Litchfield Enquirer

TEMPERANCE REPORT

The Litchfield County Temperance Society met, agreeably to adjournment, at South Canaan on the 28th ultimo. In the absence of the President, Joseph Battell, Esq. of Norfolk, one of the Vice Presidents, took the chair. Delegates were present from Litchfield, South Farms, Bethlehem, Washington, Warren, Roxbury, Sharon, Salisbury, South Cornwall, North Cornwall, South Canaan, North Canaan, Norfolk, Colebrook, Winchester and Goshen.

The cause of temperance in the county is steadily advancing notwithstanding the opposition that obtains in some places. Its friends, however, are endeavoring, if possible, to keep it clear of all subjects calculated to destroy the unity and efficiency of its influences, or the purity of its design. It breathes “peace on earth, and good will to man.” Its object is to do good, and only good to the bodies and souls of those who are in bondage to a degrading appetite. It seeks to promote no party, or sect—it indulges no spirit except the spirit of the Gospel—it would exert no influence except that which produces happiness and contentment, and causes the “widow's heart to sing for joy.” Such being the primary and legitimate aims of this enterprize, it is all-important that these distinguishing characteristics should be most sacredly preserved. Politics or sectarianism should never be permitted to tread upon this holy ground—and if party conflicts rage, and religious controversies agitate and perplex, let the tempest howl around, but never enter the sacred temple of Temperance—there let ALL meet and mingle their counsels and prayers, that intemperance with its numerous and giant evils may be speedily expelled from this soil so early consecrated to Liberty and to God.

It was indeed cheering to witness the excellent spirit manifested by the delegates at S. Canaan. Aware that the meetings of the County Society depended entirely, for interest, upon the auxiliaries, the delegates pledged themselves to see that the future meetings of the county should be attended by one or more representatives from their respective associations. One society has a representation pledged for two years, and every society has members in it who would most gladly unite for that purpose. It is hoped—that measures will be immediately adopted to secure a full & prompt representation from all the auxiliaries at the future meetings of the Parent Society.

The society took into consideration the appointment of an agent for this county, and after some remarks, John Elmore, Esq. of Canaan, was unanimously appointed. Mr. Elmore will commence the duties of his agency about the first of October—and will visit each town and society in the county—organize District Temperance Societies, and endeavor to advance the cause in such ways as shall be judged most expedient.

A very able and interesting address was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Lathrop, of Salisbury.

The County Society now numbers 1,209 members.

The next meeting will be in Winchester, on the 4th Tuesday in August.

RICHARD SMITH, Secretary
Sharon, August 1, 1835.