greatly aug mented.
The Legislature of 1851--'2, made "cities" of Marietta and Dglethorpe. To the former was given authority to license all liquor retailers--none to sell without license--and the license fee could not be less than fifty dollars, which must be paid into the city treasury.
Ogjethorpe's council received the right to grant license, and regulate and control all taverns and other public houses as well as the sole right to license retail dealers, and to fix the rates of such licenses and the conditions upon which they should be issued* and to declare void all licenses granted to persons who did not comply with the terms.
The incorporating act for Antioch (Troup county) em-

LEGISLATION 1842-1860. THE LICENSE SYSTEM. 4$$
powered the commissioners to " prohibit the vending, sale, barter, or furnishing by one person to any other of any measure or quantity of distilled, spirituous, or intoxicating liquors in said town, or to regulate the same under such rules, limitations and restrictions, as they shall prescribe, and to issue licenses according to such regulations." Violations of the council's ordinance subjected the offender not only to the penalties of the council, but also to the State statutes against retailing without license.
The same powers were conferred upon LaGrange's Council.
The amendment for Eatonton gave the Commissioners authority to grant license for the retail of spirituous liquors, under such regulations as they may see fit to prescribe. The applicants for license must take the oath prescribed by law.
IVTonti cello might henceforth inake such laws as she should think fit for her streets, public buildings, markets, public houses, tippling shops, and retailers of spirits; nothing said as to the licensing prerogative.
Newnan was allowed to regulate the sale of all distilled, spirituous or intoxicating liquors, tax peddlers, etc.; no men tion of licensing.
Sparta and Columbus might levy a license tax not ex ceeding fifty dollars per annum.
Cave Spring, Calhoun, DeSoto, Alexandria, Amcricus, Euharleyville, Greenville, and JeGerson were either incor porated or their charters \vcre amended at this session; though no licensing power was conferred. As to the first, Cave Spring, it was specified that rlearn High School should retain the privileges granted by the act of 1839.
Four more divisions of the Sons of Temperance, viz., the Baldwin, Raiford, the Yemassee, and the Greensboro, were incorporated at this term of the Assembly. Evidently the Legislature was improving.
At this session of the General Assembly many municipal charters were granted or amended.
Cassville, McDonough, and Swainsboro were allowed

45 6 LEGISLATION i 842-1860. THE I-ICKXSE SYSTEM.
to fix the fees for license at any sum which their commission ers might deem fit. McDonough's Council might also impose such restrictions upon the selling- as might best promote the welfare of the citizens.
Thomson was to have the same licensing; powers as Cassville.
Coving-ton, being- also created a city, mig-ht not " increase the retail liquor licenses beyond the amount now charged by the general license laws of the State." The privileges granted to Atlanta and Rome in 1847 were to apph7 to Covmgton, save in the matter of salary to Council.
Dalton might tax liquor retailers not more than $100 each, which sum -was to be appropriated to the use of the city.
Greeiisboro might impose license fees on the same terms as tl noiv granted by the State."
Washing-ton's Commissioners might license under such restrictions, conditions, and penalties as they may deem proper.
Jn West Point retail license was to cost not less than ten nor more than one hundred dollars, while in Roswell, not less than one hundred dollars must be paid for retailing privi leges, and unlicensed traffic was not to be permitted.
Griffin's "Fathers'* might license retailing in the city, "according to the ordinances thereof,"while unlicensed vend ing was not to be permitted.
Irwinton's commissioners were vested with "exclusive authority to grant tavern and retail licenses in said corpo ration, and to fix the rates thereof: but license not to exceed $50;" and $30 was levied on itinerant venders.
In Clayton the license was to be fixed by the commis sioners, while unlicensed dealers were to be punished by the State law against illicit vending, i. r., without license from the Inferior Court. The Cartersvilie Commissioners were empowered to license all retailers of ardent spirits, fix the license fee, and line unlicensed venders as they might see ftt.
Several other towns were either incorporated or had

LEGISLATION 1842-1860. THE LICENSE SYSTEM. 457
their charters amended at this time, but without receiving authority to issue retail license. These were : Bamesville, Campbelton, Adairsvilllc, Dallas, Butler, Montezuma, Fairburn, Grantvillc, Trenton (formerly Salem), Ilolmsville, Magnolia, Conycrs, Palmetto, Sylvania, Vienna, Fort Val ley, Webbville, and Whitesville.
This Legislature also laid hands upon tliat section^ of the penal code, which, in its essential features, had stood almost
micrioi coui t. ot LII<J uuuiiL_y, t..it,t:pi muui poi ate LUWIIS 01 cities, whereby law authority to grant licenses is vested in the corporate authorities of such towns or cities."
To this section the General Assembly of 1853-4 added this proviso :
" Provided, No person shall be liable to indictment in the Superior Courts of this State for a violation of this act, where said person has already been tried by the corporate authorities of any town or city for the same offence."
This was certainly a long step in advancing municipal power. It virtu a 11}^ set village corporations in lieu of the superior courts, so far as a large class of the most common and most dangerous offences was concerned. The tendency certainly was dangerous. There was another statute of gen eral application enacted by this Assembly.
The Ninth Section of the statutes against gaining and the retailing- of liquors, lias this preamble :
"WHEREAS, License for the retail of spirituous liquors has been granted in some of the- counties in This Stale, lo free persons of color, or to white persons, acting as their gua.rdia.ii, a^eiit, or assistant, thereby evading the laws upon the subject, mid encouraging an improper trading with slaves, for remedy whereof,
"SECTION S, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Georgia, in Ceneral Assembly met; and it is hereby enacted by the author ity of the same. That from and after the passage of this Act, it shall not be law ful for any free person o color to sell or dispose of any spirituous liquors, cordials, wines, ale, beer or porter, or any other intoxicating liquors, or lo keep open any house, shanty, or any other place for the sale or disposal of such liquors, either in
1 SEC;. XXVII, Division Tenth, Penal Code of 1833.

458 LEGISLATION1 1842--1860. THE LICENSE SYSTEM.
bis, her, or their own name, or in the name of bis, her or their guardian, or in the name of any white person, or persons, as partner, clerk, agent, or assistant in such business, or as agjcnt or assistant to any white person or persons." * ^ *
The penalty for violating this act was, for the white or colored, principal or agent, a fine, upon conviction, of not less than $100, and upon failure to pay such fine, an impris onment for six months in the common jail for the white offender, and thirty-nine lashes for the colored ; the Indians of Talbot county, who should violate this law, were to be punished as the white offenders.
JBy an act of the Legislature, iS$$-6", Brunswicks corpo ration received exclusive power to fix rates ot license not, however, to exceed fifty dollars and the terms upon which license should he issued, and the power of revoking such permit when the terms should be violated.
Hillsboro, Ghickasawhatchee and Sparta were also lim ited to license fees not exceeding fifty dollars.
Thorn as ville could license, regulate, and control all taverns and public houses, license retailers, anrl fix the rates and conditions for obtaining license, and punish offenders against her ordinances.
Dccatur might "restrict prohibit, and regulate the sale, vending and distribution of all distilled* spirituous or intox icating liquors, with power to fix penalty. Offenders "were also subject to Superior Court. The last suems to have been an exception from the proviso )ust quoted, to the t^enal Code, made izi [853-4; no license could exceed fifty dollars.
License in Daltoti, CartersviMe,and Fort Valley, per act of i8$$-6\ was not to exceed one hundred dollars.
Fort Valley had the option of granting or withholding license. Unlicensed venders of quantities less than one gal lon (save for medicinal or mechanical purposes) were made liable to State law against unlicensed venders.
Stone Mountain and Tunnel Hill might control their retail license : but could not charge more than $200 for a permit.
Warsaw was invested with the "exclusive right to grant license to retail spirituous liquors, or to prohibit the traffic

LEGISLATION 1842-1860. THE LICENSE SYSTEM. 459
in the same." This provision extended for one mile beyond the town boundary.
Hartwell might fix the rates and conditions of license as her Council should see At. So also of Ring-gold, in the latter town all unlicensed sale was prohibited.
Americus became a city, having like corporate rights with Oglethorpe-
White Plains received authority to license upon such terms as her council should choose to adopt. La Grange was at this session of the Assembly, made a city; and Fletcherviile, Morganton, Lithonia, Jefferson (Gamdcn county)* Lamar and Morgan were incorporated or received amendments to their charters, but without any licensing prerogatives. Weston's act was identical with that of Hartwell. The fixing of Gusscta's license fee was left to her commissioners.
Atlanta began to be heard from in liquor legislation. The Act of March 3, 1856, is as follows:
"Tbe Mayor and Council of the city of Atlanta shall have power lo restrict, regulate or prohibit the sale, vending mid distribution of any \vine, rum, gin, brandy, whiskey or other spirituous liquors, or any mixture of such liquors, in quantities less than one quart, in the incorporate limits of said city, under such penalty as they may prescribe, not exceeding tifty dollars for each offence."
The Mayor and Council might also issue licenses--not to exceed $50, plus the clerk's fee, $1.35--upon such terms as
levy an additional tax upon ail spirituous liquors ana ariiiKs kept for retail, not exceeding 50 per cent, of their assessed value. This tax \vas to be added to the Poor School fund of Atlanta. The unlicensed sale in quantities less than one quart subjected the offender to a fine ot $50 and costs for each oSence, and each dav of such unlicensed selling was to constitute a separate offence. This law was not to interfere with the discretionary power granted to the council in the first part of this Act.
Friendship Church, in Greene county, at this time obtained an act* containing this provision : " It shall not be

460 LEGISI-ATlOX 1842--1860. THi: I.IClf.NSK SYSTEM.
lawful fur any one to retail liquors within one mile of said church, on days when said church may be in session/' Penalty for violation the same as that imposed by the State for unlicensed selling-.
A statute of this Legislature defines the grounds on which a juror is to be rejected from service on the jury. The third ground was: " TV]at he is an idiot, lunatic, or intoxicated person.''
This Assembly gave G-eor^ia irs first taste of local option in a la\v enacted for Hancock county. By this statute, of March 6, 1856, the granting1 of retail license in Hancock county rested solely in the hands of the Superior Court, sub ject to the following1 restrictions and limitations: The Court might fix the license fee, not exceeding" $250: but could also withhold license from any applicant,
"who, from a want of character, or any other attending- circumstances, they mnv have reason to believe \viLl abuse the privilege of said license, or wantonly pervert his right under fhe same to illegal or grossly immoral conduct, and in no case shall they grant a license to any individual, until such individual shall first have presented to the Court the petition, or written and signed consent to the granting thereof, of a majority of the- legal voters residing within six miles of the locality where the rights and privileges of such license are intended to be exercised; and, Pnwideif, further, thai this Act shall not go into effect until there has been, a regular election of justices of (he Inferior Court, at which election the voters shall indorse on their tickets, ' Restriction,' or 'No Restriction,' and there shall have
restriction."
After 1856 the sessions of the Legislature again became annual, having been biennial since 1843.
By an act of December 23, 1857, 5- ne c ^y authorities of Augusta, and those of any other city in the State, and the in ferior courts of the several counties, were permitted to ap point inspectors oi liquors, spirits, and wines. These in spectors were empowered to inspect all such liquors in their respective jurisdictions; and should any stiwchnine, or other poisonous substances injurious to health be found in them, the owner, upon notice, must immediately remove the same out of the State. Any person who,, after such notice, should offer to sell such drugged liquors, was to be fined by the

LEGISLATION 1842-1860. THE LICLNSK SYSTEM. 461
Superior Court $100 for first offence, $^oo for tfie second, $400 for the third, and $1,000 for the fourth, with imprison ment until the fine should be paid.
Refusal of owner after second demand of the inspector to suffer his liquors to be examined, subjected him to the same penalties as above. The inspector was to make his de mand in the presence of a competent witness.
The owner should pay the inspector five cents lor in specting- ten gallons; ten cents for twenty gallons ; fifteen cents for forty gallons ; twenty cents for eighty gallons ; twenty-five cents for 160 gallons, and so in proportion. The owner could demand a receipt of the inspector, and also re quire him to brand the inspected barrels, pipes, or kegs-- owner furnishing the branding materials. The inspector might receive one-half of ail fines accruing from the provi sions of this act-
Aii}' manufacturer of any offensive drug, poisonous or deleterious liquors, wines, or spirits, other than from grapes, corn, rye, wheat, barley, peaches, apples, ana! like commodi ties, was made subject to indictment before the Superior Court, and to fine and imprisonment in the common jail at discretion of the court.
Local legislation at this session was not wanting. By the incorporating- act of " Washington Institute," at Buffalo (in Hancock county), the retailing- of spirituous liquors within one mile of Buffalo was prohibited, and the intendant of the town had authority to remove all venders of such liquors, and their goods beyond the prescribed limits. Athens' Council might grant license to sell by the quart, more or less, at such sums, and under such regulations as might be deemed proper. Vending without city license was liable to a fine of $100 for each offence, or not more than sixty days' imprisonment. Augusta and Savannah \vere empowered to enact all necessary ordinances in relation to the opening of tippling houses on the Sabbath, and for the suppressing of lewd

462 LKGISI,ATrOJV 1842-1860- 'J'HK LICENSE SYSTKM.
houses, and fur the selling' of intoxicating- liquors to slaves, or to free colored persons ; or to the purchasing- of liquors from such colored persons.
Irwinville, Swainsboro, and Thomastoii, were given ex clusive control over retailing- with power to fix license as they may see fit. Elberton received a like prerogative-- save that its ,, cense could not be less than $10, nor more than $500, and Dawson's license must not cost more than $50, the retailer to make oath and give bond as prescribed by law.
Dallas could " regulate the sale of all distilled, spiritu ous, or hitoxicating liquors," and West Point might license retailers, and prevent all sales without license therefor.
The Council of Madison might enact any necessary ordi nance to prevent retailers from selling ardent spirits to white minors. The penalty for violation of this ordinance might extend to fines and imprisonment in the town prison --both at the discretion of the council.
[n Thomasville the unlicensed retailing in quantities less than one quart, was to subject the offender to a fine of not more than $50 for each offence. This provision was not, however, to affect any powers previously vested in the Council, in regard to the licensing of retailers.
No person was to be permitted to buy, sell, or carry, for treating, any spirituous liquors, or intoxicating drinks, at or near the Richmond Poor House Precinct, on days of gen eral, State, or county elections. On conviction, such offender might be fined, or imprisoned, or both, at the discretion of the court.
Buchanan and Jasper were incorporated without any licensing privileges in their charters.
The only general liquor law enacted in. 1858 was one which imposed a fine of not more than fifty dollars, or imprisonment, at discretion of the court, upon any intoxi cated man who should disturb a congregation of white persons while engaged in worship.
Local legislation was not neglected at this term of the Assembly. By amendatory acts for Columbus and Albany,

r
LEGISLATION i 842-1860. THE LICENSE SYSTEM. 463
the authorities of those cities might punish those selling' or furnishing liquors to a slave, by inflicting such fines as were already prescribed by the State, or by existing ordinances of those cities, or by ordinances hereafter to be enacted.
Calboun might impose a tax of not more than $100 on venders of spirituous, malt, or fermented liquors; and Camilla's license tax must not be less than $30, nor more than $100. Alpharetta's retail license fee could not exceed $20; while that of Monroe was not to be more than double the State tax. St. Marv's and Waresboro might control the amount of their tax as they should see proper. St. Mary's act included wholesale as well as retail license.
Sparta's Marshal might arrest, without warrant, all drunkards found in the streets, and confine them in jail until they could be tried before the Commissioners. Xhe latter officials had power to fine or jail such offenders. Dahlonega was this year incorporated, but without receiving* any licens ing authority--a somewhat unusual circumstance at this era.
This session of the Assembly was somewhat remark able for its county legislation in 7'cgard to the retail traffic. The retail license in Wilcox county was put at $100. In Marion, Bibb, Elbert and MitcheH counties the grand juries were required, at the spring* terms of the Superior Courts, to fix, for each year, the license fees for their respective counties. An applicant for retail license must pay the Clerk of the Inferior Court the amount of the fee thus hxed,, and comply with the general retail laws of the State. In Marion and Elbert, the applicant must also take an oath not to sell, or furnish, to slaves, or to free colored persons, any spirit uous liquors whatever, without consent of owners or of guardians.
For unlicensed selling in the above counties, a fine of not more than $500, or imprisonment, at discretion of the court, might be imposed. Perjury in such cases on the part of vender was to be punished by not less than two, nor more than five, years in the penitentiary.
In Stewart county, venders of from one to five gallons

464 LEGISLATION 1842-1860. THE LICENSE SYSTEM.
must pay to the Clerk of the Inferior Court a license fee of $75, which sum was to be added to the Poor J>cv%o<?/ fund of the county ; penalty for violating this law the same as for unlicensed retailing" under the State law.
The justices of the Inferior Court of Lincoln county might, at discretion, grant or refuse all applications for retail license, or for the keeping of tippling- houses. The justices could also fix the license at any sum, and under any condi tions, which they pleased ; and the amount accruing" from such license fees was to be paid out as directed by the law for appropriating retail license fees.
Only one general law in reference to the liquor traffic was enacted in [859. This was an amendment to the X filth Section of the Thirteenth Division of the Penal Code. By this amendment the penalty for selling liquor to slaves was fixed, for the first offence, at a fine of from $50 to $200, with liability to imprisonment of not less than ten, nor more than thirty days in jail; for the second offence, the punishment should be the same as already specified in the section and division to which this statute was amendatory.
Local legislation was still on the increase in 1859. -^ person was allowed to sell liquor within three miles of Mount Vemon Institute without license from the Inferior Court of Washington county, which license could only be granted upon petition of a majority of the legal voters with in the said circumference, under their own hands, or mark made in presence of a witness who must attest the genu ineness of the mark over his own signature. The penalty for violating this statute was the same as for unlicensed retailing. The trustees of the Indian Creek Baptist Church might prohibit the sale of ardent spirits within half a mile t>f said church, and fine and punish all violators of this statute.
Many towns were either incorporated, or <??<?^'ar in their legislative rights, by the Assembly of 1859.
Bainbridge received full and exclusive power to license liquor retailing, fix rates of license, or declare the permit void in case of non-cotnptiance \v:th the terms.

LEGISLATION" 1842-1860. TttK LICENSE SYSTEM. 465
Ellavillc, Hawkinsville, Joncsboro, La Fayettc, Ferry, Powder Springs, Sumincrville, and Sylvania (malt as well as spirituous, liquors were licensed under council authority of the last two towns), Warrenton,Washington and Cuthbert, received full power to fix the license rates.
Klackshear's license fees must be included betweezi $7.00 and $15.00.
Gamesville's license Ices must be included between $50.00 and $200,00, and the applicant was to take the oath prescribed by law as to selling- to slaves.
ThomasviHe's license fee must not exceed $100; and Bowdcn's could not exceed $500, under the State penalty against unlicensed retailing-. Chickasawhatchee's license u~as likewise fixed at ^500. and the fees were to be added to the Poor School fund,
Cartersville's retailing permits were not to cost more than $100 each, which money must be used for pubhc im provements in the town.
Georgetown could not impose a heavier retail license than $25 annually ; and Homer's license fee could not exceed $100. Statcsville could not demand more than $20 for her license, and Thomson could not go beyond $40, nor under $io.
Louisville could riot charge more than $50 per annum for license,'nor fine a violator ot" her license law more than $100 for each day of unlicensed selling. Dalton's commis sioners could not exceed $500 for a license; while Atlanta's Council could not go beyond $300.
Venders--of airy quantity--of liquor in Elberton, un licensed by the town authorities, were liable to a fine of not less than $50 for each offence, and the like penalty was to be inflicted upon a storekeeper--or shop-owner, who should permit liquor to be drunk in his store, shop, or upon his premises.
The Griffin council was empowered to fix license charges, declare illegal permits void, license, control, and regulate, all taverns within their corporate limits.
Lincolnton's Commissioners were permitted to grant or
3"

4-66 l.KGISLATION 1842--1860. THE LICElNbK ,SVST.EM =
refuse license at their discretion ; they could impose what license they pleased and dictate in what quantity liquor should be sold ; the penalty for violating the lau- was not less than 50 with imprisonment for not less than ten days.
The commissioners of Hamilton could impose a license anywhere from $50 to $1,000 for any retailing; in less quantities than one gallon, except for medicinal or mechan ical purposes; but property of retailers was not to be dimin ished in value, without compensation.
G-rovcrvi lie's (incorporating) license fee for retailing was not to exceed $r,ooo, nor be less than $600--practical prohibition, it would seem.
Albany's license was to be fixed by the commissioners "according to the ordinances/' The town now became a city. Fayettcville's amendment excluded liquor retailing from the area within one-half mile of the court house--save by physicians for medical purposes; penalty for violation of this law $$oo fine, or imprisonment at discretion of the court.
This law through all the vicissitudes of war and recon struction has been maintained in its place, as the author leams, and Fayetteville is still a "dry" town.
Dawsonville was incorporated by this Assembly, and enjoyed the singular distinction of being the only town whose charter was subjected to this Assembly without receiving any liquor legislation.
The Hancock county license law of the preceding year, was so amended this year as to allow the Inferior Court to grant license to retail, upon petition of a majority of the legal voters within three miles of the place of sale ; but any manufacturer might sell his own goods (liquors) without let, under laws pertaining to manufacturers as sellers of their own goods.
Stewart county's law was also amended, retail license was put at $50 payable to clerk of the Inferior Court, and selling liquor in any quantity to be drunk in a house where sold, or in any back room attached to such house, was to be considered retailing, and punished accordingly. License to

r
LEGISLATION 184-: -i860. THE LICENSE SYSTEA!. 467
sell in greater quantities than one quart, was put at $35, which moneys were for the Poor School fund.
The license for Wilcox county retailers was amended to be the same with the general State law for inferior courts. Liquor was not to \>^ peddled under penalty prescribed in the State law against unlicensed retailing1 , in the counties of G-reeiie, Heni^, Sumter, Lawrence, Early, Troup, Houston, Lincoln, Clay, Wilkcs, Dooly, Chattahoocb.ee, Stewart, Glasscock, Colquitt, Warren, Webster, Terreli, Jefferson, iSTonroe, Burke, Newton, G-lynn, Taliaferro, Butts, Baker, Pike, LT pson, G-winnett, Decatur, Schley arid Spalding-.
No general liquor la\v was enacted by the Legislature of 1860, nor was the local legislation so extensive as in 1859.
Ac worth was incorporated, its commissioners having authority to prescribe rates and conditions of retail Licensing
Blackshear's charter was so amended that the council might assess the license tax prescibed in 1859, over and above the county license tax. The applicant must also obtain the certificate of the Clerk of the Inferior Court, before begin ning to retail.
Atlanta's act was so amended that the city council was empowered to enact all by-laws and ordinances necessary to punish persons who furnish liquor to slaves, or to free colored. Fine not more than $TOO, and fifty da3r s' impris onment.
The commissioners of Stnnmerville were permitted to fix a license fee of $50 upon each retail liquor house,
Talbotton's council might, at discretion, license taverns and public houses and retail shops, imposing such regula tions as should seem to them proper.
Monroe's charter was amended, to conform with that o!" Sparta (of 1858)^ giving the Marshal power to arrest without warrant.
Talapoosa and Valclosta were incorporated ; the com missioners of the latter being empowered to fix license--not to exceed $500; penalty for violation--$50; applicant for license must also take the State oath and give bond.

468 LEGISLATION 1842- i860. THE MCKNSK SYSTEM.
An act (1860) for Burke and Columbia counties com pelled all applicants for retail license to specify the militia district in which they expected to sell liquors. License subquently obtained could not shield the offender from prosecu tion. An additional fee of $5 for each district must be paid to the Clerk of the Inferior Court; but the clerk was uot to grant the license, provided a. majority of the legal voters of the district petitioned against it.
An act for Murray county forbade any person to sell or give spirituous liquors, as a beverage, in any shop, house, or saloon, where such liquors arc commonly vended, or at any election grounds, or place of public gathering in the county, on pain of a fine of not less than $100, nor more than $1,000, or of imprisonment for not less than one month, nor more than six.
Tn the counties of Taliaferro, Greene, Washington, and Henry, applicants for retail license were required to apply, in writing, to the inferior courts of those counties, furnish ing annually evidence of good moral character, industry, sobriety^ and integrity, and make bonds in the sum of $1,000 each, with security, not to sell to any slave, free colored nor minor, without consent of master, guardian or parent; also, a petition from a majority of the legal voters resident within three miles of the proposed place of sale, must be presented to the court. This petition must describe the place where petitioners desire the applicant to sell, and define in what quantities he should vend. The court could fix the license anywhere from $5 to 100. This statute was not to abridge the manufacturers right to sell his own liquors.
The act for Worth county prohibits the peddling of liquors, or their sale except at a stationary point. The maker of the liquors might, however, sell them at his home, or con vey them to some grocery or fixed point, to sell to merchants or retailers. Other sales subject the maker to the penalties (or unlicensed retailing.
The provisions of the above act were extended to apply also to the counties of Emaauel, CLayton, Scriven, Dougherty,

LEGISLATION I842--I86O. Tl !K LlCliNTSK SYSTEM. 469
Quitman, Houston, T ay lor, Macon, Oglethorpe, Clay, Effingham, Crawford, Twiggs, Polk, Liberty, Cobb, Lowndes and Irwm,
Throe municipal charters were either granted or amended by the Legislature of 1861, viz.: To Bcllville, Spring- Place, and Rome. To the second was granted the right'to fix the license fee at not more than $250; while Rome's commis sioners might levy a sum from each retailer not exceeding $300, Bellville received no license prerogative.
We have now brought into review the whole of Georgia's liquor legislation, both general and local, from the days when the Trustees forbade the introduction, or the drinking- of rum, down to the great Civil War. New factors are now about to enter into the question, and old things are passing awayOne element of liquor legislation--the slave---was to be elim inated. But we must not anticipate.

CHAPTER XXXIII.
TEMPERANCE ORDERS DURING THE LICENSE I 850-60.
As I am sure they do, VH To kindle cowards and } The melting HpiriU of w< What need \vc of any spi To prick us to redress? a Than honesty to honesti That this shall be, or we
SONS OF TEMPERANCE.
We have already quoted the statement of Grand Scribe Temple, of Halifax, N. S., that in 1851 the "Sons" reached the maximum of their growth in Georgia, having- then 13,663 members, and invested funds to the amount of $10,758. Putting ourselves again under the able guidance of Mr. Ternpie, who follows the records of the National Division, we read as follows :
"Under the influence of the inevitable law of reaction, it (the Order) then began
from the interests of the Order to the abstract question of legal prohibition. In 1857
ilton. Ontario, in 1863, Georgia had noplace on the roll of Grand Divisions."
The number of Divisions in the State had swelled to 329 in 1851. The next year nearly one hundred had fallen. off, leaving only 230, with 9,568 members. For six years the decline was rapid and constant. In 1853 only i6r Divisions and 4,01 5 members were reported. In 1854, 91 Divisions and

TEMPERANCE ORDERS.

4/1

1,439 members ; ^ n 1855, 40 Divisions and 407 members; in 1856, 27 Divisions and 351 members; in 1857, 20 Divisions and 538 members; in 1858, 31 Divisions and 661 members; in 1859, 38 Divisions and 1,556 members.
This was the last report of the ante-bellum period. We see that the Order was beginning to revive before the shock of arms began. That the fierce excitement of the few years preceding the conflict was the chief cause of the decline, is unquestionable. Thai there was an absolute de mand for a temperance organization--a void which noth ing short of organized effort could fill--is certainly true. Hitherto no form of work had so effectually answered the need as that of the Sons. Could the political frenzy have cooled, the irritant causes being removed, it seems more than probable that the Order might have regained much of its former power. The deeply cherished love for their Order was exemplified, when in the heat of the reconstruction era, many of the '"Sons" were eager to revive their Divisions through the State.
The State temperance work in Georgia has for nearly half a. century been backed by some special temperance organization, which has, in a measure, held the popular sen timent in shape, and rendered it somewhat effective. The Totnl Abstainers, Washingtonians, Sons of Temperance, Good Templars, etc., have formed the backbone, so to speak, lor the whole temperance anatomy. With these organ izations as the rallying- force, many temperance societies, \vhich would not of themselves have had life enough to com bine for an}" effective work, were encouraged to join in State Conventions. These societies formed a kind of militia in the Cold Water host, very useful when supported by the "reg ulars," but not efficient when left alone. The State Conven tion was properly a product of Washing-tonianism, and it was sustained until 1855, chiefly by the Sons. After that year it ceased from its labors.
But the Sons were not only prime factors in the temper ance movement, they were also chiefly instrumental in keep-

4/2

TEMPERANCK ORDERS DURING

ing alive the festivities and patriotic remembrances of our national holidays. Thus the " Constitutionalist " of Augusta says, 1 that for some years that city had been indebted to the Sons of Xempcrance for her celebrations of the ^.th of July. "The genial spirit of */6 seems to be in that Order, though they abjure the fiery spirit of alcohol. But for the Sons of Temperance, the day would pass unnoticed/'
Indeed so enthusiastic were the conventions of those davs. that extra trains were run for the convenience of dele gates and visitors.
Tn August, 1850, the Savannah Divisions proposed to the various Divisions and Societies of the State* to unite in pro curing and presenting to the Ruilding Committee of the National monument in Washington, a block of Georgia mar ble with "suitable inscription as a token of respect from the State of (Georgia." Messrs. Humphreys, La\v\ Felt, King and Caruthers were appointed a committee to correspond with other societies for this purpose.
In the funeral obsequies of Genera! Taylor the deceased president, the Sons bore a prominent part. The headquar ters of the Sons continued to be in Macon, whither the dele gates and representatives gathered annually in the autumn, to elect officers, and revise and prepare for new work: in the future.
At the Temperance Convention held in Atlanta in 1852, the question of suppressing the traffic by legislative enact ment had become prominent. The Maine law had just been earned and man v Georgians \vished to put their temperance ship on the same tack. Many opposed legislative interfer ence, county meetings were called, but the opinions expressed in these were not more harmonious than those of the con vention itself. When the Grand Division met in annual session in Macon, Oct. 26 and ay, 1853, it did not take any official action in regard to the Maine law movement. Resolutions were, however, passed, declaring the annihila tion of the liquor traffic to be o^ of the objects for which
% July 6. 1850.

THE LICENSE UKCA.DK. 1850--1860.

4/3

the Sons oi Temperance had been organized, and the friends of temperance were urged to attend the temperance mass meeting- to be held in Milledgeville, November 23. At this session the Grand Division resolved to meet quarterly, a burden from which the Grand Division had years before prayed the National Division to be relieved. Columbus, Sandersville, and D alton were chosen as the points at which the quarterly meetings of 1854 \vere to be held.
At this meeling- the gi a:id officers chosen for 1854 were: E. L. New ton, Grand Worthy Patriarch ; O. W. Adams, Grand Worthy Associate ; W. S. Williford, Grand Scribe ; E. C. Granniss, Grand Treasurer; Joseph Gresham, Grand Chaplain ; H. S. Carswell, Grand Conductor; W. F. Lee, Grand Sentinel. Messrs. Williford, Felt, McClesky, Myers, Newton, Obear, Dibble, Gresham, Brantley and Adams* were chosen delegates to the National Division.
Closely connected with the Sons of Temperance were several smaller organizations : Daughters of Temperance, Cadets of Temperance, and Cold Water Army.
Of the last there were many sections, formed exclusively of boys. Rev. D. P, Jones was instrumental in forming many, if not most, of these juvenile societies. Of the Savan nah Society, which was swept away on the field of Man ass a';,. we have already made mention--perhaps a similar record might be made of other sections of these youthful heroes, but we have not the data for their story.
Although the Cold Water Army ante-dated the " Sons" in Georgia* yet it seems to have soon become a kind of aux iliary to the latter, and working under the directions of the Grand Division. The Cold Water Army had no State or ganization of its own.

THE DAUGHTERS OF TEMPERANCE.
Of this organization not very much in the line of statis tical information can be given. A number of societies existed, but how many it is now impossible to tell. Having no cen tral head in the State where a bureau of statistics should be

4/4

J'KAj PERAXCE ORDERS DURING

kept, the number of such organizations seems to have been unknown even when they were most popular. lu the great Temperance Conventions, the Daughters commonly had some representation, and in the processions they usually marched with their banners and badg-es. Many young ladies used stronger arguments than this pag-ea,ntry, to help advance the cause. Lists of names, assumed, with postoffices, were published of girls who had banded themselves together under mutual pledgees--that they would marry cold water men, or Jive without husbands. This concrete argument, properly and generally applied, would undoubtedly be one of the most effective which, woman could wield. How faith fully the Daughters adhered to their good resolution, we are not: informed.

THE CADKTS CJF TEMPERANCE.
We have already seen that in the report of Grand Worthy Patriarch Hill to the Grand Division at its session in 1849, it w ^s stated that ten or more sections of Cadets had been established in the State, which were in a ve^ flourish ing condition. On the recommendation of the Grand Worthy Patriarch, the Grand Division appointed a com mittee to organize a Grand Section of Cadets ior the State of Georgia.
The Cadets of Temperance were i~ecogiiized as a distinct society first in 1845. In 1844 (Jan. 9) a resolution had been passed by the Grand Division of New York, requiring such an alteration of the constitution of the Sons of Temperance " as to permit and invite the accession of temperance youths, not less thai; sixteen years of age, with the consent of the parent or g-uardian of each, respectively, to become members of our Order, but in no case to be permitted either to ho/d office or vote in the Division until they arrive at the age of twenty-one years.'*
This resolution died, however, without fruit. The next year Pennsylvania made an effort to organize the youth, but with little, if any, better result at the first. One or two other

PHE LICENSE DKCADK. 1850-1860.

^ 4/5

attempts to org~a.nixc the youths as Juvenile Sons o( Temper

ance had not proven very successful.

WVndharn H. Stokes of Gennantown, Pa., prepared a

constitution and rituals for the introduction of the Cadets of

Temperance. Mr. Stokes* first section of Cadets was formed

Dec. 6, 1846.

Mr. Robert M. Foust, the Grand Worthy Patriarch of

the Pennsylvania Grand Division, very heartily indorsed the

work, and the ne\v order grew with great rapidity. A

Grand Section was formed Feb. 22, 1847, ^ r - Stokes being-

Grand Patron, and. Robert M. Foust Grand Secretary.

In eighteen months the order had spread into -twenty-two

States, and contained more than 300 sections, embracing more

than 12,000 boys.'

The committee appointed to organixe the Grand Section

of Cadets for Georgia performed its duty, and published a

little manual entitled "Revised Book of the Cadets of Tem

perance of the State of Georgia." The title page also informs

us that the Grand Section was instituted in December, 1849.

This ritual does not prescribe the age at which a candi

date may be received. The ceremonial of initiation was

somewhat length v. The youthful candidate took the fol

lowing

't'l.KDr-.K ;

------ . here iii the presence of these Brothers, do solemnly promise t make, bay, sell, or use !IS a beverage, any spirituous or malt liquors. , I also faithfully promise to keep vbe secrets of this Order to myself,

them to any person not a member, so }ong as I live."
It was intended to make the Cadets bear to the Sons of Temperance somewhat the relationship of the Sabbath school to the church. The Cadets \vere to be thenurserv of the Sons. The obligations being almost identical, little more could be required of the Cadet than the maturing- in years, in ordcr to become a Son.
The number of sections in the State the author has not been able to obtain. The order does not seem to have lasted more than three or four years,
1 C. II. Miller, in " One Hundred Vears of Temperance," pp. 524-53-

4/6

TEMPERANCE ORDERS DURING

As to the " Voung-er Brothers^ it docs not appear that any societies of this order were ever instituted in Georgia, although mentioned with the Cadets in the G-rand Worthy Patriarch's report for 1849.
KNIGHTS OK JERICHO.
This Order was founded at Lansingburgh, N. Y, The supremo body in the Order was the National Lodge. From the obligation imposed upon the candidate by the ritual {18=53) we may gather the purposes of the Order:
" I, ------, according to my own desire, in vhis Lodge *it" Knig-lits of Jericho, do most solemnly and sincerely promise and covenant, upon my sacred word ot honor as a man (or woman), that 1 will nut make, buy, sell or use as ,-i beverage any spirituous or malt liquors, wine or eider, or any other alcoholic beverage. whether enumerated

traffic therein; ant) this pledge T will keep and maintain inviolate. I <!o further promise, that I will not in any way make known the private matters, rites or ceremonies of this, or any other I.oilge. to any one not legally entitled 1 receive them; nor will I give the grip or secret word of this initiatory degree, except as 1 ;im permitted. I will not give the signal of distress nor the accompanying word, save when I am in real distress or within a legal and regularly opened I.od<re; and T will respond to the signal when given and relieve the one giving it. as I would desire- relict in like distress.
" I rlo further promise to promote a. brother's and sister's welfare by preferring them in all business transactions (other things being equal) and hy advancing their social relations. 1 will never defraud or injure them; never speak evil or falsely of them; if they are in danger, I will apprise them; if they are in distress, 1 will relievo them; if they are unemployed, and desire it. 1 will assist them to business; if they ure sick, I. will visit and watch with them, and when they die, 1 will, if practicable, follow them to the tomb. I will aid the wife, sister and daughter of a brother, and the widow of a deceased brother, when hi trouble or in need.
" T do further promise that I will obey the Constitution, Jaws and regulations of the .National Lodge, the Grand Lodge of this State, and the Constitution and By-l.uAvs of this or any other Lodge, with which I may hereafter be in any manner connected; and 1 will never in [he least wrong or defraud any brother (or sister) of this Order.
"This, my solemn covenant and obligation. 1" do now most sincerely, heartily and sacredly promise to keep inviolate."
It will be seen from the obligation that the Knights of Jericho must be reckoned not only a temperance but also a mutual aid society--a kind of Temperance Free Masonry or Odd Fellowship. This feature of an abstinence society had

'niK MCENSIC DKCADK, 1850-1860.

477

much to commend it to popular favor, for the nature of man delights in. the mysterious, and the more if fello\vship and friendship are thereby assured.
The first rule laid down for the government of subor dinate lodges, was:
"The National Lodge of North America is the supreme head of the Order, and from that body shall emanate all organic or constitutional laws for every branch of the Order.
" Kri.v, 2.--The private work o[ every kind, name, or nature, shall be printed by the .National Lodge.
" Rr.,~i,K 3. --All passwords, signs, grips, tokens, signals, and salutations, shaH be given out to the different branches by the Most Honorable National Chief; also all visiting or withdrmwtl cards.
" Kn,K, IT.--Sister Knights must in the lodge have their heads uncovered, and it is hoped thai they will occupy one part of the hall as laid down in the plan of a lodge- room; there they have assigned them that part of the hall near the Worthy Chiefs desk.
"Rui,K 12.--The Worthy Chief, and Vice-Chief shall, when in open lodge, wear caps and while gloves; all such other officers as the iodge shall by a vote determine, may also wear them,"
Among- the suggestions under the head of '' important," was t.liat urging' public meeting's as often as monthly. Some member of the lodge was to be chosen to deliver the ad dress, and the public must be invited to attend. It was also recommended, to the lodges to cultivate the art of sing-ing-, that thereby their meeting's might be made more interesting, and the Worthy Chief was urged to hasten through the routine \vork, to give time for that pleasant exercise.

THE KNIGHTS OK JRIUCHO IN GEORGIA.
From 'Mr. C. R. Hanleiter of Atlanta, the author has gleaned the following- as to the introduction of the order:
"Atlanta Lodge., TSr o. I, Knights of Jericho, I think was organized in the spring of 1852, mainly throup;h my instrumentality. The charter, ete., we procured from Mr. .Daniel Cady of Lansmg-burgh, N. Y,, who, I think, was the originator of the order. You have hercn-ith a mutilated copy of the first ritual; also, a pamphlet containing the Proceeding's of the Grand l.odg'c o[ Georgia, from which, you will he able to obtain a clearer knmvlt-dg-e of the slrenythof the order in Georgia, and its membership, than I can furnish in any other form."
From the " Proceedings '' mentioned by Mr- Hanleiter,

4/8

TKM PER ANCE OKIH': [<_S 1) T KI XG

\ve gather the following as to the ; irgani.zation of the Grand Lodge :

No. I, Knights of Jericho, at TO o'clock, in the morning- of April 29, 1,7.53, for

the purpose of organizing-a C'nuul Lud^e for f/u? .S/,/1,-of Gwgia, under a charter

granted by the i\lo',t Honorable National Lodge of Korth ATiieriea, They v,-ere

met by Rev. Russell Kcneau, Deputy Most Worthy Chief for ihe State of Georgia,

who, having- called the lodges in their numerical order, the following representa

tives answered and presented certificates of election, as follows .

"From Atlanta Lodge, N'o. i--C. R. Hanleher, J. R. Swift. A. 15. Forsytli,

David Emanuel.

"From Oothcaloga Lodge, .\r o. 2--D. M. Mood, J. G. McAlIisler, Hugh Quinn.

W, II. Craw-ford.

"From Marietta Lodge, Xo. 3--R. E. Johnson, A. K. White, John K. Arnold-

"From Powder Springs Lud^e, No. 4----No representative.

"From Rome I,od'e, iN'o. 5--INo representative.

\

"From Calhoun Lodg-e, N'o. 6--Thomas Markins, G. W. Ransom, T. -M. Smith,

Nathan M. \Vamslec.

""i-'rom Cays Lodge, IVo. ~--- No representative.

"From Cady I,oc!g^, Xo. 8--Jesse Reiiean, Er, Lawshc, J. M. Brown.

"From Conyer's I^odgc, N'o. q--A. K. Richtirdsou."

Representatives Ilarkins, Richardson, Hood, Ransom

and McAlIister \verc appointed a Committee on Credentials.

After the report of this committee had been received, the

body went into an election of Grand Officers, which election

resulted as follows :

D. M. Hood, Grand Worthy Chief; A. K. Richardson, Grand Worthy ViceChief; C. R. Hanleiter, Grand \\orthy Recorder; A. B. Korsylh, Grand "Worthy Treasurer; Rev. Thomas jrarkiiiH, Grand Worthy Chaplain; C. W. Ransom, Grand Worthy .Marshal; John F. Arnold, Grand "Worthy Scribe,
After the installation of the Grand Officers, the repre sentatives from Atlanta Lodge entered a protest against the admission oi the Cadjr Lodge delegates--also cjf Atlanta-- on the ground of irreg-ularity in its creation, and also be cause Atlanta Lodg*e did not believe that there was any necessity for a second lodg'o in the city. Moreover, Atlanta Lodge had protested against the chartering of this lodge (Ca.dy~) before the charter was issued, and the Deputy Most Worth}' Chief should have withheld the charter until after the organization of the Grand Lodge.
This case was carried to the National Lodge, on appeal,

H f, 1C I

479

and that body sustained the decision of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, which had ordered Cady Lodge to deliver its char ter and private work into the hands of the Grand Worthy Recorder.
At the meeting held in May, 1853, A. M. Laub was made Grand Worthy Chief, and A. M. Jackson, Grand Worthy Vice-Chief. Several new lodges had been created since the last meeting.
On motion of W. IT. Stansell, it was
"Resolved, That the 'Knight of Jericho,' published in Ada H. C. WiUingham, be recognized :is the organ of this order in G.

order generally throughout the country."
The Knights do not seem to have been far advanced toward female suffrage, since, on motion of Rep. Ransom, it \vas
" 7{t'sofae,i, Thai no lady Knight of Jericho shall be permitted 1" to vote on any question before subordinate lodges of which they are members, except for the admission, rejection, suspension, or expulsion of tht:ir own sex."
The Grand Lodge resolved to have a grand public demonstration, by its members, regular and honorary, at its next annual session (in Atlanta, in 18^4), and committees were appointed to make suitable arrangements, and procure an orator for the occasion.
Grand Worthy Recorder Hanleiter " was requested to apply to the next State Legislature to have the Grand and Subordinate Lodg-es of Knights of Jericho, in Georgia, incor porated." Mr. Hanleiter was apparently more successful in his effort before the Assembly than the Sons had been in their first attempt at incorporation, six years before. The Knights obtained their act at the next meeting- of the Leg islature.
At the session held in Calhoun, Sept. 12, 1853, it was resolved by the Grand Lodge, " That it is a violation of the obligation of a Knight of Jericho to sell spirituous liquors in the capacity of a clerk or agent."
The celebration was held, as per programme, at the March annual session of the Grand Lodge in Atlanta.

480

TEMPERANC'K ORDERS DURING

Those indispensable* to an old time celebration--a procession and an orator--were on hand. Rev. W. J. Scott of Rome Lodge, delivered the address in the Methodist Chuz'ch, where the procession was received "by a large assemblage of lady knigfhts, whose presence added much to the interest of the occasion. * * In the evening1 the fraternity of Knights and Ladies of Jericho partook of a superb picnic, prepared by the members of Atlanta Lodge Mo. i, at ' Parr's Hall/ "
At the session of the (j-rand Lodge in September, 1854 (in Atlanta), Grand Worthy Chief Laub reports ,that he had felt it obligatory to demand the charter of Rome Lodge Mo. 5, since the presiding officer of that lodge had answered in the affirmative the question, "Whether the eat ing of brandy peaches is a violation of our obligation ? " the Grand Worthy Chief stated that he had sustained the pre siding officer. The Marshal of the lodge declared that he did not regard it as a violation of the obligation--he had eaten brandy peaches and would eat them again. A charge was prepared against the Marshal, but the lodge refused to sustain it. The Grand Worthy Chief considered the precedent so dangerous that he demanded the surrender of the charter and books of the lodge. The Grand Lodge Com mittee, to which the matter was referred, commended the prompt and decisive actkm of the Grand Worthy Chief, but thought that a suspension of the operations of the lodge until the meeting of the Grand Lodge would have been sufficient.
We see from this incident that the knights proposed to f/g/^rrf total abstinence of the most rigid kind. J3ro. W. A. Bass offered the following, \vhich was taken up and adopted:
ViVjWz^/, That we instruct our delegates to the National l.odgc, to request
that body to determine whether or not the pledge, relating to the use of alcoholic
liquors as a beverage, is binding for life."
This question the Grand Lodge had hitherto, and now most emphatically, answered in the afKrmative ; but it was

THE LICENSE DECADE. 1850-1860.

481

thought proper to have the National Lodge decide the matter.
Mr, Willing-ham's "Knight of Jericho" had in July gone the way of all the earth--more particularly the way of all temperance papers. Small pay, and lack of interest on the part of temperance people, had been the cause of the " Knight's" early demise. Hope was expressed that some steps mig'ht be taketi to revive " The Knight," for, the " Re corder" says :

"The temperance question will probably enter very largely into the next polit ical canvass. Our friends in every part of the State are already arming for the combat; but how is it possible to conduct a campaign of this character with any hope of success, unaided by at least one cheap and reliable medium through which to communicate directly with the masses? Two or three \vell conducted, and liber ally sustained temperance journals in Georgia would do more, hi the next twelve months, to advance her interests and entitle her to the proud distinction conceded to her--that of being- the 'Empire State of the South'--than can be effected by any other means."
We see from the above extract that the political crash of the following year "was already anticipated, and the Grand Worthy Recorder was quite right in desiring- the lodge to secure the co-operation of the press. It was

"Resolved, That the proceedings of this Grand Lodge be furnished to the

Tiperance P.amier for publication, <

;r that they will be published gratis

event the

The Georgia Grand Lodge opposed the semi-annual meetings of such bodies, and the delegates were urged to use their efforts to secure Erom the National Lodge a change from semi-annual meetings to annual.
The degrees of the order at this time were: The Imtia101-37-, Hope, Bethany, and Bethlehem. Lt was resolved by this Grand Lodge that inasmuch as the Degree of Hope unnecessarily embarrassed the work,
31

482

TEMPERANCE ORDERS DURING

" 'That our delegates to the National Lodge be instructed to advocate before that body the expurgation of the Degree of Hope from the Ritual.'
"At this .session Mr. J. S, Peterson was chosen Grand Worthy Chief, an office which he held, as he writes, until after the war. Mr. Peterson says : 'The order was never strong anywhere--especially in Georgia--as the Sons of Tem perance really met the temperance sentimerit demanded."
In 1854 the number of lodges of the "Knights" in Georgia had reached fortj--seven, though the number of members is not given. This order, like the Sons, tided over the war.

THE RECHABT.TES.
This Order came to America from England, having been established at Salford in Lancashire, Aug. 25, 1835.' The Order was founded upon the injunction of jonadab, the son of Rechab, to his sons to drink no wine forever. 1
This Order is a benefit society, having total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors as its corner stone.
" Persons of healthy constitution and good moral character, from fifteen to iifty years of age, may become members. Those abstainers who do iiol require to join a benefit society for the sake of the sick-pay and funeral allowance', and yet wish to counsel and help in the management of such an institution, may become honorary members by paying- a small sum per annum. Such members may nil any office

It is claimed for the Rechabites that their Order fur nishes all the good results arising" i'rom the best mutual aid societies.

are everywhere a " Districts and Tent

stablished throughout the United Kingdom, Isle of

THE J.K;L-:X>I; DKCAJ/I:. 1850-1860.

483

Man, Channel Islands, Australia, Tasmania, and -Vc-.v Zealand; and lately our standard has been unfurled in Tort Klmsbeih, South Africa, Bridgetown, Barbadoes, West Indies, Georgetown, British Guiana, St. John's, arid Newfoundland. * * \Ve are also a united body, and are thus able to give clearance cards to thos,e

abroad. * * The executive power i* vested in a Board of Directors, composed of nine members, including High Chief Ruler, High Deputy Kuk:r, Past High Chief IxuJe;-, and High Treasurer.
"A biennial movable conference is held, composed of representatives from the various T'islriels into which the Order is divided. At this conference the high officers and members of the Hoard of Directors are elected, and ail Important busi-

Thc Order is still in a flourishing condition, having stood the brunt of more than half a century. Mr, Pratt, Registrar of Friendly Societies, pronounced it "the healthi est and wealthiest society in the kingdom." And the " Quarterly Review " also assigns it a high place among- the benefit societies of the British "Isles.
THE RECHABJTES I ,\" GEORGIA.
From Mr. C. R. Ilanleiter's letter we quote again :
".Franklin Tenl, No. 353, I". O. O. Jxechabites, was instituted mainly through my efforts, early in the year 1851. The charter members were: Jeremiah ISateman, J. I'. J:ic;j.ucl-uimp, William T. Bea.ll, "David Kmanuel, \V. II. J-'itts, C. R. Hanleiter, Benjamin ['. Harris, John L. Harris, W. .U, James, Mees H. Lin, Lcu-Js I.awshe, Er. Uawahe, P. A. 1,,-iwson, L. O. Morris. Thomas \lurrah, and Jeremiah Wells.
"This tent flourished only for a year or two, and with the exception of another tent in Augusta (which was established before ours), I do not remember any other in the State. The work of the Rechabites was most beautiful, but the objection to the order was that it prohibited all kinds of intoxicants, and Its pledge was con sidered binding during life."
The pledg-e of the Rechabites, as printed in the " ByLaws of Franklin Tent, No. 353," is as follows :
"I hereby declare that I will abstain from all intoxicating liquors, and will not give nor offer them lo others, except in i'tligioiis ordinances, or when prescribed in. goodfaith f>y a mtufioi! practitioner. L will not engage in the traffic of them, and in ;dl suitable ways will discountenance the use, manufacture and sale of them : and to the utmost of my power, J will endeavor to spread the principles of absti nence from all intoxicating liquors."
This tent (Franklin) was numbered 353, of the I. O. O. Rechabites, in North America.
Section I, of Article 3 of the By-laws, provided that

484

TKMI'liRAXCE ORDERS DURINC

"Persons of good moral character, free from all bodily disease or miinnity, that would tend to make them burdensome to the order, not under [he age of eighteen, and who shall have signed the plcdg-c of total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks, shrill be eligible to membership. " The Xinth article provided that, "Any member who shall be proven to have broken the pledge of lota! abstinence from all intoxicating drinks, shall be expelled, not to be, reinstated."

This same article provided for the fining-, suspension, or expulsion of a brother accused of a disgraceful crime, or of de frauding the order *'by feigning himself sick or disabled, for

the purpose of obtaining the weekly benefits, or it he betray or divuig-e any of the secrets of the order, he shall be en titled to a fair trial, as provided for in the By-laws of Georgia District Tent, No. 33." A brother who was aware of an other brother's violation of his pledge, yet failed to report the same, should be fined $5.
Five black balls rejected a candidate, or prevented the readmission of an expelled member.
The Franklin Tent fixed its initiation fees as follows:

All persons over 18 and under 35.. .................

... .$3 oo

25

"

30... ....................... 400

" 3

"

35 ........................ 5 oo

" 35

'

40... ............ ......... 6 oo

40

"

45 ..................... ... 7 u

" 45

"

50 ......................... 3 oo

"

" 50 Add one dollar for each vcac.

THE TEMPLARS OK ilONOK _\XD TF.MPERAIsOl-:
made another Order of Temperance, which had a few organizations in Georg-ia before the war, though only two temples have been formed since that eventful period.
The Templars of Honor claim a more advanced place in the temperance column for their order than any previous or contemporary organization has reached. The Good Templar or Knight of Jericho may dwell in his own lodge ; the Rechabite may abide in his tent; and the Son of Tem perance may guard his treasures in his hall--but the Tem plar of Honor moves into, and claims for himself, the most enduring structure of all--the glorious temple itself.
"The Order of the Templars of Honor and Temperance was originated by prominent Sons of Temperance, and designed by them as a branch of that organi-

THE LICKNSK DEGADIC. 185,0-1860.

48$

zation. Many of its members felt that it lacked some of ihe elements of stability and perpetuity that had enabled old benevolent associations to bear up against the assaults of enemies, and they determined lo see if these elements, added to a total abstinent benevolent organization, would not give similar permanence and snc-

While the work of the two orders is different, yet in aim and methods there is much resemblance between the R.echabites and the Templars of Honor. Roth sought to cultivate, or rather to educate, by a series of j/^j, or degrees, which would stand as milestones, to mark the candidate's proficiency and progress in the temperance truths symbolized in these stages.
"The order of the Sons of Temperance had been so suc cessful in their work ot reform and so engrossed in it. they did not see the need of more educational work, and they de sired no change. They clung to the "old paths.' " ^
The first organization which finally resulted in the for mation of a temple, was that of Dec. 9, 1845, in New York, called "'Marshall Temple, No. j,Sons of Temperance/' This was intended to be a kind of Knight-Errantry, added to the Sons. The door to the Temple of Honor was only to be reached through the Division, "To join this order the applicant must be a Son of Temperance." Grips, pass words, regalia, etc., were part of the additions made by the new institution. A Grand Temple was organized in Janu ary, 1846, and A. D. Wilson was chosen Past Grand Worthy Templar; K. T. Trail, Grand Worthy Templar; E. Winchester, Grand Worthy Vice-Templar; and Luke Hassert, Grand Worthy Recorder.
The Grand Temple of Honor of Mew Vork being thus organized, resolved to take upon itself the supreme power of the Order, till a National Division should be formed with these functions. A number of new Temples were soon con stituted. The Grand Temple of Maryland was chartered in June, K846.
Hitherto the Temple of Honor had proposed to itself to
'Rev. Dr. Jocelyn, m "Temperance Centennial Volume." p. 626. 2 Mosl Worthy Templar C\ S. Woodruff, in "One Hundred Years of Temper*
ance," p. 5$.

4^(3

TEMPERANCE ORDERS DURING

be a higher order, or stage, of the Order of the Sons of Tem perance; but the National Division of the latter, in Tune, 1846, while acknowledging- the "utility of the movement, vet Resolved, That it is inexpedient to form a connection be tween the National Division and the Temples ol" Honor."

"A'esotoerd. That the National Division entertain the kindliest feelings <,ow;ir,{ the Temple- branch of the Order." The Templars. left thus alone, public,! ua their organization, a.nc.1 jSov. 5, 1846, formed a National Temple of Honor.
The first of \\IG principles laid down as the foundation of the Order, was : "To abstain from making-, buying, selling, using as a beverage, or in any way, as principals or agents, being engaged in the traffic of spirituous or malt liquors, wine or cider."
Three degrees were instituted, viz.: Love, Purity, and Fidelity, and signs, fees, etc.. were adopted or regulated for the Order.
At the third session of the National Temple held in Philadelphia, in 1848, it was reported that ten Grand Tem ples, in as many States, had been formed. Georgia had no Grand Temple, but it was announced that Subordinate Tem ples had been created in that State as well as in several others. But Georgia had at no time a Grand Temple.
From the Most Worthy Recorder of the Templars, F. H. Sage of Hartford, Conn., the author has received the fol lowing statistics of the Order in Georgia:

In 847 was constituted Magnolia Temple--Hawkinsville. . . R. A. Burch, Deputy.

In 8-j 8 "

"

Cen tral

'' --(Place not given) K. A. Butch, Deputy.

In 849 " :'

Knoxvillc

" --Knoxville. ..... E. A. Burch, Deputy.

In 850 "

'

Crystal Wave " -- Knoxville. ..... G. P. Culver house.

fn 851 " "

Union

" --St. Cloud...... W. C. Redwine.

In 852 " "

Rising Star ' --Palmetto....... C. W. Arnold.

In 852 "

"

Westwood

" --Corinth- ....... W. W. IIughey.

In 1855 only two subordinate temples were rzp:)rted as still existing in Georgia.
We And no mention of these temples in any later report, and they probably died before the outbreak of the Civil War.
Perhaps, as the story of the Templars in this State since

THE LICENSE DECADE. 1850-1860.

487

the great national struggle is very brief, \ve may anticipate, and give it here.
tn June, (870, a temple was organized at G-rifRn by W. E. IT. Searcy, and in February, 1877, a second (Fulton) was formed in Atlanta, by J. G\ Thrower. Neither of these had a ^ong lease of life, and no temple now exists within the bounds of the State. Mr. Sage says of the Templars of Honor :
Our Order hay at times--prior to the war, especially--done very good work in the South, hut since Lheti but little cfTort has been made to push it, which is to be regretted, as I believe tliat if the people of the South could know it, and the grand work it is doing here, they would s;o iuto it by the hundreds."
It is possible that other temperance organizations may have been formed in Georgia prior to the Civil War, but if so, they must have been insignificant in numbers and very short lived. The author believes that he has enumerated all organ izations (temperance) of every kind which found a footing here during the ante-bellum era.

CHAPTER XXXIV.
POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----THE OVEK8V CAMPAIGN.
" Mental suasion for the man who thinks,-- Moral suasion for the man who drinks, Legal suason for the drunkard-maker. Prison suasion for the stature-breaker."
At the Atlanta Convention held in r853, the question as to the propriety of following- in the wake of Maine by adopt ing- legal prohibition for the State, was actively canvassed. Much discussion was kindled thereby throughout the State. An example of this is furnished in the call issued to the cit izens of Monroe county, 1 inviting- them to "meet at the court house in Forsyth, on Saturday, the i6th, to take into consid eration the proceedings of the late convention at Atlanta, in relation to the suppression of the traffic in spirituous liquors, and to express their views on the objects soug-ht to be ac complished by that convention. Opponents, as well as friends, of the measure are invited to attend and participate in the discussion."
The fire kindled in the pine forests of Maine was send ing some of its heat to the savannahs of the South. It was felt that some kind of legislative aid was needed. The prom ise of deliverance which the last great society movement-- that of the Sons of: Temperance--at first held out, was wan ing with the rapid decay which the order was suffering in the 3'ears iS53-'5- Something more must be done. The fountain of evil had, it had been fondly imagined, been stopped by the various balms or caustics hitherto from time to time applied, but only to burst forth again with a new stream of corruption and woe. Neither the Washingtonian
1 " Journal and Messenger," April 13, 1853. 488

POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----THE OVERBY CAMPAIGN. 489
salve nor the license ligature had staunched its flow. The many forms of society work had created much healthy tem perance sentiment, but it had, if possible, rendered the liquor traffic yet more depraved in its methods--a result which uni versally follows the persistent adherence to the evil, despite the strong, outspoken condemnation of the better elements of society. The trafRc became more sullen, dogged, crafty, and malicious in its methods.
What remedy was to be applied P License and rgg&z/zo were used in all forms, but from every county were coming up the complaints of the grand juries that the laws (license) were constantly violated, that illicit trafSc with negroes and with vicious whites was constantly carried on, that the barrooms set Sunday laws at open defiance, or easily evaded, under some technicality, the terrors which the law was intended to hold over them. Laws were made to prevent minors from obtaining liquors at the bars, but noth ing was easier than to have some adult crealure of the saloon go through lhe^f?yv% f/X^Myr^rjVM^" liquors to be given to boys just outside the door, provided the<.w&yc?fM//i?j (?) dramseller had the fear of the law too much in his eves, to permit him to directly sell to youths over his bar; an illicit traffic was like wise carried an with the negroes, who were encouraged to steal from their masters, or others, to procure means for purchasing intoxicants; hence mony of those singular, iron clad statutes which were constantly enacted to prevent this kind of trance, until the negro was almost shut of? from the power of purchasing any goods at all, even the simplest and most necessary fabrics. No other laws of the a/zZt'bellum regim6, in their effect, worked out such hardships to the negro race in the South as those which assumed to y^M/a/f the sale of liquors. It was patent that the dram shop was the place where the vicious " most do congre gate," and the most rigid patrol laws, statutes against the congregating of negroes, and against their trafficking, etc., were framed, as antidotes to the license laws. So far did this effect of the license system extend, that free negroes,

49 I'oi.rncAL CON YEN noNs--TMic OYKRBY CAMPAIGN.
in many of the counties, were prohibited from exercising many of the most common pursuits of life, or from acting as their own agents in purchasing- any little luxuries or even necessaries of life. For such persons guardians were regularly appointed, who were to act as agents for their wards. Yet the careful student of G-eorg-ia legislation finds no difficult3' in tracing- the multiplication of these restric tions on the colored people--both slaves and free--as proceeding part pctssu with the growth of license laws. Nearly every addition to license statutes, contained some additional restriction--or resulted in such inhibition--so far as the negro race was concerned.
Many leading temperance men, feeling that the remedies hitherto applied, had failed, began to look with eager eyes for some new panacea for the leprosy which was destroy ing- the social, religious, and domestic body.
The fierce heat of the National Bank and of the Mexican and Texan questions of the preceding decade had been settled; the slavery agitation--now nearly a quarter of a century old--had grown in strength and violence as well as in years, and to determine the status of the new Territory as to slavery was the problem which was now racking the statesmanship of the nation. Clay, like another Curtius, had thrown himself into the chasm which was fast opening between the sections ; but though the hungry monster of disunion was thus for a moment, appeased, yet a far greater offering was demanded. Some of the fiery political leaders of the South, who had years before hinted at disunion, HOW loudly advocated it. From the North came an answering cry, as deep and determined, and its burden was disunion. Garrison's " Liberator *' had long denounced the compact of States, and Phillips, Hale, Horace Mann, Edmund Ouincy, and a host of others, were loud in their plaints against the National Confederacy. Most probably, if the counsels of these extremists from both North and South had prevailed, we should have had a separation of the sections, possibly without war at the outset, though it is hard to see how such

POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----T11K OVEK.UV CAMPAIGN. 49!
clashing interests and demands could have permanently averted the Anal conflict. But that love of the Union which predominated in patriotic hearts, over even the passions of the hour, would not be content to see the fair fabric of our mighty nation swept awav. But what leisure to think of great moral questions in those stormy days?
The State Temperance Convention met in Athens* Tune 28, 1854. Fifteen counties were represented by 150 dele gates. Judge Joseph H. Lumpkin, by letter, resigned the position of president, which he had held so long. In his letter he lakes occasion to give some suggestions to the temperance people as to their future course. Judge Lumpkin, as one of the oldest and most experienced of all the temperance advocates whom Georgia, has ever produced, had a following and an influence among temperance men, such as has hardly been equaled by any other man who has ever lived in the State. However much his co-workers may have differed from him in many respects as to poticv, none ever questioned the purity and sincerity of his devotion to the temperance cause.
Joseph Henry Lumpkin was a native of Oglethorpe county, where he was bom in [799. tie graduated with high honor at Princeton, N. J. He began to practice law in 1820, and his rise was a very rapid one. Jn 1845, after the Supreme Court had been established, while Col. Lumpkin was absent in Europe, he was placed upon the Supreme Bench of his State, a position which he filled until his death in 1867. Although from his early years a member of the State Rights party, founded in the days of Gov. Trnup's contest with the Federal Government, yet he did not take an active part in politics. He excelled as an advocate. His mild, beaming countenance, his gentleness of heart, his noble character, had wonderful effect in addition to his scholarship and legal ability in prepossessing courts, juries and auditors in his favor. From early life he was a member of the Pres byterian Church, and his Christian character was unimpeached and unimpeachable. But chiefly as a temperance

49 2 POLITIC AT. OOXVKNTIOXS----THE OVLTRBV CAM PAIGX.
champion does his life affect our story. He became a total abstainer in 1828, the year in which Abner Clopton and Adiel Sherwood organized the first State Temperance So ciety. We hear of Col. Lumpkin meeting- with the society when it was still thought by many to be a kind of sectarian affair. He and Dr. S. K. Talmag-e had represented Georgia in the first American Temperance Society at Philadelphia in 1833. Along" with Longstreet, Sherwood and others, he had held 011 to the State Society, until it finally foundered 011 the rocks of total abstinence, politics and indifference, in 1836. In 1839, along" \vith Josiah Flournoy, he had urged the famous petition to the Legislature for the suppression of the license system. The State Convention was organized in 1843, when Washing-tonianism was at the flood. Soon afterward Judg-e Lumpkin was chosen President, a position which he maintained until he resigned it in 1854.
Of his correspondence with Father Mathew, we have already given an account, and ofttimes we have incidentally noted Judg-e Lumpkin's appointments to address the State Convention, Indeed, it seems that an address from him was looked upon as one of the indispensables to the success of the programme. But his addresses on these occasions formed only a tithing1 of the speeches in favor of temper ance, which he delivered throughout the State, To illus trate Judge Lumpkin's power as a temperance orator, we cannot, perhaps, do better than to quote from a letter by a most intelligent co-laborer with him in the great work. This gentleman--Col. J. Norcross of Atlanta--says:
"Soon after my arrival in Augusta (about 1835) it was announced that the then youthful Joseph Henry I.,umpkin, since distinguished as our lirst Supreme Judge.

POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----TI11C ()VKRi:;Y CAMPAIGN. 493
unanimously carried by the audience. Nor was this all the effect that flowed from the address. J think it ivns published in both the Auyusla dailies, and in pamphlet form, which, as a matter of course, \vas circulated throughout Ihe State.
"In the city a week or ten days' proiracted temperance meeting- followed, iu which such men as Judge I -ongstreet, the author of '(.Borgia Scenes;' Dr. Milton Anthony, the founder of the Augusta Medical College; Rev. "Wiiitci'ord Smith, with his rare wit and eloquence; and many other lawyers, doctors and clergymen.
the .second temperance wave which sirept over Georgia, and aroused into renewed action such pioneers in the cause as Josiah "Flournoy, Mark A. Cooper, Rev. Adiel Sherwood --all of Eatonton; also, that fiery orator, Waiter T. Coiqnitt, ' and alongthe Alabama and Georgia border that oilier great orator, Rev. John K. Dawson, waking the echoes of the Chattahooehee by his masterly powers. '* * tint Judge. Lumpkin continued for nearly twenty years, like l-'ericles of old, the chief orator on ;-dl great temperance and other philanthropic occasions, and, like his illustrious prototype, could have .said, and perhaps did say, on his death bed, '1 have never done wrong to any of my countrymen.' IS or IB his mantle worn by unworthy representatives of the great cause, and of Our great tribunal of the present day."
Thus for Col. Nor cross. The writer has thought it best to reserve to this late date and place the sketch of Judge Lumpkin, so long- the Hector of the temperance host in Georgia.
As before said, when the convention met in A-thens, in June, 1854, Col. Lumpkin tendered his resignation as presi dent. Frotu his letter \ve may gather the grounds upon which those temperance men who \vere opposed to political party action planted themselves. Says Judge Lumpkin:
" Tolerate a parting- word of advice from an old associate (it may be the last), who became a teetotaler in 1828. has been one ever since, and expects, (Jod helping, to die one, and who has trained up eight sons in the same faith rmd practice. You believe that intemperance is a great evil, for the restraint and correction of which legislative interposition, in some form, is necessary and proper. So do 7, for I hold that society, as well as individuals, possesses the right of self-preservation. And this, after all, is the true principle involved in the issue. But whatever plan you ma}' adopt, disclaim, I pray you, on all suitable occasions, if you would ever secure success at the South, any wish or intention to enact the Maine Liquor V.aw, or any other upon this subject, which will authorise the synching for W seizure, confis cation and dfytrucliat! of priimli' property And, pardon me for suggesting that it is a great mistake to suppose that the merit of every reform depends merely 011 the thoroughness of the scheme. This is a fundamental and fatal error. The Al mighty, in His infinite wisdom, gave first the old dispensation, which was a shadow
1 Thu father of Senator A. H. ColquiU.

494 POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----"I'll K OVEKBY CAMPAIGN.
only of better things to come, and afterward, the new, which was full of grace and truth ; we give milk to babes, and meat 10 men. The infant is taught first to stand, then to walk, tottering-ly at first, to be sure, until at last the full
natural, mental, and moral world, is always progressive. Unfortunately these obvious facts are too frequently overlooked or disregarded.
" Need I remark that even the most enlightened portions of Christendom are
patient, as well as indefatigable in forming- a correct public sentiment upon these important matters. Nearly two thousand years have elapsed since the command was given, " (Jo ye into ail tht world -.mil preach the gospel to every creature," yet more than three-fourths of the human family still sit in darkness and the shadow of death; whereas, in a quarter of a century the friends of temper ance have proclaimed the total abstinence doctrines to every husband, son, father. and brother, every \vife, mother, sister, and daughter, in every town, city, and neighborhood--throughout our borders, and the precious seed thus sown will no! be lost. They nave brought 8,000 voters and 13,000 petitioners to the bar of the General Assembly of this State, asking for the suppression of grogshops. Indeed, eternity alone can tell what has been already accomplished to eradicate
thousands from the mightiest cause of suffering and woe, present and to
" My conclusion then, is, that ordinarily that which is practicable and best adapted to existing circumstances, is the best mode and measure of redress, at least for the lime being. One thing is certain, whatever may be the relative advantages of moral suasion and legal coercion, no law. to abolish the traffic can ever be passed, or passed, permanently sustained, unless the public conscience aiul judgment are properly instructed, Eschew all connection vrith politics tviid parties. Next to the union of Church and State, I know of no alliance more unholy."
This letter has been thus freely quoted to furnish a clearer view of the attitude of temperance men of that day in Georgia toward the political side of the question. Judge Lumpkin's name was a mighty power in the land, and his great influence among the temperance men added weight in calculable to any platform or lino of policy which he publicly championed. His own opposition to an attempt to enact the Maine law in Georgia, was doubtless much influenced by the result of the Floumoy effort in 1839. That "Petition" he had indorsed, and conjointly with Mr. Flournoy, he had issued an address to the people of the State urging them to demand of the Legislature thu suppression of the license sys tem. Of that movement and its sudden collapse, we have already treated. The remembrance of it was too poig-

POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----THE OVERBV CAMPAIGN. 49$
nant to those who had been engaged in it, to permit any at tempt which might result in like consequences. Then, too, there was to the people of the South* in that day of white heat of the slavery question, something unsavory in the very name prefixed to the famous statute which was in force along the Penobscot. To Georgia ears the title of the ^z?t/ would doubtless have sounded more pleasant had some other name than "Maine" been prefixed.
The State Convention, after Judge Lumpkin's resigna tion, elected the following officers:
Col. %,. H. Lallerstadt, President; W. King, Vice-President, 1st district; Kev. Dr. A. Cleans, Vice-President, 2d district; E. G. Cabaniss, Vice-President, gd dis trict; JonaXorcross, Vice-President, 4th district; A. H.. Shuford, Vice-President, 5th district; 1C. L. Newton, Vice-l'reaident, 6th district; X. C. Harriett, Vice-Presi dent, ?th district; T. S. Metcalf, Vice-president, Sth district, J. L. Hrovn, Record ing Secretary; J. M. Keney, Assismnt Secretary; J. S. Pcterson. Corresponding Secretar}-; Benjamin Jinuitlcy, Treasurer.
The next convention was appointed to be held in Marietta on the second Wednesday of July, 1855.
THK OVEROV CAMPAIGN. -- l8$g.
A meeting of the State Convention was, however, held' before July, 1855. This meeting \vas held in Atlanta Feb. 22, 1855. From the " Journal and Messenger" we quote:
"After a stormy and exciting discussion on the second day of its session (the convention) nominated the Re?. 1% M. Ovcrby as a candidate for Governor. There were only two candidates before the convention, viz.: B. II. Overby of Fulton, and \Vm. H. Crawford of I.ec, and the vote stood, for Overby, fifty-eight; forCrawford, t\vunty-two. The convention was composed of eighty or ninety dele gates, representing twenty-eight of thu most populous counties in the State, and is said to have been a very intelligent, respectable and harmonious body, iLs members differing upon no question except the policy of a nomination of a candidate for Governor. We heard it intimated before the convention assembled that Mr. Ovcrby would decline the nomination, if it was offered him, believing ivith many of the strongest temperance men of the Stale that it would injnrc the cause of tem perance in Georgia, to introduce it as a distinct clement into the political contests of the State. \Vc do not know that (that) is Mr. Ovcrby's position, and if it is, still it is not certain that he will feel at liberty to decline the nomination which has been tendered him. The probability i that he will accept, and ve shall have three or more candidates in the approaching canvass for the office of Governor of the State --a sta!e of things to be deprecated by every one who desires the defeat of the administration and its parly."

49^ POLITICAL, CONVENTIONS----THE OVKKI3Y CAMPAIGN.
" The Convention adopted the following resolutions: "ist. Resolved, That the prohibition of the traffic in ardent spirits as a bever age presents the only hope of relief from the bUghtvnu- :md destructive influence of spirituous liquors. "3d. A'csoh.'cd, That we consider the success of our cause paramount to all
promotion thereof. "Scl. KfsiilTed, That h is expedient for this convention to nominate a candidate
to be; run for the office of Governor of this Slate, at the ensuing- election. "4th. Kasohied, That \ve recommend to the friends of prohibition to present
candidates for the I ,ee;islature in the several counties of this State, ut thu ensuing election, who may be relied on to carry out, by proper leg-i.slation, the views of this Convention."
Such was the platform of the Temperance Convention which put forward as its candidate Mr. Ovcrby, not with the slightest expectation of electing him, but in the hope, as a leader in the movement told the author, of keeping alive the waning temperance sentiment of the State, of giving- it a kind of stability, and of making it a power in the land to be felt and regarded by the politicians and legislators of the State. It was believed that by making separate nominations in the then tolerably evenly divided political lines of affinity, the new party would be a factor, not to be ignored, b\it rather to be courted by the two great parties then contending for supremacy in the State.
The Atlanta Convention issued quite a lengthy "address to the people of Georgia." Not-withstanding the length of this document, }*et as it is the best and most complete expose of the motives actuating the convention, and the ablest defence of its course, and as very few of the present gener ation have more than a tradition of this trial trip of political prohibition upon the stormy billows of that wild, lempestuous sea of the old regime, it. seems best to give the address fully.
" fellow citizens : ' In a country like ours, where 'the price eternal vigilance,' the exarci.se of the elective franchise is always f privilege arid important dutv. Hut there arc times \vhen it assumes the character
the address here given.

POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----THE OVERBY CAMPAIGN. 497
s to affect, fur weal or v the course of ,
i all the relation!! of life, and influ encing largely and widely the fortunes both of present and future generations. A question of this character, fellow citizens, one of vital importance to all the inter-
i In the annals of human progress. That such will be the-v ed and virtuous people, the frier,,Is of prohibition have every reason to believe if the subject Is only discussed with that fairness and completeness which its ioipor.
fllow the dictates of a patriotic and unbiased of the strength and the purity of their principles, they fcarvocales of a lust and righteous to the ordeal of the nicest criti, r with the spirit of a b . they invite inquiry and
of the rectitude of their posiuon, and trusting to the . integrity of the people, the Atlanta Tempcri that the time for action hart
jd their cause to the issue of the ,-
s in 1845 declared the passage of a r. statute to be within the province of what is called the police power of the State. the United States/and in the winter of 1847, in connection with similar cases from '
New Hampshire, was fully argued before that body. The

lang-uag-e: 'If any State deems [he retail and internal traffic hi ardent spirits injuri ous to its citizens, and calculated to produce idleness, vice or debauchery, I see nothing in. the Constitution, of the United States to prevent it from regulating or

"Justice Craton said: ! If the State has the power of restraint by license, to

anv extent, she has the disc

iry pr

judge of its lii

ope of the pow,

forbid and punish tht

lively affirmed bv both Kede

id jurists of

acknowledged ability and reputation, whose opinions have

xpv

shall, therefore, regard the question of rigfit as c0,iclivivel_

si'tttcd t\.n<l proceed to show that the abolition of the liquor traffic is a ^/r TMhic?i the

Stute oi;>es Jirsl to itss/f, and secondly to fhe psop/e. In consideration of the fact that

opposition to prohibition has been predicated chiefly upon the erroneous sssmrip-

shall devote the

the first of thi: proposition,

which assumes the contrary doctrine, that without such legislation the Gov

ernment cannot appropriately discharge its high mission, nor successfully fulfill the

design of its creation.

"Government exists, according to .Mr. Calhotm, from the fact that it origi-

:ure the

POLJTICAJ. CONVENTIONS----THE OYERBY CAMPAIGN. 499
equally manifest, that every political organism must have the power of self-pro tection. This power of self-protection, or principle of self-preservation, which belongs to all political institutions, demands of government the abrogation of every tangible evil at war with its perpetuity, and the suppression, by its o\vn strong arm, of every visible and embodied agency which fosters, influences and engenders con sequences thai are known to be adverse to its stability, and to threaten its overthrow. If then the traffic in ardent spirits can be shown to be an agency of this character, it follows as an inevitable conclusion from admitted premises, thai its abolition by legal enactment becomes the imperious duty of the law-makingpower. To establish (he f.u;t that such i.s the nature and tendency of the traffic and to demonstrate beyond all cavil, the necessity, under Republican government, of legislation upon moral questions, we beg leave, at the risk of being- somewhat tedious, to call your attention to a few general principles and axiomatic truths, which show the relations subsisting between such questions and the civil authority.
" \\\- might assume, as a postulate, that the stability of every form of free g-over'itrtcni depends upon Ihe virtue and morality of its? citizens or subjects. l.et it be understood that by free government we do not mean freedom from govern ment or the absence of all controlling- power. Government without, law i.s a solecism, and law necessarily implies moral restraint. It needs no argument lo prove that a vicious and corrupt people are incapable of submission lo this restraint. Vice tends naturally and inevitably to insubordination. In the language of the eloquent and philosophic Burke: ' Men ;ire qualified for civil liberty in exact pro portion to their disposition to put moral-chains upon their own appetites. Society cannot exist unless a controlling power upon will and appetite be placed somewhere, and tJiek-ss of it iliere is within, the more there must be without. ]! is ordained in the eternal constitution of things that men of intemperate minds cannot be free. Their passions forge their fetters.' -Milton, the fearless champion of the rJg-hls'of man. and the unshrinking advocate of civil and religious freedom amid the storms of revolution, has. proclaimed (he same- great truth in his immortal epic:
" 'True I^iberty Ahvays with right reason dwells Twined, arid from her hath no dividual being. Reason in man obscured, or not o/nyed, rmmediately inordinate desires Arid upstart passions catch the government.
Man, (ill then free.'
"According lo Mr. Locke, and in the language of Daniel Webster, 'Liberty is the creature of law,' and it is evident that law finds its support, as well as origin, in the indestructible and eternal principles of virtue and morality. If these--tiie foundations ordained of God--be removed, there can be no law, no government, no freedom. These views, which are predicabie of all rational governments, are emphatically and pre-eminently so with reference to our systems of civil polity. In popular forms of government like ours, where the elective franchise is free to all,

500 POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----THE OVERBY CAMPAIGN.
the representatives of the people, to whom is delegated the authority to make and administer the laws, must partake, to a large extent, of the diameter of their con stituents. IF the people arc wise and moral, able and faithful representatives will enact yoocl and salutary laws, and the government, well administered, \vi!l he permanent and stable. If, on the other hand, the people are corrupt and depraved, selilsh and unprincipled representatives will enact unjust and oppressive laws, and the mai-admmistration of the government thus ensuing will result in its overthrow, and the establishment of despotism with its iron fetters, or anarchy with its unsold horrors. If such arc the deplorable and necessary fruits of public immorality, who will say that the duty of self-preservation docs not require of government the suppression of every acrency that debases the virtue and degrades the morals of the people? And who, gifted with the common faculties of observation and reflec tion, will contend that the traffic in spirituous liquors is not demoralizing in its tendencies, and corrupting in its influence? Jt cannot be denied that the present license system, conferring, as iL docs, the sanction of law upon the sale and use of ardent spirits, popularizes the vice of drunkenness, and thus betrays our fellow citizens into habits of the vilest intemperance and grossest immorality; for it is
and amid the sacred influences of the family circle. It is a tvell-knnwn fact that, in most eases, not even the confirmed inebriate will make the intoxicating bo\v] 'the sepulchie of his reason' in the rebuking presence of the loved ones of the fire side. 2^0, it is not at home, it is at those places of /^,?//;=rrf //Tj^fr r //^/.//\?;j(?, at the tippling shops of the land, where gather the slaves of appetite, where the voice of conscience is smothered and the whisperings of duty are hushed; it is here that our fellow countrymen, tempted, seduced, betrayed, corrupted, grow forgetful
willing but blinded victims of a vice which is the prolific parent of every species of immorality and crime. Vet,, it is to the law-sanctioned traffic in ardent spirits that we are mainly indebted for the alarming prevalence of the monster vice intemper ance, and its long, dark catalogue of attendant evils. It erects, /f(Av /A/ //?/,?f/o/f o/ /^ff/2/// awA^wVjVVr, its dens of iniquity in almost ever}-village, cttyand neighborhood, and from each of these fountains of corruption flows a stream more blighting and withering in its effects upon the virtue, morality and religion of the country than yEtna's floods of molten lava upon the vegetation of its vine-covered slopes. Can government be clothed with the high prerogative of self-protection, and look with indifference and unconcern upun such wide-spread moral devastation, when i's only hope of preservation rests upou the virtue of the people ? Can the republic be expected to withstand the sturms to which it will inevitably be exposed when an agency so active and aggressive is permitted to exercise its baneful and deteriorating influence upon the public morals? ^Vill the State cherish the false idea of security, and. hug the delusive phantom to her breast, while unrepresscd in her very midst are a thousand overflowing fountains of vice, iniquity and crime, sending forth a stream of profligacy that threatens to undermine t!ie foundations of the political fabric? Jn vain have the wise und good, the eloquent and gifted, essayed to stop the desolating tide. The whelming torrent sweeps over the bar riers of moral suasion and associated effort, and hurries on in its (:uv:Lstating course with accelerated speed and increased momentum. Shall this Hood of lire continae

POLITICAL CONVENTIONS--THE OVERBY CAMPAIGN. 50!
to roll its burning; waves over the land, scathing1 and consuming- all thai, is fair and excellent alike in prospect and possession? Shall its channel widen and deepen,
a deaf ear to the notes of warning which are resounding from Maine to California,
given the alarm. Everywhere are they calling upon Government to interpose the
tions and liberties of the people. Heaven grant that the warning voice may be heard and speedily obeyed by every Stale in the American Confederacy. Heaven grant that the legislators of our own beloved Georgia, heeding" the admonitions of
rupted the morals of the people, may refuse longer to throw the protecting eegis of
and place it henceforth under the ban of the law^s destructive of the virtue and happiness of the people, and inimical to the perpetuity and best interests of the State.
" Think not, fellow citizens, that w- .-.re discussing- a new-fangled theory of government, or advocating principles hitherto unrecognized in our legislation. AH who are conversant with the early history and laws of the country must acknowl-
' prevention of vice and immorality' have been in force in Georgia from the date of the formation of the Constitution, and none need be told that in almost every State in the Union are Jaws forbidding- and punishing- blasphemy, profanity, lewdness, obscenity, Sabbath-breaking, gambling, lottery-dealing, and other immoral practices and trades. The wisdom and necessity of such legislation are amply vin dicated in the recognition of the principles we have set forth in this discussion as
and which, enjoin upon the civil power, as a sacri'J andijnflentti'ut! ditty, the protection and guardianship of the public moral.?/ But the abolition of the liquor traffic as a duty to the State is demanded by additional considerations of no trifling impoitance, Education is the cheap and sure defence of nations, A wise public policy if it
foster seminaries of learning, by direct legislation, will certainly seek to remove all obstacles lo a free diffusion of knowledge, arid ihc enlightenment of the people.
" Parental thrift and example are essential to the education of the young. Iri-
tion, is the drunkard's legacy to his offspring, Oftener than otherwise his children arc trained in no school but that of vice, and taught to lisp no alphabet but that of profligacy and crime. Uncultivated in mind and depraved in habit, they g-row up to manhood totally unfit for the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. Thus docs the liquor traffic, by its known effects and admitted tendencies, keep a large portion of our people in hopeless ignorance, despite the efforts of the philanthropist and patriot to the contrary. Hence the anomalous faet disclosed by the last census, that in Georgia, the Empire State of the South, a State abounding in

502 I'OMTICAL CONVENTIONS----TILE OVEKIJY CAMl'AK'.N.
schools and colleges and ail the facilities of education, there are fnr!v thousand adult., uf fhc free -TV/lift.' population thai are unable, lo rend and write! We, therefore, declare the liquor traffic an insuperable obstacle to the education of the masses, and as Republican government can only be maintained by an enlightened, as well as virtuous people, we demand the abolition of this traffic as a duty to the State.
'But we have yet another argument to urge in this connection, Tor tin; suppres sion of the sale of ardent spirits. It is universally conceded that to insure the success and permanency of representative Government, the elective franchise must be well guarded and the people's will through the ballot box fully and fairly expressed. It requires no prophetic vision to foresee (hat if this inestimable privilege of freemen, the distinctive and crowning glory of republics, is subjected io continued abuse, and the popular suffrage prostituted to the accomplishment of other purpose?, than the country's good, the very end for which our political institutions were created will be defeated, and the great experiment of self-government terminate in disaster and ruin. Our legislators cannot estimate too highly, nor protect too carefully, this palladium of our liberties, this safeguard of our freedom. No OTIC will deny that the liquor traffic exercises a corrupting influence upon our elections both Stale and Federal, and to such an extent as In exr.Ue the just indignation of every virUi-
tion (too frequently witnessed) of men to place ami power who are uUeriy unfit to fill public stations or execute civil trusts. The liquor vender and his patrons, whose name, alas, is Legion, ;dwavs bestow their votes upon the designing domagogvies, thai pander to their depraved passions and unhallowed appetites without regard to the legislator's oath, and in county or State, when the better portion of society is divided in sentiment, these votes control the election to the exclusion from oriiee of that class who are alone fit to be the rulers of a free people--men of unblemished morals, tried integrity and known capacity. These are neither fanciful conjectures nor idle statements, but stern, incontrovertible facts -- facts so apparent and familiar that 'he who runs may read.' Ominous of evil, they demand the attention of the patriot and call for reform from the legislator. The' suppression of the sale of ardent spirits is indispensable to this reform, and as the only means of preserving the purity of the elective franchise, is demanded as a duty to the State.
"The importance, fellow citizens, of the preceding arguments, cannot be exag gerated, when we remember that we have received from our fathers, in trust for posterity, the purest and best institutions the world has ever seen. Their trans mission intact and unimpaired to coining generations is Ihe fondest aspiration of the patriot, and an object -worthy of llic care and unsleeping \igilance of the states man. Hut self-preservation is not the only nor most important duty of self-governmerit. All political institutions exist professedly Ttt ci7jfs f.'liciter iiivctfil. The primary object, the chief end of government, is to preserve and protect society, ff the Stale, as a few political theorists hold, may not be positively beneficent in Us laws, nor engage, as it has ever sought to do, directly and actively in securing the highest possible good, y^t it can never consistently ignore the obligation to reform abuses, redress grievances, prevent injuries, and in a word to repress, to the extent of its powers, all existing evils, whether affecting- individuals or society. In ac cordance with these views of the civil power, we ask for the suppression of the trade in alcoholic drinks as a duty of the people. That the effects of the liquor

POLITIC At, CONVENTIONS----THE OVERBY CAMPAIGN. $03
traffic are evil, and only evii, and that continually, will not be questioned. U is a nuisance to individuals, to families and society. It encourages, stimulates, and produces innumerable vices, multiplies paupers, maniacs and criminals, increases taxes, destroys property, endangers life, and ruins the bodies, minds and souls of countless thousands. Jt is, confessedly, the great curse of our hind. Its blight is upon every household--its shadow on every heart. ft has not a single redeemtrig-
tinued, ascends from suffering men, women and children, calling upon the !-itate to avenge their wrongs and deliver the ooiintry from this dreadful scourge. Shall gov ernment, formed to defend ;ind protect its citizens, turn a deaf ear to this imploring: voice? Shall the Stale, the acknowledged gruirdi.-in of the interests of society ;iml of the happiness of the people, lake no cognisance of the colossal evil of modern times --an evil more destructive in its ravages and desolating in Its effect than war, pes tilence and famine combined? Shall the .1 .egirdature, whose unquestioned office is to remove all obstacles to social progress and individual advancement, not only look with stolid indifference upon the fearful havoc, but even be guilty of so g-reat an ouirage upon the principles of justice and right, as to foster and prvtccl by laiu the dire agent of such widespread ruin ? Shall public officers, the servants of the people, when, petitioned by suffering thousands to redress their wrongs by the abolition of a vicious and immoral traffic, be permitted with impunity and without rebuke to manifest such wanton disregard of dufy, rfi.yn.ity, an.:? set/' /v.^W as to treat the modest memorial of freemen ivini Defied, contumely and scorn? For bid it, our eoii;-itrymen !
" Forbid it, Georgians ! Arise, fellow citizens, in the majesty of freemen and vindicate your rights at the ballot box. l.et the October elections proclaim to the dismay of demagogues your recognition and adoption of the sentiment, that t/mtifcm'ds
fff a ?r>'f />0pL- .' " The foregoing- exposition of the ri^hl and ditty of the 3 .cgislaUire to prohibit
the sale of intoxicating- drinks might be confirmed by a.dditionai arguments, but since the limits of this address forbid their presentation, and the views advanced are, in the estimation of the oommiU'ee, sufficient!}- clear and convincing, we shall pro ceed to answer briefly a few of the most prominent objections which have been urged against prohibitory legislation. Many who admit and professedly deplore the evils of the liquor traffic, contend that 'law has no moral and regenerating force,' that ' one cannot be coerced into temperance and morality,' and hence thai ' moral suasion is the onlv proper and efficient remedy,' a "hi.s objection, i valid, would prove the imitility and insufficiency of the entire p :,,,! code, and is based on a misapprehension of the meaning of prohibitory legislation, 1 Such laws are not designed primarily, to punish criminals, but to restrain and prevent crimes. They are intended to preserve society against that class of persons upon whom ' moral suasion ' has no influence, and who need something' more tangible than a sense of duty to deter them from the commission of evil. [-Icnce law, taking cogni-
1 At this point several words are so faded from the original that the author has been compelled to supply them as best be could, in accordance with the general Sense of the document

y.ance of acts only, provides pcna of men, hmt to restrain them froi
corrupt, and ruin his fellow men. That 'law,' however, 'has no moral force,' is a false and mischievous idea. It is not only a ' terror to evil doers,' but ' the
as well as to restrain. ' Commanding- what is right, and prohibiting what is wrong,' it is a school in which the people are educated in the purest morality. All acknowledge the force of public opinion--all see and feel its influence upon the individual mind and conscience. Law is the ernbodhnent of public opinion and
words which deserve to be written in letters of lig-ht in every legislative hail in the
" ' I have sometimes thought,' says Mr. Webster, ' that the influence of govern ment on the morals and on the religious feelings of the community, is apt to be overlooked or underrated. I speak, of course, of its individual influence, of the
times appeared to me,than the influence of most other human institutions put together, either for good or evil according- to its character. Its examples, its tone, whether of regard or disregard for moral obligation, is most important to human happiness. It is among those things which most affect the political morals of mankind, and their general morals also.' "
"The advocates of prohibition are not to be regarded as the enemies of moral suasion. They acknowledge with pride and pleasure the triumphs it has won--the wonders it has accomplished--and still look to it as an invaluable agency in the great work of reform. But the experience of a half century has demonstrated the utter in competency of moral suasion, unassisted by law, to stop the desolations of the liquor traffic and stay the ravages of intemperance. The vender of ardent spirits licensed, />r.ifctcd, and hontned in his work of corruption by the civil power, multi plies victims faster than they can be reclaimed by the most laborious and untiring efforts of the pious and philanthropic. The opposing arid- counteracting influence
yphus. Destroy this influence by adding legal to moral f
anew to the contest, nor cease the glorious warfare until, by the blessing of Cod, they 'sweep the spoiler from the earth !' It is contended further that prohibition
objection against the legal suppression of the liquor traffic, provided the public good
even the inalienable rights of life and liberty--must be sacrificed whenever the pub lic good demands ttfeir surrender. But then we deny that prohibition invades any

right whatever that God or nature has bestowed upon man. The divine law expressly forbids the traffic : 'Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor1 drink, that puttest the bottle to him and makest him drunken also !' It would be akin to blasphemy to say that Cod, whose 'wrath is revealed from heaven against ail un
make drunkards! Nature joins with revelation to condemn the traffic. From
live honesl.lv, should hurt nobody, and should render to every one his ihit- f It fol lows, therefore, that nature does not give rior sanction the right to pursue a trade which is hurtful to individuals and injurious to society. Away, then, with the idea that prohibition is an invasion of the natural and inherent rights of men 1 The liquor seller has no rights but such as unwise and unjust legislation has conferred. Let these be revoked by the competent authority, and henceforth the vender of ardent spirits will stand forth an abhorred offender against the laws of God, nature, and society.
"Others again urge that prohibition is 'impracticable.' This objection has been raised against every great enterprise that has blessed the world. We affirm that whatever can be shown to be necessary and right, is practicable. A prohibitory law, like other laws, human and divine, would doubtless be frequently violated, at least for a short time after its aiiactnieni, and in many cases its penalties might be evaded ; but these facts would constitute no valid argument against the usefulness and excellence of such a law any more than they do now against the statutes for-
monstrated. The experiment is not an untried one. The statistics of the towns and counties of the several States, which have adopted prohibitory laws, show con clusively the beneficial effects of such legislation. The diminution of drunkenness, crime, and pauperism, has been so manifest in every case that the liquor interest, aided by demagogues, has never been able to secure the repeal of a single prohibi tory law that has once gone into operation. Maine prohibited the traffic in 1850 and '51. The last legislature of this State has sustained the policy with almost en tire unanimity in the Senate, and by a vote of 90 to 29 in. the House. The Legisla ture of Massachusetts has strengthened the prohibitory law which had been enacted
and stronghold of the rum power, giving a majority for prohibition ! Thus do 'facts and figures,' as well as reason and argument, show the folly of the self-styled political Solomons, who declare the prohibition of the liquor traffic 1 and its thou sand blessings the clay dream of insane fanatics and visionary enthusiasts. Havingpresented fairly and fully, and, as we think, satisfactorily met, the principal objec tions that have been advanced in this State against the prohibition of the- liquor traffic, we fearlessly submit our cause, fellow citUens, to your decision. Sooner or later, we are confident of triumph. In our opinion the grogshops are doomed. It is only a question of time. Truth is mighty, and will prevail. The friends of pro hibition, it is true, in Georgia, have unwonted difficulties to meet, many and seri-
quest. In the language of one of the earliest apostles of civil and religious freedom:
'A few words here faded from the original document and arc up the natural context.

$0(5 POLLT1CAI, CONVEX riONS----THE OVERBY CAMPAIGN".
'If truth be in the Held, we do injuriously to misdoubt her strength.' Eet her and falsehood grapple; who ever knew truth put to the worse in a free and open en counter-- for who knows not that truth is strong next to the Almighty ? She needs no policies nor stratagems, nor licensing' to make her victorious ; these are (he shifts and defences that error used against her power. Give her but room and do not bind her when she sleeps. Only take care, fellow citizens, that she be not lulled into slumber and shorn of her strength by the cunning Delilah of party, whose hire ling presses and selfish leaders would fain postpone the day of your triumph, by persuading you that the lime for action has not yet arrived. We can gain nothing" by irresolution and inaction. Besides, we have no election. As men, as citizens, as voters, we cannot, if we would, delay to act, so long- as we recognize the obliga tions of duty. We cannot, if we would, throw off the responsibility which rests upon us as a people, and as individuals in. connection with this great movement. '"Were the govermnenl,' as has been justly remarked, 'a despotism,' we should not be respon sible for an alliance with grogshops ; but our legislators and our magistrates are our sorvatHs, and for their acts we are responsible, while the power resides in the people. If a family is beggared by intemperance--robbed or murdered, bv the sate of spirits--the price paid for the liberty to vend the agent is in their treasury, and ?i l/>< prire of blood. Every tear wrung from wretched widowhood and helpless orphanag-e ; every dying- groan of the wild and infuriated, drunkard ; every family altar desolated and overturned ; every stain of this moral leprosy which has marked society with spots more indelible and contagious than ever polluted the house of Israel ; the sum total, in short, of the untold and indescribable miseries of the traffic, are authorised and sanctioned bv law. For the continuance of this state of things we. the people, are responsible. \Ve owe it to ourselves, and to our fellow
l;i\vs, and the suppression of the trafiie. We cannot ignore the question of pro hibition. It is demanded as a duty--it is claimed as a right. Transcending infi nitely, in importance, all other political questions of the day, its claims cannot be overlooked, nor its principles set aside. "We are compelled, in the approaching- elec tions, to take sides for or against prohibition. Every voter will practically condemn or sustain the liquor traffic. Every citizen by the ballot which he casts will help to foster or destroy Ihe most gigantic evil of the times--the most direful curse that has ever blighted the fortunes of humanity, darkened the prospects of earth, or peopled with lost souls the regions of despair. The responsibility will be as fearful as the decision will be momentous. Ponder well, fellow citizens, your votes, and listen not to the siren songs of demagogues who "would Iv.ive you stifle vour convictions of right, and turn a deaf ear to the voice of conscience. Think for yourselves--act for yourselves. Throw off the trammels of party influence ; spurn the dictation of party leaders, usicl be American free-men, who 'know their rights, and will dare maintain them ; who understand their duties, and will dare discharge them '.' Philan thropists! Patriots! Christians! The banner of prohibition has been unfurled, and its pnre and spotless folds are Boating in the breeze from the mountains to the sea board. If you would share; in the honors and olessuig* of the coining triumph, we bid you rally at once to the strife. Strike like men who are battling- for 'their wives and children,' Clod, and their native land. Stand or fall at your posts! God and angels will fight upon your side. Stand firmly by your flag! 'One shall chase

POLITICAL CONVENTION'S----THE OVfiRBV" CAMPAIGN. 507

a thousand, ;-md ivvo shall put ten thousand to fligiit.' The blessings of ihosc that are ready to perish shall come upon you, and the voices of the ransomed shall make gla.d music amid your banners! (Georgia, our own Georgia, redeemorl throuyh your labors from the bondage o!" intemperance, will revere your example and cherish and bless your memories.
Respectfully, etc.,

LUTHER M. SMITH, W. il. FF_LTON, G. B. HAYGOOO, E. .!,. NFAVTON, R. M. CUARKK,

G. M. NOLAN, J. S. PETER. SON, J. H. SEALH. /. T. MONTGOMERY, G. W. GAHV.YNY.

The candidate selected by the Atlanta Convention as its standard bearer in the contest for Governor, was Basil H. Overby, a lawyer, and also a local preacher of the Methodist Church.
Mr. Overby was a gentleman of the highest character. He was a native of South Carolina, tie had had somewhat limited educational advantages in early life, but by hard labor he had overcome most of the obstacles from this deficiency in early training. Coming to Georgia in his young manhood, he at first was a teacher in the famed Nacoochee Valley--the Tempe of North Georgia. Afterward he studied law with fudge Underwood, and was admitted to the bar in 1835, in which year he settled in Jefferson, Jack son county, He rose rapidly in his profession, soon ranking with the best lawyers in his section oi the State; but even, more widely than his legal reputation, was his character for Sterling integrity recognized. fn 1853 he removed to At lanta, where he soon attained an enviable position as a lawyer. As a minister, his gifts were rare, and his Christian life was unspotted. " Though he was eloquent at the bar, urgent, earnest, persuasive and convincing" in the pulpit, his platform efforts constituted, perhaps, his crowning glory as a publicspeaker. Well do the people of Georgia remember when, in accordance with the promptings of his whole life, in obedience to the dictates oi a philanthropy the most unsel fish, and in a contest the most hopeless for personal ambition, he consented to raise the banner of the temperance reform in Georgia, and when from the mountains to the seaboard

5OS POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----THE OVERBY CAMPAIGN.
his voice was heard pleading the cause of the wretched and the fallen, with a self-sacrificing" earnestness--a power and a constancy never witnessed in G-eorg-Ja. Those scenes and those efforts cannot pass from the minds of the present gen eration." *
The line which Mr. Overby expected to follow in his championship is best expressed in his letter of acceptance, directed to the committee (J. B. Randall, A. A. Robinson, G\ J. Pearce, E. L. Newton and J. T. Montgomery) ap pointed to officially notify him of his nomination. Mr. Overby says :
"ATLANTA, March 3, 1855. "GEKTLEMKX: % am in receipt of yours of the sad of yebruary, by which I leam that on that day I was nominated, by the Prohibition Convention, a candi date for Governor.
"I accept the nomination, and, in order thata misunderstanding shall not occur between you and myself, our between us and the voters of Georgia, permit me to

"First I am in favor of repealing the license laws now in force in this State.

"Second I will advocate legislative action to prohibit the sale of liquors in

^ny quantity, to be drunk as a beverage at the place of sale.

"I do not object to the sale and use of wine or spirituons liquors for medical,

mechanical, or religious purposes. This is my exposition of the platform laid

down by the convention. Otir banner, with the above sentiments plainly inscribed

upon its spotless folds, is thrown to the breeze. We invite every philanthropist,

and patriot, and Christian, to rally with us under this standard, and make one

determined, indomitable effort against grogshops and crimes, and for our wives

and children.

1 am, Gentlemen and Fellow-Citizens, yours,

"13. H. OVERBY."

Mr. Overby had remarkable gifts as a stump speaker, and the design of the executive committee was that he should actively canvass the State and address the people at all the chief towns. In pursuance of this plan, Mr. Overby soon after his nomination began his tour. Pie was everywhere heard with much respect, and, for a time, it seemed that there would be a large rallying* to the temperance standard. Perhaps the following* from the " Chronicle and Sentinel/' of April 28* giving an account of Mr. Overby's effort in Augusta, on the 26th, may be regarded as a fair sample of the canvass:

i In Memoriam on the occasion of Mr. Overbys death, in November, i3$y.

POLITICAL CONVEXTJONS----THE OVEKB\' CAMPAIGN^. 509
" The ha.ll was tilled wilh an intelligent audience, and the doorways (were) so crowded with listeners, that we could not g;ain an entrance. \Ve have, however, heard it very- tn.vorn.bly spokun of as a calm, dispassionate view of tbe lempez-ance cause in Georgia and its paramount importance to all the other questions now agitating or likely to ngilaie the public mind in the present canvass. The speech was listened to attentively throup;hou( by the lav-ge audience, and the speaker suc ceeded in making; -'-i very favorable impression upon his hearers."
On the 28th (April) Mr. Overby spoke in Armory Hall, Savannah. The "Journal and Courier" says that he
'was respectfully and patiently listened to by about as many people as could line! admittance 171 to Armory Hall. Jle made a favorable, perhaps we might sav, a very deciric'l impression upon, the minds of his auditors. VesLcrday be preached in Trinity Churdi < Mui-hodisO of this city. Mr. Overby is a pleasant and forcible speaker, thoroughly honest and thoroughly earnest in his devotion 10 the cause he has espoused. This no one who hears him can question, and with such 'a theme as the evils, almost inseparable from ^Toy-selling-, with which to \vork upon pop-a lar feeling, he will command supporters wherever he is heard--whether enough to elect him, is another matter. This we may say, that ive wish it may be Georgia's fortune always to have as faithful, patriotic and competent a chief magistrate as he would make, in case she should honor him with that office."
The "Journal and Messenger" (Ma con) says:
"Mr. Overby, as far ;is we are informed, has no supporters in this county; still, if he visits our city, we hope that an opportunity may be given him to address our people upon the issues presented by the pisiform upon which he has been
Mr. Overby did visit Macon a few days later, and addressed the people of that city on the i8th of May. The "Journal and Messenger" says the first half of an hour was taken up in a justification of the action of the Atlanta Con vention in nominating- an independent candidate. The con vention had been called for in fifty newspapers. Mr. Overby defended the Atlanta platform and his own position in favor of the repeal of the license system, and of enactments pro hibiting" the sale of liquor as a beverage; he justified the temperance party in Georgia in making an independent nomination, as their wishes hitherto had not been respected by the political parties nor their petitions to the Legislature regarded, although the temperance issue was overshadowing all others in importance. lie defended the movement against the charges of " ill-advised," " untimely/' " unconsti tutional," " one-idea movement, involving legislation upon a

5 1O POLITICAL CONVENTIONS ---- THE UVKRBY CAMPAIGN.

question of morals, etc." Fie also urged the " injurious, demoralizing- and depreciating effect of the liquor traffic, as it is now carried on, upon the slave- population of the State." From this there was " more real danger to the peculiar institution," than from all the slavery agitation north of " Mason and Dixon's line."
"Altogether the effort, though neither brilliant, nor elo quent, nor statesmanlike, was highly creditable to Mr. Overby, and gave to all who heard him a favorable impression of his honesty, intelligence and zeal. He spoke for two hours and a half, and we have rarely seen any audience which seemed to be better entertained, although the voters who were present came away with u determination not to throw away their suffrage, and not to vote for Mr. Overby, quite as strong as that with which they went to hear him."
The "Amcricus Republican." of May 30 highly com pliments Mr. Overby "s effort in that town on the 28 th. Crowd very large -- "never knew a speaker to make a finer impression, but we cannot tell what effect it will have upon the voters."
The State Temperance Convention met in Marietta Jury ii (1855). Twenty-two counties were represented by 150 delegates. L,. L>. Lallerstadt, of Richmond county, presided.
The ist and 2cl Resolutions of the Atlanta platform (of Feb. 22) \vere ratified. It was also
"Retohied, That in the opinion of this Convention, the suppression of grog shops and tippling bouses in the State, of Georgia, as a means of political

whole people

system of free schools

P
by proper legislation. 4. "ftesolved, That we recognize in the Prohibition Conv.
bled in Atlanta on the 22d of February last, a worthy ally ant

POL.I T5CAI. CONVENTIONS----Till-: OVKKiSY CAMPAIGN. 511
5. "Resolved, That we consider the .sentiments of the Georgia platform o
These resolutions were adopted by a large majority, al though warmly opposed by those unfavorable to Mr. Overlay's candidacy. To remove all doubt as to the attitude of the convention, the following1 resolution was adopted:
"Resolved, That this convention fully approve and ratify the nomination of 13. H. Overby, Esq., by the Atlanta Convention, as (he Prohibition candidate for Governor, and earnestly recommend him to the support of all persons who desire the overthrow of the grogshop dynasty in Georgia."
On Wednesday evening, Mr. Overby, by invitation, ad dressed the convention, and a large concourse of the citizens of Marietta, and on Thursday the annual address was de livered by Mr. Felton of Cass, and the body adjourned. It will be observed that neither the Marietta nor the Atlanta Convention represented very many of the counties.
The Democratic State Convention met at Milledgeville, June 5. It adopted a very Song platform--inade up almost exclusively of national planks. It was "'exceeding fierce." The Kansas troubles, the future of slavery, etc., made a dish strong enough for any palate. When seasoned with threats of disrupting the Union not even a fire-eater would desire anything more highly iiavorecl. The platform aims a full blow at Know Nothings, having "no sympathy with their secrecy, their oaths, their unconstitutional designs, their religious intolerance, their political proscription, and their abolition associations at the North." As to temperance, the platform had not a word. Hon. IT. V. Johnson was nominated 011 first ballot as candidate for Governor.
Strenuous.efforts were made to unite Democrats, Know Nothings, Whigs, Southern Rights men, et. al., in a Southern Party--"one people, one party," to resist encroachments from the North, Benjamin H. Hill was prominent in this movement. With these pacificators disruption was to be the dernier resort. Many prominent temperance men were at a loss as to their bearings. Charles J. Jenkins declared him self out of a party. Hon. Washington Poe held the same attitude.

512 POLITICAL CONVKNTIONS----THE OVERBY CAMPAIGN.
"The State Council of the American Party" met in Macon, June 27, near 200 delegates present. On the second ballot Hon. Garnett Andrews of Wilkcs county was nomi nated for Governor. Seven votes were castior Mr. Overby. The council reaffirmed the principles set forth and champ ioned by the Know Nothing National Council at Philadelphia, June 5. The State platform on Southern Rights did not differ materially from that of the Democrats. Disunion was accepted as the last resort. Of course the anti-foreigner plank was the chief distinguishing* feature of the platform. Not a word on temperance was embodied in this document. A long address was issued to the people of Georgia. The Know Nothings task the Democrats and the Whigs with having no issue between them, and call for a rally against the foreign immigration and Northern abolition.
Politicians were suffering a sea change. Hon. A. H. Stephens swallowed Democracy, protesting", however, that the dose was nauseating, and that the connection with the Northern Democracy had given the party the "dry rot."
But issues were fast narrowing down to the final con flict. Alost of the men once prominent in the conventions (temperance) were now found in the camp of the Democrats or in that oi the .Know Nothings, and all attention was riveted on National affairs and Southern interests. Mr. Qverby was urged to "come down," and much and loud complaint was heard because of his persistent answer that he had "accepted the nomination in good faith, and should maintain the cause until the Prohibition party otherwise directed."
The "Journal and Messenger" gives vent to its dis pleasure after this wise :
"If be (Overby) desires notoriety, be is acting in tbc right \vayto secure it; but at Uie same lime, seriously to injure the cause of temperance reform in ibis State. The issue of prohibition cannot be successfully or even fairly made, in the approaching canvass, and no one is letter convinced of this fact than IMr. Overby hiniself; vet he persists in his c?.ndidacv, and subjects the party and the cause he represents to an overwhelming and crushing defeat. If From this defeat it nevor recovers, upon Air. Overby principally wiH the responsibility rest.

POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----THE OVERBY CAMPAIGN, gig
July 30 Mr. Overby spoke to a large audience in Laurens county. "Sam," correspondent of the " Southern Re corder/' writes to his paper: " Our citizens cannot believe that the prohibition issue is the ' only or paramount one that is before them/ but we believe the issue to be 'Shall Ameri cans rule America? ' or, rather, ' Shall the original platform Georgians rule Georgia ? ' "
The Know Nothings seem to have regarded the temper ance issue as especially ominous of injury to themselves. They evidently believed that most of the votes for Mr. Over by would be drawn from their ranks, and while reproaches were freely dealt out to the recreants, it was endeavored to prove that the Know Nothing was *' a good enough temperpernnce party." The "Journal and Messenger" (Know Nothing) throws this sop to the prohibitionists:
"There is another abuse which, under the blessing of Cod, we intend to correct. As foreigners and that class of natives who mingle and associate with them (and here let it be observed once fur all, that there are honorable exceptions in the foreign population, but their name cannot be said to be Legion) have be come the controlling element in our elections, and usually give the preponderance to that side on which they cast their votes, and us the votes of such men are usually controlled by money or liquor, it lias come to be the case that nothing but money, liquor, and dcmagoiruism can. carry on elections. Hence a poor man cannot be a candidate, and a decent man won't. When a candidate is to be brought out by cither of the old parties the only inquiry made when anv one is proposed, is, ' Is he available? ' And availability means, ' I fas hea promise to satisfy every man who requires him to pursue his course. Can he stoop low, drink liquor, treat liberally, loan money to every one who applies for it, and. last of all, wallow in the gutter with the drunkard ? swear to one that his mother was a German, and to another that his father was an Irishman ? If he can do all this, then he is available, and a suit able man to be a candidate. * * * Our last legislature was full of availability --we were gorged with it--so much so that we shall not want any more for years to corns.' The American party, the writer of the above urges, is the machinery by which this end was to be attained, and ' Sam' we are assured, ' is marshaling his forces lo put a stop to this state of things, and he will make these available gentle men give place to men of merit and qualincatipn.' "
it was urged that if Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Nesbit, Mr. War ren, or W. H. Grawford, who were all " right side up " upon all vital and important questions, were either of them nomi nated, they would sweep the State. They would fitl the executive chair with credit, and would sanction an^ judicious

$14 POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----THE OVERBY CAMPAIGN.
law for the suppression of intemperance, which the Legisla ture might pass. The writer has acted for twenty years with the temperance people, and he hopes they " will pause before they commit themselves to the late movement in your city." (Atlanta.)
With three candidates in the field it was felt that the choice of a Governor might fall upon the Legislature, so the people were urged to look to the attitude of legislative aspi rants, and be sure that only "men of the right stamp" should have seats in the General Assembly.
The temperance men labored under the great difficulty of having no influential organ at the first to champion their cause. The " Temperance Banner " was doing its utmost* but its circulation was limited, and men usually look to old party papers for their politics. Efforts were made to retrieve this want of a great journal to battle for the cause, in April appeared the prospectus of the " Georgia Prohibitionist/' a paper which was to be issued from Marietta, and to be pub lished by E. J. Camp and S. A. Caldcr. ' This paper was to champion the Atlanta Convention and its nominee. The author has been unable to find that any number of this paper was ever issued. Something more effectual must be done. The " Atlanta Republican " at the beginning of the campaign, contained some rather severe criticisms upon the convention and upon Mr. Overby's candidacy. Col. Jonathan Norcross ^j^r<^ the " Republican " by purchasing it and running it in the interest of Mr. Overby. This purchase was not made as a speculative venture. Col. Norcross in a letter to the writer, thus briery describes the matter: "Your humble servant enjoyed the luxury of purchasing and running 'The Atlanta Republican' in Overby's interest, with a balance in the end of one thousand dollars on the /f/vf side of his ledger."
But with such fierce national questions agitating the country it was impossible for temperance to have a hearing. Know Nothingism might have its brief day, but the cloud toward the North was growingblackcr, and the low rumblings

POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----THE OVERBY CAMPAIGN, gig
of the distant thunder portended the coming of that great storm which was soon to rock the nation.
In the October election Mr. Johnson, the Democratic nominee, received 54,842 votes ; Mr. Andrews, Know Noth ing, 43,512, and Mr. Overby, 6,244.
It seems that Mr. Cobb had engaged to eat all of Mr. Overby's voters beyond 5,000, and after the election the "Temperance Banner" called upon him to comply with his contract, as he would have something over 1,200 of the Simon ptircs to digest. The " Banner" also suggests that some of the Prohibitionists, as Joseph Ore sham, Benjamin Brantley, ami " Uncle Dabney " would not set well on Mr. Cobb's stomach,, as the gastric juices \vould never digest such tough Prohibi tionists, as these. If, perchance being swallowed, they should come into contact with any alcohol in the stomach it would be absolutely necessary to disgorge them again. But there were some milk and water, or rather, whiskey and water, Prohibitionists in the ranks, " whom he could digest without difficulty, and \ve don't care if he docs eat a few of them. A baked Prohibitionist of the latter (sort), for every Sunday's dinner might be good diet for Mr. Cobb, but we can't dine with him ; we can't swallow them."
Such was the course and the ending of the Overby cam paign, a canvass which forms quite an epoch in Georgia temperance annals. Of course the vote received by Mr. Overby was no index to the state of temperance sentiment in the State. Herschel V. Johnson--Governor-elect, was, as we have seen, formerly Secretary of the Augusta Total Abstinence Society--probably the first in-the State--and many of the most prominent men in either of the two leading parties had been prominent in temperance work. But it was not an era in which temperance had any fair field for work. The fierce slavery agitation of that decade had con vinced men accustomed to observe and to think, that a wild storm was brewing. That Southern people should be a unit when the collision should occur, was believed to be ali important. So, politicians who had been life-long nntag-

516 POLITICAL CONVENTIONS----THE OVERBY CAMPAIGN.
onists--often bitter personal enemies--began now to take refuge in the same party household. Never perhaps, has the temperance sentiment of Georgia been so high as in the earJj^ 3'enrs of the decade immediately preceding1 the conflict.
Then, could that sentiment have found expression with out coming into seeming collision with those political ideas in their embodiment in the then existing" parties--ideas regarded as fundamental to the salvation of the South--it seems hardly reasonable to doubt that the liquor traffic would have been swept from the State. With all our efforts since the great conflict between the sections, we have been unable to awaken that great and general enthusiasm over the State in favor of temperance, which burned in 1850. It was the embers of this old temperance fire still smoldering after all the storms of civil war with its wreckage of all those material objects which Georgians held dear--that, still hidden even in the ashes of ruined homes and buried hopes --yet kept alive, ready to be fanned again into glowing heat when the storm began to abate its fury, and the sun of peace had begun to glint the clouds which had hung so long and so threatening over our Southern land. Let it never be for gotten what the temperance advance of the dayr owes to the labors of its ante-bellum champions.

CHAPTER XXXV.

THE CHURCHES, CONVENTIONS, STATISTICS, MISCELLANEOUS,

"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess ; but be filled with the

Spirit."

--Epfi, V. 18.

THE BAPTISTS.
There had been a steady going- forward with this denom ination, 2. e., the missionary wing of the church, ever since the secession of the primitives (" Hardshells ") between 1830-- 40. In 1839 the Convention had passed a resolution "highly approving the praiseworthy efforts of their fellow citizens, with reference to the demoralizing practice of retailing in toxicating drinks, and recommend the citizens of the vicinity to hold a meeting- and in common with those in other sections of the State, to memorialize the next Legislature to repeal the law legalizing the retail of intoxicating drinks." 1
This action of the convention was taken in the early part of the year in which the Klournoy petition was circu lated, and indicates that one church, at least, heartily sym pathized with the effort to check the retail license system, which was then in full blast, before the coming of the Washingtonians.
In 1840 the convention adopted a report praising the work of the " Temperance Banner " in the great cause. Like reports \vere adopted in 1841 and in 1842. At this fatter session a committee on temperance was appointed, and reported that there was much revival in the temperance cause throughout the land. Gratification was expressed at the apparent falling off in the use of intoxicating- drinks as a beverage " in the higher and more refined circles of life."
* For this minute as well as for others in regard to the Baptist temperance work, the author Js indebted to Rev. Dr. J. H. Kilpatrick.

5lS

THE CHURCHES, CONVENTIONS,

The progress of Wasriingtonianism is considered cause for s< gratitude and thankfulness to God," and for it are asked "the pravers and sympathies of all who love our Lord fesus Christ in sincerity-" The time had come for ministers, deacons and private members of all churches to sternly rebuke the sin of drunkenness, and to do this more effectually,they should not use intoxicating liquors themselves, nor countenance their use among- others.
In 1843 the Temperance Committee report much prog ress in the temperance cause throughout the State, though *' among" the uninformed and less intelligent classes this odious vice (drunkenness) still prevails;" but the great change in popular sentiment and customs is a source of gratitude to G-od. Very few ministers of the Gospel use ardent spirits as a beverage. Ministers should not hold their peace on this great theme ; the cause of temperance is the cause of God ; they should not only preach on the subject, 41 but use all other prudent means to remove this foul blot from the moral features of our community."
To the convention of 1845, the committee report that "the cause is silently, though successfully, exerting- its salu tary influences on tnc public mind. Drinking and drunken ness are becoming daily less fashionable, and more detestable, in the eyes of the sober, the intelligent, and the decidedly pious of all denominations. The ministry, too, is becoming more and more awake on the subject." The ministers in connection with your body are its (temperance) warm and efficient advocates ; we commend the "Temperance Banner," and the Augusta '"Washingtonian;" and urge an attendance upon the State Temperance Convention to be held in Forsyth, Nov. 21. " We are happy to learn that there was not a solitary tavern in Milledgeville \vhich kept a public bar during the session ot our Legislature last winter, and that very few of the members kept ardent spirits in their rooms."
In 1845 the committee, among other matters reported in regard to temperance, advised the adoption of some sys-

STATISTICS, MISCELLANEOUS.

5 19

tematic efforts to explain the principles of total abstinence to the colored people, and urge upon them its importance.
The committee in 1846 report favoring strongly the State Temperance Convention, and its work, and urging upon ministry and laity continued efforts in the good work.
In 1847 the Temperance Committee report that inas much as the State Convention is in successful operation, no further report is necessary ; therefore, resolutions commend ing the subject to the people, urging associations and churches to " show their faith by their \vorks " in this matter, and heartily bidding the State Temperance Convention God SDeeci in its work.
In 1848 Kiokee Chnrch propounded to the " Georgia Baptist Association " the following query :
"Js it good order for a church in connection with this association to hold in fellowship, and suffer a member of her body to manufacture and traffic in spiritu-

The committee to which was referred thisquer\T (Messrs. Thornton, Stocks and French) reported the foliowing:

THE METHODIST CHURCH.
The author has not had an opportunity to personally examine the journal of the Georgia Conference since the formation of the body by the separation from the South Carolina Conference in 1830. Mr. W. M. Grogan, of Elberton, a former pupil of the author, kindly overhauled the journal, 1 and copied from it those parts which pertain to the temperance question.
It is well known that the great schism which rent the Methodist Church occurred in 1844. The Quadrennial Gen eral Conference--the highest court of the church--had, however, for the two or three meetings next preceding the
1 In the hands of the Conference Secretary, Rev. J, "Baxter.

52O

THE CHURCHES, CONVENTIONS,

dissolution, been so distracted with the slavery question that little opportunity, or disposition, probably, remained for the discussion of temperance or other great moral issvies. Shortly alter the schism, the Methodist Episcopal Church planted itself again on the lofty temperance ground held by the Wesleys a century before, and on that platform that church has since remained.
The Southern Church held its first Creneral Conference in 1846. The general rules as incorporated in the discipline tell us that " there is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies--a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins. But wherever this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shown by its fruits. It is, therefore, expected of all who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, first, by doing no harm ; by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced, such as * "* * drunkenness, or drinking spirituous liquors, unless in cases of necessity."
Among the interrogatories propounded to preachers we find : "Are you temperate in all things? Instance in food: (i) Do you use only that kind and that degree which is best both for body and soul ? (2) "" ":':" * ; (3) Do you use only that kind and that degree of drink which is best both for your body and soul? (4) Do you choose and use water for your common drink, and only take wine medicinally or sacramentally?" It will be observed that nothing is here said about the traffic--the buying, selling, or making. The con ference seemed to regard the prohibition against drunken ness, and other forms of immorality, as laid down in the general rules, a sufficient interdiction for all these methods of tampering with liquor. Years afterward, when it was proposed to make the law of the church more specific against these vices, it was contended by many -- Dr. Lovick Pierce among them--that law enough could already be found in the discipline to warrant the trial and expulsion of buyers, makers, or venders of ardent spirits. Some of these

STATISTICS, MISCELLANEOUS.

521

ministers resented any further legislation upon these sub jects, not only on the ground that the church law was already ample to meet the cases, but also because anyfurther enact ments on the question -would cast discredit upon the former attitude of the church,and imply that the traffic was not con demned by its laws. One thing, however, is certain, that the church either with or without,express prohibition of the manufacture or traffic in its law proceeded regularly to trv and punish those who \vere guilty of these offences, evi dently looking to the general rules as containing the liquor traffic among immoralities which they condemned. In this interpretation of the law the church might have plead the course long pursued by the examples of the past, and, more especially, the fierce denunciations of the Wesleys against the traffic. As to the spirit and intent of the rules as pre scribed by Mr. TVesley, there could be no doubt, and on this platform the Southern Church planted itself, and so con tinued from the separation (in 1844) until after the great conflict between North and South had been ended.
In accordance with this method of dealing with the liquor traffic is the " advice " given by Bishop Capers to the Georgia Conference, at its session in December, 1846.
The Bishop submitted to the conference the following advice :
CONFERENCE ROOM, MACON, G.-v, Dec. 30, 1846.

in conference, as to the- immediate necessity of some decision to guide i.he preachers in the administration of discipline in cases of complaint that a member of the church offends by distilling and selling ardent spirit, the Bishop advises that, as the thing may be done with different degrees of criminality in the doing of it, and, for all we know, may even possibly be done {as some seem to think) without willful sin; the preacher in charge, proceeding charitably, had better

one or two more, remonstrating- to the offending brother of his doing harm, and not walking charitably and inoffensively as one of Christ's flock ; and lastly, there beingno help left, let him be brought to trial, and if still incorrigible, let him be cut off. Cases of gross character and which notoriously involve drunkenness, or intemper ance, as they are immoral and injurious beyond the naked matter of distilling and selling considered alone, should be treated accordingly, each as it deserves, the im-

522

THE CHURCHES, CONVENTIONS,

Such was the attitude of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, toward the manufacture and the traffic. Admonition first, then in case of persistence, expulsion. Common, sense and experience decided the " immorality" question, and this point being- settled, the general rules were held to be amply sufficient to warrant immediate action against the offenders.

THE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH
remained true to the resolutions adopted at the organization of the church, which resolutions were offered by Rev. Thos. H. Stockton. Though not a large body numerically, yet the Protestant Methodists \vere not behind the other Methodist bodies in their antagonism to the liquor traffic.

THE CONGREGATIONAL METHODISTS.
Iii Georgia, which was the scene of the American labors of Methodism's founder, was also born that member of the Weslcyan family which took upon itself the name Con gregational Methodist.
The Congregational Methodist Church was organized in May, 1852, at the house of Mr. Merritt in Monroe county, Georgia. Dissatisfaction with the itineracy policy of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, led to the formation of this new ecclesiastical bod}*. This church has since spread into several other States, and is estimated to contain not less than 20,000 members. 1 In common with other branches of Methodism, the Congregational Methodists hold to the Wesleyan doctrines, differing from Episcopal Methodism only in its form of church government, which is strictly Congregational in its character. Its conditions for member ship are the old Methodistic, viz.: The expression of a wish to flee from the wrath to come, be saved by grace through faith, and a determination to walk in the commandments of God blameless. " But those who may continue therein must give evidence of their desire and determination by conform-
1 " The Origin and Early History of the Congregational Methodist Church," by Rev. S. C. McDaniel, p. 79.

STATISTICS, MISCELLANEOUS.

523

ing to such rules of moral discipline as the word of, God requires." " All offences condemned by the word of God as being- sufficient to exclude a person from the kingdom of grace and glory, shall subject ministers, preachers and members to expulsion from the Church."
" The making, selling, buying, or drinking of ardent spirits as a beverage, shall subject church members to be dealt with by the church." 1 We see by this that the Con gregational Methodist Church occupies the same temperance platform with the other Methodist bodies.

TH-E PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
To the question propounded by overture to the General Assembly (Old School) in 1842: "Whether the manufact urer, vender or retailer of intoxicating drinks should be continued in full communion ? " the answer was returned : " That whilst the Assembly rejoice in the success of the temperance reformation and will use all lawful means to promote it, they cannot sanction the adoption of any new term of communion."
This answer did not settle the question as to whether a manufacturer or dealer in liquors might remain in the church ; and from the Synod of Pittsburg- next year came the query in more specific form, to be answered by the Assembly : " Should a retailer of intoxicating drinks, know ing that they are used for the common purpose of beverag-e, be continued in the full privileges of the church and certified in good standing?" The committee to whom the matter was referred reported that no man was to be excluded from the church except for an "offence," and an "offence" was denned to be " any thing in the principles or practice of a church member which is contrary to the word of God, or which, if it be not in its own nature sinful, may tempt others to sin, or mar their spiritual signification." While the prac tice of retailing liquor might not be, in its own nature, sinful, yet, since it certainly tempts others to sin, it becomes an " offence."
1 McDaniel's History, pp. 8g-go.

524

THE CHURCHES, CONVENTION'S,

The Pittsburg- Synod, by the logical process, clearly con victed the retailer of sin, but the Assembly took exception to the minute of the Synod. The Assembly g-ave as its verdict that " the use and sale are generally to be decidedly disap proved, but each case must be decided in view of all the attending" circumstances, which may enter into or modify it."
This answer could hardly be satisfying1 . The lower courts of the church had no general law for their guidance, but having- themselves to determine what circum stances might modify, palliate, or excuse, this species of "offence," it was likely that much dissimilarity of usage as to the administration of discipline, would most probably arise. But the question remained in this somewhat unsettled condition until 1865, when the church took high ground and planted herself unequivocally in the fzwZz'-manufacturing, antiretailing ranks. But of this hereafter.

RELATION OF THE CHURCH TO TEMPERANCE AND OTHER
MORAL REFORM SOCIETIES.
In 1848 the Executive Committee of the American Tem perance' Union having submitted to the General Assembly a preamble and resolution, for the indorsement of the As sembly, the following report of the committee to which the subject was referred, was unanimously adopted i 1
"Your committee would recommend, in reference to this whole subject of temperance societies and all other secular institutions for moral ends, the adoption of the following minute:
"The Church of Jesus Christ is a spiritual body, to which have been given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering- and perfecting of the saints in this life, to the end of the world. It is the great instrumentality of the Sa viour, through which, by his eternal spirit he dispenses salvation to the objects of his love. Its ends are holiness of lie, to the manifestation of the riches and glory of Divine grace, and not simply morality, decency, and good order, which may to some extent be secured without faith in the Redeemer, or the transforming efficacy of the Holy Spirit. The laws of the church are the authoritative injunctions of Christ, and not the covenants, however benevolent in their origin and aim, which men have instituted of their own will; and the ground of obligation which the church, as such inculcates, is the authority of God speaking in his word, and not pledges of honor which create, measure, and define the peculiar duties of all voluntary
1 "One Hundred Years of Temperance," pp- 296-297.

STATISTICS, MISCELLANEOUS.

associations. Tn this king-dom of God the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and manners, and no church judiciary ought to pretend to make laws which

without the warrant, explicit, or implied, of the revealed will of Ood. It is hence

spiritual purposes, subsidiary to the schemes of any association founded in the

human will, and liable to all its changes and caprices. Nfo court of Christ can

exact of his people to unite with the Temperance, Moral Reform, Colonization, or

any other society which may seek their aid. Connection with such institutions is a

matter of Christian liberty. Their objects may be, in every respect, worthy of the

countenance and support of all good men, but, in so far as they are moral and

essential I}'obligatory, the church promotes them among- its own members, and to

none others docs its jurisdiction extend, by the means which God has ordained for

the edification of his children. Still, in the exercise of their Christian liberty, as

good citizens, as patriotic subjects of the State, from motives of philanthropy, and

from love to God, Christian people may choose to adopt this particular mode of

attempting- to achieve Ihe g-ood at which all moral societies profess to aim; they

have a right to do so, and the church, as long as they indorse no false principles,

and countenance no wrong practices, car.nct interfere with them. Recognizing:these

propositions as the truths of the word of God, this General Assembly, as a court

of Jesus Christ, cannot league itself with any voluntary society, cannot exact of

(he

ole .attei

God's children, each man having a right to do as to him shall seem good. "These societies must appeal not to church courts, but to church members.
When they proclaim principles that are scriptural and sound it is not denied that

testimony in their favor; and when, on the other hand, they inculcate doctrines which are infidel, heretical, and dangero -, the church has a right to condemn them. In conformity with these statements, the Genera! Assembly has no hesita tion in cordially approving of abstinence from intoxicating drinks as a matter of Christian expediency, according-to the words of the Apostle, in Romans XIV: 21: 'It is good neither to eat flesh nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak,' and in expressing its affectionate in terest in the cause of temperance, and would recommend to its ministers and elders who have become connected with temperance societies, to use every effort to prevent the adoption of any other principle as the ground of their pledge,

of rescuing them from the excesses to which they are liable from influences opposite or aside from the Gospel of Christ." '
While the Presb3^terian Church refused, in its ecclesias tical capacity in 1848, to indorse temperance societies--a refusal, perhaps, inspired by objections to some of the methods formerly used by the Washing-tonians--yet it vent-
1 Baird's "Digest," pp. 809-10.

526

THE CHURCHES, CONVENTIONS,

urcd far enough over the spiritual boundaries laid down to confine the manner and the work of the church, to express the hope in 1854 that prohibitory legislation "should be universally adopted and enforced." This was quite a for ward movement for a church so eminently conservative as the Presbyterian, but in the following- year the General As sembly ventured to "give thanks to Almighty G-od for the unparalleled success of the temperance cause, as evinced by the action of the Legislatures of thirteen States and two Territories, in passing laws prohibiting entirely the traffic in all intoxicating beverages." The Minutes l (New School) contain this strong declaration: "The experience of two hundred years proves that this evil can never be removed or effectively resisted while the traffic in intoxicating' liquors is continued, it being necessary, if we would stop the effect, to remove the cause." Further: "Laws prohibiting the sale of intoxicating drinks, can interfere with the rights of no man; because no man has a right oi any name or nature incon sistent with the public good, or at war with the welfare of the community; it being a well-known, universally acknowl edged maxim of law, 'That no man has a right to use his own to the injury of his neighbor.' "
The Old School Assembly in the same year (1855), gratefully notes the iact that, " In States where laws have been passed to regulate or suppress the traffic in intoxicat ing drinks, its (the temperance) cause is onward through the agency of these enactments." The next 3'ear the same As sembly declared itself the loyal and efficient friend of the temperance cause. " It (temperance) is generally assuming a new and, we hope a more efficient form, the civil aspects of the subject claiming the attention of legislative bodies, and its moral and religious bearing, the attention of the church."
Of course the civil aspects of the subject here alluded to were the prohibitory laws then already passed by, or agitat ing", the Legislatures of so many States. Whatever the atti-
1 TSaird's "Digest," pp. 30-31. 2 "One Hundred Years of Temperance," p. 298.

STATISTICS, MISCELLANEOUS.

527

tude of the church toward temperance societies, there was no question of its devotion to the cause of prohibition, as not only the right legislation for a Christian people, but that which such a people must in duty adopt.
It should always be borne in mind that the utterances of a church can only be fairly presented by the historical method. Such deliverances must be examined by the light of their own day. It would be manifestly unfair to take the utterancesof a church, organized within the last two decades, and test its ^rade 011 the standard of temperance purity by a relative comparison with the early utterances from time to time of those churches which nursed the temperance move ment in its infancy, when methods were new and untried.

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANS.
The sentiment of this church in regard to the ante-bellum aspects of the temperance questions, as expressed by its Gen eral Assembly, has already been cited. As to the church in Georgia we may give the following, furnished by Rev. /?. M. McG-ehee, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, resident in Dalton, Ga.:
"The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Georgia has but one Presbytery (the Georgia Presbytery). There are a few small congregations in the State belong ing to other Presbyteries, two congregations belonging to the Talladega in Ala bama and one belongs to a Tennessee Presbytery. The Georgia Presbytery is a part of the East Tennessee Synod.
" The Georgia Presbytery was organized in 1859. It occupies only a few counties in the northern portion of the State, Dalton being near the center of the territory embraced by said church. There are ten. ordained ministers, four licenti ates, and three candidates in this Presbytery with twenty congregations and about 1,000 members. The colored portion of the church has no Presbytery in the State. They have a few scattered members and one or two ministers.
"' On temperance the utterances have all been decidediy and emphatically on the side of prohibition, and the chnrch sessions have been recommended to exercise a strict discipline against dram-drinking and tippling as a beverage. It being a viola tion of our church covenant. The Presbytery, further recommends to the member ship, male and female, to co-operate with all the temperance organizations of the country, in a legitimate way looking to the extermination of the sale and manufact ure of intoxicating liquors in the State. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and especially the elders and ministers have been, and are in the front ranks in this part of the State in every temperance movement for the last eighteen, years,"

$28

.

THK CHURCHES, CONVENTIONS,

OTHER GEORGIA PRESBYTERIANS.
Of the famous old Colonial Congregational Presbyterian Church of Medway in Liberty county, the outcome of the Dorchester immigration, we have treated in the earlier pages of this volume. The history of this church was com piled by Mr. Mallard in a little pamphlet, " The Congrega tional Church at Medway/' This church is, however; dis solved as to its "Congregational" iorm, and "its membership reorganized into three distinct Presbyterian churches, which arc in regular connection with Presbytery." J Therefore the courts of the Presbyterian Church have become the mouthpiece of the Medway Presbyterians, as to temperance as well as other questions. The influence of the Medway congregation, however, in making Liberty one of the z/^vy jTzy/M^ counties in the United States in which retail license was forbidden, has been all powerful* and the great moral forces so long actively at work, seem to justify a remark re cently made to the author by a learned doctor of divinity, not a. Presbyterian, that Liberty had furnished far more sub stantial men--men of worth and stamina--in all departments which tend to a State's weal, than any other county in the State. All honest, intelligent Georgians cheerfully recog nize the State's obligations to brave old Liberty county, the Georgia "land of steady habils/'for her contingent of noble men who have helped to illustrate the State's annals.
THE INDEPKNUEKT PR.ESBVTKRIAN CHURCH.
Mention has already been made of the Independent Pres byterian congregation, Dr. Zubli's church, established in Savannah in,orabout,i/$$. Through all the vicissitudes of more than one hundred and thirty years, this church lias remained " Independent " in so far as any connectional system is concerned, and at the present day it is probably the strongest single congregation in Georgia. In 1882 its an nals were summarized in a very entertaining little volume --" History of the Independent Presbyterian Church and Sunday School."
% Extract from a letter of Rev. Dr. Axs">Ti, of Savannah.

r

STATISTICS, MISCELLANEOUS.

529

The Church is Presbyterian to the core in all respects, save its " independence" and follows the Scotch order, and adheres to the Westminster Catechism.
As to temperance, the pastor, Rev. Dr. I. S. K. Axson, in a letter to the author, says : " In their church capacity the Independent Presbyterian church of Savannah have made no public utterance in regard to the liquor traffic. O f course, individuals have spoken out their minds freely." Dr. Axson writes that there is no other Independent Presbyterian church in the State.
Of the Associate Reformed Presbyterians--" Seceders --we have already spoken.

THK S-AJ-ZBURGERS.
To return for a moment to those old friends of our early history, the pastor at Ebenezer, Rev. Jacob Austin, writes: "Rev. C. F. Berg-man (1824--32) organized this temperance society in the early part of his ministry. From that time 'while) intemperance has prevailed in this part of the- country among some people, just as in other parts of the counlrv-- yet I do think that there always has been less drunkenness in Effing-ham county than in any other place I know. There never has been-a still in the county where men make liquor for sale. There is no spirit sold in the county at present, and there has not been for several years, and it is a strange sight to see a drunken man in our county. The descendants of the old Salzburg-firs, taken as a whole, are as much in favor of prohibition as any people you will find anywhere. . You ask me, ' What is the law of the church on that subject ? ' I answer that the law of our church everywhere condemns drunkenness, as well as all other vices," etc.

TIIK CHRISTIAN CHURCH
was established in Georgia " about 1833-4 by Dr. Hamil Hook of Augusta, Elder Sheldon C. Dunning of Savannah, and Nathan W. Smith, then of Clarke county. The two former have long" since passed to their reward, while the last named is still with us and preaches regularly at Ac worth

530

THE CHURCHES, CONVENTIONS,

and in contiguous territory. Our churches generally are located in the country, though there are two large and flourishing churches in Augusta, two in Atlanta, one each in Savannah, Macon, Athens, Griffin, West Point, Thomasville, Valdosta, Hampton, and Acworth. In Northeast Georgia the church has a stronger foothold than in any other portion of the State."
"The late Mrs. Emily Tubman, of Augusta, was an earn est and zealous member, and contributed largely of her means to the church. She built an elegant church (house) and parsonage on G-recne Street, and gave it to the church in Augusta, and also endowed it many years before her death, besides contributing- largely to our educational in stitutions and to the support of evangelistic work. It is be lieved that she contributed more to religious and benevo lent work than any other one person in the entire South."
"Number of ministers (m Georgia)--White, forty-seven ; colored, three; churches, ninety-eight; members, about 10,ooo; average number of additions annually, Soo." 1
The author has received several strong deliverances on temperance, prohibition, and the liquor traffic, made by the State Convention of the Christian Church, but as these all belong to the,post-bellum era, it seemed best to give them in the stimmary of the later church temperance work.
As to the relation of this church, collectively, to temper ance, we may quote from Rev. B. F. Rapp: u
"Taking- the Holy .Bible as her rule of faith and practice, she has ever main tained that in the light of this holy book, the use of ardent spirits as a beverage is

its use as such, should be practiced by everybody. Also that it is wrong for persons to traffic in alcoholic liquors as a beverage, there being a woe pronounced in the

words, 'Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunk also !' Her present status is total abstinence upon tile part of all persons from inloxicating beverages of every kind, and prohibition ' from its traffic as such, by statutory and constitutional enactment."
1 Extn ct from a lettei of Rev. AIcx. C. Smith, Secretary State Meeting-, 2 ' 'Ont Hundred Yea: of Temperance," p. 410.

STATISTICS, MISCELLANEOUS.

531

LECTURERS PRIOR TO iSGo.
Of resident Georgians who labored on the platform for the temperance cause, the list is too long" to be attempted. Their nau.s would be legion, though, of course, the vast majority had only a local reputation, yet a number would have been shining; lights in the world's great temperance galaxy, had they nia.de themselves pra/i'ss-itffifef in the work.
Of those lecturers from abroad who visited the State, perhaps none ranked higher than H. S. Hewlett, who traveled over much of the State in 1850. In April of that year we find him in Augusta, then in Savannah, thence he visited the interior towns. The " Constitutionalist" says of him; "He is a natural orator, a great mimic, full of anecdote and amusing illustrations, a shrewd man, and an observant one, sings a good song-, has seen the world, and made good use of his opportunities. Even the frhoys con cluded he was one of them in all but the drinking." The writer thinks him not far behind Gough, The paper declares that the Sons of Temperance 'and temperance are doing more good than ail the other new moral agents put tog-ether. "One series of such lectures (as Hewlett's) will do more good," the paper argues, '''for advancing religion than scores of the flat, prosy sermons which people go to sleep under regularly every Sunday. Yet Mr. Hewlett could not get a church in our city in wtnch to lecture. He was com pelled to use the City Hall, or pay $12.50 a night for the Masonic hall room." He was compelled to take the latter.
"We hope that if another church is built here by sub scription, each contributor will annex to his subscription the condition that the building be free to lecturers on tem perance."
But liquor champions had another argument for Mr. Hewlett, even if they could not meet him on the rostrum. It was freely circulated that the lady traveling with him was an alleged, not a lawful, wife. Judge James S. Hook, of Au gusta, writes that this report preceded the lecturer to Sandersville, where he was to speak. The courthouse was

532

THIS CHURCHES, CONVENTIONS,

crowded ; it was felt that the lecturer could not ignore this damaging charge, and expectation was on tiptoe as to how he would meet it. He did it in this wise : " Ladies and gen tlemen, it is charged that I am traveling with an '^//^r^ V/r/ I am constrained, in justice to her, and to the truth* to admit this charge. The preacher, when we were married, a//;^r^ her my wife ! The law g/^^y;/ her to be my wife 1 She <?/A^rj herself to be my wife! And I ^/^g? her to be my wife! And that is not all, lellow citizens; I love her as my wife, and I love her better than 1 do any other man's wife ! H " " This brought down the house, and without further reference to the silly charge, he moved on into one of the grandest tem perance speeches 1 ever heard fall from human lips. He was a genius, and, as is too often the case with genius, he was erratic in purpose, and unstable in his ways. The poor fellow, after returning to Ohio, I learned, fell from grace, and soon nlled a drunkard's grave. Tf he had remained firm and true, as did Gough, he would to-day be as gloriously famous."
Gen. Gary, who visited Georgia about 1855, was pro nounced by Dr. A. Means the most brilliant temperance lecturer to whom he had ever listened. Geii. Gary came to the State from the meeting of the Grand Division Sons of Temperance in Charleston in 1855.
The famous Parson Brownlow of Tennessee, also lec tured on temperance a number of times in Georgia. One would hazard little in surmising that his speeches on such a theme smcllcd of sulphur. In those days, Brownlow was editing the Knoxville " Whig," the most terribly caustic paper in America*
MONROE, TN \VALTOX COUNTY,
in 1857 was put under prohibition in a somewhat novel man ner. The citizens raised money and purchased, not only the stock of liquors on sale in the town, but also the buildings in which they were sold. They then entered into a mutual contract never to sell nor rent their property for re-estab lishing retail shops. The Town Council then passed one or

STATISTICS, MISCELLANEOUS.

533

two very stringent ordinances in regard to such shops. The "Watchman" bears testimony to the efficacy of such meas ures :
"We know of no county in the State where tippling was so common. ed

We have not seen such good order, such decorous propriety and general good feel ing- manifested by BO large a crowd anywhere else as by the people of Walton during the Superior Court last week. This change is owing, we apprehend, not to the entire suppression of the use ol" spirits, but rather a prevention of its abuse. Men usually only drink to excess when they driii.; in crowds. The suppression of tippling houses prevents this sort of drinking, but does not interfere at all with the citizen's right to drink at home, or to carry his bottle in his pocket and drink whenever he pleases.''
The " Watchman " adds the expression of a hope that Monroe's example might be imitated elsewhere, as this plan does not interfere with private rights, while it is effecting such great good.
THE STATE TEMPERANCE CONVENTION
went to pieces after the Over by campaign of 1856. A meeting was called for Feb. 20, 1857, at Atlanta, for the purpose of nominating a candidate for Governor. The attendance was, however, very small, and the convention adjourned without a nomination. The " Republicaii " says of the men composing this meeting : " Their purpose is unselfish, we wish them well."
""THE TEMPERANCE CRUSADER,"
as we are informed by the " Journal and Messenger," of Nov. 3, 1858, will be removed by Col. J. H. Seals, its editor, to Atlanta, where it will be published after the beginning of 1859.
The " Journal and Messenger " also 1 contains a call to Sons of Temperance to come in and connect themselves with Tomochichi Division No. I, which "has been re-orga.ii-
1 March 23, 1859.

534

THE CHURCHES, CONVENTIONS,

ized by some of the old members." Clergy, laity, fathers and mothers are called upon to help in the good cause. Meetings are to be held every Friday night, the Grand ^Division to meet in October.
September ic), 1859, the " Journal and Alessenger" informs us that Tomochichi will send fifty delegates to the great mass meeting to be held in Atlanta on the igth. We read also that the public installation of officers for Tomochichi Divi sion will take place Oct. /.

STATISTICS.

POPULATION OF (TROB.C1A.

1790.................. 82,000
1800.............. ... 163,000 1810..................252,433 1820,.................3^0,089

1824....._............400,930
1830.................. 516,823 1840..................691,392 1850.................905,999

The population in 1859 was estimated at 1,024,000, of which number 443,36^

The United States census for 1850 gives of church buildings in the State the following statistics :

Baptist .................. 879 Methodist. .... ...........809 Presbyterian...... ....... 97 Episcopal.......... - - ... 20 Catholic.................. 8 Union .................... 16

Universatist............. .. 3 Minor Sects....... ..... .. .7 Christian.................... 5 Friends ... ....... .........2 Moravian. ................ ..I Congrcgationalist............ i

From this table it appears that the two denominations, Methodists and Baptists, had in 1850 more than 93 per cent, of all the churches of the State. Something like the same proportion has been preserved since that time. With ninctenths of the religious forces of the land under their control, the responsibility of these two denominations for the morals of the people becomes very great. It is not too much to say that these two churches earnestly united for a grea" moral end would be irresistible in Georgia.

DISTILLERIES.
Of these, so far as number and capacity arc concerned, we have but little accurate data. As we have seen, the num-
iSher\?ood's "(Gazetteer of Georgia," p. 192.

STATISTICS, MISCELLANEOUS.

535

her of distilleries.given lor the State in 1840 was 253, but the daily capacity is not mentioned. "White's Statistics" pub lished in 1849, furnisli no full account of the grain or fruit distillation of the State.
Under the respective counties, Mr. White several times notes the number of larg-e (grain perhaps) distilleries. He sometimes tells us that a certain county has no large distil leries. From this we may infer that the fruit, especially the peach crop for which Georgia is famous, was distilled at the ripening season. Such distilleries, of which there were un doubtedly many, were operated only for a brief period, and then suspended until another crop was ready. Mr. White tells us of one distillery near Marietta, whose daily capacity was 120 gallons, or one-fourth of the whole amount (475 gallons) now dally produced by the registered distilleries of the whole State. Xhe total product oi distillation in those days was vastly greater than now, but unfortunately no cen sus nor other reports give us the totals.
Of Franklin county, Mr. White says, 1 that it has "a large number of distilleries. The business of whiskey was formerly carried on very extensively, but we are gratified to learn that it has been greatly diminished. '" '* We hope that the time will come when the gatherer of future statis tics may have it in his power to say there are no distilleries in old Franklin."
Gilmer county has "one jug factory, four distilleries." Its inhabitants, while "kind and hospitable, are not inclined to industrious habits, and not sufficiently interested in the sub ject of temperance." a
Mount Yonah in Habersham has one smith, one tailor, one hotel, one distillery, one school and one church.
Harris county is credited with, two distilleries : 3 Henry has "six or seven," but McDonough, the county site of the latter, was making- great efforts "to put a stop to the sale of ardent spirits."*
1 "White's Statistics," p. 260, 2 Ibid, p. 2643 Ibkl, p. 3^8.
4 Ibid, pp. 325-6.

53 6

THE CHURCHES, CONVENTIONS,

Lincoln county has "no large distillery." Evidently a great advance since Judge Long-street wrote his "Creorgia Scenes."
Madison county is charged with "a number of small dis tilleries;" l the same is said of Monroe county. 2 Rabun has six distilleries. Walker, White tells us, had six distilleries, while Wayne had neither sawmills, cotton factories, nor dis tilleries.
Very marked changes, White says, have been wrought in Scriven county by the temperance reformation. "Many well informed gentlemen reside in the county and some might be named who devote their leisure moments to scien tific pursuits."
Quite a contrast to the character formerly held by Jacksonborough, the quondam county site. Of this town we read: "It is now almost a deserted village. The place had formerly a very bad character. It was reported that in the morning's after drunken frolics and fights, you could see children picking up eyeballs in tea saucers! i. e., there was so much gouging going" on." 3
The people of Cass (now Bartowjcounty "spend too much time at the grocery," since the fertility of the land enables them to procure necessaries with too little labor.
Such is the nearest approach to distillation statistics that the author has been able to reach. Very unsatisfactory !

NATIONAL.
The Fourth National Temperance Convention met at Saratoga Springs, Aug. 20, 1851.
A leading idea, or prime object, had been the foundation stone of each of the preceding national gatherings, and this meeting was to be no exception to the rule. The " Maine Law " had just been adopted. Its probable success and the feasibility of its adoption by other States, the criminal, the moral, and the suasive sides of the question had been dis cussed in former conventions. All had been reduced to working theories, or plans; all had been tried, and singly, or
1 "White's Statistics," p. 406. 2 Ibid, p. 428. 3 Ibid, p. 519.

STATISTICS, MISCELLANEOUS.

537

in the aggregate, it -was found that these lines of work were insufficient. Something- more was needed. There were man}' liquop dealers and many liquor manufacturers whom no sense of shame, no sting- of conscience, could drive from their horrid traffic. The majesty of law must be invoked. This convention of 1851, therefore, had the "legal" side of the question as the fundamental idea before it. Hon. Neal Do\v, then Mayor of Portland, although unable to be present at the meeting-, yet sent a letter giving many facts in the history of the passage of the prohibitory law and of its enforcement in Maine. The convention resolved : " That the recent discussion and action in the Legislatures of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Ver mont and Indiana, on the legal suppression of the traffic, the constitutional exclusion of all license in Michigan and Ohio, and the entire outlawrj^ of the traffic in spirituous and intox icating liquors as a beverage in Jowa and Maine, are grati fying tokens of advance in public sentiment, and give reason to hope that with the divine blessing on judicious and per severing efforts, the immoral and pernicious traffic will, ere long-, be done away." 1
A great impetus was given to the prohibitory move ment as a result of this convention.
In September, 1853, a World's Temperance Convention was held in New York, " which was very largely attended, by leading temperance friends from all the States, Great Britain and Canada."
November 10, 1857, was held in Chicago another North American Temperance Convention, The design of this Con vention was to embrace the States of the Union, Canada, and the British Provinces. This Convention, while not very large, yet had many temperance leaders in it. The follow ing resolution passed by this body is memorable :
" Resolved, That the principles of unconditional legal prohibition should be the ultimate aim of temperance organizations and temperance men." 2
This was the last ante-bellum temperance movement of a national character.
1 Dr. J- B. Dunn in "Centennial Temperance Volume," pp. 472-3. 2 Dr. Dunn's History of the " Temperance Movement," p, 479.

CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE QUADRENNIUM. 1861-5.
--Alex. -B. Meek (in. 1837.)
War, the enemy of morality in general, has always been the potent foe of temperance. The opening doors of Janus release, not merely the dogs of war with battle and blood shed, but every vice which \vild excitement breeds, or which had hitherto been repressed by the force of custom and law during- the reign of peace, is turned loose, ofttimes not for a little season only, to ravage our humanity. Happy may that people be esteemed who, after such a scourge, have still enough of the conservative forces of morality and religion left among themselves, to commence anew the warfare against immorality and vice, and once more direct society and the ship of State toward the pole star of right. How few are the peoples who have felt such a storm as that of the American Civil War sweep over their lands, laying- waste all that was held dear, have been reduced from affluence to deep poverty, have heard the sound of the destroying angel's wing at each door, have seen ruin at every threshold, bereft of even hope for the time being-, yet have had the moral strength, the trust in God, to once more, even in the stern battle for existence itself, begin the warfare for home, for
533

539
religion, and for all that the heart of the Christian holds in sacred keeping? The South has shown the sublimest ex ample of this revivification of the gx>od which the history of. any great people'can offer. This moral status of to-day the South owes to the labors of the noble men and women who strove under the old regime, to plant and to nurture the seeds of religion and morality. There Southern character was planted, and under such care it grew. We may speak of the New South of to-day. It is but the application in some new directions, it is true, of the moral, the intellectual and the re ligious forces which were gathered in the old. Not all the influences,--even a thousand fold--brought to bear upon the South from the outer world, could have affected in any material degree the character of a Mexico, a Spain or an Italy. The seeds of the manhood and of the womanhood of the South of to-day were planted long before the war cloud had burst over her devoted plains. When we speak of the New South let it never be associated with the thought of a character imported from beyond her domains. Character is grown on its native soil, it bears not the shock of transplant ing ; foreign breezes may bend, even break the plant, "et in its fiber it is the product of its own soil.
In nothing else, perhaps, is the essence of Southern character so striking-ly shown as in the rapid revival of those same lines of moral and intellectual activity, which had en gaged the attention and the hearts of the people before the outbreak of war, and no form of moral activity seemed to present a broader and more pressing field for its exercise than that which the liquor traffic--now a national matter-- offered for the efforts of patriots and philanthropists,
DISTILLATION.
Under the Confederacy the chief efforts at liquor legis lation, so far as Georgia was concerned, related to the distil lation of grams, fruits, and vegetables.
In the annual message of G-overnor Jos. E. Brown to the Legislature in November, 1862, we find this iang-uag-e;

540

THE QUADRENNIUM. 1861-5.

" DISTILLATION.
" After our communications had been cut off by the enemy, and we could no longer get supplies of provision from Tennessee and Kentucky, it was soon dis covered-that we had none to spare, and it was doubted whether there was enough of grain in the State to answer all the demands for bread. The supply of Western whiskey had, however, been cut off, as well as the supply of provisions, and the demand for that article increased till distillation was commenced at a rate that would, in the course of the spring and early part of the summer, have consumed all the grain that could have been purchased, and increased the price to an extent that must have put it out of the power of the poorer classes of our people, and especially the families of poor men who were in the army, to get bread. These facts were made known to me from different parts of the State, and earnest appeals were made for such action as would protect our people from this great wrong. After mature reflection, I was satisfied that it was my duty to exercise all the power I possessed to check the evil. The only question was as to my constitutional power to act. There could be no doubt that I had the power to take private property for public use, and as we were hard pressed by a powerful enemy, and needed all the ordnance and ordnance stores we could command, and as the stills were made of copper which could be used in the manufacture of field artillery I issued my procla mation ordering the militia officers of the State to seize the still of any person in the State who should continue distilling after the 15th day of March. While there were doubtless cases in which the proclamation was evaded, and while some military officers may have failed faithfully to discharge their duty, the evil was in the main checked, and bread was saved to our people.
" The proclamation only prohibited distillation till the meeting of the General Assembly, and I now submit the question for your consideration. While it is hoped we may have a plentiful supply of corn for the use of the people of the State, and can spare some for the army, we do not -know what may be the vicissitudes of war, and it is certainly the duty of the statesman, at such a crisis, to do all in his power to so husband the blessings of Providence as to prevent suffering and secure a supply of food for the people. I therefore respectfully recommend the passage of a statute prohibiting the distillation of grain into alcohol or ardent spirits, except, under sufficient restrictions, for mechanical and medical uses, till the end of the present war. I think this legislation is demanded alike by an enlightened public opinion, and by the exigencies of the times.
'' Since my proclamation I have permitted persons having contracts with the Confederate Government to manufacture necessary supplies of alcohol and whiskey for the army, but I have found it very difficult to prevent abuses of this privilege, and I recommend that the terms upon which it shall in future be granted be accu rately defined by law and that Government manufactories be confined to one, or a few localities, so that this State shall not have to bear more than her just part of the burden of furnishing from her grain the ardent spirits claimed to be necessary for the use of the army of the Confederate States.
" I have reason to believe that Government contractors have been through the State sub-letting their contracts, and getting whiskey made at a much lower price than that paid them by the Government. This speculation should not be permitted,

THE QUADRENNIUM. 1861-5.

541

but the Government should be authorized to locate its distilleries at such points as it may select, and there, by its agents, make Georgia's part of what it needs for medicinal uses and no more."
It seems from the above extract from Governor Brown's message that while every nerve was strained to support life at home and furnish a meager sustenance for the army, while our Southern ladies, many of them wholly unused to iabor; were struggling with all that brave courage and endurance for which they were so conspicuous during the conflict, to furnish supplies of clothing and other necessaries--not only to the soldiers in the field, but also to their families, widows, and orphans at home--there was one class of men totally unmoved by the general suffering. The distiller, utterly regardless of the welfare, or even of the lives of his fellow citizens, continued as usual to prove himself the enemy of his race, by recklessly destroying the very means of sub sistence on which the lives of the people depended. [Do not " the exigencies of the times " not only demand a prohibi tion of the destruction of the morals, as well as of the lives of the people?]
On the day after the reception of the Governor's mes sage, on motion of Mr. Boyd of the Senate, it was
' 'Resolved, by the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, That we cordially approve and indorse the action of His Excellency, the Governor, in issuing his proc lamation for suppressing the distillation of spirituous liquors in the early part of the present year, thereby preventing much evil, and saving bread to our army, and especially to helpless poor families of our own State; this prompt and timely official action of our present Chief Magistrate gives evidence of his integrity and wisdom as a ruler, and entitles him to the gratitude of the whole people of Georgia." '
The resolution was adopted and ordered to be forthwith transmitted to the House. This resolution having been brought before the House four days later (Nov. 11) was laid on the table for the present, evidently because the House on the same day with the reception of the Governor's message had a bill before it reported by Mr. Hawkinsof Forsyth, " to prevent the distillation of grain into ardent spirits till twelve months after the end of the present war, and to prevent the exportation of grain from this State to be distilled." 2
1 Journal of the Senate (1862), p. 56. 2 House Journal, p. 55.

543

THE QUADRENN1UM. 1861-5.

The same day Mr. Thrasher of Fulton reported a bill to the House " to prohibit the retail of distilled spirituous intox icating liquors in this State, and to repeal all laws authorizing the granting of license to sell by retail intoxicating liquors, and to punish persons for its violation." '
Though this bill of Mr. Thrasher's was read the second time and committed fora third reading, there is no record that it way ever afterward taken up by the House.
Mr. Cabaniss of Monroc, also reported a bill to the House on the yth of November " to prevent the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and manufacturers of spirituous and malt liquors." This bill, after some discus sion, was finally passed on the ijth, after being so amended as to permit any one to distill grain into alcohol for medical, hospital, chemical,and manufacturing purposes--the distiller first having obtained permission from the Governor for this purpose. This license was revocable by the Governor at his discretion, and it was made his duty to revoke it whenever he should have reason to believe it abused or perverted from its intended purpose. An effort was made on the following day to reconsider this bill* but the motion was lost.
The House hill being sent to the Senate, was, after its second reading, referred to the judiciary committee, which reported a substitute in lieu of the original bill. An amend ment, offered by Mr. Furlow, was also concurred in. This amendment directed that the Governor should grant licenses to the oinccrs, agents of, and contractors with, the Confeder ate Government, to distill forthe Governmentnot more than 1,000,000 gallons, the distillation to be made at not less than twenty miles from a railroad or any navigable stream. The substitute was accepted by the House on the zist, after vari ous attempts at amendment had been lost. The act, as ap proved by the Governor on the zzd, reads as follows:^
"i. SECTION I. 71^ (%vfry%7/ vf jjrw^/y <g; <v/<?f/, That from and after the ex piration of ten d:iys frum the publication of the Governors proclamation, ii shall not be lawfnl for any person or persons to make, or cause to be made, within tBis
* House Journal, p. 55. 2 Acts of 1862, pp. 25-26.

THE QUADREXKIUM. 1861^-5,

543

State, any whiskey, alcoho), or other spirituous or malt liquors, out. of any corn, wheat, rye, or other grain, except for medical, hospital, chemical, or mechanical

guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof, shall he fined for every such offence, not less than $2,000. and be also subject to imprisonment in the county jail, not exceeding twelve months, in the discretion of the court.

sions of this act, shall he deemed a separate and distinct offence. "3. SEC. l.fl. Any person, or persons, who shall, by anv means of transporta
tion whatever, take or send, or cause to be taken or sent, out of the limits of this State, any article of grain, ground or unground, with the intent that said article, or any portion of it, is to be distilled into Spirituous liquors of any kind, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and be subiect to the penalties hereinbefore pro vided.
"4. SEC. IV. The fines to be imposed by the court, under the provisions of this act, shall be paid, one-half to the informer, and the other half to the justices of the inferior court of the county wherein the conviction is bad ; to be by justices applied to the support of the; wives, widows, and families of such soldiers of this State as have been, now are, or hereafter may be, in the military service of the Confeder ate States, or of the State of Georgia.
"5. SKC. V. That the Governor may, in his discretion, grant licenses, in writ ing, to citizens of this State only, far the manufacture of such an amount of alco hol, or other spirituous liquors, as may, in his judgment, be needed by the Gov ernment of the Confederate States, or for chemical, mechanical, or medical pur poses generally ; provided, His "Excellency is directed to grant licenses to (he offi cers and agents of, and contractors with, the Confederate Government, for the dis-

said Confederate Government; ar,d provided further. That the same shall be dis tilled at the distance of at least twenty miles from any railroad or stream usually navigated by steamboats. But no person distilling under any license aforesaid,

Ion, nor alcohol at more than $2.50 per gallon, under the penalties aforesaid. Any license granted under this act shall be revocable at the pleasure of the Governor ; and it shall be his duty to revoke the same whenever he shall have reason to be lieve that it is abused, or perverted from the uses intended by this act.
" 6. SEC. VI. In granting; tnc licenses hereinbefore provided for, the Gov ernor shall give the preference to those sections of the State where grain may be most abundant, and at points most remote from railroad or water transportation.
" 7. SEC. Vtl. That each person applying to the Governor for a license to diitill any grain, as provided for in this act, shall, before obtaining such license, make and subscribe his written affidavit before some justice of the peace, justice of the inferior court, or notary public, of this State, and file the same in the executive office of this State, in which affidavit he shaU swear, that he will not make, or cause to be made, more whiskey or other spirituous Hquors out of grain than the number of gallons specified in said license; and any person violating said oath, by making a larger amount than the amount which he is axithorized by said license to make,

544

THE QUAURENJVIUM. 1861-5.

such manner as is provided for by the laws of this ,L offenders guilty of false swearing.
"8. SEC:. VITI. it shall be the duty of the Gov.
all offic

"Approved, Nov. 22, 1862."
This act was only two clays old when a supplementary act was started in the House. The Judiciary Committee favored the supplement. Mr. Whittle moved that the former act be so amended that no distiller should be allowed to use any other grain than that on hand at the time of the bill's passage. This was adopted after a tie vote, the Speaker voting" in the affirmative. After being" amended in the Senate, the amendment was concurred in by the House, Dec. 10.
"An Act Supplementary to an Act entitled An Act to prevent the unnecessary con sumption of grain by distillers and manufacturers of spirituous liquors in Georgia. Assented to the 22d day of November, 1862.
"WHEREAS, The above recited Act, in the fifth section thereof, provides that the Governor may, in his discretion, grant licenses to citizens of this State only for the manufacture of such an amount of alcohol and other spirituous liquors as may, in his judgment, be needed by the Government of the Confederate States, or for chemical, mechanical, or medical purposes generally; Provitli-tt, J 1 is Excellency is hereby directed to grant licenses to the officers and agents of, and contractors with, the Confederate Government; and provided further, that the same shall be dis tilled at the distance of at least twenty miles from any railroad, or stream usually navig-atecl by steamboats; and vv/iemis, by the operation of the said fifth section, perso:

THE QUADKENNIUM. 1861-5.

$4$

"II. SECTION I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Georgia, Thai any and all persons in this State who have made hona Jlde contracts with the Confederate Government, or its authorised agents, previous to said 22d day of November, iS^, located their works and distilleries within twenty miles of a railroad or navigable stream, shall be exempt from the penalties prescribed by said act against persons violating the same, until they shall fulfil the con tracts aforesaid; but if, after ful filling such coruracts, they, or any of them, shall continue to <J is till alcohol or whiskey ivUrnn twenty miles of a railroad or navigable stream, every one so offend ing shall tae subject to the pains and penalties in said act prescribed; Provided, that :io distiller shall" buy or consume any grain grown within twenty miles of a railroad or navigable stream, nor shall any grain be used,.under the provisions of the former act, so grown, except that they may consume the grain they now have on hand.
"12. SEC. II. Be it further enacted. That the persona or company who have made contracts with the Confederate Government, before they shall have the privileges conferred under this act, shall be required to take a license from the Governor, which he is required to Issue upon such party exhibiting satisfactory evidence of such coniract; and in no event shall licenses be granted for the manu facturing' of a greater amount than is authorised to be made for the Confederate Government in said original Act; Provided further, thai, when any distilleries are already located, such owner shall not be required to remove the same, but Upon such person making an affidavit that no corn will be purchased at a point less than twenty miles from a railroad or navigable stream, the Governor may, by his license, permit the distillation at the point where the distillery is located.
"'Assented to Dec. n, 1862."
The seizure of stills under the foregoing- laws brought forward the subject of compensation to the owners. To meet this the Legislature passed the following:
"An Act to provide'compensation for stills sei/.ed bv the Governor of this State:
"WHKHEAS, Stills owned by individuals have been seized in accordance with the proclamation of the Governor of this State, issued in February last, and for which no compensation has been provided or paid; for remedy whereof:
"13. SRC. .1. The General Assembly of tks Slate of Georgia do enact, That in all cases where a still or stills have been seized and taken away from the owners thereof by order of the Governor of this State, or bv anv person, acting" under the authority of the Governor's proclamation, dated in the month of February last, and for which just compensation has not been paid, it shall be the duty of the justices of the Inferior Court, or a majority thereof, of the county where such seizure may have been made, upon complaint of any person whose still has been seized, to assess a just compeusalion for said seized still or stills; the rule of com pensation to be the value of the still at the time it was seized, with interest from that time up to the time of payment, in cases where the still itself cannot be re turned; but when the still can be returned, the amount shall be a return of the still with interest on its value at the time of seizure, from that time up to the time of its return. All awards made under this act shall be transmitted by the Justices of
35

546

THE QUAURENNIUM. 1861-5,

.urt, or Justices of the Peace, to the Governor of thy; State, who warrant upon the treasury, in favor of the owner, for the money compensation, and also cause the stills to be returned in cases where the award so directs; Provided, they shall be returned in as good condition as when seized. "Assented to Dec. 9, 1862."
Two or three liquor bills reached only a first reading during this session of the Legislature. One of these was to prohibit the retail of spirituous liquors in Rome, or within two miles of the incorporate limits of the town ; another was to prevent the retail of liquor in quantities less than one gal lon in the town of Jasper, Pickcns county ; another bill was to make penal the furnishing of liquors to prisoners in the common jails.
March 11, 1863, Governor Brown issued his procla mation, calling an extra session of the Legislature to meet on the 25th. The Governor says, in his call, that further legis lation is necessary to secure all possible productive labor for the cultivation of the lands, and for the production of necessary sustenance of life, and for the prevention of the destruction of articles of food by distillation.
Tn his message to the Legislature (March 25, 1863) the Governor says :
".Experience has shown that the law against the distillation of grain into ardent

State, I am satisfied that a large portion of the potato crop, most of the dried fruit, and a considerable quantity of the molasses in the State, have been, and are being,
ties

aid, they are open violation of the law, and no one has the nerve to with stand and prosecute them. To arrest these evils, I recommend that the law be so changed as to make it highly penal during the war, for any one, in addition to the present prohibition, to distil! potatoes, dried fruit, or moiasses, without a license. And that every person who keeps his distillery locked, and refuses to admit visi tors, day or night, when admission is asked, shall be held prima facie guilty of a violation of the law. And that every person who runs his distillery without a license, shall be presumed to be guilty of distilling grain, or other article prohibited, and the burden of proof shall rest upon him, to show the contrary. The law should also make the owner of the distillery liable to the penalties, if his stills are run by an insolvent person. And it should be made the duty of the sheriff of the county to call lo his aid all the force necessary, and destroy any distillery which is run in violation of law, as he would abate any other nuisance.

THE QUADRENNIUM. 1861-5.

547

"It has been impossible for the inferior courts of some of the counties, under my instructions, to find a person who will take the contract to make the quantity of spirituous liquors, or alcohol, necessary for medical uses, at the prices fixed by the statute. And as it is a violation of the law, for a person distilling- under a license to sell for more than the prices fix^d by the statute, I recommend such change as will authorize the lowest responsible bidder to be licensed, at such price as may be

the quantity recommended by the court to be subject to the approval of the Cover-

Once more the Legislature tried its hand at regulating the distillation of the State by passing
" An Act to alter an>d amend an Act to prevent the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and manufacturers of spirituous liquors in this State, ap proved Nov. 22, 1862. " i. SECTION T. The General Assembly of Ike State of Georgia do enact:
That the First Section of the Act of which this is amendatory, be so altered and amended as to read as follows, and as such to become the law of this State from and after the 2OLh clay of April, 1863, and for twelve months after the ratification of a treaty of peace between the United States and the Confederate States. It studl not be lawful for any person or persons to make, or cause to be made, within this State, any whiskey, alcohol or other spirituous or malt liquors frcmi the articles
of sugar, molasses, syrup, sugar cane, honey, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, peas,
mixture thereof, except for medicinal, hospital, chemical or mechanical purposes, and with a license as prescribed by this act, or the act of which this is amendatory; and any person so offending shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on con-
than 5,000, and be also subject to imprisonment in the county jail, not exceeding twelve months, in the discretion of the court, for each day, or part of a day, that he, she or they, shall violate this act, or the act of which this is amendatory; provided, that, if any person or persons shall refuse to permit his, her or their distillery or distilleries to be visited and inspected, such refusal shall be held and
that the provisions of this act shall not interfere with contracts made with the
are hereby made subject to the provisions of the Act of Zv'av. 22, 1862, and the act supplementary thereto.
"2. SEC. II. And be it further enacted, that the justices of the inferior
contract for the manufacture of such quantity or quantities of alcohol and other spirituous liquors, as may be found necessary for said counties respectively, 011 such terms and conditions as by them may be deemed most advantageous for said counties and the public good; provided, that before any license shall be issued to the contractor for any county, as now prescribed by law, it shall be the duty of the

548

it' in of thi held as an aider and a'oeltor to th offe the manner and form as prescribed by tl
" 4. Sr:<_'. IV. Ait,t be il ftn-t/ie

to tlu

of

shall be held

in November, 1862, the Senate adopted a preamble and resolutions presented by Mr. Grordoii, to the following" pur port :
" WJTERF.A.S, .Drugged and poisoned liquor is the prime cause of the disorders
That without intending to indorse generally the policy of sumptuary laws we ap prove the action of the military authorities in suppressing entirely the traffic of liquor m the vicinity of military camps and garrisons.
"Resolved, That His Excellency the Governor be requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the General commanding this military district."
But not even the law of April, 1863, in regard to distilla tion secured proper obedience on the part ol distillers. At the regular session of the General Assembly in the autumn of 1863, a still stronger statute was enacted.

THE QLfAUKEN^IUM. 1861--5.

549

On the 16th of November Governor Brown transmitted to the Assembly the following communications :
" To the General Assembly. " Complaints are reaching me from different part? of Hie Slate, that there are large numbers of distilleries now constantly running- in violation of Jaw, consuming corn that is absolutely necessary to sustain the lives of helpless women and children. " The law as it now stands, provides that a distillery running; in violation of the statute, may be abated as a public nuisance, by the ordinary process of law; experience has shown, however, that this provision is wholly inadequate to sup press the evil. If proceedings are commenced before a justice of the pea.ce to abate the distillery as a nuisance, and the justices rule that it is such, and pass an order to abate it, Ihc party may carry the case, by ceriiorari, to the Superior Court, nd after one or mure continuances, if the ruling; is against him there, he may carry

in which time he cait make enough whiskey to pay all the expense of the litigation and leave almost a fortune as clear profit.
" This mischief calls for a speedy remedy, for which the people can look only to their representatives. fn my opinion there is but one way to stop it effectually; and that is to destroy hy the use uf military force every still that is run in violation of law.
" 1 therefore recommend the passage of an act, making it the duty of the Governor, when he hus satisfactory evidence that any still has heen run contrary to law, to order out such military force as may be necessary to seize the still, and unc the metal of which it is made for military purposes, or sell it to the Confederate States for military use, and apply the proceeds of the sale to the support of indi gent soldiers' families. This power of military seizure and confiscation will afford an effectual remedy; and in my judgment no other will arrest the evil.
" While whiskey is thirty or forty dollars per gallon in the market, and corn can be purchased at four times the present prices, unprincipled and avaricious men will continue to evade the law, or set it at open defiance, as long as they are per mitted to retain possession of their stills. The exigencies demandaprompt remedy; and T am satisfied none more tardy than that recommended will answer the pur pose. "
In those trying days necessary legislation did not lag ; what was to be done must be done quickly. Two days later a more stringent law than ever, in regard to distillation, was on its passage through the House. In two weeks more it had run the gauntlet of both House and Senate--been (ZJM^Ma&gT in the latter, and a second time had passed the former, and had received the Governor's signature. As these Confederate laws have long since been abolished, and the copies of them are becoming comparatively rare, the author will venture to copy still further :

550

THE QUADRENNIUM. 1861-5.

"An Act to further provide for the suppression of unlawful distillation of grain and other commodities in this State.
"I. SECTION I. The General Assembly do enacl. That each and ever}' distillery which may be run or worked in. this State, contrary to any, or either, of the provi sions of the laws heretofore passed, to prevent unlawful distillation, is hereby de clared to bu a public nuisance, and in addition to the remedies heretofore provided, may be abated as follows :
"2. SKC. II. "ft shall be the duty of each and ever}- justice of the peace, in the several militia districts of this State, and justices of the inferior courts, to diligently inquire about ever}- such still as may he either publicly or clan destine ly run in his district or county, and upon being informed on oath, or otherwise induced to the opinion, that such still or stills arc running unlawfully, or that unlawful sales of spirituous liquors are made from the proceeds of such stills, by the owner of .<aid stills or his agent, he shall issue his warrant against I he part}* or parties owning- and operating said still and the still itself, including both, which said warrant shall forthwith be delivered to the sheriff of the county, who thereupon shall arrest the party and seize the still. The \vrit shall be returnable twenty days after it shall be issued, and at that time the magistrate shall summarily try the question, with the assistance of twelve freeholders of the county, and one or more magistrates, as to whether or not snch still so seized is u public nuisance.
"The effect of a verdict of no nuisance shall be to discharge the party nr parties and release the still ; the effect of a verdict of nuisance shall be to retain both in custody, but the party or parties shall have the right of appeal,
the Superior Court of th

shall be the duty of the presid...^ _ ^ - _ ;uch part}' r parties have violated any of tt; case, and for each day, to bind sue] pcarance t
"4. SRc. IV. in all cases when in tht; discretion of the magistrate, or magis trates, it shall be deemed best, the warrant shall, in the first instance, be trans mitted to His Excellency, the Governor, who is hereby empowered to have the same executed by any officer of the State, ciTil or military, he may deem the par ticular exigencies of the case require. In which event, the subsequent proceedings shall be as hereinbefore provided.
"5. SKC. V. T u all cases where the Governor shall be informed that any ctiU or stills are running in any county of this State, in violation of law, or that any un lawful sale or sales are made from any such still or stills, and the justices and other

THE QUADRENNiUM. 1861-5.

$51

County officers have failed to act, he shall forthwith send an officer, or person, to be designated by him, to the vicinage, who Klta.ll investigate the facts ; and upon being satisfied that there exists probable cause for ihc charg-e against any one or more persons in the county, such officer or person shall make complaint thereof, on oath, to any justice of the peace, or justice of the Inferior Court of the circuit of which siich county is a part, or in case of his absence, to any judge of the Superior Courts of this State. The officers thus applied to shall thereupon issue a warrant for the seizure of the still, or stills, as n nuisance, and the arrest of the person or persons owning;, or engaged in running- the same, including till who cither own, or are engaged in running" the same, so far as they may be set forth in the affidavit, or can be ascertained, which said warrant shall be directed to any lawful officer to ex ecute and return. The Governor shall thereupon cause the same forthwith to be executed by any oi'iicer of the State, civil or military, he may deem ("he exigencies of the case require ; all further proceedings shall be as provided in the preceding sections, only, that in the event, the warrant shall be issued by any judge of the inferior courts (it) shall be made returnable before him on a clay to be named therein, at the courthouse of the county in which it is charged that the nuisance ex ists ; and it shall be the duty of the judge to attend on the day mentioned, and, as sisted by a jury of twelve freeholders, make the summary investigation in the pre ceding sections provided.
"6. Siic. VI. The parties owning such distilleries as may be so taken, and held by the Government, shall be entitled to payment for the same, the value to be fixed by the Inferior Court in accordance with the statutes now in force, providing: corn, pensation to owners for stills seized by the Government.
"Assented to Dec, 3, 1863."
Xwo bills to prohibit retailing1 of liquors were brought, before this House of Representatives, but never passed beyond a second reading, and one seeking- the repeal of all license as preliminary to vending- was voted on, and lost.
But the original Act of Nov. 22, 1862, and its supple mentary Act of April, 1863, were still unsatisfactory, as we see from the following" preamble and resolutions :
"\VjTESiT;J\S, In the fifth section of the above first recited act, it is provided, that no person distilling under any license authorized by that act, shall seil any whiskey, or any other spirituous liquors, for more than $1.50 per gallon, nor alcohol at more than $2.50 per gallon, under the penalties recited in said act ; and ?ct/ii;"i'eis, since the passage of said act, from the greatly increased and mereasiiinvalue of grain and labor, of all implements, machinery, and articles used in dis tilling-, as well as on account of the heavy taxes imposed by both the Confederate and State Governments upon distillers, the above named prices have become wholly inadequate and unremunerative to persons who have heretofore contracted, or may hereafter contract, to clistill whiskey or alcohol for the Government ; therefore for remedy whereof,
"i. SECTION I. J3e if enacted, etc. That all that part of the said fifth section of

552

THE QUADRENNIUM. 1861 -5.

said act of the 22d November, 1862, which restricts the price of whiskey to $1.50, and the price of alcohol to $2.50 per gallon, be, and the same is, hereby repealed ; and that the Confederate Government may, by its officers or agents, contract for the distillation in this State, of whiskey and alcohol for the use of the Confederate Government, at such price or prices as may be agreed upon by (he contracting parties, and the said Government may, by its officers or agents, increase the price

to be made, to distill whiskey or alcohol for said Government, to any extent which may be agreed upon, provided such contract price shall not exceed the prices for whiskey and alcohol respectively, fixed from time to time in the schedule of prices established by the Commissioners for Georgia, appointed under the impressment Act of Congress.
"8. SKC. II. fie it further enacted, That here-after in issuing licenses for the dis tillation of whiskey or alcohol for the use of the Confederate Government, author ised to be issued by the above recited acts, as altered and amended by this act, His Excellency, the Governor, may issue the same, regardless of the price or prices to be received by the party or parties applying for such license or licenses ; prwiJcd, such price or prices does not exceed those fixed by the Commissioners under the Impressment Act of Congress, as set forth in the first section of this act, and j>rovitlt-d further, thnt nothing in this act shall be so construed as to authorize or re quire the Governor of this State to issue licenses for the distillation in Georgia, for

ship f
lisde
or imprisonment in the county jail of the county, or both, and any and all officers and agents of the Confederate Government who shall consent to any such sale, dis posal, or shipment, shall be held and deemed a principal in the first degree, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by like fine and imprisonment.
"10. SF.C. IV. sintt l><: it enacted by the authority afor,'said. That this act shall go into operation and take effect from, and immediately after, its passage.
"Assented to Dec. 14, 1863."
The following- license law was passed at this session:
An act to authorize the Governor of this State to grant a license for the manu facture of alcohol for medicinal and mechanical purposes, "it. SF.CTIOX I. The General Assembly do enact, That from and after the
restrictions hereinafter specified, to any persor

TUB QUADKEXXIUM. 1861-5.

553

same, and comply with all the provisions of this act; provided, that the alcohol so authorized to be distilled, shall not be sold for an amount exceeding seventy per cent, profit upon the actual cost of the same.
"12. SKC. II. And be it further enacted, That in no case shall a license be issued for the purpose aforesaid, until the applicant has made it satisfactorily ap pear to the Governor, that he is prepared to produce alcohol of good quality, which license shall not be granted for a longer time than twelve months, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Governor.
"13. SKC. HE. And be it further enacted. That before a license shall be granted, the applicant shall take and subscribe an oath, that he will not make spirits other than alcohol by himself, his agent, or servants; that he will not make more than the number of gallons allowed by the terms of the license, that he \\-iH not make it for sale to speculators, and that he will not abuse the privileges granted under this Act, or violate any of its provisions in any respect whatever, and shall give bond and security to the Governor in the sum of one hundred thousand dol lars, that he will faithfully observe the requirements of this act.
"14. SRC. IV. And be it further enacted, That for a violation of any of the provisions of this act; the person so violating may be indicted and tried for false

"15. KRC. V. And be it further enacted. That for any violation of the provissions of this Act, the Governor may institute suit 011 said bond, for the recovery of the full amount of said bond, and should recovery be had, the sum to be applied to the fund for the relief of soldiers' families.
"(6. SBC. VI. And be it further enacted, That the Governor be, and he is hereby, authorized, whenever it is made to appear to him that Ihc privileges of this act are abused to withdraw from the person abusing the terms of this act, said license, which withdrawn! shall not prevent prosecution for false swearing, or suit on the bond as before provided for; //^td^ _/f/,&fr. That the Inferior Court of any of the counties in this State may, with the consent of the Governor, contract for such quantity for medicinal use in the county, as the Governor may deem neces sary, and all quantities made for the Confederate Government shall be estimated as part of the one million of gallons allowed by law.
"Assented to L>ec. 12, 1863."
But none of the liquor laws relating to distillation could remain longer than a few months. Amendment was always needed. In March* 1864, the Assembly again overhauled the law for the suppression of unlawful distillation, and changed it thus:
"An act to amend an act entitled an act to further provide for the suppres sion of unlawful distillation of grain and other commodities in this State, assented to Dec. 3, 1863.
" i. SECTION f. The General Assembly do enact, That from and after the passage of this act, the before recited act be amended as follows : The word ' twenty' in the first paragraph be stricken out and the \vord ' live' be inserted in lieu thereof, and that after the word'time,' the following words be inserted; or

554

THE QU ADIiENNIUM. 1861-g.

any Other time to which said cause may be continued upon ley

ng la

judge rjusticear

attend,' "3. SEC. Til. Be it further enacted, That the following- section be added to
the act of which this is amendatory : That all cases under this act shall be tried at the county, town of the county, or in the district where the defendant resides.
"Assented to March 19, 1864."
On the same clay with the above the Governor assented to ajoint resolution of the Senate and House, which reads as follows :
" WHERE A.S, Parlies arrested in the State under the different acts lor the sup-

; Stat

and the fees prest

of competent cou.

efo

"isf. The General Asset:

The

parties are arrested under any of

upp

in which summary process is pro-

such fees for their services as in

id-

tate, and to pay them ble and just.

"Assented to March 19, 1864."

When the Legislature convened in annual "session in

November, 1864, it was under darkness and gloom unknown

since the daj's when the old colonial Legislature fled before

the British, falling back from town to town until the wild

banks of the Oconee had been reached. Now Sherman was

in Atlanta and there was no adequate force to repel his

advance. The Legislature had to hold its session almost

under the sound of the enemy's guns. Still the semblance

of legislation was kept up. The Distillation Act received its

final touc/tes on the I4th of November:

"An act to amend an act to alter and amend an act, to prevent the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and manufacturers of spirituous liquors in this approved Nov. 22, 1862, and amended April T.I, 1863, and to suspend and disi

"\VHERKAS, Tn the first seclit iof i

nded act of April n, 1863, it is de-

THE QUADK.ENN1UM. 1861-5.

555

clared that it shall not be lawful for any person or persons lo make, or cause to be made, within this State, any whiskey, alcohol, 01 other spirituous or malt liquors:
"ANT_> WKKRKAS, It has been held, that under said section the brewing and mak ing of lager beer and other innocent beverages was illegal, and many persons in various parts of this State have been arrested and indicted for the same ; for remedy whereof ;
"I. SECTION T. Be it enacted. That the first section of the above recited act be, and the same is hereby, amended by inserting the words, 'except lag-er beer,' after the words, 'malt liquors,' so as to read as follows : 'Or other spirituous or mall liquors except lager beer.'
"2. SEC. II. That all persons in this State are hereby released and re-Hover] from the penalties incurred by the violation oi" said acts for brewing lager beer; and all prosecutions instituted by officers in this State, for violating said acts bv brewing lager beer in this State, are hereby directed to be settled upon the payment of the costs which have accrued on the same, by the defendant or defendants.
"Assented lo Nov. 14, 1864."
At the annual meeting- of the Assembly in. November, 1864, and again at the extra session of March, 1865, the effort had been made to pass a bill permitting- certain persons to distill a certain quantity of liquor. An attempt had been made to turn this permission over to the heads of families or their representatives. The latter bill entitled, "An Act to allow heads of families, or their representatives, to distill certain quantities of spirituous liquors in this State, and for other purposes," finally passed the Legislature, and was sent to the Governor in March (1865). lie refused his approval, with these objections:
"The scarcity of grain, is so great, and the sufferings of the destitute in por tions of the State, likely to be so extreme, that ) feel unwilling lo give my sanction to the conversion of bread into spirituous liquors, ^except what may be absolutely necessary for medical uses. And 1" am satisfied the quantity allowed by the bill is iM-t>,'uer than the absolute necessities of the people for stimulants of this character demand. I am also entirely satisfied that this bill, if it becomes a law, will oper ate a virtual repeal of the whole law of the State against illegal distillation, as it affords so convenient a pretext for the evasion of the law, that it is not probable any conviction could be had in the courts after its passage.
"Want of time at this late hour of the session prevents me from giving any reasons against the bill, more in detail. 1 return it, and respectfully ask its recon sideration by the General Assembly.
"JOSEI'IT E. I-jROWN."
The bill was immediately put upon its passage over the veto, but (ailed, the vote_/>r<? and con standing" 45 to 42.

556

THE QUADRENX1UM. 1861--5.

The last g-eneral State liquor law passed by the Legis lature, under the Confederate regime, was assented to by the Governor, March 9, 1865, two days before the adjourn ment of the Assembly. It was to the following- purport:
of dis-

3ns in Ibis Stale, since the adjournment of the last ses-

prohibited articles, under the belief, in good faith, that the General Assembly had passed a law on the ---- day of ^November, 1^64, allowing heads of families to dis til! a specified quantity of grain into spirituous liquors; and WHKRKAS, it is believed

sag-e of said act. For reined}' whereof,

"I. SECTION I. fie il enacted. That in all cases where prosecutions have been

djo

of the

distilled i

lily

shall be quashed, upon proof being submitted to the satisfaction of the presiding1 judge, that the person so offending tfjd not intend to violate said laws, and that he

"2. SKC. IT. Be it furthei enacted, That in all eases where indictments may

he

pre

siding- judg-c shall have like discretion, as is declared and provided in the first sec

tion of this act.

"3. SKC. (II- Reit further enacted, That all laws conflicting- with this aet be,

and the same are hereby, repealed, and this act shall be of force from its passage."

LOCAL, LIQUOR LAWS.
Of these under the Confederacy there were compara tively few. The liquor question had to be considered in its entirety, in its relation to the vvkole people, not as to localities, The rapid growth of municipal prerogatives, which was so characteristic of the decade (1850-60) was effectually checked while the war was waging. In this field liquor legislation had been advancing with great strides, but this was now almost totally suspended.
By an act of Dec. 8, 1862, the town of Trion was incor porated, and its commissioners were invested with " power to regulate or prohibit the sale of ardent spirits," within their corporate limits.

r

THE QUADRENNIUM. 1861-5.

557

Fort G-aines, incorporated by an act approved April 18, 1863, could issue retail liquor license at such price as the commissioners may see fit, with power to fine not more than $50, and to imprison not more than ten cla3^s ; the applicant for license must also comply with the law as to bond and oath.
The commissioners of Smithville, incorporated on the same day with Fort Games, could control or prohibit the retail of ardent spirits, and had full power to execute all ordinances they might pass on that subject.
An amendatory act, approved Nov. 26, 1863, gives to the Mayor and Council of Atlanta full power and authority to " regulate the retail of ardent spirits/' and " at their dis cretion to issue license to retail or to withhold the same, and to fix the price at any sum they may deem proper, not exceeding $2,000." The Mayor and Council, or, in the Mayor's absence, any three councilmen sitting- as a court, might fine violators of any ordinance not more than $500.
Dawson's Act, amended Nov 18, 1863, empowers the President and Council to license, not charging1 therefor more thnu $4,000, the retailer to comply with the law as to oath arid bond.
Nearly the same amendment was approved on the 26th for Spring- Place, though the license limit was placed at $3,000 instead of $4,000. Unlicensed retailing was to be punished as per former act.
An amendatory act, assented to No~v. 18, 1864, to Co lumbus' charter, allowed the Mayor and Council " to increase the price for any license to retail spirituous liquors."
Fort Valley's charter, as amended March 7, 1865, gives the Commissioners full power "to pass any ordinance regu lating- the retail of spirituous liquors within the corporate limits of said town ; and that they have power to grant or withhold license, and to charge such sums for the granting thereof as by them shall be deemed right and proper, and to impose such penalties for violations thereof, as shall not be inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of this State."

1

553

THE QUADIiENKTUM. 1 861-5.

On the same day was approvea an amendment, which permitted the Commissioners of Sparta "to refuse to grant license for the retail of spirituous liquor's, within the cor porate limits of said town."
The new town of Reynolds was incorporated during this session of the Assembly, though without any grant of powers over the liquor traffic.
The following" is quoted from Avery's "History of Geor gia," ] in regard to Gov. Brown's method of enforcing- the Distillation Act:
"Upon the issuance of Gov. Brown's order stopping the distillation of whiskey, Col. I.aughridg-e, the commanding- colonel of the Murray county militia, not only denied the right of the Governor to issue the order, but himself disobeyed it by running- a still. The Governor immediately ordered the arrest of Col. "l.auglmdge.

Such were the liquor acts of Georgia under the Confed eracy. It is perfectly plain that from a legislative stand point the bonds "were drawn around the traffic more tightly than ever, notwithstanding the strife and confusion of war. Distillation, save for the most necessary purposes, was abso lutely prohibited, arid although the lawlessness incident to war, and the occupation, especially in IS&4--65, of much of the territory by the enemy, rendered a very faithful enforce ment of the prohibitory enactments impossible, yet there was no retrograde nor yielding symptoms on the part of 1 lie Legislature, Tf existing statutes were found inefficient, new ones \vere enacted, or the old \vere amended to meet the cases which were newly presented. There was even a tightening of the cords around municipal privileges, and the lew town charters granted, or amended, under the Confed erate regime, had usually the prerogative given of withhold ing license altogether, or else permitted the imposition of such a rate as to amount to virtual prohibition. True, the alternative of bread or liquor, was the controlling motive in. the enactment of those strenuous laws against distillation, yet the very fact of these enactments proves, beyond cavil, that the Executive and the Legislature believed that such

THE QUADRENNIUM. 1861-5.

559

laws were right and proper, and "in the exigencies of the times," G-OV. Brown does not hesitate to recommend the use of military force in putting" an end to unlawful distillation. As to Gov. Brown's own antecedents on the temperance question the author has, at his own request, obtained from Gov. Brown the following :

fTA

the

.ppc

freely ncl,

ular, C i,

dis

popular opinion. 1 told the people, in public speeches, tlu

] should g-o there sober, that I should remain sober

home a sober man, ami that 1 did not consider this a disqualification for office, etc.,

etc., hut (hat T \vas opposed to all legislation on the subject, and opposed to legal

prohibition, because I did not believe that prohibition could be made to prohibit,

and believed it would do the cause more harm and less good than it would do to

ganisation, I delivered a speech in the Senate, in which 1 ainst legislating on the subject, and against legal prohibi tially my position during the period }'oa refer to. I regret o go into the details, either in reference to the energetic course of my father-in-law' for prohibition, or into my own opposition to legal pro-

use of intoxicating liquors, and our views coincided generally, except on the ques tion of legal prohibition."
Of Mr. Gresham, his father-in-law, Gov. Brown says:
"He was a very ardent temperance man, and usually attended the National Convention of the -Sons of Temperance, and of any other temperance organization that had a large meeting. He freely lectured on the subject, though but few, if any, of his lectures were published. He was a decided prohibitionist in that day,

and aeal, while i supported Herschel "V. Johnson, the Democratic candidate."
Such were the personal opinions and the political atti tude of Georgia's "War Governor" as to temperance, both before and during our great civil conflict.
J Rev. Joseph Gresham.

560

THE !.JUAJJKL.XN[L"M, 1861-5.

THE WHISKEY RATION IX THE CONFEDERATE ARMY.

We have already seen that the Confederate Government

engaged a large amount of liquors for various departments

of the service, and special provisions, as we have noted, were

made by law in Georgia, for the distillation of such an

amount as might bo regarded as necessary. Not knowing

what the army regulations were, in regard to the issuance of

a whiskey ration to the soldiers, the author applied to Gen.

James Longstreet for information. Gen. Long-street answered

as follows :

"GAiMSvn,.LE, GA., Dec. 12, (SS6.

"P-R.QF. II. A. SCOMV, OXVORIV

"Dear Si:-: --Your favor of the roth received and noted.

"I don't now remember of the Confederate laws in reg'ard to the issue of

whiskey as a ration. Think there was no law on the subject ; but the regulations,

T believe, were similar to those of the old army, -where it was usual to issue a gill of

whiskev to each soldier after severe work and exposure, when the whiskey wns 011

hand. But it was never regarded as a necessary part of the ration, and when trans

portation was limited, as it is always in moving- armies, this part of the ration was

left, so that the regulation was little better than a dead letter. "We adopted the

old regulations, and this with them, and whenever the stimulants were to be had

after a severe day's march through wind and rain, the (spirit) ration was issued.

Early in the war, on a few1 occasions on reaching a town, this part of the ration

was occasionally found, and when found, after severe drenching- and marching1, or

exposure in the rain, working on the roads, or in the mud, our generals would

order the issuance of this ration. I do not think it was ever considered by us as

"Very truly yours,

Certainly no man living- knows more than Oreneral

Long-street of the organization and government of the Con

federate armies. Liquor was hardly accounted a part of the

regular ration of the soldier. The ragrg-ed, half-fed soldier of the Confederacy^ had no such spirit help as his Eng-Jish

comrade in arms would have deemed indispensable to his

comfort.

THE NAVY.

It would hardly do to reckon the few Confederate pri

vateers, blockade runners, floating1 batteries, and roughly

constructed ironclads. ;-rr:ong- the navies of the world. Yet

imperfect and unprepared as were the seceding States for

THE QUA]>RENKIU M. 1861-5.

5 6l

the great struggle upon the higii way of the nations, yet that heroic effort revolutionized the naval warfare of the world. The days of the effective service of the wooden ship in battles at sea have been numbered, and such advances have been made in the construction of infernal machines, both for attack and defence, as to make the naval warfare of a generation agone mere child's play, in comparison with those instrumentalities now used upon the ocean, and along our coasts and rivers. Of course, when we think of the Confederate navy, first and foremost comes to our minds the remembrance of

THE FAMOUS "ALABAMA."
This vessel may stand as the representative of Con federate life afloat, and from one we may know all.
From the representations g-ivcn in the " Century Maga zine," by a pretended member of the Alabama's crew, one mig-ht infer that the vessel was manned by drunken pirates ; but since this liar has been exposed, his story now finds credence only among the ignorant and the incurably bigoted.
From Capt. John Mclntosh Kell, first officer of the ship, we have an inside view of the Alabama, and of the morals of her crew, which is best given in a letter from Capt. Kell.
"SuN^v SIIJK (GA-), Dec. 30, iSS6. "FiiOF. II. A. SCOMP, Emory College, Oxford, Ga.

of .the Un

og,

clay (morning and noon), an

posure warranted- The cod

was introduced in the plac

member that the Confede

ever, I may be in error, as

ernment during- our entire cruise.

"In regard to the officers and crew of the 'Alabama,' I take pleasure in

stating that a more sober and well behaved set of men never served on board of a

man of war. In making this bold assertion, I will state that I served for twenty

years in the capacity of an officer in the United States Navy, and know whereof I

speak; but to illustrate furtner, I will state that Capt. Semmes never drank any

spirits. At formal dinners, where I have frequently accompanied him, I have

562

THE QUADRENNIUM. 1861-5.

known him only to sip a glass of wine in returning a compliment, but (he) never indulged more. In the wardroom mess where I presided, there was never anything stronger than claret, and that drunk occasionally at dinner. In the other messes of junior officers, they were never allowed any spirit whatever. In the dispensatory, under the surgeon's charge, there was always good brandy kept for medicinal pur poses, and the ship's spirit room contained the liquor for the crew, which was served to them twice a day, as before stated, by an officer, no boy under twentyone 3'ears of age ever being allowed to draw his grog. Now we will admit that sailors are given to drink, and will have their sprees when on shore, but the 'Ala bama's' crew were only on shore at two places in twenty-two months, where they could get liquor, and consequently they were compelled to keep sober. I, in person, superintended the distribution of every prize, and never allowed my boat's crew to come on board of the prize until all the liquor was thrown overboard, or (put) where the crew could not get it.
"Another strong point to establish the sobriety, discipline, and thorough cleanli ness of our ship, is the perfect health of officers and crew during the entire cruise. Save in action, we lost but one man, an engineer, by accidental gunshot wound from his own hand while hunting.
"I have written you thus fully of the sobriety of the officers and crew of the 'Alabama,' to disabuse your mind of the iniquitous lies and most infamous slanders that the 'Century Magazine,' and other so-called 'respectable' publish ing houses have placed before the public, e. g. 'A Life on Board the Alabama.'
"I am, yours very truly,
"JOHN MclNTOSH KELL."
It seems certain that less liquor per capita was used by the Southern troops during the great struggle than by any other English-speaking army of modern times. Very seldom was the spirit ration issued, save occasionally to the soldiers when on fatigue duty, or much exposed to inclement weather. The scantily fed soldiers were not indulged in liquor drinking. Georgia's distillation laws had many features of the Federal internal revenue--sans the revenue-- system. It was a stern governmental control of liquormaking, but \\ ith no thought of reaping an income from it. It was outright prohibition of the manufacture, so far as tippling was concerned, and once inaugurated, the statutes never relaxed,but became more stringent with each session of the General Assembly. True, the law was enacted as a necessity of the choice between bread and liquor, yet the fact itself of its passage showed that both the Governor and the Legislature felt assured that heroic treatment was necessary and right in " the exigencies of the times," as the Governor

THE QUADRENNIUM. 1861-5.

563

nuts it. It was a clear declaration that the " rights " of the individual must yield to the " rights " of the whole, and that property, vocation, nor aught else, could be considered an inalienable right. It was a clear acceptance of the funda mental principle of all government, viz.: That the good of the State must always be paramount to that of the individual.

THE INTERNAL REVENUE.
But another system of dealing with the manufacture and traffic in ardent spirits was forming beyond the Confed eracy, and was one day to be an z^z-holy terror to the seceding States, though its provisions were not to be fastened upon them until the " Conquered Banner" should have been folded forever. Until the outbreak of the civil war the control of the liquor traffic in the several States was under the control of the States themselves. With the control of importations of liquors from abroad, the regulation of the traffic among the Indians, in the Territories, the District, in the army and the navy, and in governmental institutions, the authority of the National Government over the traffic ceased. No great liquor monopoly had ever presented itself to Congress to demand legislation in its own behalf. As a political factor in the Government the statesman had had little to fear from the power of the traffic. Liquor had not been focused, its power was not a national one. Often had it been used as an instrument to procure the election of candidates, or of parties, but with no reference to its becom ing itself the object of national law-making-. This status was now to be changed. The internal revenue was to become the bond by which the whole strength of the liquor traffic was to be united, arrayed, and compacted. Its scattered strength, hitherto without concert of action, was now to be united into one vital force, and its great arteries were to carry one common current of blood from Maine to Cali fornia. Government was now about to teach the rum power--what it had never known before--the actuality of its own terrible strength. The jointed serpent with its parts

5^4

TIIK QUADRKXXIUM. 1861-5.

united into one body was soon to fasten its fangs and coils into and around the Federal Government itself.
In July, 1861, when the Federal Congress assembled and the reality of a great \var was staring the Government in the face, the question of maintaining* great armies and navies was an all-absorbing one. More than a tariff on importations was necessary. A new system was inaugurated and an act was passed *' to provide internal revenue to support the Government and to pay interest on public debt." This was the little cloud which soon spread over our political and moral skies with portentous blackness. The Government took charge of all the manufacture of spirits and beer. An army of hitherto unkuo\vii officials, inspectors, gangers, storekeepers, ^/ <z/., must be brought into being; and regulations whose name is legion, must be adopted as to buildings, guards, seals, locks, keys, etc., and all kinds of precautions were laid down to prevent the possibility of frau d.
To give even a synopsis of the Internal Revenue laws would be beyond the scope of this work. The compli cations of the system, its voluminousness, and the frequent changes introduced, all conspire to render any brief aLtempt at its analysis an impossibility. Hesidcs, some of the earlier laws were not in operation in Georgia at all, being repealed or modified before they c^uld be applied in the Southern States. Moreover, the first year or two after the close of the great struggle found Georgia with but a small grain crop, but a small surplus in any part of the State over and above the local wants of the community. Even up to 1869 the reports give only seven distilleries operated in the whole State, and no breweries at all are reported for a number of years. The internal revenue was slow in finding its way into the cotton States.

TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.
These during the strife went into utter extinction. As we have seen, the Sons of Temperance had nearly ceased as an

THK QUADRIiNNUJM. 1861-5.

565

organization, even two or three }y ears before the war began, and while some divisions appeared to have maintained a quasi existence up to r86o, yet there was not enough of vitality in the State Grand Division to maintain any sort of connection with the National Division. The other lesser organizations Hkewise ceased to exist.
Yet although the fire flood had engulfed the land and almost every able-bodied man was in some arm of the service, and the " women of the South " were engaged in a desperate struggle to keep the wolf from the door, still the temperance sentiment which had so long- ruled the land and had acquired such an ascendanC}^ in the hearts of the people burned scarcely less bright try than before. In the greater armies, like that of Northern Virginia, which were compar atively stationary, the spirit of religion was not neglected. Those who formed the companies and regiments of the Confederate armies were, for the most part, a homogeneous population ; friends and neighbors at home, they had to gether buckled on the armor for the battle, and the pastors who had so long- ministered to their spiritual wants at home, now followed them as chaplains to the army, and the ordi nances of religion \vere not neglected. Ofttimes great revivals swept over the camps, reminding one of the old meetings on the camp grounds of the Southern antf-bcllum time. But a small per cent, of the armies was made up of foreigners. The great mass were to the manner born, and were eminently conservative.

'The dials of earth may show-- The.- length nnt the depth, of years

But time is best measured by tea:

Well it was that those terrible years were shortened, else no flesh could have been saved. From the Potomac to the Rio Oraude a myriad little hillocks attested the bravery of Southern soldiers. From Appomattox, a few thousand paroled prisoners, half-famished and m rags, the little rem-

5 66

K QUADRENNLC M. 1861-5.

nant of Lee's army, turned their faces toward their ruined homes, those homes

"Where many Whose hearts were light, Where many smiled, but
And, ah! the widow's wails, the

Commingle, Father, with my praj --Father Ryot
All was desolation. We wonder yet how life was sus tained. A small band of maimed soldiers, without food, without farming- utensils, almost without domestic animals; lands gone to waste, houses burned, the spring too far advanced for the planting" season in the far South. More than a year must pass, before a proper supply of food could be expected; the labor system, was ruined.
Debts public and private contracted, which there seemed no possibility of liquidating".
Starvation iaced the haggard soldier from the battle field ; starvation threatened the wives and children, who had borne so bravely through all, with a fortitude often greater than that of the battlefield. Thousands fled to other lands, and perhaps, but for stern poverty, a great exodus would have followed. In silence, the situation must be endured. While the " Northland was sing-ing- paeans, the Southland was chanting dirges; her sweetest solace was to go to the tombs of the fallen and weep there, deeming- the lot of the dead, the happier.
" ' O raven days, dark raven days of sorrow,

Yet through all that strange period whose memory seems now a troubled dream, the men and the women of the South endured, and not even the storms of war had permanently alienated the affections of that kind-hearted race, once the servants of the ruling class. The world may

THE QUADRENNIUM. 1861-5.

567

be challenged to show such fidelity as that shown to the former master by the former slave. White and black had grown up together ; the South was the native land of both.
Now under changed relations they must begin again the battle for existence. A ruined land must be made to bloom again, ruined homes must be raised again. The world must still look to the sunny fields of the South, for that white bloom which would clothe its nakedness, and in the full confidence that the ships of the nations would once more crowd to his harbors, the Southerner and the darkhued companion of his childhood, began again to break their native soil.

THIRD PERIOD; 1865-1887.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

CHAOS.

1865-68.

FERST ATTEMPT AT RECONSTRUCTION---- TEMPERANCE WORK.

"Between the Northland, bride of snow, And Southland, brightest sun's fair bride,

The stormy wake, in war's dark tide; No hand might clasp across the tears And blood and aiig-.uish of four deathless years."
--Father Jtyan.

The final collapse of the Confederacy was reached on Georgia soil when in May, 1865, President Oavis was cap tured near Irwinville. Although portions of the State had long- been in possession of the enemy, yet the people had hitherto felt that there was still an organized resistance which was battling to drive the Federal armies from within their borders, but when, at last, the terrible unwelcome truth was forced upon them that armed resistance was at an end, a strange bewilderment seized upon the popular mind. What would come next? What was the relation of the peo, pie of Georgia to the Federal Union ? According to the terms of the cartel between Generals Johnson, and Sherman, many supposed that a simple resumption of the State's former position in the Union would be all that would be necessary; many even believed that some form of slavery would still be preserved. Others thought that slavery would have to be given up, but that the State's place in the Union would be unquestioned. Individuals might commit treason, but how could a State be guilty of any such crime ? The Federal theory refused to acknowledge the right of seces-
568

FIRST ATTEMPT AT RKCONSTRUCTION.

569

sion, therefore Georgia was still a member of the old Fed eration, and no act of a convention could in any wise change her status.
If, on the contrary, the act of secession was valid in law, and Georgia was really out of the Union, by what sort of pretext could the Federal Government justify the long- war which it had waged against an independent State? So rea soned the people; meanwhile the situation was one of chaos. North Georgia, the mountain region, had always had a strong element favorable to the Union, an element which op posed secession from the first, but \vhose voice had not been heard when the State was precipitated into the secession vortex. Frotn the time since the Federal armies had seized Chattanooga and thence had spread themselves over a con siderable portion of the mountain region, tnuch of this ter ritory was practically without a civil government. Alter nately under one flag, then the other, law had lost its sanctity, and many bands of marauders pillaged the impoverished land. Roving bands secreted themselves in the coves or fortresses of the hills, ready to pounce at any time upon the defenceless, if rapine and plundering should but present any tempting offerings. Sherman's march to Savannah opened a way through a large section of the State which had hith erto been spared the horrors of actual war. The dark chap ters of the unwritten history of that famous march,will longlinger along its fatal line. The capital at Milleclgevillc had been spared, though the penitentiary and other buildings had been burned. Halleck recommended the destruction of Charleston, and the sowing of salt upon its site, and Gen. Sherman seems to have regretted the leniency which spared Milledgeville, as he writes to Halleck that he doubts if he shall spare the pubHc'buildings of Columbia, as the buildings had been spared at Milledgeville. But whatever were the agonies which Gen. Sherman compelled Georgia to endure, yet he proceeded on the theory so often announced, that the war was waged for the restoration of the Union. He be lieved that each State was again a member of the old Union

5/0

CHAOS. 1865-68.

when its people laid down their arms. The Last Legislature of the Confederate regime had adjourned, March 11, 1865. Under the new order of things, G-ov. Brown called the body together again on the 22d of May. Meanwhile the Gov ernor, though under a parole, was seized and sent to Wash ington, where he was thrown into prison, but was soon after released by President Johnson. Messrs. Stephens, Cobb and Hill were also arrested. Gen, Wilson, the Federal com mander at Macon, forbade the meeting of the Genera!. As sembly. He said : "Neither the Legislature nor any other political body will be permited to assemble under the call of the rebel State authorities." He counseled the people of the State "to resume their peaceful pursuits" and the Presi dent would "without delay exert all the lawful powers, of his office to relieve them from the bondage of rebel tyranny and to restore them to the enjo37 inent of peace and order, with security of life, liberty, and property under the Constitution of the United States, and of their own State." G-ov. Brown resigned his position as chief executive on the 2gth of June. President Johnson's amnesty proclamation to all who should take the oath of allegiance, excepted all military officers above the rank of colonel, all naval officers above the rank of lieutenant, all civil officers of the Confederate Govern ment, governors, congressmen, judges, West Point officers, and citizens worth over $20,000, in all, near twenty thousand in number.
President Johnson, on June 17, appointed Hon. James Johnson of Columbus, Provisional-Governor of Georgia, and Gov. Johnson, on the i3th of July, issued a proclamation calling- a convention, delegates to which were to be elected on the first Wednesday in October--the day for many years for the holding of the State elections.
The negroes, who during the whole war, had shown a noble fidelity toward the whites, now could not com prehend the situation. They knew that they \vere free, lout just \vhat freedom meant was an altogether different matter. They nocked to the towns expecting to live in

FIRST ATTEMPT AT RECONSTRUCTION.

571

idleness and ease, and they believed in the bewildering con fusion of the new order of things, that they were relieved from the necessity of labor for their support.
The Federal commanders seemed to be almost as much at sea as the people, and they issued the most a contradictory orders. The commandant at Milledgeville issued a proc lamation in which he anoimced that " freedmen that wiil use any disrespectful language to their former masters, will be severely punished." The cabins of the negroes were searched daily to find evidences of theft, and they were forbidden to go from plantation to plantation without passes. They could not sell without peri-nits, and those who ran away from their employers were arrested.
The convention elected on the first \Vedncsday in Oct ober, met on the 25th of the same month ; ex-Gov. Herschel V. Johnson, who had been pardoned by the President, was chosen Chairman, and the body proceeded to its work of rehabilitation. The public debt was now considerably above $20,000,000, of which only $2,667,750 belonged to the ante bellum era. The war debt was repudiated by the convention, slavery was declared abolished, and the secession ordinance was repealed. The people were loth to repudiate the war debt, but President Johnson and Secretary Seward tele graphed that this debt must be repudiated as a condition for the State's restoration to the Union. This ultimatum was very unwillingly accepted.
The convention adopted a constitution, asked for am nesty for the disfranchised citizens, and ordered an election of State officers to be held on the i5th of November. At this election Charles J. Jenkins was chosen Governor, a Legislature was also chosen, and seven Congressmen were elected, but were never allowed to take their seats. At first Provisonal-G-overnor Johnson refused to allow the inaugu ration of Gov. Jenkins, but the President directed that the inauguration should proceed, and on the igth of December Mr. Jenkins was inducted into his office. On the next day the Assembly adjourned until the i6th of January. On the

572

CHAOS. 1865-68.

17th of December, Gov. Johnson was relieved of his pro visional governorship, by an order transmitted by Mr, Seward, and men began to believe that the clouds were break ing, but alas, they little foresaw the dark days that were coming.
Gov. Johnson, upon the authority of the convention, had appointed a committee of Messrs, Starnes, Hull, Bleckley, and Samuel Harriett, to prepare a code of laws for the government of the newly emancipated slaves. The code gave the negroes personal rights to freedom, property, etc., but withheld the ballot and other political privileges. Many believed even then that the adoption of a separate negro code was very impolitic, and that it would cause serious trouble in the near future with the Federal authorities.
The Legislature adjourned in March to meet again the next November (1866). The basis of reconstruction as proposed by President Johnson and Secretary Seward, meant the abolition of slavery, repudiation of the war debts, etc. But, Congress soon began to adopt harsher measures. The Fourteenth Amendment was passed. This made the negro a citizen, cut down the Congressional representation by dropping off all those--near twenty thousand in number-- who had been debarred citizenship under the test oath. All were disfranchised who had held office before the war, and had afterward taken part with the South. The civil rights bill was also passed during this memorable year. Measure after measure was forced through Congress for the further humiliation of the South. Provisional, governments were instituted, to the overthrow of the civil government recently re-established. No Southern State coufd seat a representa tive or senator at Washington, until Congress had determined whether the State was entitled to representation--still con demning a State rather than individuals as guilty of treason. When the Fourteenth Amendment was submitted to the Georgia Legislature in November for ratification, it was
solidly opposed in the Senate, and only two votes in the House refused to concur in the same resolution. The posi-

r

FIRST ATTEMPT AT KKCONSTRL7CTK">NT.

573

tion was taken, that, if Creorgia were not one of the States of the Union, she had no right to vote upon an amendment to the Federal Constitution. If, on the other hand, Georgia, was one of the States of the Union, then the amendment was not proposed in a constitutional manner, for to discuss such a measure made Georg-ia sit in judgment on the matter of her own sovereignty and rights as a Stale. The amend ment, which would deprive the State of a civil government, was to be decided upon by one of the States thus to be cut off. Perhaps such anomalous legislation has never been seen in a land under a constitutional government. Gov. Jenkins vainly attempted to set aside the Shcrman bill, the most vindictive bill yet passed, by an appeal on a test case to Washingtrin, but his effort was futile* Meanwhile Gen. John Pope assumed the virtual functions of government. Gen. Pope issued an order which forbade any officials of the State to attempt to influence voters against the Sherman bill, fn the autumn of 1867, Pope ordered a convention to be called, and ordered delegates to be chosen in a three days' election, which was set for Oct. 29, 30 and 31. The election really lasted five days. The convention met Dec. g in Atlanta--a Democratic convention meanwhile having been called for the gth of the same month, to meet in Macon.
The Reconstruction Convention called for by Gen. Pope adopted a constitution incorporating the features of the late amendments to the United States Constitution. Gen. Meade succeeded Gen. Pope as military commander. Meade called on Gov. Jenkins for a $40,000 warrant to the State Treasury. This Gov. Jenkins declined to give, and three days later he was ygv/aztr^ yir<?? f?^rr by order of Meade, and a Federal brigadier, J^uger, was appointed Provisional-Governor. One State oQicer after another was removed. A " Union League " began to spread through the State, and very soon its antipode, the Kuklux Klan, appeared on the scene. The Reconstruction Convention ordered an election for Governor and members of the Assembly to be held April 20, 1868; the new constitution was also to be

574

CHAOS. 1865-68.

voted upon at the same time. The Democrats wished to run for Governor Gen. John J3. Gordon, and the autocratic Meade had graciously permitted Gordon to be a candidate. The Republicans nominated Rufus 13. Bullock; who was declared elected, and the constitution was adopted. This period, to the inducting; of Bullock into onicc, may be called the first reconstruction, though some would call it the second ; while the period to the adoption of the Fourteenth Amendment in 1866, is denominated the first of these new measures.

AJCD LIQUOR UJVDKR RECONSTRUCTION.
%t has seemed necessary to give the preceding outline of the State's history during these years (1865-8), in order to better understand the legislation enacted or rz^v/^V^v/ during that period.
The General Assembly, by an act approved Feb. 22, 1866; repealed the act of December, 1860, for the restric tion of the traffic in Taliaferro, Greene, Washington, and Henry counties, in so far as it related to Taliafcrro. Two weeks later (March 6, 1866), the rigid laws of the State against distillation were swept out of existence by the fol lowing statute :
"SscriOK 1. j^f ?Z VM&r/c,Y by the (General Assembly of the Slate of Georgia, That all acts, And parts of acts, heretofore passed by the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, prohibiting the distillation of corn, wheat, potatoes, and all other kinds of grain, or material, ont of which spirituous liquors are made, be, and the same are hereby repealed."
The act for levying and collecting a tax for the support of the Government for 1866, provides thus :
"There shall be levied a specific tax of twenty cents per gallon on every gal lon of brandy, gin, whiskey, or rum, whether foreign or domestic, which is sold by any person in this State, by wholesale or retail, except by distillers and manufact urers in this State, and the amount sold shaH he given in under oath. (Quarterly returns on oath shall be made on the f^rst days of April, July, October, and Janu ary in each year, by all persons witliin the county who sell liquor, either by whole sale nr retail, of the amount sold during the quarter preceding. Said returns shall be made to the tax collector of the county, who shall demand and collect the tax due when the return is made. Tt sltall be the duty of the tax collector, to re quire all persons selling said liquors, to make their returns and pay the tax thereon,

FIRST ATTEMPT AT RECOXSTRUCTI'OIV.

5/5

and if any person shall fail, or refuse to make his returns, and to pay said tax, he shall be assessed by the collector a specific tax of $1,000, and the collector shall proceed to collect the same by execution, as in other cases of taxes due and unpaid.
"SRC. III. The spirituous liquors specially taxed in the preceding section shall be exempted from the <z*/;yu/t"%vM hue."
An act approved March 20, 1866, relieved Jasper J. Owen and William Owen of Franklin county, from the pen alty of an indictment of April, 1865, on the charge of illicit distilling, ft was shown that the accused had, in good faith, taken a contract from Col. Dorrough, commanding the ------ Regiment of the Confederate States Army, who had repre sented to the defendants that he had a contract with the Con federate States Government, to make for it 15,000 gallons of whiskey. The Owens had entered into a contract to make part of the whiskey, not being aware that they were violat ing the laws of the State in so doing.
By an act approved Dec. ]$, 1866, Section 1377, of the code was so amended " as to strike therefrom all that part of the oath of the retailer of spirituous liquors, that refers to slaves, or free persons of color." At the same time the oath of the retailer wns changed to read: '* I swear that 1 wiM not, during the next twelve months, sell, barter, give, or furnish spirituous or intoxicating liquors, in n/ny quantity, to any minor, either white or colored, without the consent of his or her parents or guardian, and that I will not allow others to do so for me, with my knowledge or consent, so help me (%od."
December 12 the act of 1859, regulating the sale of liquors in Stewart county, was repealed.
Among the many efforts to aid wounded Confederate soldiers, was the act passed Dec. 13, 1866, which made it lawful for any disabled soldier of the "State to peddle with out license, the justices of the Inferior Court certifying that he had been disabled as a soldier. The proviso is added, however, that this permit does not allow the sale of ardent spirits by the peddler.
The tax act for 1867 approved Dec. 15, 1866, provides in its 3d section as follows:

5/6

ciiAus. 1865-68.

"The sales of spirituous liquors in this Stale shall be subject only to an <?</ ?/a_

able quarterly, on ttn: first day of April, July, October, and January, in each year, upon the amount sold the preceding quarter; but nothing herein provided <hall interfere with the license fee now imposed by law upon dealers in spirituous liquors."
The Governor, "for substantial and just reasons/' hav ing suspended the collection of the liquor tax for the first quarter of 1866, the General Assembly confirmed the remittal, but it was specially provided that neither this remission nor any other part of the stay law, was to be applied to "any municipal corporation/'
In 1867 the Legislature had no session, as the State was under the reconstruction yvgwzr, and practically governed by the man "whose headquarters were in his saddle." After the inauguration of the Bullock government and the adop tion of the new constitution* the Legislature was convened in the autumn of 1868. In the Tax Act for 1868, approved Oct. 5, we find liquor beginning to figure as an r^f^/?<yiz/ factor in the common school system of the State :
"SKC. II. There shall be levied a specific tax for educational purposes, of ten cents per gallon, on every gallon of brandy, gin, whiskey, or rum, \\hcther foreign or domestic, \vhieh is sold by any person in quantities less than thirty gal lons, in this Stake, and the amount sold shall be given in under oath; quarterly re turns on oath shall be made on the firstdays of April, July, October and January, in each year, by all persons within the county who sell liquors less than thirty gallons, of the amount sold during the preceding quarter; said returns shall be made to the tax collector of the county, who shall demand and collect the tax due when the return is made. It shall bu the duty of the tax collector to require all persons selling said liquors to make their returns, and pay the tax thereon; and if any per son shall fail, or refuse, to make his returns and to pay said tax. he ^hall be assessed by the collector a. specific tax of one thousand dollars, and the collector shall pro ceed to collect ihe same by execution as in other cases of taxes due and unpaid, to go into effect from and after the lirst of October next."
Many local laws conferring license powers, under cer tain restrictions, upon towns and cities, were passed during these years: but although the author made a full svnopsis of all these enactments, he has found that it is impossible to ejivc a summary of these local acts without swelling this vol ume to too great dimensions.

JOHM E. OU(JJi.

FIRST ATTEMPT AT RECONSTRUCTION.

5/7

SCHOOLS.
The amended (Dec. 7, 1866) charter of Mount Vernon Institute, in Washington county, provides that in addition to former requirements, applicants lor license lo vend liquors within three miles of said Institute, " shall also, before obtaining1 the same, procure the written consent, on the same petition, signed officially, of the resident Board of Trustees of said Institute, all laws and parts of laws to the contrary notwithstanding'."
WOUNDKU SOLDIERS.
During" the sessions of the Legislature for these years a number of private bills "were passed, looking- to the relief of thousands of disabled soldiers, whom the results of war had thrown in helpless poverty upon a grateful but impov erished people. Among- these measures were many bills to permit such soldiers to peddle "without license. Almost without exception it was specifically stated that the permit did not allow the vending of liquors. In December, 1865, Mr. .Roberson, of AppEmg- county, introduced a bill to authorize disabled soldiers to retail spirituous liquors, and to peddle without license ; but the bill was iost, as were such attempted measures generally. Anxious to help, but unwill ing1 to license, was the status.
TEMPKRAXCK ORDERS.
Over these it seemed the same requiem had been chanted as over the buried hopes of the Southland. So far as Georgia was concerned temperance societies had ceased to exist. The "Temperance Banner" had been offered up on Atlanta's funeral pyre in 1864, and reconstructed Geor gia was left without a journal or an organization to cham pion the great cause.
Perhaps we had as well notice at this point the efforts OT the order which had longest maintained its hold upon the popular heart in the ante-bellum time, to regain its former ascendancy among the people, and once more to build up the wall which had been broken down.
37

578

CHAOS. 1865-68.

THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE.
POST-BELLUM PERIOD.
" Jn December, 1867, l George S. Blackie, Grand Worthy Patriarch of Tennessee, was appointed a Deputy Most Worthy Patriarch, and commissioned to revive the Order in Georgia and Alabama- He traveled through these States, lecturing in the principal towns and cities, and conferring- with the friends of the cause. In 1868 ho organized the following divisions in Georgia :
Catoosa, at Ring-gold (reorganized; James Trimmier, Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch ; Tunnel Hill, Thomas Cox, Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch ; Cedar Grove, George W. Whitman, Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch.
Tn Ap~il, 1870, Robert .VI. Foust, Most Worthy Patriarch (then on a visit to the South) organized :
Stonewall Division, at Savannah, G. W. Garmany, Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch ; Spring Tim Division, at Augusta, Geo W. Duval, Sr., Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch.
" On the sSth of September, 1870, the Grand Division of Georgia was organ ized under a new Charter, by Most Worthy Sentinel, William K, Dale of Florida. E. I,. Neirllinger, of Savannah, was elected Grand Worthy Patriarch, and H. A Mcl.eod, Savannah, Grand Secretary.
" At the elo.se of the same year the Grand Division reported five divisions and a total membership of 200 in the jurisdiction. The National Division at ifs annual

xpe client 1

has no desire to affiliate with those who seemingly think that all men are born free and equal, without regard to raee, color, or previous condition.
"Resolved, That this Grand Division believe that a further union with the National Division'of North America will only result in a continual agitation of the vexed question.
" Therefore be it Rt-soh'ed, That the Grand Division of the Slate of Georgia do declare their connection with the National Division of North America forever dissolved.
1 Communicated by the Most Worthy Scribe, Rev. R. Alder, Temple of Halifax, N. S.

FIRST ATTEMPT AT RECONSTRUCTION".

579

"In April, 1872, the Gruntl "Division of Georgia voted to surrender their
charter."
For several years the Sons of Temperance as an order were practically extinct in Georgia. New orders of temper ance workers bad effectually swallowed this most effective of all the orders of the olden time. Of the later attempts to re-establish divisions throughout the State we will make mention in the proper place.'
The Independent Order of Good Templars had been planted in Georgia in 1867, by James G. Thrower, but as the Order in its general work hardly belongs to the period now considered, we will postpone its history to a later period, to preserve the continuity of the story.

THE FEDERAL, NAVY AND ARMY.
Mr. Lincoln, unlike most of the politicians by whom he was surrounded, was a strict temperance man, and when Congress passed the law to abolish the spirit ration in the navy, he promptly signed it. The joint resolution was as follows :
"Be if enacted, That from and after the first day of September, 1862, the spirit ration in the navy of the United States shall cease ; and thereafter no dis-

medical stores and upon the order, and under the control of the medical'officers of such vessels, and to be used only for medical purposes."
Not long after this action of Congress, Gen. McCIellan issued an order to discontinue the whiskey ration in the Army of the Potomac, and to serve the soldiers with hot coffee instead of liquor. 3

THE KIFTII NATIONAL TEMPERANCE CONVENTION
met at Saratoga Spring-s, Aug. i, 1865. Georgia was not represented. In the ruin and despair at that time prevailing, men had little time to devote their thoughts to anything else than the securing of a scant siibsistence for their wives

580

CHAOS. 1865-68.

and children. Yet this convention was productive of much and lasting- g-oocl to our country.
Nearly 400 delegates from twenty States and the Canadas were present; Gov. Buckingham of Connecticut, pre sided. Perhaps the most important action of this convention was the taking- of the initiative in establishing a National Temperance Publishing1 House. Hon. James Black of Penn sylvania, read a paper before the body on "The Importance of a National Temperance Publishing- House," and the ball was set in motion. Committees were appointed, and toward the close of the year (1865), the National Temperance Society and Publication House was organized, and William E. Dodge was chosen president, with a vice-president fro En each of the temperance orders of the land. William A. Booth of New York, was made treasurer; Rev. James B. Dumi, corresponding- and recording secretary ; J. N. Stearns, publishing agent; and a board of thirty managers, represent ing the religious denominations and temperance societies of the country, was organized. Thus was originated one of the most powerful factors for the spread of the truth, which has ever yet been called to \vork for the cause.

THE CONGRESSIONAL TKMPKRANCE SOCIKTV.,
which had had such a fitful existence for more than thirty years, was re-formed'in February, 1867, sixty members of the House and Senate having signed the call for the meeting. "No one step taken to advance the cause of temperance for some time did more to educate public sentiment, arouse the public conscience, and electrify the hearts of its friends, than the formation of the Congressional Temperance Society. It was one of the glorious victories won for temperance during the winter of 1866-67.' '

TTIE SIXTH NATION AT, TEMPERANCE CONVENTION
met in Cleveland, Ohio, July 29, 1868. Nearly 500 delegates were present. Wm. E. Dodge was made permanent chair-
J Rev. J. B. Dunn.

FIRST ATTKMFT AT RKCONbTRU CTION.

man. The meeting took advanced ground from the start,

and it was evident that new lines of battle were forming.

Th

sh<

clc

foot.

The great aggregation of capital into the hands oi monopo

lists had brought a mighty, combined force into the field of

politics, and liquor was terrorizing parties and politicians,

both in the National,arid in each State, capital. The follow

ing important resolutions \vith their preamble were adopted

by the Cleveland Convention :

"WHEREAS, the liquor dealers of our country have dec hired the traffic in inright

.rid ha-
" Resolved, That, in behalf of the public peace issue, and will meet them at the polls in resistance of t
"Resolved, That temperance, having its political i duties, demands the persistent use of the ballot for ii
i tht the liquor traffic, and exhorts the friends of tei

suppress LCtical mt

We see here how temperance entered the field of national politics in self-defence. \Vith a great liquor mo nopoly representing enormous capital, and like the popular idea of the famous jointed snake of the South, now all com bined in its parts, and become a destructive viper striking at the seed of the woman in every way and in every part of this great nation, the defensive line was naturally the result. Parties anxious for power dared not offend it, either by enact ing new laws or enforcing those already on the statute book hostile to the mighty power. With liquor thus arrogantly proclaiming its hostility to all candidates who \vere cham pions of temperance, the result was not difficult to foresee. Parties and politicians became the veriest cravens before the gigantic monster and humbly crouched to do him reverence. That temperance men should, in sheer defence, feel compelled

582

CHAOS. 1865-68.

to band themselves to resist on the line of attack, was but natural. It was thus that sonic of the more advanced temperance workers began to consider the propriety of attacking the enemy at the capital of the nation, in which the workings of war and of internal revenue had enabled him to entrench himself.
With the national, or, indeed, with domestic efforts in behalf of temperance during these years, Georgia had little to do. Most of her prominent citizens were disfranchised and the political struggles at home absorbed all attention.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

UNDER THE LAST RECONSTRUCTION. 1868-/2.

"Lei Discipline employ her wholesome arts; Let magistrates alert perform their parts, Not skulk or put on a prudential mask, As if their duty \\ere a. desperate task; Let active Laws apply the needful curb To guard the peace that Riot would disturb; And Liberty, preserved from wild excess, Shall raise no feuds for armies to suppress."
--C(?wyVrV "7*/f

7W.6."

GENERAL LAWS----ELECTIONS.
"An act to carry into effect Section S, Article II, of the Constitution of this State. Approved March 19, iSfiy. "ScCTroiv I. Jlc it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in
General Assembly met: That from and immediately after the passage of this net, if any person shall sell intoxicating liquors on election days at or within one mile from the city, town or precinct where elections may be held, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof, shall be fined in a sum not exceeding fifty dollars or imprisonment in the common jail of the county not exceeding ten days, or both, at the discretion of the court, for each and every offence."
The statute of 1868* which imposed a tax of ten cents per gnllon on brandy, gin, whiskey,or rum, both foreign and domestic, when sold in quantities less than thirty gallons, which tax was to bo appropriated to educational purposes, was amended in 1869, by changing the rate from ten to twenty cents per gallon, the act to go into effect Jan. j, i86p.
By an act assented to July 28, 18/0, there was created a cotnmon school fund out of the " poll tax, special tax on shows and exhibitions, on the sale of spirituous and malt liquors, the proceeds arising from the commutation of mili tary services, all endowments, devices, gifts, and bequests made, or hereafter to be made, to the State, or State Board
583

1

584

UNDER THE LAST RECONSTRUCTION. 1868-/2.

01 Education, any and all educational funds and incomes not belonging to and due the State University, and one-half of the net earnings of the Western and Atlantic Railroad."
The State Board was to determine what additional amount was necessary to be raised by taxation, and report annually to the General Assembly.
In October, 1871, Gov. Bullock secretly resigned and fled the State. He had been in office since July, 1868, Gov. Jen kins having" been removed by Gen. Aleade in January, 1868; and 011 the I2th of January, 1872, Gov. James M. Smith was inaugurated. This gave an interval of about four years --January, 1868, to January, 1872--which was, in some respects, more chaotic than the memorable era from 1861 to 1865. But as it is not the purpose of this work to discuss the political situation further than may seem absolutely necessary for the development of the main object of this his tory, we will pass on to the legislative annals of the liquor traffic; and since we are considering this era by periods, we will examine the laws enacted in 1872, although these were under Gov. Smith's administration.
In the legislative session of 1872, only one general law bearing upon the liquor traffic was passed. This was:
"An act to prevent gaming of any sort in any retail liquor house, or shop, or room connected therewith.

passage of tins act, if any retail liquor dealer, or clerk in the employ of such retail liquor dealer, shall knowingly permit, or allow, any person or persons, to play at any game of cards, or at any game whatsoever, in the playing of which cards or
ness of retailing spirituous liquors, or in rooms connected therewith, and under the control of such retail liquor dealer, such dealer as per his clerk, so offending-, shall, on conviction, be punished as provided in Section 4245 of Irwin's Revised Code,
"SECTION II. lie it further enacted: That if any person shall, for amuse ment, or otherwise, play at any game of cards, or at any game whatsoever, in the playing of which cards or dice are used, in any retail liquor shop or house, or in any room connected therewith, and under the control of the retail liquor dealer doing business in such house or shop, such person so offending shall, on convic tion, be punished as prescribed in section 4245 of Irwin's Revised Code.
"Approved Aug. 26, 1872."
This legislature granted to the commissioners of Scriv-

UNDER THE LAST RECONSTRUCTION, 1868-72.

585

en the prerogative of "fixing the cost of the license for the sale of spirituous liquors." At the same time was approved an act for the benefit of

TIIK CLEMENTS INSTITUTE.
"WilF.RiiAS, The Clements Institute of Montgomery county is located on grounds in said county, belonging to said institute, and there is also a house of worship located thereon, and it is highly important 10 the design of said institute, that tli (fee be no place for the sale of spirituous liquors within its immediate neighbor hood, therefore,
"SF.GTIOJS- J, Be it enacted, etc., That no person shall at any time sell or establish, a grocery, saloon, or other place for the purpose of selling spirituous liquors, or intoxicating drinks, or beverages of any description, within one mile of the grounds whereon said institute and church are located.
"SiiC, II. That any person violating- this act shall be guilty of a misde meanor, and, on conviction thereof, be Coed in a sum not exceeding two hundred dollars, or imprisoned in the common jail of the county for a term not exceeding six months, or both, in the discretion of the court."
In 1872 the commissioners of Bffingham county were "authorized to change and regulate the charge [or licenses to sell spirituous liquors in said county."
The various legislative sessions of these years (18651872) were noted for the large number of municipal laws enacted with reference to the liquor traffic in the towns. While these cannot be given here in detail on account of their number, we may note that there was a constant tendency to increase the amount of license, evidently from the belief that such regulation would cripple the traffic and hold it within bounds. Also the pains and penalties for violation of the laws were made heavier.

CHAPTER XXXIX.
TEMPERANCE ORDKRS. THE GOOD TEMPLARS. 1867--72.
This great Order, now the strongest numerically of all temperance orders, was not introduced into Georgia until 1867, when an Englishman, James G. Thrower, who had been initiated into the Order in Minnesota (?) emigrated to Georgia and settled in Atlanta, then beginning- to raise herself from the ashes in which Gen. Sherman left her. It will be no easy task for Georgia to pay the debt of gratitude owed to this persevering, encrg-etic son of Britain, who, a plasterer by trade, not endowed with much of this world's goods, has spent himself and his income without stint, in the spreading of the Order he so much loves. Other temperance organi zations have flourished to an extraordinary degree in the State, but they were introduced in a time of peace. Native Georgians have them selves been principal supports to the temperance edifices reared by these societies ; but here was an Order known to Georgians only by report. It had been founded by, and among" a people against whom Georgians entertained at that time (1867) the bitterest enmity. The Georgian \vith his ruined home, his devastated land, his bitter memories of the terrible quaclrennium, and the, if possible, yet deeper hate of the dark days of reconstruction, was in no pleasant mood for the reception of moral, religious, or social ideas, or organizations based on those ideas, from men whom
586

THE GOOD TEMPLARS. 1867--72.

57

he so thoroughly detested, as those who were beginning to pour across Mason and Dixon's line.
Under these circumstances we can only account for the success of Good Templary in the State, by recalling the pow erful hold which temperance sentiments had gotten upon the popular mind during the last two decades before the great struggle. Almost all that was left to the Southron was his character, the living* embodiment of so many noble traits, of so many ideas which his practical, matter-of-fact countrvmen of the North would have called chimerical. Out of these ideas grew that--by others much misunderstood--character of sentiment and rule of life which has so long- been known as Southern chivalry. Seldom have ideas or sentiments been worshiped in any other land with such devotion as in the South. That these uncodifiecl, sometimes indefinable, laws which held such sway over social and individual life, were by any means perfect, will not be contended ; yet how many of the virtues, the principles, fundamental to society and to government, were enshrined in that type of Southern life known as chivalry. Perhaps no other civilized Christian peo ple ever held so many sentiments in common,or were so unani mously persuaded of the incontrovertible truth of those prin ciples they had espoused. Among these staying sentiments which had won such powerful control over the popular mind in the olden tune, and which would probably have been the leading idea among the people (but for the slavery ques tion), was temperance. The rum wrought, by liquor was uni versally felt and universally acknowledged, and the necessity for meeting these evils was generally, if not universally, admitted. But how? The societies of other days had either become obsolete in the South or were associated in the opinion of the people, with social conditions utterly hostile to Southern ideas. The organizations of those days, so far as Georgia was concerned, hardly had even the semblance of life, after the conflict ended ; but the principles which they had implanted and nourished were still slumbering, ready to be awakened into new life, when the time should come.

$88

TKMFKRANCK ORDERS.

11 Lit why did not Georgians revive the order of Sons of Temperance--that institution whose banner had once floated so proudly over the State, and commanded such homage from the people ? We have already noticed the efforts of Ur. Blackie of Tennessee, in r86y, to replant the order here; but all these attempts were effectually nipped in the bud by the Boston resolution of 18/1. This measure, while effectu ally cutting* off the white nice of the South from the Order, did not fill the depicted ranks with colored recruits. The Southern people, or a.t least the Georgians, "were left with out a temperance order, though with an abundance of tem perance sentiment. Under these circumstances, Good Templary, though coming from a hostile land, yet, not agitating the vexed question, found a warm welcome on Southern soil.
GOOD TEMPLAJRY,
according to Mr. Chase, had among its characteristic features, differentiating it from prior temperance organiza tions, these, viz.: The uniting of males, females, and children in one order; it was free from the beneficiary system, which had become, in some respects, a burden to other organiza tions ; its sole objects were to raise the fallen, and to save those falling, or in danger from temptation. It constantly appealed to the A%z?V, and adopted as its platform :
"i. Total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors as a beverage. "2. JVo license, in any form, or under any circumstances, for the sale of such liquors to be used as a beverage. "3. The absolute prohibition of the manufacture, importation, and sale of in toxicating liquors for such purposes, prohibition by the will of the people, expressed in due form of lav, with the penalties deserved for a crime of such enormity. "^. The creation, of . healthy public opinion upon the subject by the active dissemination of truth in all the modes known lo an enlightened philanthropy. "5. The election of good, honest men to administer the laws. ' "0. Persistence in efforts to save individuals and communities from so direful a scourge, against all forms of opposition and difficulty, until our success is complete

This was the platform adopted in 1859, and no license, and prohibition, have ever been the Order's attitude to the liquor traffic. "As it has, or should have, no status in

THE CiOOI) TEML'UAKii. 1 867-72.

589

morals, so we would allow it none in law. Believing- It a poison, slow arid alluring-, but sure, a foe insidious and in vincible, we do not believe the sale of it can be regulated or restrained by laws, however wholesome. * -" "x~ We defy the wisdom of any legislative body to frame a license bill that is not fraught with the most glaring- inconsistencies and a disgrace to a statute book."
" We believe the license system a device to quiet the moral nerves of our country, while Antichrist can operate with impunity m leading- his victims to ruin." 1

'I VIE TOTAJ, ABSrnvrKXCE PL, EIK.it:
of the Good Templars excludes sweet cider and unf ermerited wine, " or t.he juice of the apple, grape, and berry, m any state, as a beverage." It has required great firmness to keep-up to so high a standard since thousands do not see harm in such beverages in their sweet, or unfermented con dition, and have either refused to join the order, or have withdrawn from it on account of this interdict.
Three reasons are assigned, for excluding sweet cider, viz.:
ist. Because it is " impossible to tell the exact point when fermentation commences, hence, when to, or not to, abstain from it."
2cl. Because if, as must be the case when sweet cider is permitted, the burden of proof that the cider or wine is intoxicating rests upon the accuser, it renders the adminis tration so difficult, as very often to thwart it entirely.
3d. In order to help a neighbor's infirmity, who would be tempted by such drinks, again to the bottle, or be seduced into that life, if he had never even before thought of it. This was following Paul's doctrine that " it is good neither to eat ttcsh nor to drink wine, nor anything- whereby thy brother sturnbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."
The Good Templar's pledge moreover, is for life, not for a brief period coriting'ent upon one's remaining in the
1 S. B. Chase in ' Centennial Temperance Volume/' pp. 599-624.

5go

TKMl'liKANCK ORDERS.

Order. Withdrawal from the Order does not abate the force of the obligation which the (rood Templar has once taken upon himself, and to see that it is kept, is a great end of the Order.
The Good Templars receive youths of both sexes who have arrived at the age of twelve years, and the lodge edu cation is expected to materially contribute to keep the youth in the path of right, as well as to insfill proper senti ments into his mind. The weekly meeting to promote and keep a live interest in the cause, is strongly insisted upon. It was thought best not to suffer the children to meet alone in separate organizations as is done by the Band of Hope, Cadets, and other orders, but to bring" them into the same associations with their elders that they may enjoy the coun sels and the restraining influences of the latter.
The Order lays great stress upon its social features and with much justice; to the young and the old the pres ence in the lodge room becomes an element of social and personal enjoyment, as well as of restraining influences, and for those in danger from dissipated companionshi%j, or lonesome from want of companionship, great advantages are thus given. The young Good Templar ui the citv need not be ostraeiscd by reason of being a stranger, and into this club the demon bottle never enters.
From the first, Good Templars admitted women upon an equal footing, and much of the inspiration and enthu siasm in the Order's work have been brought about by the efforts of the female membership. Yet, strange to say, this feature of the lodgje room was charged upon the Order, as evidence that it was a kind of " Free L,uvc Society," and the vulgar made ribald jests of the matter, notwithstanding the general high character of the membership.

HISTORY.
The Order of Good Templars originated in Central New Vork in the summer of 1851 and spread very rapidly, not only over the Empire State, but also over Pennsylvania and

THE COO!.) TKMPJ-AKS. 1867--72.

591

Canada. Thence its progress was extraordinary, soon, reach ing to the Golden Gate and to the Gulf. But one continent was not enough for this latest evolution of temperance. Like the ram in the prophet's vision, it had not only pushed north ward, westward and south-ward, but soon it crossed the Atlantic and not only was firmly established in the British Isles, but it followed in the track of English commerce, and was soon firmly planted in the isles of the Pacific.
In 1855, in May, the Right Worthy Grand Lodge was organized at Cleveland, Ohio, there being then ten Grand Lodges in existence, viz.: New York, Pennsylvania, Canada, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois and Ohio. A constitution and by-laws were adopted, annual sessions were appointed, and this new body was made the Supreme head of the Order. The following1 presiding1 officers of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge have held office- : Rev. James M. Moore, Kentucky, 1855-56; S. Merwin Smith, Esq., Pennsylvania, i5^--57; -- Strong-, Illinois, 1857-58; Hon. S. B. Chase, Pennsylvania, 1858-63-, Hon. S. D. Hast ings, Wisconsin, 1863-68 ; Jonathan H. Orme, Esq., Massa chusetts, 1868-71; Rev. John Russell, Michigan, 1871-73; Hon. S- D. Hastings, Wisconsin, 1873--74 ; Col. J. J. Hickman, Kentucky, 1874--77; Theo. D. Ranouse, Wisconsin, 1877--79; Col. J. J. Hickman, Kentucky., 1879--81 ; Geo. B. Katzenstem, California, 1881--84; Hon. Jno. B. Finch, Nebraska, 1884--.
The ritual has been translated into most of the leading lan guages of Kurope. The Order has a foothold in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and other European countries ; also in India, China, Japan and Australasia, as in many parts of Africa, (n 1885 it was published that more than 5,000,000 of persons had already been initiated into the Order, of which number not less than 400,000 had been hard drinkers. Of this latter number at least 200,000 had kept their pledges, and become active, working- members. 1
In 1874 Past iiig-ht Worthy Grand Templar Hastings was sent to the Pacific Islands, and after fifteen months re-
1 S. D. Hastings in "One Hundred Years of Temperance," p. 480.

59 2
ported eight Grand Lodges and more than 35,000 members in the South Pacific. Prior to 1882 no session of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge had been held farther South than iSJashville, where the sixth session was convened in 1860. In 1882, however, the session was held m Charleston, S. C.
The civil war and the years irnmediatery preceding it had put the Order to its most trying1 tests, reducing the total of membership to less than 50,000. Out of this night of the Order was born that most effective method of spreading the temperance reform, viz. : The lecture system, which has such a mighty power in presenting the principles of Good Templary, and in w-innmg champions to its standard.
THJi GOO'O TEMPLARS IN GEORGIA.
The first Grand Lodge was convened by District Deputy Rig-lit Worthy Good Templar, J. G. Thrower, in Atlanta, Monda}-, November 22, 1869. The roll of representatives furnishes the following list : Jas. G. Thrower, J. B. Pilgrim, Mrs. J. B. Pilgrim, J. W. Dyer, E. J. Kirkscey, W. W. Dur ham, W. J. Fogle, Wm. Dimock, J. L. Crenshaw, J. Spilman, J. K. Thrower, J. A. Middleton, T. H. Dozier, C. M. Ramspeck, C. J. Oliver, and W. H. Frizzell.
E. J, Kirkscey was made Secretary pro tern. B. J. Spil man, Grand Worthy Chaplain. E. J. Kirkscey, J. Thrower and J. B. Pilgrim, Committee on Credentials. Brethren Pilgrim, Fogle, and Spilman were appointed a committee to draft by-laws.
The officers elected for the year were : Grand WorthyChief Templar, E. J. Kirkscey ; Grand Worthy Vice Templar, Mrs. N. J. Pilgrim ; Grand Worthy Conductor, W. j. Fogle ; Grand \V~orthv Secretary, J. K. Thrower; Grand Worthy Treasurer, J. B. Pilgrim ; as Grand Worthy Chaplain, was appointed Wm. Dimock; Grand Worthy Marshal, J. A. Middlcton; Grand Worthy Inside Guard, J. Spilman; Grand Worthy Outside Guard, J. W. Dyer; Grand Worthy Assistant Secretary. J. L. Crenshaw ; Grand Worthy Deputy Marshal, C. J. Oliver.

THE GOOD TEMPLARS. 1867-72.

593

The bonds of the Grand Worthy Secretary and of the Grand Worthy Treasurer were fixed at $500 each.
The Committee on Juvenile Work reported certain reso lutions which, after amendment, were adopted;
"7vY.v<?/Jv</, That as far as practicable, we will organize the children under our immediate care into Juvenile Temperance Societies in connection with our SubordJnart Lodges.
''A'esffh'.'i/, That as a means in part for the accomplishment OL this object, temperance papers, tracts, and books adapted to the children should he circulated

This latter resolution was amended so as to require the Right Worthy Treasurers of the Subordinate Lodges to obtain such books and charters as may be necessary tor the organization of juvenile temperance organizations, and to use their influence to organise such societies.
It was also resolved that the Orand Worthy Chief Templar should visit the lodges and deliver public lectures, and that each lodge be requested to pay his expenses ; also that a District Lecturer for each Congressional district be appointed. Strong" resolutions in condemnation of liquor \vere adopted.
Resolutions recognizing the work of the Sons of Tem
perance, Templars of Honor, and other total abstinence
eo-workers \vcre adopted. Brother James Watt of Pierce Lodge was recommended
to the Grand Worthy Chief Templar for appointment as a lecturer and organizer for Alabama; and Brethren KJrkscev and Thrower were elected representatives to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, and Brethren Durham and Oliver, alternates.
An assessment of $1.50 per member was fixed. As the new order had no org-an a resolution was adopted looking to the securing1 of at least one column of the " Day School Visitor/' published in Augusta, as the Order's medium of communication. The Second session of the Grand Lodge of Georgia was held in Americus, Oct. 5, 1870. The Grand Lecturer reported that he had organized 38

594

TEMPERANCE ORDERS.

eighteen subordinate lodges, and the Grand Worthy Chief Templar reported a fivefold increase since the last meeting, forty-six new lodges having been instituted, but the Grand Lecturer had been unable, for lack of funds, to remain in the field.
The Right Worthy Grand Lodge at its session in St. Louis 111 May, 1870, had reported in favor of adopting the Cold Water Templars, a jxivenile organization, and a com mittee had been appointed to draft a constitution and by laws for the new order.
Thanks were returned brother W. E. II. Searcy for his efforts, at a personal sacrifice, to furnish the order an organ in the "Temperance Watchman" which he was issuing- from Griffin, the only temperance paper published in the State or in the South, since the war.
Mr. C. W. Hancock of the Suniter "Republican," a secular paper, had also favored the order and the temperance cause. Strong1 resolutions in favor of a temperance press \vere carried. A few lodges had suspended their work.

"A. NEW FEATURE"
in the form of a juvenile "Cold Water Temple" had been inaugurated in Atlanta and with "unparalleled success." New lodges had also been organized by Brethren J. G. Thrower, Dozier, Hancock, Hanson, Cofer and Moran.
The receipts for the first year had been $824.95, The grand officers elected were : W. P. Harrison, Grand "Worthy Chief Templar; C. W. Hancock, Grand Worthy Chief; Miss Mollie Nixon, Grand Worthy Vice Templar; M. J. Cofer, Grand Worthy Secretary; T. C. Nolan, Grand Worthy Assistant Secretary; J. K. Thrower, Grand Worthy Treasurer; H. C. Hornady, Grand Worthy Chaplain; E. S. Bleakley, Grand Worthy Marshal; M. D. Strand, Grand Worthy Inside Guard ; Jno. Oliver, Grand Worthy Outside Guard ; Wm. Amison, Grand Worthy Messenger; E. J. Kirkscey, Past Grand Worthy Chief Templar. A proposition was submitted by W. E. H. Searcy, to

THE GOOD TKMPI.AKS. 1867-72.

595

publish a weekly paper to begin with not less than 1,000 sub scribers, the paper to be as large as the average of Georgia weeklies and the size was to be doubled whenever the sub scription list reached two thousand, and so on in proportion, the price to be $2 per subscriber. Mr. Searcy had lost near $400 on the "Watchman" as a monthly.
A proposition was also submitted b_y A. K. Watson of the "Daily Sun," to publish "The Templar's Advocate" at Atlanta, the paper to be exclusively temperance and literary, and the price likewise to be $2 per annum. The committee on press recommended a weekly organ,to be neutral in poli tics and in religion, devoted to temperance and literature-- especially to Good Templary, to have not less than twentyfour columns, of which not less than twelve were to be of reading matter. The price was to be $2 and the deputy of each subordinate lodge was to act as local agent for the paper.
After some hesitation, Mr. Searcy's proposition was de clined, and the "Templar's Advocate" was recommended ; the publication was to commence immediate!}-, place not yet fixed. This resolution was, however, soon set aside, and one accepted from jVIr. Plancock, who agreed to publish a twentyeight column weekry, at least fourteen columns of which were to be of reading matter, the price $2 per annum, the paper to "stand upon its own merits for support," and to be exclusively devoted to temperance. Such was the renewal m Georgia of that most vexed question, the running of a temperance newspaper.
The Grand L^odge resolved to have nothing to do with politics. A salary of 600 per annum was voted to the Grand Secretary. A plan for Cold Water Temples was adopted, viz.: To have a general superintendent for the State, who should appoint county superintendents, to institute Temples in every township and precinct in the State, and supervise the same, under the direction of the general super intendent. This last official -was to hold county and district conventions, also adopt a self-sustaining financial basis, and

1

596

TEM l-'KRAXCE ORDEJ- S.

grant charters for Temples. The local superintendents were to report to the General, and he to the Grand Temple annually in October.

Tflli; THIRD SHSSIOX OF THE GRAND I,()DGK
began in JYlacoii, Oct. 4, 1871. Sixty-six lodges were repre sented. Grand Worthy Chief Templar, W. P. Harrison, had resigned June 16, 1871, on account of his removal to Nash ville. Acting- Grand Worthy Chief Templar Howard had organized sixteen new Lodges, six Degree Temples, and eight Cold Water Temples--thirty in all. tie had decided on an appeal that a clerk in a dry goods store where liquors were kept Tor sale might be eligible for Good Templar mem bership, but not so a barroom clerk. The Right Worthy Grand Lodge had left the degree question to the several Grand Lodges. Some n]embers still had the impression that the pledge was not for life, but oniv during continuance in the order. Ninety lodges and 4,000 members were the result of the year's work. One department, however, had not been a success financially--that of publication. Mr. Mancock had published the " Advocate " as per agreement, and had lost over $700 at the work, and Secretary Cofcr had spent his entire salary and $200 additional in his work.
The treasurer's receipts were $1,752.21; expenditures, $1,599.81. Cold Water Temple Superintendent Cofcr had worked in Middle, Northern and Eastern Georgia; had or ganized twenty-three Temples, mostly in the chief towns-- none, however, in Savannah or in Columbus.
The Secretary's salary was raised to $7$o. In view of Mr. Hancock's loss, the Committee on Organ can only recommend a w^^rr?/ support to its organ. As two temperance papers were published in the State, the commit tee recommended to divide support between them, but ex press the hope that they may be united. The Grand Lodge, however, again adopted the "Advocate" as its organ. C. W. Ilancock, H. Clay Jones, and T. J. Phillips were elected delegates to the Rjght Worthy Grand Lodge.

THE GOOD TEMP.i,AK,S. (867-72.

597

There was submitted to this Grand Lodge a memorial signed by Revs. C. H. Stillwell, W. F. Cook, William C. Williams, S. E, Axon, and L. R, Gwaltney, asking the Grand Lodge to petition the General Assembly to establish a Relorm Inebriate Asylum. This petition the General Assembly indorsed.
The officers for the next year were elected as follows: E. J. Kirkscey, Grand Worthy Chief Templar; J. W. Burke, Grand Worthy Chief ; Miss Maggie Blenkley, Grand Worthy Vice Templar ; W. E. II. Senrcy, Grand Worthy Secretary ; C. R. Moore, Grand Worthy Treasurer; W. D. Atkinson, Grand Worthy Chaplain; S. C. Robinson, Grand Worthy Marshal ; Miss Jennie Simmons, Grand Worthy Deputy Mar shal ; F, N. Wilder, Grand Worthy Assistant Secretary; J. P. Hammoncl, Grand Worthy Inside Guard ; J. B. Pilgrim, Grand Worthy Outside Guard ; C. W. Hancock, Past Grand Worthy Chief Templar; S. W. Vardeman, Messenger.
The committee on Degree Temple recommended its abolishment, also that subordinate lodges may confer the degrees as per ritual, and the ritual was to be prepared for the next meeting of the Grand Lodge.

THK FOURTH SESSION OF THK GRAND LODGE
began at Rome, Oct. 9, 18/2. One hundred and twelve lodges were represented. The Cold Water Templars had not done much this year. The Right Worthy Grand Lodge had recommended a continuance of the degrees. The total of lodges in the State had now reached 228, of which seventysix were new ones. Prospects were never brighter; but breakers were ahead. The Right Worthy Grand Lodge, at its session in Madison, Wis., in May (18/2), had adopted the report of the committee in favor of the memorial from W. E. H. Searcy of Georgia, and A. S. Elliott, Grand Worthy Secretary of Alabama, praying for a separate or ganization for the colored people, and a committee of three had been appointed to prepare a ritual for the next Right Worthy Grand Lodge meeting.

The Grand Lodge expressed great anxiety for the colored people, as also great satisfaction at the action of the Right Worthy Grand Lodg-e.
H-aiicock's ''Advocate" had suspended in February, and Searcy's "Watchman" was taken up as the Grand Lodge's official organ. The "Advocate" had favored the abolition of the life pledge ; the latter advocated secession from the Right Worthy Grand Lodge. Bickerings are mentioned, in the Minutes and their existence deplored. The State Deputy, Rev. J. .Blakely Smith, had died dtiring- the 3"ear.
The receipts for the year were $2,561.08 ; expenditures, $2,029,32. Twelve Cold Water Temples had been organized, and there were 1,424 members reported In good standing, five had been expelled, and sixteen re-obligated. There were now twenty-seven temples in all. A memorial was submitted by W. E. H. Searcy. A memorial on the negro question was presented from Milledg-eville by C. P. Crawford. This was followed by memorials in the same line from Oak Hill, Cov ing-tort, "and other lodges." These were referred to a com mittee consisting of A. L. Hamilton, L. F. Livingston, \V. W. Wadsworth, and W. C. Duiilap.
The Committee on Constitution reported quite a lengthy instrument, which was adopted. The most notable feature of the document was Article I., Section 6.
"No person of African descent shall be eligible to membership in any lodge subordinate to this ; nor shall any charter issue within the jurisdiction of this
Grand Lodge to persons of African origin."
It was also declared that the powers of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge extended only to the granting and re voking of charters (Grand), and sub-charters in districts where no Grand Lodge exists ; to regulate the unwritten work, and to legislate concerning its own organization.
Rev. Mr. Gwaltney was appointed to introduce the new and separate order among the colored people, and the ex ecutive committee should aid him as much as possible. Rev. Mr. Dun lap was appointed to aid Mr. Gwaltney in the work. Resolutions were adopted opposing political en tanglements, and advocating "moral suasion."

THE GOOD TEMPLARS. 1867-72.

599

To a committee of five was referred Grand Worthy Sec retary Searcy's memorial, which advocated a separation from the Right Worthy Grand Lodge. The committee reported favoring the calling of a convention of Southern Grand Lodges to meet in Atlanta and confer upon the sub ject; but the report was tabled. A like destiny awaited a resolution offered by J. G. Thrower, " That in the opinion of this Grand Lodge there is no cause for secession."
The " Watchman" was adopted as the organ of the order. The salary of the Grand Lecturer was fixed at $500. Delegates to Right Worthy Grand Lodge, Jas. GThrower, Mrs, J. G. Thrower, Dr. E. J. Kirkscey.
Col. J. J. riickman -was present at this meeting, and explained the action of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, after which a committee, Livingston, Wadsworth, Rogers, Hancock and Thrower was appointed, to report on the Right Worthy Grand Lodge's action. This committee reported that as the admission of colored persons into the order in the South had been settled by the Right Worthy Grand Lodge by giving full control in such matters to the respective Grand Lodges ; therefore, it was
"Kesolved, That the Grand Lodge of Georgia accepts the action of the Rig-lit Worthy Grand Locl^e, as explained by the Right Worthy Grand Chief Templar. Bro. T- J- Hickman, and agrees lo abide by Oic same so long as the Right Worthy Grand Lodge carries out faithfully and unequivocally its recent actions and

It was furthermore resolved that none but white and free-born persons be admitted into the order; any such white person twelve years old being eligible,
Overtures were received by the Grand Lodge from S. W. Angel, Grand Worthy Patriarch of the International Sons of Temperance, for a consolidation . of the Grand Lodge with the Sons, but the overture was respectfully declined.
An address to the subordinate lodges was issued which declared the "African question" settled.
The grand officers elected for the ensuing year were: Hon. J. H. W. Underwood, Grand Worthy Chief Temp-

600

TEMPRRANCK ORDERS.

lar; L. F. Livingston, Grand Worthy Chief; Miss Mag-gie Bleakley, Grand Worthy Vice Templar: S. C- Robinson, Grand Worthy Secretary; \V. IT. Eiigram, Grand Worthy Assistant Secretary ; W. A. Rogers, Grand Worthy Treas urer; W. C. Dunlap, Grand Worthy Chaplain; J. R. MeLeod, Grand Worthy Marshal ; Miss Adcle Mosher, Grand Worth}- Deputy Marshal ; E. F. Kcrndon, Grand Worthy Tnside Guard ; T. Fred Wynne, Grand Worth}7 Outside Guard ; W. E>. Atkinson, Grand Lecturer.
This ended the Fourth annual session of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. It was destined to be the last united session of the body. Before the meeting- of 1873 great changes had entered. The negro question was permeating the order everywhere, and a new organization was to be the result of a secession in the South. Doubtless the action of the National Division of the Sons of Temperance at Bos ton the year before, as already quoted, had much to do with the uneasy feeling among Southern Good Templars. The constituency of the Sons and of the Good Templars had been very largely the same, and it was not doubted that somewhat the same question in regard to the admission of negroes would ere long be a living issue in Good Ternplary, and with probably an outcome like that in the National Division. As to the status of the colored man in regard to Good Templary, we may quote from Hon. S. D- Hastings, than who til perhaps no better authority on the subject can be found :
"The Order, as an order, always took the ground that it was open to all colors and creeds and nationalities. * * # Persons who wisii to organize a Lodge of Good Templars make their -wishes, known by applying- for a charter to the body who has the power to grant such charters; if they reside in the bounds of a Grand Lodge to the Grand Lodge, if in session; if not in session to the executive olTieers of the Grand Lodge; if outside the bounds of a Grand Lodge, in some country where no Grand Lodge exists, the application is made to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, or its executive officers. The granting of a charter, or the refusing to grant, is a matter entirely at the discretion of the body or officers to whom the application is made. If the application is refused, it is something- they have a right to do under the constitution and laws of the Order, and there is no authority to call them to account for their action. When a charter has been granted and a Lodge

THE GOOD TEMPLARS. 1867--72.

601

regularly organized, the Lodge has a right to say who shall be admitted to mem bership. Every applicant is subject to a ballot. This ballot is secret, and no one can know how another votes, unless he voluntarily makes >l known. Pour ballots against an applicant bar the doors of the .1 .oclsjc against him. If the four, or more, who vote against an applicant keep their own counsels, nothing can be done about it, and there the matter must end. * * * From this it will be seen that a colored man might be refused admission to the Order, or a charter be refused to a

responsible for it." ^
The Constitution* of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge permits only one Grand Lodge to be organized in each State, and sinpe the Southern States already had Grand Lodges, the only way to open the Order for the admission of colored people, was by a change in the constitution of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge itself, and a change could only be effected by a notice of motion of one year given in ad vance of the proposed action of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge. Very many of the Southern members believing that action on the part of the Supreme Hody favorable to the admission of negroes, was imminent, became anxious for a severance of their own Grand Lodges from the Right \Vorthy Grand Lodge. This was notably the case in Georgia.
Under the interpretation of the Supreme Constitution there was nothing to prevent a small body of white Templars from organizing a Lodge in any Southern State, and then, having received a charter, to admit negroes should they choose to do so, since the control of the matter of admission of members was under the jurisdiction of the Lodges themselves. Thus it seemed clear to these members that not only was the colored man to be met in the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, but he would soon be encountered in the Southern Grand and Subordinate Lodges themselves, even if no ad ditional laws should be made by the Right Worthy Grand Lodge on the subject. The prospect was one which seemed ominous to Southerners.
l "One Ilqndrcd Years of Temperance," p. 1)82.

CHAPTER XL.
TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS----THE GOOD TEMPLARS
UNITED FRIENDS OF TEMPERANCE.
"A generous friendship no cold medium knows, B-unis with one love, -with one resentment glows." ---- Old Song.
THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE GEORGIA GRAND LODGE
was held in Augusta, beginning Sept. 24, 18/3. Of the Grand Officers there were absent Messrs. Engram, Rog-crs, Dunlap, Kernclon, and Miss Mosher. Only sixty-four lodges were represented. About sixty new lodges bad been formed. Of the seventy -six new lodges of last year not more than twenty had ever reported to the Grand Lodge. Secession had broken the ranks all along* the line. The Grand Worthy Chief Tem plar said that circulars had been sent to the Lodges, which intimated, at least, that the " United Friends of Temperance " was the only white man's order. Many had gone off into the new organization, and the Grand Worthy Chief Templar had been compelled to defend the Order, which had been much abused. Me recommended that the Grand Ix)dgc de clare immediately its independence of the Right \Vorthy Grand Lodge, and maintain a. separate existence.
Thirty-two lodges had forfeited their charters, sixteen having gone into the new order. One hundred and thirtysix lodges were still in working order, and the Grand Lodge tax had been paid by about ^,000 members. Receipts for the year, $2,168.80; expenditures, $1,819.80.
Messrs. Searcy and Crawford arrived as delegates from the " United Friends of Temperance/' and proposed a plan for consolidating the two orders, but the proposition was declined.
602

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATION'S. 1873-87.

603

The Committee reported that the Right Worthy Grand Lodge had not adhered to the line of conduct as explained by Col. Hickman last year; therefore the report recom mended the calling of a covention of the Southern Grand Lodges ; meanwhile there should be no affiliation with the Right Worthy Grand Lodge. The report al^o urged the Grand Lodge to hold fast to its present organization. It was also proposed that now, as the Ritual for the " True Reformers " was read}-, work among the colored people, for whom the new order'was designed, should begin at once.
The Cold Water Temple had shown more vigor than any other department of the Order, there being about 2,600 Templars reported, as against 1,424 the year before, J. G. Thrower was selected as Superintendent of the Order. Two representatives were elected " to such Right Worthy Grand Lodge as we may be connected with at the time of its ses sion." This certainly looked dark, so far as the future action of the Grand Lodge was concerned. Brethren Underwood and Thrower were the principals to this nebulous Right Worthy Grand Lodge, and Gwaltney and Butler were alter nates. The Secretary's salary was iixed at $800, after which this troubled session of the Grand Lodge adjourned. The bright prospects of the Order were overcast, and what the future might develop was not t.) be divined.

THE GOOD TKMI'LARS VXD THE COLORED P.ACE.
To make intelligible the extraordinary history of the Good Templar Order in regard to the admission of the colored people and the divisions which grew out of this agitation, more especially among the Templars of Georgia, it seems necessary to hastily review the origin and progress of this controversy.
As already observed, Right Worthy Grand Chief Tem plar Hastings had, as far back as 1866, at the Boston session ol" the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, given it as his opinion that the law of the Order in no wise excludes any on account of the color of his skin, but that in all cases lodges

604

TEMPERANCE ORGANISATIONS. 1873- 87.

among negroes should be formed as among the whites. In practice* we arc assured, that negroes had been admitted into the Order before the Civil War ; the Order had not then made great headway in the South. Grave questions were presented to the Southern States in the matter of temperance work, as in almost all things else by the problem as to the newly emancipated. That these needed all the restraining influences which could be thrown around them to save them from intemperance, as from other vices, all freely admitted. J3ut how was this to be effected ? Many who knew little, or cared little, about the condition of Southern society, and the difficulty presented by the rela tion of the races, championed the admission, on an equal footing, of all races and of all colors, a plan which would ir retrievably have ruined the Order in the South.
The Kentucky Grand Lodge in 1867 took the alarm, and declared that as the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, at its Detroit session in May, 1867, had "repeated and urged upon our acceptance nugro equality, a doctrine at war with our every sentiment of propriety and life-time education, and
"WfCKRKAs, \Ve cannot, under (T/*y r//7-wwj/tzr<rj, accept such a doctrine, as /Xz/* * <*/*)' j6'jv% having always considered, and still considering the negro onr inferior in ^T'crc respect, as much unsuited and iinfitted fur membership in our Ixxlgc room, as for association around our Presides, and
" WnKRKAS, Such a doctrine, if carried into practice in our own, or any other Southern States, \vould speedily destroy our beloved institution. Xow. therefore, be it
"^Vro/z<^, By this tirand ixxigc, that while we remember our obligation to, and connection with, the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, and deeply deplore any occurrence or circnmstance that would tend to sever said connection, yet. we hold that our first and highest obligation is to ourselves, our wives, and our children, and that rather than have them brought in such close contact with the negro race
on such terms of perfect equality, we will, with a firm faith in God, and an inward consciousness of right, feel ourselves forced to the painful necessiLy of declaring ourselves, as our name indicates, independent."^
The Committee of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge to which was referred these Kentucky resolutions, at Richmond, Indiana, in May, 1868* reported that the difficulty with the Kentuckians might be easily met, since each Grand Lodge,
* " History of the Negro Race Question " in K. AY. O. L., p. 5, <v jr^.

TEMPKKAJS'CK ORGANIZATIONS, lS/3-8/.

Gog

according to the constitution, "is supreme in all questions of local legislation." This left the Kentucky Grand Lodg-c with full control over the granting of charters, and the ad mission to membership.
In so far as related to the States " lately in rebellion," Kentucky was not classed, the Right Worthy Grand Lodi^e Committee said, with those States ; therefore any resolutions of the supreme body as to these States and their occupation, could not refer to Kentucky. Kentucky could, if she chose, exclude from her organization the negro race, and " must alone be held responsible for the exclusion of the colored people within her borders, from the benefits of the Order, should they be excluded/' This report was signed by James Black, Amanda M. Way, and J. W. Mitchell, of the Committee. W. H. F. Ligon of Tennessee, also of the Com mittee, brought in a minority report, which, in the preamble, after admitting necessity for a temperance order among the colored people, followed with three resolutions, the first of which recommended that the colored people " be organ ized into a separate and distinct body, to be known as the (J^/oTYY/ jTrwz/^??'.? ^^ A!?r//& -^?//f7"%Yr, with different pass words, signs, etc."
Secondly, "That the executive Committee should pre pare and furnish through the Right Worthy Grand Secre tary, suitable rituals, odes, etc., on as reasonable terms, and at as early a day as possible."
The minority report was rejected, and it was
"A"AMVs%v/, That it is the sense of the Right Worthy Grand Ixxlge of North America, that the fact of a colored membership should not exclude a regularly ort^inJzed Lod^e from the (_}rand 1 xxlgc tu which it would otherwise bu entitled to
admission."
This resolution could hardly be satisfactory to Southern Grand Lodges.
At the autumn session of the Kentucky Grand Lodge, it not only rf-a^zrwr^ its former resolutions, but went fur
ther, and
" .AVjo/zvd", That we sympathise with, and will do all in our power to aid and assist the citizens (-if our sister Southern States, who have no (.Jrand lodges, to prevent the organization of negro lodges of our Order hi said States.

606

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 18/3-87,

Thus the matter remained until the meeting of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge at Madison, Wis., in May, 1872. At this session a memorial was presented, signed by W. E. H. Searcy, Grand Worthy Secretary of Georgia, and A. S. Elliott, Grand Worthy Secretary of Alabama, in regard to tfie future relationship of the colored population of America to the Good Templar Order.
This memorial was referred to the Committee on Me morials, petitions, etc., which reported, declaring that the control of the whole matter of the admission of negroes be longed to the several Grand Lodges, already organized, or to be organized, in the South. It was also recommended by the committee that an organization for the colored people he made, and that the present ritual, charters, etc., of the Good Templars be adopted for the negroes^ inserting the word " Colored " for " Good " in the name of the Order, and with suitable changes for the unwritten work; also, that, the Grand Worthy Chief Templars, and Grand Worthy Secretaries of the Southern Grand Lodges should be charged with the introduction of the Order among" the negroes, and with the general oversight of the work, which they should report at future sessions of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge.
Rep. Ellis of Michig-an moved to leave all regulations iu regard to the colored race and their rituals, etc., in the hands of the several Grand Lodges. To this Jos. Malins, Grand Worthy Chief Templar of England, moved an amend ment which, in view of his subsequent actions, is a most re markable instance of somersaulting. The amendment reads:
"/vV.'jYJ/z'tv/, That this Rig-ht Worthy Grand Lodge confer upon such Grand Lodges as may require it, the power to take such steps to promote temperance among- colored people, in such a manner as may he deemed best suited lo their wants, to the extent, if necessary, of forming- an especial organization for their benefit, provided that no part of the name or ritual of our order be applied to any organisation other than our own."
It is apparent from the above that Mr. Malins sought to give the colored people a different order.
The committee having been directed to reconsider the

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87,

607

matter, again reported, this time in favor of a separate organ ization for the colored people of the Southern States ; the entire control of the introduction and management of the same to be committed to the respective Grand Lodges ; also that a committee of three from the delegates present from, the Southern Grand Lodges be appointed to draft a rilnal and charter, procure odes, etc., for the new organization.
This report was adopted, also a resolution amendatory moved by Representative Hastings, which declared that all Grand Lodges had full power, under the constitution, to grant or refuse charters to any applicants ; and that 110 lodge can be formed within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodg-e against the will of such Grand Lodge, and that a Grand ' Lodge may revoke the charter of any lodge within its juris diction, as provided for in the constitution.
The Right Worthy Grand Lodge doubtless thought that it had disposed ot the negro question, but it was mis taken, for at its session of the next year, held in London, a new problem was presented.
Ten subordinate lodges of colored persons from North Carolina sent up a petition to the Right Worthy Grand Lodgpe, praying for a Grand Lodge charter. What was to be done? The petition was referred to a committee. The com mittee reported that there had also been submitted to it a communication from the Grand Worthy Chief Templar of North Carolina, which asked that the prayer of the petition ers (/. e. for a Grand Lodge charter) be granted, and depre cated the effect of the continued agitation of this question upon the Order in the South. The committee cannot, how ever, find any authority for granting a second charter for a Grand Lodge over the same territory, for this was expressly forbidden in the constitution. The Chief Templar of North Carolina said, moreover, that the existence of these colored lodges had come to his knowledge, since the organization of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. These lodges had fre quently called upon him for the quarterly password, which he did not feel authorized to give, as the Grand Lodge con-

60S

TEMPERANCE OKGAXIXATK >.VS. 1873-87.

stitution forbade the initiation of any one not of pure white blood,
The committee advised that if this constitution (of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina) had not been already ap proved by the Rig-lit Worthy Grand Lodge, that its provi sions should be examined, and "everything- therein contrarv to our rules and usages may be eliminated therefrom." The North Carolina colored lodg-es were in a hard condition, the report saicl, and some relief should be given.
The Committee had seen the ritual for a new temper ance order for the colored people of the South, prepared under the direction of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, but while approving- it, yet it could not meet the present case. Ft was therefore recommended that all subordinate lodg-es within the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge, whose charters had not been revoked for a violation of the Constitution, Laws, or Rules of the Order, should be entitled to receive the password and be recognized as regular lodges, and thnt refusal on the part of a Grand Lodge to grant password and recognize a lodge on account of race, color, or condition, should be held a violation of duty and obligation.
This report having been adopted, notice was given that at the next meeting a motion, to amend the constitution, would be made, so as to permit, with the assent or petition of a Grand Lodge, charters for one or more Grand Lodges cover ing in whole, or in part, the territory of a Grand Lodge.
Such was the status of the negro question, when in the autumn of 1873 the secession of so many Georgia Good Templars from their Grand Lodge took place, and a new Order--the United l?ricnds of Temperance--came into being. At Madison, in 1872, the Right Worthy Grand Lodge--the English not objecting--had agreed to the proposition for a new temperance order for the colored population of the. South. At London, in 1873, the North Carolina case upset the scheme, and although the Kentuckiaiis had prepared a ritual, etc., as per instructions for the new Order, The whole attitude of the Right \Vnrthy Grand Lodge was changed.

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

609

Now the Grand Lodges were required to issue the pass word and recognize all regular lodges, regardless of race, color, or condition.
At the Right Worthy Grand Lodge session in Boston, in 1874, the amendment to the constitution in regard to a plurality of Grand Lodges for the same territory when differ ences of race, color, etc., seemed to demand them, was brought up, and through the opposition of the British, was defeated, though a dual lodge was allowed for Wales on account of difference of language. As to North Carolina, as the amendment had been lost, nothing remained but to reject the petition of the colored lodges for a separate charter.
Notice of motion to amend was given by Wm. Wells Brown, a colored man Irom Massachusetts. His proposed amendment was to add the word " race " to " language " in the amendment made for Wales.
The next session (1875) was at Bloomington, Illinois, where Judge Black's amendment, which provided for dual lodges for the same territory when differences of race, color, language, etc., might demand it, was accepted.
When the amendment was adopled Messrs. Malins and Gladstone resigned, declaring that the new law would destroy the order in Britain. They were induced to withdraw their resignation, however, and meanwhile the Executive Com mittee were to jssue no dual lodge charters except for Mary land and North Carolina ; but the British delegates gave notice " to rescind the alteration made at this session, refer ring to multiplication of Grand Lodges" Thus the matter stood until 1876.
The year 1876 was the year of the great schism which rent Good Xemplary asunder. So far as Georgia was con cerned, the storm bad already spent most of its fury ; the division now was for the most part along national lines.
The session was held in Louisville, Ky. f in May, and was prolonged through five days.
The amendment, of which notice had been given by Messrs. Malins and Gladstone, had nothing in regard to race
39

6io

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

or color, but only referred to the multiplication of Grand Lodges. Instead of making- the amendatory motion them selves, they "got, another brother to do it;" and then Bro. Gladstone rose, and moved the following- amendment:
" Except that in any Grand Lodge territory, where difference of language or

the 1 elude:

nted, -shi

w-he

id Lodge

sdiction si

so far as the excluded community is concerned, be considered i

and the Right Worthy Gr

persons till they have suffici

Lodge Charter with co-equal powers with the senior Grand I .odge in that territory."

According; to this proposed amendment, no cause save " difference of language or race" was assigned as a sufficient reason for division of Grand Lodges. This seems a consid erable limitation of the original proposition to prevent the multiplication of Grand Lodges.
Quite a lengthy substitute was adopted in lieu of these amendments. The preamblerccit.es the former position of the Order as admitting colored as well as white persons, and the resolution appended declares that any Grand Lodge whose constitution contravenes these well understood prin ciples must be revoked, and the Right Worthy Grand Lodge is prepared at any time to revoke the Charter of such Grand . Lodge, but the right of the Grand Lodges to determine to whom they will grant charters, must be conceded.
This substitute was adopted by a vote of 85 to 58. Im mediately after the taking ol the vote Mr. Joseph Mali MS rose and read the following declaration :

"\VirRREAS, The Representatives in this Assembly have failed to give the number of votes in favor of the ultimatum issued by the Grand Lodges of Great Britain and Ireland, expressed in the amendment moved by Bro. Rev. George Glad stone, and which seeks the affirmation and provides for the practical enforcement, by constitutional provision, of the principle that color shall not bar those of African or any other race from the protection and enjoyment of the full privileges of membership in any Jurisdiction of our Order:
" Tlicrefore, We, the whole of the Representatives present from the above named Grand Lodges, do, in accordance with the explicit and positive instructions of the said Grand Lodges, hereby withdraw, and request that this their declaration be inserted in the Journal of this session."

TEMPI-: RAN CIS ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

6ll

This action was certainly a moat singular procedure. Mr. Malins, in 1872, had moved for a new organization for the colored people ; the motion, in substance, \vas carried, though not precisely as its author had framed it, since the Southern Grand Lodges were to prepare a ritual for the new order. Then the North Carolina imbroglio came up, and the English called for full admission of these lodges under the Grand Lodge Charter of North Carolina, and they opposed the proposition for a dual Grand Lodge, which to Americans could not but seem the most practicable way out of the difficulty. Whether or not they really feared that the multiplication of Grand Lodges would give too great a preponderance to the Americans in the Right Worthy Grand Loclgc, yet they had themselves moved that the reasons for creating- new Grand Lodges should be based on "differ ence of race, or of language." Under this provision the African certainly could come in for a Grand Lodge of his own ; why then, this remarkable facing about, to the position that if a Grand Lodge excludes from membership any persons on account of language or race, such Grand Lodge jurisdiction may be invaded, treated as mission ground, and a rival Grand Lodge covering the same territory, created. But this would mean a ?/z//^/zc;z/2^ ^/" <?y<zwf Z^(g?\y, the prevention of which was given out as the object of the British in 1875. Thus too, the </mz/ lodge would be ybr^^af into being--the very thing which the Americans proposed to bestow voluntarily. From whatever standpoint we regard the action of the English representatives, their conduct seems most inconsistent and dictatorial in its character.
The sinall body of British delegates having withdrawn from the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, retired to a room in the Masonic Temple (in Louisville) where they were next day waited upon by a committee from the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, and urged to come back and resume their places in the body. But they had grown much in their own estimation, it seems. They denied the right of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge to its title, called it an

612

TKM:IT:RANGE ( JKGANIZATK >xs. i 873 --87.

body, and designated its -members as " our friends" and formed themselves into an organization which took 011 the -highsounding- title of "Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the World."
Tliat the South was perfectl}- sincere in the desire for a dual Grand Lodge system which would give the colored race the benefits of the Order, was abundantly proven when a few weeks later,the Grand Officers of Kentucky consented that Kentucky should be considered " unoccupied territory " so far as the negroes were concerned, and the Right Worthy Grand Lodge was invited to come into the Grand Lodge's jurisdiction, charter subordinate lodges, and when she may see fit, grant these subordinate lodges of the colored a separate Grand Lodge charter. What else could the British have asked, even from their own standpoint ?
Attempt after attempt was made to bring- the Britons back, the Americans humiliating themsel ves for this pur pose, even more than self-respect would seem to demand. l.n the autumn (1876) a conference was held in London to bring about a reunion. William Hoyle presided.
There were present from America: Col, J. J. LTickman, Dr. Oronhyatekha, Samuel Capper, John B. Mason., John. Prichard, "William McDonald; with L. E. I. larcus, reporter.
From Britain : Joseph Malins, Rev. George Gladstone, Rev. Morris Morgan, W. L. Daniel, John f'yper, John Kernpster, William W. Turnbull : with Henry Browiie, reporter.
The conference lasted three days, and was remarkable for the extraordinary powers at. fencing displayed by the opposite parties. Each attempted to " draw out " the other ; the Americans, to ascertain the demands of the British as preliminary to reunion ; the British, to ascertain with what powers the American commissioners were clothed, and what they had to offer, each part}' endeavoring- to ascertain the other's plans, without revealing its own. The proceedings were published. 1 In the end nothing was accomplished.
1 " The Negro Question and the Independent Order of Goad Templars." London, 1876.

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

613

While the Americans were most anxious for reunion, the demands of the British clearly could not be complied with, in any manner likely to preserve the integrity of the Order in America.
The long heated controversy developed quite a literature --chiefly pamphlet--on both sides of the ocean.
Some of the warmest antagonists whom the English had to encounter, were of thejr own country. Aroong^ these perhaps the most conspicuous was Mr. Wm. Hoyle, who had presided at the recent conference. Mr. Hoyle's "Review of the Negro Question and the Independent Order of Good Templnrs," was so pungent that Mr. Malins replied in a vigorous pamphlet, " The Unlawful Exclusion of the African Race." Among the many charges brought by Mr. Maiins against Mr. Hastings and Col. Hickman--each of whom had been Right Worthy Grand Chief Templar--was that of simple subservience to the " domestic prejudices of the South.'* The new Order oJ " The True Reformers/ organ ized for the colored people, as Mr. Maiins himself had moved in 1872, he now calls the "Kitchen Order," and " Hickman 's Underground Kitchen." ^Jalins asserts that Col. Hickman as Chief Templar at the Boston session (1874), had appointed his friend, Throtycr, of Georgia, as General Superintendent of the " Kitchen Order."
One charge made by Maiins, and not replied to in any of the documents published, deserves special notice. It is that Mr. Hastings, as Chief Templar in 1873, had forwarded upon application, to Joseph Lee and his colored associates, of Jacksonville, Florida, a TMM^^r^ charter: "The Hon. S. D. Hastings tampered with this charter--as has since been seen by hundreds--and in his unmistakable penmanship /[<u

This was certainly a very grave charge, and if true, must stamp the name of the Chief Templar with infamy. But Mr. Hastings in a personal letter to the author very fully clears himself of the accusation of mutilating a charter, in

1

64

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 18/3-87.

order to deprive a Lodge of Colored Good Templars of their rights before the G-rand Lodge. Mr. Hastings says :
*' When lodges are first organized in new territory, they are under the direct control of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge. A Grand Lodge cannot be organised until there are ten or more Subordinate Lodges in the Slate or Territory \vhcrc they are organized. Subordinate 1 .odges are never represented in the Right- Worthy Grand Lodg-e. Only Grand Lodges are represented in that body. There are two separate forms of charter for Subordinate Lodges ; one used by the Right Worthy Grfuid Lodge when chartering lodges, hi new territory where there is no Grand Lodge, and the other used by Grand Lodges in chartering; lodges under their juris diction At the time T issued the charier for this negro lodge in Florida, 'xe had no bhmks on hand of the form used by the Right Worthy Grand Lod^e, and I \vus obliged to take one of the forms used by Grand Lodges, and by striking-out arid interlining-, T made it read I lie same as the Right Worthy Grand Chatters.
"When sent out, it read precisely t-is all charters issued by the Right Worthy Grand Lodge to Subordinate Lodges read--precisely as the charter of -Mr. Mtilins' own lodge reads, as !h;it \vas issued by the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, previous to the organization of a Grand Lodge ir; ICngdand."
How could Mr. Malms have been ignorant of the facts, or of the law, in reg-ard to chartering- subordinate lodges ? What must be thought of this attempt to malign the char acter of a man so prominent in Good Templary as Mr. } j asting-s ?
Mr. f~Ioyle replied to Mr. Maiins in a cutting1 pamphlet; but the secession was an accomplished fact, and the Eng'iish branch of the Order, arrogating- to itself the high-sounding* title of " Rig-ht Worthy- Grand Lodge of the World," pro ceeded to mission the blacks in the Southern States, where the Englishmen charged that " violations of the fundamental principles of the Order have been the rule, not the exception" and where the " uniform Constitution," the imperative law of all Grand Lodges, " has been tampered with or nullified bv these Southerners." 3 It wcmld seem from one of Mr. Malms' concluding paragraphs that he expected, his ''"World institution to spread commensurate with its name ;
" The good and true in North America will eventually stand for the right, as Central and South America do. Africa ean hardly be long- divided upon this matler. All the Good Templars of Asia have declared for our side, as have over

have stood before, but for mLsleadiny telegrams and garbled reports. The time for 1 Maiins' "The L'n'iav.-iu) Exclusion of the Negro Raee," p. 63.

TEMI'ERANCK ORGANIZATIONS. '873-87.

6l 5

neutrality and for further hesitation is at an end, and we must quickly be com pelled to say thai those who arc not for us are against us."
So much "for the boasted candor of the man who four years before had proposed to give to negroes a new order and ritual, provided tfie same should not be in anywise apart of Good Tcinplfiry!
What has been the result of this missionary effort in the South to draw the colored people into a foreign order--this war to the knife proclaimed by Mr. Malms? After eleven years of labor Mr. Malins at last feels obliged to confess that the efforts of his foreign organizers to alienate the colored peo ple of the South have been a complete failure, and within a few weeks the two orders have been, re-united, and now form the most compact arid widery extended temperance organiza tion in the world. Yet years must elapse before all the heart burnings which this needless schism has engendered, shall have ceased, and eternity alone may tell of the harm wrought to the great temperance cause in the long controvers3T , That the South was right in her desire for a dual Lodge conferring- equal privileges upon each race, seems clear to all conversant with Southern affairs. Any other course must have wrecked the Order in the South.

GEORGIA GOOD TKMPLARS AGAIN.

From this long, but necessary, digression to explain the outer circumstances so intimately influencing Georgia Good Templary, we return homeward. Doubtless, Messrs. Searcy and Elliott did not forecast the outcome of their memorial to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge in 1872; but after the action of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge m London m 1873, the disintegration of the Order went on rapidly through the South. We have already seen how the ranks of the Georgia Grand Lodge had been depleted at the meeting" of 1873. Probably but for the efforts of Col. Hickman, the break would have been general, and the Order, almost in a body, would have seceded from the Right Worthy Grand Lodge. To the efforts of Hickman, whom Malins so outrage-

616

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

ously traduces, were chiefly due the hold which the Good Templars were enabled to maintain in the South, and which to-day has left the Order in a position to be so effective among both races. The Malins programme, if followed out by the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, must have destroyed the Order among the whites of the South, and have rendered it almost utterly inefficient for good among the blacks. But wiser counsels prevailed, and the Briton did not succeed in his destructive course.

THE SIXTH" ANNUAL SESSION OF THE GEORGIA GRANT") LODGE
was held in Acworth, beginning Sept. 30, 1874, Col. Hickman, the pacificator, in the chair. Ninety lodges were rep resented. The Grand Worthy Chief Templar (Gwaltney) reported that C. P. Crawford, Grand Worthy Primate of the United Friends of Temperance, had sent him a communica tion asking- that they should issue joint circulars to their re spective orders counseling fraternal feelings, peace, and co operation, but he (Gwaltney) had declined to accede to the proposal.
For a while during the year, C. W. Buck's "Southern Templar" had been the Independent Order of Good Templar's organ, jointly of Georgia and Alabama, but from some cause the paper had suspended. A Southern convention, composed of Good Templar delegates from Alabama, Tennessee, Kentuck3', North Carolina, and Geor gia, had been called to meet in Atlanta, Nov. 12, 1873, but only Alabama and Georgia had been represented. The difficulties with the Right Worthy Grand Lodge had been amicably adjusted. This was chiefly through the efforts of Col. Flickman, as before mentioned. Hon. S. D. Hastings had visited Atlanta in March (1874), and had been the re cipient of many courtesies, and good feeling- toward the Right Worthy Grand Lodge seemed restored. Eighteen Fountains of True Reformers had been opened, and much interest among the negroes had been awakened. Ninety new lodges had been organized, and two defunct ones had

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

6l/

been revivified. Col. Hickman had spent much of the year in Georgia, and had initiated more than 2,000 members. Efforts to establish an inebriate asylum, had been made, but. the Legislature did not pass the bill. The membership \vas reported at 10,000, which was certainly a fine showing", con sidering the troubles which the Order had had to encounter. Receipts, $2,783.18 ; expenditures, $2,440.75. The sum total of all lodges hitherto organized in the State now reached 379-
Although J. G-. Thrower, the Cold Water Superinten dent, was absent, yet his report showed more than fifty Temples in existence. More work in that department was urged. The "Southern Templar" at Opelika, Ala., after a few numbers had gone the way of all the earth, or, at least, the way of most temperance periodicals--lack of patronage. Negotiations had been commenced with Col. J, H. Seals of the "Sunny South," the last editor of the old "Banner," for using the paper as an organ. T. F. Wynne was elected Superintendent of Cold Water Templars, taking the place which J. G-. Thrower had held for five years ; it was also re solved that each subordinate lodge should have a Cold \Vater Templar Superintendent. Brethren Foster, Under wood, and Jones, were elected representatives to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge.
The full roll of membership footed up 16,269 names, of which 9,224 \vere contributing.
Officers for the coming year were chosen as follows : J. G. Thrower, Grand Worthy Chief Templar ; K. F. Lawson Grand Worthy Conductor; Miss Lillic Clark, Grand Worthy Vice Templar ; S. C. Robinson, Grand Worthy Secretary ; B. H. Washington, Grand Worthy Assistant Secretary ; J. K. Thrower, Grand Worthy Treasurer; W. K. Jones, Grand Chaplain; B. C. Holt, Grand Worthy Marshal; Miss Willie Giles, Grand Worthy Assistant Marshal; J. P. Spin ner, Grand Worthy Inside Guard ; J, R. Christie, Grand Worthy Outside Guard ; W. C. Adamson, Grand Worthy Messenger.

6l8

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 18/3-87,

A circular letter was addressed to ministers, urgingactive co-operation.

THE SEVENTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE I. O. G. T. GEORGIA
GRAN'0 I.O.DGK
was held in Gainesville beginning1 September 29, 1875. Ninetj^-oiie Lodges were represented. Hon. W. C. Wil liams, of Canada, Rig-lit Worthy Grand Secretary, together with his wife, \vas present. Receipts for the year were $2, 228.88, expenditures $2,747.90.
Bro. Shackleford offered a resolution that, as the present Local Option law operated unfairly, a committee of five be appointed to petition for a general local option law.
Brethren Jones, Shepherd, and Lawson were elected Right Worthy Grand Lodge representatives. H. K. Shackleford was chosen Superintendent of the Cold Water Temp lars, of whom thirty-four Temples were in working order with an aggregate of 2,280 members. .
A committee of five, Gwaltney, Lawson, Little, Irvine, and Warren, was appointed to present the memorial to the Legislature, asking- for a general local option law.
Brethren Thrower, Foster, and Jones were also ap pointed a committee to memorialize the Legislature to es tablish an Inebriate Asylum.
The "True Reformers" now had a Grand Lodge of their own, and were no longer under the jurisdiction of the Good Templars.
The "Atlanta Herald," having intimated that the Good Templars would, at the next meeting of the Legislature, attempt to force a general prohibitory law through that body, the Grand Lodge entered a disclaimer, and announced that its object was to educate people up to the prohibition standard first.
It was declared to be a violation of the pledge to sell fruit to a distiller, even to prevent loss of the fruit.
The Grand Officers elected for the next year, were J, G. Thrower, Grand Worthy Chief Templar ; E. F. Lawson,

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 18/3-87.

619

Grand Worthy Conductor; Miss Sallic Candler, Past Worthy Vice Templar; S. C. Robinson, Grand Worthy Secretary; J. K. Thrower, Grand Worthy Treasurer; W. E. Jones, Grand Chaplain; R. B. Stegall, Grand Worthy Assistant Secretary ; \V. PL Perkmson, Grand \Vorthy Marshal ; Mrs. S. E. Little, Grand Worthy Assistant Marshal; J. J. Keith, Grand Worthy Inside Guard ; W. J. Davenport, Grand Worthy Outside Guard ; W. C. Hand, Grand Worthy Mes senger.
Fifty-four lodges had been formed, and one hundred and eighty-four were now in working1 condition. The senti ment for prohibitory laws was also growing-, as we may gather from the Minutes. The eighth Grand Lodge session was held in West Point, Georgia, convening October 24, 1876.
The " colored question " was exciting much discussion, as this was just after the great schism at Louisville in May. A congratulatory telegram from the Grand Lodge of Knights of Jericho, of which Thos. S. King was Secretary, was received.
Only eight working; Cold Water Temples \vere left in Georgia. The organization seemed in the throes of death.
The committee on the " colored question " reported in favor of collateral colored Grand 'Lodges, which should have no representation in the white Lodes, but bear to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge the same relation as other Grand Lodg-es. Rep. Green offered a resolution declaring that the Georgia Grand Lodge Constitution declares the I. O. G. T. a white man's order and that the "True Reform ers " instituted for the negroes, was sufficient for all tem perance purposes, and that temperance was not social equal ity--this,the resolution affirmed to be the I. O. G. T. basis. "Therefore we decline to surrender to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge the entire and original, or any control of the territory of Georgia in so for as the negro race is concerned." This amendatory resolution was withdrawn, and it was re solved that hereafter the Grand Lodge of Georgia would

620

TEMPERANCE -ORGANIZATIONS. 1 8/3-87.

grant charters to worthy colored persons, conditioned that the charters shall be separate and distinct from the white Lodges ; the negro Lodges to have no representation in the white Lodges; when a sufficient number of colored Ledges shall have been formed, consent is given that these shall be formed into a colored Grand Lodge.
The Grand Lodge declared that although it had, in good faith, carried out Joseph Malins' motion at Madison in 1872 to establish a separate order for the colored people, by organizing the " True Reformers," which Order now num bered eighteen Fountains and more than 5,000 members in the State, yet it would use its influence to get the colored people to accept the [. O. G. T. in place of the Fountains, and would aid them in all things consistent, to establish Good Templary among them. This resolution was carried by thirty-six yeas against nine nays.
Brethren Jones, Varnedoe and Hansell were chosen representatives to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge.
The Grand Officers elected were: J. G. Thrower, Grand Worthy Chief Templar; W. A. Hansel 1, Grand Worthy Conductor; Miss Sallic Candler, Grand Worthy Vice-Templar; W. E. Jones, Grand Worthy Treasurer ; W. O- H. Shepherd, Grand Worthy Secretary ; Miss W. L. Edwards, Grand Worthy Assistant Secretary; B, F. Payne, Grand Worthy Marshal; Miss C. J. Fuller, Grand Worthy Deputy Marshal; Miss Jennie Headden Grand Worthy Inside Guard; Edward Pharr, Grand Worthy Outside Guard ; J, T. Sims, Grand Worthy Messenger. Receipts for the year $2,135.94, expenditures $2,104.13, Georgia in 1876, notwithstanding all the divisions and loss es which the Good Templars had sustained, still had 10,308 active members, and ranked as the twelfth State in num bers 1 in the Order.

THE NINTH GRAND LODGE SESSION
began in DuLton Sept. 11, 1877. Thirty-five Lodges were rep resented.
J "Centennial Temperance Volume," p. 623.

TEMPKKAJVC1-: ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

6- I

W.G. Whidby had publishedfive numbers of the "Living1 Age," but had had to suspend. The Committee on Organ recommended the formation of a joint stock company, with fifty shares at $5.00 each, to publish a monthly organ, of five hundred copies. This report was adopted.
The Secretary, S. C. Robinson, had died since the last session. The officer to whom had been delegated the duty of visiting the Grand Fountain, to induce the " True Re formers " to give up their charter and accept Good Templary in lieu thereof, reported that he had found considerable difficulty in persuading the colored people to make the ex change. He finally succeeded, however. Thus the True Reformers ceased to be, as an independent organization.
The relation of the colored people to Good Templary had been solved by what seems to have been the only prac tical way to solve it; and henceforth the dual system was to prevail.
But the Order had suffered a great depletion from its
own ranks. Only 4,088 members in good standing were reported, and 120 living lodges. Twenty new ones had been
formed. The sum total of lodges now reached up to 442. The Grand Officers elected were :
J. G. Thrower, Grand Worthy Chief Templar; M. P. Caldwell, Grand Worthy Conductor; Miss G. W. Johnson,
Grand Worthy Vice Templar; W. O. H. Shepherd, Grand
Worthy Secretary and Treasurer ; J. E. Evans, Grand Chap
lain ; J. P. Meredith, Grand Worthy Marshal; Mrs. W. E.
Jones, Grand Worthy Deputy Marshal; Miss Nora Love,
Grand Worthy Inside Guard ; G. D. Beckham, Grand
Worthy Outside Guard; S. C. Westbrook, Grand Worthy Messenger; J. A. Kennedy, Past Worthy Grand Chief
Templar.

LATER HISTORY OF GEORGIA GOOD TEMPLARY AND ITS RELA TION TO THE COLORED RACE.
The following is taken from a sketch of the history of Good Ternplary in Georgia, prepared by the Grand Secretary

632

TKMPKRANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

J. G-. Thrower. The article reached the author after the foregoing history had been collated from the Grand Lodge Journal and other sources, and was too late to be used in the first part of the sketch.
"At the West Point session of the Georgia Grand Lodge, held two years later, iSyl"', additional action was taken on the colored question, as follows:
" WHKRKAS, '["ho Right Worthy Grand Lodge passed the following amend ment to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge Constitution at its twenty-first annual ses sion, which reads as follows, and shall be inserted after the first sentence of Article I:
" ' SECTION III. Kxcept the assent be obtained, or upon petition of any Grand Lodge, charters for one or more Grand Lodges, or for one or more subordinate lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, may be granted, covering a part or the whole of the territory embraced by the charter of &ueh existing Grand Lodge; therefore, be it
" ' Kesolvi'tl, That hereafter the Grand Lodge of Georgia will grant charters to worthy colored persons upon the.: following conditions, viz.: First. That the charters granted to the colored people shall be separate tmd distinct from the whites, and that the colored lodges organized shall not have representation in the white Grand Lodge.
" ' Second. That when the colored lodges in this State shall be sufficient in number to entitle them to a Grand Lodge charter, consent will be given to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge for the institution of a colored Grand Lodge.
" 'Third. That while in the past we have devoted our time and our energies to the carrying out in good faith the action of the Madison session of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, in spreading the truths of temperance among the colored people, in a separate order for them, as proposed by Joseph Malms, Grand Worthy Ghief Templar of England, in the establishment and introduction of the United Order of True Reformers to the extent of the organisation of a Grand Fountain that now has a membership of over five thousand in this State, besides introducing this order into the States of Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, Virginia, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and the District of Columbia, three of the above named States having Grand Fountains, all being established under the supervision and through the direct influence of this Grand Lodge and her membership; in conformity \vUh the above voluntary action, \ve will use our influence to induce the Grand and Subordinate Fountains to accept the Independent Order of Good Templars, in lieu of the United Order of True Reformers; we further pledging ourselves to aid them, in all things consistent with honor, in the establishment of the order of Templary among their people.'
"On Dec. 25, following the above action, representatives from working Foun tains of True Reformers met in Atlanta, each bearing petitions from their respective membership, to be organized into a Grand Lodge of Good Templars, as follows:
" Pioneer, No. i; Eureka, No. 49; Vanguard, No. 51; Pledger, No. 52: St. James, No. 24; Star of the South, No. TO; Monticello, No. 15: Salem, No. 37:

623

St. Clair, :\T o. 35; Light of Jericho, No. 41; Silver Star, No. 20; SUr of Bethle

hem, No. 53; Magnolia, No. 34; Harmony, No. 23; Thankful, No. 30; Peek,

No. 23; Banner of Light, No. 17; Hightower, No. 2; Stokes, No. 35; F.manuel,

No. 57; Thrower, No. 18.

"The writer holding a commission from the Right Worthy Grand Lodge,

instituted this the first Grand Lodge composed of colored people-- Georgia of all

the States taking the lead in the introdueticm of temperance among the colored

people.

while this CJ 1 Lodg- prospe id and be

jrftil until i

could not go into the parlor (white lodges), etc.; and while the man failed hi carry ing over tliis splendid Grand Lodge, he did succeed in creating: dissensions and dis satisfaction to such an extent as to discourage [he membership, and I5n:il1y the Grand Lodge ceased to exist.
"Throug-h the efforts of the grand Lodge of Georgia a Dual Grand Lodge, in December, iSSG, \vas ayain instituted, sixteen subordinate lodges being organized
Grand Worthy Chief Templar, followed by U. G. Everett, Rev. G. A. .N"ummH J. G. Thrower, Rev. P. A. JVssup, lion. j. H. Polhill, Rev. J. J-i. J lawthorne a; Hon. D. G. Oliver, thy present ioirumbent.
"The order, up (o date, has, in the State, instituted 647 lodges. Into the lodges KJ4,ooo members have been initialed.
UK ORLJF.I;
asking the Legislature to adopt it. "It was to the Oi-der, that Mother Stewart of Ohio applied for assistance to
organize the Woman's Ghristian Temperance Union. At the invitation of mem bers of the order that lady came to Atlanta, and as their guest, instituted the nrsl.

624

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1 873-87.

third at which the wealth and intellect of the city were present, electing' officers and adopting plans for conducting the most notable temperance campaign recorded in history.
"The last meeting of the Orand Lodge was held in Augusta, July 27-39. It was while attending that meeting that Rev. Or. Hawthorne, its presiding officer, delivered his notable speech, that brought down upon his devoted head so much censure, but which, by the way, stirred up the people as they were never stirred before.
"The order is still in a very heaJthy condition, notwithstanding, many of the lodges in prohibition towns and cities have ceased to work, the membership feeling that the object of the order had been accomplished in Lhose places at least; and for that reason the lodges had been allowed to go down. The present officers of the Grand Ixxige are: TX C. Oliver, Grand Chief Templar: L,. I?, 1'adgett, Grand .Counselor; Airs. Rosa Ridley. Grand Vice- Templar; J. G. Thrower, Grand Secretary; Miss T.. Clover, Assistant Grand Secretary; Rev. I,. R. Gwaltney, Grand Treasurer; J. J. Keith, C. S. J. T.; M. Tl. Cutter, Grand Chaplain; C. J. Skinner, Grand Marshal; C. T. Honikcr, Grand Guard; J, I?. Wynne, Grand Sen tinel; Miss I.ula Veal, Deputy Grand Marshal; J. R. Smith, Grand Messenger.
Thus far the later Good Templar history in Georgia, as detailed by Grand Secretary Thrower.
But it is now time to turn to another order which grew out of the "Negro question," an order to which frequent allusions have been made, and which, during the few years of its life in Georgia, made rapid strides.

THE UXITRU FRIENDS OF TEMPERANCE.
"I pledge my sacred honor that 1 will not use intoxicating liqnors as a bever age, nor manufacture them, nor traffic in them; that I will not provide them as articles of entertainment, nor for persons in my employment; and that I will, in all suitable ways, discountenance their use and manufacture throughout the com munity."

This order grew out of the new phases presented by the changed relations of the former slaves after the civil war. in Virginia, in the autumn of 1865, at Petersburg, was organ ized a temperance order, which received the name of "The Friends of Temperance." it was thought that a new order was necessary to meet the additional evils of intemperance which war had brought on. The existing orders wereallied with certain features, cither of the colored question, or con nected with, and cnntr<jl't'd by, those who, but a few months before, had bcc-n engaged in a deadly struggle with the

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

625

South. So a re-establishment of those orders was not sought.
The pledge of the Order was total abstinence Irom in toxicants. It was confined to a white membership, a separate order, the Sons of the Soil, being organized for the colored. Under this name the Order of Friends of Temperance has made but little headway in Georgia. But the United Friends of Temperance were of later growth, and Georgia was a chief field of operation for them.

THE UNITED FRIENDS OF TEMPERANCE,
as the name implies, had for an object the combining of the various temperance orders of the South into a single body, which might thus be more effective. Exactly the relation which its members should sustain to the other orders with which they were connected, was not clearly defined. The circular which called the prominent temperance leaders to a council at Chattanooga, Tenn., was issued in October, 1871. This was shortly after the action of the National Division Sons of Temperance at Boston, which had given so much offence to the South on account of its deliverance in regard to the admission of negroes. This action was, perhaps, a precipitating cause of all the trouble. The circular gave as its purpose the "securing in the future united action and a concentration of effort by all friends of temperance, in what ever manner might be deemed most practicable."
Representatives from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Kentucky, hearkened to the call and met in Chattanooga. J. A. Jefferson, of Virginia, was made President; J. J. Hickman, of Kentucky, and Dr. S. M. Angell, of Louisiana, Vice-Presidents; and W. E. H. Searcy, of Georgia, Secre tary.
This organization was called the "Council of Temper ance," and it was determined that its sessions should be annual. The new "Council" published as the objects of the Order: ''To present a united front to the enemy; to harmonize the
40

020

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

temperance people of all Orders ; to deliberate and decide upon the most effectual agencies for the dissemination of correct temperance principles; to counteract the evil influ ences of inconsiderate temperance advocates, and repel all connection of temperance orders with denominations and political parties." It was furthermore declared that in all Orders the State body should be supreme in its own territory ; the national only having control of the passwords and pri vate work, while its efforts should be in missionary labors. The temperance orders represented in this first meeting were: The Sons of Temperance, the Good Templars, the Friends of Temperance, the Temple of Honor, and the Knights of Jericho.
The Council held its second session at Chattanooga, July 4, 1872. The condition ol the various component Orders represented in the Council is spoken of as most encouraging. Thus far the body had rather the form of a convention of distinct bodies, than any organic union. From this Council a report or communication was sent to the various temper ance organizations of the Southern States. It represented the difficulties attending the scattered nature of temperance work under the auspices of different heads or directories ; it represented the great advantages which would accrue to the work by consolidation of effort, and the union of all exist ing Orders ; the only basis suggested for the Union is that of total abstinence and with a ivhite membership. A conven tion of representatives from the various temperance orders was called at Chattanooga, Nov. 27, 1872, to consider the question of union.
At this November meeting certain "Articles of Union" were drawn up, adopted, and ordered to be sent to the various temperance organizations for adoption ; the Orders which adopted, being requested to send delegates to an adjourned meeting to be held Jan. 22, 1873.
At the January meeting, these Articles of Union were taken up severally, discussed and adopted, after certain amendments.

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

627

"ARTICI-Ea 01- LMO.V."
"AiiTiCLE I. Tlie Order shall be known as 'The United Friends of Temper ance,' and its several grades shall be constituted UK follows:
"AKT. II. A subordinate department or council, which shall consist of (a) THK COUNCIL or TSMI-'ERANCK (b) Tin; COFNCIL OK FKIKNDBILU'.
"The general business affairs of the subordinate council sha^l be transacted in the Council of Temperance, and membership in good standing therein shall be requisite to admission to, and continued membership in, the Council of Friendship. The cultivation of the social and fraternal relations of the members shall be made a prominent feature, and all business matters relating to such objects or institutions of a charitable, benevolent, or educational character, that maybe authorized by the supreme or State bodies, shall be transacted in the Council of Friendship.
"ART. ill. A State or Grand Council, to be composed of representatives from the several subordinate councils.
"AKT. 1 V, A .supreme council, which shall be composed of representatives from the Stale or Grand Councils.
"To the supreme council belongs the power to establish and publish a uniform ntuaf and control the private work of the order, and to iix and determine the regulations and usages appertaining thereto, lo extend the order into States or Territories where no Grand Council exists, and to enforce obedience to these Arti cles of Union. A1J other powers shall be vested absolutely and unconditionally, in the Grand Councils entitled to representation in the supreme council.
"Ali-r. V. Membership shall be confined exclusively and unalterably to -ufiite ficrxuns, active and associate. Females constitute the class of associate members, and they shall be entitled to all the privileges of the Order.
"ART. VI. Provides for the titles of the offices in the several grades. "The following declaration of principles proclaimed:

and political controversies permitted, within the Order. 'Neither legislative prohibition, nor any other form of interposition by State
or mi.inicip.-il government, shall be invoked as auxiliary to this Order. Moral sua sion, as distinguished from any form of coercion, shall be its sole means of promo ting temperance.
'The founding- of inebriate usyhims for the care of intemperance belongs necessarily to the great temperance reform."
Messrs. Currey, Searcy and Simmotis were appointed a committee to prepare a ritual and the private \vork of the Order, and report the same at the next meeting1 to be held in July.
The supreme officers were chosen as follows : Most Worthy Primate, Isaac Lytton ; Most Worthy Associate, Rev. W. P. Harrison, D. D.; Most Worthy Scribe, W. K. H. Searcy ; Most Worthy Treasurer, Joseph R. Anderson ; Most Worthy Chaplain, Rev. D. M. Breaker; Most

628

TEMPERANCE O KCiA.V 17,ATK) XS. iS/J-S".

Worthy Conductor, Rev. J. M. Boon ; Most Worthy Senti nel, M. J. Gofer.
Thus from a convention of representatives grew another temperance order, with ritual, constitution, etc.
The Third session of the Supreme Council was held at Chattanooga July 20, 1873 ; representation full, notwith standing the presence of cholera in the city, the prospects of the new Order seemed very bright. The ritual, private work, etc., prepared by the committee were submitted, and adopted.
The Louisiana delegates announced that a mutual benefit degree had been established by their Grand Council, and had been duly incorporated by the Legislature as the Benevolent -Degree of the United Friends.
The Supreme Council seemed to be captured by the mutual benefit scheme, and recommended the adoption of the Degree.
The supreme officers were now elected for two years : Most Worthy Primate, John Mo flat, Tennessee ; Most Worth y Associate, \V. E. H. Searcy, Georgia : Most. Worthy Scribe, W. Bryce Thompson, Tennessee ; Most Worthy Treasurer, J. "H. Campbell, Arkansas ; Most WorthyChaplain, James \~ounge. Texas ; Most \Vorthy Conductor, J. M. Boon, Mississippi ; Most Worthy Sentinel, W. W. McOarrity, Louisiana.
Adjourned to meet in New Orleans in March, 1874. When this--the Fourth--session of the Supreme Council convened, it was found that very fine progress had been made. The "Friends of Temperance " in Texas, and the Grand Councils of the "Temperance Reform" in Arkansas and Northern Louisiana, had united with our new Order. Grand Councils had been instituted in Kentucky*, Alabama, and Illinois, making ten Grand Councils in all, having in their jurisdiction about 900 Subordinate Councils and 50,000 members. At the New Orleans session the Benevolent Degree was thoroughly elaborated, and the charge of it committed to the Supreme Council.. Brethren Moffat and Younge were

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1 873-87.

629

intrusted with the sole prerogative of instituting councils in this degree.
Some changes as to regalia for the Second Degree 'were instituted, and a motto was adopted, representing the three degrees of the Order, viz.: " Temperance, Friendship), and Benevolence/'
The Fifth session of the Supreme Council was held in Nashville in May, 1875, although Paducah, Ky., had been formerly selected as the meeting place.
A steady increase in membership was reported. The new ofScers chosen at this term were : Most Worthy Primate, James Vounge, of Texas ; Most Worthy Associate, G\ RTaylor, of Tennessee ; Most Worthy Scribe, isaac Lytton, of Tennessee ; Most Worthy Treasurer, Anson Nelson, of Ten nessee ; Most Worthy Chaplain, J. A. Cornish, of Missouri ; Most Worthy Conductor, J. Shclby Harris* of Mississippi ; Most Worthy Sentinel, T. J. Oliphant, of Arkansas.
At this session the words " Most Worthy " were dropped from the council officers' titles, and " Supreme " inserted in lieu.
Of the four monthly meetings of a Subordinate Council three are for work in the Council of Temperance, and one for work in the Council of Friendship. Those elected to membership in the Council of Temperance may be advanced to the Council of Friendship without further balloting. The officers, ceremonies, and business of the two degrees are entirely different.
The Benevolent Degree is the pride ol the Order. The amount to be paid to the family of the beneficiary is limited to $5,000, paid in assessments oJ 20, 30 and 50 cents upon the members. The motto of the Order, which the Benevolent Degree in part illustrates, is ?f?^w%?zrf, -^rzf/^fA;^ A/zdf

Thus far the general history of the United Friends of Temperance, which has been compiled chiefly from the sketch of the order given by Isaac Lytton, Past Most Worthy Primate/
* See " Centennial Temperance Volume," pp. 740-48.

630

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 18/3-87.

There was much of independence in the Grand or State Councils of the Order, more than was found in most other organizations intended to have a national character and universal work. As we have seen, it was resolved from the first that the business of the Supreme Council should be limited to the control of the private work of the Order, sending- out the passwords, missionary operations, etc.; but the Grand Councils regulated all the work in their several jurisdictions. Thus the Constitution of the Grand Council of Georgia provides that its membership shall consist of those elected by the local councils for the term of one year, beginning- with the first day of October; its jurisdiction " shall embrace all local councils that may be chartered in this State, and shall be supreme in all the powers of the Order." All decisions made in any Subordinate Council as to constitutionality and authority were appealable to the Grand Primate, and his decisions might be appealed from to the Grand Council, whose decision was final. The local councils could only use the ritual prescribed by the Grand Council, but this ritual was " not a part of the law of the Order," and might be dispensed with in whole or in part, at the option of the several local councils. The Grand Council might prescribe a uniform local constitution. Each Su bordinate Council was entitled to one representative in the Grand Council, ' and one additional for each hundred members."
Article V of the Grand Council Constitution (of Georgia) proclaimed as cardinal maxims of the Order:
" Exclusive white membership. No sectarian or partisan discussions or dis criminations in the Order No appeal to government, prohibition, or other formal force. Instruction and persuasion the only legitimate agencies for propagating temperance. The membership obligation of the pledge and degree with lifetime pledge for special purposes, The inalienable supremacy of the Grand Council, No local council violating either of these shall hold a charter from this council, nor shall this council or its subordinates fraternize with any council within or without the State, that shall offend against the same."
An amendment to the Grand Council Constitution must be read and passed by a two-thirds vote by ballot on two several clays before becoming operative.

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-8/1

631

Elections to membership in a Subordinate Council \vere always by ballot, and any white person over twelve years of age was eligible ; four negative votes were necessary to reject an application for initiation. Klection, initiation and signing the constitution constituted one a member. The law of the pledge permitted no member to " make, buy, sell, use or furnish to others to be used as a beverage, any spirituous, malt, or other alcoholic liquors."
The initiation fees of the Georgia Subordinate Councils was fixed at $1.00 for males and 50 cents for females, and dues of ten cents per quarter were exacted from each member, with out payment of which no member could either vote, or sit in council, arid failure to pay for a whole quarter was pun ished by suspension.
In 1875 a revision of the Grand Council's by-laws was made, and among- other innovations the holding of district and county conventions was provided for; a deputy for each county was also to be appointed. This deputy was to visit the councils In his jurisdiction and aid their "work; he was to organize new councils and instruct them in the work ; he was to " especially impress the Council Deputy and Re cording Scribe with the importance of having the quarterly returns promptly and correctly made out at the beginning of each quarter, and with the per capita tax of ten cents upon each member over the age of fifteen years, and of for warding the same to the Grand Scribe."
The revenue of the Grand Council was to be derived from the sale of supplies of rituals, odes, clearance cards, etc., from missionary contributions, and from a per capita tax of ten cents from each member over fifteen years of a-ge. It also received ten dollars for each charter and accompanying supplies to a Subordinate Council, and five dollars for sup plies to a Degree Council,
In the Georgia Grand Council in 1874, a supplement was added to the initiation of male candidates, in which a death scene was incorporated, for the sake of making- more impressive the sacredness of the total abstinence obligation.

632

TEMPERANCE ORGANISATIONS, 1873-87.

THE QUESTION FROM THE UNITED FRIENDS OF TEMPERANCE
STANDPOINT.
Much has already been given of the agitation in the Good Templar Order which came near bringing- about the secession of the Grand Lodge of Georgia from the Right \Vorthy Grand Lodge.
It remains to give some account of the motives actua ting- temperance men in the formation of the Order of U. F. of T. For this purpose the author has been favored with several documents sent him by Mr. W. E. H. Searcy, and by Col. C. F. Cra\vford, both of whom were leaders in the movement which established the United Friends of Tem perance Order. From a sketch of the " Rise and Prog ress" of the Order, by Mr. Searcy, we extract such parts as may be necessary to bring out the facts of the history.
" Kvery temperance order in this United States was founded upon the monarchical form of government; that is to say, the Jura Summi imperil, or rights of supreme authority or sovereignty, were vested absolutely in a national head. The Sons of Temperance had their National Division ; the Independent Order of Good Templars, its Right Worthy Grand Lodge ; the Templars of Honor and Temperance, its'Supreme Council; the Friends of Temperance of Virginia, its Supreme Council, and so on through the whole catalogue of Orders. All these supreme- bodies made constitutions not only for the State grand bodies, but even for the subordinate bodies scattered throughout the counties in the States. And neither the State bodies nor the Subordinate bodies could, in any wise, what-

" To show how this worked, we will give an illustration from the Order of Good Templars. The Grand Lodge of Georgia at its Macon session changed the terms of officers for Subordinate Lodges from three months to six months, provided the assent of the Right Worthy Grand Chief Templar could be obtained. The Right Worthy Grand Templar answered in the following letter, that he had

the Right Worthy Grand Lodge. Here follows the letter: "'This plan of government grew to be very distasteful to the temperance
people of the South ; and from every State the mutterings of discontent could be

called to take action in the matter The call issued from the State of Tennessee, and was answered by the assemblage of a large and respectable convention. This assembled in 1871 at Chattanooga, Tennessee. There were present 14 Sons of Temperance, 13 Good Templars, 2 Templars of Honor and Temperance, and 4 Friends of Temperance. Among these we may mention J. J. Hickman and Tiro Needham of Kentucky, J. A. Jefferson of Virginia, Isaac Lytton, J. H. Curry,

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-8.7.

633

W. B. Thompson and M. J. Cofcr of Tennessee, Mott of South Carolina, and Sweet and the writer from Georgia, besides many others from other Stares. These

" 'II. The leading- temperance orders in the South, the Independent order of Good Templars and the Sons of Temperance, admitted to the social circle of the Order in the greater parts of their jurisdictions, persons of color known as negroes

lions, and in framing laws. Their wives also would be :
had already taken place, verifying the position taken. The last two sessions of the Good Templar Head Body has had negroes in attendance as members ; and at one of the sessions, a. negro served with a white woman upon a committee. Georgia Good Templars winked at this social equality of races, having not the moral courage to repudiate and spurn it, as their co-laborers and brethren had done a short time before. And the Sons of Temperance installed a negro into the office
before they could enter the social supreme council where the sovereignty of the Order resided.
' ' This negro question became troublesome, and (.o avert its calamities another convention was held at Chattanooga, Tennessee, on July 4, 1872, it being the second great Southern Temperance Convention. At this session Hon. J. J. Ilick-

5 an address to all
" Delegates assembling under this call formed the United Friends of Temper ance on that day and year, on the white basis ; and to keep that question forever
shall ever become members of the Order, no matter where it extends. "So it is truly a while man's Order, and in this particular meets the wishes of
every true son of the South. "Justice demands that we stale at the close of this section, that the Friends of
Temperance of Virginia and North Carolina, the next most prominent order in the South, were free from this objection--their order being a white man's order.
"III. The orders differed as to the duration of time for which the pledge should be administered to applicants for membership, and this occasioned disputes

634

TKMPERANCH ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

"The Good Templars pledge for life, whether the order exists or not, and so do the Templars of Honor and Temperance; the Sons of Temperance, the Friends of Temperance, the Knights of Jericho, and others, pledged during membership in the order.

selves. One party, led by Col. C. I'. Crawford of Milledgeville, affirmed that the Good Templar pledge was binding only during membership in the Order, and another party, led by Dr. E. J. Kirkseey of Columbus, affirmed that it was for life. The parties tested their strength in Ma con at the Grand 1-ocige meeting in 1871, and the life-pledge party was victorious by but about three votes.
"Many temperance men saw the necessity of harmonizing these dissensions, that a united front might be presented to the enemy. They saw that it was more desirable to receive all the benefits that could arise from the labors of all the work-

If any had the will to labor, the opportunity should be afforded, and the way laid open. The United Friends of Temperance were originated to heal this wound, and well has it done it.
"The pledge is administered for life, or during membership, as each applicant chooses to take it. They assume either without persuasion, and of their own free will and aceord. Men of different shades of opinion may then labor' together, and yet each have his own opinions respected.

with politics, and actually marshaled their forces through the influence of their leaders, and nominated candidates for the offices of President and Vice-president of the United States in 1872.
"This coming movement was distasteful to the Southern temperance people, as it is not the custom here to combat social evils through the ballot box, to the

yoke of bondage and oppression. The Southern Temperance Convention at Chat tanooga in 1871, declared one of its leading objects to be : 'To repel all connection of temperance with denominational controversies and political parties !'
"The United Friends of Temperance was originated to counteract this move-

basis of union, declares: 'That lire Order shall have no connection with political parties ; nor (shall) denominational controversies be countenanced in the work.'
"We do not oppose the enactment of prohibitory laws, or what is called local

when he joins the Order, and we keep the promise. "V. There were so many temperance orders in existence, such a multiplicity of
agents employed to secure a common end that the great Southern Temperance Con vention of July, 1872, presided over by Hon. J. J. Ilickman of Kentucky, passed
est good will be secured, and the most rapid growth of temperance sentiment and habit among the people be secured, by such a concentration of feeling and effort as can only be attained by an actual consolidation of all existing temperance

f

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 18/3-87.

63%

"A. committee was appointed to invite all orders to meet in couvcnt-km at Chat tanooga, Term., Nov. 27, 1873, and unite such as wished, in a uuiled order. The United Friends of Temperance is the result of that meeting-, and is, therefore, ta a great extent, the realization of the temperance man's dream of a united order-
" The five causes enumerated forced the establishment of a new .State RigbLs, White Man's Temperance Order, in which all true friends of temperance might unite fnr the quicker triumph of temperance principles. This we have complete in all its parts, and in every principle, in the order of THF, UNITED FRIENDS 01TEMPERANCE."

Mr. Scarcy next proceeds to give a resume of the Order's subsequent history.
The resolution to form a new order, he says, was taken at the July (1872) convention. A copy of the address issued to temperance orders throughout the country is given. This is found in the "Centennial Temperance Volume,"i and need not be inserted here. The following- was also adopted :

" Resolved, That we are rejoiced to learn that there is now being prepared ;>

temperance organization for colored people exclusively, and hereby indorse the

move as eminently wise, and pledge to it a hearty moral support.

Fraternally,

-S. M. ANCEL/I.,

"1

I). W. BKKAKER,

|

A. S. KI.I.IOTT,

;- Committee MI Address."

TAMKS (i. TirRo\VEK., i

.

"M. J. OH.-EK,

}

Of course the organization referred to above is the True Reformers, the order prepared for the colored people in accordance with the Malms resolution at Madison, Wiscon sin, in the preceding May. The attitude of the Southern people to temperance organizations for the colored people is here given in brief, viz.: Steadfast opposition to a mixed order, hearty approval of a separate order.
We will follow Mr. Searc}- again :

" While the leading- .Southern temperance men were meeting-at Chattanooga to try to avert the impending storms, their various State and subordinate bodies

especially this was true. The Grand Lodge of Georg-ia declared the Good TempJar Order a white man's order, and th.it it should be free from political associa tions, right in the face of the laws of the Order, and the practice of the Order, and the official decisions of the Order, that there \vas no difference between black men and white men, and, too, when Hickmaii ami Thrower, and Searcy and Cofer, and others, were inviting; the Good Templars to Chattanooga to form u white man's
1 pp. 742-3-

636

TEMPERAKCK ORGANIZATIONS. 18/3-87.

lemperance order. Some were opposed to this hobnobbing to social equality

of Georgia and the foul head of the order. This would have left Georgia intact, independent, and prosperous; but there was an opposing party that believed that negroes could never enter the Order in Georgia, and would never go to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, the head of the Order; and hence we had to go

States chose to admit them. "At the Rome session of the Grand Lodge of Georgia the parties met in com
bat. After a running tight for two days, the union party mumphecl. The seces sion party quieted down and made no breach in the Order. The Union parly amended the Constitution of Georgia Grand Lodge contrary to law and their own

bership. John Russell's letter, already given, shows the illegality of this action plainly and authoritatively, as he was the head law officer of the whole Order.
"At the same session the pledge parties were also engaged in battle, and though we were oil the side of the life membership, we could but admire the noble, calm, and unwavering stand of the opposition again led by Col. C. 1'.

so the life membership feature triumphed again. "Soon after the adjournment of the Grand Lodge, the MillcdgeviUe and
other lodges, dissatisfied with the principles of the ' Independent order of Good Templars,' to which they were attached, disconnected themselves from thai organ ization, and issued a call for all temperance men in Georgia willing- to unite in

address to ihe Council of Temperance, which was to convene in Chattanooga, Nov. 27, and forwarded the same by W. K. IL Searcy to that body. The Con-

an exclusively white man's temperance order. A 'basis of i upon which all temperance men could unite.
"This 'basis of union' insured a strictly temperance pledge--abstinence

white persons into its circle, and leaves the duration of the pledge to the candi dates who are to assume it, and forever prohibits sectarian or political discussions in the Order.
"\V. 1-:. II. Searcy arrived in Atlanta with this basis of union in time for the Convention of Nov. 29, and after consultation of all interested parties it was decided to organise at once the General Council of Georgia upon the Chattanooga Basis of Union. Col. C. P. Grawford drew up, and the parties whose names are attached, authorized their signatures to the paper following, which is the docu ment giving our Order identity and shape in Georgia.
rUotTMKNT No. i.]

TEMPERANCE ORGANISATIONS. 1873-87.

637

proposed by the Council of Temperance, at Chattanooga, on thy syth insi., pledge

our earnest support to the new move for consolidation of existing orders of Tem

perance in Georgia, and resolve ourselves into a Grand Council of Temperance for

the Slate of Georgia for ourselves and those whom we represent in this behalf.

E. M. Pendletoii, \V. W. Wadsworth, \V. P. Ilarrison, \V. A. Parka, NY. W.

Hicks, \V. IV. Oslin. C. P. Crawford, \V. F. Cook, C, A. Evans. Jno. \V. Murke;

W, E. H. Searcy, S. E. Whitaker, D. B. Searcy, C. H. Johnson, A. J. Jarrell, John

W. Heiclt, John Bean, J. W. Simmons, "D. J. My?ick, J. W. Stipe and I). U An-

derson.'

"After this document was signed, the new Grand Council of Temperance was

called to meet in the reading room of the Ivimball House for org-a.nizat.ion.

"The body was organised by calling C. P. Craw Corel to the chair; \V. E. H.

Searcy was requested lo act as secretary. Laws were adopted, an address issued,

and a temporary organization perfected, with Dr. \V. P. Harrison of Atlanta as

Grand Primate, and W. E. H. Searcy as Grand Scribe. No other officers were

elected. The Grand Council adjourned to meet in Macon, Ga., Jan. 8, J373, when

the offices should be vacated, laws abrogated, and a permanent organization entire,

effected.

*

"During the month of December and up to Jan. 8, many lodges were added

to the new Order, and its future seemed lo be clear and bright."

The Council, met on the 8th of January, 1873, Dr. W. P. Harrison in the chair.

"Dr. Harrison explained* the object of the meeting in a clear and explicit man ner; but ihe^ body had much difficulty in prsra.ii.ii-.jng. At last, however, 'o effect this end, the following resolutions introduced by W. 3. 11. Searcy, wete adopted.
" A'esoivsct, That the members of the Temperance Union (the name the new Order had assumed temporarily) and those who sign the articles of union at the present meeting, with the duly elected delegates to the meeting, be declared (-he members of this, body.
"/v.VW-.-'(V/, That provisional delegates be admitted to seats on the floor upon their assuming an obligation to keep secret all the proceedings of this body which

"The resolutions had a happy effect; and soon -the body was working in har mony, perfecting the machinery and advancing the interests of the new Order in Georgia.
"Under these resolutions the following gentlemen came forward and signed .Document i, previously signed by others at Atlanta on the 3Oth of November:
"J. (i. Hicks, J. L. Gibson, N. .1.. Wills, G. G. Smith, J. G. Parks, W. G. Parks, H. N". Hall, C, A. King-, F. 2N. Wilder, W. NV. Jordan, J. R. Glerm.
"The following were the provisional delegates who were permitted to remain upon the floor of the tlouse: J. G. Thrower, Or. Gray, 1.. S. Swecl flnd A. J'. Adams.
"Delegates from lodges and councils, and councils to which charters arcgranted :
' 'Colaparchee 1 -odgc, James Norris; Covington i ,odge, by fetter; Ealonton T.odge, W. C. Davis; Lenard I-odge, J. R. Glenn; Cedar Bower I,odge, F. Me-

638

TEMPERANCE ORGANISATIONS. 1873-87..

Carthy; Magnolia Lodge, H. N. Hallineld; E. S. Blakely Lodge, P. C. Hudson; Oslin Lodge, J. K. Bagiey; Milledgeville Lodge, T. T. Winsor, R. L. ITun(er; Forsyth Lodge, W. W. Jordan, I,. \Vinters; Montpelier Lodge, E. S. Vin-

son, I>. C. Brundage; Clinton Lodge, R. I L. Barrow; Perseverance Lodge, W. E. H. Searcy; Super Banner Lodge, by letter; Live Oak Lodge, by letter; Olym-

pia Lodge, by letter; Eastman Lodge, by letter; High Falls Lodge, by letter;

i ,adie

xlge.

cil, T. I-L Hall.

"Dr. \V. P. Harrison, Rev. J. \V. Simnions. and W. E. H. Searcy were elected delegates to the Supreme Council. New laws were made, and new officers chosen.
" Grand Worthy Primate, Dr. W. P. Harrison ; Grand Worthy Associate, Or. E. M. Pendleton ; Grand Worthy Conductor, Rev. W. G. Parks ; Grand Scribe, W. E. IT. Searcy ; Grand Treasurer, J. W. Simmons ; Grand Chaplain, W W. Wadsworth ; Grand Sentinel, F. McCarthy,

The prospect of the Order \vere very bright, though

thus far the council had no ritual, no laws, no odes, nor a

dollar in its treasury, and had not yet fixed upon a name (or

itself. Thus matters remained until the 27th of January, when

the Supreme Council met. This body could not agree upon

a ritual and postponed the matter until the next meeting", having" a committee to take charge of the matter. After

hours of discussion a name, United Friends of Temperance,

was finally agreed upon. Nothing but a name was reached

in this first meeting. Mr. Searcv and Col. Craw ford met in

Macon, and the latter agreed to \vrite a ritual for Georgia if

the former would print it. Both complied with the contract,

and thus the first ritual was prepared, which was used until the next meeting of the Supreme Council, when a ritual was

furnished.

In May .Dr. Harrison resigned his place as Primate, as

he was about to remove to Nashville, and Dr. E. M. Fendle-

toii was chosen chief officer. Dr. Harrison was very popular

with the membership of the new Order, and his resignation

was accepted with reluctance.

At this session the little band of Sons of Temperance

united with the new order in Georgia. By this addition

several well-known temperance workers were added to the

Friends. Among these were E. L. Neidlinger, J. B. G.

O'Neal, Edwin Smith, Messrs. Varnadoe, Clem, and Ousley.

A seal was adopted at this meeting and the tentative name

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

639

of the Order confirmed, C. P. Craw ford and C. R. Moore were elected delegates to the Supreme Council, and M. J. Cofer was made Grand Lecturer.

"After the adjourn

i of the body the Order, with the manly

aid of our efficient Grand Lecturer, red d a new momentum, which was totally

irresistible. New councils were added < very hand, and great prosperity dawned

upon us. Dr. Pendleton added his fai and worth to the cause, and did great

good for temperance. lie too is a Past Gr; nd Worthy Primate, around whom the affections of the Order are closely twined.

"In September the Executive Committee seeing that the Grand Worthy Chief

Templar of the Good Templars, J. W. H. Underwood, had denounced that Order

as a negro concern, and declared that self-respect would force them to abandon all

connection with the Supreme Head of the Order----sent C. P. Crawford, J. J. Jarrell,

M. J". Cofer, and W. E. H. Searcy, as ambassadors to the annual session of that

body at Augusta, praying that the two Orders be united at once on equitable terms,

and in the future present an undivided front to the common enemy. This proposi

tion was rejected by that body, and it decided to still continue its allegiance to its

social equality head--now twice condemned."

The Grand Council met in Macon in October. Prospects

were very encouraging. The officers elected were as follows :

C. P". Crawford, G. W. P. ; S. W. Parker, G. W. A.; F.

A. Branch, G. C. ; W. E. H. Searcy, G. S. ; W. W. Oslin, G.

T. ; J. B. G. O'Neal, G. C. ; E. A. Sullivan, G. S. ; M. J.

Cofer, State Lecturer.

Shortly after adjournment Grand Worthy Primate

Crawford issued an address to the Order, in \vhich he said :

" Since the 22d of January last, our Order has grown from nothing to its present proportions. In the old Confederate States, more than 100,000 true men and women wear our colors, and uphold our banner. Everywhere in the South our Order is hailed with delight ; as an unequaled benefaction ' to the manner born,' and peculiarly suited to the genius of our people. At its present and past rate of progress, it must, in a few years, overshadow our sunny land, bringing- its joy to every hamlet."
Col- Crawford proved himself a most efficient officer, and under his administration the Order flourished in an extraordinary manner.
In October, 1874, the Grand Council met in Griffin. Through the labors of Grand Lecturer Cofer chiefly, a great number of new councils had been added, though many others had helped in the organization of new councils. Of the forty-four new councils Cofer had organized twenty-two, or

640

TEMPERANCE OKGANI/.ATIONS. 1873-87.

just one-half; the sum total of councils in the State had now reached 244.
The following Grand Officers were chosen : G. W. P., Rev. W. A. Parks; G. W. A., Dr. D. N. Austin ; G. Chap., Rev. W, S. Ramsey ; G- Lecturer, Rev. M. J. Gofer; G. S., W. E. II. Searcy ; G. A. S., Miss Eudora Moore ; G. F., Miss Mollie McCaskill; G. C., E. A. Sullivan ; G. A. C., Miss Vir. ginia Williams; G. G., W. A. Hodges; G. S., J. C. Mans field; Past Worthy Grand Primates, Dr. W. P. Harrisou, Dr. E. M. Pendleton, Col. C. P. Crawford.
The new Grand Worthy Primate, Rev. W. A. Parks, had long been Bible agent, and in this capacity had become known to most communities in Georgia, a desideratum for a chief executive officer.
Such is the history of the organization and early labors of the United Friends of Temperance in Georgia* as furnished to the author by Mr. W. E. H. Searcy, the man of all men best qualified to write that history. As we have already noted, Mr. Searcy, along with Mr. A. S. Elliott, of Alabama, first propounded to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of Good Templars at its session in Madison, AVis., in 1872, the ques tions concerning the law, and the attitude of the Order in regard to the negro's relations to Good Templary. A Southerner in every fiber, warm-hearted, and honest, and firmly persuaded that the admission of the colored race into the Order would be ruinous to the cause, he was most active in organizing the new society, which most Southern men believed to be best adapted, under the peculiar status of the negro question, to promote the great cause of tem perance in the South.
Mr. Searcy spent money without stint, and gave his time and labors unsparingly to advance the cause. He, in 1870, commenced the publication of the first post bellum tem perance periodical, "The Watchman," of the South, and continued it for several years, at no small financial loss to himself- These facts were no* communicated by Mr. Searcy himself, but by others, who knew whereof they affirmed.

r

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 1873-87.

641

It is perhaps remarkable that in the great schism in the temperance ranks in Georgia no more of rancor was developed. That there were many heart-burnings where feelings so intense as those in the breast of every Southern man in regard to the negro question were touched upon, was but natural, yet the writer has been unable to find evidence of any of that bitter wrangling which usually results in such cases.
In Kngland, where the negro question was rather ab stract than concrete, the controversy raged with /ar more bitterness than in Georgia, where the very life of the cause seemed at stake. Here the conflict was treated as one of opinion, and whatever men may have thought of the -uiezus of their opponents, they generally conceded to them honesty of purpose and a sincere desire to promote the good of the cause.
The Order of United Friends of Temperance has ceased to exist in Georgia, and many of its former members are now working in the Good Templar ranks, and the grounds of the controversy having been removed, peace and harmony ev erywhere prevail. The controversy is now a matter of histary, and the effort has been made here to give a fair ac count of it from both sides, by one who has many dear friends in each Order, but who is himself a member of neither.

CHAPTER XLI.

TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. 1873-7.

''This heavy-headed revel, east and west,

Makes us traduc'cl and tfixecl of other nations ;

They clepe us drunkards, and with swinish phrase

Soil our addition."

--Ifa-nilet, rrince of Denmark

GAMING. 1873.
"By an act approved February 4, 1873, entitled, "An act to amend an act, entitled, 'An act to prevent gaming of any sort in any
retail liquor house, or shop, or room connected therewith.' "SKCTiON I. The General Assembly of the Stale of Georgia do enact, That from and after the passage of this acl, an act entitled, 'An act to prevent gaming of any sort in any retail liquor house, or shop, or room connected therewith, ap proved Aug. 20, 1872, be, and the same is hereby amended, by striking out the second section of said act, and by striking- out in the first section the words, 'per son or persons,' and inserting; in lieu thereof the words, 'minor or minors, with-

PUBLIC SCHOOL FUND.
"An act to provide a public school fund for the people of this State, and for other purposes therein named."
The first section of the above act, approved Feb. 19, 1873, reads as follows :
"SECTION I. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by authority of the same, That from and after the: passage of this act the public school fund of this State shall be raised as follows, to wit: All the poll tax which shall be levied and collected in this State, and all the tax on liquors, and on shows, and exhibitions, and such other means, or moneys, as now, by law, belong- to the school fund, one-half of the pro ceeds of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, and such other sums of money as the Legislature shall, from time to time, raise by taxation or otherwise, for that pur pose, shall constitute a fund which shall be nsed for the support of the public schools of this State."
642

TEMP1ZKANCE LEGISLATION. 1873-7,

643

February 24, 1875, was approved " An act to amend Sec tion 1424 of the Code of Georgia."
"SECTION J. -De it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, That Section 7423 of the Code of Georgia of rS73 in regard 'to selling or furnish ing- spirituous liquors to any intoxicated or drunken person,'be, and is hereby,

thereof, 'seller.'"
Also on same day was approved "An act to prevent the sale of spirituous liquors to minors, and for other purposes."
"SECTION I. Be it enacted by the Genial Assembly of the State of Georgia, - That no person, or persons, by himself or another, shall sell, or cause to be sold,
or furnished, or permit any other persons in his, or their, employ , to furnish any

ity from the parent or guardian, and such person, or persons, so offending-, shall, on conviction, be punished, as prescribed in Section 4310 of the Code of Georgia."
The law enacted in 1874, which made it a misdemeanor to sell spirituous or intoxicating- liquors within one mile of the State Lunatic Asylum, was so amended in 1875 as to make the distance two miles, but the incorporate limits of- Milledg^eville were not to be included.
SCHOOLS.
The sale of liquors was, by act of 1875, excluded from the respective districts, within two miles of Harmony Grove Academv, Jackson county ; the town of Canton, and Woodstock Academy, in Cherokee county ; penalty as per the Code of Georgia. A proviso was made for Woodstock Academy, allowing- liquor to be sold for medical purposes under a physician's certificate.
Prohibition -was also enacted for the area within two miles of Acworth High School, Cobb county ; penalty a fine not to exceed $T,OOO, or imprisonment in the chain gang for not more than twelve months, or both. The prohibitory act for Johnson Academy extended over a radius of three miles, yet not to include the corporate limits ol Wrig-htsville ; penalty not less than $100, nor more than ijj>r,ooo. No liquor could be sold within one mile of South River Academy, Newton county, without permission from the Trustees. For Rast Point Academy, Fulton county, tl^e prohibition radius

644

TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. 1873 /.

was two miles ; penalty not less than fe>ioo, nor more than $500. Physicians or druggists could not sell save in cases of sick ness or injury. But distillation could not be prevented on the part of owners of distilleries erected before the passage of the law. Tn default of payment of a Rue, the convicted was to be imprisoned not less than thirty, nor more than ninety days.
THE IXEUK1ATE ASYLUM.
It was " resolved " by this Legislature that " Rev. L.. Gwaltney, of Floyd; Drs. M. R. ^Hall, of Warren; J. G. Thomas, of Chatham; J. A. Slewart, of Rockdale; D. G. Rudisell, of Chattooga; 11. L. Battle, of Jefferson; W. L. Jones, of Crawford; C. D. Pitman, of Troup; T. II. Baker, of Bartow; T. TD. Mutchison, of Oglethorpe; J. T. Chappell, of Laurcns ; J. \V. Carter, of AVallon ; D. N. Austin and M. J. Green, of Houston ; Dr^ J. J. Hickman nnd W. G. Whidby, of Fulton, and Rev. W. A. Parks, of Newnan. be appointed a committee to report at the next session of this General Assembly through the Governor, upon the practi cability and utility of establishing an asylum for inebriates; provided said committee serve without compensation, and free of expense to the State/'

ACT OK 18/6.
In the " Act to levy a tax for the support of the govern ment for the year 1876, and to provide for the collection of taxes due the State, and for other purposes therein men tioned,'* we find the following among the specific taxes imposed :
"Upon all dealers in patent or intoxicating bitters, brandy, fruit, or utrer articles of like character, the sum of $25 for each place of business where such articles are sold."
GENERAL LAWS OF l8// DOMESTIC WINES.
An Act to make it not unlawful to sell by retail or otherwise any domestic wines by the manufacturers thereof in this State, and to exclude the same from the operations of the various license and penal laws of this State, and for other purposes therein mentioned. " SECTION %. ^?<? */ *j#r/f^ ^< /^f Cf.w%z/ ^j\,vAw^/y ty" /^t .S&i/f? !?/* (7<?,?r V<?.-

TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. 1873--7.
The act of 1875 for preventing- ~the sale of spirituous liquors to minors, was so amended that its caption read:
'' An act to prevent the sale of spirituous or intoxicating or malt liquors to minors, and for other purposes."
The first section of the act was also amended to this form :
" That no person, or persons, by himself or another, shall sell, or cause to be sold or furnished, or permit any other person, or persons, in his, her or their em ploy, to .scJl or furnish any minor or minors spirituous or intoxicating- or mail
on conviction, be punished as prescribed in Section 4310 of the Code of Georgia." THE GENKRAJ, TAX' ACT FOR iS//
imposed " Upon all dealers in intoxicating bitters or other articles of like character, the
sum of ^25 for each place of business where such articles are sold; Provided, this lii-i shall not relieve said dealers from any local tax or prohibitory law in reference
> the retail of spirituous or intoxicating- liquors, said tax to be paid to the tax ollectors of the several
' LI
THE MACON BREWING COM!'ANY
was chartered in 1877, with a capital of $35,000, and with the privilege of increasing this to $75,000, the shares to be valued at $100 each, and each share to be represented by one vote. The objects of the corporation were to be the "brewing* and manufacture of lager beer." The iticorporators were : J. C. Plant, W. P. G-oodell, T. J. Simmons, S. Waxcllbaum, J. H. Campbell, Jacob Russell and A. E. Seifert.

646

TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. 1873-7.

THE INTERNAL REVENUE.
Georgia has long entertained deep hostility to the interoal revenue system and this opposition has frequently voiced itself through the Legislature. Jn 1877, the following reso lutions as to these national enactments are found in the jour nal ot the Georgia General Assembly:
K1RST: AT.COKOT.TC 1,IQPORS.
"WHEREAS, Thcla.\vsof the United States for collecting revenue upon alco holic Honors are made to operate oppressively upon our people, iii that many of them are arraigned upon false accusations, subjected to expense, trouble, and mortiilcation, and, after acquittal, are left without adequate redress for these griev ances, while numbers of others are forced as witnesses, to travel great distances,

private interests; and, whereas, the net revenue nent from this source is but a meaner retu

and oppressive, and should no longer remain upon the statute book. AVjo/?/^/, That oi:r Senators and Representatives in Congress are requested to
".^Vjo/zvV, That a copy of this preamble, and these resolutions, be forwarded ch of the Senators aud Representatives from this State, in the Federal Con-
" Approved Feb. 26, rS??."
^KCOXI): 1JISTILLATIOX OF FRUIT.
"WHER.KAS, The internal revenue laws of the United States, in relation to license a.nd taxes upun the distillation of fruit, arc bearing heavily upon a poor, but worthy, class of our people, and estranging them from the government; and, whereas, the pay of officersconncctcd with the Internal Revenue Department, in relation thereto, is often more tlmn the tax collected and paid into ihe treasury of the United States, and therebv imposing an unjust burden upon our people, which is impolitic and unwise; therefore,
"AV^Av./, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representa tives in Congress requested, to urge upon the Congress of the United States to repeal, or modify, so much of the Internal Revenue laws of the United States as requires a license, or lax, upon the distillation of fruits.
"AVjo/?'^/, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted, by the Governor of this State, to our Senators and Representatives in Congress.
"Approved Feb. 26, 1877."
According to an act approved Feb. 26, 1877, a conven tion was called to meet in Atlanta on the second Wednesday of July, 1877. to revise the constitution of the State. The

TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. 18/3-7.

647

constitution as revised by this convention, was ratified by popular vote on the first Wednesday of the following De cember, and it still remains the fundamental law of Georgia.
No allusion to prohibitory, local option, or any other temperance laws, is made in this constitution. So Jar as this fundamental law was concerned, liquor legislation or, rather, the facilities for liquor legislation by future General Assem blies, was left where it was before. The time for the annual sessions was changed from the first months of the year to the last* as in ante bellutn days, and no session of the body was held until November, 1878.

COUXTIES.
During these years (1873--7) liquor legislation for coun ties occupied no small part of the time of the General Assem bly. This legislation, which is very voluminous even in the epitomized form into which the author collected it, affected under various provisions the counties of Washington, Jeffer son, Burke, Newton, Stewart, Jasper, Scriven, Barto\v, Dawsou, Richmond, Warren, Houston, Muscogee, Baker, Douglas, Lanrens, Johnson, Twiggs, Forsyth, Baldwin, Heard, Sumtcr, Harris, Talbot, Ghattahoochce, Troup, Mitchell, Grawford, Echols, Pulaski, Doclge, Terrell, Rmanuel, Lee, Pike, Monroe, Thomas, Dccatur, Lowndes, Butts, Milton, Camden, Floyd, Dade, Polk, Chattooga,, Whitfield, Walker, 1 lall, Gordon, Goweta, Garroll, Harralson, Murray, Paulding, Schley, Greene, Wilkes, Early, Mclntosh, Tatnall, Waync, Brooks, Tclfair, Montgomery, Gobb, Colum bia, Liberty, Marion, Rockdale, (Jglethorpc, Madison, Jack son, Putnam, Miller, Union, White, Wilcox, Emngham, Appling, and Glascock.
For most of the above named counties the Three-mile law was enacted. This statute required the written consent, in some of the counties, of all the voters, in others, of all the land owners ; and in others, of all the ^rj^r^ land-owners, female, as well as male, within three miles of the proposed place of sale. This consent was to be appended to the applicant's

648

TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. 1873-7.

petition for license to sell, and it usually resulted in the sup pression of the sale of liquors in the counties affected.
For a number of the counties provision was made to sub mit the question of the issuance of license to popular vote. For others heavy license fees were imposed upon the vending, and these fees amounted to prohibition, as no vender could afford to pay such sums. For "White and Wilcox counties, prohibition outright was established.
The Legislatures of these years also passed a great num ber of local acts, affecting several hundred towns, churches, factories and communities. These local acts j^VA^the State with prohibition localities. Indeed, no county in the State was left wholly unaffected by these local restrictive statutes/
i It hag been to the author a source of no little chagrin, that he ha? felt com pelled to omit from tM volume the complete summary of all the local liquor acts passed by the Legislature since the Civil War. He had collated these statutes with very great labor but their ?olumc is too great to be Introduced here.

CHAPTER XLII.
TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. 1877-87.
"Is man then, only for bis torment pJac'd The center of delights be may not taste ? Lip deep in what he longs for, and yet cnrs'd With prohibition, and perpetual thirst ? No, wrangler--destitute of shame and sense. The precept thai enjoins him abstinence, Forbids him none but the licentious joy* Whose fruit, though fair, tempts only to destroy
GENERAL LA\VS. SALE OF LIQUOR ON ELECTION DAYS FRO1IIHITED.
"An act to carry into effect Article 2, Section V, of the Constitution of this State* and prohibit the sale or distribution of intoxicating liquors on days of election," and to provide a punishment for the same. " SECTION I. -gf *J Mwr^t/ *y A4<? (%7wz/ v4j\w*a/y o/ A&* .Sfa^ a/" ^Mfg/a,
That from and after the passage of this act, any person who shall sell, give, or fur nish, any spirituous, intoxicating, or mall liquors, to any person, in any quantity wliatever, within two miles of any election precinct in this State, on days of elec tion, either State, county, or municipal, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as prescribed in Section 4310 of the Revised Code of 1873 ;j*fV3//a^(/, that nothing herein contained shall be construed to oper ate against prescriptions by physicians.
"Sec. II. .gf iV /u/V^r <rr!!ff/, That all laws, and parts of laws, in conflict with this act, be, and the same are herebv, repealed.
"Approved Oct. 16, 1870."
NAMES OF LIQUOR DEALERS REQUIRED TO TIE RETURNED.
"An act to require receivers and collectors of taxes in this State to return byname the dealers in spirituous, vinous, or malt liquors, or intoxicating bitters, and to give the amount of special tax paid by each dealer, or any person from whom a special tax has been received, and the date of said payments, and for other purposes. "SECTION I. Z/t<f GVwjva/ XjJvMH^/y ^ /A^ .%adf <?/ (?v%* t^t? ^w/V, That
from and after the passage of this act, the receivers of tax returns In this State 649

650

TEMPEKANCK LEGISLATION. 1877-87.

duty of the tax collectors in this State, in collecting the special tax that may be levied year after year on dealers in intoxicating bitters, or other articles of like char acter, and upon dealers in spirituous, vinous, and malt liquors, or any other person liable to special tax, to report the name of the person or firm paying said tax ; the amount paid, and the date of said payment, to the Comptroller General at the time of paying said special tax into the State Treasury.
"SEC. ITT. _/?=> it further enaeted. That it shall be the duty of the tax collector of each county in this Stale to lay before the grand jury, on the first day of the term of each court, a full statement of all special taxes received by him for the six months immediately preceding said report, and to state fully the date of said pay-
"SEC. IV. fie it further enacted, That the judges of the superior courts of this State shall give this law in. charge to the grand jury at each term of their respective courts,
"SKC. V. He it further enacted, That all laws, find parts of laws, in conflict with the provisions of this act be, and the same are hereby, repealed.
"Approved Oct. 20, 1879."
This act may be said to be the First law which directly connected the liquor traffic of Georgia with the State Gov ernment. Hitherto, with the liquor laws working through inferior courts, ordinaries, county commissioners, municipal authorities, and other instrumentalities, next to no data could be found in the Government archives, as to the minutise of the system throughout the State. A State tax, it is true, had long been imposed upon liquor dealers ; but names of dealers, dates of license, localities of vending, etc., were not fur nished to the State Government through the collectors or receivers of taxes. Henceforth the Comptroller-General's report begins to have value for the collector of statistics as to the liquor traffic.
GENERAL LAWS. l88o-8l.
The general tax act, approved Sept. 5, 1881, imposes
"Upon all dealers in spirituous or malt liquors and intoxicating- bitters, whether dealing in either or all thereof, the sum of five dollars for each place of business in each county where the same are sold; Provided, this tax shall not re lieve such dealers from any local tax or prohibitory law in reference to the retail of spirituous or intoxicating liquors, nor be required of those -who sell, by wholesale, spirits manufactured of apples, peaches, grapes or other fruits grown on their own

TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. (8/7-87.

651

lands, when sold in quantities not less than five gallons; said tax shall be for edu cational purposes."
The abo%7 e clause was repeated in the next appropria tion act (of Dec. 9, 1882) for the support of the Government and in the appropriation act of Dec. 22, 1884, was only amended,raising the amount of tax from twenty-five to fifty dollars, and with this proviso "after five gallons" inserted : "That nothing" in this act shall be so construed as to lew a tax on domestic wines manufactured from grapes grown on their own lands." '

SPECIAL TAX O>" LIQUOR DEA5.KRS.
"An act to provide for the collection of the special taxes imposed by ]aw on dealers in spirituous or malt liquors, or intoxicating bitters, and Cor other purposes.'-3
"SF.cTtoN I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly ,,f the State of Georgia, That from and after the rst day of April, 1882, each person or firm desiring to engage in the sale of spirituous or ma)t liquors, or intoxicating bitters, of in either, or all of them, in this State, shall before lie or they commence the sale of such spirituous or malt liquors, or intoxicating bitters, go before the Ordinary of the county in which he or they propose to sell said spirituous or malt liquors, or in toxicating bitters, and register his or their names, as such dealer.
"Sr:c. II. Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid. That as soon as the dealer has registered, as provided in Sec! ion I of this act, it shall be the duty of the Ordinary to notify the Comptroller^ ieneral of the State and the lax collector of his county of the fact that such person or the members of such linn, have registered his, or their, names, as a dealer in. spirituous or m.'*ll liquors, or in toxicating bitters.
"SKC. III. He il enacted by the aittho;i/y afmcsaid. That it shall be the duty of the Comptroller-General to keep in his office a book, to be kuo-n and styled as a register of 'liquor dealers.' And it shall be his duty, when notitied by the or dinary (as provided in Section fl of this act) of a person, or the members of such firm, registering for the purpose of engaging in the sale of spirituous or malt liquors, or intoxicating bitters, to enter the name of such person, or the members of such firm in said book, said entries to be made in places set aside in said book of registry for each county in this State.
"Sec. IV. /?<- it feti-iber e/itided by I.he aufhnrify aforesaid. That It shall be the duty of the tax collector, as soon as he is notified of the registering of a person, or the members of a firm, as a dealer in spirituous or malt liquors, or intoxicating

1 This clause, in the appropriation act of J>ec. 22, 1886, inserted after "intoxicating bitters," the words "or brandy, Fruits, or domestic wines,"and after the words "apples, peaches, grapes," the v/ord ''blackberries," Thus amended, it now stands in the general tax law of the State.
2 Approved Sept. 15, 1881.

652

TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. 18/7-87.

bitters, as provided in section second of this act ; to enter the name of said person or the members of such a firm, in a book to be known MS a county ' Register of Liquor Dealers. ' said book to be furnished the tax collector as hereinafter provided.
" SEC. V. Be it further enacted by the nut/unity aforesaid, That, whenever a person or the members of a firm register, as provided in section first of this act, it shall be the duty of such person, or members of such firm, to pay to the tax col lector of the county where such registry is made, the entire amount of the tax im posed for that year by the General Assembly in the General Tax Act, before commencing to do the business for which he or they registered.
" SKC. VI. Be it further i-nattcd by tht: milhtirilyafwsaid, That where a person or members of a firm register as a dealer in spirituous, or malt liquors, or intoxicat ing hitters, and fail or refuse to pay the tax, as provided in section fifth of this act, or where a person or members of a. lirni commence to sell spirituous, or malt liquors, or intoxicating bitters, without complying with the requirements of section first of this act, such person or members of such firm shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and it shall be the duty of Lhu tax collector to give information against such person or members of such firm, so violating the provisions of this act, to the Solicitor General of this circuit in which his county is located, and it shall be the duty of the Solicitor General to draw up a bill of indictment against snch person or members of such firm, and where there is a true bill found by the Grand Jury, he shall prosecute .such person or members of such firm so indicted. On conviction of the offender, or offenders, he or they shall be punished as prescribed in Section 4310 of the Code

" SRC. VII. /?t" ?j" yw/YAz-y //wfAf</ ^y /A^ /T/^/r*/y a/o/v^a/f/, That \vhenever a tax collector fails or refuses to give the Solicitor General the information provided in section sixth of (this) act, it shall be the duty of the Governor, upon proper proof being made before him of such failure or refusal bv the tax collector to give information to the Solicitor General, to order the Comptroller-GcneraJ to issueyf. /Y*. against such tax collector, and his bondsmen, for the amount of the tax which is due by the offender \vho has violated the provisions of this act, and against whom the tax collector 7ias failed or refused to inform.
" SEC. VIII, j?f // //- ^f/- ^far/ft/ J5y /^ a/^<wYy ff/^yyja/Y, That it shall be the duty of the Comptroller-General to furnish each ordinary and tax collector with a book upon which they shall enter the name of each person or members f a fjrm registering as a dealer in spirituous, or malt liquors, or intoxicating bitters. Tn the case of the ordinary, it shall be his duty in registering the same to give the name, place of business, and when registered. In case of the tax collector, it shall be his duty to enter the name of the person or members of a firm, registered with the ordinary, date when notified by the ordinary (as provided in Section second of ihis act), date of when tax was paid him, amount of tax paid, and date of remitting same to the Treasurer of the State.
"SRC. IX. ^"///MrA^-.WfZf&'^^/Af awA&p/V/y (T/^yrj/Md', That it shall be the duty of the tax collector to mnkc quarterly reports of the amounts collected from dealers in spirituous or malt liquors or intoxicating bitters to the ComptrollerGeneral, at the time and in the manner as provided in an act approved Oct. 16, 1879, entitled, 'An act to provide for the return of special (axes by the tax

, i-.MI'EKANCE LEGISLATION. 18/7-87.

ir lie authority a/,,,;,,: i,f. That the commis; to be the
by the act of Sept. 26, 1879, I'"
in

'- enarU'd I'y Hie authority afor ci to relieve those so rcgi i by the laws of the In
local tax or prohibitory law in reference to dealers in sp,: intoxicating bitters.
" Sr.c."xil. Be ,1 further nnctt.i In' the authority aforesaid. That it shall be ector lo lay before the grand juries of their
:,,, and it shall be the duty of the grand jury o:ie with the other, and, having made such in said books, or if they find there are
on such books, it shall be their duty to reto th.: Comptroller-General, and it shall be his duty, if the is found to he in favor of the Stale, to issue: fl. fa. against said for the amount so reported by the grand jury as being due the State,

registered, have failed to pay, it shall be their duty to

"Sue:. Kill. Jic it fuiUier iliet with this act be, and the sa
With slight is still of force.

, to be hereafter noted, this law

UNLICENSED DRUG OR APOTHECARY STORE, o amend Section 1408 of the Code of 1873, whi

by II,, Central Assembly of the State of Georgia, be, and the same is hereby, amended by
To be lined not less than $1.000, nor ,

6$4

TEH PEKAXCE LEGISLATION. 18/7-87.

and for a continuation after said conviction, to the like fine and imprisonment not exceeding- six months,' and inserting in lieu thereof the \vords, 'shall be punished as prescribed in Section 4310 of the Code of Georgia of 1873 ;' so that said Section 1408, as amended, shall read as follows, to \\il: ' Any person violating the pre ceding section is liable to indictment, and, on conviction, shall be punished as pre scribed in Section 4310 of the Code of Georgia of 1873. The onus of proof is upon the defendant Lo show his authority.' "
Section IT repeals conflicting laws.

EMPLOYING MINORS IN THE SALE OP LIQUORS.
'An act 1 to prohibit any person or persona keeping a barroom or other place, where spirituous liquors are sold by retail, to be drunk on the spot, from em ploying minors therein, and prescribe a penalty therefor.
"SECTION I. T/u- General Assembly of t/te Sttifi.- ,//" G^rg-in do /tody axicl, That from and after the passage of this act, it shall not be lawful for any person, or persons, keeping, or carrying on, either by himself or by another, a barroom, or Other place where spirituous liquors are sold by retail, u> be tArinik ort the spot, to employ any minor in such barroom or other place, and any one violating the pro-

shall be punished in one cr more of tne methods prescribed in Section 4310 of the Code of 1873."
Section II repeals conflicting" laws.

CARRYING LIQUORS TO PLACES OF DIVINE WORSHIP.
The act in reference to this offence prescribes as follows:
"SECTION I. Thai from and after the passage of this act, any person, or persons, \vho shall carry any intoxicating; liquors, except for medicinal, and \vine for sacramental, purposes, to any place in this State where people are assembled for divine worship, or for Sunday School, or for a Sunday School celebration, or day school celebrations, shall be guilty of a mis^e neanor, and, on conviction there of, shall be punished as provided for in Section -1310 of the Code of 1873."
GENERAL LAWS. 1882-3.
Section 809 (b) of the Code of 1882 was amended by substituting "January, 1884." in lieu of "April, 1882," so as to read as follows : 2
"From and after Jan. i, 1884, and annually thereafter, each person or firm desiring to engage in the sale of spirituous or malt liquors, or intoxicating bitters, or in cither, or all of them, in this Stale shall before he or they commence the sale of such spirituous or malt liquors or intoxicating hitters, go before the ordinary of the county in which he or they propose to sell said spirituous, or malt liquors, or in toxicating bitters, and register his, or their name*;, as such dealer."
1 Approved Sept. 12, 1881. 2 Approved Sept. 24. 1803.

TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. 1877-87.

655

RETAILING SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS WITHOUT LICENSE.
Section 4565 of the Code of 1882, was so amended by an act approved Sept. 27, 1883, as to read as follows :
"If any person shall keep a tippling shop, or sell without the license, and

gin, or whiskey, or other spirituous liquors, or any mixture of such liquors, in any house, booth, arbor, stall, or other place whatever, without license from the proper authority invested by law with power to issue license in said county, or without. license from the corporate authorities of any town or city, where by law authority to grant license is vested in the corporate authorities of such towns or cities, such persons so offending- shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction, shall be punished as prescribed in Section 4310 of this Code, provided, no person shall be liable to indictment in the Superior Court of this State fora violation of this section, when said person has been tried by the corporate authorities for the same offence."

drunkard. " SEC. II. Be it further enacted, That any person violating the provisions of
this act sha]l be guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof, shall be punished as prescribed in Section 4310 of the Code of 1882.
"Approved Sept. 26, 1883."
INTERNAL REVENUE.
The following preamble and resolutions of the General Assembly were approved by the Governor, Dec. 15, 1882:
" WHFRHAS, There exist in portions of this State much annoyance, injustice, and oppression, growing; out of enforcement of the Internal Revenue Laws; and,
" WHEREAS, On account of an Act of the Federal Congress allowing parties engaged in the revenue service to have cases growing: out of State laws removed to the Federal Courts, whereby violators of the law in a large number of cases escape merited punishment;
" Be it therefore Resolved by the General Assembly of Georgia, That our Sena tors and Representatives in the United States Congress are requested to use their
move or alleviate the annoyance and oppression that now afflict our people.

656
An act approved December 22, 1884, amended Section 1419 of the Code of 1882, so as to give to ordinaries and commissioners of roads and revenues the same discretion in granting or refusing license to sell in quantities less than one gallon, which they had had in granting" or refusing retail license. A s amended, the new section -was made to read :
tail or sell in any quantity less than one gallon lid application. 1 '
KEEPING GAMING HOUSES.
By an act approved October 16, 1885, Section'4538 of the Code of 1882, was thus amended :
"If any person shall by himself, servant, or agent, keep, have, use, or main tain a gaming-house or room, or shall in any house, place, or room occupied by any other valuable thing, at any game of faro, loo, brag, bluff, or any other game rent or let any house or room, with the view or expectation of the same being used for sifth purpose, such person so offending:, shall, on conviction, be punished as prescribed in Section 4310 of the Code."
GENERA!, LOCAL OPTION LAW. "An act to provide for preventing the evils of intemperance, by local option by any
county in this State, by submitting- the question of prohibiting- the sale of intoxicating liquors, to the qualified voters of such county; to provide penalties for its violation, and for other purposes. "SECTION i. The Genera I Assembly of the State of Georgia Jo enact, That upon application by petition, signed by one-tenth of '.he voters who are qualified to vote for members of the General Assembly, in any county in this State the ordinary shall order an election to be held at the places for holding elections for members of the

TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. 1 8/7--87.

657

General Assembly, to take place within forty days after the reception of such peti tion, to determine whether or not such spirituous liquors as arc mentioned in the sixth section of this act shall be sold within the limits of such designated places; /s,[7?V(/r</, that no election held under this act shall be held in any month in which general elections are held, so that such elections as arc held under this ad shall be separate And distinct from any other election whatever: /V<w/!AvfyMfY^/-, that the ordinary shall determine upon the sufnciency of the petition presented by the tax books of the year before.
" SKc. IT. .gf :/ y//^j- f^/c'i/, That notice of such elections to be held :is by this act provided, shall be published once a week for four weeks, in the official org;tn or org;ms of the ordinary or sheriff of the county \vhcre such elec tions are to be held, and such other no* ice may be given as the ordinary may think proper, to gl\e general publicity to the election. Such elections shall be held under the same regulations as are now prescribed by law for holding elections for members of the General Assembly, except as otherwise provided by this act. All persons qualified lo vole for members of the General Assembly, are qualified to vote under the provisions of this act ; TVv?//^/, that they have actually resided \vithjn the territorial limits t be affected thereby at least six months next preceding the election.
"Hisc. Til. .A'r /Y//Wlvr,-A'</, That all persons voting at any election held under the provisions of this act, who arc against the sale of such intoxicating liquors as are mentioned in the sixth section of this act, shall have written or printed on their tickets, 'Against the Sale/ and those who favor the sale of the articles mentioned in said sixth section shall have written or printed on their batlots, ' For the Sale.'
"Sue. TV. /?,- ?if /*?^r fMarAvA That all managers of elections held :is by this act provided shall keep, or cause to be kept, duplicate lists of voters and tally sheets, and it shall be the duty of such managers to deliver one list of the voters and tally sheets to the Clerk of the Superior Court, to be filed in his ofiicc. and one list of the voters, ballots, and tally sheets to the ordinary, who shall carcfally conRolidate the returns, and decide all questions and contests arising under elec tions held by virtue of this act. Tf the result of any of the elections shall be 'Against the Sale,' the ordinary shall publish the same once a week for four weeks in the paper in which he gave notice of the election. This act shall take effect as soon as said publication has been made the time prescribed, provided no license to sell liquors of any description prohibited by this act, shall be granted during said time of publication, except as to vested rights. Within twenty days from the day on which the ordinary declares the result, one-tenth of the number of voters having voted at such election may petition the Superior Court, setting out plainly and distinctly the cause of contest, when, if the uause set out is such a? impeaches the fairness of the election, or the conduct of the ordinarv, the fudge shall grant an order, directed to three justices of the peace of the -inly, requiring them to re-count the ballots on a given day, and report the resu. to the next term of the Superior Court of that county, or the term of the court to which the petition may be returnable, at which term the case shall be heard ; y/%%<*fA-f/, ten days' notice has been given the ordinarv of the filing of the petition, but such petition shall
42

658

TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. l8//--8/<

not act as a siipcrsrdt'as of the result as declared by the ordinary, noi" shall the judge grant a superst-deas, ;vnd the contest so instituted shall not be continued by the Superior Court, but must be tried and determined at the term to which the same is returnable; J'xniided, such term is held, and if the same is not held, then at the next regular term of the court: and in the event that any one or more of the plain tiffs or defendants to such contests shall die pending the contest, it shall not be neceseary to make parties in place of such deceased party or parties, plaintiff or defendant. Either party may subpoena witnesses to prove cither fraud in the bal lots, the counting thereof, or in the conduct of the ordinary, or of the managers of the election, and introduce evidence to establish either proposition, or the converse thereof. The judgment of the Superior Court shall be final, unless the case is carried to the Supreme Court for review Tf the election shall appear to have been fraudulently conducted, or the votes fraudulently counted, the judge shail have power to declare the result, and overrule the action of the ordinary in the premises.
Ssc. V. -^ //yr/,4<T,M*a^</% That if the result of any election held under the provision of this act shall be. 'For, or against the sale,' then no other election shall be held in the same county in less than two years thereafter, which must be done upon a new petition, as aforesaid, and by otherwise conforming to this act.
" Scr. VI. //. // /r/^V(V?r/f,/, That if a majority of the voles cast at any election, held as by this act provided, shall be 'against the sale/ it shall not be lawful for any person within the limit of such county to sell or barter for valuable consideration, either directly or indirectly, or give away to induce trade at any place of business, or furnish at other public places any alcoholic, spirituous, malt or intoxicating liquors, or intozcicating bitters, or other drinks, which, if drank to excess, will produce intoxication, under penalties hereinafter prescribed.
"Sec. VII. //f fV/MM^rf.-^^/,-,/, That Section 4570 of the Code of iSSJ. in regard to prohibiting the sale or furnishing of spirituous liquors on election days, shall apply to all elections held under the provisions of this act.
'' Srx\ VI%T. _gf ?V y*Y/^j- rMirr/ff/, That nothing in this act shall be so con strued as to prevent the manufacture, sale, and use of domestic wines or cider, or the sale of wines for sacramental purposes ; ^/vzVa^/, such wines or cider shall not be sold in barrooms by retail, nor shall anything herein contained prevent licensed druggists from selling or furnishing pure alcohol (or medicinal, art, scien tific, and mechanical purposes.
" Sec. 7 X.. /?r *V _/f//Y^? .wrar/A/. That no elections shall be held under the provisions of this act for any county, city, town or any other place in this State where by law the sale of spirituous liquors is already prohibited, either by high license, local option, or other legislation, so long as these local laws remain of force ; y*/??T*at'</, that no election shall be held under tht: provisions of this act, where an election has been held under any local act until two years shall have expired from the date of said election under said local act where the result was 'For the sale.'
" SEC. X. ^<r ?V/?/yA&- rfMf&V, That any person voting illegally at any elec tion held under the provisions of this act, or otherwise violating any provision of the same, shall, on conviction thereof, be punished as prescribed in Section 4310 of the Code of iSSz

TEMI'lCRANCK LEGISLATION. J 8// -8/.

659

" SEI.:, XI. />V it fiu'lhcr enacted. That all laws and parts of kuvs in conflict with this net be, and the same are hereby repealed.
"Approved September 18, 1885."
The Legislature of 1885 was still in aiitug-omsm to the Internal Revenue system, as we find by the preamble and resolutions which it adopted.
RESPECTING THE REPEAT, OF INTERNAL REVENUF, LAWS.
The following preamble and resolutions of the Legis lature were approved Oct. 16, 1885 :
""WiuiKKAs, The system of laws, known as the United States Interne-]

dition of the Government was greatly depressed ; and ' \YIIKKKAS, the necessity lor such measures has passed away, and the en
forcement of the same is oppressive to our people ; therefore he it " AVw/wr/, by the Senate of Georgia, the House of Representatives concurring,
Thai: our Senators and Representatives in the Congress of the United States be, and (hey are hereby requested, to urge and vole for the repeal of the United States .Internal Revenue Laws.
' l J\csolTed further, '('hat the Governor of this -State be requested to have trans mitted to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress a copy of this resolution."
COUNTY LOCAL LAWS, 18/8-1887.
Special Acts prohibitory, restrictive, or granting- local option, were passed lor the following- counties :
Taylor, McDuffie, l.rwin, Rockdale, Wilkinson, Macon, Spalding-, Lowncles, Fulton, Oconee, Morgan, Tatnall, Pieree, Wayne,Ubertv, Coffee, Appling, Bulloch, Dodge, Muscogee, Carroll, Floyd, Polk, Clinch, Jefferson, DeKalb, Wilkes, G winnett, Monroc, Walker, Washington, Meriwether, Dooly, Houston, Olynn, Decatur, Clay ton, Terrell, Hart, Butts, Coweta, Mitchell, Twiggs, Campbell, Henry, Pike, Mur ray, Franklin, Miller, VVhitftcld, Thomas, Cobb, Meri wether, Catoosa, Schley, Talbot, G-reene, Ware, Clinch, Bryan, Columbia, Emanuel, Montgomery, Berrien, Worth, Bartow, Gordon, Clarke, Madison, Rabuii, Upson, Haralson, Fayette, Elbert, Ilabersham, Troup, Douglas, Og-lethorpe, Harris, Randolph, Suinter, Burke, Bibb, Walton, Scriven, Charlton, Webster, Camden, Telfair, Putnam, and Miller.

66o

TEMPKRAKCE LEGISLATION*. 1877-87.

Xhcse county acts varied much in their scope. Some prohibited the sale outright, others gave the counties the privilege of voting* upon ihe question ; others fixed a license fee usually ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for the privilege of selling-; and others applied the Three-mile law to other counties.
Churches, districts, communities, towns, etc., in great, numbers received prohibitory acts, while license fees were in nearly all cases, where conferred, made larger than formerly. But these acts m their specifications cannot be given here, although prepared for that purpose, since their number precludes the attempt.

CHAPTER. XLIII.

INTERNAL REVENUE. THE MOONSHINER.

' In our world Death deputes

Intemperance to do the work of Age ;

And, hanging up the quiver Nature sjave him,

As slow of execution, for dispatch.

Sends forth his licensed butchers; bids them slay

Their sheep (the silly sheep they fleeced before.

And toss him l \viee ten thousand at a me:i1."

- y0#.

The exigencies of the Civil War caused the Federal Government to adopt extraordinary measures for raising a revenue to meet the vast expenses incurred. Under this state of things, in 1862 was devised the system of imposition of special taxes 011 domestic products, professions, etc., known as the Internal Revenue system. When the great struggle had ended, the nation was left with an enormous debt upon its shoulders, and the war taxes were, for the most part, continued.
A striking difference in the attitude of the respective combatants to the liquor traffic, will appear to every reader. While the Federal Government was making- a large revenue out of the traffic, the States of- the Confederacy--for the general government, of the Confederacy held no such control over its internal traffic--were endeavoring to suppress distil lation save in so far as might be necessary for medical, hospital, or mechanical purposes. True, the leading argument used for this policy was the preservation of the brcadstuffs so necessary both to the people and to the army. Vet, as to thetrafRc itself, the effect was the same, the manufacture was condemned. After the close of the wor, it was long before the turbulent elements became calm, and the internal reve-
66K

662

INTERNAL REVENUE. THE MOONSHINER.

nuc laws of the Federal Government were not at once ap plied to Georgia. In fact, the status of the State itself was problematical. \Vas it in the Union or out ? The conqueror seemed puzzled to say which. Had it committed treason ? Perhaps the Federal Government will never answer this question. At nil events, it was not until 1866 that the first returns of the liquor traffic in Georgia were made. Jn that vear, although no distilleries are entered as registered, yet seven are reported as operated* and 1052 liquor dealers are counted for the State. In 1867, the reports give no returns either-of distilleries, breweries, or dealers* so far as Geor gia is concerned, vet the aggregate of receipts from internal revenue for Georgia for 1867, is given at $4,487,440.90. In 1868, the aggregate from all sources for Georgia, was $6,146,0,64.60, bv far the largest amount ever paid by the State. This year there were reported as operated seven distilleries, and two breweries, while of the wholesale liquor dealers there were one hundred and forty-seven, of retailers, 2,192. In 1869, there were fifty-four distilleries and four breweries reported, while the wholesale dealers were one hundred and twenty-two, the retailers 1,682. In 1870 the number of re tailers had risen to 2,767, but the wholesalers, distilleries, and breweries are not reported. The aggregate of internal revenue receipts had fallen in 1869, to less than one-sixth of the amount reported in 1868. In 1869, the amount was only $1,010,281.57. This total was slightly increased in 1870, being for that year $1,144,241.38. Never after 1870, did the receipts from Georgia reach three-fourths of a million, and only for two years, did the aggregates reach beyond a half
million. The Act of Congress of July i, 1862, imposed a tax of
twenty cents per gallon upon spirits distilled, from what ever materials. The Act took effect Sept. i, 1862. This tax was raised by act of j\^arch 7, 1864, to sixty cents per gallon.
On the 3Oth of June following this act was substituted bv another which raised the tax to $i.$o per gallon on all

INTERNAL REVENUE. THE MOONSHINER.

663

liquors distilled from any materials, except on brandy distilled from grapes, from July i, 1864, to February I, 1865. Spirits distilled from grapes must pay 2$ cents per gallon. But on the 22d of December, [864, another act was passed which provided that the tax per gallon on all spirits distilled from other materials than grapes, between January I, 1865 and April, i, 1865, and from sz/^a^rwr wza^TZY?/?, except apples, grapes and peaches, after April i, 1865, must pay $2.00. March 3, 1866, the tax on spirits distilled from grapes was raised to 50 cents per gallon ; and at the same time the tax on spirits distilled from apples or peaches was put at $T.$o per gallon. July 13, 1866, the tax on spirits distilled from apples, grapes, or poaches, was fixed at $2.00 per gallon. This rate was continued as to apples and peaches, by the act of March 2, 1867; but on that date the tax on the product of grape distillation was put at $1.00.
A new law of the aoth of July, 1868, fixed the tax upon spirits distilled from other materials than apples, grapes and peaches at 50 cents per gallon ; and the products of the latter fruits were taxed at the same rate. The tax on all distilled spirits was fixed, by act of July 6, 18/2, at 70 cents and so remained until March 3, r8/g, when the present rate of 90 cents per gallon was imposed upon all distilled liquors.
By the act of July i, 1862, a tax of $1.00 per barrel was laid upon ale, beer, lager beer, porter, and other similar fermented liquors. This rate was changed March 3, 1863, to 60 cents per barrel; but as the latter act expired by limita tion of its own provision, on the ist of April, 1864, the former statute again became operative, and has ever since remained in force.
The following tabulated statement gives for the corre sponding years, the whole number of Distilleries, Breweries, Wholesale and Retail Liquor Dealers, and Malt Liquor Dealers in Georgia. It was compiled for the author by that eminent statistician and author, Dr. Win. irlargreaves,* of Philadelphia.
i Author nf "Our AVasted Resources," "Worse Than Wasted," etc.

664

INTERNAL REVENUE. TILE MOONSUTNER.

nistii crira.
IfegistrM. O^^L

Bealcrs.

Het;iil Dealers.

nenlvrs in

Midt

SS. L.yuors.

VVIuiic^alc
Srrl

IJ

2

1,052 2.i 02

166 j 3,056

6+6

161

2,5,7

632

,56 I 3,484

419 440

336

394

2,327

74

2,155

42

34-

1,387

34

2.348

32

The Annual I-ieports up to 1876 were made June 30, afterward, April 30. The ag-gfreijate receipts liy the In ternal Revenue Department, and the part paid by Georgia, are given below. These totals, of course, include all articles from which revenue was collected :

$ 5,176,530.50 3o,329,i49-53 I S,73 i ,422-45 33,268,171.82
18,655,630.90 45,071,230.86 55,606,094.15 46,281,848.10 49,475,516-36 52,099371.78 49,444.089.85 52,081,991.12 56,426,365.13 57,469 429 72 50,420.815 So

INTERNAL REVENUE. THE MOONSHINER.

665

1879 1880 i88r 1882 iS3 3 1884

^107,212,082.81 116,848,219.80 127,851,634.66 138954.165-02 137,500,291.40 121,368,620.05 112,419,490.58

$322,770.60 $52,570,284.69

395,661.03 379,741.84 316,441.40

67,511,208.63 69,092,266.00

According to the internal revenue returns for 1886, to June 30, the whole number of retail dealers in distilled liquors in the United States, was 190,121 ; of these 2,348 were counted to Georgia. The State also had 59 of the 4,290 wholesale dealers in distilled liquors, 16, of the 1,276 rectifiers ; 32, of the 8,407 retail malt liquor dealers, 24 of the 3,012 whole sale malt liquor dealers, I of the 2,920 brewers. For the same year the State produced 212,226 of the- 81,849,447 gal lons of distilled liquors manufactured, and 344,100 ol the total of 642,038,513 gallons of malt liquors produced, and paid, in tax on distilled liquors produced, $246,869,46, of the total amount paid, viz: $69,092,266, and $i 1,773.75 of the total receipts from malt liquors, viz : $19,676,731,29.
Of the total of distilleries registered .for the fiscal year ending1 June 30, 1885, viz : 5,499, there were 384 in Georgia; and of the 5,172 operated, 342 were in Georgia. The total of registered grain distilleries, United States, was 1,195 f these 63 \vere in Georgia; of the giS operated, Georgia con tained 51. Of the 4,295 fruit distilleries registered for the s:tmc year, Georgia had 321, and of the total operated, viz.; 4,245, the State held 29. Of the fifty registered fruit distil leries which were not operated, thirty were in Georgia. The population of the State according to the census of 1880, was 1,542,180, a fraction over three per cent, of the whole population of the United States.
Of the total of dealers in distilled liquors in the United States in 1886, Georgia furnished about one eighty-first, something over one per cent.; of the total of malt liquor

666

INTEKNAI, KKVTCNUE. THE

dealers, she bad about one two hundred and forty-first or less than one-half of one per cent. Of the distilled liquors pro duced, she furnished about the one three hundred and eighty-first part, or somewhat more than one-fourth of one per cent, while of the malt liquors she produced about the one one thousand eight hundred and sixty-sixth part, or somewhat more than one-twentieth of one per cent.
We thus see that Georgia's per cent., both of liquors produced and of liquor venders, is much smaller than her per cent, of population. Illinois had little more than double Georgia's population according to the census of 1880, but the former State had about five times as many dealers in spirituous liquors, and about fifteen times as many malt liquor dealers. Connecticut, with about two-fifths of Georgia*s population, contained nearly one-fourth more dealers in distilled liquors, and more than four times as many malt liquor dealers. Tndiana, with somewhat more than fivefourths of Georgia's population, nearly trebled the latter State in the number of dealers in distilled liquors, and had nearly six times as many malt liquor dealers. As gauged by the census of iSSo as to proportion of population to the liquor dealers, (Georgia had fewer liquor dealers than any of the States except Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Maine (which is nearly exactly equal to Georgia in the ^ro 7-^/^z), Mississippi, Morth Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and \Vest \ irgima all Southern States except Alainc.
Of course this cannot be taken as an infallible guide as to the ratio of drinking, since druggist licenses, government licenses, etc., arc issued in prohibition States, all of which are counted as representing dealers; but even if we estimate by the percentage of wholesale dealers to the percentage of population, only Maine, Kansas, towa, New Hampshire, and
Michigan, of the Northern States, can compete with Geor gia in the smallness of the per cent, of wholesale dealers. Gauged by almost any standard, Georgia compares favor ably with her sister States as to the freedom from the liquor traffic, though she has not whereof to boast while so great

INTERNAL REVENUE. THE MOONSHINER.

66?

a number of manufacturers and dealers, still ply their terrible trade in her borders.
The internal revenue laws impose taxes as follows: On wholesale liquor dealers, $100; on retail liquor dealers, $2$; on wholesale dealers in malt liquors, $50; on retail malt liquor dealers, $20; on brewers making goo or more barrels yearly, $100; on brewers making less than 500 barrels, $$o; on rectifiers, for more than 500 barrels, $200; for rectifiers for less than 500 barrels, $50; stamps for distilled spirits for export, for wholesale liquor dealers, for special bonded warehouse, for distillery warehouse, and for rectifiers--cost 10 cents each.
G-corgia was divided, until 18/6% into four Collector Districts under the internal revenue system. November i, tS/6, the second and fourth districts were united into one, the second, and one month later the nrst and third districts were abolished. October i, 1877, two districts were formed out of the one which had covered the State since the preced ing December. August /, 1883, the two districts were again united, and the State has since continued in one distn ct.
The division of the States and Territories into Collector Districts was left by the original law of 1862 in the hands of the President, only with this limitation, that he could not divide any State into more districts than it was entitled to have representatives in the Thirty-seventh Congress, except where an increase of representation shall have been granted
to that State in the apportionment for the Thirty-eighth Congress, and California might have as manv districts as it had both of senators and representatives in Congress. The
President was to appoint a collector for each district from among the residents of that district, which officer must give
bonds and sureties. Each collector appoints his own depu ties for whom he is personally responsible, the whole
system being under the supervision of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. The system has created a host of ofScials, all acting as United States ofRcers and independent

663

INTERNAL REVEXUK. THE MOOXSHTXEK-

of the State authorities. In Georgia, as in many other States, there is much hostility to the system, and the Legis lature, as we have seen, has frequently called for its aboli tion. Encouraged by this popular odium there has been much illicit distillation carried on, and It has been but partially suppressed by the Government officials- Indeed, many of the latter have been suspected of using- their places for their self-interest, as the application of the laws is easily to be abused, and the returns from the seizure of stills have yielded but small reward for the expenses attached to the seizure.
Illicit distillation began in Confederate times when men, lured by greed, stilled cereals needed to feed the famishing people. But the State of Georgia was bent upon suppress ing these, to save the much needed bread stuffs for her starving people. The Federal Government has endeavored to prevent illicit distillation, to prevent the substitution of an untaxecl article for one from which it derives an enormous revenue. To prevent competition with itself on the part of this clandestine rival, and to secure to itself the monopoly of the liquor manufacture, and large profits from its sale of licenses for selling, the General Government has perpetuated a system, which, begun as " a war measure," has become the most potent and teirible agent in shaping the nation's policy. From being an instrumentality for col lecting revenue, the system has created an enormous power which controls the Government. The servant has become the master, and compels its former lord to crouch before it. The enormous capital which the liquor monopolv has thus acquired has done more ; it has made liquor a na tional power--the strongest of all the political factors whose force is felt in Washington, Until the internal revenue system thus made the liquor power national, the political strength of this mighty factor was unknown in the capital of the nation. Then hundreds of the leading statesmen and politicians of the land did not hesitate to publicly condemn the traffic, and the Congressional and Legislative Temper-

THE MOONSHINER

669

auce Societies enlisted the help of prominent men, who did not feel that they were hazarding all chances of political preferment by any pronounced opposition to the traffic But when liquor became a national factor, and was to be legislated upon and for, the attitude of onice-holders was completely reversed. Temperance in the abstract indeed they might indorse* but dared not go further. The strongest barrier ever erected across the pathway of temperance in the United States has been the rearing of the internal reve nue system ; and the abolishing of it would probably be of more real service in opening the way for effective work in the cause, than any other legislative measure that could be passed. The internal revenue system is the spinal column of the liquor traffic, and into it articulate all the parts from Maine to Texas. So long as this sprhal cord remains intact, the smaller bones broken by local laws, will be re-supplied, and the jointed snake will manage to bring his parts once more into unison.
THE AfO
The Internal Revenue system has developed this pecu liar character, who has become associated in popular con ception with some of the legendary ideas of Robin Hood, Rob Roy, and other noted outlaws who, notwithstanding their acknowledged violations of the letter of the law, never theless enlisted popular sympathy by virtue of their antago nism to hated laws, or tyrannical rulers. The moonshiner, a rough being who had never before had a place in popular thought, began to be invested with a kind of half heroic character. Newspaper correspondents interview him in prison* and publish columns of his stories. Novelists have fancied that in his wild mountain home, he belongs to the modern "Children of the Mist/' and already many a popular "Moonshiner" story has found its way into magazines and illustrated papers. Some have even gone so far as to ascribe to the moonshiner an origin and a nationality, which entirely differentiates him from his lowland neighbors. The peculiar home of the moonshiner has been the coves and spurs of the Blue Ridge and of the Cumberland Mountains, but his tribe,

6/O

THE MOONSHINER.

or rather those of his profession, may be found in nearly every county of the States which touch upon these mountain ranges. But the moonshiner of Georgia has no more per sonal connection \vith the illicit distiller of Kentucky and of Tennessee, than has the petty thief of the former State with the light-fingered gentry of the latter,
A recent writer has indulged his fancy in following the prototype, or ancestor, of the moonshiner from his landing on American shores, a dark-skinned, swarthy-visaged outlaw from Southern .Europe, who was to be a bondsman, in she new colonies, a Botany Bay, for the transportation of crim inals. But this untamed child of freedom was not to be held in such disgraceful servitude along with the African. From the rice plantations of the South, and from the tobacco plan tations of Virginia, he'flees, throwing aside the badges of servitude, and betakes himself to the great mountain barriers which shut in the smoky western horizon. There, associating with his fellow refugees, he becomes an Ishmael as to the outer world. Propagating his kind, he becomes a peculiar people. His trusty rifle brings down the eagle from his eyrie ; the panther from the tree tops ; and with his lithe dogs he presses the mountain deer from his lair ; with hook and line he draws the trout from his moun tain streams. Of agriculture he knows nothing, save in the cultivation of a little patch of corn around his cabin, door, though this was oftener the labor of the female part of his family. Indeed, so many characteristics of his foreign birth did this wild mountaineer still possess, that his language, we are told, had, for generations, words and idioms brought from his old home.
Thus a late writer, in one of our most popular periodi cals, would have us regard the moonshiner as an exile for freedom's sake, the Pallicar of the Cumberland, preserving for generations that freedom which is nature's birthright. It need hardly be said that this fancy sketch is moonshine of the most transparent quality. There is not a particle of proof, either from history or from ethnical analogy, to sup-

THE MOONSHINER.

671

port any such airy hypothesis. The moonshiner was nothingmore or less in origin and character than his neighbor in the cotton and tobacco fields. What characteristics are now peculiarly his, are due to modes of life and to surroundings which have impressed themselves even upon his coun tenance.
But illicit distillation is not confined to the mountains. Very many captures of stills have been made in. the low country. The product of this illegal manufacture is probably not very considerable in quantity. It is not only an article of home manufacture, but it is also, so far as Georgia is con cerned, consumed at home, i. e., in the immediate vicinity of the points where it is made. From many well-posted gentle men, the atithor has learned that this liquor is seldom trans ported inore than a few miles from the point of distillation. Probably none of the more pretentious barrooms of the State sell this moonshine product over its counters. It seems, for the most part, to be a miserable article, only indulged in by the poorer classes. The author saw a small vial of this captured moonshine iri the hands of a revenue official. The latter declared that it was rank poison, and, if the sense of smell may be trusted as the criterion in the case, the officer was not far wrong-.
The product of Georgia Government stills is compara tively small. From a table made out for the author by Mr. T. C. Crenshaw, collector of internal revenue for Georgia, there were, in December, 1886, fifty-six grain distilleries, though only forty-six were then operated. The daily capac ity of these fifty-six distilleries was given as follows :

IlK|23^1 20 I 30 I 2g j 21
l capacity.
The upper line represents the number of distilleries of each capacity, and the lower, the number of bushels daily capacity of each. It seems, therefore, that the utmost yearly

6/2

THE MOONSHINER.

capacity of Georgia's grain stills was 148,657 bushels, allow ing- all to run 313 da vs. The total product, therefore, v\ ould be somewhat more than a half million of gallons, or an average of about one-third of a gallon to each m:m, woman, and child in the State. Of course this estimate is much too high. From the Internal Revenue Report for the fiscal year end ing June 30, 1886, the quantity of grain and other materials used in the production of distilled spirits is given at 74,807 bushels, and the total of receipts in taxes upon all kinds of distilled spirits, including stamps, special taxes upon manu facturers of stills, etc., amounted to $258,446.08. Georgia paid for 1885 Hiscal year) a little more than one-third of one per cent, of the whole internal revenue. Georgia furnishes, therefore, from the legal distilleries within her borders, about one-sixth of a gallon annually for each of her inhabi tants, while the average for the nation was about one and one-half gallons.
The 344,100 gallons of malt liquors produced in the State in 1886, would give a little more than one-fifth of a gal lon for each inhabitant, and the total of $56,326 gallons of both malt and distilled liquors produced in the State for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, would give an average of a little more than one-third o( a gallon to each inhabitant. The average for the whole nation of both distilled and malt liquors would give about twelve and one-half gallons to each human being in the whole Union. If, therefore, Georgia drank no liquors but those of domestic manufacture, she might almost be accounted a paragon of temperance in com parison with the nation at large. Unfortunately, however, Georgia's thirst is largely slaked by importations of spirits and of brews from beyond her own borders. Her own dis tillation, both legal and illicit, forms hut the smaller portion of the liquors consumed at home^
In December, 1886, there were, according to Collector Crenshaw's table, 191 fruit brandy distilleries in the State, of \vhich [80 were operated, but further particulars could not be given. For the hscal year ending June 30, 1885, there

THE MOONSHINER.

673

were registered 321 fruit distilleries, of which 291 were operated. These are, however, run, for the most part, only through some months of the year--the fruit season.
Georgia produces neither rum, gin, alcohol, high wines nor pure, neutral nor cologne spiriis, and molasses is no longer appropriated to distilling purposes, if the internal revenue returns are correct.
The work of seizing; illicit stills has, from the revenue reports, been remarkably active in the State. Of the total of 175 illicit stills destroyed in the United States in the fiscal year 1885, Georgia lost 37, or more than one-fifth ; of the 74 stills removed, 50, or more than two-thirds, were in Georgia ; of the 669 persons arrested, 612, or nearly nine-tenths, were apprehended on Georgia soil. North Carolina alone had more of her illicit stills destroyed, but although the old North State lost 70 stills destroyed, there \vcre only 10 stills removed and 3 arrests made during1 the year. In Tennessee 22 stills were destroyed, but none were removed and only 18 arrests were made. In the criminal suits and prosecutions reported by United States district attorneys under the internal revenue laws, as commenced in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, Georgia again comes to the front with 821 cases of the 4,488 reported for the whole Union. Of the criminal suits--2,185 in number--decided in favor of the Government, Georgia again leads with 431 cases, about one-fifth ol the whole; $26,350 in fines and $36,257.04 in costs were collected in Georgia, out of totals of $126,388,92 and $126,387.59 in fines and costs for the United States. It thus seems that there has been extraordinary activity in the State in the applica tion of internal revenue laws. The number of arrests is surprisingly large, and it is difficult to see why nearly ninetenths of the whole number should have been made'in one State, and that State, too, which hardly produces one-fourhundredth of the whole distilled product of the nation. Are the Georgia revenue officials more active than those of other States? Certainly, the reports look that way. Be this as it may, the long midnight raids of the il revenue men," and

674

THE MOONSHINER.

their wild adventures and sometimes bloody rencontres with the moonshiners, will probably afford the groundwork of many a romance, legend, song and epic in the years to come* and the moonshiner, raised in popular imagination from the character of criminal against the nation's laws, will be held as a kind of champion of the liberty which the nation's charter declares to be an inalienable right.

DISTILLERIES----WHERE LOCATED.

From Collector Grcnshaw the author leams that the $6 distilleries (grain) are located in the following counties:
Two in Goweta, i in Upson, i in Campbell, 4 in Fayette, 3 in Cfayton, 3 in Spalding, T in Pike, i in Menry, i in Butts, 2 in Newton, 2 in Cobb, I in Bartow, i in Floyd, I in Chattooga, i in Dade, i in Walker, i in Gordon, 2 in Fannin, 4 in Gdlmer, 4 in Pickcns, 3 in Cherokee, 4 in Gwinnett, 5 in liall, i in Jackson, i in Oconec, i in Walton, 2 in Morgan, I in Meriwether, mid i in Habersham.
There is now no brewery in the State, the Atlanta having shut down.

CHAPTER XL1V.
THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE U:\JI-N.
" Then Esther bade them return Mardecai this answer: ' Go, gather together ;ill thi: Jews that are present in Shushan, ancl fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drinl< three days, night or day; I also anil my maidens will fast likewise, and so will J sjo in unto the kiny, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I, perish/'
That extraordinary uprising- of women known as the " Crusade " began in Hillsboro, Ohio, Dec. 23, 1873. It is not the part of this work to trace the history of this wonder ful movement in detail. For more than half a year after the movement began, no attempt at organization was made. The women would go in bands to the saloons, entreat the liquor venders to cease their nefarious business, and sing and pray withm or before the saloons- It was a terrible trial for the ladies who thus bravely took up the cross. It was a stonv heart that could resist those prayers, arid hundreds of saloonists closed their doors with a promise to sell no more. The con tag-ion spread on the wing's of the wind from house to house, from town to town, and from State to State. The new feature of work was seized upon with avidity and thousands of noble women enlisted under the Crusadingbanner,
But more thorough organization was needed, and a con vention for organization was called at Cleveland., Ohio, Nov. 18, 1874. Delegates or representatives from fifteen States and one Territory--135 in all--were present. It was evident that a more systematic mode of operations must be under taken, and Miss Frances K. Willard, then made correspon ding secretary, proposed a " Plan of Work," divided into
675 sixteen sub-heads, and the embryo form of the eminently wise

6/6 TIIK \\ OMAN'S ciIRISTIAX TEMPERANCE UNION.
methods of work since followed out. These departments \vere as follows :
1. Organization ; II. Making- Public Sentiment ; TTT. Juvenile Temperance Societies ; IV. The Pledge ; V. Sac ramental Wine; VI. Anti-Treat Leagues ; Vlf. Temperance Coffee Rooms ; VITT. Homes for Inebriate Women; IX. Reformed Men's Club ; X. Bureau of Information ; XI. Counter Attractions of Ho trie; XL I. Home Mission;iry YVork: X 11 i.. Gospel Temperance Meeting's ; XT V. Foun tains ; XV. Money ; XVI. Trysting-Timc with God.
The ladies had learned, too, that it was not a simple closing of the barrooms wh ich would do the work ; the traffic itself must be suppressed, and so with all the powers which were theirs, they set themselves to the task.
.In June, 1875, was begun the publication of a paper called " The Christian Temperance Union," with Mrs. "Wil ling1 as editor. The title of the paper was changed the next year to " Our Union." Tn 1883 this paper was consolidated with " The Signal," oi Chicago, and under the name of " Union Signal," it became one of the best known temperance papers of the land.
A publication house was established at Chicago, and the press was made available for the dissemination of informa tion and exhortations sent to all parts of the country. Sun day School work, scientific instruction. Lu the day schools as to the effects of alcohol, voting women's work, Bible reading-, memorials and petitions; about forty departments, with special superintendents were organized, and missionaries were sent to organize the work in other fields, until now many hundred thousands of the noblest, most consecrated women in Amer ica and in other lands are organized into auxiliary unions and eternity alone can tell the good which this brave and most wise effort of the weaker sex has accomplished. Com ing as the movement came, a few years after the close of the civil war, when intemperance had greatly increased through the general demoralization produced by war, and the im petus which the internal revenue had given to the liquor

THE "SY DM AX'S CI1 KISTIAX rKMPK RANGE UNION.

6//

power, its influence has been a wonder. In a single depart ment of their work, the circulation of petitions, such zeal and success have never before been displayed. Congress and Legislatures have been besieged until for very weari ness they have yielded, to escape importunity which they could not withstand.
The civil war witnessed the overthrow of most of the statutory prohibitory laws of the olden time, and the clutches of the liquor power seemed more securely fastened upon the nation than ever. Avarice was added to appetite; men had learned that there was vast "money in it," and both Na tional and State Governments were dominated by the trafKc. Politicians nor parties dared oppose the monster evil by ac tive repressive legislation, and the saloon seeded more thoroughly entrenched in the nation than when the temper ance war began, nearly half a century before.
In this apathy and despair came woman *vith her pray ers and persuasions, her tears and her bleeding heart, and the change has been marvelous. No candid observer can deny that the immediate inspiring cause and factor of the great uprising in behalf of temperance through the nation, has been the result chiefly of the labors of these Marys of our own generation.

THE'WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMJ'RRANCE UNION IN GEORGIA.
"Measure not the work Until the day's out, and the labor done; Then bring your gauges. If the day's work's scant Why, call it scant, affect no compromise; Ant], in that we have nobly striven at least. Deal with us nobly, women though we be. And honor us with truth, if not with praise."
----v4w/!7fXT Af*g<4.
Lt was not until 1880 that the first efforts of the Union were made in Georgia, The remarkable conservatism of the South in regard to old ideas, and an all pervading belief as to the sphere and work of woman, held the whole people in iron bands. Public work, especially upon the platform,

6-8 THE WOMAN'S CHRIS TIAN TEMPERANCE UXEON.
was regarded as entirely beyond the place assigned to woman by laws and customs, human and divine. Paul's words as to a woman's speaking- in public, were hteralry applied, notwithstanding the many contradictions involved in such an interpretation, and thus the women of the South whose Spar tan courage and endurance were proven in their terrible trials during- the quadrennium of blood, were relegated to the homecircle and its confines. Tins conservative opinion, born of whatever pure ideas and of the most chivalric devotion to the fair sex, yet stood as a great barrier in the wav of that active work b}^ woman, both among women and men,which was absolutely necessary to the marshaling" and the main taining- of this most powerful wing- in the great temperance army. While this opinion in reg-ard to the sphere of woman has still a strong- hold yet it is not now as pronounced nor confident as a few years since ; but it has much crippled temperance wprk in the South, the section where temper ance sentiment was higher than anywhere else in the sec tions of our larad-
For the general history of the following pages the author is chiefly indebted to Miss M. H. Stokes, of Decatur, Ga., the indefatigable Secretary of the State Union ; the personal rcminiscenses of the National President of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union Miss Willard herself has furnished at the author's request. Local work in the cities has been written up by Mrs. Webb, of Savannah, Mrs. W. B. Hill, of Macori, Mrs. Dr. Blanchard, of Columbus, and Mrs. E. R. Harper, of Atlanta. The author is somewhat at a loss to locale the matter of work furnished by the noble President of the State Union, Mrs. W. C. Sibley^of Augusta. The aid winch. Mrs. Sibley has given in the gathering" of mate rials for this book has not been confined to Woman's Christ ian Temperance Union work. When the author was sorely perplexed to find any accurate data in reg-ard to Washingtonian work in Georgia, and instituted a heav3' correspond ence to elicit from old men some account of that almost forgotten movement which once swept over the land, and

THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. 679
having gathered but little that was of historic value, in a letter to Mrs. Sibley he incidentally mentioned the difficulty, and also remarked the fact that formerly the "Augusta \Vashinglouian" was the organ of the Order, immediately Mrs. Sibley set herself to work, and found, with the family of Mr. McCafTcrty, the former publisher of the paper, two of the thrc-e volumes which were issued. These, added to one which the author had already secured, made perhaps the only file of the paper to be found in the State. From this file most of the Washingtonian history was gathered. It was Mrs. SibIcy, also, who found fur the author much of the data con nected with the old Augusta Society and its work. Among this maternal was the original letter of Dr. Anthony urging the refusal of retail license and the abolition of the license system--ct letter which antedates any anti-license effort, in New Rngland, so far as we can ascertain.
" The first local Woman's Christian Temperance Union in Georgia was organ ized in Atlanta by 'Mother' Stewiirt, in the basement of Trinity Methodist Church, on April so, 1880.
" Mrs. (Jolquitt was elected President.. Among the Vice-Presidents who ac cepted positions that afternoon and remained stannch supporters of the Union, were Afrs. Jonathan Xoreross, Airs. A. C. Kiddoo, Mrs. J. G. Thrower, Mrs. A. P. Wells, and the now sainted Mrs. Mary R. Howes. The Secretary was the gifted Mrs. r% M. Hammond, so soon to be called in her youthful loveliness to her heav enly reward. The nrst Treasurer was Airs. \V. R. Ilammond, vim, having- re signed, wsis succeeded by Airs. John Aloser. A few days after the organization of the Atlanta Woman's Christian Temperance Union, similar societies were formed by Mother Stewart at Crifrin and Korsyth, but for some reason these Unions were short-lived.
" Ijy reference to the Constitution adopted at the outset by the Atlanta Union, we find that its members took a. strong pledge ' to abstain from all intoxicating liquors as a beverage (and in cooking), aud not io furnish them in social entertain ment.' The object of the organization was plainly declared to be 'to plan nnd carry forward measures which, with the blessing of God, will result in the sup pression of intemperance."
" During the nrst few months of the existence of the Atlanta Woman's Christ ian Temperance Union, its meetings were more of a devotional than of a business character. The few devoted women who met week after week, full of a sense of their own feebleness aud insufficiency, but weighed down with the burthen of lost souls perishing from strong drink, rmilded better than they knew. Amid many prayers and tears and earnest pleading that God would show them what to do, they were laying the foundations of a noble work, which has brought blessings on our whole State.

680 THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
"Just before the Christmas holidays of 1880, a Committee from the Union vis ited the clergy of the city and requested them to read from their pulpits a pledge obligating; all who signed it, not to offer intoxicating drinks to visitors, or callers, during the holidays. This request was complied with by nearly all the ministers of the city, and many signatures were obtained.
Gospel Temperance meetings be held by the pastors of the city. The first of the series was conducted by Rev. G. A. Evans of the First Methodist Church. These were continued at intervals until nine meetings had been held at as man) different churches, vr/..: At the Sixth Methodist, Rev. W. F. Robison; Fifth Baptist, Rev. Virgil Norcross: St. Paul's (Methodist), Rev. W. C. Dunlap; Payne's Chapel, Rev. Mr. Hughes; Marietta street M. E. Church, Rev. R. J. Cooke; Evans' Chapel, Rev. H. C. Christian; Protestant Methodist, Rev. J. C. Berrien; Second Baptist, Rev. G. A. Nunnally.
"These special services were largely attended, solemn and effective, and it is believed that their influence was deeply felt by those who there heard temperance discussed from a Bible standpoint.
"On the loth of February, iSSi, a resolution was introduced before the Union, 'That the legislature of Georgia be memorialized at its next session, to pass a
ballot whether they will prohibit the sale of intoxicating liquors (except for medic inal, mechanical and sacramental purposes) in their several localities.' At the next meeting, Feb. 17, this resolution was adopted, and the Union pledged itself to send copies of the petition for local option to every community in the State. The petition was as follows:
{except in localities where the sale of intoxicating liquors is already prohibited by local law) to decide by ballot, whether they will prohibit the sale of intoxicating
eral localities.' "Between six and seven thousand of these petitions were sent ouc by the
Atlanta Union, and by the aid of the Good Templars and other temperance people, the clergy, the press, and the good men and women of the State, 37,000 signatures were obtained in the short Space of three months.
" In April, 1881; Miss Frances K. Willard, President of the Mational'Woman's Christian Temperance Union, made her first visit to Atlanta. She came at the request of the Union, and during- her brief stay of but three days lectured eight times. Miss Wlllard was received with the greatest enthusiasm by our people, and lectured to immense audiences at Marietta street M. K. Church, at Trinity Church, and at De Give's Opera I louse. The forcible arguments and solemn, affectionate appeals of this noble, gifted, Christian woman were not in vain.

THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. 681
Macon also with its noble President and Secretary, Mrs. Joseph Key, and Mrs. W. W. Ford. In Rome Mrs. Mary Shropshire was urging: on the work with her persuasive tongue and pen, and willing hands and feet. In Atlanta while every working member of the Union was deeply interested in the petition, perhaps those
Jonathan Norcross, Mrs. M. E. Howes, Mrs. A. C. Kiddoo, Mrs. E. M. Hammond, Mrs. A. P. Wells, Mrs. H. A. Auteti, Mrs. S. A. KiJby, Mrs. K. C. Witter, and Miss Missouri II. Stokes, The Union, during- the first year of its existence, had had no acting President, but had been presided over by its Vice-Presidents, usu.-Jly by the faithful and efficient Mrs. Mary li. Ilowes. April 1.4, 1881, Mrs. E. C. Witter was elected President and re-elected for five consecutive years ; at the same time Miss M. n. Stokes was chosen Secretary in place of Mrs' Hammond,
the Local Option petition did not swallow up everything else. Vast quantities of the very best temperance literature were, being distributed by hand, and in boxes placed at suitable points in the city ; aud when the Legislature met, appropriate temper-
by Co). John D. Cunning-ham in an earnest and graceful address. " But the red-letter day of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was July
prayer and toil, assembled in the gallery of the I louse of Representatives to see the presentation of the Local Option petitions. Col. William Not-then, of Hancock
pure Christian character, and his well-known temperance principles. I .ct the Atlanta Constitution ' of July 15, describe the scene :
" ' Mr. Northen, of Jlancock county, moved lo suspend the rules that he might submit a memorial. He was aware it was an unusual proceeding, but he was sure it would be received with pleasure. " I hold before me," he said, ' the evidence of the work of the Christian women of Georgia. While we have been trying to build up the material resources of the State they have gone into our homes and
liant intellects and high hopes, wrecked before life's morning is passed ; little ones crying-: 'God pity us in our desolation.' For such women --our wives and our mothers--can we ask too much ? They come to bring joy where there had been
as the harbingers of the day when the angels shall again proclaim peace and good will to man. I move that by a rising vote the rules of the House be suspended, that this Memorial for a General Local Option Law may be displayed, and then referred to the Special Committee on Temperance."
" 'The memorial was sent up in a large basket which it rilled. It was run out all the aisles, and then there was enough left to carpet a good si^ed room. The petition was 600 feet long, and contained 30,000 names coming from every county in the Stale. The unfurling of the petition created quite a sensation, and as it was unfurled there was continual applause.' Thus far the 'Atlanta Constitution.'
"The next day the same memorial was presentee! to the Senate in an appro-

priatc speech by Col. \V. I-1 . Prici upon him from the gallery.
"The memorial was referred to a special committee, and at that session of the legislature, a General Local Option bill was passed by the Senate, but defeated in the 1 louse.
"Before passing- from the f.ocal Option petition, we desire to say that our
were Rev. A. G. Thomas, Rev. Dr, lieidt and Rev. R. Q. Fuller. To the honor of MH/ Jonathan Norcross, chairman of the committee on petition, be it said, that so well diohe manage, that $112 covered the whole expense of printing, sta tionary, postag*, etc."
Thus far as to the Georgia Woman's Christian Temper ance Union, we have followed the very excellent and accu rate narrative of Miss Stokes down to the end of 1881. We will return to this narrative again, but it is necessary to notice the growth and the work of the Union in other parts of the State.
Miss Francis E. Willard, the gifted and devoted National President, first visited Georgia in 1881. Of her visit, Miss Willard thus writes:
"The first place where I spoke m Georgia was Savannah in the spring of '81,
induration of President Garficld, with whom I had a consultation, and who heart ily approved my embassy. Mrs. Georgia Hulse- McLeod of Baltimore, Corres ponding Secretary of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Maryland, was
ic of
g-uest of the local auxiliary.

THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION". 683
thai nothing would ever unite "the two sections except a foreign war in which they would make common cause against a common, invader. 'But,' he said, 'we need no such calamity to make us once more one people; there is a foe at every hearthstone, a danger lurking in every community, which ought to make -us broth ers. Uniting, we can put clown the liquor traiiic, and we shall put it down. The women must help us; they are willing to do so; they will prove to be our best allies.' Then turning to me, a Northern stranger as I was, and with all a broth er's kindness, he welcomed me to Georgia, and thanked me that I had come.
" In Augusta, the Methodist minister opened, his church for me one Sabbath afternoon, and I spoke to a mixed audience, organizing- a Woman's Christian Tem perance Union at the close. ]t was a novelty of course, for a woman to speak, but "1 was treated with the greatest courtesy and kindness, being entertained by the pastor, a.nd cordially received by the people. A large majority of those present signed-the pledge then and there. In all my meetings 1 presented it urging them to enlist as soldiers in the Koine Protection Army.
"Mrs. Sibley, whom I had never seen, was chosen president. She came for ward to the altar rail, and shook hands with me cordiallv when the meeting was over, and said : 'I did not seek this place, nor dream that such a society would be organized in our city, but since the lot has fallen upon me to lift the banner and march at the head of the procession, I wilt try to use the position of President of the Woman's Christian Temperance-. Union in such a way as to do the most good for the homes and people of Augusta '
"In Atlanta I had met Miss f.aura Uaygood, that noblewoman, who is now a missionary in China, and of whose sisterly sympathy, Mrs. Mary Clement 3 ,eavitt, our around-the-world embassador of the white ribbon, has sent me word. Miss Hay wood was then Principal of the Girl's High School at Atlanta, which she invited me to address. I have never been asked to speak before a public school in a large city except on that occasion, which proves to me that the temperance move ment is more homogeneous in. the South than at the North; for our foreign popula tion is so largely represented on the school board that it would be impossible to get any such opportunity outside of our small lowns and villages. fn Atlanta I also spoke to the students of the Congregational and Methodist colleges for colored people, finding large axicliences and the hearlv co-operation of the entire faculty in each case. It also gave me great pleasure to learn that in these institutions the scientific, moral, and religious aspects of the temperance question are taught to all the students.
"Miss Missouri H. Stokes, Corresponding Secretary of the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union, has been one of the most indefatigable workers that I have ever known, and Mrs. Richard Webb of Savannah, President of the Local Union, is another of the women who never give up. Also Mrs. Mary Shropshire of Rome, a lovely lady, whom ! have met, arid to whom f have written with much profit to myself, and T trust to the cause. But the memories of noble women m Georgia crowd into my mind in such numbers that I will not enumerate them fur ther.
"We organized a union at Marietta, and Judge tester (?) made a routing speech, encouraging the ladies to come forward and engage in the work so full of promise for themselves and for their homes.

684

THE "WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TKM PKKAXCK UNION.

" \Vhat I have said up to this point relates in my (rip made in 'Pi. Miss Anna Gordon, my private secretary and white ribbon comrnde for the last ten yt.'ri.rs, v.-as with me during a part of this trip, and, wliencvrr possible, rendered efficient'ser vice by enlisting ladies to work for the boys and girls. 1 fear this is the weakest link in the great, temperance chain of Georgia, and T wish to urge every one who reads these lines to send to the 'Union Signal' oftu:e, 161 I ,a Salic street, Chicago, for Miss Gordon's 'Marching Songs,' which can be obtained for fifty cents, and all of which relate to the most recent and successful methods of interesting and edu cating- the children, both at home and in school, concerning total abstinence and total prohibition
"On a subsequent trip to Georgia T attended, and helped to organize, the first State Convention of Lhe Woman's Christian Temperance Union, with Mrs. Sibiey at the helm, and Mrs. Sallie Chapin, your heroic Southern leader, by way of 'gen eral inspiration.' This was a great novelty, be'my;, so far as I have learned, the first State meeting ever called and conducted by ladies. Naturally enough, the people were a little shy of it at first, but soon they attended it in large numbers, and. found that they had nothing to fear by reason of 'short-haired womeii,' for there were none present, or 'platform ranters,' for the meeting was as mild mannered, and almost as mild voiced as though it had been held in a parlor. The ladies who had never spoken in public before were distinctly heard because of their admirable enunciation and rich Southern voices. They stood there to say what they had to say with modest self-composure and most convincing arguments; their style was

never forget M rs. Sibley when she came forward to take tlie collection ; she was so bright aud winsome in manner and words. Among other sentences, I especially recall this one: 'If you will help us, dear friends, we shall be very grateful, and we need it; but if no one will help, su largely is my heart enlisted for my State and for the protection of her homes from the cnrse of the saloon, that J will still stand and plead for Georgia, although 1 stand alone.' Such a spirit could not fail to win.
"We organized in Griffin, and, later on, in Macon, where T had the pleasure of speaking to an audience in which the young ladies from the oldest woman's collegei in the nation were largely represented. \Ve also formed a society in Colnmbus, and wherever vc went, addressed the colored people whenever we had the opportunity, and found them ready and responsive."
It was in her second trip to Georgia--Miss Willard is mistaken in assigning it to her first visit--that the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union's President visited Oxford and addressed the faculty, students and citizens. The college adjourned to hear the address, a most timely one. Miss Willard offered a prize of $10, through the Union which she organized in Oxford at that time, to the student who should write the best essay on " The Relation of the Individ ual to the Temperance Reform." The ladies of the Oxford
'The \VcsIcyan Female College. Macon, (In.

Til 1C WOMAN S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

083

Union have continued the annual offering- of a medal for thebest essay on a temperance subject. Very great activity was added to the somewhat latent temperance spirit of the college. Temperance topics, physiological, moral, econom ical, etc., have been discussed in essays, in forensic debate, in platform speeches and in other forms, until, perhaps, no society or association in the nation were better posted upon temperance in. its manifold phases, than were the Emory students, and their influence has been felt for good in many a local contest for prohibition.
Miss \Villard continues :
" I have visited the SouUi five times, but not each State live times. My im pression is that \ have done :L little work in Georgia. 011 three separate trips; certainly, 1 h;ive been there enough to feel that it is the great cosmopolitan State of

Your courage in the enforcing of law has given a fresh impulse to localities far distant from you, that were well nigh disheartened. Many States have done

inspiring than that State which Georgians love best of all, and take most pride in. Let me urge with earnestness that specific efforts be made to introduce systematic, seieutific instruction throughout your public schools, to organize the children in loyal temperance legions, to observe carefully the temperance quarterly k-swu;-;, in the Sabbath School, to multiply and strengthen the loeal Woman's Christian Tem-

Slate at the ballot box by making of prohibition the foremost and the uncompro mising issue in polities as well as law. I am sure this will be clone right speedily by the brave men who have already carried tMs reform o fast :.tmj .so far. May God's blessing be upon all the workers and upon their holy warfare, is the prayer of
" Your Friend and Sister,

" Kvatiston, lU^June 13, iSS?."

" FK.ANCJErf E. YYll.L.ARIX

A letter of Miss Willard's, under date of April 21, 1881, printed in the " Independent," gives some interesting-details of the apprehensions entertained at the North as to the out come of her first trip, as well as of the unexpected success of the trip. Money was raised before starting- to defray all expenses. Letters of introduction from clergymen of all denominations were furnished, and prayers were offered by the Northern Unions for the success of the venture. It was thought a triple disadvantage : First, to send a woman to

686 THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPICKANCE UNKXN.
the South; Second, a temperance woman, and Third, a Northern temperance woman.
" But, bless God and their kind hearts, the Southern people have received me as a sister, beloved for the work's sake. Already some of the chief towns have been visited in ever}' Southern State save Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee, from all of which, except the first, earnest invitations have come, and cngagements arc already made for their acceptance. And what is the report? Just the same that it would have keen if an equal number of Northern States had been visited, viz.: The utmost kindness from the friends of temperance, cordial co-operation from the most liberal-minded of the clergy, and independent of ihe press, and on the part of women a sisterly welcome that crowns each day with thanksgiving and crowds friendship's casket Cull of choicest jewels. Indeed, the South is far more like the North than I, in my ignorance, had supposed. ' They're just like our folks," was.my constant mental ejaculation, the almost entire absence of a foreign popu lation lending color to ihe home-like illusion. It had been said that the opposition to hearing ladies speak was deep and resolute. This is not so. Churches w^re opened, as a rule, no less freely than at the !}sorth. Ministers of different denomi nations conducted the devotional exercises, and the audiences were large, and to the last degree sympathetic and kind. \Vhen members were called for and papers circulated with the pledges for men and women, the response was much more general than with us. It is true, that on the Sabbath pastors do not yield their pulpits, preferring an afternoon hour for the temperance meeting. It is also true, that as a rule we have spoken front the chancel, and in a single instance no pastor was present, but this has sometimes happened at the iSorth, and Sunday is with the minister a busy day. It had been said that the expectation of securing associated effort on the temperance line from Southern women was quite Utopian; but instead of this they have been uniformly earnest and responsive, beyond what
speak in public, which is the smallest part of the wcrk; but, at the same time, have entered with the utmost intelligence and heartiness into our plans for securing pledges, Sabbath School and juvenile societies, the circulation of leaflets, lending out of temperance books, planning lor public meetings to Lu addressed by gentle-
" Out when I have noticed the marvclou? facility of utterance, the varied vocabulary, the delicacy of appreciation, and rare insight of these ladies, I have felt that in it all was a prophecy of such achievements in the art of public, as well as private, persuasion as would dim the laurels of their Northern, sisters, if a sacred emulation did not rescue us. I could name women in all the chief cities of the South who are no less worthy to be the leaders of a people than was Deborah of old. * * *
" Rvcn from their point of view, concerning which we have freely spoken, the war was not an nnmixed evil. It helped to individualize each woman's character ; it taught the stern but royal lesson of self-help. With the spirited gentleness and docility which arc a sure sign of the highest breeding, many of these women, who had hardly ever waited upon themselves in the smallest particular, took up diflicult tasks, to which they brought no training, but: in which they have grandly sue-

THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TL:MJ'L-IRAXCE UNION. 687
cccded. Some are teachers, some journalists,some artists, not a few take boarders, keep hotels. The unwritten annals of their heroism, often whispered in my ear by friends, have dignified my estimate of tmman nattire. Nor did [ find the bitterness toward the North which was declared so characteristic of the women who loved ' The I MSI Cause.' They approached this whole question of the war from a standpoint altogether different from our own. They believed in the inalienable right of a State to secede from the Union. They had never been taught, as we had, from pulpit, press and platform, to spell nation with a big ]\r .
" But whatever may have been the case in earlier years, sober second thought has softened either them, or us, or both, perhaps ; so that we can agree lo ' press forward lo the things that are before,' with hands clasped m loving sympathy. It had been said, ' You must not speak for the colored people,' but in almost every city we have done so, with the free consent of the Southern friends under whose auspices we came. " * *
'' Of Southern manhood it is needless to say more than that the suppositions of a lifetime as to their courtesy, have been realized. 'Sir Charles Granciison ' has been my host and ' Col. Newcome ' has introduced me to my audiences, leading;
merit in a thousand vears. Gov. Colquitt, of Georgia, welcomed me in his own (Melhodi.st) Church one Sabbath evening- as I was never before welcomed any where, and Gen Kllisim Capers, rector of the Episcopal Church, Greenville, South Carolina ; Bishops \Vightman and Htcvens, of Charleston ; Drs. Verkier, of the Huguenot, and Chambliss, of the "Baptist Church, there ; Dr. Haygood, of Emory College; Col. Price Williams, of Mobile; Mrs. Judge Sharkey, of Jackson, Miss..; and a host of others, have lent their influence and aid with a cordiality never to be forgotten. The temperance question will win in the South sooner than with, us, if we arc not on the alert. They are not handicapped with a foreign popula tion. The colored people are well disposed and teachable. Their Legislatures have outranked ours in the gains of the last session. Ministers are more out spoken, and the press less timidly mindful of ' our German friends.'
"If this sketch seems rose-colored, remember that ' we only know what we have lived.' If it flaunts not the ruby flag, reflect that it was not written by a United States Senator. Surely, the day hastens, when, joined in the splendid fight against a. common foe which is the scourge of all our homes, the daughters of the North and South will smilingly say, each to the other, what then the sons will joyfully repeat : ' With all thy faults J love thee still.' "
This pen portrait of impressions and sentiments, corningas it does from one of the most gifted and, at the same time, one of the most consecrated women of America, will have much of peculiar interest to Southern readers. It shows, among' other things, what ideas of the South have been entertained by the most intelligent people at the North. Southerners will read with amused interest of the hazard implied in the preparation for tlie journey. Prayers are made in the churches,

688

THE WOMAN S CHRISTIAN TKMPERAXCE UNION.

scrip is taken for the journey, the President of the Re public commends the undertaking-, and the -venture is made : and then, after all, "They're just like our folks !" How much bitterness might this nation, have b^,en spared, had the thousand correspondents of the Northern press, who have crossed the Potoniac and the Ohio, visited half a dozen Southern cities, and then have proceeded to " write up the South/' according* to a pre-arranged design, been but per vaded with Miss Willard's honesty ! It was this spirit of fairness, as well as the noble cause which she champions, that has made the National President of the \V. C. T. U. one of the best beloved of women, among1 the better class of the Southern people. But it hardly seems the proper thing1 to thus interrupt the noble ladies who, in their own winsome way, are telling" the story of the W. C. T. U. in Georgia.
To return to Miss Stokes' narrative ;
"After the defeat of the 1 .ocal Option Mil, many, both inside and outside the Atlanta Union, ' walked no i nore with us.' Then followed the dreary winter of

Line quiet upper room on Whitehall street, where around the mercy seat. Every avenue of useful-

izecl that something: must be dolie to stay the tide of intemperance, especially in

work.
seed-sowing: by the Atlanta Union. A notable item is found hi the minutes of June 15--it e _ f ' That the Secretary be instructed to write a note of thanks to Mr. !->. A. Beattie, of the City Couneil, for his heroic efforts to influence that body against the whiskey traffic--a traffic which, as stated by "(he Constitution." costs in actual re ceipts $1,000,000 per year--such being- the returns of the; eighty-seven licensed saloons of Atlanta.'
"An attempt was made about this time to bring" about a Hig;h License--a movement opposed by a majority of the Union, on the principle of ' No compro mise with wrong,'
" In March, 1882, principally through the efforts of Mrs. M. A. Auten, a Mis sion Temperance Sunday School was organized at Engine House No- 5, near the junction of Marietta, and foundry streets--a locality known as Brooklyn, and re-

THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. 689
i the number of barrooms, as one of the worst localities in Atlanta, know, this was the first mission work in that locality. Not long-after-
lowed by brief addresses. This was our first, attempt at speaking in public.

ept

M

ig to build the lire in the stove.

" We now began to reach the poor, degraded class we had so longed to help.

But, after one mouth we were notified that the hall, as well as the saloon, had been

leased by the barkeeper, and that our meeting's ' interfered with his business,' as

his customers would not buy his liquid poison below. (His own words were,

on the mission work for three years.
nor of the self-sacrifice of the saintly and never-tiring Mrs. Witter, in this difficult work they did for l.he Master's sake.
" During the spring- and summer of 1882 the Union arranged a series of pub lic lectures, beginning with a most enthusiastic meeting- at Marietta Street M. !'- Church, addressed by Dr. Allan Curr and Gov. Colquitt. This was followed by public meetings addressed by Mrs. Oliver, Mr. J. N". Stearnes, Mrs. MeCielianBrown, Bishop Warren, Rev. R. J. Cooke, Miss Mary Wadsworth, Mr. "N. S. Thompson, and others.
" The 7th of May was rendered memorable by the coming of Mrs. Sallie F. Chapin. of Charleston, S. (J., Superintendent of Woman's Christian Temper-
ions and being favorably noticed by the press. In our zeal, not only were the newspapers informed of these meetings, but notices were written and tacked up by our own hands in the remotest outskirts of the city, thus securing- the attendance of the masses.
" During the summer of 1882 the Atlanta Union was requested by the State Temperance Alliance to aid them in obtaining signatures to a petition for a gen eral local option law, to be presented to the Legislature when it should convene in
labor that in a few weeks they obtained several thousand names. "On the 27th of November the Slate T.iquor Dealers' Protective Association
met in Atlanta. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union also met, for the ladies felt that the homes of the State, with their women and helpless children,
them by the liquor traffic. They met and prayed that 'God would turn the way of the wicked upside clown,' and bring- his counsels to utter confusion. Read the

gia ha

690 THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
Christian Temperance Union, as Georgia had no State organization. In 1881 Mrs. W. C. Sibley, of Augusta, and Miss Missouri IT. Stokes, of Atlanta, attended the National Convention tit Washington City, and with the other Southern dele gates were treated with the greatest courtesy and affection by Miss Willard and the Convention. In October, iS8J, the National Convention met in I,ouisviIIe, Ky., and Georgia was represented by Mrs. Sibley, Miss Stokes, Mrs. Witter, and Miss Ullian Russell. At this convention Mrs. Sibley was appointed Provisional
after three years oi: prayer and work as local Unions, we met tog-ether for the first time, and in the presence of sympathizing friends organized, Jan. n, 1883, the
"At this convention but four Unions were represented, Savannah, Augusta, Atlanta, and Rome; but these sent large delegations, which with fraternal dele gates from other temperance societies, and the presence of a dozen or more hon ored ministers of the gospel, made up an interesting body of temperance workers.
lard was present. " The convention was held in the basement of the First Methodist Church.
Addresses of welcome were made by Judge George l.ester, and Rev. Henry Mc Donald, of the Second Baptist Church, and the responses by Mrs. Sibley, Miss Willard, and Rev. G. A. Nunnally. Gen. C. A. Evans, the pastor, conducted the
\Vebb, Witter, Sibley, Shropshire, and Keyes, the committee. Wenona Temple, of Atlanta, was reported by Mr. J. G. Thrower.
dent; Mrs. Mary Shropshire, Vice-President; Miss Missouri H. Stokes, Corre sponding Secretary; Mrs. Lawrence l.orcl, Recording- Secretary: Mrs. M. E. McCalla, Treasurer; Mrs. E. C. Witter, librarian; Mrs. Nannie Robb, State Organizer; Mrs. Richard W7 ebb, Superintendent of Juvenile Work.
there with Mrs. II. A. Scomp as President--a Union which has exerted over the students of Emory College a most salutary influence, several hundred having signed the total abstinence pledge. Miss Willard also reorganized the Macon Union, and formed ^Woman's Christian Temperance Union at Columbus, with Mrs. A. T. Mann as President.
"In this same yea: Unions were organized by Mrs. Robb at Barnesville, Sunny Side, Martin's Chapel, Lawrenceville, Gainesville, Ellijay, Mount Zion, (Habersham county), and Haschton. Unions were also formed at Trenton, Calhoun, and Hamilton.
"This year was memorable, like its predecessor, for the seed sowing, espe cially among the colored people, also for the prosecution of juvenile work; and for special prayer services held for counties about to vote on local option. Recognition

THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. 691
of the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union iva.s also made by the Sabbath School Convention of Georgia, and by the Methodist Conference.
"During the summer of 1883, the Georgia Woman's Christian Temperance Union was deeply interested in the temperance proceedings of the Legislature, and some of its members \vere present when, on August 7, a General Local Option bill passed the House of Representatives by means of the casting vote of Mr. Julian of "Forsylh county, only to be defeated when it reached the Senate.
of the House, Hon. C. R. Prina;!e, we had found ;i true friend, and Georgia, a legislator of rare worth.
'The second annual convention of the Georgia State Union was held at Augusta, January 24 and 25, 1884; addresses of welcome being made by Mr. C. V. McCord and Rev. Win. J. Adams of the Presbyterian. Church. The most notable features of this convention were the stress laid upon temperaiice instruction in day schools and Bands of Hope; the marked disapproval of alcohol and mor-
juvenile offenders to jails or prisons. An admirable paper was read by Mrs. J. C. Keyes on scientific temperance instruction in schools, and a most comprehensive and thrilling report made of prison and jail work by Mrs. E. E. Harper of Atlanta, embracing a review of her efforts in that department from August 19 to December 31, 1883.
'' The principles, plans and resolutions of the Georgia Woman's Christian Tern, perance Union were readopted as usual, at. this convention. The principles were synoptically,--Belief in legal prohibition, and in total abstinence, all to be ac complished by God's assisting grace, by prayer, by study of the Scriptures, and by earnc-t Christian effort.
" The ' Flans of Work' were for (a) Preventive (b), Educational (c), Evangel istic, aad id') Social, effort, with many minor divisions under the heads.
" The preamble of the resolutions affirmed our belief that the legalized manu-
the Georgia Woman's Christian Temperance Union resolved (a; to appeal to all
cursed thing from our State and nation ' ; (b) to invoke the aid of all temperance organizations in petitioning the Legislature for prohibitory laws and never to cease our efforts until Georgia become a prohibition State; (c) to petition officers of State
premiums for wines and liquors; (d) to urge Christian ministers, since intemperance is recognized as the greatest obstacle to the progress of the Gospel, to bring the subject often before their congregations, and use their personal influence in advanc ing the great work: (e) to ask teachers to help in teaching to the little ones the advantages physical, mental, and spiritual of temperance, and the moral and physi cal evil inevitable to intemperate habits ; (f) recognising the great power of the press, to recommend to the members of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and to the public, our national organ, 'The Union Signal,' of Chicago, and the ' Temperance Advocate,' of Atlanta.'

602

THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

resigned. " SuperintendeTits were appointed for the following- departments: (a) Juvenile
Work; (b) Scientific Temperance Instruction in the Schools ; (c) Sunday School Work; (d) Influencing- the Tress; (e) Unfenncnted Wine for the Sacrament; (f) Prison and [ail Work; (g> Relative Statistics, and (h) Work among the Colored People.
" Before another annual meeting-, the Superintendent of Sunday School work, Mrs. Crigsby Thomas, of Columbus, had been 'called home.'
" Near the close of the Convention Mrs. Chapin arrived and gave one of her eloquenl addresses. The previous bummer she had visited Atlanta, Augusta, Rome,
tion, speak-h.g not only to cultured while audiences, 1-ut also, \vheneverpracticabie, to the colored people, upon the great injury brought upon them by the liquor traffic.
" Mrs. Kohb having resigned the office of State (>rg-umzer, Miss Stoker, the Cor responding- Secretary, visited the Unions of kingg-old, C-resliamville, <ireensboro, Columbus, Hamilton, Chipley, Caiiiesville, Martin's Chapel, Mount Zion, and EUijay, and organized Unions at Madison, 5 -ongview, Clai kesville, and Sorcross.
" During- 1354. the Unions throughout the State were all very active, and reri-
Never was the Atlanta Union more determined in its opposition to the ' legalised iniquity ' of the dramshop. Tlmt, summer we learned, thai, the City Council hud* issued licenses to 120 barrooms. This brought us to our knees in agoni/.ing prayer
. ' No 1 -icense leaflets,' but petitioned not to issue licenses for any more saloons. The ! County Commissioners of Fulton county were also memorialized for a House of
Correction for juvenile offenders. Mrs. Harper's systematic and telling-work in the jail and convict camps .still went on; and this summer the Mower Mission, with its blessed influences, was extended to the prisons as well as to the hospitals.
"To the faith and prayers, pecuniary aid and personal work of Mrs. Mary E. T-Iowes the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Georgia will never know its full indebtedness. She was the power behind the scenes of much already told. Karly in January, 1885, from the home of her son in Macon, the soul of this pure woman took its flight to that heaven her faith had brought .so nigh. The Atlanta. Union, of which she was a member, held a memorial service- in the parlor of the Young- Men's Christian Association, where so often she had led their prayers to Cod for the suppression of intemperance. Just and touching tributes were paid by members of the Union to this eminent servant of Christ, who for forty years had followed the Saviour and adorned His doctrines. Dr. Henry McDonald said he would rather be such a character, and have such tributes paid to him, than to have been Raphael and have painted ' The Transfiguration.' The early Christians when they buried their dead, sang" songs of triumph and bore palms of victory in their hands. Even so with our tears were mingled praises that our dear Mrs. Ho\ves was gathered home to be ' forever with the Lord,'

THE WOMAN'S ci-iKISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. 693

" In May, 1885, the Third Annual Convention of the State Union was held ai

Columbus, in the grand old Church of St. Luke's (M. K. South), whose pastor,

Rev. Walker Lewis, was in full sympathy with the objects of the meeting-. Ad

dresses of welcome were delhered by Rev. A. M. Wyim, Mr. C-rigsby Chandler,

:in.d Mrs. W. J. McAilister, the President of the local Union. From the minutes

of this Convention, kept in the most business-like manner by Miss Kmmie Stewart,

u-e learn that nine Unions sent delegates, while eleven were reported by the State

Corresponding Secretary; that reports were read by Mrs. Webb, on Juvenile Work;

by Mrs. Sibley. on Influencing the Press; by Mrs. Harper, on Prison, ami Jail "Work,

and by Mrs. M. L. Gates, a paper oil Unfermented Wine; that special pr

Phvsiolo; al Te

i Schoo1s :

tee beii

appointed to memorialize the next Legislature for a law requiring such l

State and public schools, and that we- address a personal appeal to our Representa-

Traffic. The address of Mrs. Sibley to the Convention, was a marvel of brevity

with power, while the report of Miss Stokes, the Corresponding Secretary, set forth

the

err.ises by the Band of i 1'ope, under the leadership of Mrs. llr. Blanchard, were a

notable feature of the Convention. A touching- memorial service was held in honor

of our deceased members, vi/..: Mrs. W right, Mrs. Merrill, and Mrs. Grigsby

Thomas (of Columbus), Mrs. Ing-lesby (of Savannah), and Mrs. Howes (of Atlanta).

The fin

oped

; pr

oi the Ge

m At-

-.tier parts ot the Mate, with lull pr

of the

convention. Mrs. Sibley being absent, Miss Stokes was requested to respond, in

behalf of the State Union, to the address of welcome by Rev. Virgil Norcross and

others.

"In July, the General Local Option bill, after being hotly contested two days

and a night by the Legislature of 1884, was now to come up before the House of

Representatives. The State Liquor Dealers' Protective Association had also been

called to meet the following day. In view of these facts, a solemn prayer service

was held by the Atlanta Union, invoking God's blessing upon the deliberations

in the House, and especially upon the Chairman of the Temperance Committee,

Col. C. R. Pringle. Special prayers were also made that the liquor dealers might

be thwarted in their designs. A notice also appeared in the city papers, begging

the ministers of the gospel and other Christian people of f-.he State to unite their

prayers that the right might prevail.

-

"The

the:

694 THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN' TEMPERANCE UNION.

to 22; and when it was sent to the Senate \ve went with it, and during the nine days'

contest there, we did what we could to stand by its gallant champion. Col. William

J. Northen, and other friends of the bill, through whose influence it finally passed

by a vote of 31 to 7, loaded down with amendments, and shorn of much of Us

strength.

"Let it be put upon record that the Woman's Christian Temperance Union is

bitterly opposed to the wine and cider clause of the 8th Section of Georgia's Local

Option law, as it is a compromise with wrong, and that nothing will satisfy us but

complete prohibition of the manufacture and the sale of all intoxicating liquors

"On the 22d of July, eight ladies of the Atlanta Union, viz.: Mrs. J. Nor-

cross, Mrs. K. C. Witter, Mrs. J. C. Keyes, Mrs. S. M. Hicks, M. D. ; Mrs. E.

E. Harper, Mrs. J. D. Tlougherty, Mrs/J. K. Bryant, and Miss M. H. Stokes,

met the Joint Educational Committee of the House and Senate, bringing with

thei

nper;

the

"The courteous Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Col. W. J. Northen, drew up an admirable bill which came before the Senate on the igth of August, and, after being diseussed a part of two days, was defeated by a vote of 21 to 14, notwithstanding the fact that the Coocl Templars of the State, through their repre sentatives at the Grand Lodge, had asked for the passage of the bill, :-md so had the State Temperance Association.
"The objections advanced by the opposition were 'inability of most of the teachers in the common schools to teach physiology; that it is not a primary study; that the purchase of the necessary textbooks would entail additional expense upon
"In September organizing tours were made up the Air Line Railroad and the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad, and the objects of the "Woman's Christian
and EIHjay. "(n October Georgia was represented at the National Woman's Christian
Temperance Union Convention, at Philadelphia, by Mrs. Sibley, Miss Stokes, and Mrs. M. A. Houston. On their return they found the Local Option campaign of Fulton eounty to be in full blast, The Atlanta Union had, early in October, prof fered their services, which had been accepted by the Prohibition Executive Commit tee, and certain lines of work had been assigned them.
"Perhaps the following, taken from the minutes of the Atlanta Woman's Christian Temperance Union, will serve the purpose of showing what those lines were:

TIIE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. 695
" Bits' of Campaign History" are as follows: weeks and three days, including- Nov. 25 the woman's daily Union prayer-meetings were kept up. They were not very largely attended, but daily a faithful few met at the First Baptist and at Trinity/reading- God's Word, praying and speaking, and conferring about the interests of the cause. About the time we commenced to hold these praver services, Mrs. Gates, of the juvenile work, with the consent of the Prohibition Kxecufive Committee, began
and to .sing; temperance songs, with a view to having them march upon the streets just previous to the election".
Mrs. Harper had ewHy in the campaig-n notified the Union that she intended
among "them herself, and from the outset assisted in procuring- for them good speakers. Under her supervision public meetings were held at Allan Temple, Clarke University, Congregational Chureh and Big Bethel.
Mrs. Chapin, who spoke at several of our meetings, also addressed A good audience at Big IJethcl, and an interesting service was held there by Mrs. Witter arid Mrs. Gates.
Mrs, Dr. Stainback Wilson and Other ladies had sent a banner to each of the prohibition colored clubs, and an elegant satin banner was made and offered as a prize to the colored club which should poll the largest number of prohibition votes. This banner xvas exhibited at Ram. Jones' big tent to an admiring audience the night before the election. On the bias satin side is a white dove with an olive
Will to Man." On' the white satin side is inscribed in exquisitely shaded 'letters, "For Gad, Home and Native Land." The banner was made by Miss Pitman and oainted by Miss Hicks.
As Mayor Hillycr feared the boys might get hurt, Mrs. Gates and her coad jutors very gracefully gave up their cherished plan of having them march upon the streets.
Some good and eminent men of our State had advised the ladies to work at the polls on election day; but very few of our women favored the plan, preferring to furnish lunch near the polls to prohibition voters on the day of the election. Admirable arrangements were made; abundant supplies were sent in, and the good women of Atlanta fed hundreds on that eventful day.
At the lunch room in North Atlanta Mrs. B. F. Abbott presided, assisted by
perance Union. Over one of the windows,' in" full sight of the great crowd of voters, was the motto, "O, woman, great is thy faith! Be it unto thee even as thou wilt."
At the South Atlanta lunch room, near the courthouse, "the battle Hags" sent by the women of Spartanburg, S. C., to be used by the boys when marching, now served the purpose of inspiring mottoes. One of these banners bore the inscription, " Save the Boys," and the other read, "Am I my Brother's Keeper?"
day with deft and willing hands.
lunch, and many a sable voter found ready admission and cheer at the lunch rooms if he only wore the blue ribbon. The Atlanta University students donated thirty gallons of" milk.
We could never find space to record the names and deeds of the workers --the noble Christian women of Atlanta--but we must say that Mrs. Witter and Mrs. Gates were ubiquitous, both at the lunch room and the prayer-meeting. Earl'- In the campaign many ladies did valiant service in persuading"voters to register, and

696

THE WOMAN S CHRISTIAN TKAIPEKANCK UNION.

,ole
son, notices were written and carried to all the daily papers that on the next day, whatever the result, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union would hold a prayer,

MIXUTES OF NOVEMBER 26, 1885.

By 3 r. M., a goodly number of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union

;t in the parlo

The

t pr

ulton

the

.vhc

yrble:

Then Mrs. \Vitterread, in the 15th Chapter of Exodus, the song of triumph and

ascription of praise to God which was sung: by Moses, the Children of Israel, and

Miriam, when they had crossed in safety through the Red Sea. Then we sang

"All hail the power of Jesus' name," and a psalm of rejoicing: and praise was read,

followed by prayer. Before this, all through the campaign we had received letters

of .sympathy from various parts of the United States, and assurances of remembrance

the

Col. [ohn'rHetrich, of Plain field, New Jersey. All these gave the glory where it rightfully belonged--even to our God. With full hearts we now sang, "Sweet

Mrs. Uavper wa.s now called on to report her work among the colored people.

Passing- by all that she had done among them through the weeks of the campaign,

she said she had spent all of election day with the women in their prayer services

at their churches. She stated that at these churches, from Tuesday night until

Thursday morning, the women had had, at ;dl hours, hot coffee ready' for the pro

hibition

ay P f

heard

oid

THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. 697

Sabbath. "Think of it," said she, "communion among thy convicts! And I communed v/ith them, the solemn Methodist communion service being conducted by the Rev. Walter Bran ham of the North Georgia Conference."
Mrs. Harper then stated that a calendar for prisons and jails had been pre pared by the National Superintendent of prison work, and asked for contributions that she might supply Fulton county jail and other prisons with these calendars.

Th secretary then said there was something: else, not cm the programme, which

to say. Permission being granted, she made a brief appeal to the

s pr

n pe

it 1 hr
ended it was "just begun," as Was echoed from lip to lip. Special prayer was offered for "The Young Men's Prohibition Club." By the waning light of the short autumn day we dispersed to our homes,
this delightful Tru-uiksgivtving-service became a memory-

and

" Subsequent to the election we received glowing letters from Mrs. Sibley,

from Miss Prances K Willard, from Miss F.sther Pugh, from Mrs. Ebbya" J.

Thompson (the first Crusader), from Dr. U. F. Ward, the scientific temperance

physician of Winoiia, Mississippi, and both before and after the victory we were

cheered by the appreciative messages of Professor II. A. Scomp, of Oxford, and

also by the sweet words of Mrs. Scomp.

" THE YEAR 1886.

held

23.

1886, which proved to be eventful and full of results. It was marked by the spirit

ducted by the consecrated Mrs. Witter, proved a ISethel to our souls. Revs. J. O. A. and W. F. Cooke, Rev. A. M. Wynn, Dr. Potter and the venerable James K.

work. A graceful tribute was also paid by Mr. Walter 15. Hill, and Mr. J, G.

Thr

pital.

The reports of the local unions also went to show the heroic deeds done by women

in the recent campaigns of Dodge, Harris, Greene, Pulaski and Baldwin counties.

The prayers of the union were asked for Newton and Washington counties, :md

on the second day the wires brought the glorious news that they had voted them

selves free from the curse of barrooms.

of Mr:

of

and juvenile prisoners, confined in jails and convict-camps and chain gangs. A telling- report was made by Mrs. Belle Everlyn on Influencing the Press. Spicy and suggestive was Mrs. Dr. Blanchard's report on State and County fairs. Mrs. Harper was too ill to be present, but had prepared most able reports on Prison and Jail Work, and on Legislative Work. If this entire sketch had been devoted to her self-sacrificing labors among the prisoners, then the half would not have been told.
" A very able paper on Health and Heredity was read by Mrs. S. M. Hicks, M. I>. By recommendation of Mrs. Chapin the department of social purity co operating with the White Cross was adopted, and Mrs. J. E. Bryant was chosen State Superintendent. The financial report showed a total expenditure for State work, including the expenses of organization, to have been but $195.
"On the ist of July, 1886, the barrooms of Atlanta were closed, and a memo rable thanksgiving; service was held by the local union. In this month also a paper on Physiological Temperance Instruction was read by Miss Stokes before the Atlanta District Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and the con ference passed resolutions ' indorsing the noble work of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union,' and ' seeking to have textbooks on temperance introduced in all the schools.'
" The temperance cause was also much advanced by a pamphlet published by Dr. Joseph P. Logan, of Atlanta, entitled: ' The Relation of the Medical Profes sion to the Use and Abuse of Alcoholic Liquors.' The pamphlet was a reprint of the paper read by Dr. Logan the preceding April before the State Medical Asso ciation, taking the broad ground that alcoholic remedies are not essential, but injurious. A generous supply of these pamphlets was donated by Dr. Logan to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The Georgia Union, throughout all its auxiliaries, was also greatly aided by large and gratuitous supplies of the telling and timely pamphlets of Mr. Walter B. Hill on ' Prohibition ' and 011 kindred topics.
'"'Im-.Qctobsrthe State Corresponding- Secretary began to send out a petition in the name of thi? people of Georgia, asking the Legislature to enact a physiolog ical instruction law. These petitions were sent to every Union in the State and to
the names of eminent educators, physicians and lawyers, as well as farmers, me chanics, and business men. The Faculties of Emory College, Wesleyan Female College, Mercer University, Middle Georgia and West Georgia Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges, and Shorter College--all signed in their official capacity: while the Board of Education of Augusta, and the officers of the Rome public schools did the same.
"A memorial asking for physiological instruction (with reference to the effects of alcoholic beverages and narcotics) to be given in all schools under State control, was presented by Mrs. Sibley, Miss Stewart, Miss Stokes, and other representa tives of the Union, to the joint educational committees of the Senate and House, on the 26th of November, 1886.

Tf-iE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE: UNION.
"A bill, good and strong, was framed by Hon. C. R. Pringle and introdu into the Senate, where it was defeated by a tie of 2O to 20, but was afterward re considered and passed by a substitute for the original bill, the substitute simply allowing the study of physiology to be added to the list of studies already provided for public schools.
"The reports from the local unions during 1886, showed increased activity; especially was this the case with Macoii, where an additional impetus had been given by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union booth at the State Fair, by the Anti-Treating Society, and by their systematic distribution of temperance litera ture.
"In Augusta, Atlanta, Rome and Americus, good work had been done in the line of social purity, co-operating- with the White Cross. Northeast Georgia, whose
temperance work, in many lines also, as evidenced by the reports of the gifted Mrs. Inez Gibson, Mrs. Mary A. Houston, and the self-sacrificing Mrs. E. V. Wood^ffc. ------'"tfTfjul- our sketch must close, and closeabruptly with the closing days of 1886, to which we have brought our history, leaving- our readers to follow for themselves through other channels, the subsequent story of the Woman's Christian Temper ance Union of Georgia."
Such is the history of the Georgia Woman's Christian Temperance Union as prepared by Miss Stokes, who is per haps better acquainted with that stoi'3T than any other per son, living or dead. The faithfulness, zeal, and ability dis played by this organization have perhaps never been sur passed. The labors, prayers and tears, the lowering- clouds and the glinting sunbeams, the darkness that endured for a long night and the joy that came in the morning1, we see all portrayed in this record of Georgia's noble daughters.
THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION IN THE CITIES.
The prominence given to the Atlanta Union in Miss Stokes' excellent sketch has not been unmerited. As we have seen, it was the first Union in the State. Located in the capital of Georgia, it felt the first throbbings from the heart of Georgia in all matters pertaining to law-giving. This Union had generally the lion's share in the labor with Legislative committees to accomplish needed legislation. But the other Unions of the State were not less active in their own special fields.
Of the Savannah Union, some account has already been

700 THE WOMAN S CHRISTIAN TEAIPERASLK UNION.
given. The active President, Mrs. Green, who had invited Miss Willard to Georgia, was only one year with the Union, when the death of her husb:md brought about her removal from the cilv. This Union l.as met weekly since 1882. In March, 1884, a juvenile society was formed, and later on a Young Woman's Christian Temperance Union, which now has charge of the juveniles. " One of its members," writes Mrs. \YVbb,
'has opened and inainlaini'd a coffeehouse in the interests of temperance, though not avowedly so, and ii will soon hiivc completed its second year, and is now self-supporting through the untiring- efforts of its proprietor.
" The Union visits the jail weekly, distributing- religious literature and Testa ments to the prisoners; also spellers and writing materials, \vilh stamps. They encourage the committing; of texts to memory, and hold brief serx ires in the various wards. They also visit the hospitals, and are just now commencing services in the railroad shops. Their primary work is to arouse thought. Kor this end they have secured addresses from the finest speakers in America, including Miss Willard (who has three times visited Savannah), Airs. Judith F. Foster, Mrs. I.athrop, Mrs. Sallie. Chapin, the beloved, untiring- and devoted Superintendent of Southern work, to whose efforts the Union owes more than to auv one else.
'The editor of our chief daily paper is a temperance man, though he is not identified with any Society. We generally get our public meetings well reported, and at our late State Convention, held in this city for four days, full reports of every session were given, so that the work was fully brought before the great stayat-home audience, who (as Miss Willard says) * hear with their eyes.'
""We have twice unsuccessfully petitioned the Hoard of Kducatioii to adopt teaching in the public schools the effects of alcohols and narcotics, though only asking modestly for an oral lesson to be given once a week by the respective teachers. We distribute select tracts at all our public meetings. We did adopt a plan of hanging them in the street cars and barber shops, but found that the plan did not work. We have had, for nearly two years a free night school for working boys, taug-lu by the same devoted worker who directs and maintains, the coffee house.
" "vYhiie Savannah has a good many earnest, pronounced temperance men and women, and its three white ministers of the M. K. Church, and the pastor of the Kirsl Presbyterian CVmrch openly preach and teach total abstinence for the in dividual, and prohibition for the State, yet it cannot be said to have a prominent leader who could mass and direct the temperance forces to best advantage, but we hope and we pray that when the time for decisive action comes, whether Georgia is Vo be freed from the curse of liquor or not, the man for the occasion will be de veloped."
Efforts have been made by the Savannah Woman's Christian Temperance Union amon^ the colored people, and

TH1<: WOMAN S CHRISTIAN TKMPK RANCLO UNION.

/OI

some success has been achieved, but very many light shy of the movement. Some of the church officials, too, are them selves tainted with the drink habit, and the Union has en countered many difficulties. Other parts of Mrs. Webb's let ter belong" under different heads.

THE MACON WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION
has, since its reorganization by Miss Wiflard in 1883, been in regular working- order. Not all the departments planned by the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union have been organized, as Mrs. Walter B. Hill, the zealous President, writes, " but the promise is good lor future developments," The departments organized are the following:
'i. J Liven ile work (Loyal Legion of boys and girls) in charge of three \Y Oman's Christian Temperance Union workers.
'2. Ilevjfth ami ; leredity.---This work consists mainly in the distribution of papers on these subjects, and in the holding of 'Mothers' Meetings.'
"3. Scieutilie instruction in schools and colleges on temperance subjects. "4. Influencing- the Press.---This work here consists in the selection and pub lishing (in all newspapers within our reach) of such temperance news items as may be worthy of special notice. "5, Organisation of" Students' Leagues in Schools of Higher Education.--This \ork has not been advaneed because of the ill health of the lady in charge. It is just now changing hands, "6, Department of Sunday School Work and of Sabbath Observance.--This consists in arranging ("or temperance lessons at intervals in the Sunday .Schools, temperance gospel meetings, and the distribution of literature lending to the abolish ing of all improper work upon the sacred clay. "7. Social Work.--The "Woman's Christian Temperance Union has started !.he work at the State Fair. At the last fair there was a Woman's Christian Temper ance Union booth, from which a hug-e quantity of leaflets, cards, papers, and pledges were distributed among the visitors. "The arrangements for regular pastors' meetings have not been completed, but they will begin in the autumn. "8. Flower mission work was begun bravely, but this year it has been a failure. "During the year 1886, the Macon Woman's Christian Temperance Union rented and paid for its own headquarters. The present year it has the use of the assembly room of the Young Men's Christian Association, a temporary arrange ment. "Last year three gold medals were awarded for best essays on temperance topics, two at Wesleyan College, one at Mercer. The competition brought out a number of highly creditable essays. This year the gold medals were not offered.

THE WOMAN S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

'Mother Stewart' of Ohio, was the pioneer. Miss Willard has been here twice.

Mr. John T. Waterman has the honor of giving- us the first downright 'temperance'

speech heard in Macon for years {from a gentleman). This was four years ago,

and his audience could have been counted on the lingers. Last winter Mr. Finch

spoke Jiere, and Mr. Waterman had the pleasure of seeing the audience count up

spok

Mac

i large

n's Christian Temperance Union tried for a long Lime to ha

lie meetings at regular times, but it was hard work to g\;t the speakers. Now we

can get speakers by the dozen, but it is hard work to get the money.

"The work among the colored people is fast gaining ground, but the credit is

not due to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. There are Woman's Christ-

Te

Un

and the influence is being felt; but the greatest force for temperance work among

the colored people is Mr. Lathrop of the colored Congregational Church in this

city. He has been pastor of this colored charge for a number of years, and is also

connected with the Lewis High School. lie publishes a little weekly paper, 'The

Helping: Hand.'

"The colored people are publishing a weekly paper, the 'Sentinel,' which takes

A stand against the barrooms, and for prohibition.

"I would like to add, in regard to Woman's Christian Temperance Union work,

large bookcase filled with papers, magazines, and books, and we give away and lend out constantly."
Such are the work, the objects,and the methods of the Macon Woman's Christian Temperance Union as detailed by its zealous and untiring" president. The Union is regarded as a model, and its leaven is doing* much to leaven the city in which it has its home.

THE COLUMBUS WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION
dates its birth from Miss Willard's second visit to Georgia in January, 1883, when the indefatigable National President organized a Union with thirty members. Mrs. Mann, \vife of the pastor of St. Paul's Church, was the first President. The principal departments were filled, and the ladies went to work with a will to do something1 for their city.
The Union had grown to fifty members by the end of the ycur, but it suffered the loss of its good President at this time, as she with her husband, according to Methodist usage,

THIS WOMAN" S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

703

was sent to other fields of labor. Mrs. E. Swift was chosen to fill Mrs. Mann's place, Mrs. McAlcster became Vicepresident); Mrs. Dr. Blanchard, Recording Secretary; MissT. Griffin, Corresponding Secretary ; Miss B. Bedell, Treasurer. The Union at this time was much helped by a public address made by Col. Mobly of Hamilton. The Band of Hope was now organized by Mrs. McAlestcr and Mrs. Blanchard. Thirty children were enrolled, and before the end of the year the number had increased to more than one hundredThe ladies were compelled to labor hard to keep up the interest among the children.
This year Miss Griffin and Mrs, Blanchard were ap pointed to edit a column in the weekly paper, and the column has since been kept up, Mrs. Blanchard having1 long" had the sole care of this department. This plan, we may remark, has been one of the most successful yet tried in the South for getting temperance facts before the people. The masses can in this way be reached through the press, when temperance periodicals themselves have been financial failures.
The Presbyterian and Methodist Churches of Columbus, at the request of the Union, introduced the temperance lesson system into the Sabbath schools, but although the superintendent of the department did her utmost, the results were not so gratifying as were anticipated, and other methods were substituted with better success. The jail department was turned over to the Young Men's Christian Association, the ladies furnishing literature, etc., for that work.
In 1885 Mrs. McAlester was made President, an office which she has well and faithfully filled ever since.
Mrs. Blanchard writes :
"In April Mrs, Sallie Chapin visited us, and gave several lectures in her noble way, that made great impression on all. She also visited and lectured to the colored people, and we tried to organize them for temperance work. Revs, M. Thomas and J. M. .Davis organized the men into Good Templar Lodges, and kept them up until 1886, when being refused representation in the Grand Lodge at its session in Columbus, they disbanded, and that was the last of temperance among; them fora lime.

704

THK WOMA-N S t.TII-U^TI. AX TFM PEKANCK CNTDN-

" In February, 1885, Ex-Governor St. John came, and lectured to a full house. The Band of Hope furnished the music, and it was grand. Oh, (.he good that man has done ! He gave us two lectures which were very much appreciated.
" "In May the Union deter mined to do something to reduce t'ne sale of intoxi cating drink in this city. We knew that prohibition was not ihcn to be thoug-hL of. Our people were not yet enough indoctrinated in temperance sentiments. 1 I igh

writer visited the mayor and every alderman and other city officials, and they promised us to do all they could for high license. They kept, their word, and the saloons were reduced the first year from fifty-nine to t \venlv, and the arrests that year were five hundred fewer than the year before, arid the floating population hail increased by one-third. Mr. Dunlap gave us several lectures in August of this year.
"The State Woman's Christian Temperance Union met with us in May, 1,685. It was a time long to be remembered by us, and much good temperance seed [ell upon the hearts of many youths, that will bring forth good harvests in days to come. At this convention more than 150 children had pledged themselves to the temperance cause, and the melody of their temperance songs made the hearts ot" the old to rejoice. But death or removal had deprived us of some of our best members. Before this we had succeeded in introducing scientific temperance instruction into some of our schools. Many interesting- stories might be related of

tell. A little girl, only five years old, came with her sister to the Band of Hope. After a while she wanted a badge, and 1 gave her one. Her father was a medianie and every morning before breakfast he took his toddy, which he also gave to his children. When it was offered to this little girl she said, ' .Vo, 1 am a temperance girl.' For some days this went on, when the little girl said, 'Papa, the lady at the Band of Mope says if you will take one cup of coffee you will be much better

around his neck she succeeded in getting- him to lei the toddy alone. ' And now,'

does not have any at home, and f know he makes more money, all through the work of Ihtle Susie.' Oh, the gond these children can do arid are doing !
" The Union secured the signatures of several hundred of our best citizens to the council to introduce temperance scientific instruction. We also addressed our representatives in Congress urging the passage of the Education bill. More than 200 children have taken the pledge and they are faithful to their vows. The Good Templars have a large Lodge here, arid many of the young, as well as of the old, are enrolled among" its membership. Although we observe the days of prayer, and have meetings in our churches, yet, T regret to say, we have not as much interest in these now as formerly. Many believe they are doing no good, and become dis couraged, yet good is accomplished. We no longer hear of street difficulties si) frequently as before temperance work began here, and not half as much whiskev is to-clay sold in Columbus as four years ago. \Ye are at work slowly, but we keep at it, and now, in 1887, we have begun work among- the colored people again. Having explained our purposes to ihe colored pastors, they consented to help us. Rev. J.

THE WOMAN S CHRISTIAN" TEMPERANCK UNION.

?O$

M. Davis was anxious to have all the help he could get. anything that would help the morals of his people; he cared nothing about representation in con ventions, he wanted his people improved. 'I wish,' he said, ' that five hundred ladies would come to our church and talk to my people. Something must be clone, or the rising generation will he lost, and the white people must help us- Ves > Madame, come, and if 1 can do anything- lo help the temperance cause, I will do it.' So a day was appointed to organize. The women, 1 am happy to say, they turned out in large numbers, and they are now very enthusiastic in the work. They seem lo realize that it is fur their good, and that they must use their influence over the men, and \ve hope for much good from the Union organized among them.
" High license, we think, has done good, but oh, for the day when the streets of onr city shall no longer display the death-dealing signboard along their length ! This, of all cities, needs prohibition. We have so many poor among us, so many facLorv operatives, ftud something must be done for them. We hope, ere long, to have a. Band of Hope among these factory children. Many of them have taken the pledge, but \ve want more. Much temperance literature has been dis tributed among them, and much effort is made in then- Sabbath Schools la teach them temperance. We never let an opportunity pass in the Sabbath School with out impressing temperance lessons. The Infant class teacher, a good Woman's Christian Temperance lady, had told her pupHs never to touch anything that would intoxicate. A little girl of three summers heard her, and that night, when prepar ing to go to rest, she closed her prayer with this, ' 2-Jow, dear Lord, please keep mamma, and, uh, IJod, keep my papa from strong drink, do, dear I_ord, for my sake.' Her father, much surprised, heard this petition, and turning to his wife, said, 'Yon taught her that.' 'No. T. did not,'was the answer. The little girl said, ' JVo, Papa., my teacher told me to say thai, and if J JM, Dod w^ould hear me, and keep you from il.' The dear litHe one has never forgotten to make that a part of her prayer.
"A little boy of Rye was the instrument in breaking up one of the largest anrl most dreaded barrooms in this city--one that was kept in the back room of a family grocery. The little fellow went to the bar and asked the young man who kept it to let him talk with him. He insisted that if he" left the bar, his father could get no one else to keep it. ' Tint,* said the young man, ' 1 can find no other work.' ' What! yon, a. strong man, and can't find work? Why, I am a little boy, and I would do as the ladies say to do.' 'And what is that ?" ' Why, work on the rail road, plow--do'anything bnt sell this to men, that will kill them, and make their families poor. Don't you know that what you sell will not kill the body alone, but the soul also?' ' Howdoyou know that?' ' Why, Mrs. B. and Mrs. AIcC. tell usso, and I know it is so/ Thus the child continued for a long time, till his father told him if be would hush, he would quit selling, and so he did.
" The Woman's Christian Temperance Union has not done mncK of which to boast, yet a great change can be seen in the morals of the city. There is a great lessening of brawls in the street, and places, a few years since regarded as unsafe for ladies to visit, are to-day as quiet as any other part of the city. The papers advocate high license, and I fear onr people arc content with it, and will not work
4S

706 THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
for prohibition; but I hope for the time for prohibition to come, and we shall be ready for the conflict.
" But I ought not to close this sketch without mention of Mrs. McAlester, our faithful President, who, while her health permitted, was instant, in season and out of season, for every labor, and who, after her health failed, yet cheered us on with words of encouragement in our work for ' God and Home and Native Land.' "
Thus writes Mrs. Blanchard, herself one of the most faithful of Georgia's workers in the temperance vineyard, and the prime mover and main support of some departments of work, especially that among the colored people of Colum bus, to which work she has devoted much of her time and energies.
NOTKS ON PRISON WORK OF GEORGIA WOMAN'S CHRIST TAN TEMPERANCE UNION. , in Ju aken h
Mission. The Young- Men's Christian Association still hold service thereon Sunday " Mrs. 1 larpcr began her ' prison work' by visiting Fulton county jail, with the
Young Men's Christian Association committee on Sunday afternoon, June, 1882. The first time she asked to be excused from taking any part in the services; the second visit she read a chapter from the JJible, in a trembling-, faltering voice, and too much overcome by timidity and the surroundings, to utter a word. A prisoner seeing this, said, ' Never mind ; it's mighty good in her to come. Next time she'll the Master's help, do her duty or resign.
" Obtaining a permit from the sheriff, she began, in July, the regular Wednes-
"Fulton county jail is large and comfortable (for a prison), well arranged for religions service, and the jailer a kind, humane, and patient man, treating the

THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TK,M 1'KRANCK UXIO.N7 .

/O/

prisoners with great considei alien, while the neatness of the prison speaks well for his care. One cnlers the men's apartments through a large grated duo? (unlocked, only by the jailer), steps into an iron cage, imo which opens the reception cell, where certain prisoners are allowed, by special permit, to see near relations, and where they remain locked in until the relative is let out through the large door ; then the prisoner is searched'and taken back to his cell, or into the main corridor. Standing in this cage until ihe outer door is locked, and Lhe dour of the cage opened from the outside by sliding a large iron bar, one steps into the wide corridor, on
cither side of which are the cells (two tiers); at the end opposite the cage are UNO large windows. "Between these Mrs. Harper stands, or sits, while the prisoners range themselves on ihe right and left. After service a signal is given the jailer,
the iron cage is opened, she goes in, that dour if barred, then the large door unlocked; in short, Airs. Elarper goes in and comes out in precisely the same way that a prisoner does, fur there arc no wardens, only the jailer and one assistant, and it is this fact, together with the oppressive surroundings of a prison, that causes
most women to shrink from such \vork. "The women's apartments are in the main building over the office, and Are
well arranged with a much easier entrance and exit--only one door--into a large
room with the cells opening into it. "Service hymn selected by prisoners, prayer, hymn, reading a chapter from the
fSible, twenty minutes' t.-.ilk, doxology, distribution of papers, tracts, etc., then gen-

to visit- the cell where lies the sick man. Frequently she is given a letter to read

who occupy that part of the building {mended for a private residence. She found service but hers; one she persuaded lo attend the Young Men's Christian Associagood wom:in, yf>u are ^ good \\on\nu, Lut there are no good men.'

ian Temperance Union went with Mrs. Harper. After short service, bouquets tied with white riblwn and text cards attached, were distributed; some grabbed the flowers as if fearing they wuuld suddenly vanish: some held them in an awkward, half-ashamed manner, bin the majority enjoyed it.
"tune 9, fSiy, the nowcr mission was better understood by the public and the prisoners; the larger quantity of flowers contributed; the careful toilets mid reverent manner of the prisoners; somt? fastened the flowers on their bosoms and prome naded up and down the corridor; others held them and enjoyed the perfume; others
but 1 want to enjoy them awhile, they are so sweet.' Another standing near said, "The verses are sweeter than the Oowcrs.' One prisoner brought a white boy (12 years old), and showing his card, said, "Do you think this is good for him ?' V/^izw/ f7// *wV/} j^ff//^f7JJ fTM'fM', <S/// wi' Tt'^rf/r j\4(f////,f/y<7.rf ,?Tfwi'.' He was told

THE NY OMAN'S CHRISTIAN" TEM PEKANCI-; UNION.
ght on the work,
-ed her when she introduced herself, as only ' Certaintv, I will
afte' in Georgia, which.was published in a Northern journal and widely copied as triedo, Mrs. Harper left the office. Having made every effort jit her power and failed,
" Some weeks after her visit to Capt. Nelms she went to the legislature to hear the local option bill discussed. Passing Capt. Nelm's office, he called her in and said, ' I've been thinking: about you and your request; you must apply to the Governor.' ' But I don't know the Governor.' ' Never mind, I'll introduce you.' So an appointment was made, and in a short time Capt Nelms went with Mrs. Harper to Gov. McDaniel. He asked what the services were to be, the object and inteu-

THK WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. 709
tion of the work, and then indorsing it in a very kindly manner, advised a written application. This was promptly made and Mrs. Harper received an order requir ing all camps to admit her on Sundays. She began this work by visiting: a camp just outside of Atlanta {which had been there for a long- lime) very frequently; then the two on the Chattahoochee River; then Dade, and afterward others as oppor tunity offered. For more than a year there was a camp on the North side; the nearness of these and the ChaUahoochee camps gave opportunity for frequent visits and faithful work. The convicts watched for her corning- and gave hearty welcome; everybody was kind and polite, thus making her work much easier. The convicts called her a preacher despite her earnest protests; ' There comes our preacher,' they
" Her work has been greatly blessed; letters from wives and mothers thanking her for the good advice that has led to better things in their loved ones. Letters and visits from discharged prisoners and convicts encourage and strengthen her in the work.
" She has always found the camp less sad to her than the jail, and feels ' more liberty,' as the preachers say; but the clanking ol the chains aj they kneel for prayer still causes a silent shudder and shrinking. She is always glad to testify to
hu and a half years not one unpleasant thing has occurred. She feels under special obligation to Capt. Nelms, Col. Towers and Capt. Woodruff, of Chattahoochee camp, and loves to tell of the ' aid, counsel and comfort' given by Capt. Poole, the jailer of Fulton county.
books, leaflets, tracts, with many JSibles, Testaments and hymn books (Ludden & Bates, of Savannah, gave 500) distributed in jail and camp, the contributions of Sunday Schools and citizens of Atlanta. Contributions have come to her from New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Baltimore, Spartanburg, Greenville, and other
Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. "The prisoners are very attentive. Mrs. Harper often says she wishes all
speakers had such eager attention as is paid to her poor talks, and in the jail there

710 THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCF. UNION.

is rarely a

ers to read from m others, wives or cl .11-

ining n iges

mong her mo.sc pri;:ed possessioi

picture froim a Jitt:Ie b she never met.

idv who made pap;

g-ood man,' and a she I 1 frt>m a little girl. ' because she gave papa a Bible and lie

The

:rted in prison and are living g-ood li

since their discharge.

" The most painful thing- to Mrs. Harper is the status of our juvenile offend

ers. She is convinced that the jail is no place for them, and believes that one week

month in the chain gang-. She is assured that we will soon have a house of correc tion, and for this earnestly prays and hopefully waits."
Such is, in brief, the prison work of the Georgia Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the facts of which history have been contributed, a the author's request, by Mrs. Harper herself. Tt is a story well calculated to touch evei"3? heart, and yet the modesty of Mrs. Harper has not permitted her to give herself due credit for the results brought out of the movement which she inaugurated, and in the carrying on of which she has been the principal human agent. Doubtless most of the good effected will be known only when " the books shall be opened ;" a.nd yet how much of good results are we able to see, even with our blurred mortal vision. Will not the State of Georgia heed the warning, and separate the juvenile offenders from the old and the hardened in crime ?

.*

CHAPTER XLV.

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OK THE POST BELLUM ERA. SONS
OK TEMPERANCE.
Of this Order, down to the time of the voluntary sur render of its charter in 1872, by the Grand Division, in con sequence of the famous resolution of the National Division at Boston in 1871, we have already made mention. For several years thereafter, the Order was practically dead in Georgia. The Good Templars and the Friends of Temper ance had absorbed nearly all the working- factors in temper ance reform. Vet there were still many left who cherished in their hearts, a filial love for the grand old Order which had been the sheet anchor of temperance in former days.
"In the latter part of 1878, through the labors of E. L. Neidlinger, P. W. G. P., of Savannah, the Order was revived in Georgia, and the Grand Division was re-organ ized. Representative Neidlinger took his seat in the Na tional Division at the Washington session in 1879. At the close of 1879, the Grand Division reported five Divisions and one hundred and sixty-three members of the Order in the State, and in the following" year, three Divisions and sixtynine members.
*' In the winter of 1884 the labors of Prof. McCarron met with considerable success ; but the revival was short lived. At this time (September 1886), but a solitary Divi sion remains in active operation in Georgia,--' Stonewall," of Savannah, which reports regularly to the National Divi sion." '
The following list of Divisions was furnished to the author by Mr. E. L. Neidling-er, of Savannah. These Divi-
t Rev. R- Alder Temple, M. W. S., Halifax, N. S
711

712 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE COST JiKLLUM ERA.
sions, except the first, were formed for the most part, if not entirely, by Prof. W. F. McCarron.
No. i. Stonewall Division, Savannah. No. 20. Stone Mountain Division, Stone Mountain. J. N. Nash, D. G. W. P., Fostoffice, Stone Mountain. No. 21. Lithonia Division, Lithonia. R. W. Milner, D. Q. W. P., Postoffice. Lithonia. No. 22. Monroe Division, Monroc. Rev. C. C- Spence, D. G. W. P., Postoffice, Monroe. No. 23. Social Circle Division, Social Circle. Rev. D. F. C. Timmons, D. G. W. P., Postoffice, Social Circle, No. 24. Dallas Division, Dallas. Dr. W. C. Connelly, D. G. W. P., Postoffice, Dallas. No. 25. Douglasville Division, Douglasville. W. F. Roberts W. P., Postoffice, Douglasville. No. 26. Austell Division, Austell. Rev. S. S. Landrum, D G-. W. P., Postoffice, Austell.
No. 27. Ring-gold Division, Ringgold.
No. 28. Centreville Division, Social Circle. Rev. J. O.
Bradford, D. G. W. P., Postoffice, Social Circle. No. 29. Oakland Division, Jug- Tavern. J. B. Alien,
D. G. W. P., Postoffice, Jug- Tavern. No, 30. Macedonia Division, Oxford. A. V. Pool, W.
P., Postoffice, Oxford. Probably, of the above Divisions, none save that of Sa
vannah has more than a nominal existence. The stunning blow given to the Order in the South, at Boston, in 1871, as well as the growth of other orders, has most probably put the seal upoii any future efforts in behalf of this grand old organization in Georgia, Yet, the glorious memories of the "Sons" in other days, and the great work they wrought in retrieving Washingtonian disasters, in bringing victory out of defeat, and in the probable redemption of the State from the liquor thraldom, but for the terrible pressure of the slavery question, must alwaj's enshrine the Order in the af fections of all true Georgians, who love the temperance cause and appreciate the instrumentalities used to advance it.

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BELLUM ERA. 713
Another Order which has for several years ceased from any active -^ ork in Georgia is " The friends of Temperance" Although this Order still is effective in some other States, yet it is now known no more on the soil where its cradle was rocked.
KNIGHTS OE JERICHO.
The Knights of Jericho were active for several years after the civil war and under revised rituals, constitutions, etc., gathered in a considerable membership. But this Order like the Friends, is now a stranger on Georgian soil. The same fate has attended
THE TEMPLARS OF HONOR AND TEMPERANCE.
Of this Order two Temples in Georgia belonged to the post beilum period, viz.: One in Griffin, founded by W. E. H. Searc}', and another in Atlanta, organized by James G. Thrower. The Templars, never Strong at first, were, in the latter period, even more feeble in point of numbers in their reorganization.
Another ante betluitt organization which has faded from the memory of the present generation, not even having un dergone a revival in. later times, was that of
THE CADETS OK TEMPERANCE.
A close examination of the records of the National Secre tary of the Cadets, has failed to find any trace of this juvenile organization, once the protege of the Sons of Temperance. Indeed, the national officers in New York and Pennsylvania, seem to have little or no knowledge of the former status and work of the Order, so far as Georgia is concerned, yet under the auspices of the " Sons " the yout'bful organization was for several years, in quite a flourishing condition.
Another juvenile organization which has had no resur rection, was
THE COLD WATER ARMY.
Some companies of this organization had continued, it seems, to maintain their status until the outbreak of the

714 OTHKK ORGANIZATIONS OF THK POST BELLUM ERA.
great conflict, and, it is possible, that some other companies. like that of Savannah, may have entered the Confederate Army in a body, it is to be hoped with a better fate than that of the brave boys who died at the first Manassas.
THE KKCJ IABITES.
As stated in a former part of this work, only two Tents of the Independent Order of the Rechabites, were established in Georgia, prior to the Civil War. These were at Atlanta and Augusta, respectively. These Tents \vere short-lived, and until recently, the Order seems to have made no further efforts in Georgia.
In March, 1886, however, Georgia Terit No. 151, was organized in Savannah. Tt now has a membership of fifty. The Chief Ruler is C. O. Godfrey, Esq.; Secretary, Thos. M. Havncs. Except this Tent, the author has been unable to find any trace of the Rechabites in Georgia.
CATHOLIC TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETIES.
Georgia had delegates in the meeting" in Philadelphia in February, 1872, at which was formed the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of America.
This Union has received the pontifical blessing's of both Pope Pius IX, and Pope Leo XIII, the latter promis ing plenary indulgence both to present and future members, who may be truly penitent and confess their sins, and re ceive the holy communion.
Members of the Union are required to approach holy communion at least once a year ; and are recommended to go four times,
The constitution and laws of every society must be -approved by the pastor before they g~o into effect.
No society can be enrolled or retained in the Union without the consent of the pastor.
No secrecy, passwords, or the like, can be tolerated, and no member of a secret society condemned by the church, can be received into a Union.

OTHER ORGANISATIONS OK THE POST BELLUM ERA. /Ig
Rev. John H. Campbell of Philadelphia, President, ot the T^tal Abstinence Union, writes that " The total ab stinence movement in Georgia lias never been very strong"."
Savannah now, as in the days oi the great temperance champion, Father O'Neil, is the center of the Catholic total abstinence effort. There are three Catholic Total Abstinence Societies in the city.
The St. John the Baptist Society was organized by authority of Bishop Perseco in March, 1873. Its pledge is as follows :
" T promise with the Divine assistance, and in honor of the sacred thirst and agony of our Lord and Saviour, lo abstain from all intoxicating drinks ; to prevent as much as possible by advice and example the sin. of intemperance in others, etc."
The membership of this society is sixty-five, ranging" in age from seventeen to sixty, though most are from seventeen to thirty. For boys under seventeen and above ten, a Cadet Corps is organized. This society seems admirably adapted to do efficient work among its people. The officers .are :
M. A. O'Brien, President. W. T. Farrcll.Vice-PresLdent. A. N. O'Keeffe, Secretary. Jas. L. Gallagher, Treasurer.
The St. Patrick's Society is equally large, but. of neither this society, nor of that of the Ladies' Society also in con nection with the Church, has the author been able to pro cure more detailed accounts.
There may be a number of Catholic Total Abstinence Societies in other parts of the State, but if so, the author has failed to obtain any account of them.
THE GOOD TEV- LARS OF THE RIGHT WORTHY GRAND
I.ODGK OK THE WORLD.
This Order, so far as Georgia is concerned, has its 'membership almost entirely among the colored people.
After the great schism in the Good Templar Order at Louisville in 1876, the English and Scotch delegates, under the lead of Messrs. Malms and Gladstone, withdrew, and forrnecl that wing- of the Good Templars to which they gave the name of Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the World. Most of the .English and Scotch lodges, as also most of those

716 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BKLLL'M ERA.
in the English colonies, connected themselves \vith this new organization, and it was evident that strong efforts would be made to detach the colored people of the South from other temperance organizations and attach them to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the World, or the English Good Templars. We have already spoken of the efforts to heal the breach and to restore unity of organization, as well as of effort, among the Good Templars throughout the world. Only within the present year has the reunion been accom plished, and may it be perpetuated.
Mr. Malins himself has acknowledged that the efforts of the Order, which he helped to i'orm among the colored people of the South, have proven a failure. Fortunate indeed, it seems, for both races that a reunion has been effected.
For statistical information in regard to the work in Georgia under the auspices of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the World, the author is indebted to the kindness of Miss Jessie Forsyth, formerly Right Worthy Grand Vice Templar of that Order, and, since the reunion of the bodies, now holding the same position in the United Order. Miss Forsyth writes :
"The Order was introduced into Georgia in 1879, by the late Rev. Charles
tuted. January n, of that year, at Clark University, Atlanta; ' Emancipation'
'Fred Bouglass' Lodge No. 6, January 28, at Cuthbert ; 'Henry Wilson' No. 7, January 30, at Americus ; 'James G. Blame 1 No. 8, at Barnesville, February 7; 'William Ross' No. 9, at Orchard Mill, Feb. 21; 'Morning Star' No. TO, at Haven, March 10; ' Charles Sunnier' Lodge No. n, April 4, at Jackson Academy, Forsyth; ' E. O. Fuller' Lodge No. 12, April n, at Zebulon ; ' Pride of Lumpkin ' No. 13, May 13, at Lumpkin.
" The Grand Lodge of Georgia was instituted by Brother Williams at Griffin, July 2, 1879, with eighteen Subordinate Lodges. The Grand Worthy Chief Templar was Rev. J. T. White and Grand Worthy Secretary Brother Williams. At the time of reporting in March, 1880, the Order was in good condition, and there were twenty-one lodges in the State.
" In 1880 Brother Williams was elected Grand Worthy Chief Templar. The institution of ' Richard Alien' Lodge No. 26 is reported for December, 1880, *l'he Grand Lodge met July 5, 1881, at Atlanta, and reported a gain of seven lodges in the year.

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OK THE POST BEI.l.UM ERA. /I/

"After this date the Order began lo decline in Georgia, owing- to the illness

and subsequent death of Rev. Chas. P. Williams. In 1883 Prof. Win. P. Hastings, of Tennessee, went on a lecturing tour through Georgia and made ;ui effort to

revive the work. He secured the assistance of Brother Z. V, Spencer, of Atlanta,

who became Grand Worthy Chief Templar, Under his leadership C>c Order con tinued to revive until his removal to Alabama in 1884. Since that time until the

annual session held May last, Rev. E. J ,. Hammett, of Rome, has been Grand Worthy Chief Templar, but the present Chief Executive is C. P. Lovett of Griffin,

Georgia.

,

" T do not think that there have been any Minutes published. The present

KNIGHTS OF TEMPERANCE.

promote the isters, fighting
will not make, buy, sell, furnish, use, or cause to be used as a beverage, any spirituous or malt liquors, wine, or cider, or any other intoxicating drink, whether enumerated or not, and that I will use all honorable means to prevent their manufacture or use, and the traffic therein. * * * T also promise that I will aid a brother, the wife, mother, sister, or daughter of a brother, and the widow or
N. W. Perkins, Miss Wintie Johnson, Miss Jennie Miller, Miss Mattie Perkins, Mrs. Mary Kirk, Mrs. W. T. Kuxbee. This Council now numbers some 200 members. Three other Councils have been organized with large membership. The Grand Council of Georgia was organized January 2, 1884, and J. O. Perkins was the first Grand Commander, and T. S. King, first Grand Recorder. The present Grand Commander is D. Morrison, and _f. O. Perkins is the Grand Recorder.
" During the great campaign in Atlanta, the members of the Diamond Council, No. i, resolved themselves into a Prohibition Club and helped to win the glorious victory, and now we are at work again in earnest, and expect to spread our noble Order--the Knights of Temperance."

7l8 OTHER ORGANISATIONS OK THE POST BELLU.M KliA.
This Order has thus far been confined to Atlanta, but it has been an active agent in its own field of work.
ANTI-TREAT LNG SOCIKTY.
This society is of recent origin, and is, as yet, confined, to the immediate locality of its birth, /'. c. to Macon and vicinity. Although only a few months old, it numbers several hundred members, and is one of the factors in the anti-liquor contest. Many men will enter such a society* who will not enter one of the dose societies, nor assume the teetotal life pledge.
" The Ami-Treating Society is the outcome of a remark by the late Mr. S. II. Jemison, a lawyer and. at the time, a member of the Legislature. Mr. Jemisun, although neither a prohibitionist tier a total abstainer, yet declared that must drunkenness was the resuli of social drinking, and in barrooms. Mr. Jemi.son some time afterward was drinking with a party of friends in a barroom, \\hen an acquaintance who had not been invited to drink became insulted, drew a pistol, and in the altercation both he and Jemison were fatally wounded."
Jemison's death recalled his remark about social drink ing, and the Anti-Treat ing" Society was formed. The Society distribute pledge cards on which the following is printed :
" I (A B) do solemnly swear that I will not drink with, or ask any one to drink, in any public place or elsewhere, any spirituous, or malt liquors, wine, or cider ; nor will [ engage in any game of chance in ny public place or elsewhere for liquor in any of its forms, either spirituous or malt, as A forfeit.
" Executed in duplicate at Macon, Georgia, this ------ day of June, 1887. " N. B. This card is retained by the person signing it."
There are now sixty members in Macon, and seven antitreating societies have been formed in other Georgia towns.
Inquiries from many parts of the United States and from other countries have been received asking for informa tion ; and similar societies will probably be formed in many other towns and localities.
COLORED SOCIETIES.
Quite a number of societies have been formed among the colored people of (Georgia. So far as close societies are concerned these movements have all been ^?j/ ^r//w. J st after the close of the great civil conflict, when freedom had

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OK THE POST BEL1.UM ERA. 719
been given to the negro, it was found that intemperance was increasing" among1 the freed men at a fearful rate. Notwith standing" all the clandestine traffic carried on by the low groggeries with the slaves of the South, yet it remains as a fact incontrovertible, that at the outbreak of the war the [our mil lions of Southern negroes were the soberest people who spoke the English language. But with the close of the war, and the huddling of the former slaves about military posts, and into the towns and cities, the growth of the drinking habit was fearful. Unfortunately, the negro seemed to regard indulgence in drink as one of the necessary accompaniments of freedom--a kind of badge of liberty ; and it is a fact which all temperance workers among the negroes will reaclilv attest, that the most potent argument which craftv liquor venders and low politicians have put into the negro's mouth, to off set evcrv appeal to him to ioin in the crusade against the traffic, is that it is a question of personal liberty, and the surrender of this right is but a step toward a return into slavery. Thus the clanking- chains of this liquor bondage were made by base, designing- men to appear to the poor dark-skinned captive the veriest emblems of freedom !
But another grave question--one of the gravest in view of the importance of the results--was that of the social status --the equality--which temperance societies, by their very organic form, instituted among their members. All good men saw the necessity for action to save the colored people, but how was that action to be taken ? The temperance society seemed clearly to offer the most effective method for work; but how was such an organization to be made to work? To attempt a union of the races in society effort, was to bring- certain and swift destruction upon the Society. We have already seen how even the mooting of the ques tion, before the experiment had ever been attempted, burst in sunder the two great orders of the temperance reform, viz.: The Sons of Temperance and the Good Templars. The whites of the South would not take hold of an order, what ever its purpose, which so revolutionized the social status,

^20 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THK PORT BEI,[,QM ERA.
and without the whites' co-operation there was little proba bility of making any permanent headway among the negroes. Patriotic philanthropists struggled with the problem. Many thought it best to establish new orders for the colored peo ple which should be separate and distinct from the orders already existing, and which latter were to be the property of the whites. In pursuance of this view several orders were established, and became quite popular for a time with the former slaves.
The leading Good Templars of America thought to meet the difficulty by a system of dual Grand Lodges with a common international head, and separate subordinate lodges, a plan which seems eminently wise in its far-sighted forecast of results. Not so the English Good Templars. Not troubled with this great social problem, the English repre sentatives, as we have seen, were bent upon compelling the Jews and the Samaritans to have dealings with each other upon such terms as John Bull should prescribe. If the mis sionaries in the East were to demand an abrogation of immemorial customs, ^. ^., the abandonment of the veil an^i of the seclusion of the women, how much of success would they likely meet? Christ did not so instruct his apostles.
Among the temperance orders established for colored people, the most important in the South were the True Re formers, the Vanguard of Freedom, the Good Samaritans, the Sons of the Soil, besides the two wings of the Good Templars, which \vere also planted here.
THK (.K)(.)l) SAA1ARITANS
cannot be accounted among the ^<?j/ &^!ww Orders as to origin, since this organization was founded in New York in February, 1847; nor was it then, nor is it now, an exclusively colored organization. So far, however, as the Georgia Samaritans are concerned, the Order belongs to the colored people.
The Good Samaritans boast to have been the first tem perance order to receive women into their ranks, viz.: In

I

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BELLUM ERA. 72 I
1848, yet even the year before this, in September, 1847, colored men were admitted, the first order which had, as yet, opened its doors to the negro race.
The dramatized parable of the Good Samaritan is used as an initiator}*- ceremony, and six degrees are attached to the Order's working-.
The Good Samaritans claim to have a larger percentage than any other order, of reformed drunkards. They have also a juvenile branch with ritual and private work for its youthful members.
"Although from choice, the subordinate lodges preserve their color character, the subordinate and grand bodies being composed of white or colored, and each retaining this fea ture, yet in the National Lodge this feature is lost, and here the colors mingle without any qualifying restraint ; and though it frequently occurs that the colored members far outnumber the white, yet never has it been known that any advantage was taken, all seeming to lose sight of the dis tinction and to aim at the Order's general g-oocl." 1
For the very excellent account of the Good Samaritans in Georgia, the author is indebted to Smith W. Easley of Atlanta, one of the most intelligent colored men in the
State :
"On the cjth of July, 1875, the first lodge of th Order was organized here with twenty-eight members, with S. B. Baily as wor y chief, and myself as record ing- secretary, which position I held until September, 1882,. On the i6lh of March, 1876, another lodge was organized here with 164 embers. Rev J. A. Wood, Worthy Chief; U. T. Howard, Past Chief; A. W. Upshaw, Recording .Secretary.
'January J , 1877, a lodge of 149 members organized at Palmetto. Rev. Taylor Slaughter, Worthy Chief; Rev. J. B. T.ofton, Recording Secretary.
"May 28, 1877, a lodge of ninety-eight members \vas formed at Savannah. Moses Caston, Worthy Chief; J. H. Brown, Recording- Secretary.
"A lodge with seventy-six members was formed October 12, at Newnan. Rev. Samuel Smith, Worthy Chief; C. V. Smith, Recording Secretary.
"On the loth of May, 1878, another lodge with sixty-four members was organ ized in Savannah, and five days later a lodge of eighty-five members was organized at St. Mary's. Hon. Thomas Butler, Worthy Chief; W. A. Bowman, Recording
Secretary. "On the 20th of May a lodge with 124 members was instituted at I>arien.
Hon. James B. Bennett, Worthy Chief; Rev. S. H. Smith, Recording Secretary.
1 Rev. G. II. Hick, in the "Centennial Temperance Volume," p. 736.

722 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BELLUM ERA.
"August 17, 1879, a lodge was organized at LaGrange, having seventy-three members, and having J. H. Dismukes as Worthy Chief; and J. W. Jackson as Recording Secretary.
"September i, 1880, a lodge of 184 members was instituted at Rome. Amos Black, Worthy Chief; T. E. R. Pearson, Recording Secretary.
"April 23, 1883, a lodge with fifty-four members was established at Griffin. James M. Pitts, Jr., Worthy Chief; ------ Budman, Recording Secretary.
"May 17, 1884, a lodge of forty-four members was organized at Rivertoii. "November 20, 1884, a lodge with thirty-four members was established at Brunswick. Rev. S. Smith, Worthy Chief; C. W. Smith, Recording Secretary. "These lodges were all organized by me. "We were then under the jurisdic tion of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge No. i of New York. "From the 4th day of March, 1876, to the 2oth of July, 1885 (when the Grand Lodge of Georgia was formed), I was the District Deputy for Georgia, to organize lodges in this State. I should have said that the first lodge in Georgia was formed by Rev. W. G. Strong of Mobile, Ala. "On the 20th of July, 1885, the Grand Lodge was organized, with myself as Right Worthy Grand Chief, James M. Pitts, Jr , Right Worthy Grand Secretary; Peter McMurray, Right Worthy Grand Treasurer; J. M. Marshall, Past Grand Chief, and Mrs. Emma B. Easley, Past Grand Presiding Daughter. "Another lodge was organized that year at Griffin, and Dec. 31, 1885, a juve-
forwarded a charter to Mrs. Laura D. Alien of Forsyth, for the organization of a juvenile lodge at that point.
"On the 9th and loth of last June (1886), at the Grand Session in Rome, Peter McMurray was elected Right Worthy Grand Chief, and myself Right Worthy Grand Secretary. The whole number of members at this date is 3,629.
"I know nothing of the 'Sons of the Soil,' or of the 'Vanguard of Temper ance.' I have heard of them, but as to their aim and object I know nothing. When I first entered school, in 1868, I took a temperance pledge. From then
Samaritans a pledge similar to that of my boyhood; so I have done all of my work within that Order."
The author has been unable to gain any information as to the "Vanguard of Temperance," or the "Sons of the Soil." If either order has made any headway in the State, it seems impossible that nothing- should have been heard of it.
THE TRUE REFORMERS.
Incidental allusions \vere made to this Order in the story of the Good Templar schism, which culminated in the Friends of Temperance on the one hand, and in the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the World, or the English Good Templars, on the other. We have seen how it was resolved

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BE^LUM ERA. 723
in 1872, to establish an order for the colored people, and that Col. Hickman was charg-ed with the preparation of a ritual, etc., for" the new organization. The Order was established in Georgia, in 1873, and spread rapidly over the State, soon gathering" in a large membership.
The lodges were called "Fountains" and the State insti tution, the "Grand Fountain." Being an offshoot of Good Templary, the vows, etc., as to total abstinence, were similar to those of the latter order.
The colored people seemed so \vell pleased with their new Order, notwithstanding jVIr. Malms' sneer at it as the "Kitchen Order" that when, in 1877, under the dual Lodge systern of the Good Templars, it was proposed to incorpo rate the True Reformers as a wing of the latter, the " True Reformers " \vere quite loth to give up their organization, but finally consented, and thenceforward the Order was known no more.
Of the Good Templars who were thus the offspring of the True Reformers, a prominent colored temperance worker writes : " The Order was in a very good condition until it fell into the hands of W. A. Pledger, who became Grand Worthy Chief Templar. It afterward got into the hands of politicians, and, as a consequence, it soon faded into oblivion. However, it appears to have taken life again; for last July or August (1886), a State Grand Lodge was organized, with Rev. E. R. Carter as Right Worthy Grand Chief Templar."
COLORED WORK IN SAVANNAH.
From a letter written by Rev. D. Sherrill, 1 pastor of the Colored Congregational Church in Savannah, we may extract the following1 :
"The temperance work among the colored people of Savannah, so far as I know, is about confined to my own enterprises.
"For six years in connection with the Congregational Church we have g;iven the third Sunday night of each month to temperance work. Addresses, songs, rec itations, and papers by such persons as we could secure, with not a few lectures on Wednesday nights by such strangers as we could secure, as in the instance of your own visit with Mrs. Chapin.
"About five years since, T organised what I call 'The Temperance Army.' We
J To Mrs. Webb.

724 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE HOST IJELLUM ERA.
use the triple pledge and represent its parts by the colors, red. blue and white, the alcohol pledge being- necessary to membership, ihc others optional.
"The 'Armv' has now seventeen corps, over each of which is placed n leader, whose duty it.is to secure new recruits and bring them to the monthly meeting- to be mustered, and also, and chiefly, to visit each member of his corps cnc/t month, to see that the pledge has been observed, and to learn what the member has done for the cause.
"The roll now numbers about 700 names, and is about as good a system, ami as easy of administration as anything T know of. Each recruit receives a badge
"Two persons have general cure of the roll, and of the literary part of the
"In Tlcach institute (300 pupils) temperance instruction is given from text books, and orally, in all the grades through the entire year, and the attempt is
members of the Temperance Army and of ]jeach Institute are in all parts of the city and in all the churches, so that now there is a goodly amount of temperance mater ial almost everywhere, which can be depended upon when the ./?^f comes v^v?.
"There may be other organized work here, but if so 1 do not know of it."
Such is the work among- the colored people of Ogicthorpe's own city.
Of the active efforts of Rev. ^lr. Lathrop, pastor (f the colored Congregational Church of Macon, we ha vu already made mention, as also of the efforts of the colored pastor of Columbus.
COJLOKED CHURCHES.
KXTKVVCT KRUM A 1/RTTKR OF TtRV. S. R. I-ATTTRO1\
"The temperance work among colored people in Georgia has been somewhat spasmodic and irregular, but nevertheless has apparently accomplished a good deal. Systematic instruction in temperance textbooks, also by lectnres, experi ments, etc., has been given in all the schools supported by the American Mission ary Association--in Atlanta, ZMacon. Savannah and other places. The advanced pnpils in Atlanta University, Clark University, Lewis Xormal Institute at IMacon. and other schools, have been thoroughly taught, and in going forth to tench the hundreds of snmmer schools among theLr o\vn people, have been supplied \\ith quantities of temperance literature (especially that printed by the XaLional Tem perance Society) which has been widely distributed and has accomplished great good. These students have themselves taught temperance in their day schools and Sun-
most effective campaign service as speakers to their people in the various prohibi tion or local option campaigns. J7/^ has been done in this way to create tem perance sentiment.
"TheCongregational, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches supported bv these missionary societies, have likewise done much in this line. The ministers are, with-

I

public teaching-, and in prr This is true both of the whit of the native colored preachers who have been trained up in the schools
2 bet
e been various societies organized (generally in connection with churches) which have done much likewise. The 'Mead Temperance Society' of Macon did an effective work in connection with the Congregational. Church there, holding' temperance meetings in various colored churches, having lectures, essays, concerts, debates, 'chalk talks,' illustrated lectures and many devices to build up sentiment in the right line. The '"Dual Lodges of Good Templars' organized in 1884, have also done good work. In a few places there were colored branches of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union organized, and some other societies of var ious names. The colored Knights of Labor have been very successful in buildingup true sentiment.
"There have been also lecturers sent out by the National Temperance Society of New York who have done a good deal, especially Rev. C- II. Mead, who for several successive years visited the larger towns of Georgia and gave effective lec tures, especially to colored people, reaching the religious conferences, churches and
' 'Among the colored newspapers of Georgia which have been champions of the temperance reform are the ''Georgia Baptist' of Augusta, Rev. W. J, White, editor; the 'People's Defence' of Augusta., Prof. R. K. Wright, editor; the Macon 'Sen tinel,' Wright and May, editors. The 'Helping Hand' is a little monthly mission ary sheet, published by Rev. S. E. Lathrop, missionary of the American Mission ary Association in Macon from 1878 to 1887. This paper has had an average circulation of 2,000 copies, has been an uncompromising advocate of tola! absti nence and prohibition, enforcing these lessons by stories, arguments, poems and pictures in the columns of the paper, and has had undoubtedly no small influence in creating a healthy and wholesome sentiment in this line.
"The Congregational Church in Georgia numbers fifteen churches and 1,000
by the missionaries and teachers of the American Missionary Association. At

these subjects. Its schools have been the training ground of many bright young

sacramental occasions.

"The above sketch is brief and imperfect, but I hope may be useful in some

degree.

"Yours for the cause of temperance and righteousness,

"STANJ/F.Y E, LATIIRI-JP,

726 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THK POST BELLUM ERA.
Like the whites, nearly all the colored people of the State, belong to, or are under the influence of some branch of either the Methodist, or of the Baptist Church.

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

Of this church Bishop L. H, Holsey writes :
" It has been our aim all along to create and maintain, not only sentiments of temperance but total abstinence from strong drink among- our people; and among the ministers and the leaders of our church the sentiment is all right. No man can be a preacher in our church who is known to indulge in strong- drink as a beverage,

formally opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of liquor as a beverage, though it is allowed when prescribed by a physician. The preachers generally have engaged on the dry side in all the campaigns in the State, and in many instances the dry ticket could not have triumphed without them. The Sunday Schools often are resolved into temperance societies, though without special constitutions or regulations. All the pupils are taught to abstain from strong drink. The utter ances of the Conferences are always for prohibition. I never knew one among us to be otherwise. A majority of the papers of the colored people are likewise for

" All the teachers (colored) in the public and private schools are for temper ance, so far as I know, and it is generally deemed that a teacher who would take

All of our colleges and denominational schools are sound upon the question, the fruit of which is seen throughout the avocation of the instruction of the young.
" I think the statistics of our Church in the State would run about thus:

Ministers--Traveling and Local. .................. 0 ..... 350 Members .............................................. 22,000 Churches ....................... ..................... 380

The African Methodist Episcopal Church was estab lished in Georgia in 1865, Conference organized in Savannah in 1866. In 1884 we find the following resolution passed by the North Georgia Conference:

" That we, the members of the North Georgia Conference take definite steps to form temperance societies in our Sabbath Schools, and thereby instill in the young 'temperance,' one of the main principles underlying gentility, by which means we will be enabled to foster the futtire church (the children) under the hallowed wings of respectability and self-respect.

" C. L. BRADWELL,
" H. T. CARGIIA,, " M. N. NELSON, " E. DAVIS, " JAMES RICKS,

J- Committee."

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BELLUM ERA. 727

In 1885 we have the following from the report of the Temperance Committee :

" Throughout the entire State we are glad to say that our ministers have acted

grandly in helping- to push on the glorious cause of temperance. God grant that

the time will soon come when the hydra-headed monster shall forever be destroyed.

Be it

" Itesolved, That we, as ministers of the North Georgia Conference, do all in

our power in favor of temperance. We still urge that the laws in our discipline be

strictly enforced.

" R. BROOKS,

" J. S. FLIPPER,

"H. REDOING,

"S. J. WEST,

I

" M. E, Cox. J

The Macon African Methodist Episcopal Conference for 1885, as per Committee's report, praises temperance, local option, etc., but thinks "the prohibitiotiists are carrying" the subject of intemperance too far to accomplish the good aimed at, and by so doing may overshoot the mark ; yet our hopes are that the tidal wave may never stop until intemper ance with its supporters is dead, and men, women and children can walk unmolested through this broad land."
The Oreorg'ia African Methodist Episcopal Conference at its Quitman session in 1887 adopted the following report of the Committee on Temperance :

'' We, your Committee on Temperance, beg leave to make our report. We have

given the subject of temperance much consideration, and there is no subject that

requires more time and thought upon the part of the Christian Church. We do

not advocate the theory of being temperate, but we make it in a fuller and stronger

sense, that we as Christian ministers and members of the Church of Christ claim

that we must have total abstinence. If we conquer, \ve must have it. A man

who can control himself will not find it difficult to lead a life of temperance. We

as ministers, must first taste of the fruits of the vineyard, and then teach others

the same. We pray that prohibition will cover in time the land. All of which we

most respectfully submit.

" R. V. SMITH,

~\

"J. B. LOFTON,

" H. WKLI.S,

f- Committee,"

" PETER JONES,

|

" J. K. CAMPFIELD, j

The membership of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Georgia is :
North Georgia Conference, 12,3in; Georgia Confer ence, 13,766; Macon Conference, 2,846.

728 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BELLUM ERA.
Rev. A. W. Watson of Cave Spring- who furnished the foregoing- details of African Methodist Episcopal history, adds:
" The Bishop always asks this question : 'Do you drink?' and if the answer be ' Yes,' then this further : ' Will you stop drinking, and smoking, and chewing tobacco?' If the minister should answer with an ambiguous 'I do not know, Sir,' the Bishop responds, 'Go to your seat then.' "
Many of the ministers of the African Methodist Epis copal Church have been conspicuous for their efforts among" their people in behalf of prohibition. In the recent contest in Rome and in Floyd county, Revs. A. W, Watson, E. A. Shepard, W. H. Foster, and C. H. Carter, were all mem bers of the Prohibition Executive Committee of Flo3'd county, and their names along with those of several other colored ministers, are mentioned in terms of highest praise by all temperance people who have had intimate acquain tance with the history of that glorious battle.
Two of the ministers of this church, Bishop H. M. Turner and Dr. W. J. Games, in the famous Atlanta contest, acquired a national reputation. The great tent meetings, and the earnestness and fervor of their appeals, did very much to bring about that glorious triumph which proved Atlanta the queen of American cities as to the matter of morals, but of this in its proper place.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This church embraces both white and colored ministers and members. In Georgia, however, a very large majority of its membership is colored.
Probably, if that church were to be selected, which is bitterest and most uncompromising in its warfare against the liquor traffic, the choice would, with very general una nimity, fall upon the Methodist Episcopal Church. We have seen how stringent were Wesley's rules of 1743, upon this subject. We have also remarked the retrogression of the church, which reached its lowest estate about 1812, when the General Conference, after four times tabling James Axley's famous resolution forbidding stationed or local preach-

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BELLU-M ERA. 729
ers to retail spirituous or malt liquors,--finally defeated it. The shame of this action, which then belonged to our common Methodism, the church soon begun to retrieve. Axley--the Nemesis of the recreant Conference, pursued the church with his Resolution, and in 1816 it was adopted.
After the great schism in 1844, -when the church, to a certain extent, had eliminated the slavery question, temper ance began to receive more attention, and in 1848, the Methodist Episcopal Church swung back to Wesley's rule of 1743, and this is her statute on the subject to-day.
In 1860 the General Conference resolved against the renting of buildings for the sale of intoxicating drinks, and the selling of grain to be manufactured into liquor, and ministers and members were urged to co-operate, in all prop er efforts, to secure prohibition in their several States.
In 1868 the report passed by the Conference, classed with intoxicating liquors also ale, lager beer, cider, wines, etc.
In 1872 the General Conference affirmed the absolute need for total legal prohibition, and pledged the members of the Conference to use their utmost endeavors to bring about the enactment of such laws, and warned the members of the church against signing a petition for license to sell liquor, or voting to grant license. Tantamount to this was the report adopted by the Conference in 1876; and in 1880, a chapter was introduced into the Discipline which made it the duty of preachers and of presiding elders to see that unfermented wine be used at the sacrament whenever prac ticable.
The general rules are, I, Prohibitory of drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking- them, un less in cases of extreme necessity. 2, Buying, selling, or using intoxicating liquors as a beverage, signing petitions in favor of granting license for the sale of intoxicating liquors, becoming- bondsmen for persons engaged in such traffic, renting property as a place in or on which to manufacture or sell intoxicating liquors, are described as imprudent, or un-Christian conduct, to be dealt with: For the first offence,

73O OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BELLUM ERA.
by reproof from pastor or leader ; for the second, reproof by pastor, accompanied by one or two discreet members ; for the third, by expulsion.
Dr. Buckley, from whose article the above has been, for the most part, extracted, adds : "Probably there is no body of men and women of any considerable size in the world, who purchase and use so small an amount of intoxi cating liquors as a beverage, as the Methodist Episcopal Church, while the number of societies employing- fermented wine at the holy communion is diminishing with each suc ceeding year. Also the great majority of its ministers and members are vigorous advocates of legal prohibition."
IN GEORGIA.
The Savannah Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church at its last session, held in Griffin, in December, 1886, adopted the report of the Temperance Committee, which declared the evils of the saloon to be "simply unreportable" affecting " public order, public health, public decency, increasing taxes, imperiling property, endangering life--the prolific source of crime, poverty, orphanage, disease, death, open, public, notorious, civic, social. There is not one solitary privilege that can be afforded the dramseller consistent -with the public good. The saloon exists as a moral abomination."
This report, couched in about as vigorous terms as the English language will allow, concludes with the following resolutions :
"Resolved, I, That as a Conference, we pledge both in our practice and preaching, to be true to the principles laid down in the discipline, believing that ' science and experience unite with the Holy Scriptures in condemning all alcoholic
intoxicants as the true ground of personal temperance, and complete legal prohibi tion of the traffic in alcoholic drinks as the duty of civil government,'
" Resolved, II, That as ministers of God, and helpers of humanity, we shall take a firm and uncompromising stand in every contest against rum, and that we shall bring our members up to the standard of our church law upon the subject of the prohibition of the rum traffic.
"Resolved, III, That we are opposed to the license of the traffic in rum, as both

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BELLUM ERA. 731

wrong1 in principle and a failure in practice, and that we protest against such an

unrighteous compromise, which gives a legal right to do a moral wrong.

" Resolved, IV, That we still affirm our faith in the local option prohibitory

laws of this commonwealth as right, wise, and practicable,

" Resolved, V, That we rejoice in the brave and effective work accomplished

by many of our ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the contests against

liquor, and promise that we shall preach on temperance, enforce the discipline,

and educate our people to uphold and enforce all prohibitory legislation, against

the traffic in ardent spirits.

" W. P. TI-IIRKIELD, )

"S. C. UPSIIAW, V (

"J. II. GRANT,

)

ilttet

The Minutes of this session state that the report was very freely discussed. " Col. J. E. Bryant, being present, was requested to speak. His remarks in advocacy of tem perance- and prohibition were well received and highly appreciated," also "Mr. Hanleiter, the chairman of the prohi bition committee (of Spalding county), and the Bishop's 1 host was introduced and made some thrilling remarks on the line of temperance."
The total membership of the Conference as reported at Griffin was somewhat more than 16,000.
Among the colored ministers of this church in Georgia who are best known to the writer as temperance champions, are Dr. C. O. Fisher Rev. E. L. Hammett, Rev. J. B. L. Williams, and Rev. S. C. Upshaw.
Clark University, with President E. O. Thayer at its head, has been, and is, a power for temperance among the colored people. Its Faculty are active workers, and the students who have attended the institution are almost universally found in the prohibition ranks in all the local contests where they reside.

COLORED CONGREGATIONALISTS.
Of the position of Atlanta University under the care of the Congregational Church, on temperance, etc., about the same account may be g-iven as of Clark University. The Faculty are pronounced in favor of temperance, and of prohibition. The author has unfortunately failed in his effort
1 Bishop Fowler.

73 2 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BELLUM ERA.
to get more accurate information in reg-ard to the temper ance work in this institution.
Of the great temperance "work of Rev. S. E. Lathrop, Congregational Church in Macon, not only as a pastor, but also as a teacher in the Lewis high school, and as editor of a paper in the central city, we have already had an account, and also of Rev. D. Sherrill's efforts in Savannah.
Thus in the three cities, Atlanta, Macon, and Savannah, we have found the colored Congreg"ationalists active in organized efforts in behalf of temperance.
The Congregationalists are confined to the cities, so far as the author has been able to ascertain.
THE COLORED PRESBYTERIANS
are not numerous in Georgia. There are two distinct churches, viz. : The Northern and the Southern. The ut terances of these churches, \vhile probably identical with those of their white brethren upon all moral questions and in favor of temperance, the author has not in his possession, and the same must be said as to the colored Baptist churches, whose records the author expected to receive from Rev. W. J. White of Augusta, but they have not come to hand.
THE COLORED BAPTISTS
are numerically among the strongest churches in the State. According to the Minutes of the State Baptist Convention (white) there were in 1886 in the State thirty-nine colored associations, with 1,263 churches and 134,629 members.
Rev. W. J. White, of Augusta, editor of the "Georgia Baptist," and a most intelligent colored minister, had en gaged to write up his church upon the temperance question, but sickness having prevented his \vork, the author has not been able to gather any such complete material for the work as he could have desired. Rev. E. R. Carter, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, in Atlanta, and Chief Templar of the colored Good Templars of the State, writes of his church as follows :

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BELLUM ERA. 733
-'At a recent convention held in Bruiisw given lo the discussion of prohibition, and heard were made. Every one said, ' Down iig-ht it wherever it should be met.
"At a Sunday School convention in Augnsta a few days ago the same stand was taken, and strong resolutions were offered and adopted against the traffic.
" I know of 110 denomination that has done more to clown the traffic than the Baptists. Not only do great representative bodies, but also single churches con demn the traffic.
"Among the most prominent temperance champions are: Rev. E. K. Love and Rev. Alex. Harris, of Savannah, who fight liquor as St. Paul fought the beasts at Ephesus; Rev. C. T, Walker, Rev. Geo. Dwelly, Rev. H. Morgan, Rev. f. T. Tolbcrt, Rev. W. J. White, of Augusta, who are doing the same; Rev. C. IT. Lyons, of Rome, who did much to dry up Rome recently, and 1 could name hundreds of others who are working after the same fashion. All these are Bap tists, and if there wasn't another Baptist doing- anything- for the cause, yet I feel Strong enough in it to represent the whole church. As to prohibition in Atlanta, it never would have been here but for the negro. He voted it here, and he will do
The great services rendered by Rev. E. R. Carter in the Atlanta campaign, as well as in other prohibition con tests, nave made his name well known all over Georgia. Indeed, the Atlanta contest itself gave a kind of national reputation to all the principal actors who took part in it.
The Baptist Convention reported in 1886 a total white membership in the State of 130,781 ; of colored, 134,947 ; in all, 265,728. This includes about 12,000 Anti-Missionary Baptists.
The two Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church South (North and South Georgia) report for 1886 a white membership of 120,092. This does not include about 1,000 preachers, traveling or local. Add the white membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of the Methodist Protestant Church, and of the Congregational Methodist Church, and the total of white Methodists in the State must exceed 130,000. There are probably nearly or quite as many colored Methodists, though the author has been able to obtain only partial statistics of these.
It seems, therefore, that the Baptists and Methodists of Georgia together amount to more than a half million of members, or about one-third of the entire population of

734 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE POST BEI-LUM ERA.
the State. At least another third of the population may be counted as religiously under the influence of one or the other of these churches. What a fearful responsibility, for the morals of the State must rest upon these two churches. Each has time and again vowed eternal hostility to the liquor traffic. Are they not able to sweep it from the land ?

I
CHAPTER XLVI.
THE (WHITE) CHURCHES IN THE POST BELIAJM PERIOD.
THE PRESBYTERIANS.
The Old School General Assembly in 1865 adopted as its deliverance a paper presented by Dr, David Elliott which declared that the church "must purge herself from all partic ipation in the sin by removing from her pale all who are engaged in the manufacture and sale of intoxicating drinks for use as a common beverage." The church planted itself upon the platform that such manufacture and sale are a vio lation of the word of God and of the law of the church, and those members engaged therein must,upon persisting- there in, be expelled from the church. When the Old and the New School Churches were reunited in 1862, this deliverance of the former body remained and was reaffirmed by the church in 1871 and in 1880. Therefore it stands as the law of the Presbyterian Church to-day.
In 1871 the Assembly declared those who rented their premises for tne carrying- on of the traffic, or indorsed licenses for legalizing it, were complicit in the traffic.
In 1883 Dr. Herrick Johnson's amendment was adopted by the Assembly, viz.:"In view of the evils wrought by this scourge of our race, this Assembly would hail with accla mations of joy and thanksgiving- the utter extermination oj the traffic in intoxicating liquors as a beverage, by the power of Christian conscience, public opinion, and the strong arm of the civil law."
735

736

THE (WHITE) CHURCHES IN

In 1885 the Assembly proclaimed "the entire extinction of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating- liquors as a bev erage is the goal to which the Assembly looks forward, and for the accomplishment of which it expects the earnest, united, determined,and persistent labors of all its ministers and people in connection with the religious and sober citi zens of our common country."
The church also favored the prohibition by the Federal Government of the manufacture and sale of liquor in the Territories. She has also been a staunch advocate for tem perance work in the Sabbath Schools, and also champions " the eng'rafting- of scientific temperance instruction into the public school S37 stern of every State in the Union."

THE GEORGIA PRESBYTERIANS
have not, as the writer has learned from several ministers of the Synod, made any' specific deliverances upon the temper ance question, using" only the general law of the Church as their own deliverance upon the subject.
* OTHER PRESBYTERIAN BODIES.
Of the Associate Reformed Presbyterians and the In dependent Presbyterian Church (of Savannah), we have already spoken and no new utterances of either of them, in Georgia at least, have been made in the post helium era.

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANS,
in their General Assemblies, have ranked among- the fore most of the fighting" hosts on the temperance question.
In 1878 the Assembly "most heartily indorsed and ap proved every laudable effort that is being- made for the sup pression of the traffic, and recommended all ministers and members to co-operate with every movement for the accomplishment of this glorious end."
It also recognized the right of the State to make and enforce laws to regulate, modify, restrict or abolish the whiskey traffic, for that " no man can claim license to deal in

THE POST BELLUM PERIOD.

737

intoxicating, liquors as a beverage, as a matter of right, and no State can grant such license as a matter of moral right."
In 1879 it is the sense of the Assembly " that the traffic in alcoholic liquors as a beverage, should be regarded by all civilized people as an illegitimate and criminal business, against ' which we utter our most solemn and emphatic protest," also "that church members who will not give up all connection with the traffic and use of alcohol as a beverage, and absent themselves, as far as possible, from the places where this deadly foe is kept, should be regarded as guilty of unchristian conduct and liable to the censure of the Church."
In 1881 the Assembly advises the people to "favor the passage of prohibitory laws and to vote for men who will both make and execute such laws," The members are urged to " act consistent with their professions at the ballot-box, as well as elsewhere."
The Church condemns the manufacture, sale or use of all alcoholic drinks as beverages, as a violation of God's Word.
It condemns " moderate drinking," as without Bible warrant, wrong1 in practice or in precept, and contrary to all physiological and moral principles.
It condemns licensing the traffic, as wrong from what ever standpoint. It indorses total abstinence, and com mends " moral suasion " for the home, the school and the church, and prohibition by (.he State of'the manufacture and sale of all alcoholic liquors as beverages.
The position of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, as will be seen, ranks with the most advanced adopted by any of the churches in dealing with the great evil.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH,
The statistics and some account of the introduction of this church into the State and its history here, have been given in a former part of this book.
Rev. Alexander C. Smith, Secretary of the State Meet-

738

THE (WHITE) CHURCHES IN

ing of the church, writes : "Our members generally are in hearty sympathy with the great temperance movement, and at our State meeting- in Augusta, in 1885, the following pro ceeding1 explains itself :
" 'R. M. Mitchell offered the .Growing-, which was unanimously adopted : Re solved, That this convention put itself on record as being: in full accord and har mony with the grand temperance movement, and heartily in favor of prohibition.
" 'Our preachers, almost without exception, are strong; advocates of temper ance, and many of them have delivered public addresses, notably, Bro. C. S. Lucas, Pastor First Christian Church, Augusta. The great majority of our mem bers believe that the use of all alcoholic drinks as a beverage, is a great sin, and should be heartily condemned.'"

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH.
After the great schism in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1844, the Southern Church was organized. The discipline contains this chapter on temperance :
"Let all our preachers and members faithfully observe our general rule, which

for imprudent or improper conduct. "Let all our preachers and members
facture or sale, let the discipline be ad mi proper conduct."
At the last General Conference, held in Richmond, Va., in 1886, on motion of Rev. W. A. Candler of Georgia, the words, "immoral conduct" were substituted for "improper conduct," at the last of the foregoing resolution, though after a hot debate.
In 1865 the Georgia Conference was divided into the North Georgia and the South Georgia Conferences.
THE NORTH GEORGIA,
at its twelfth session, in 1878, appointed a special committee on temperance.
At the session of 1880, held in R.ome, the Temperance Committee, with Dr. A, G. Haygood as Chairman, brought

THE POST BELLUM PERIOD.

739

in a lengthy report, which depicts in terms long- ago stereo typed upon every intelligent mmd, the miseries of the liquor traffic. The report quotes the opinions of Judges Hillyer, Hopkins, and Pottle, and of Hon. John Milleclge, City Re corder of Atlanta, all declaring liquor responsible for most of the crimes of violence with which these officers had had to deal. The Internal Revenue Reports, with their hollow mockery of figures, those numerical gauges of crime, were not amitted in the Committee's Report :
It is recorded also that 'a reputable United States district attorney said a few .days ag-o to a member of this committee, There are seven hundred illicit dis tilleries in Georgia alone. There were also Gi6 "licensed" distilleries, and 2,372

vender, either licensed or unlicens

who

thought1 it probable that he could e

"Let there be no more tamperi

business. Prohibition, pure and

simply, we must have. The greate

ay is the despair of unbelief.

Men think the evil too great to be

e evil ought to be removed,

and whatever in God's world ought to b

be done. Inaction cannot be

the policy, for the same rule applied church work against sin, would close all the

church doors. But the eternal powers a pledged to help in the conflict.

"i. J.et us seek to cripple the traffi in every way possible, by enforcing ex

isting laws, as, e. #., those against Sellin

"Put the boys on the stand, and fo if

ry,

aged

fathers, for the employment of the best l

"2. Pass lau-s making liquor deale

" 5, Let Christian people express their convictions at the ballot box by always

voting for sober men who are engaged in a legitimate business; thus they will make

themselves felt and respected.



"6. Let us continue to call upon the Legislature for the enactment of local

the Legislature refuse to grant so reasonable a petition, elect representatives who will grant it.
"Let us raise the standard of public opinion on temperance by showing the evils attendant upon dram-selling and dram-drinking. No such argument, so

74

THE (WHITE) CHURCHES IN

potent and so forcible was ever presented by another subject. As Bishop Pierce has said: 'A broadside of Sinaitic thunder was needed to clear the murky air, which threatens to suffocate us.'
".Let us teach ;o.t home to the children the sin of intemperance. It is a proper subject to be taught against in the schoolroom. Let good women banish strong drink from iheir tables. All honor to brave Airs. Haycs who for four years ban ished liquors from the'White House.' May the wife of the President elect follow her illustrious example.
'' Let all pastors enforce the discipline against drunkenness and liquor vending. Ko deliverance is to be expected from this liquor plague until the church shall do her duty. The Cross must wave above every gre-at forward movement in morals. Politicians and political parties will never close the barrooms- The church should not be deterred by the cry of ' Hands off in politics.' Prohibition is not a political question. A Christian minister may, with all propriety, take a leading part in such a contest. If any political party's life is bound up in the liquor tramc, then let that party be buried out of sight."
The battle must be pushed until prohibition shall cover this land. \\^e offer the following resolutions :
".AVjv/w,^, r, That the members of the North Georgia Annual Conference hereby declare their unalterable purpose to use their best ende. cause of =obriery.
"vVrjo/rvj/, II, That we congratulate all counties and muni that liave already freed themselves from the liquor traffic.
"j4Vj<Vzv^, IJf, That we command their example to o those communities that are still under the yoke.
".AVjvAv,/, IV, That we will use our best efforts to secur

The author has abbreviated or synopsized this report,

which on account of its great length, could not be inserted,

but the import of its utterances has not been altered.

The session ol the Conference in 1881 had its Temper

ance Committee, with C. D. McCutchcon as chairman. The

report as read by Rev. \V\ H. T_,a Pra.de, urged j<?j;<??z in

pulpit, in Sunday Schools, in the community, and at home ;

also the circulation of temperance literature, and the impress

ing" upon people " the moral and Christian responsibility

which attaches to the prerogative of voting, with special

reference to the liquor question."

.

The Temperance Committee of the Conference of 1882

had A. G\ Ilaygood as its chairman. Nothing new was

added to former declarations of the Conference as to temper

ance and the liquor trafKc.

THE POST BEI.I.UM PERIOD.

74!

The Temperance Committee of 1883 had W. C. Dunlap for its chairman. This exceptional feature is found in the report:
" \Ve have heard, with great pleasure, ihe communication from the Woman's

requests that preachers in charge appoint from the female members of their charge one delegate to the Conference of that body (the Woman's Christian Temperance <'(mpemion) to be held in Augusta, January, 1884. We respectfully suggest, that wllfn practicable, this be done.
" We further suggest to the preachers in charge that whenever practicable, especially in towns and cities, 'Gospel Temperance ' services be held, and (we) would also recommend special 'Gospel Temperance' instructions in our Sunday Schools."
At the Conference of 1884, J. W. Lee was Chairman of the Temperance Committee. The Report closes with the following- resolutions, which were adopted :
"Kesofoed, T, That we regard prohibition as the only rational and practical solution of the whiskey problem.
"Jtcsolvfd, II, That we will use our influence to create, organize, and inten sify prohibition sentiment.
-- 'Save our Homes'--published by J. W. Burke &Co., and thf.
"Resolved, TV, That we will endeavor to hav< different counties of the: State enforced."
The Minutes of this Conference for 1886, give a total white membership of 77,090; of colored, 36; of local preachers, 420; and of traveling ministers, 211.
THE SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE OF THE M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH, 1
was organized in 1866 upon the division of the Georgia Con ference into two bodies, viz.: The North and the South Georgia Conferences. In 1874 South Georgia, voted as fol lows upon the change of the General Rule in regard to "drunkenness and drinking spirituous liquors," which propo sition was submitted by the General to the annual Confer ences : Clerical, ayes 53 ; nays 34. Lay, ayes 10; nays 14.
The rirst Committee on Temperance was appointed in
3 Furnished by the Secretary, Rev. R. B. Bryan.

74-^

T[-IE (WHITE) CHURCHES IN

1879. The report for this year expresses gratification at the fact that history proves that Methodism was the first organ ization in America to inaugurate the temperance reform. Her standard has been high and duty is plain on this subject.
"Resolved, I, That we urge upon all our members the important and imper ative duty of refraining from the use, manufacture, or sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage.
"Resolved, II, That as ministers and members of the South Ceorgia Confer ence, we pledge ourselves to do all in our power, both by precept and by example, to eradicate the evil of intemperance from our land.
"No Temperance Committee was appointed for 1880 or i8Si. In 1882, a pre amble and resolutions of considerable length were adopted. The preamble is as follows:
"WHEREAS, Intemperance is declared by our discipline to be a. 'crime expressly forbidden by the Word of-Ood;' and

financial waste, filling 'penitentiaries, jails, insane asylums, and poorhouses;' and "WHEREAS, These evils How directly from the traffic in intoxicating liquors, as
it is now carried on, Therefore resolutions were adopted congratulating the church that the General Conference had taken so decided a stand at its last session by denying the privileges of church fellowship, not only to those guilty of intemper-

a beverage.' Thus purified, the church may go on with undiher warfare against the great iniquity.

311 and by legal restriction. The barrooms are Satan's most e destruction of the souls of men. They render intemperance easy, they seduce the young; they tempt the struggling victim who attempts to

property, wrecks happiness; tears and bleeding hearts are in its wake, and its woes arc unutterable.
"It is the duty of all communities, where possible, to close these dens and pro hibit the traffic, and to withhold public trusts fron all who employ liquor to attain them; for 'a wrong not resisted is approved.' People who fail to do their duty

now, yet protection to the young thus given, can make the crime as rare as any
"The report for 1883 declares it too late to make an argument on such a sub ject. The heart of Christendom is profoundly stirred at the magnitude of the evil. We rejoice at the great progress the cause is making in our land. The good effects of prohibition are everywhere manifested in the good order which is following in its wake. 'Especially are our Christian women, our wives, mothers, and sisters stirred as never before; and their prayers, voices, and efforts, are being employed to urge forward the glorious cause.'

THE POST BELLUM PERIOD.

743

"Now it is especially necessary to create a public sentiment against this curse and in favor of the best plans to destroy it. More public conscience, more keen eA-tions for the right are needed. We must agitate, agitate; silence, indiffer ence, inaction are the foes most to be dreaded. We must take high ground, and

;t both manufacture and sale of spirituous liquors as a beverage;
preachers to preach and lecture upon this topic as often as they may think best, also to distribute tracts and literature to enlighten the people.
"The report for 1884 repeats in substance what has been formerly said about the liquor traffic and its evils, as well as repeats the exhortation to Christians to do their duty against it. No Methodist can engage in the 'manufacture or sale of liquor, or use it, save in the cases of necessity. The law must be strictly con strued and unswervingly enforced. It is immoral and damaging- to Christ's cause for our members to rent property to be used for the sale of liquor. We sympa-
traffic. "While disclaiming any intention of bringing politics into the church, we claim
it as a right to express our convictions in the pulpit and elsewhere upon all moral questions that may agitate the political world. 'And as nleas^t^'es depend upon the men intrusted with them, we hold it safest to commit the government to temper-
"Resolved, That we will, as pastors, whatever influence may be brought to bear upon us, keep our skirts clear by faithfully enforcing the provisions of the Discipline.
" f\<?soh;ed, We will, as lay members, discourage and discountenance, by precept and example, the manufacture, sale, or use of ardent spirits, except in such cases as are of obvious necessity.
"Kesoh'nd, We will, as citizens, throw the weight of our influence against every candidate for public oflice in our State, who, we have reason to believe, is in league or collusion with the liquor interest.
' 'Resolved, The Secretary of the Conference is hereby instructed to forward immediately a certified copy of this paper to Uon. C. H. Pringle, chairman of the Committee on Temperance of the House of Representatives."
Fifteen members of the Conference were placed upon the Committee in 1885, a sort of estimate of the magnitude of the subject. The report declares temperance and prohi bition to be so wedded that it was now impossible to speak of one without the other. The latter is only the natural outcome, or expression of the former. Mr. Wesley's rule has never been surpassed, nor his characterization of the liquor venders as the " murderers by wholesale of His Majesty's subjects." The rule adopted by the Baltimore

744

THE (WHITE) CHURCHES IN

Conference in 1784, was the first and most significant step taken in America in favor of temperance. Popular senti ment and law are now approaching1 that high standard.
The gracious influence of the Woman's Christian Tem perance Union is heartily acknowledged- Their gospel methods and Christian bearing" have strengthened the hearts of the men in the work.
The report for 1886 is lengthy. While Methodists have generally abstained from the use of liquors, except in cases of sickness, yet it has happened that the amount of sickness was so great as very forcibly to suggest the idea that disease had been courted for the sake of the remedy. These cases, however, are exceptions, for which we should feel thankful. There is a deepening disgust and abhorrence for the whiskey traffic. The Church has been growing in grace. No one now can remain in our communion who uses or sells intoxicating drinks, unless church and pastor are faithless to their vows and treacherous to the Lord who
bought them. The serpent of the still, less honorable than the serpent
of the rattle, does not give warning before it strikes. The evil cannot be overstated. Language bends and breaks in the attempt at adequate description. It is the curse of the ages, the devil of society, and "the dynamite of civilization." What shall we do with it? Fight it from pulpit, press, and ballot-box, and give it neither treaty nor armistice forever. It has taken the sword, let it perish by the sword. Rob beries, rags, wails, poverty, and degradation, it has given for gold. It has assaulted purity and manliness continually;
it must die. The morning cometh. Prohibition like another John,
heralds its approach. "May the Lord charge it with the lightning, and giving it the breath of continents and of the whole earth, impart to it from His right hand a momentum that will level the temples and desolate the dominions of Bacchus forevermore."
Such is the voice of the South Georgia Conference.

THE POST BELLUM PERIOD.

745

THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Minutes of the Baptist State Convention for 18489-50-51, the author has had no opportunity to consult.
In the Convention for 1853, this resolution, offered by Dr. J. H. Campbell, was adopted :
"Resolved, That we will ever unite our efforts and fervent prayers lo Almighty God, that the awfully demoralizing influence which is, and has been, so extensively

The Minutes for 1866 contain this resolution :
entire disappro-

The next record in the Minutes o( the Convention does not appear until 1869, when a temperance committee, of which Rev. W. T. Brantly -was chairman, reported. The report notes a marked decline in the interest once felt in temperance. Temperance organizations 2re unknown in many places, where they once flourished. Public sentiment, too, had become vitiated, and there was no condemnation proportionate to the magnitude of the evil. The churches, too, were not so diligent as duty demanded, in withdrawing fellowship from the intemperate, and drunkenness was on the increase in the churches. Avarice and sensuality con spired in the manufacturing and supplying of the beverage ; therefore,
"Resolved, That this Convention observes, with profound regret, the growing disposition to indulge in. intoxicating1 liquor;
all prudent measures, to persuade others to t
From 1869 there was yearly appointed a committee on temperance.
In 1870 the Committee's report discovers some gleams of light stealing through the cloud, "flattering signs of a re turn to soberness, in habit, as well as in thought ; brethren are exhorted to watchfulness and steadfastness, and absti nence from the use of ardent spirits."
"Resolved, That the churches be advised to exercise diligence, firmness, and

746

THE (WHITE) CHURCHES IN

love in the suppression of the vice of intemperance, and if need be, to withdraw from all who will not obey the injunction, 'Be sober.' "
G. A. NUNNALI.Y, Chairman.
The Report for 1871* remarks a great decrease in intem perance as compared with former }'ears, and far fewer cases of church discipline for this offence. But the standard of the churches varies much in this regard. In the majority of them, no hard drinker is tolerated ; in others, however, men "notoriously intemperate" have been retained. Those churches should at once purg-e themselves of this sin.
Public addresses and lectures, the report says, have been the chief means in promoting1 this reform ; but some of these addresses have been wanting1 in dignity comportable to the gravity of the subject. More seriousness would have been more effective. Temperance should be regarded as a great religious, rather than a mere moral reformation. Preachers should rather nil the place of lecturers, and ser mons take the place of addresses. The Bible should be made the authority and the standard, by which the subject should be tried. There was not enough temperance preaching. Let the subject be preached upon, and let the awful sanc tions of the Word, rather than temperance statistics, be quoted to enforce the lessons.
The 1873 Report2 reaffirms all the past deliverances of the Convention on this subject, but fears that intemperance is largely upon the increase. No soft language should be used to describe this sin of intemperance. It is to be de tested, loathed, abhorred. The whole system was without a redeeming quality, from the fashionable wine glass, through all its seductive stages, to the manufacture, saie, and use of ardent spirits; total abstinence for the individual; prompt, decided discipline in the churches; especially for him who, for gain, furnishes the fiery liquid.
The Report 3 for 1873, reports progress in the temper ance cause in the State. Temperance organizations are
1 Dr. H. II. Tucker, Chairman.
3 J. H. DeVotie, Chairman.
3 T. E. Skinner, Chairman.

THE POST BE1XUM PERIOD.

747

springing- up all over the land. The tenacity with, which some church members, and even officers, hold to their bottles, is%. hindering- cause to the progress of the \vork ; such stumb ling blocks should be cut off. The report rejoices in the juvenile work now going on, on temperance lines, also in the fact that steps have been taken by the Legislature looking to the establishment of an inebriate asylum.
The year I874 1 still marks great progress. Prohibition has come to many places ; in others the traffic has been greatly diminished. Formerly, many of the church members manu factured, sold, and drank spirits without incurring discipline ; now few churches will tolerate such conduct. Their pastors were censured for preaching on, and working for temper ance. JVozv such \vork is all but universally commended.
Then temperance had few open advocates, now it has 10,000 active adherents and 50,000 sympathizers in the State. Ministers should lead in this conflict; they should so guide public sentiment as to make the manufacture and sale of liquor odious, and labor to banish it from the State.
The Report for 1875 ~ finds a doubling of the temper ance workers since last year. There are now 20,000 active workers ; many communities have been rid of the scourge, many petitions for local option indicate the sentiment of the people, and no former Legislature was ever so favorable to such legislation. Ministers, who once opposed, now cham pion the reform. Forward is the word. Let ministers every where preach on the subject ; let churches discipline mem bers who sell, or drink, ardent spirits ; let all Christians prac tice total abstinence to help save others, save our sons and daughters. The grave is a sweet refuge in comparison with the drunkard's doom, or the fate of the drunkard's \vife.
Col. J. J. Hickman was present at this meeting, and ad dressed the convention. A heartv indorsement of his work was adopted by a rising vote of the convention and con gregation.
1 L. R. Gwaltney, Chairman. a L. R. Gwaltney, Chairman.

748

THE (WHITE) CHURCHES IN

This in the Report for iS/6,1 was adopted :
:ived from all parts of the country, reform, and especially congratulate
-ed state of the churches upon the o God that the time is not far

The Report for iS//2 is hardly so sanguine as some of the preceding, though there is abatement of the evil in many localities, and the churches are more careful to enforce dis cipline ; yet the fear is expressed that there is no abatement of the evil in general. Let there be more earnest effort on the part of Christians ; for " no drunkard shall enter into the kingdom of heaven."
The Report for 1878 3 arraigns the liquor traffic for its terrible iniquities, and while having no pet theories to advance as to remedies, yet plants the church on the solid rock of opposition to liquor, urges the pastors to denounce the intemperate use of alcoholic liquors and opium, and the churches in their discipline to give voice to their convictions.
The Report for 1879* counsels non-fellowship with mem bers who "sinfully use, or sell, ardent spirits," or who "seek to increase their fortunes at the. sacrifice of the peace and the good order of society."
The sentiment of the church upon the subject is found to be in a healthy condition, and they are "comparatively free
from the evil."
The Report for 1880 & finds imp'rovement in all the asso
ciations with a single exception ; but the work could not be
done until that standard was reached which forbids the
making, buying, selling, touching, tasting, or handling1 the
poisonous drug as a beverage. The moderate use of intoxi
cating beverages is a baneful practice, fraught with evil and
evil only. There is fear that the churches have too farcom-
1 W. D. Atkinson, Chairman.
2 J. G. Gibson, Chairman.
s A. J. Battle, Chairman.
* M. B. Wharton, Chairman.
5 B. M. Callaway, Chairman.

THE POST BEL.LUM PERIOD-

749

mitted the work to temperance organizations, hence apathy m the church. ^ The Committee for iSSi, 1 while arraigning the traffic for its countless villainies, yet, in view of differences of opinion as to methods, made two recommendations, viz.: i, That the churches discipline members for making, selling, or using liquors as a beverage; and 2, That all Christians unite with their fellow citizens in devising and executingsome plan for the suppression of intemperance.
The Committee of iS82a reported great advance, espe cially in the spread of prohibition over the State, and the better enforcement of the laws, also commended the active work of the Christian women of the State and country, "who, actuated by a noble patriotism, and sustained by an unwavering faith and reliance in God, have not ceased in their endeavor to counteract the evil, and redeem the land from this terrible curse." The Committee recommended: i, That pastors, churches, and Sunday Schools renew their efforts ; 2, That by example and sympathy, they encourage all organizations striving for the same end ; 3, That we appeal to our brethren to aid and support, as citizens, the making and enforcing- of laws intended to suppress the traffic ; 4, That another committee be appointed with similar powers to the one of last year, i. e., to address the people of the State upon the subject.
G. A. Nunnally, W. L. Kilpatrick, J. G. Gibson, H. D. D. Straton, J. G. Ryals, and J. L. Underwood \vere ap pointed to issue this address.
The Committee for 1883 3 report the outlook never before so bright; most encouraging are the reports as to the results of prohibition. The sentiment in favor of prohibition is strong and emphatic, " but the people need the courage of their convictions." The public conscience needs quickeiiing. The good is attributed to the agitation in conventions,
1 A. Van Hoose, Chairman. 2 G. A. Nunnally, Chairman. s R. B. Headden, Chairman.

750

THE (WHITE) CHURCHES IN

conferences, associations, to the papers and the preachers who have spoken boldly for the cause. Therefore
"Resolved, I, That this Convention offers its heartiest sympathy and encouragement to every commendable effort to limit or suppress the sale of intoxi cating liquors in our State.

connected with this body, and also from the pulpits of all our churches. " III. That we appeal to our brethren in all parts of the State to take the
speediest and most effectual steps to arouse the public conscience to the point of practical effort in suppressing; the liqxior traffic.
" IV. That the Committee appointed by this body at its last two sessions be continued, with similar powers and instructions."
The report for i884/ as amended, congratulated the State on the growth of prohibition, and indorsed local option as the best plan. After prohibition, high license is, perhaps, next best; the Legislature is desired to enact a general local option law for counties and municipal districts. The Committee acknowledges the receipt of a highly esteemed communication from the W. C. T. U., and have been much affected by this appeal of noble women in a noble cause. " Certainly, their organization is worthy the co-operation and the prayers of all .good people." The Union is, however, advised to cease the ag-itation about the use of wine at the Lord's supper, as such discussion will do the cause harm.
The report for 1885 2 still notes great progress, with fair prospect that prohibition will soon become the law of the State ; great improvement in the morals of counties under prohibition and a lessening of crime, and the sentiment stronger for the law than ever; no retrogression. It is the duty of individual Christians, and of churches, to aid, by every means, the moulding of popular sentiment until the curse of the liquor traffic shall no longer rest upon the State. Morality of the highest type must belong to Christianity, allegiance to Christ commits the man to co-operation with every enterprise intended to promote temperance, upright ness, and purity. "To be a member of a Baptist church is to
1 H. II. Tucker, Chairman. '2 Tohn O. Stewart, Chairman.

THE POST BELLUM PERIOD.

751

belong- to the best temperance society ever instituted." But effort should not be confined to church organizations. "All discreetly conducted associations engag-ed in this cause should have our sympathy, our prayers, and our co-operation."
The Committee for I8861 indorsed most heartily the re port of the preceding year, also the efforts made and mak ing "under the law to drive the liquor traffic out of our bounds."
"The cause of temperance demands, not mere speeches, but action--individual and united, continuous and decided action until there is not a whiskey shop on Georgia soil. And when we get the traffic out,let us watch and \vork to keep it out. Let our watchword as Christians be, *Take no back step, make no compromise, offer no license to the existence of this deadly evil.' "
Such have been the deliverances of the Baptist Conven tion of Georgia on temperance, prohibition, and the liquor traffic. We have seen these utterances grow from moderation in 1828, to the steady call for the extirpation of the traffic in 1886.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

in Georgia is of post bellurn growth, its first church having been established in Atlanta in 1867. Next year a church was founded in Macon, and in 1869 the third was organized irt Savannah. The Statistical Report for 1886 gives for the State fourteen churches, eleven ministers, and 1274 mem bers.
The church takes very high temperance ground. The following resolutions were passed by the State Association in 1885 :
"Resolved, i. That this Association repeats its often expressed conviction of the great need of absolute temperance and sobriety, especially on the part of all Christian people.
"II. We believe the liquor traffic to be an unmitigated curse, and we urge all who are in any way connected with our work to oppose, in every honorable way, the manufacture, sale, and use, of intoxicating drinks.
III. We believe it the duty of every Christian to be a temperance reformer at
1 W. A. Overton, Chairman.

75 2

THE (WHITE) CHURCHES.

home and abroad, in the pulpit and the pew, in the shop and on the farm, both precept and example.
"IV. We oppose the use of fermented wines believe that great harm has followed from such temperance instruction in our day schools and in malion of Bands of Hope, and other similar orga__. .....___.
"V". We rejoice at the rapid progress of prohibition in our State, as shown by the fact that no out of 137 counties in Georgia have, by their own vote, prohibited

"VI. We also desire to put on record our p;

of temperance in the mighty struggle now gc

and we shall pray that the result of this agitat

liquor saloons from this beautiful and enterpr

kindly received.

"S. E. LATIIROP

"S. MCQUEEM, "H. W. PORTER, ,

Following this report came a rousing address on "Tem perance at Home," by Rev. G. V". Clark, in which parents were urged to set an example of total abstinence before their children. Rev. G. W. Francis followed, urging temperance instruction and temperance textbooks for the school.
In 1886, the Association adopted the following :

"WHKRKAS, Intemperance is a great evil, destroying the bodies and the souls

before the people constantly. Also that 01 churches should never use fermented

wine at the communion table. Also, that _ir pastors should preach temperance

sermons at least once a month.

"J. H. H. SENGSTACKK, ) "N. B. JAMES,

"A. SlMMONS,

J

Of the labors of Rev, S. E. Lathrop in behalf of temper

ance, we have already had some account; also of the "Tem

perance Army" of Rev. Dana Sherrill in Savannah. Both

these ministers are powerful factors among their colored

brethren and among the colored population of their respec

tive cities, and their work is felt as a mighty influence for

good.

Of the work of the other Congregational ministers, the

author is not so specifically advised, though these are doubt

less laboring on the same line with the preachers above

named.

MISS M. H. STOKES, Cor, Secy of Hie G*, W. C. T. U.

CHAPTER XLVII.
LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION PARTIES.
' "And Saul said unto Samuel: i Jul the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said : Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying- the voice of the Lord ? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
--I Saimiel xv., 21-23.
The Educational fund of Georgia, at the outbreak of the civil war, was made up from the following sources, viz.:
r. From the dividends upon the capital stock of the State in the Bank of Georgia, the Bank of Augusta, and the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company.
2. From the net earnings of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, as follows: $100,000 to be annually appropriated therefor, and to be paid out by the State Treasurer upon the Governor's warrant; also, as any portion of the public debt is paid from the net earnings of the road, the treasurer must issue script or education bonds therefor, giving- the amount, which bonds were to draw six per cent, interest. Bonds should also be issued for any part of the $100,000, which might remain in the treasury at the end of an educa tional year, and these were also to bear six per cent, interest, to be paid to the school fund. Any of the State's money loaned out, or on deposit under act of Dec. 11, 1858, \vhich might afterward be paid in, was to be likewise made to pay that amount of the public debt, and six per cent, script bonds should be issued therefor.
3. From any unappropriated balances remaining in the treasury at the time of distributing- the Education Fund, which were also to be treated as a principal for which six per cent, script was to be drawn.
753

754 LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION" PARTIES.
4. From any money donated by -will, deed, or otherwise, lor such purposes.
The General Assembly could, however, discontinue the appropriation of the net earnings of the State road, and of the balances in the treasury.
Under the Constitution of 1877 the general educational fund was to be made as follows : l
"The poll tax, any educational fund now belonging to the State (except the endowment of, and debt due to the University of Georgia), a special tax on shows
Assembly is hereby authorized to assess--and the proceeds of any commutation tax for military service, and all taxes that may be assessed on such domestic animals
apart and devoted to the support of common schools."
This is the general tax law of the State as to public schools; but counties and municipal corporations might, upon certain conditions, receive authority to establish and maintain public schools by local taxation, but no such local law could take effect until ratified by a two-thirds vote of the locality concerned.
Existing1 local school systems were not to be affected by the new constitution, nor should schools, not common, be deprived of participation in the State's educational fund, in so far as pertained to pupils therein taught in the elementary branches of an English education.
At the request of the author, Dr. Gustavus J. Orr, the able and faithful School Commissioner of Georgia, prepared a tabulated scheme of the school revenue from liquor licenses. This table will be given below. As explanatory of this tab ular statement, Dr. Orr says:
"In ascertaining the State's actual fund for a given year, it is necessary to take the sums paid into the treasury from the first of July, in the year preceding, to the 1st of July, in the given year. This is not true however, of the poll tax.
"The sum given as derived from the tax on liquors, in the year 1886, was that paid into the treasury from this source, from the 1st of July, 1885, to the 1st of July, 1886. Since the ist day of July, i886, 2 there has been paid in from this source, $10,817.31. How much more will be realized between now and July i I am unable to say. Whatever this sum may be it will go into the school fund of i887.
1 Article VIII, Section 3, Paragraph i. 2 Dr. Orr's statement was prepared March 7, 1887.

LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION PARTIES. 755
"It would have been possible for me to have given the- exact State School Fund for the years iSSo, 1882, and 1884, but to havt. done so would have required much additional labor: The approximations given for those years were made by me, in each case, before the year had entirely closed, and the element of uncertaintywas the amount of the poll tax, which, although a part of the State School Fund, does not come to the State Treasury, but is paid direct to the County School Com missioners by the tax collectors. The approximation as stated, is so close as to be correct for all practical purposes. It is not now possible, however, to state the exact fund of iSSG, but of this approximation the remark made holds good.
"In any estimate of what has been paid out for public schools, the amounts
generally raised by a direct tax on property, and in no case, so far as I know, is there set apart, for school purposes, any revenue derived from liquor.
"The enumeration of children of school age taken in iSyS 1 was used for that year and the three years following- under then existing laws. The enumeration taken in 1882, was incorrect as returned. It was corrected for many counties under authority from the State Board of Education. The corrections were made only in the iatuls; hence I have had to make a calculation, in order to separate between the races. The figures given, however, are correct for all practical purposes. The enumeration has not been taken since iSSa, except for certain counties. A slight correction was allowed in 1883 and others in 1884. The legislation on this matter

rill be again taken

SCHOOL POPULATION'. Year. White. Colored. Total.

raised ! LiqiiOT nTax.

Toiiil

Amount raised Local "-rlixes in Cities :md
Counties unde Special Laws.

I80 iSSl
1884 T*8^

.......
242,447 266,061* 242,661

^08,187 503,722

35,384.29 42,242.59 44,767.71 51,554.14 71,684.97 77,082.60

346,273.91! 363,677.32 44l."4.S8t 460,334.16 483,633.11! 502, 115. 52

125,239.92 134,855.96 142,720.30 147,838.73 181,917.30

+ Estimated, but a very close approximation. Corre< t Estimated. [| Estimate from preceding year; probably too small.
1 In accordance with the provisions of the new Constitutu

during reconstrucxcept the sum of

LIQUOR AND KOUCATTON'. LOCAL OPTION PARTIES.
eems to have gone into the school fund of 1873. The remainder other purposes."
From this careful estimate prepared by the learned State School Commissioner, we may be able to get a clear idea of the part contributed by liquor to popular education in Georgia.
If, therefore, we estimate by a per capita calculation, supposing the whole liquor tax paid directly to the schools, each pupil received from this fund for the years respectively : For 1879, not quite two cents; 1880, somewhat more than eight cents; iSSi, not quite ten cents ; 1882, not quite nine cents; 1883, a fraction above ten cents; 1884, a fraction above fourteen cents; 1885, a fraction above fifteen cents ; 1886, a fraction above fourteen cents.
We find, moreover, that this State liquor tax appropri ated to public schools bears the following proportions to the whole school tax for the respective years :
IS8-! 188 3 1884
From the general school fund o( the State a number of salaries and other expenses must be paid, of which the liquor tax must pay its ^ra rata ; so that, in fact, the amount estimated above as coming to each pupil from the liquor fund is really considerably too high. Yet we have seen above that the largest amount per capita for any one year scarcely reached fifteen cents, and yet for 1885 and 1886 the actual amount, as ascertained by close calculations for those years, was less than seven cents for each school.
With these plain, simple results, from data which cannot be disputed, what becomes of the arrogant boast so often heard from liquor advocates, that the liquor taxis the " basis of the public school system "? With this State tax payingless than seven cents for the schooling of each community,

LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION PARTIES. 757
yet thousands of times the argument, flimsy as it is, has been pressed upon the ignorant, that the prohibition of the liquor traffic \vould ruin the public schools ! The absurdity and the falsehood of such assertions can onl}^ be matched by their unblushing1 impudence; yet doggery keepers and lowpoliticians will doubtless continue to impose upon the cre dulity of the ignorant with such miserable arguments.
Of course the pro-rating above given does not apply to such local taxes as special legislative enactments may per mit certain districts or municipalities to impose, but these laws are for but very small areas.
THE STATE LUNATIC ASYLUM
has for many years cost the State more than one hundred thousand dollar's annually ; yet the Superintendent asserts that most of the inmates are sent thither as a result of liquor drinking. Probably similar facts would be brought out if the investigation were extended to other eleemosynar3T insti tutions supported by the charity of the State.
Considered from an educational standpoint, no invest ment could show less profitable returns than the expendi tures undertaken by the State in throwing its guarantee of protection over the liquor traffic, in exchange for the tithings which rum doles out, under compulsion, for benevolent purposes.
THE LOCAL OPTION IDEA,
now so popular in Georgia, is not altogether of post beHum growth. As we have seen, in Hancock and in one or two other counties, for a few years before the war a law pre vailed making the granting of license contingent upon the consent of the voters within a given radius,, and so long ago as 1833 the counties of Liberty and Camden had the option, through their inferior courts, to grant or to refuse liquor license. There were isolated examples in which the consent 01 the people, either directly or indirectly, was a leadingfactor in the saloon licensing.
After the Reconstruction period had passed, and the

75 LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION PARTIES.
attention of legislators began to turn more earnestly to the liquor traffic, we find that a favorite method of choking spir its-vending- was to demand the signatures of a majority, or of two-thirds, oi" even of three-fourths of the voters, or of the resident landholders within a radius, usually, of three miles of the proposed place of sale, to the applicant's peti tion for license. This was a form of local option, since the vending must depend upon the consent of the people. It was but natural that the application of this principle should extend from smaller districts to counties, for more or less of friction must obtain in county legislation, where differ ent parts of the county are under different laws. After the adoption of the constitution of 1877, the county idea grew very rapid 13', and special acts of the General Assembly were applied for and granted, submitting the question of licensing to a popular vote, but there was much experi menting before general local option was reached.
August 18, 1879, Mr. Russell (by request) read a bill in the Senate "to prevent the sale of spirituous liquors (in the State) after Jan. i, 1880, except in incorporated towns, villages and cities, having1 by law authority to grant licenses." This bill was (on the 23d) tabled, and heard of no more.
November 11, 1880, Mr. Westbrook introduced a bill into the Senate " to regulate the sale of intoxicating liquors in militia districts where the qualified voters so determine." This bill also died prematurel3*.
July 6, 1881, Mr. Sweat read a bill in the House to "pro hibit the manufacture, importation, sale, or furnishing after May, i, 1882, of intoxicating1 liquors in this State."
July 7 Mr. Cook introduced two bills into the House-- one providing for the submission to the legal voters in each city and town of the State, the question of prohibiting the sale of intoxicating or alcoholic liquors ; the second, to pro hibit the sale outside of incorporated towns and cities.
July 8 Mr. Northen introduced a bill " to suppress the evils of intemperance in this State, and to establish a local option law."

LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION" PARTIES. 759
July 11 Mr. Branson introduced two bills--one " to make intoxication, under certain circumstances, a rnisde-. meanor ;" the second, " to abolish tippling- houses, and to suppress dram-drinking-."
July 12 Mr. Stanford introduced a bill to make the " Three-Y(\\\e. law" of Burke, Jefferson, and Washing-ton of general application.
July 13 Mr. Julian introduced a bill to prohibit the sale of intoxicating1 drinks within two miles of any church or academy outside of incorporated towns.
Some of these bills died in the very article of birth ; others died of tabling-, re-commitment, strangling- amend- ment, or some other of the numerous ailments which seize upon bills unpopular with the majority; not many were brought to a violent death by a direct vote.
Jul3^ 4, 1883, Mr. Irwin introduced a bill to submit the question of prohibition of the sale of malt or spirituous
liquors to the qualified voters of any county. This bill died
with the Temperance Committee. July 6, 1883, Mr. Whatley introduced a bill " to submit
the prohibition of the sale of spirituous, vinous, and malt liquors to the voters of this State,"
November 13, 1884, Mr. Hoyle introduced into the Sen ate a bill " to prohibit the sale of intoxicating- liquors within the State of Georg-ia, except for certain purposes." This bill the Judiciary Committee reported favorably, recommending" that it be re-committed to the Temperance Committee.
November 20, 1884, Mr. Northen introduced into the Senate the bill which, after various modifications, eventually became the Local Option law of the State. This bill provided for the submission of the question to the voters "in any dis trict, incorporated town, city, county, or other place in this State."
A great deal of indefiniteiiess as to the peculiar kind of legislation wanted continued to prevail, and bills to pro hibit the traffic at once by legislative action were fre quently introduced. It took the temperance sentiment of

7&O LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION PARTIES.

the Legislature several years to crystallize around local op tion. In the midst of the many general bills presented, it seems somewhat remarkable that no proposition for a pro hibitory amendment to the State Constitution should have been offered, but, so far as the author has been able to dis cover from a somewhat cursory examination of House and Senate Journals, no constitutional amendment was ever proposed.
Of the Local Option law, Hon. C. R. Pringle, the cham pion of the bill m the House, says :
" The first local option bill was drafted by me, as a substitute for one then , before the Committee on Temperance, of which I was chairman, in 1882. There
were several bills then before the Committee on Temperance, and none of them met the views of all the members of the Committee, and the Committee asked me to draw a bill, and this bill was introduced as a substitute for one of the bills which was then before the Committee, and was introduced by Hon. R. C. Humber, then a member from Putnam county. This substitute had a hard road to travel, but it finally

taut it failed in the Senate.

" I was re-elected to the next Legislature, and again made Chairman of the

House Temperance Committee.

" At the fall session, near the beginning-, I called a meeting of the State Ex

ecutive Committee, and consulted with them as to what kind of a bill was best.

Several bills were presented, and discussed freely, and the Conference recommended

a local option bill drawn by myself, very similar to the one that was drawn by me,

and which had failed to pass the previous Legislative.

" To insure its passage, it was deemed best to introduce two bills, one into the

House, the rthe

.the

id whiche should fir*

chamber

where introduced, should be pressed, and the other withdrawn. So I wrote out a

copy of the biJI, and gave it to Hon. "W. J. Northen, and he introduced it in the

Senate, and I introduced it in the House. A large number of bills was then be-

push my bill--only had it read one time, then held it up, and Mr. Northen pushed the Senate bill, and got it passed, though not in a shape to suit the views of its friends; but he could do no better with it. The bill was then sent to the House and referred to the Committee on Temperance, and that Committee decided that, as the bill was so badly mutilated, it would be best to put in a substitute for it. A substitute, differing but little from the original bill, was prepared and introduced into both Senate and House, and upon this substitute was made perhaps the hardest fight ever made in the Georgia Legislature- The anti-prohibitionists tried to delay the final passage of the bill until the next summer session. We knew we had strength enough to pass the bill in the House, and we did not think it necessary to speak on it. We merely tried to meet the objections of the enemies of the bill and bring it to a vote, and they resorted to every kind of siibterfuge to prevent a vote from

LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION PARTIES. 761
being taken, and finally, when we found that if we did pass it, it would lodge in the Senate again, we decided to make it the special order of the day for the Monday following- the meeting of the session in July, 1885, which was on the I3th of that month.
" The journal of the House for that session shows what another hard fight we had to get rid of the objectionable amendments offered by the liquor men. Most of the time was oecupiecl in debate. 1 spoke two hours and ten minutes at the out-
the bill, and many others spoke against it. It was an up-hill business for the whiskey men, for the bill, as amended, passed the House on Saturday, the iSth. But then it had to go back to the Senate, to have the House amendments concurred in. The Senate again put some very objectionable features into the bill, and it was delayed there for some time. "When it did pass the Senate, it was three or four weeks be fore the House took it up. The delay was for two reasons. First, "We wanted our friends to get all their local bills on temperance that they liked better through before the general bill became a law; and secondly, we wanted to get the sense of our friends in the House, and I might say, also, in the State as well, as to whether we should pass the bill in the shape in which it left the Senate or not. I made the bill the special order for Tuesday, Sept. 8. The bill was then brought up. The
agreed lo, and the bill was finally passed."
Perhaps so determined an effort to smother the will of the people and to prevent it from expressing itself in legisla tion, was never before made in the Georgia Legislature since the American Revolution, as was made by the whiskey mem bers in the Assembly of 1884--5. Knowing themselves in a "hopeless minority, yet backed by the Liquor Dealers' Associatirn of the State, they fought out the battle by craft and subterfuge, in the hope of so delaying the bill as to prevent its passage, or to so amend it as to render it comparatively inef fective. It is not unlikely that the temperance cause would have been more advanced if the specious objections of these filibusters had succeeded, and the bill had been defeated. The whole scheme was thoroughly understood by every intel ligent man in the State, and the suppressed indignation at the thwarting of the popular will by the devices and intrigues of these tricksters was growing into a storm of fury which would have swept the State at the next election.
This popular demand, in such an event, would probably have formulated itself into a call for a prohibitory amend ment to the State Constitution, and this good year of 1887

762 LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION PARTIES.
would then have seen Georgia, as well as other States, in the throes of a State battle. Then, too, one of the objections often made to local option, viz.: That it allows, in effect, to a few counties a kind of monopoly of the liquor traffic, would have been removed, and the cause would have grown stronger thereby. Schiller has said :
" Divide the thunder into single tones, and it becomes a lullaby to soothe children; but pour it forth in one quick peal, and the mighty sound shall shake the heavens." So of the combined temperance sentiment of the State demanding the destruction of the liquor traffic. United for a State battle it would have swept the foul dens of liquordom from our State. It may be unfortunate that the thunder collected for that single onset has been divided into the low tones of local contests, whose reverberations do not so paralyze the enemv, but that he rallies and finds a tiew retreat not far away, where he may re-collect his forces.
One of the strong features of which the local option bill was shorn in its passage through the Senate, was that which provided for no future election in a county which had once been carried for prohibition, while a county won by whiskey might, after two years' time, be again the theater for a temperance battle. An advantage pertaining to the original bill was in its removing the question from the domain of local politics after a county had once been carried for pro hibition. Under the law, as enacted, the question was inevitably engrafted upon local, and thereby upon State, politics. Before this issue old party lines cannot stand. The question is not asked as to the candidate's party fealty, but rather: "Is he a Prohibitionist or an y4///%f" (Jn this issue the contest is made up, and the candidate's availability is measured by that standard. Party lines, as formerly drawn, break before this issue, the matter of a candidate's services to his party becomes of little esteem before the burning question of the hour. A striking instance of this is found in the case of the distinguished author and champion of the bill, Mr. Pringle himself, who--a life-long Democrat,

.LIQUOR ANI> EDUCATION. I..OCAI, OPTION" PARTIES, 763
faithful to his every trust, and of unblemished integrit}---yet received in the contest of 1886, in which he was elected to the State Senate, the full brunt of the liquor antagonism. Despite party lines and platforms and the persistent ignoring of the liquor question and the attempt to relegate it to the vote of the counties, and apart from all personal considera tions, yet this one question constantly faces the Prohibition ists, and it makes the real issue for the politics of the future. The availability of the candidate turns upon his attitude toward prohibition. This question cannot be eliminated from the political canvasses of the future, until the status of the subject shall have been placed upon a basis of constitu tional adoption beyond the power of the candidate, if elected, to reach. But the power which enacted the local option law can amend or repeal it, and we may expect cliques, rings and combinations of all sorts to labor assidu ously for the abolition of a law so odious to the liquor interest. Fortunately, however, most of the prohibition territory of Georgia is not affected directly by the general local option law. It was under prohibition before. But 'Georgia Prohibitionists owe it to themselves to push forward the work until its legal status shall be grounded upon the fundamental law of the land--the State Constitution.
1ITG1T TTCKNSE
in Georgia has most frequently a signification almost unknown at the North. There it means the imposing of such a fee as to drive the small retailers out of the business, and turn the traffic over to the wealthier dealers, who, as we are com monly told, can be more easily watched by the police. In Georgia, high license usually means a tax so high that it can not be paid ; therefore prohibition comes as the intended result. Many counties have license fees ranging- from $1,000 to $10,000. Of course it was not presumed that any appli cant for license \vould, or could, pay any such sums. It was the short road to prohibition ; it avoided elections and other agitations of a popular character, and reached the end sought

764 JJQUOR AXD EDUCATION. I.OCA1. OPTION PARTIES.
by the quickest way. Men might deny the Legislature's constitutional right to impose prohibition outright upon a county ; but the right to levy a license fee was, from time immemorial, among- the State's prerogatives, and annual acts for raising revenue for the support of the State Government, had regularly imposed such license exactions. As there was no legal limitation as to the amount of such fees, any sums desired might be fixed, and there was raised no objection as to the constitutionality of the measure. Thus, through a legal technicality, the law could be made to do the thing desired, viz.: Prohibit the traffic. It may certainly be argued with much force, that the educating effect of such a law, i. e., prohibitorj* high license, is not of the best type, in so far as the morals of the people are concerned. It certainly does not teach the popular mind to look upon law as the highest expression of popular judgment as to the right in morals. It rather favors the idea that an end may be gained, even in morals and in religion, by subterfuge or trickery. The law is not made to put the seal of its condemnation upon the traffic because it is wrong, but a money consideration is fixed, arid, if any applicant should, unexpectedly, appear,' who would pay the fee assessed, the traffic at once becomes legal, and its Tightness then is made to turn on a question of dollars and cents. Certainly the highest forms of moral conviction are not to be promoted by such an atti tude of the civil law. High license in attempting to fix a money value to the iniquitous system, even though for the purpose of suppressing it, still seems to come under that con demnation, so well expressed by Pierpont's stirring lines :
The author is aware that this view of that kind of high license, which is intended to be prohibitory in its results, does not agree with the cherished opinions of many honest, sincere prohibitionists, who believe the liquor traffic an evil,

LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION PARTIES. 765
only an evil, and that continually, and who are struggling bravely to overcome it. But are not such good temperance people looking to the immediate end to be gained, rather than at the means thereto ? Is not this pricing of wrong an element of weakness in that moral education which we would impress upon the people, and especially upon the young? Suppose the Legislature should attempt to suppress bawdy houses and prostitution in any county of Georgia by affixing- a license fee of $10,000 upon such houses, would not the whole State cry out in indignant fur\T against so infamous a statute? The very thought of a money standard affixed, even for the suppression of such an evil, would be accounted an outrage upon the moral and religious sentiments of the people. But even as prostitution is fought against as an evil not to be allowed under, much less sanctioned b}T , the law, so the liquor traffic is an unmitigated evil, tried by whatever standard of right. Why then, should not both kinds of wrong-doing stand in the same attitude to the law ? We hold the liquor traffic a crime against the divine law ; is not the very suggestion of a. money commutation therefor, most weakening1 to the moral lesson which law would teach? Is it likely that an evasion, or a violation, of a law thus ap praised at a money value, would bring the same qualms of conscience to the offender himself, or subject him to the same public odium which the violation of other laws for the morals of the people always brings with it? Dare the thief publicly boast of his thefts, or the adulterer to name before men the victims of his lust ; yet to evade liquor laws is counted rather a proof of smartness, than as involving dis grace. Can we hope to have the public rnind class the liquor traffic where it belongs, until the civil law stands toward it in the attitude of uncompromising hostility--a hostility which nothing but the extirpation of the traffic can appease ?
THE INTERPRETATION OF THE LOCAL OPTION LAW.
Just after the prohibitory law went into effect in At lanta, a case arose in regard to the Atlanta brewery which

766 LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. .LOCAL OPTION PARTIES-
involved several legal points of great importance as to the construction which was to be given to the law by the courts. The act declared it unlawful, and prescribed penalties for any person in a county which had adopted the local option law "to sell or barter for valuable consideration, either directly or indirectly, or give away to induce trade at any place of busi ness, or furnish at other public places any alcoholic, spiritu ous, malt, or intoxicating liquors, or intoxicating bitters, or other drinks which, if drank to excess, will produce intoxica tion." The sale of domestic \vines or cider, the sale of wines for sacramental purposes, and sale or furnishing by licensed druggists of pure alcohol for medicinal, art, scientific, or mechanical purposes, were excepted ; but wines or cider should not be sold in a barroom.
The city council of Atlanta, on the 2ist of June, 1886, passed an ordinance declaring " that on and after the ist day of July, 1886, any person, firm, or corporation who shall keep for unlawful sale in any store, house, room, office, cel lar, stand, booth, stall, or other place, any spirituous, fer mented, or malt liquors, shall, on conviction, be punished by fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or imprisonment not exceeding thirty days, either or both, in the discretion of the court."
In September, 1886, under this ordinance, Menken, the agent of the Atlanta Brewing Company, was fined for keep. ing for unlawful sale spirituons and malt liquors.
Menken claimed that only as an agent was he in posses sion of the beer, that the charter granting the brewery com pany the privileges under which it was acting, was issued long before the enactment of the Local Option law, that the right to sell and deliver beer in the city must be allowed, otherwise the manufacture at the brewery, would be ruinouSj since the owners could not compete in a foreign market with other brewers, and that therefore their property to the amount of more than $100,000 would be rendered nearly valueless.
It also appeared that when Menken was arrested, he was

LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL, OPTION PARTIES. /D/
in the act of delivering" some bottles of beer at the house of one Bailey in Atlanta, who testified that he had purchased the beer at the brewery, and that it was delivered at his house as per contract.
Chief-Justice Bleckley held in his decision :
"i. That whether the delivery of the beer was to fill past or present orders,
tne seller, who must sustain any Joss irom destruction while it was on tiie way; tie responsible for any damage caused by it; or be entitled to recover damages from any one who should destroy or injure the goods; therefore the owner or agent is amenable to the city ordinance for keeping in possession such goods for unlawful sale.
"2. Menken's plea that he was only the agent, not the owner, could have no weight in law, since the ag-ent's possession is that of owner, and participation in any unlawful act on the part of an agent renders him equally culpable with the principal.
"3. The counsel for defence had assumed ihe admitted principle that a municipality could not punish any offence which was a violation of a statute of the State; and the State law made the sale not the keeping of liquors for unlawful sale an offence. The city ordinance, however, made the keeping of liquors for sale an offence. But the Supreme Court held that there was no conflict of jurisdiction here, the ordinance does not trench upon the State law though 'it hovers on the margin of the statute, yet it nowhere overlaps the text.' The keeping of the liquor for unlawful sale violates the city's ordinance, whether a sale is made or not. The selling violates the statute of the State, but this does not cancel the violation of the ordinance. An offence committed against one jurisdiction cannot be wiped out by committing- another against another jurisdiction. The only object of the ordinance is to prevent preparation for violating the stattite. It would be singular
unlawful selling, when a sale is consummated, will not hinder his being punished under the ordinance for keeping for unlawful sale.
"4. II it has not been heretofore sufficiently decided, we decide now that the local option legislation of this State is constitutional as a valid exercise of the police power. Historically considered, there is no subject more completely amenable to this power than the sale of intoxicating liquors. Georgia is upon record as being familiar with the exercise of the power bot^h before and since the Revolu tion. Her governing authorities long- ago branded distilled spirits as 'dangerous' to the public, and even malt liquors have from the dawn of her history been sub jected to some degree of police control."
The Court then proceeds to give a brief resume of the

768 LIQUOR ANP EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION PARTIES.

police regulations over the traffic In the State's histoiw, all of which have been given fully in previous pages of this work.
It is conceded by the Court, that the effect of the law has been " calamitous in the extreme " to the Atlanta Brew ing- Company. But the law makes no provision for com pensating1 the corporation for" its loss or for any part thereof. The Federal Constitution, and that of Georgia, declare that private property cannot be taken or damaged without due process of law and ample compensation. The Court denies that the corporation has been deprived of its property, or that the property has been taken. The company retains its property and the use of it as before; neither the plant nor" the investment, nor property, real or personal, has been taken. Nor has there been any damage, in so far as the meaning of the State Constitution extends. " It is as sound and com plete in every respect and as fit for enjoyment, use avid dis position with this law in force, as it would be without it." The value of the property was, no doubt, greatly impaired, and that too, as a remote result of the law, but to reduce the value of property by the casual effects of a law passed for a wholly different object, is not to damage the property in any legal or constitutional sense. Almost every new law acting vigorously upon commerce, local or general, impairs the value of more or less property. Certainly the State Consti tution was not intended to make the State

nig-ht result from the passage

of laws intended

the

iously thoug-ht that the State

must literally pay its way 1

internal police and public <.

"The local option law

de

on the power of eminent domain.

It does not contemplate eit r the taking or the damaging- of any thing. It is an

exercise of the police pow

dental effects upon the valu of this brewery and its fixtures, result not from any

,vith the property, but solely

the inability of the owners to adju.

the:

ects, if they can be called damage at

all, art

>os not take or damage the property

of the

y prevents them, to a certain limited

or their use. This is their real griev-

MISS EMMIE STEWART, ftfc. Sfc'_y Ga. IP. C. T. U.

LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION PARTIES. 769
ance, and for that they have no remedy. Where business and law conflict it is the business that must give way, not the law.
"5. As to the question of vested rigiits which the fourth section of the act covers, the Court holds that the rights involved were those previously acquired, to sell by virtue of license previously taken out and paid for, but there is no right after the act goes into effect to obtain new license, or to sell without license. The charier was obtained in 1876, and was therefore subject to modification as declared in the Code. 1 "
Such are the ruling's of the Supreme Court as to the local option law.
IT IK NON-PARTISAN LEAGUE.
Tliis organization was founded in Boston January i, 1885. Its moving- spirits were Dr. Daniel Dorchester--the learned author of "The Liquor Problem in all Ages/' as \vell as of many other temperance publications--and Mrs. J. Ellen. Foster, the distinguished Iowa lecturer and law>*er.
The immediate causes which led to the founding of this society, were the discontent of many Temperance Republicans with the organization of the National Prohibition Party, and their opposition to the candidacy of Governor St. John for the Presidency in 1884. This opposition t o a National Party did not take very definite shape until after the Presidential election. As soon as it became evident that the candidacy of St. John had been the immediate cause of Mr. Blame's defeat, the rage of the leading Republicans knew no bounds. The denunciation of the Prohibition party and the burning of St. John in effigy, were some of the avenues through \vhich this fury sought to vent itself. In the midst of such scenes--when many prominent Temperance Republicans be lieved that great damage to the cause was likely to ensue -- was organized the Non-Partisan .League. The League advo cates temperance education, prohibition of the liquor traffic in the State, and the use of all legitimate action to secure prohibition. Nearly all the non-partisan leaders champion National, as well as State prohibition ; but the platform does not give any definite utterance on this point. Several able documents have been issued by the League, some against the
1 See Section 1682. 49

7JO LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. LOCAL OPTION PARTIES.
liquor traffic, others defending- the course pursued by the League as to temperance politics.
Dr. Dorchester was made President of the Leag-ue ; Mrs. Foster, General Secretary ; Rev. Dr. Plumb, Recording Secretary, and Hon. Joseph D. Weeks, Treasurer. Among the numerous Vice-Presidents are found the names of two Southerners, viz. : Dr. A. Or. Haygood of Georgia, and Dr. O. P. Fitzgerald of Tennessee.
The League has not, so far as the author can learn, made any headway in the South. As a unifying measure for pro hibitionists seeking- legislative suppression of the traffic, the influence of the League has not been felt. Democrats, Republicans, and other partisans have fought out the local battles of prohibition m blissful unconsciousness,for the most part, of the existence of the Non-Partisan League.
The Leag-ue has many members of commanding ability. As a ivalkijig' cyclopedia of temperance history its President has hardly an equal, and such names as Edward Everett Hale, Dr. A. H. Plumb, and Judge Daniel Agnew add towers of strength to the society.
Southern Democrats did not, however, sympathise with the popular indignation manifested through the North at Mr. Blame's defeat, and hence a common motive, as well as a common bond, for a Non-Partisan Union was wanting. The Republicans of the South seern to have concerned them selves as little as the Deinocrats, about the operations of the League, since no propositions for work on the line laid out by the League, have been made by them.

CHAPTER XLVI1I.
MISCELLANEOUS. THE CONGRESSIONAL TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.
Of the old Congressional Temperance Society, organized in 1833, an account has been given in a former part of this work. The total abstinence pledge was adopted in 1842* when Torn Marshall declared that the old Society had "died of intemperance, holding the pledge (moderation) in one hand, and the champagne bottle in the other."
Since the war a kind of reorganization of the Society has been effected. Hon. I Jcnry Wilson, Senator Ferry, Mr. McCrary, Secretary of War; Mr. Thompson, Secretary of the Navy; Ex-Justice Strong of the Supreme Court; Senator Dawes and Hon. Robert D. Vancc, have been Presidents.
The influence of the Society has undoubtedly been very great in the cause of reform. Congress is not now the drunken body which Henry A. Wise pictured it more than a half century ago. V^ice-President Wilson said a few years ago: "Congress is cleaner than formerly, when party managers found it necessary to act as assistant doorkeepers, watching their men, lest they should go out and^zV /oo d&*,6
A) ?y<?/f/*
Yet, although there has been great improvement in Congress, still much remains to be done. Public business is still delayed by the bad habits of some of the honorable members, and the influence of wickedness in high places is still felt upon the morals of the land.
Dr. J. W. Chickering writes that since he has been Secretary of the Society--some ten or twelve years--he has not " had the pleasure of recording a single Georgia name upon its roll/' a matter which Dr. Chickering much regrets.

7/2

MISCELLANEOUS.

Only the names of James M. Way no and Lott Warren are found in the ante belluui records, though for a number of years, the records were not properly kept.

POLITICAL PARTIES.
Since the war political parties have avoided the tem perance issue with assiduous care, so far as relates to the State politics.

THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PLATFOKM
of 1868 says nothing about temperance, either ^r^ or ro?%; of 1872 is very indistinct, but " demands for the individual the largest liberty consistent with public order." What does that mean? The platform of 1876 enumerates among "the noblest products of a hundred years of changeful history, the liberty of individual conduct unvexed by sumptuary laws.*' This is getting out of the mist, but unfortunately, on the \vrong side. Another plank denounces "the policy which thus discards the liberty-loving German and tolerates a revival of the coolie trade in Mongolian women, imported for immoral purposes." This plank is clearly intended to bold Germans on one end, and Galifornians on the other; of 1880 declares for " no sumptuary laws ; separation of Church and State for the good of each; common schools fostered and protected." (Jf course, "sumptuary" here means tem perance or prohibitory laws; of 1884 says, " We oppose sumptuary laws which vex the citizen, and interfere with individual liberty." '
The National Democratic party has thus, for twelve years, committed itself to the side of liquor and against ternperance laws.
The Democratic party of Georgia has made no utter ance on the subjects, so far as the author has been able to ascertain; though the local option law and other temperance legislation enacted for the last fifteen years have been passed by Legislatures almost wholly Democratic in politics.
* These extracts are from the " Political Prohibitionist," p. 27.

MISCELLANEOUS.

773

THE REPUBLICAN NT AT TONAL PLATFORM
of 1868, is silent on temperance. Of 1872, the sixteenth plank reads: "The Republican
party propose to respect the rights reserved by the people to themselves as carefully as the powers delegated by them to the State and Federal Government. It disapproves of the resort to unconstitutional laws for the purpose of re moving- evils, by interference with the rights not surren dered by the people to either the State or National Govern ment." This is the famous "Raster Resolution."
Mr. Raster, the author, says, "It was adopted by the Platform Committee with the full and explicit understanding, that its purpose was the discountenancing of all so-called temperance (prohibitory) and Sunday laws, etc."
The year 1876 is silent on temperance. The year 1880 is silent on temperance, but talks thus in Plank 8 : "The equal and steady and complete enforce ment of the laws, and the protection of all our citizens in the enjoyment of all privileges and immunities guaranteed by the Constitution, are the hrst duties of the nation." This weathercock can turn in any direction. The year 1884 is silent on temperance. Plank 4 lays it ca~ nomcally to be the "'first duty of a good government to pro tect the rights and promote the interests of its own people. 'The largest diversity of industry is the most productive of general prosperity and of the comfort and independence of the people." ' One might construe this as a deliverance on political economy, though it is hardly likely that the authors were looking toward that point of the political compass. It is clear from these utterances that both party na tional platforms are bidding, as far as possible, for the liquor vote. It is attempted to keep fair weather with the power ful temperance element, but at the same time, to court the liquor power with assurances, open or disguised, of protec tion to its interests.
5 " Political Prohibitionist," p. 17.

774

MISCELLANEOUS.

THE STATE (REPUBLICAN) PLATFORM.
In Georgia the Republicans have, for many years, had no State organization, nor have the}' ruin candidates for State offices. In Presidential years, however, conventions have been held and a State electoral ticket has been put into the field. At the State Convention held in Atlanta April 9, 1884, the following1 resolution was adopted by a more than two-thirds vote :
"We believe that the liquor traffic is a fruitful source of crime and poverty, and we pledge ourselves to do all in our power to promote the cause of temperance in our State."
Col. A. E. Buck, who furnished the above to the author, adds:
"1 believe the above is all the formal action taken by our party."
This resolution is surely conservative enough not to of fend anybody. 1 It leaves a large margin of interpretation for the word temperance. Moderate drinkers, total abstainers and even those who believe in temperance for other people, mav all find room here. Then equal freedom of construction may be put upon the methods by which temperance is to be promoted. Moral suasion, low or high license, prohibition outright; take your choice. It is evident that the most to be made of this resolution is that it is an abstract sentiment in favor of temperance. Yet some of the truest, hardest workers in the temperance cause are to be found among- the Georgia Republicans, althoug-h the mass of the voters of that partv in the local prohibition contests have been found on the other side.
Politically, neither party has indorsed either prohibition or any other form of temperance legislation. Such indorse ments have come from churches, schools, societies, etc., and
1 The National Convention of Liquor Dealers went further than this at Chicago in October, 1886, viz.: ""We most earnestly favor temperance and most thoroughly condemn intemperance, and appeal to every member of the trade to make proof of this declaration in his daily life and the daily conduct of his

MISCELLANEOUS.

775

the Legislature has been compelled to hear the voice of. the people.
THE PROHIBITION PARTY
in Georgia can hardly be said to have ever had an organi zation, though some slight attempt was made in September, 1884,' to put an electoral ticket in the held for St. John and Daniel. A meeting was called for Saturday, Sept. 13, to be held in the Good Templars' Hall in Atlanta "to nominate a presidential ticket for St. John and Daniel."
As a very small crowd attended, the meeting-, after a number of speeches, adjourned to Sept. 27. A committee of four had been appointed at the first meeting- " to write letters and investigate." The committee, it seems, did not investi gate, but nevertheless submitted majority and minority reports. The latter, which favored an electoral ticket, was adopted. Upon this the secretary and the chairman left their places, and another chairman was appointed. Another investigating committee of twelve members was appointed. " The committee sent out 167 letters. The replies stood about in the ratio of five for, to three against, a ticket. The committee thus recommended putting out a ticket, and called a meeting for the I7th of October. This convention met. It doubled the other two in attendance, and put out the Prohibition ticket before the people."
The ticket thus put out was as follows :
" Presidential Electors--At large, John F. Hobbs, J. O. Perkins; 1st District, John L. Harden; 2tl District, C. .P. Burl ing-field; gd District, Alien H. Johnson; 4th District, J, M. Oakley; 5th District, T. T. Mattox; 6th District, J. R. Chap man; yth District, W. J. Manly; 8th District, Geo. W. Rush; Qth District, V. R. Smith; joth District, M. M. Conner."
The St. John vote is generally put at 184, though the " Political Prohibitionist" gives it at 168. This was " an unor-
! Since writing; the above the author has learned of Dr. J. O. Perkins, that an electoral ticket for Dow and Thompson was put into the field in the autumn of 1880. The personnel of this ticket was as follows: J. T3. G. O'Ncal, J. H. Coron, J. IT. Mays, N. Shellanut, J. M. Arrowood, J. A. Kennedy, W. M. Boswcll, R. A. McMahan, M, P. Caldwell- Chairman at large, Rev. W. C. Bowman; J. O. Perkins,

77^

MISCELLANEOUS.

ganizecl sentiment." Very few of the Georgia prohibitionists knew even that any electoral ticket had been put out, and no organization was attempted.
Gov. St. John, with Prof. A. A, Hopkins, visited Georgia in the spring- of 1885, and lectured in the chief cities. The Governor writes of this trip as follows:

" I visited Georgia in March, 1885, under the auspices of the ' National Pro

hibition Lecture .Hureau,' 32 East Fourteenth street, New York. 1" lectured on the

subject of national prohibition of the importation, manufacture and sale of inlox-

lic

bev

Mat-on and Atlanta. I had vci irg-e

treated better in my life.

" I announced myself at all t

as being squarely in favor of a third

or Prohibition party. I felt as frt

ife in expressing- my political con vie-

rn Slate, and I can say the same of

Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama,

id Mississippi.

" May God bless the workers

" Very truly yours,

"JOHN P. ST. JOHN."

Of the National Prohibition Bureau's work in Georgia Prof. Hopkins, the general manager, writes :

" I visited Georgia in the winter of 1885, to arrange for Gov. St. John's ap pointments in that State, and in March he and 1 together filled engagements in Colu

re,

spoke i

jv. St. John had in the South. been into Georgia since for any platform service. * * * ( .u this past winter sent Mrs. Mary T. Lathrop there, and i Macon, in Augusta, in Savannah and in Brunswick. * *
" Yours cordially, ' ' A. A. IIoi'KlKS."

There is something reassuring in Gov. St. John's decla ration that he "felt as safe in Georgia as in any Northern

State." Doubtless he had reason to feel safer. The burn ing of him in effigy ; the denunciations of him on the plat form, and by the press ; and the obliteration of his name as the designation of a county ; none of these happened to the gallant Governor in the South, and, least of all, in Georgia.

MISCELLANEOUS.

777

THE NATIONAL TEMPERANCE SOCIETY AND PUBLICATION
HOUSE.
This noble organization was established in 1865. Until its establishment, the temperance literature of .America could hardly be said to have had any local habitation. Per haps no other attempt at publication has ever accomplished so much on so small a capital. Before our civil war tem perance publications had no headquarters. True, quite a number-of periodicals were issued, most of them ephemeral as to their lives. Many tracts, sermons, etc., were printed, but not many were stereotyped, and few people in quest of temperance literature, knew where to apply for such as might be obtained. Publishers all over the land printed these tracts, etc., which seldom attained to more than a local circulation, though often of superior merit. The establish ment oE a depot for temperance literature--a kind of central headquarters---grave at once character and permanence to temperance literature.
All denominations of Christians, and all parties., are rep resented in this organization, of course not as sects, but by their adherents. A simple pledge of abstinence from the use of, or the traffic in, intoxicating liquors, or the providing tLhieiemni aits ainl aa,!rtLiHcJlIeC *ojfi enntLeCJrtLaC.i-LnIIIm I uetrniitL,, or 1fo01r employes, aunnxdi tLhUeG discouraging of their use by others, is required of each mem ber. The payment of $3 constitutes one an annual member,

-- & ------ ------ -__ - ~ - j - - -- -- --~-~j

___,,..._ .^--- & ,,._.

report (1887) it had 1,593 publications 011 its roll, ranging1

from the one-page leaflet to the large bound volume; 153 of

these publications are for Sunday School libraries ; and the

various educational departments are well represented. The

"National Temperance Advocate," one of the best periodi

cals published in any interest, and " The Youth's Temper

ance Banner,'' have both been published ever since the

77

MISCELLANEOUS.

Society was founded ; and many temperance song-books have been issued by the Society.
One of the grandest \vorks in which the Society has been engaged, is in the dissemination of temperance litera ture among the freedmen of the South. The Report says:
" More than $50,000 have been expended in literature and missionary labor gratuitously in the South since the organization of this Society, and we could spend $100,000 a year to immense advantage. Temperance textbooks and catechisms have been introduced into more than fifty colored schools and institutes, and tens

educated in the principles of temperance and prohibition. In local option and other prohibitory contests, these teachers and preachers have always been found true to principle, and active in the fight."
The Atlanta University has the honor of being the first school to introduce temperance textbooks into the regular course of study, and more than 5,000 colored ministers have been supplied each with a volume of temperance sermons and essays, and hundreds of thousands of copies of the "Ban ner," and millions of pages of tracts have been sown broad cast everywhere, and their influence has been felt as a mighty power for good. It is a well-known fact that the pupils thus indoctrinated with temperance lessons have almost always been on the side of temperance in all contests.
Rev. C. I-I. Mead has been the active agent in pushing the Society's \vork among- the freedmen, though others are also in the field, and several colored lecturers are now work ing- among their own people. Chief of these are Rev. J. C. Price, President of Living-stone College, N. C., and Hon. J. J. Spelman, formerly a member of the Mississippi Legisla ture. But earnest cries for help go up continually to the Society, and not only the colored, but the white, population also have been beneficiaries of the Society. In many of our temperance campaigns, we have received either gratui tously, or at less than cost, consignments of literature to be distributed among the people.
THE PUBLICATION SOCIETY vs. GEORGIA.
At the author's request, Mr. J. N. Stearns, the active agent of the House ever since its establishment, furnishes the

MISCELLANEOUS.

779

following1 account of what the Society has contributed to Georgia:
" Our Society has sent gratuitously into Georgia the last fifteen or twenty years, at least $2,500 worth of literature, mostly for the colored people. This has been largely for schools and institutions of learning-. * * * * Our special missionaries and our Corresponding Secretary 1 have delivered four or five hundred addresses in the State, free of charge.
" Probably not more than $100 have been contributed in the State toward the missionary work of the Society."
This last item is certainly not very creditable to us, viz.: To have received twenty-five times as much from the Society as we have contributed to it.
This noble Society, which has created such an excellent and such a varied literature, is well worthy of a much more hearty financial support than we have hitherto given it.
Georgia had no connection with the Society for a num ber of years. Even as late as 1876 the only Vice-President credited to Georgia was Bishop Haven, who was only a kind of transient resident of the State. At present Georgia has five Vice-Prcsiclents of the Society, viz.: U. S. Senator A. H. Colquitt, Rev. Drs. J. B. Hawthorne and A. G, Haygood, Mr. James G. Thrower, and Hon. W. B. Hill.
The House is located at 58 Rcade street, New York.

HOME TEMPERANCE LITERATURE.
It is a hard task to undertake a catalogue of the tem perance publications, both periodical and single, which have appeared in Georgia since the close of the Civil War. The Noah of this post-diluvian era of temperance literature was Mr. W. E. H. Searcy, of Griffin, Ga., who began, April i, 1870, the publication of the "Temperance Watchman" at Griffin. This was a monthly, in small magazine form, at a subscription price of $3.00. The next year the form was changed to that of a four-page weekly newspaper, and the price was reduced to two dollars.
In the sketch of the Good Templars we have already had occasion to note the difficulty which the Order had in its attempt to maintain an organ, and the various newspaper
1 Rev. J. N. Stearns.

780

MISCELLANEOUS.

projects which, from year to year, engaged the attention of the Grand Lodg-e.
After the schism in the temperance orders 01 the South
in 1873, Mr. Searcy and the " Watchman " went over to the
Friends of Temperance, and did valiant service for the new
organization. The Good Templars, meanwhile, used the
columns of the " Sunny South," and of one or two other
papers as their organs. Indefatigable efforts \vere made to keep up a paper, and
during most of the years following the Order usually had an organ at its command. The " Temperance Advocate " was the longest lived of all these papers. During the latter years of its publication it was edited by Messrs. Smith and Stong", who bore up bravely against the slings and arrows of out rageous fortune for several years, before the "Advocate " followed in the \vake of the great majority of temperance periodicals.
The " Temperance Home," edited by 1. O. Perkins, founder of the Knights of Temperance, ran through several years.
The number of periodicals which have suddenly ap peared upon the temperance stage, proclaimed their peculiar mission and their purpose " to stay." and then quietly disap peared, to be heard of 110 more, is quite beyond the author's powers to give. Most of the temperance orders of the State have made more or less effort to sustain organs to champion temperance in general, and the interests of the Order in par ticular. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union, how ever, should be exceptcd. This Order has had no organ of its own in the State. The ladies have, however, managed to secure a column in many of the local papers, and the local Unions have edited and run the column--certainly a capital plan to reach a large class of readers.
Periodical temperance literature in Georgia, as else where, has had a hard struggle to maintain itself. The religious press has been almost, if not quite, a unit in the championing of temperance. The dailies and larger week-

MISCELLANEOUS.

781

lies have generally opposed prohibition, and the growth of the sentiment has been a natural result of the moral and religious education of the people, rather in spite of, than favored by, the secular press. Perhaps nothing else so well illustrates the strength of the temperance sentiment as this popular resolve to go in a line counter to that advocated by the press. Tn every economic or political question, practical unanimity among the greater secular papers has alwa}r s car ried the masses.
Tn prohibitory legislation, however, the case has been different. On this point the press, with its criterion of pol icy, and the moral convictions of the intelligent and the religious, cannot be brought into accord. Duty with hon est men must precede policy.
THE PLATFORM AND THE PAMPHLET.
Of tracts, addresses, sermons, pleas, etc., there has been no lack. Every local prohibitory campaign develops quite a number of speakers. The "Atlanta Constitution " estimates that the Atlanta contest developed the fact that at least one thousand temperance speakers could be found in that city alone. Several Georgians have a national reputa tion as temperance orators. Perhaps the best known is
SENATOR A. II. COLQUITT.
For more than thirty years Gov. Colquitt has been leading; figure in Georgia politics. His father, Senator Walter T. Colquitt, was one of Georgia's great political leaders in the ante helium era, and was himself a fiery tem perance orator of the old school, and transmitted his tem perance, as well as his oratory, to his distinguished son. Gov. Colquitt's success in Georgia politics has been in no wise due to the barroom influence. This has long been arrayed against him. " The noisy element of the cities has been against him. The barrooms and their frequenters have fought him. His wonderful hold upon the people has excited the envy of the leading public men, with some excep tions. The inability to use him has made him odious to the

702

MISCELLANEOUS.

average partisan. His impregnable morality and identifi cation with temperance, virtue, and religion, have been a standing rebuke to the vicious and immoral." 1
G-OV. Colquitt has made temperance speeches through most of the Northern States, where it has long been accounted a marvelous thing for a prominent Democrat to advocate such a cause.

REV. DR. J. B. HAWTHORNE.
This brilliant minister (Baptist) is known not only as a magnificent pulpit orator, but also as one of the strongest platform lecturers of the land. Especially is he conspic uous in the temperance cause. During the Atlanta cam paign Dr. Hawthorne was the most constant of all the lead ers who were on the hustings, and his great services there can never be forgotten. Dr. Hawthorne is in constant demand as a lecturer, not in Georgia alone, but also in many other States, North as well as South.

REV. SAM JONES.
No man in the American pulpit is to-day better known than Sam Jones. Perhaps the personality of no other preacher, or, indeed of no other man, is so well fixed in the popular mind as that of this extraordinary evangelist. His character, his wa^-s, his methods, all arc familiar. Perhaps the attitude of no other man in the South, at least, toward every question which might seem to have a clear moral side to it, could be so \vell guessed by the masses as that of Sam Jones. Every one feels that he knows what Sam Jones would think and say upon every such question.
Sam Jones' bitterest invectives and fiercest denuncia tions have been poured, without stint, upon the liquor traffic. Liquor and liquor men have been scathed and tortured by the scorching lightning from his pitiless tongue, and their hatred of him is as bitter as are his unstinted invectives. In Atlanta, Milledgeville, Rome and many other towns where the prohibition battle raged, Sam Jones* mighty blows have
Avery's " History of Georgia," p. 570.

MISCELLANEOUS.

783

fallen with tremendous power. In other States his work has hardly been less effective, and he probably would not regard a sermon as finished, until liquordorn had received a drubbing.
Hardly less scathing, though much more rhetorical, is his colleague and fellow laborer,

REV. SAM SMALL.
Less than two years ago a constant attendant upon the barrooms of Atlanta, as he himself describes it, with hope gone, home gone, character gone, even the love of his wife gone, a moral wreck, and almost wrecked physically, we saw the strange spectacle of this extraordinary man coming- from the debauch of the preceding day, to preach a sermon to a crowd of curious spectators upon the streets of Atlanta. A few days more and he becomes the companion of Sam Jones, and, like Barnabas, going forth with him on his evangelical journe37 ings, until the "two Sams" was made a household expression for the nation.
Naturally, sin presented itself to Sam Small in no other form so appalling as in the demon of the dram-shop. That devil he knew best how to cast out, that kind of practical theology he most thoroughly understood, and at once he became one of the foremost temperance lecturers of the land. There is much in Sam Small to remind one of Hawkins, Taylor, Grough, and others of the great temperance speakers who were, like himseif, snatched as brands from the burning pit, to become beacons of light upon the walls of the tem perance Zion.
DR. A. G. HAYGOOD,
though perhaps better known on other lines, is justly regarded as one of the strongest champions of temperance and of pro hibition to be found in the nation. He is also one of Georgia's representative temperance speakers, whose services are in frequent demand in other States. Just at this writing, Dr. Haj'good is stumping Texas in the great prohibition battle now waging in the Lone Star State.
Other speakers, not inferior to any of the foregoing,

784

MISCELLANEOUS.

though their reputation as temperance orators is probably not so widely extended, might be named. But to mention all would be impossible, and to mention some might seem invidious. Most of Georgia's public men, both of the present and of the past generation, have, at some period of their lives, been found upon the temperance platform. Some, it must be confessed, have departed widely from their own teachings on this head; though few States can show on the whole, so high a standard of morality among their statesmen as is to be found among the leaders of Georgia's politics.
Great numbers of sermons, speeches on temperance, etc., have been published by Georgians, but nothing larger than a pamphlet has been produced so far, at least, as the \vriter has been able to learn. Writers have treated the sub ject from the standpoint of the present. The moral, the re ligious, and, occasionally, the economic, physiological, and other sides of the question, have been presented. Unfortu nately, the historical side of temperance and, for the most part, the statistical, have been completely ignored. Ternperance, as a plant indigenous to our moral nature, growing always though stunted, and blighted by many an adverse wind, gnarled bv outside pressure ofttimes into unseemly shapes, temperance thus has never been treated by our writers. Its developing capabilities, and its many forms of growth, have not been noticed ; the evolution of the temper ance sentiment has not been sufficiently regarded. There is a constant swinging around the circle. Moderation, moral suasion, legal suasion, no suasion, education in the schools, teaching from pulpit and platform, high license, low license, no license, damages recoverable for injuries done by the traffic, "punish the drunkard," etc., all these specifics, and many more, have their advocates. Yet it would seem that a close observance of facts, with their causes and results, ought to have settled the question as to the efficacy of some, at least, of these remedies ere this. Unfortunately, we have often let sentiment alone--the motive power--impel us, with out due regard as to the direction. Yet men are always re-

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turning-to that as if to something- unheard of as yet, which t hey claim will be a sovereign antidote to the liquor traffic and its serpent trail of ills. But when the panacea is examined, we find that it has been tried in the same, or in analogouss, forms time and again, but with only partial success. So with many a circling sweep we revolve around the circle of old opinions and prejudices. Could we but become a race of fact-gatherers, how much our progress in true knowledge might be accelerated.

STATE TEMPERANCE CONVENTION.
For many years after the close of the civil war no State temperance convention was held. Indeed, there was for sev eral years no g-reat temperance society of commanding in fluence in the State, and the State Convention has always been the outgrowth of society work,
After the rise of the Good Templars most of the active temperance workers of the State became absorbed in that organization, and its Grand Lodge became a sort of substitute for the convention. After the organization of the Friends of Temperance the two bodies did not meet in any common conclave.
On July 4, 1881, a convention was held in Atlanta. The session was a short one, only for one day ; but the State Ex ecutive Committee was in session for several days there after. The principal result of this Convention was to agree upon some action to be taken to secure a g-cneral temper ance law from the Legislature. A sub-committee was ap pointed by the State Kxecutive Committee, to draft a bill to be presented to the Legislature. This Committee, consist ing of Judges "Hillyer, and Underwood, and Col. Pring-le, prepared a State bill, which was introduced into the House by Mr. Northen. Col. Pring-le, by permission, delivered an address in the Hall of Representatives, in favor of the bill. This is said to have been the first prohibition speech ever delivered in the hall.
Judge John H. W. Underwood was chairman of that 50

786

MISCELLANEOUS.

Convention, ana also chairman of the Executive Committee. Other members of the Committee were : George Hillyer, John D. Cunning-ham, C. R. Pringle, George W. Adams, J. H. Seals, John~D. Stewart.

THE SECOND CONVENTION
was not held until July 24, 1884. Col. Fringle was made Chairman of this Convention, and C. P. Hansell, J. T. Waterman, J. H. Seals, and Miss M. H. Stokes, were made secretaries. Col. Pring-le made a very happy address on taking the chair. Rev. Richard Webb opened the proceed ings with prayer.
The Grand Lodge of Good Templars, then in session at Atlanta, entered in a body, and were received by the con vention, standing. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union came out in force, and were warmly welcomed. Like wise the Sons of Temperance, Knights of Temperance, and all other temperance organizations had representatives upor. the floor. Mrs. Chapin of South Carolina, and F. B. Demaree of Kentucky, were among the visitors.
A committee on permanent organization was appointed, viz.: J. H. Seals, J. G. Thrower, G. W. Adams, A. A. Murphy, C. P. Hansell, Mrs. E. C. Witter, Mrs. R. Webb, and Mrs. A. A. W. Cadwallader. During the Committee's absence stirring speeches were made by F. B. Demaree, Judge J. D. Stewart, T. S. King, W. H. Simpkins, and W. L. Watterson.
In accordance with the report of the Committee, the name of the convention was changed to that of the " Georgia Temperance Association." It was to have a President, VicePresident, Secretary, Treasurer,and an Executive Committee of fifteen, and the meetings \vere to be held annually upon the call of the Executive Committee. The President was authorized to select the Executive Committee at his leisure.
Hon. C. R. Pringle was made President, Col. J. H. Seals, Vice-President, W. G. Whidby, Secretary, W. A. Hansell, Treasurer. The " Temperance Advocate" was adopted as the Association's organ.

The Executive Committee was requested by resolution, to raise funds to aid in the temperance work in Georgia, and to examine into the feasibility of establishing a temper ance assembly in the State to be held annually, and to con tinue from three to ten days,
THE THIRD STATE MEETING
was rield, as its predecessors had been, in Atlanta, com mencing; June 10, 1885, President Pring-le in the chair.
W. G. Whiclby was Secretary, Rev. A. G. Thomas made the opening prayer, and Rev, Virgil Norcross delivered a very hearty address of welcome, which was very happily responded to by Judge George N. Lester. Judge Lester said that all the legislation he desired was the passage of the local option bill (then pending). He wished not only to stop the sale, but also the manufacture of liquor, and he hoped to see the day, surely coming, when neither a barroom nor a distillery would be left in the State. He had watched this temperance movement in Georgia, had seen it rise in one form and then seem to go down, only to spring up in a new form. The spirit behind it would not, could not, die. We must keep on in the temperance road, the prohibition road.
President Pringle responded in a lengthy and an able address. He believed in educating the people in organized societies, in common schools, and from the pulpit, that, alco hol is a poison, and the liquor traffic a curse. Next support this sentiment by the strong arm of the law, which law must be faithfully enforced. Lack of legal indorsement and support had broken down the Sons of Temperance of the old regime. The Good Templars indorse legal prohibition, hence their work had been much more effective.
In 1859 the Legislature did pass an act to punish a vender of spirituous Ikjuors, selling to negroes ; the speaker, had he been a member of the Assembly, would have moved to include the sons of the legislators, on the ground that they were worth as much as the slaves. From 1870 to 1874, eight or ten prohibitory laws were'passed ; in 1874, eleven, in

788

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1875, about fifty ; in 1882 and 1883 over one hundred prohib itory bills were passed ; in 1884, about twenty-five more, and so on.
But this Association did something1 more than to hear addresses of welcome and responses thereto.
Pressing resolutions in favor of the passage of. the local option bill were passed. This bill had not then run the gauntlet of the Senate amendments, and it was in a shape much more satisfactory to the temperance people than in its present form. Strong resolutions in favor of the Congres sional Commission of Inquiry and also in favor of scientific temperance instruction in the public schools, were also passed. A hard tussle ensued over a resolution offered by the writer, asking" the General Assembly to enact a general registration law. This measure, which had for its object the prevention of election frauds--so often practiced in pro hibition elections, was strong^ opposed by several members of the association on the ground of irrelevancy to the objects of the association, which, \vere temperance and temperance only. After a hot fight, the resolution was passed by a very large majority, though it was not acted upon by the Legislature at its subsequent session.
This Convention, which the President thought the lar gest temperance convention ever held in the State, was also the last which has been convened. Certainly it would seem that the interests of the cause might be promoted by such annual convocations. Even if nothing more were done than to mutually encourage, the good effects of the meeting \vould be felt in the new enthusiasm given to all departments of the work.

CHAPTER XLIX.
PRRSENT STATUS OF THE COUNTIES OF GEORGIA.
It is not amazing- that there is at present so much indenniteness about the actual territory of the State which is under prohibition, and the kind of prohibition which is enforced in each county, town, or district. Ask any intelligent man in the State, how many counties have prohibition, and he will probably assume some number between one hundred and one hundred and twenty, or perhaps, answer : " Three-fourths," or " Four-fifths," or "Fivesixths." The simple truth is, that nobody knows, Georgia is flecked and spotted with prohibitory laws of all degrees of rigor, as well as of extent. We have prohibition under special acts, in counties, districts,and towns; prohibition for a radius of one, two, three, or four miles from single churches, academies, factories, or other institutions of a public character; prohibition forbidding the manufacture or sale of any distilled or malt liquors, cider, or wine ; prohibition \vhich forbids distilled liquors only, etc., etc. The penalties are almost as various as the varieties of prohibitory enact ments. Fines and imprisonment of various amounts and lengths were provided for each case ; unless forsooth, it was brought under the famous penal Section 4310 of the Code. Indeed, the exact amount of territory under prohibition could not be ascertained without an accurate survey conducted by skilled engineers, since the prohibition local ities often partially overlap one another. 1
The author has been compelled to undertake an immense correspondence over the State to elicit the infor-
1 The author made a complete summary of these local Jaws but was compelled to omit it here, on account of its buJkiness.
789

790 I'RLSKNT STATUS OF THE COUNTIES OK C-KOKGIA.
mation given in the table below. It was often indispensable to write several times to the same county before the exact status of the liquor traffic could be ascertained. Of course, the number of licenses varies continually, and can only be held to be absolutely true but for some time within the present year.
API-LING.--By an act of 1877, license was put at $1,000. The whiskey party
before the election. Ordinary refused license in 1882, and in i 886 license was raised to f 10,000. No distilleries and no saloons in the county.
BAKEK.--Issues five retail licenses at $50 each ; no wholesale licenses; no vote on prohibition has ever been taken.
BALDWIN.---Has no retailing nor wholesaling ; has prohibition by local option vote. April 3, 1886, became dry after a contest over the election returns ; vote " wet " on the face of the returns ; " dry " after a contest.
BANKS.--Has prohibition by virtue of the refusal of the Ordinary to grant
>, BARTOW.-- Has prohibition by an election under a special act, held------1885; the vote stood 2 majority for prohibition. There is one distillery in the county.
BERRIEN.--Has neither saloons nor distilleries ; has had no election on the sub ject; became " dry " by virtue of a license fee " not less than $ 10,000," imposed by the Legislature in 1883. Mo vote has been taken.
BiiJi!.--Thirty-two retail licenses issued for the county outside of Macon for the year July i,.r886-july r, 1887; no wholesale. Cost of these, $25 each; no
wholesale. BROOKS.--Issues 4 retail licenses ; no wholesale. Has no distilleries, and no
BKYAN. --Has neither wholesale nor retail dealers, nor any distilleries. No vote has been taken. The county became " dry " by virtue of a license foe of $5,000, imposed by the Legislature in 1882.
BULLOCK. -- Neither wholesale nor retail license issued ; no distilleries ; no elec tion has been held. County became " dry " by a license fee of $5,000, passed by the Legislature in 1879.
BL'RKE.--No license, wholesale or retail ; no distillery; became " dry" by vote in July, iS36, under the Local Option law.
BUTTS.--No wholesale license ; 6 retail, at $25 each, and 2 sellers under tfee
February, 1885, a majority of 150 votes was given against prohibition. Another election has just been held, Aug. 4, 1887. Result--Whiskey, 612; against, 545.
CAI.IIOUN.--Six retail licenses, three of which are municipal, and cost $100 each ; the other three pay a county license of $25 each ; no wholesale license, and no distillery. No vote has been taken. " Two-thirds or more of the whites would go for prohibition. It would be agitated more, but for so many petty pol iticians who look to the negro vote for offices."

PRESENT STATUS OF THE COUNTIES OF GEORGIA. 79!
CAMDEN.--By act of September, 1881, license was raised to $5,000, which effected prohibition at once and ever since. No liquors sold ; no distillery. " Everything- perfectly quiet " on the subject ; no election has been held.
CAMFISELI,.--No liquor licenses of any kind issued ; one distillery; prohibition by election, Nov. 7, 1883. The vote for prohibition, 666; against, 407.
CATOOSA.--Has prohibition by vote of Nov. 7, 1883; for prohibition, 372 ; against, 237. No distilleries.
CHAKLTON.--Prohibition under an act of Sept. 13, iSSi, imposing license of $5,000. No election ; no distilleries.
CHATHAM.--Thirty-five county licenses outside of Savannah, at $175 each (county, State,aiid Federal tax included); 236 licenses issued in Savannah, at $275 each. This was for the whole year from June i, 1886, to June i, 1887. Thus far in 1887, 219 retail licenses, at $200 each, and 17 wholesale, at $300 each, have been issued. The County Commissioners refuse license for the towns of Montgomery and Isle of Hope, thus making these " dry," the only " dry " localities in the county. Thunderbolt issues 4 licenses, Whitebluff issues 2. "Quite a number sell liquor without license by evading ; for instance, in the city suburban places there is a dispute as to jurisdiction, and many saloons are open which escape be cause of this conflict." There are no distilleries, and no election on prohibition has been held.
CITATTAHOOCHEE. -- lias two retail dealers. The iiO4t"h Militia District is under prohibition by an act of 1875. No election has been held ; no distilleries in the county.
is $75 each. One distillery, daily capacity 15 gallons; some contraband trade. No election on the subject.
CHF.ROKKL;.--No retail license. One " gallon " license. Canton has prohi bition for three miles around it by special act; the Ordinary refuses retail license in county. No election has been held. One distillery.
CLAR.KH.--Has prohibition by popular vote of February 25, 1885. Vote for prohibition 1062, against 492.
CLAY.--Fort Gain.es issues one wholesale license at !$2oo, and two retail at $500 each; no license issued outside of Fort Gaines. At an election, April 8. 1886, 469 votes were cast for prohibition and 510 against it. But so much fraud was developed that the Ordinary declared the result "no election." "Next time prohi bition will carry the county." No distilleries in the county.
CLAYTON.--Issues no liquor license; one distillery. Prohibition by a local act of 1882 granting an election upon prohibition; "six to one for prohibition."
CLINCH. -- No license issued; no distillery; no election held. "Dry" by a license fee of $10,000 imposed by the Legislature in iSSr.
Ccmu. - Prohibition by vote of March 5, 1884; for prohibition 1129, against 544. Two distilleries.
COFFEE.--Became dry by virtue of an act of 1879, fixing license at $I,OOO.
. COLUMBIA.--Prohibition by local option election, June 23, 1886. Only 182

pating any opposition; no distilleries. COLQUITT.--The exact status of this county the writer has, after numerous
inquiries, failed to get. " No license issued." COWETA.--Three wholesale licenses; three retail in county; one municipal in
Newnan paying $350 license; two distilleries; town dry by high license in 1883; county dry by election in 1884, under act of 1883; about 85 votes majority.
CRAWFOR.U.--No retailing, but two "gallon" dealers; two distilleries operated
for license; no election ever held. DADK.--No county license. Rising Fawn issues 4 retail licenses at $80 each,
daily capacity 30 gallons. Vote for prohibition in county 198, against 188. This did not apply to incorporated towns.
DAW SON. -- No license issued: no distilleries; no election; prohibition by elect-
DECATUR.--Five barrooms in Bainbridge, each paying $375; municipal license; one barroom in Bainbridge pays $400 municipal license; one barroom in county (license $25). No election.
DEKALB.--Prohibition by vote in March,i 885; vote for, 854, against, 539. No distillery.
after 1887 this license is fixed at $5,000, which will prohibit; no distilleries. Pro hibition by vote December 31, 1885, Majority for prohibition 53.
DOOLY.----No license. Prohibition by election April 19, 1886. "For the sale " goo, against 893. After a contest prohibition majority JO2. No distillery.
DoutJHEKTY.--Twenty-seven retail licenses, of which fifteen are in Albany, and
but little chance. DOUGLAS.--Prohibition by vote in the autumn of 1882; majority 114; one distil
lery. KARI.Y.-- Three retail licenses (municipal), city license $250 each, county $25
each; no distilleries; prohibition voted on in November, 1885. Small majority against, exact numbers could not be obtained.
EiJiERT.--Prohibition by vote, March 4, 1885; majority for prohibition about
Eciioi.s.----No license; no distilleries; prohibition by act of 1883, absolutely for bidding the sale.
EFFING HAM.--No license; no distillery; prohibition by act of 1881, impos ing a license tax of $5,000.
EMANUKU--Prohibition by act of September, 1883, fixing- license at $r,ooo.
and 12 gallons daily. Prohibition because of "dry" Ordinary's refusal to issue license.
FAYETTE.--Prohibition by vote Sept. y, 1885; (prohibition in Fayetteville since 1859) two distilleries of lo and 20 gallons' capacity; "good county, good churches, good schools."

FLOTD.--Prohibition by vote July S, 1887; whole vote, 2,441; prohibition, 561. (This was the now famous Rome conflict.)
FORSYTH.--No license since twelve or fifteen, years ago; recommendation of
FRANKLIN.--Prohibition September, 1884, by vote; majority " large;" " drink ing" diminished 90 per cent, under the law;" " a drunken man seldom seen;" no distillery.
"' KULTON.--Prohibition by vote Nov. 24, 1885 (the Atlanta victory); majority for prohibition, 228; no distillery.
GILMF.K.-- " No retail license for ten years," no yitart license io? four years; prohibition defeated Aug. 10, 1886, by a vote of 731 to 445; 3 distilleries of 30, 27 and 15 gallons respectively; 2 retail licenses issued by the government; none by the county. Council of Ellijay put license at $10,000. so prohibition was effected at last. Illicit distillation on the decrease.
GLASCOCK.--No licenses; no distilleries; prohibition by act of legislature. September, 1883; no election ever held.
GI.YNN.----Twowholesale licenses, at $100 each; 2 beer licenses (in Brunswick) at $75 each; 22 retail at $200 each in the city, and 14 in the county, at $25 each; no distilleries; no election ever held; no prohibition save on St. Simons Island, by legislative act.
GORDON.----Two " gallon " licenses, one each at Calhoun and Resaca; i distillery.
GREENE.--Five licenses granted in Greensboro at $100 each; none in the county; no distilleries. At an election held in December, 1885, majority against prohibition, 36, in a total of nearly 1,500 votes.
no grogshops outside the town; 6 distilleries; "will sweep out the traffic when voting time comes."
HABERSITAM.--No licenses issued; 2 distilleries of S and 7 gallons' daily capacity; prohibition by vote Aug. 6, 1886; vote for prohibition, 625; against, 415; " not one-tenth as much drinking as formerly."
HALL.--Sixteen licenses in town (Gainesville) and county at $75 each, includ ing State tax; 5 distilleries; 4 operated; daily capacity of all 44*gallons; election in March, 1885; for prohibition, 934; against, 1,305; Gainesville voted against the sale.
HANCOCK.--No license, wholesale nor retail; no distilleries; prohibition obtained by vote of the people under local option law Nov. n, 1885; vote 480 to 393-
HARALSON.--Prohibition by popular vote in January, 1886. HARRIS.--Three retail licenses (municipal) at $300 each; no distilleries. An election was held in November, 1885; majority for whiskey, about 400. HART.--No license; no distilleries; prohibition carried by popular vote Nov. 3 3, JSSs; vote for prohibition, 805; against, 456. HEARD.--No license issued; no distillery; no election held; "prohibition is by the action and will of the people." HENRY.--Prohibilion by popular vote Oct. 31, 1883; for prohibition, 1,077;

794 PRESENT SJATUS OF THE COUNTIES OF GEORGIA.

/

/

against, 319; not more than half the prohibitionists voted; no distilleries. "Grimy-

inai courts have lost their business; prohibition has come to stay."

f

I IOC-STON.--Prohibition by popular vote in the autumn of 188 ; no distilleries.'.

IRWIN.--No licenses issued; no distilleries; liquor cleared out by a local ac)i;

JACKSON.----Prohibition by popular vote March 14, 1887; -J distillery. Sev-

local acts. JASPER.--Prohibition under an act of 1883 fixing license at $5,000; no dis
tillery; no election held. " Prohibition is gaining- ground every day," JEFFERSON.--No license; no distillery; no election ever held. Prohibition
by special act of the Legislature Sept. 12, iSSi. JOHNSON.--No licenses issued; no distilleries; prohibition effected by refusal
of the requisite signatures of two-thirds of the freeholders; been in effect ten years; no election has ever been held. " Delighted with the result."
JONES.--No license issued; no other statistics given. LAURENS.--One county license issued, cost $25; i municipal cost 1,000; no

application for license. LEK.--Two municipal licenses (in Leesburg) cost $300 each; 3 county licenses
at $25 each; 110 distillery; no election held. "A strong prohibition element in the county."
LIBERTY, -- Prohibition by act of 1879 fixing; license at $1,000; no distil lery; no election held. This cotmty has always been a bulwark of temperance.
LINCOLN.--No license issued. LOWNIJES.--Six retail (municipal) licenses at $300 each; no county license. Outside of incorporated towns, the consent of two-thirds of the bonajide resident freeholders within 3 miles, necessary to obtain license; no distillery. All retailing

three miles of Naylor. July 14, iSSG, prohibition was defeated by a vole of 269 to 1,173-
LUMPKIN.--By special acts prohibition was established for three miles from courthouse and also for alike distance from three churches in the county; and within Auraria District. Much illicit distillation and selling; no registered distil lery; but several fruit distilleries run during the summer and fall.
MACON.--Nine retail licenses, 5 of which are in Oglethorpe and pay $25 mu nicipal license. Four are in Montezuma and pay $500 each for municipal license. 3

1886, prohibition was defeated by a vote of 573 to 657; no distillery. MADISON.--One retail license (county) cost $25; n "gallon" licenses; no
municipal licenses granted; no whiskey in Danielsville, the county site; put out by high license. One distillery, capacity 40 gallons daily. Prohibition was defeated in 1885 by a vote of 674 to 780. "The negro vote led by the politicians carried it against tis; it won Id hardly go the same way again. Saloons all on the edge of the county near to 'dry' counties; several being on the road leading to Athens."
MARION. One barroom on line of Marion and Talbot; one distillery; no election ever held.

PRESENT STATUS OF THE COUNTIES OF GEORGIA. 795
McDuFFlE.--Prohibition; no distillery, and "very little drinking;" prohibi tion voted in 1879 "by a large majority." ''No reason as yet to regret it."
MclNTOSii.--Eleveii retail saloons in Darien {municipal license $100 each; State, $50; United States, $25, $175 in all, for each vender); 9 saloons in the county outside of Darien. Prohibition defeated in 1885 by a large majority;
year about nine gallons of brandy." MRRIWETHER.--Prohibition defeated in 1887 by about 800 majority--"the
negro vote;" many parts of the county under local prohibition. icense issued, prohibition by act imposing- a license of $750
many years have refused to grant license." MITCIIELI..--No license; no distillery; prohibition by popular vote in March,
1886; prohibition majority, seventy-five. "Nobody would try to have the result changed."
MoNKOii.--No license; no distillery; prohibition by popular vote Dec. 21, 1882.
MONTGOMERY.--No license; no distillation; Prohibition effected by a $5,000 license fee imposed by special act of September, 1881; no election.
MORGAN.--Fourteen licenses in all, of which 9 are in Madison and pay $100 each, municipal tax, beside State and United States licenses; 3 in Rutledge pay same fees as in Madison; 2 licenses in county paying $5 county license, besides
MURRAY.--Prohibition by popular vote Nov. 14, 1883, the vote standing 294 to 215; no distillery; "prohibition has worked well; under no condition would the people vote liquor back into the county."
MUSCOGEE.--Twenty-six retail licenses in Columbus at $500 each; 9 county licenses at $J 5 each; no election held; no distilleries.
NEWTON. -- Prohibition by popular vote April 22, tSSo; the vote being eightymajority for prohibition. Two distilleries.
OCONER.--Prohibition by election May 20, 1886, vote 488 to 441; one distillery. OOLETIIORPE.--Prohibition by popular vote in the autumn of rSSs, "over 300 majority;" no distilleries; "expect to be dry the next time you hear from us. God grant that it may always be so. Our people have quit being brutes." PAULDING.--No retail license; prohibition by special act of September, 1883. A vote to restrict the sale to the "gallon" State law resulted in a vole of 5 to i for the restriction. No distilleries. PiCKENs.--No license for many years, cause, "dry" Ordinary, people strong for prohibition. No vote has ever been taken. PIERCE.--No licenses; no distilleries; no election, prohibition by high license

sixty-two. POLK.--No licenses; no distillery; election Dec. 7, 1881, majority for prohibi
tion, 177; four-fifths of the people now in favor of it. "No candidate with any leaning toward the bringing back of the saloons would be elected. Had formerly tried physicians' prescriptions--didn't work. One physician had such a rush of
worked earnestly for prohibition; first county in the State to have total prohi bition."
PULASKI.---No licenses; no distilleries; prohibition by popular vote Feb. 18, 1886; vote 796 for prohibition, 465 against it.
PUTNAM.--No licenses; no distilleries. Sale prohibited by special act, license
favor of it." . QuiTMAN.--Prohibition except in Georgetown. KABUN.--No license; no distillery; no election. Ordinary steadily refuses
license, and the grand jury recommend no license. RANDOLPH.--Prohibition, under act of December, 1882; liquor only to be sold
for medicinal purposes; penalty for violation, $1,000. No distillery; no election since this act went into effect.
RICHMOND.--Nine retailers in Augusta, paying $150 each ; jo8 dealers, pay ing $75 each ; 9 dealers paying $50 each ; 3 wholesale dealers, paying $150 each. Outside of Augusta 28 licenses are used, 5 being granted in Summerville. The whole number--i S7--pay State ($5O and county ($25) tax. No election.
ROCKDAI..M.--No licenses; no distillery. Prohibition by popular vote in December, 1879; for prohibition, 484; against it, 290.
SCHLEY.--Prohibition by special act, " ten or eleven years ago." Afterward it was confirmed by an "overwhelming" popular vote.
(except Milieu) in August, 1881, by special act imposing $2,000 tax. By vote, Sept. n, iSS.s, that part of Millen which lies in Scriven county was included with the remainder of the county; vote, about " 3 to i."
SPALDINO.--In Griffin, 8 retail, i wholesale and retail, and 2 wholesale licenses; city tax for each, $250; also, r druggist, who pays no municipal tax. Outside of Griffin, 3 wholesale and i retail license. All pay State and Federal tax. Two grain distilleries; one or two fruit distilleries in summer. The grain distilleries have quart licenses, and are included in the above list. Prohibition was defeated June
tail) have been added since Atlanta went "dry." STEWART.--Prohibition by vote, Nov. iS, 1885; vote, 945 to 528. One (fruit)
distillery, capacity6o gallons. Formerly $75, ooo spent for whiskey; "now crime is less ; prohibition extremely gratifying."
SUMTER.--In Americus, 15 saloons: I quart license; 2 drugstores; city retail license, $200; drug and quart licenses, $50; State, $25 for retail, and $5 for druggist.
TALBOT. -- Prohibition effected by an act of 1874, requiring consent of twothirds of freeholders within three miles; no election held.

PRESENT STATUS OF THE COUNTIES OK GEORGIA. 797
body satisfied with her pr
decreased ;" no distilleries. TEI.FAIR.----No licenses ; no distilleries; liquor-selling ended by an act of 1882,
imposing; $5,000 tax; no election. " The whiskey used is brought by tlieexpress trains."
TKRRELL.--In Dawson, 7 retail licenses; municipal tax, 8150 each. In Brownwood, 3 licenses; i county license, $25. All pay Stale and United States taN ; no
colored vote much slrong-er than the white. - T:;" " THOMAS. --In Thomasville, S retail licenses, at $300 each municipal ; in Bos
ton, i; in Ochlochnee, 2; in Cairo, i. Three drugstores in Thomasville pay Slate
TOWNS. -- No license ; no distilleries. Prohibition by virtue of the Ordinary's
no distilleries. " Now our light is to enforce the law." TWIGCS.--No license issued ; prohibition by popular vote in autumn of 1883;
UNION.---No license ; no distilleries ; no election ; no prohibitory laws. UPSON.--Nine retail licenses; I distillery. Prohibition defeated, June 2, 1885, by 595 majority. WALKER.--No retail license; " gallon" licenses. No county election ever held. WAI.TON.--"Gallon" licenses; no retail; i distillery. Prohibition defeated, July 13, 1887WARE.--No license ; no distillery. Prohibition effected by an act of 1882, fixing license at $ro,OOO. No direct election, but prohibition Representative elected by about 65 majority. " Prohibition has had a wonderful effect for good." WARREN.--Under "the Pool bill" of 1874, which allowed the Districts to vote on prohibition by special acts in 1876, 1882 and 1885, clearing liquor from specified districts near churches or tow under prohibition. '' Good effects Warrenton." / ' WASHINGTON.--Prohibition by vote, April 21, iSS6; vole//-, 1,187; con, 945. No distillery. '' Not an arrest in Sandersville from drunkenness since the law went
hibition cheerfully acquiesced in, and the best results are anticipated." WAYNE.-No licenses ; no distilleries ; no election ever held. Have prohibi
tion by act of 1878-9, fixing county license at $i,ocO. A municipal license of $1,500 is also to be exacted, and " even then the county authorities can refuse the application, as they assuredly would."

WEBSTER.--No license ; 110 election. Prohibition $2,000, established by act of September, 1881.
WHITE.--No license issued ; no distilleries ; no election ; no prohibitory law; Ordinary simply refuses to grant license.
WHITFIELD. --Prohibition by popular election. '' At (irst the ' jug trade ' was heavy, 120 gallons being sent per express to Dalton ; now only three gallons per week received, most of which is used by an old gentleman in the preparation of med icine. Temperance sentiment much stronger than ever--strong enough to indict, convict and punish, every violator. The good done Here by prohibition is incalcu lable." No distilleries.
Wii.cox. -- No license; no distilleries. Prohibition effected under a special act.
WII.KES.--Three retail licenses, at $300 each ; 2 wholesale, at $150 each (mn. nicipal); no distilleries. Prohibition defeated in 1885.
Wn.KTNSoN.--No distilled liquors sold; 7 beer and wine licenses, namely: Two in Gordon, pay State tax; 2 in Toomsboro, pay municipal tax, $25; 1 each in Irwinton, Allentown, and Stephensville, paying State tax; no distillery. Prohibi tion defeated by 17 votes at an election, Jan. 4, 1882.
for by act of September, 1881. " Effect so satisfactory that one-half of the pro hibitionists could beat any efforts of the Antis to bring back the saloon," No distilleries.

1
APPENDIX A.
Address from the people of Ireland to their countrymen and countrywomen in America. 1
DEAR FRIENDS:--You are at a great distance from your native land. A wide expanse of water separates yon from the beloved country of your birth, from us, and from the kindred whom you love, and who love you and pray for your happiness and prosperity in the land of your adoption.
"We regard America with feelings of admiration; we do not look upon her as a strange land, nor upon her people as aliens from our affections.
The power of steam has brought us nearer together; it will increase the interCourse between us so that the character of the Irish people and of the American people must in future be acted upon by the feelings and disposition of each. The
foul blot upon the noble Institutions and fair fame of your adopted country. But for this one stain, America would indeed be a land worthy your adoption;
but she will never be the glorious country that her free constitution designed her to be. so long as her soil is polluted by the footprint of a single slave. Slavery is the most tremendous invasion of the natural, inalienable rights of man, and of some ot the noblest gifts of God, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
What a spectacle does America present to the people of the earth! A land of professing Christians and Republicans, uniting their energies for the Oppression and degradation of three millions of innocent human beings, the children of one common Father, who suffer the most grievous wrong and the utmost degradation, for no crime of their ancestors or their own. Slavery is a sin against God and man. All who are not for it, must be against it. None can be neutral. We entreat that you take the part of justice, religion and liberty.
country's degradation under this withering curse. America is cursed by slavery! We call upon you to unite with the Abolitionists, and never to cease your
efforts until perfect liberty be granted to every one of her inhabitants, the black man as well as the white man. We are all children of the same gracious God; all equally entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We are told that you possess great power, both moral and political, in America. We entreat you to exercise that power and influence for the sake of humanity. You will not witness the horrors of slavery in all the States of America. Thirteen of them are free, and thirteen are slave States. But in all, the pro-slavery
J It was this address which caused the correspondence between Father Mat hew and Judge Lumpkin, given in detail in the " Second Period " of this work.
799

8OO

ADDRESS FROM THli PEOPLE OF IRELAND.

feeling, though rapidly decreasing, is still stron-. Do not unite with it; on the contrary, oppose it by all the peaceful means in your power. Join with the Aboli-

man that you do not understand liberty for the white man

The American citizen proudly points to the National Declaration of Indepen dence, which declares that all mankind are born free and equal, and are alike entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Assist him to carry out this noble declaration by obtaining- freedom for the slave. Irish men and Irishwomen, treat the colored people as" your equals, as brethren. By all your memories of

America you will do honor to the name of Ireland. (Signed by)

DANIEL O'CONNELL, THEOBALD MATIIEW.

J

APPENDIX B.

GEORGIA-- (ANTE-BELLUM PERIOD)-- 1846-1859. i

RETURNS OF SUBORDINATE DIVISIONS, SONS OF TEMPERANCE. i

)r d 'i

/ ,2

2. '>

Year.

5

5

0

1

7

]

! 6 i : 1 ! P .-

'? .2"
> QE

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S
H



^

3

u"

x

i' ^

i j3

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i 'S ' rt

'35
-

d

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i F .i

A

t

KM H

0

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1


.% w B-

IB

2

l|
^ ^

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"cT3

1

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5Ml ! r-, 1 'S '_C
\S
iK f. (

1

3
)

307 Dec. 29, 1846. . 74 3 , Mar. 31, 1848*. 954 29 30

'9 2 61 3

5

218618

" "

5- 3"7

1849.. 7.701 102 "3 302 22 1850. , 8,357 6' 9 276 1,077 106
1851 5-74= M* -3' 1,553 83

205 t 21,9-jlj 3

1,014 191.82 6

7,624 12,074

1,35999 7 1,884.85 ', 7

1,721.39 1,406

$

440.45 3,81444

$

$ ,11.7,

167.12

3277,,619979,.0920

1-555 54 9.405.90
6,209 48 i3.036 57

34>427-9 6,48462 10,7158.01

329 Dec. 31, 1851*. 2,618 21.6 178 968 141 n>,'59 897.47 75i

i7,935-36 3,765.46 14,588.18

< 230

1852.. 2,408 3 ; 9 43 1,101 101 9,568 908.87 1,047

17,951.06 5 '5'-6i 20 SS^ 60 193 2466

5 ,6,

1853-- 1,161 '49 23' 869

4,0 '5 S59-24 631

9,813.14

2,942.75

'54 7.827.97

4701

t

91

"

"

3

2?

'854. 728 81 92 1855.. 295 20 30 1856. . 162 '4 3

220 28 130 24 72 2

',459 407
3.5'

401.42 265
194.65 8.5 127.90 115

4,619.00 1,093.00 1,307.00

1,17800 22,964.00 330.00 647.00 76.00 J,8O7.00

'9 78.5 39 2930

20 3'

277 211 59 1858! '. 290 11

54 38

'39

538 136.31!! 84
66 1 1 1 4.00! 1 43

915.00
737-oo

58.00 2,141.00 57.00 i-955-oo

38

1859.. 579 38

47 3

i,556

142.20 121 250

2J200 1,421.00 6

*Changes in tlie fiscal year.

APPENDIX C.

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

"Prouder scene ne'er hallowed war's pomp to the mind,

Than when Christendom's pennons woo'd social the wind,

And the flower of her brave for the combat combined,

Their watchword, humanity's vow."

-- Campbell.

No sketch of Georgia temperance work could be complete without some ac count of the famous Atlanta campaign of 1885 and its results.
It is, perhaps, safe to say that no municipal election ever evoked such wide and absorbing interest. Of the noble part borne by Atlanta's Christian women in that glorious contest, we have already had a graphic description in Miss Stokes' narrative. It remains to give some account of other factors in this great battle.
The organization of that extraordinary corps, The Young Men's Prohibition Club, and the work it accomplished, forms one of the most wonderful chapters in American history. The work, too, among the colored people, furnishes a most in-

a question of national interest. The story of the campaign, and of the Young Men's Club, as here given, is
from the pen of one than whom none else was better qualified to write it. He was in every work a quorum pars; and while his name is, at his own request, withholden, yet no man did more to bring about the famous Atlanta victory than did the author
of the following sketch:

A few days after the passage of the local option law in 1885, a petition was circulated in Fulton county, asking for an election, and the requisite one-tenth of the qualified voters was soon obtained. The election was ordered for the 25th of November. A meeting of prohibitionists was held at the courthouse in Atlanta, about the first of October, for the purpose of organizing a campaign in behalf of the prohibition cause. Ail advisory committee was appointed at this meeting, with power to take general charge of the campaign, and organize, and carry it through, in such manner as the committee might deem proper. Col. T. P. Westmoreland presided over the meeting, and was also made chairman of the advisory committee. The meeting and the committee were both composed partly of white, and partly of colored, men. Among the powers of the advisory committee was the power to add at any time to its own number. The names of all the members of this advisory committee are not now recalled, but among them were, A. D. Adair, J. W, Ran-
802

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

803

kin, John C, Hendrix, S. M. Inman, W. J. Games, Nick Holmes, \Y. C. Dodson, W, R. Hammond, A. C. Briscoe, J. K. Bryant, James A. Anderson, "William A. Haygood, \V. P. Pattillo, G. T. Podd, M. C. Riser, R. E. Carter, A. K. I.iuck, John T. Pendleton, B. F. Bennett, W. A. Osborn, Rev. M. Tilman, and J. C, Veiser, besides the Chairman, Col. Westmorland. This committee, composed of

prohibition in Fulton county in 1885. A history of that campaign can never be written. Only those who were pres
ent, and were eye witnesses of what took place, can understand it. But some facls in connection with the struggle may not be uninteresting-. In the first place, it seemed that Providence favored the good cause from the beginning to the ei:d. Good men,

as soon as it arose. A way out of every difficulty was promptly found. Eloquent public speakers were usually had whenever wanted. Beautiful autumnal weather usually blessed every public meeting- Wisdom and perfect harmony prevailed over our councils, while the councils "of the other side were confused, and many blunders marked the management of their campaign.

a hall at No. 19^4 South Bioad street, and held a meeting there every day at 12 o'clock ; it appointed the following sub-committees: A Committee on Registration

ings, T. P. Westmoreland, chairman: a Committee on I-iterature and Printing, A, C." Briscoe, chairman; a Committee on Paslors and Churches, John T. Pendleton, chairman; a Campaign Committee, with -------- ----------------, chairman. It was made the duty of the Committee on Registration and Voting, to see that the friends of prohibition registered; that their names were properly recorded, and that they

were committed in registering luivi-pvohibitionists. The work of this committee was admirably done; the regisLration of prohibitionists was satisfactory, the matter having been brought fully to their attention before the books closed, and the lists were afterward by this committee thoroughly canvassed. The duty of the Com-

soon transferred from il to the Young Men's Prohibition Club, which came into existence a short time after the campaign opened. The duty of the Committee on I .iterature and Printing was to look after newspapers, and see that such things were inserted favorable to our cause as the papers could be induced to publish, and to print and distribute such documents as were deemed necessary to properly inform

and Churches to confer with and, as far as possible, obtain the co-operation of ail the Christian churches in the county. There was another committee that should have been mentioned in the proper place, called the Committee on Associations; J. G. Thrower was the chairman. The duty of this committee was to confer with, and secure the co-operation of the Good Templars, and other temperance organ izations. The Campaign Committee had the general charge of conducting the campaign, and was analogous to what is called an executive committee in. political

804

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

the election, and its Secretary, Judge James A. Andersen, soon became the ruling

Committee on the gth of October, it was decided that, two classes of people in the city should be specially appealed to, and their interest in the campaign invoked.

committee consisting of Henry Hillyer, E. %Y. Martin, Hooper Alexander, I. S.

Christian Temperance Union, and secure their aid in securing" the prayers and in fluence of the women of Atlanta, and also to confer with the young- men of the city, and, if possible, enlist their interest in the subject.
The result of this committee's work on the first branch of the duty assigned them, was the great meeting- at Do Give's Opera House in the afternoon of Sunday

Atlanta. The house was literally packed, it being estimated that 3,000 people

enter. The impression produced by the speech and the meeting was profound, and from that day forth the influence of the Christian women of Atlanta was exer cised to its utmost in behalf of the prohibition cause. The husbands, the brothers, and the sons, found it hard to withstand the home influences that were invoked by the Sunday afternoon meeting at the Opera House.
In regard to the second branch of this committee's work, the committee de cided, after consultation, to direct its chairman to bring the cause of prohibition before the Saturday night prayer-meeting of the Young Men's Christian Association. In obedience to instructions to that effect, the chairman of the committee, Mr. Henry Hillyer, went to the prayer-meeting-, and before it began, asked the Presi dent of the Association, Mr. Jamts W. Harle, whether he would be permitted to

after d, and he caused the benediction Mr. Hillyer would say a few words to such persons as might see proper to remain. When the time arrived, and the benediction had been pro nounced, not a man left his seat. There were about fifty young men present. Mr. Hillyer, in behalf of the committee, spoke to them about ten minutes, urging the Christian duty of the young men of Atlanta to give their hearts and minds to the cause of prohibition. He had no plan to suggest, he said, but simply left it to their own consciences. As soon as he ceased to speak, Mr. A. A. DeLoach rose and said he was deeply impressed with what had been said, and moved that a meeting of young men be called for the purpose of taking the matter into consideration on the next Tuesday night. Other short speeches were made in support of De Loach's proposition, and it soon became evident that the hearts of those present were deeply involved. The committee of five appointed by the advisory committee of the county, having done all that was appointed to them, made their report to those who sent them, and was discharged.

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

805

The meeting called after the Saturday night prayer-meeting- of the YoungMen's Christian Association, met on the following- Tuesday night. Between twenty-five and fifty were present. None of the committee of live attended. After a full and free interchange of opinion it was resolved that a "Young- Men's Prohibi-

be held at Prohibition headquarters, 19^ South Broad street, on the following;

was appointed, with instructions to report at the Saturday evening meeting-, what officers the Club should have, and to suggest names for each office. At the Sat urday evening meeting about one hundred were present, the committee made its report, suggesting the election of the following officers: President, Henry Hillyer; first Vice-President, Howard Van Epps; second Vice-President, \Vm. A. Haygood; third Vice-President, II. H. Cabmiss; fourth Vice-President, Geo. A. Webster; Secretary, A. A. T)e Loach. Executive Committee: For the city at large -- E. M. Roberts. Thos. F. Corrigan; First ward, J. M. Lafontaine; Second ward. Campbell Wallace, Jr.; Third ward, Joseph Gatlins; Fourth ward, T. J. Kelly; Fifth ward, W. B. Burke; Sixth ward, Alfred Gregory. The officers suggested by this committee were at once elected and installed. W. "Woods White was sub sequently elected Treasurer. Speeches, were made by Henry Hillyer, Howard Van Epps, and "Win. A. Haygood.
In place of a constitution for the Club, an agreement was prepared pledging alt those who signed it to use all honorable means to carry the county for prohibi tion at the ensuing- election, and to promote the prohibition cause in every way, and to act together as a club for the purpose; this was read and agreed to, and instead of taking the time for all the members to sign, it was resolved that every man who desired to be a member should write his name and address, giving street and num ber on a slip of paper, and put it in a hat, which, under direction of the president, was passed around. It was made the duty of the Secretary to enroll all the names in this hat, under the above mentioned pledge. The second meeting of this club was held one week from the meeting at which they organized, and Howard Van Epps having been appointed Judge of the City Court of Atlanta, resigned his

meeting the club more than doubled its members, and when it adjourned there were about 250 names on the roll. The club now reported to the advisory committee of the county, and through its President, tendered the services 01" the club to assist in the campaign. There were general expressions in the committee of cordiality and gratification at the movement on the part of the young men, and the executive com mittee of the club was added to the advisory committee. The matter of speeches and public meetings was at once turned over to this organization. The advisory com mittee had already invited Hon. A. P. Freeman of Newnan, and Hon. Geo. N. Lester of Cumminc:, to speak at the courthouse on the evening of the second day there after. The conduct of this meeting was confided to the Young Men's Club, and they resolved to make it such a success as would be worthy of the club's first effort in the campaign. Badges were purchased for every member of the club, being simply a blue ribbon, six inches long and two inches wide, on which were printed in gilt letters, "Young Men's Prohibition Club." A postal card was-sent to every

8o6

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

f the President seats had
every man decorated with his blue ribbon badge, they were applause from the entire crowd. This was the first of a ser under the auspices of this club were held for the campaign, occupying the first place in a series of brilliant successes of which it marked the beginning. The speeches of Mr. Freeman and Judge I.ester were both fully Up
of such signal benefit in the after part of the struggle. About one week later another meeting was held at the same place under the auspices of this club, at which addresses were delivered upon its invitation, by Capt. Henry Jackson, Mr. R. II. Hill, Capt. John Milledge, and Rev. Sam W. Small. These speakers
the beautiful banner with the splendid motto, "Persuasion for the tempted, but law for the tempter."
It was impossible on this occasion for the crowd to get into the courthouse, and the club was forced thereafter to seek a larger place. The next meeting was at the Opera House, when the principal speaker was the Rev. Sam Jones. He sur passed himself. The subsequent meetings held by the club were at a tent which Mr. Jones loaned them, and which had been given him for his gospel meetings by the people of Nashville, Tenn. The tent wns erected on the vacant lot belonging to the Georgia Railroad Company, and between the railroad and the Capitol, near the corner of Hunter and Butler streets. At the first meeting in the tent Judge Lochraise delivered the speech of which thousands of copies have been sent to tem perance people from one end of the land to the other. It is impossible to over estimate the effect that was produced by this speech. He was followed by the Hon. F. P. Rice, who made an effective talk, addressed especially to business men; and the occasion, was closed with a splendid and eloquent address to young men by Mr. F. H. Richardson. Judge Lochrane, Mr. Richardson and Mr. Rice were escorted to the tent by the club, over seven hundred strong-. At the second meeting in the tent the speakers were C.ov. Colquitt and Dr. Haygood. The Young Men's Club
quarters. Colquitt--of all our public men the best beloved by Christian people-- \vas himself on this'great occasion, and Dr. Haygood moved the public conscience as it had never before been moved on this subject. This meeting marked an epoch in the history of the struggle.
It would not be profitable to take more time with the various meetings that were held in the tent under die auspices of the Young- Men's Club. In this rapid sketch details.are unnecessary. We will have occasion a little further on to speak

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

SO/

of a meeting; that was addressed by Dr. Felton, on the Friday night preceding; the election. Of the club it is sufficient to say, as far as its growth and history are concerned, that it continued to increase with great rapidity until its toll actually contained the names of thirteen hundred of the best young men in the city of Atlanta. The name of fc^ery man 011 the roll was accompanied by his city address, and they were reached constantly when wanted, by postal cards. The plan was,

them to rally to a certain point, or to do whatever else was wanted. Such clerical force as was necessary was summoned by the President to address the cards, and they were put 111 the postoffice the night before. This plan never failed to bring nine-tenths of the members.
The executive business of the club was conducted by the President and the Executive Committee; they met nearly every day. The organization arid efficiency

formidable and efficient political organization of its kind the State of Georgia has ever seen. The vast machine was wielded without the least difficulty, and by its steady discipline and effectiveness it won the sobriquet of " Cromwell's Ironsides." There were many members of the club, not members of the committee, but who were frequently called on by the president, and never hesitated to respond, day or

may be mentioned: T. J. Simmcms, Jno. Y. Wynne, H. A. Boynton, J. 1*-. Chris tian, J. J. Falvey, Joe Wylie, Jas. W. Harle, J. W. Goldsmith, T. J. Phillips, W. T. Turnbull, W. J. Albert, E. W. Martin, C. M. Hudson, J, W. Morley, L. Z. Rosser, Jas. A. Gray, H. M. Sessions, Rev. N. Keff Smith, G. A. Howell, G. B. Adair, T. J. White, Dr. Chas. D'Alvigny. F. M. AAmaivi, Dr. Vassav \Voolcy, M. M. Welch.
While the Young Men's Club was carrying- on that part of the campaign con-

under it the campaign committee. Every day some new suggestion seemed to occur to the incomparable secretary of the campaign committee, Jas. A. Anderson. His writing in the " Constitution," the " Journal," and the " Capitol " was simply admirable, and suited to every phase of the campaign; his management of the cor respondence and bringing out in active interest all classes of people, his power to utilize the enthusiasm engendered by the Young Men's Club, the rare tact and address with which he co-operated with Col. Jno. E. Bryant and Col. A. E. Buck, together with the Rev. W. J. Gaines, Rev. Mr. Tillman, Messrs. Carter, Yeiser and others, in organizing the colored people, all required the exercise of mental and moral power of a high order. The assistance rendered throughout the entire campaign by Col. Bryant was absolutely invaluable, and in the many confidential con-

Men's Club, it was ascertained that he had been greatly misunderstood in many quarters, and that, back of his Republicanism, there was a conscientious regard for duty, as he understood it, and a strong- attachment to Georgia and her people. The officers of the campaign became warmly attached to him, and it is exceedingly doubtful whether the election could have been carried without him. His powers for organization and detail in a campaign are wonderful, and his ability-to reconcile

8o8

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

controversies and satisfy all conflicting- opinions and harmonize disputes, is hardly equaled by that of any other prohibitionist that we have.
At some period during the campaign when the contest was at its hottest and the issue most doubtful, the advisory committee decided to appoint a secret committee

men that could be selected among the prohibitionists, and whose orders were to be obeyed, but none of whom were to be known. They were to act through their secretary, and he alone besides the chairman of the advisory committee, knew who they were. After the appointing of this executive committee, it had, in large measure, the control of affairs. Hooper Alexander, Esq., was appointed secretary of the committee, and most admirably did he discharge the duties of that office, issuing the orders of the committee, and being obeyed on all hands, It seemed toward the last that he was fairly omnipotent, and as the wisdom, foresight and efficacy of the orders lie issued began to be apparent, it gave him the appearance of some adjutant-general of an army- This committee had special charge of the conduct of the election, and under its direction the Young Men's Club was instructed to secure managers, clerks and workers at the place of all the county precincts, except those that immediately adjoined the city, the latter being reserved for the executive committee. Under this order Oakgrove, Buckhead, Collins, Adamsville, JBryants, and East Point Districts were confided to the Young Men's Club; while North Atlanta, South Atlanta, Peachtree, Casey's, "West End and South Bend Districts were under

Young Men's Club for each of the districts confided to it, men being selected by

when the day of the election arrived, the executive committee called on the club for 200 workers, 100 each at North Atlanta and South Atlanta, whieh was readily furnished. Under the direction of the executive committee James A. Anderson and Henry Hillyer were put in command of the field at the courthouse on the day of the election and for North Atlanta.
The organization at these two immense voting places was literally perfect. There was a head, and all the workers knew to whom they should apply for direc tion; every man knew his business and attended to it. In addition to the 200 of the Young Men's Club detailed for work, at least as many more spent the day on the ground as volunteers, assisting under the direction of the chosen chiefs. The day was extremely cold, and for a while in the morning the columns approaching the voting places were sometimes as much as fifty yards long, and men stood, in some instances, as much as two hours in the column before they reached the boxes.
At one time only during the campaign did the result seem doubtful. It was in the early part of the week before the election, that for some reason, no one could tell what, the enthusiasm and confidence of the prohibitionists showed a perceptible decline, the attendance at the meetings had greatly decreased, the interest of here tofore warm friends was lessened, and the opinion seemed to be general that the prohibitionists would be defeated. A reaction had evidently set in against us. Of course, it was accompanied by corresponding confidence and enthusiasm among our adversaries. Up to this time the attitude of the colored vote was very doubtful. It was boldly claimed on behalf of the anti-prohibitionists that they would get all

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

809

except perhaps, a score of preachers. About this time, say on "Wednesday one week before the election, a meeting was held at the tent with a very small crowd and, compared with the meetings held there before, no enthusiasm at all. The fact is, that the entire meeting felt the discouragement that was in the air. That night after the meeting- was over, Henry Hillyer and James A. Anderson remained together until ) 2 o'clock talking over the situation and, it is said, they both felt exceedingly gloorry. In this conversation it was decided that a great rally in the tent should be attempted for Friday night, and that Dr. Felton should be sent for and induced to speak. The next morning, in compliance with this suggestion, the

lowing Friday evening, and appointed its chairman, T. P. Westmoreland, with Mr. G. T. Dodd, to go by the first train to Cartersville and secure Dr Felton's acceptance of the invitation. Messrs. Westmoreland and Dodd telegraphed Dr. Felton to meet them on arrival of the train at Cartersville, which he did. This gave them about ten minutes' conversation before they had to take the return train and come home. He put them off without a definite answer, and they reached the city about 9 o'clock Thursday night without definite information as to whether he

ing a committee of the Young Men's Club was assembled at Henry Ilillyer's office directing- postal cards to members of the club, summoning them to be at head quarters Friday night for the purpose of inarching to the tent. President Hillyer had, in anticipation of the success of the movement to get Dr. Kelton, caused these cards to be printed and was having them addressed, hoping to hear during the evening, on the return of Messrs. Westmoreland and Dodd, that Dr. Felton would come.
They had promised to send him word. But at 10 o'clock, hearing nothing from them he telephoned to Mr. Dodd, and got the information as to their trip set forth above. It was now between 10 and ii o'clock; the last train on. the \V. & C. A. R. R. that night, would leave in a few minutes; the importance of Dr. Felton's presence at the meeting the next night was too great to take any risks. There were present Messrs. Hooper Alexander, Thos. F. Corrigan, Campbell Wallace, Jr., W. B. Burke, Jas. A. Anderson, and several others. Mr. Hillyer announced to them that a committee from their number must go to Cartersville at once, and not come back without Dr. Felton, or a positive promise that he would be on hand the next night. It was said by all that the president of the club ought to head the commit tee. It now lacked just five minutes of the time for the State road train to leave; Mr. Hillyer picked up his hat and overcoat, and requested Mr. Wallace and Mr. Burke to follow him, which they did, barely pausing to get their hats and overcoats, and in less than five minutes they were on board the train and on their way to Car tersville, which place they reached after midnight, and remaining at the hotel till morning, they had an early breakfast and by a little after sun up were at Dr. Fel ton's house in. the country. Their petition to him was seconded by his noble wife, who befriended the committee in the matter, and with her aid, they soon had his

was the crisis of the campaign. The committee got back to Cartersvilie in time to enable them to take the ac
commodation train, and reach Atlanta before ten o'clock. Posters were at once

PROHIBITION IN" ATLANTA,

principal

v. Mr.

appointed time. A carriage was ordered for the speakers, the club escorted them to the tent, this time numbering- in the procession eleven hundred.
The evening- was delightfully pleasant, and the tent was full by the time the procession had entered, and the club had taken their seats. Dr. Felton's first words seemed to arouse the prohibition party to new courage, and in fifteen minutes after he began, all feeling of discouragement had vanished, and determination and hope had taken its place.
While the work about which we have spoken was going on, Col. liryant, Rev. \V. J. Gaines, E. R. Carter, Mr. Yeiser, Mr. Tillman, with Jackson McHenry, Solomon Humphreys and others had been untiring in their efforts to organize the colored people, but it was not known what the strength of prohibition among that class of our population would be-
While Dr. Felton \vas speaking those in the tent began to hear a band of music in the distance, accompanied by shouts and cheering-, which drew nearer and nearer. Some thought that the anti-prohibitionists were coming to try to break up the meeting, but soon a colored man got upon the stage and handed Henry Hillyer a note from Col. Bryant; it simply said, " Mr Hillyer, the colored people wish to hear Dv. Felton, and are coming to the tent; can't you make room for them? J, F. B." Vice-president Cabiniss (who upon the invitation of President Hillyer was presiding) requested Dr. Felton to stop a moment and read Col. Eryant's note.

people '

leaders

spoil.

e Mac.

" Telegraph " admitted in his dispatch of that evening:, that there were eight thou

sand people present. It was at least half an hour before Dr. Felton could pro-

knew no bounds. Hats were thrown in every direction, many of them never found again. It seemed as if the whole crowd had gone wild; the noise was so great that many people left their homes, some as far as a quarter of a mile away, and came to the tent to see what was the matter. Whenever the enthusiasm would seem to die out for a moment, Dr. Felton would begin again, and his burning eloquence
fully equal

lost during the balance of the campaign. Dr. Quigg also made an admirable speech. The fact that all this excitement occurred before his speech began, threw him much later than was intended, but he sustained himself most perfectly. After this meeting the spirit and determination of the prohibitionists never flagged again

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

BlI

for one moment, and the effect upon the public sentiment was such that their oppo nents nevef recovered from it.
As the day of election approached it became evident that, unless some provi sion was made to receive the votes more rapidly than had formerly been done in elections, it would be impossible for all to vote during the hours when the polls would be kept open. Each side accused the other of the purpose to capture the voting places, and obstruct the passage way and keep their adversaries out. Threats were made by both sides that they would go to the polls and spend the night on the ground, so as to get the start in the morning.
Finally negotiations were opened between the two factions, and a committee of three from each party was appointed to try and agree upon some plan by which all the voters would be accommodated, and that every man who was entitled to vote,

the part of the prohibitionists of Geo. Hillyer, Jas. W. English and J. W. Gold smith; on the part of the anti-prohibitionists of Evan P. Ilowell, Henry B. Tompkins and R, 1). Spaldiiig.
This committee of conference agreed that there should be three windows open at each of the voting places in the city, with a manager and proper corps of clerks at each window; that the voters should be assigned to the windows according to the first letter of their names respectively; that is, all whose names began with any letter in the alphabet from A to G inclusive, would go to one window; all whose names began with a letter from H to O inclusive, would go to another win dow, and all whose names began with a letter of the alphabet below the letter O would go to the third window. The three managers" of the election sat near
and really all three presiding over the entire election; where any occasion arose,
would decide as in ordinary cases. This management was adopted and carried out faithfully, but many persons believed notwithstanding, that there would be great difficulty in voting at the courthouse, and consequently hundreds of voters went to
except quite a number of those who went to Cook's. The day passed off quietly, without a disturbance, and the best of humor prevailed from beginning to end, although both sides worked industriously all day.
One of the features of this campaign was the establishment by the anti-prohi bitionists of a place for eating and drinking in a warehouse, which they hired for that purpose, and the attempt to " crully " the colored voters therein, and the result of this attempt.
Everybody knows that " crullying " of voters in popular'elections, is, a method
often with great success. The plan is this: All the vagabonds in the community

when they are marched to the place, voted and released. By commencing the work

with whiskey, and amused and fed. It was claimed that the anti-prohibitionists, with ample means, would be able to gather five hundred voters in .this way.

312

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

They hired an immense warehouse nearly a week before the election, em ployed their emissaries among; the more unprincipled of the colored people, and by the instrumentality of plenty to eat, and plenty to drink, soon began to gather the unwary. Miraculous stories soon began to be circulated in reference to the splendid

to be roasted and served, wine, beer, whiskey and brandy that were to be dispensed there. During; the days preceding the election, only some forty or fifty were actually domiciled in the crully. The grand harvest was to be had the night before the election, when the free supper and free liquor were to be served. The ware house move on the part of the anti-prohibitionists was met by a counter movement by the colored prohibitionists that utterly destroyed its force. A supper was served the night before the election in each of the various colored churches; oysters, coffee, and substantial food were served, after which prayers were said, and hymns were sung until a late hour, and then all the men who were there slept upon the benches till morning. When it was announced that these suppers were to be hat! in the churches, messengers were sent from each church to look after the members of its

and when a fellow, below the average in intelligence, got into the right crowd in his own church, surrounded by his brethren, and amidst their prayers and songs, and speeches, he was not apt to go out, when he had been provided with a good, warm, substantial supper; he generally accepted the invitation to spend the night in . church, and marched with his brethren to the polls in the morning. In this way some

and by the time the polls were opened in the morning these little bands of Christian people marched forth from their houses- of worship, to give their vote in favor of morality, good order and good government in our city. Each of these churches was provided by the Young- Men's Prohibition Club with a good band, and at seven
filled with music as from each church carne forth the company of colored voters, to mingle their suffrage with the better class of whites, in behalf of the common interest of all.
It was a scene never to be forgotten. The spectacle presented by these colored people made a profound and lasting impression upon the friends of pro hibition.

the polls until seven o'clock, but at half-past six in the morning, the band started at the warehouse, and '' all that were left of the six hundred " that they had crullyed there or had hoped to crully, marched forth, and, in violation of the agreement, appeared and were halted in front of the courthouse a full quarter of an hour before the time that it was agreed that they should start The prohibitionists never started from their churches until the seven o'clock whistles were blown at the various factories and workshops. The excuse that was given, by the anti-prohibi tionists for starting- ahead of time was, that they were afraid, if they staid until seven o'clock, they would have nobody to march, for they claimed, all night long, colored men were coming into the pen under pretense of being friends, but really for the purpose of enticing some acquaintance or relative to go to church, and they estimated that during the night at least half their number were lost in this way.

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

813

As soon as the polls were opened, and the election began, the various lines were divided in proper alphabetical arrangement, every colored man knowing his place as well as the whites, and knowing which window to approach, and by ten o'clock at least seven hundred votes had been cast from the colored churches of Atlanta for prohibition.

the county by 228 majority, and would have carried the city, but for the fact that several hundred of their number voted at the county precincts, just outside of the city limits.
THE COLORED MEN IN THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN.
"Praise to our Indian brothers, and let the dark face have his clue ! Thanks to the kindly dark faces who fought with us, faithful and few, Fought with the bravest among us, and drove them, and smote them, and slew, That ever upon the topmost roof our banner in India blew."
-- Tennyson.
Of the colored man's part in the contest Rev. W. J. Gaines, pastor of Bethel (colored) church, Atlanta, writes as follows :
' "The subject of prohibition was discussed in the city of Atlanta for a good number of yea-s, both by white and colored people. But it was not until the latter

the matter squarely before the people. About the middle of 1885 I received an invitation from a number of white men of this place, among whom were some of the white ministers, to meet a committee whose plan it was to adopt some form of organization against what we regarded as an increasingly dangerous 'evil. The writer met the committee, and after ways and means of reaching the people had been duly discussed, he stated that when the prohibition question was fairly placed before the people, the great mass of the colored voters would be counted among its most ardent supporters, and that the most effective way of reaching the great majority of colored voters was to arouse the pastors of the various colored churches

the several congregations. Accordingly the colored ministers talked about the pro hibition question, among themselves and the result revealed the fact that the minis ters were ready, with almost one accord, to rid our city and county of the awful curse of intemperance. The ministers being thus aroused to their duty, returned to their several congregations fully determined to put forth every honorable means to strike a blow for God and for humanity. Very soon prohibition clubs were organized in all the colored churches, with the exception, perhaps, of two. These clubs met at their respective churches two and three times per week, and at these meetings hundreds of colored men pledged themselves to the cause of prohibition. Not only were colored men interested in this great cause, but colored women by their enthusiasm and continued attendance at each meeting, proved themselves to be heroines of great value in removing the curses and allurements of the barroom from the paths of the boys and girls. So that while the colored men, by their ballots, did a grand work in this fight between right and wrong, the great and tell ing influence of the colored women cannot be passed over without notice.

8l4

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

"jSfot only did the colored people meet at their respective churches, but on spec'fied nights, the members of each club would meet at its own place of meeting and form themselves in line. Very soon companies of hundreds of colored advo cates of prohibition could be seen, with bands of music and streaming banners,

order to unite in general mass meeting's. So that on not a few nights thousands of colored men and women assembled to listen to the crimes and evils of intemper ance exposed by such men as Bishop H. M. Turner. Rev. E. R. Carter, and Rev. W. J. Games. But, just as in all great reforms, there are opposing forces, so it was in the colored race at this time. While the above named men were advocating the prohibition reform, they met with opposing forces in such men as Dr. Roderick Badger, the president, and Messrs. W. A. Pledger, A. W. Burnett, and Moses Bentley, the advocates of the colored wing of the anti-prohibition cause.
"Thus was the great prohibition contest conducted so far as the colored people of this county were concerned, until the day of election carne. Then was the result

boldly up to the polls, and cast their ballots for prohibition, for the uplifting of humanity, and for God.
"The result of this heated campaign was, as all know, a victory for the prohi bition cause. Prohibition, unfortunately, in Atlanta, has not had a fair trial. .Hut

prosperous condition. But T speak especially of prohibition ar it relates to the

"Scarcely can a colored man be found even of those who were opposed to pro hibition, who will conscientiously say that prohibition has been detrimental to him, but hundreds are ready to testify and show by their recent accumulations that pro hibition has been a blessing, and they are ready so far as their ballots are concerned, to maintain the blessings of prohibition.
"W. J. GAINES."

REV. E. R. CARTER----BISHOP H. M. TURNER.
A recognized leader among the colored prohibitionists of Georgia, is Rev. E. R. Carter, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, and Chief Templar of the Colored Grand Lodge of the I. O. G. T. of Georgia.
Describing his own work in the Atlanta campaign, the Chief Templar writes: "Language can't tell what I did in that fight, for there wasn't a part of my self but was into it. My church was into it up to the neck--the whole church-- not a part of it. But Baptist Church nor Methodist Church was known in the struggle ; it was the battle of the Lord and of the people. I stood by night and day, hardly ate nor drank, until I saw that the victory was ours. I prayed, and worked and worked as I prayed. I can't write about that battle--I get too full when I think of it. Prohibition in Atlanta never would have come but for the negro. He voted it here, and he will do it again." Perhaps such another thrilling sight has never been witnessed on Georgia soil as that presented in the big tent the Friday night before the election, when the colored prohibitionists, led by Bryant, Carter, Gaines, and other leaders, reached

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

Slg ,,

the meeting which Or. Felton was addressing. The scene has been graphically described in the story of the Young; Men's Prohibition Club.
Another scene touchingly pathetic was that presented in the great tent the night before the election. A meeting of the colored people had been advertised, which Bishop Txirnerwas to address. The thermometer had suddenly gone down. An icy wind was blowing, and the ground was freezing;. The sides of the tent flapped, and the ropes strained under the chilling blast. A crowd had assembled, but the Bishop's voice was gone. The work of weeks had left its stamp upon him. The city was alive with the music of the bands, and the wild cheering. A multitude of ignorant, deluded negroes were corraled by the liquor men, and were being; fed and debauched for the morrow. What was to be done ? Standing upon the plat form, with the burden of his race upon his heart, the old Bishop, in very agony of soul, exclaimed, "Oh, if T could but speak ! I would give a thousand dollars for my voice to-night."
The people of Georgia were wrought to intensest excitement during the whole of that fateful day. Would the right win ? No city so large as Atlanta had ever before rid itself, by popular vote, of the liquor curse. Hour by hour, as the day rolled on, the telegraph offices were besieged by eager crowds, watching- and hoping, yet fearing, for the result. The prayers of hundreds of thousands of hearts were going up to the Throne in behalf of the right.
At last the evangely, and a myriad of voices like Miriam's cried:
"Sound the loud timbrel o'er Egypt's dark sea ! Jehovah has triumphed,--his people are free. Sing--for the power of the tyrant is broken, His chariots, his horsemen, all splendid and brave-- How vain was their boasting !--the Lord hath but spoken,

Sound the loud timbrel o'er Egypt's dark sea ! Jehovah has triumph'd !--His people are free."
THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROHIBITORY LAW IN ATLANTA----RECORDER ANDERSON.
"Then did the Prince call unto him the old gentleman, who before had been the Recorder of Mansoul, Mr. Conscience by name, and told him, That forasmuch as he was well skilled in the law and government of the town of Mansoul, and was also well spoken, and could pertinently deliver to them his Master's will in all ter rene and domestic matters, therefore he would also make him a minister for, in, and to, the goodly town of Mansoul, in all the laws, statutes, and judgments of the famous town of Mansoul."
--Bttnyan'a Holy War.
ATLANTA, GA., Sept. 7, 1887. PROF. H. A. SCOMP :
Dear Sir:--Prohibition in Atlanta is an experiment, but so far has worked well. To illustrate: There -were upward of a hundred open barrooms, there are none---- and the winerooms, though nuisances, are few in number and harmless in character

Sl6

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

Another pointer:
Our politics were largely dominated by the liquor men, bold, reckiess, daring fellows, who did not scruple in making or enforcing demands that their friends should be put and kept in positions to prefect their interests.
Now, these men have gone out of the liquor trade or gone away from Atlanta to return no more, unless it be on the incoming tide of whiskey returned, which may Heaven forbid.

Under the old regime1 our licenses were $300 for each saloon, though the charter authorized a charge as high as $2,000. July I, 1885, by Mayor Hillyer's casting vote, the license was raised to $500, over the formal protest of the Liquor Dealers' Association presented in writing, and by an able attorney representing the
In those years, too, saloons were frequently located in places where they were strongly objected to," as in residence neighborhoods and like places.
Last Monday, by a vote of the liquor and high license men and one timid prohibitionist, by a vote of nine to seven, the City Council asked the Legislature to so amend the Charter as to Jix the license fee at $1,500 for each saloon, in case . the sale of liquor ever becomes lawful in Fulton county, and to give the Council discretion to refuse license for any place or to any applicant, but in no event to authorize the gi anting of a license in a residence neighborhood, or next to or op posite any church, school or fire engine house, or outside of a limit of a half mile from the center of the city. In other words, inside that limit the council, if that act passes, and whiskey is voted back, might license, or refuse to license, the sale of liquors in saloons located in business portions of business streets, for $1,500 license each. I think there is little danger that the act will pass (this act has since been defeated in the Legislature) or the county vote wet, but the spirit of the prop osition shows great improvement in sentiment on these questions among the opposition. Practically there is none left to do reverence to the old barroom system.
Real Estate and Rental Values: There has been, and is, much conflict of statement concerning these subjects.
For a time there were a number of stores vacant, made so by the closing of the saloons, and the fact that these vacant houses were offered at lower rents, tended to depress rents generally; and this depression, of course, weakened selling prices for a time. Added to this was a most remarkable and persistent effort of the or-
ments as to our loss of population, spirit, harmony, etc. But Atlanta withstood this attack from within, and a consequent misunderstanding of her real condition abroad right nobly, and has fully recovered from the temporary depression, and rents are as high and real property higher than ever before; and this appears not only from actual sales, but also from the sworn voluntary returns of our people to the State and county tax receiver, whose Digest for this county'this year foots

In all lines, except liquors, is better than ever before. Few men dispute this.

. PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA,,,.. --..--

817

and all candid men are forced to admit it. Our banks have multiplied and bankingcapital doubled, new railroads have been projected and are being1 built, the techno logical school has been located and is being erected, a new girls' high school build ing under contract and being- erected, the grammar school facilities enlarged and school attendance greatly increased, water mains extended, large distribution pro vided for, and a system of filtration furnished, our police fully maintained, fire

interest largely reduced and always promptly paid, the law vigorously enforced, crime greatly diminished and public order, morals and religion promoted. It would seem that I ought to be able to write that prohibition in Atlanta is no longer an experiment but a great success. But--
Our general local option act provides for biennial elections on this question. The prohibition majority before was small, and the large minority by keeping up its organization has managed to keep its membership unhappy with the existing

It is a curioiis medley. The landlords who rented to the liquor dealers, these dealers themselves, our German and Irish voters generally, whose views are against what they call sump tuary laws. The dissension among our people is the one unfavorable result of the adoption of our local option act: But it would soon disappear, if there were longer intervals between our votings, and will any way if the prohibition majority be only large enough this time to be emphatic. I say this time, because even now, the liquor men are circulating petitions for signatures, asking the Ordinary to call an election. And the friends of the cause are waking up, beginning to consult, the blood is warming in their veins, the eye flashes, the voice rings, there will be action, prompt, concerted, earnest and united as before, and shall we not have victory'-- final and complete?

Yours very truly, J. A- ANDERSQN.

.

THE INSIDE.

Prohibition in Atlanta was not an issue in the election by which Mayor Hillyer came into office. He was brought forward and elected by the citizens' reform movement, and had previously been in no sense an aspirant, or in any way, had sought office, but was called to it by the popular voice in such form as no good citizen ought to resist.
It was during his term that the Legislature first enacted the General Prohibition law. And after the date of that law, the prohibition movement in Atlanta was in augurated. It was well known, however, before his election, that Major Ilillyer was a strong1 advocate of all reasonable temperance measures. Early in his term there was a proposition to raise the price of retail licenses in the city to $500. Upon a tie in the council, this proposition was carried by the casting vote of the Mayor.
52

8l8

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

At that date opposition to barrooms had only progressed so far as to demand $500 license, then called high license--a modest figure, which in the light of subsequent eveuts rather excites a smile ! So that, as the issue then stood, the temperance people were all arrayed on one side, and their demand went no further than the raising of licenses up to $500.
On the other side the opponents of temperance reform clamored for the old system of open, barrooms. Such has been the enormous progress in the short space of two years in knowledge and morals on this question, that now the temperance sentiment has, by a majority vote, achieved total prohibition of the traffic in ardent spirits, and with increasing numbers and confidence, demands its perpetual continu ance; whilst all that any considerable element of the opposition demands, is the toleration of a few saloons in the central part of the city, guarded by a license of not less than $1,500, which is three times higher than where the temperance men stood two years a.gor and at the same time the opposition admit the propriety of other most carefully guarded restrictions, in addition to this high rate of license.
As a business man, and a financier, the occurrence of the prohibition issue and contest with a great crisis in the city's history necessarily involved in it, threw upon Mayor Ilillyer a great responsibility.
It was said by the opponents of prohibition, that the credit and business of the city would suffer, and its affairs could not be successfully managed, and im provements in its public institutions maintained and carried forward, if deprived of $40,000 or $50,000 annual revenue derived from liquor licenses. No other city of like size and situation had ever enacted prohibition, and.there was no precedent, or appeal to experience, by which to be guided. ' Mayor Tlillyer was equal to the oc casion. He carefully estimated the income of the city, from sources other than liquor licenses, and considered all the needs for necessary expenses. Balancing one against the other, and trusting largely to the patriotism and wisdom of the council, he made up his mind that the finances of the city could, be successfully maintained and managed under prohibition, and so announced in private consultation every where, as well as in public addresses. An examination of the very elaborate and painstaking reports, and exhibit of all the city's business, at the close of both the years 1885 and 1886, show how well his judgment and prescience have been vindi
cated by the result. During; the two years of prohibition in Atlanta under Mayor Hillyer's adminis-

three-quarter miles in length of sidewalks in river brick, and furnished,with hewn granite curbing, at a cost of $39,994.04; seven and one-half milos of cast iron water mains, at a cost of $12,000; four and one-half miles of first-class Belgian block--Macadam, or other improved streets--at a cost of $125,572; three miles of first-class sewers, at a cost of $22,139; tne artessian well, finished and equipped, $25,718; schoolhouses built and improved, $25,000; principal of city bonded debt paid off, and bonds destroyed, $32,000, and the surplus, instead of any falling off, showed an increase over and above all requirements and expenses, of $65,321; making- a total of say $243,423, of accumulated surplus, and expenditures for per manent and progressive improvements. All of which was accomplished over and above the keeping up of every department of the city's service------police,------

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

819

schools, ------ sanitation, ------ ordinary street work, ------ interest On the bonded debt, ------ fire department, and everything" else, to a standard of perfection and success that will compare favorably with like public service in any other city in the country. The city paid cash, and in full for everything, and the balance sheets from which these figures are taken, are the net cash results after paying every dol lar that the city owed, or expense incurred by it, down to the close of business on the last day of the period in question.
Under this management the credit of the city constantly rose, her bonds sold 5-6, in 1884 at 6 per cent. Toward the close of 1885 her bonds sold in New York, .and for cash, readily everywhere at 5 per cent. By the close of 1886 she sold bonds readily in the home market at 4*^ per cent. At this writing-, September, 1887, after another half year of prohibition, Atlanta 4 % per cent- bonds are quoted in the markets at 102 and 103.
The liquor traffic in Atlanta existed in gigantic proportions; there were nine wholesale houses, some of them amongst the largest in the country, North or South ------; there were 130 barrooms, some of them rivaling in splendor the finest in New York or Chicago; it was estimated by the anti-prohibitionists themselves, that there was $1,500,000 or more invested in the whiskey traffic, and four or five hun dred persons employed in it. .To break up this large interest in the city, upon ground of morals and policy, was a brave thing for the city to do, and its accom plishment by popular vote shows the existence of an intelligent moral sentiment, and the power of conscience in the community which, together with the crowning fact that she could not only enact prohibition, but could enforce it, sets Atlanta far ahead of every other city of similar size and situation to be found anywhere on

to God, Providence has taken care to prove the wisdom of their course. All classes of the people have been benefited, and'especially the poor, and wage
workers. The State and county taxbooks show an increase of over $500,000 of household and kitchen furniture, returned as owned by the people of Fulton county since prohibition began. Why is this ? Simply because the thousands and thou sands, who formerly wasted their earnings in the dramshops, now use their wages to buy the comforts of life. This item of furniture and household goods is only one out of the many similar evidences of marked improvement in the condition of the people. The wives and children of the masses are better clothed, and better
everything that goes to make up and supply, not merely the necessaries, but all the conditions and comforts of civilized life, their condition is enormously improved over what it was in the days of barrooms.
Prejudiced and fanatical men see one drunken person on the streets, where there used to be a hundred, or an isolated case of an old toper who still drinks by sending to Griffin after his jug, where there used to be fifty that wasted their sub stance in a barroom. Such men will say, "Prohibition does not prohibit;" but ob serving and candid men must admit the truth of what is above stated, as to the
There has been no census taken since prohibition was adopted. But the

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PROHIBITIOX JN ATLANTA.

attendance on the public schools has increased over one thousand in the number of children enrolled. This argues an increase of five thousand, or over, in popula tion, after making reasonable allowance for the increased number of children who are sent to school by parents now sober, but who, under former slothful habits,

parents, than by those who carouse in barrooms. It is estimated by good judges that in the days of barrooms, the people of
Atlanta spent six thousand dollars per day for drinks, and for whiskey; what is spent now is barely appreciable; and this enormous former waste has gone into other and better channels, all classes of business except the whiskey traffic have
they attributable to other causes) that deals in fuel or what people eat or wear, and
bition. The professions and the churches are better supported and patronized. It is claimed by the "Atlanta Constitution" that over two thousand persons have pro fessed religion, and joined one or another of Atlanta's sixty-five churches within the last two years.
Prohibition was adopted in Fulton county in the fall of 1885; the -State and county tax books in the Comptroller General's office at the Capitol show, upon val-

tax returns in the same office for 1887, show $34,129,265, being an increase of

including several of the next larger ones which adhere to the whiskey traffic, and

still retain the capital invested in it. For instance, if Chatham county has a. mil

lion and a half of capital invested in whiskey traffic as Atlanta had, and that be

deducted from her tax returns, as it is deducted from Fulton county tax; returns,

it would appear that in the two years Fulton county has gained more than a million

and a half in other and peaceful lines of business, more than Chatham has gained

in the same period. And a comparison of figures with all the other larger counties

where whiskey is sold will be found equally, or even more, favorable to the politi

cal economy and policy of prohibition.

The Atlanta City tax books for 1885, 1886, and 1887, show in a still more marked

manner the unmistakable evidence of general prosperity in the city; they show an

aggregate increase of values in the city, of nearly, or quite, a million more than the

State tax books show, under the effect of prohibition. The real estate market A

prc

> fe

Whitehall street and Peach tree--and corresponding distances on the leading cen tral streets, such as Broad, Alabama, Marietta, Decatur, Lloyd, Wall and Hunter, can hardly be bought at any price,
If Mayor Hillyer had been other than the bold and far-seeing man that he

PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

821

was, and had predicted disastrous results, ' instead of being able 10 see, and confi dently predict the good results which have followed, it is hardly possible that the prohibition movement could have succeeded; his work and his record is one of which any man may well be proud. The calm confidence of judgment, as well as the good ness of heart, by which he was moved, found happv expression in the t\vo remarkable proclamations issued by him to the people of the city on the night after the prohi bition election, when the result became known, and published in the papers of next morning; and the other the day after the last existing license had expired, and

by which they were preceded.
MAVOE'S OFFICE, ATLANTA, GA., Nov. 35, 1885. To the People of Atlanta, One and All.-
There is no other fifty thousand people that could in like case have borne themselves better than yon have done. You have passed through the throes of a mighty contest, in which each was wrought to the utmost. You know what it was. States and cities, far and near, looked on with kindling interest, and often in

ell ha

:ept

I cannot delay or repress the impulse of commending and thanking you for

such absolute order, and good humor, and mutual forbearance. It is pleasant to

have a name and home amongst such a people.

As we break bread on the morrow, let us under proctarnation of the President,

and the Governor, reverently thank God for all his blessings, and pray that healing

and peace may be in the sheaves our peopie bring in, forever.

GEO. HILT.YKR,

Mayor.

To the People of Atlanta:

MAYOR'S OFFICK, ATLANTA, GA., July i, i88&.

In obedience to popular will, the barrooms were al! closed last night, with the

intention that they should never again be re-opened or tolerated in our much loved

city. It has been charged that you will not be able to live up to the high standard

of morals which this step implies. Those who think so do not know you as I do,

and as you know one another. In the might of your integrity you have borne with

patience the unfounded comments of uninformed or of prejudiced men. It now

you acted from principle, and have done what is right. In .the purpose to stand by the right, the great popular heart of the city does not falter. The decree has gone forth. You have closed up the barrooms in Atlanta, and because you love the city, and love one another, and love your children--blessed children--you will see

You will, in a spirit of forbearance and moderation, and yet with such firmness as becomes you, unite to sustain the authorities of the city in the enforcement of this law. Just and healthy public opinion is the best safeguard in every community. As those who have differed with you see the good effects, opposition, if there

822

PROHIJJITION IN ATLANTA.

be any, will quiet down and disappear. Tt is the high destiny of Atlanta to prove

to the world that prohibition can be enforced in a large city. She is indeed a city

"set upon a hill, and her light cannot be hid."

GE.O. HILLYEK,

Mayor.

Such was the Atlanta contest; and such are some of its leading results. The

were chief participants in what thev have described. The accounts here given may be relied upon for general accuracy. " It was a famous victory."

APPENDIX D.
THE FELTON W1NEROOM BILLS.
[APPROVED nv oov. GORI>ON, SKPT. 13, 1887].
A KILL To be entitled an Act to levy and collect a tax of Ten Thousand Dollars upon deal
ers in domestic wines, except as provided by this Act, to prescribe penalties for violation of this Act, and for other purposes. SECTION i. Be it enacted hy the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, That from and after the passage of this act, in every county in this State, where, either under the genera] Local Option act, approved Sept, iS, 1885, or any other local or general act, the sale of spirituous and intoxicating liquors have been or they may hereafter be prohibited, but with exceptions in relation to any kind of wines, a tax of ten thousand dollars shall be annually levied and collected from each
each place of business where it is sold: Provided, That nothing in this act shall be so construed as to levy a tax on dealers in or producers of wines manufactured from
dealers ; and froi'iaed further, that said wines shall not be sold in quantities less than one quart, and shall not be drunk on the premises where sold.
SEC. 2. J?e if further enacted by (fa aiit/wriey afun-said. That said tax shall be collected as now prescribed by law for collecting- the liquor tax in this State; and it is made the duty of the tax collector of the county to pay the same over when
such payment to the Ordinary of the county, that said sum of ten thousand dollars has been paid, the Ordinary shall issue a license to the proper party lo sell such wines under the provisions of this act.
SEC. 3. Be it fttrther enacted by tke aitthority aforesaid. That any person or persons who shall, after the passage of this act, deal in domestic wines and other
in this act, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof shall be punished as prescribed in section 4310 of the Code of 1882. Neverthe less the tax collector shall proceed to collect the said tax as in other eases of de faulting tax payers.
SEC. 4. Be -it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That whenever any person or persons shall be presented under the provisions of this act, and it shall be proven that such person or persons have sold domestic wines or other intoxicants, the burden of proving the right to sell shall be cast upon the defendant; and in ali prosecutions under this act the defendant shall be a competent witness in his own behalf.
823 SEC. 5. Repeals conflicting laws.