Marshall County Democrat

(For the Democrat)
Eds. Dem.:—We hear a great deal said about Temperance. We hear it preached from the pulpit, from the stump, from the lecture room and from the fireside. We see it discussed in all the newspapers, and pamphlets. Books have been written on the subject, and we would sometimes think that all had been said that could be said, but the subject takes in so much territory and is of such vital importance, that it can never become irksome to lovers of virtue.
I may not be able to advance any new ideas, and may not give much light on what has been advanced, but what we say shall be on the subject.
We attend a lecture and expect to hear something very good from the lecturer- he is a great temperance man and we are all anxious to see him; we go early, that we may obtain a seat and see the speaker come in. A few moments, and all eyes are turned toward the door, we look, and behold the mighty champion of temperance as he makes his way to the stand. He has unfortunately, neglected one thing before he enters, and that is, to extract about two cents' worth of tobacco from his mouth; he was prudent enough to take his 'five- center' from between his lips, (where was to come forth the good word) and if he is very polite he turns back to the door and extracts the said two cents' worth. He is now ready to begin what all are anxious to hear; he tells of the awful evils of intemperance; how many thousand are daily hurried off from its awful effects, while at the same time he is wasting away from its vile influence.
Right here I will make the assertion, that tobacco is now doing more injury in the world than alcohol.
Our good man tells some unfortunate being how easy a thing it will be for him to abstain from the use of alcohol. Now, Sir, it will be just as easy for you to quit your tobacco. We are in favor of temperance, but want it in all things; a man may be a very good mathematician, or may be perfect in any other branch of learning. but if he cultivates only that particular branch, he will never arrive at greatness. So, a man may be very temperate so far as alcohol is concerned; but if he stops there he is not half a temperance man.
We have in our town regularly established temperance meetings; we also have a society called Good Templars, both of which, we hope, aim for good. But have they tried to reform any one from the use of tobacco? How many times have their members hurried from the Lodge or Hall to get a chew or smoke? And how many of their members have stood up before an audience with tobacco in their mouths?-- Shame on them!
We hope this subject will be investigated for the benefit of our youth.
D.