repeat. He said his father's name was Samuel Higgins, and was once a preacher. Having often heard of the man, and having once seen him, whom the lad said was his father, I had no doubt of the truth of, (the lad's) statement. He who was once à professed preacher of the gospel, driven from the sacred desk, by ardent spirits-to fight with his wife-to beat his children, until a son but 16 years old runs away from his father's cottage-all in rags-no friends to accompany him to plead his cause—not one cent of money to defray his expenses, while running from the presence of a father turned to a demon!! I asked the boy what he intended to do-he answered, 'go two or three hundred miles where his father should see him no more till he should be of age.'

"On holding the above conversation, and much more with the lad, how solemn and awful were the reflections that passed my mind. No tongue can describe-no pencil paint them. A preacher turned to a drunkard! A father to a demon! A friend of man to an enemy of all good! Himself and family made miserable beyond all description-and he in the broad road to ruin !” BELGRADE-Society formed May 1833. The town voted to leave the business of licenses to the discretion of the Selectmen &c. who have refused to grant licenses. The Selectmen &c. in all our towns have a right to refuse licenses, however the town may vote upon this subject. No vote of the town is legally compulsory upon the licensing board.

CHESTERVILLE-The Secretary remarks,

"I would say that the Temperance cause has progressed with more rapidity the year past than any former year; and that the prospect for the year to come is equally flattering."

CHINA and ALBION-Temperance Society was formed in June 1829-annual meeting in June. The South China Temperance Society was organized in April 1830; and the Union Temperance Society of South China was organized 21st Nov. 1833. The Secretary of the first mentioned society says,

"The consumption of wine, cider and beer has diminished one half or more." "There are several families made miserably poor in consequence of using rum. One man who sixteen years ago was worth a good farm, is by reason of drunkenness reduced with a numerous family to misery and want-and a sober man who was not worth any property at that time, has maintained a large family and purchased and paid for this farm."

"The objection of some professors of religion against our societies are, that they fear a union of church and worldly concerns."

"The cause of temperance has been productive of much good in this town and vicinity. Three years ago scarcely a Saturday night came without drunkenness and quarrels in our village, followed by warrants and commitments to prison, and family contentions. There has not been a case of assault and battery here for near two years. There were individuals who paid thirty dollars a year for wine and spirits to treat their friends-who belong with us and use none, and calculate on this amount yearly for benevolent purposes."

Says another correspondent,

66

Many of the inhabitants in that part of the town where the South and Union Societies are extending their influence, were rendered miserable by the excessive use of ardent spirits. One who has been reduced from wealth to poverty" (the same mentioned by the Secretary probably)" and has nearly recovered from a severe sickness-by the influence of his wife and other friends and from fear of immediate death to which he is in a measure satisfied he is exposed,should he continue his intemperance, is induced to try the experiment of total abstinence. The friends of temperance in that part of our town are active and judicious in their operations, and succeed admirably. We have much to encourage us to persevere."

The quantity of spirit sold in 1833 not ascertained but "probably" says the Secretary, "diminished more than one half."

CLINTON-Six deaths by intemperance in 1832, and one in 1833.

Forty families, averaging 5 to each-200 persons, made poor and miserable by intemperance. There are a considerable number," says the

Secretary,

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"Who have not yet joined the society, that act upon the principle of total abstinence from ardent spirit. There are six stores in town where no ardent spirit is sold. The quantity of rum sold, is not more than one third of the amount sold in 1830."

At a meeting of the society on the 25th February 1833, a large committee was raised to ascertain the statistics of temperance and intemperance in all parts of the town.

DEARBORN-Has no temperance Society. A correspondent of that town writes. "There are a few persons in town that belong to Temperance societies in other towns. There is no retailer or vender of ardent spirit, but quite a number that drink, and some to excess. FARMINGTON-" Several traders" in Farmington "appeared unwilling to inform" the Secretary "how much ardent spirit they had sold in 1833, and one refused giving any information on the subjectstrong proof that even their consciences could not approve the baleful practice; others readily gave the information requested." what could be ascertained from the inquiry, 2900 gallons are reported as having been sold in that town in 1833, at the expense to the consumers of $2175.

From

"The above estimate" says the Secretary," shows a diminution of ardent spirit used to the amount of 2740 gallons in three years, and a saving annually to the amount of $2056. As one half the quantity sold is supposed to be carried out of town, about $1000 is the saving to our citizens annually."

"No separation between husband and wife this year, but a former separation caused by intemperance, occasionally puts the town to expense."

"The number who have sold spirit as taverners or retailers, and have become intemperate since the first settlement of the town, is undoubtedly twenty.” "Several intemperate persons have commenced a reform this year; most of those who had previously began the good work, it is believed persevere.'

One hundred and twenty Temperance Recorders are already taken and "it is determined to distribute 40 more of them."

"Twelve retailers have abandoned the sale of ardent spirit this year." "Militia officers do not generally treat their soldiers with spirit." "Some professors of religion are opposed to us, and refuse to join us." "The consumption of wine, cider and strong beer has decreased the present year. One man having a large and fruitful orchard has made no cider, but applies his apples to other uses. Another who has formerly sold considerable quantities of cider says it is of little use to make it now, for he cannot sell it— showing that the less rum we use, the less cider we want."

"Ten families including 39 human beings are made poor and miserable by the intemperance of the parent, and 10 or 12 persons have endured much trial and suffering by the intemperance of a son or a brother."

"The objections of those who refuse to join us, are that a little does them good-that they are not so weak as to need the aid of a society to keep them from excess-that the pledge infringes the liberty of the citizen-and finally that the word of God authorizes at least the use of wine. Professors of religion in a few instances make their objections, forgetting the sentiment and determination of St. Paul when he said, "if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no meat so long as I live." One, and a preacher too, objects to us that we are intemperate in eating, speaking and acting, therefore he will not join us, and (I am informed) he of late publicly declaimed against us. In the latter case it is to be feared the gentleman has either already contracted an appetite for spirit, or is troubled with a spirit of dictation which will not join in any thing he does not direct; and in the former, that he is not entirely willing to forsake all for Christ."

FAYETTE Two families comprising twelve persons have come upon the town by reason of intemperance of the fathers; and many families are unhappy by the same means.

"Since a recent religious reformation," remarks the Secretary, "twenty four have been added to the society-a large portion of them converts-some of them had been hard drinkers. Members of our society seem to be more engaged in the cause than they had been, and we have voted to hold monthly meetings. A Temperance Agent is much needed to come among us.Our clergy ought to take hold of the cause with more activity and perseverance than they yet have done" (what a sad dilemma the poor clergy are placed in; if they engage in the Temperance reform it is evidence that all is "priestcraft"-if they are not engaged-they are complained of for lack of duty). “I again repeat that the principal obstructions to the cause in this place are professors of religion; many of them are moderate drinkers. A very large proportion of our inhabitants are professors.

"We have 5 stores, three of them temperance stores--one a retailer of spirits the fifth store is kept by a professor of religion, who has for a few weeks been out, of "fire water," but has not made up his mind whether or not to replenish his stock."

GARDINER-Our correspondent does not know how much ardent spirit has been sold in Gardiner in 1833, but is of opinion that there is "an immense amount"—and says there is among others,licensed to deal it out, a "Mrs. Esmond!!!"-that a " large proportion" of those who dealt in ardent since the first settlement of the town have become intemperate that there have been 5 or 6 deaths by intemperance in 1833, and three cases of delirium tremens-that three have abandoned the traffic in spirits in 1833 and a "half dozen others have commenced selling! ! !"—that "wine is in general use"-that 15 or 20 families are made poor and miserable by the intemperance of some member of each family-and remarks, "to speak plainly, the cause of temperance is here, but a very indifferent matter. Our retailing shops have increased, and with them intemperance to an alarming extent. Ten months since, and we were doing wonders; many reformed; few dared to be seen, to lift the poisoned cup to their lips. We are now compelled to witness a sad reverse. All efforts seem palsied. What shall we do? What can be done? Not a retailer has a license to sell. Would they could add, the public sentiment and moral sense of our community had put an everlasting "veto" upon the practice-but an over sight in our Selectmen is the cause of the illegality-they give a silent permission." Society in West Gardiner organized in April 1832.

GREEN-" Such has been the influence of the temperance reform," says the Secretary,

"That instead of an increase of the consumption of wine, cider, &c. the use has so diminished that several orchards have been cut down as useless." Many families in Green are now living comfortably, who but for the temperance Reform would now be miserable."

HALLOWELL-"On the whole" remarks the Secretary, we feel that the cause has gained considerably during the year. Many of our most respectable citizens have enroled themselves on our side, and we hope ere long to be enabled to say that none are against us. Measures adopted have been public meetings and addresses which, have been well attended and with good effects. Prosecutions of retailers have been tried, but with doubtful results. The greatest addition of members to the society has been made through the means of personal effort of members and particularly of a circular, with an appended copy of a constitution which was printed and sent to each family with*“Two of them are quite too fond of an extra glass ! !”

in the limits of the society; with a request that every member of the family who had arrived at a suitable age to comprehend the nature and force of the pledge would sign it. By which means large additions were made to the society." Hallowell Roads society, organized September 1833. East Hallowell society formed July 4, 1829.

LEEDS-Society organized April 1830-annual meeting in June ; meetings quarterly; not well attended.

MONMOUTH-Some of those who commenced a reform do not persevere. The Secretary remarks,

"Those generally esteemed respectable are not seen openly to oppose the cause of temperance. There are many in our town who appear favorable to our efforts, but will not enrol their names on the temperance list, which may be attributed in some degree to want of light on the subject. But the reason evidently that the cause of temperance flourishes no better among us, is, that our public men-those to whom the people look up for examples, withhold their influence from the good cause. I am convinced that Temperance societies have been productive of good, and the most we need is wisdom to direct, with a spirit of perseverance, and the blessing of God to ensure a complete and triumphant success."

MOUNT VERNON-Temperance Society was organized in February or March 1832; number of members on the 11th April 1834, was not exactly known, in consequence of there being a copy of its constitution in each school district; but the Corresponding Secretary of the society, says, that there is "not less than 175 nor more than 200;" and that the society has increased very much since a copy of the constitution has been circulated in each school district, by some person in it, who was directed to carry it to every family.

"The diminution of the consumption of ardent spirit is very great, the time has been when more than 6000 gallons have been consumed here in a year." The quantity used in 1833 not half that quantity. "Our selectmen are not authorized to grant licenses. Some innholders are dispensing with ardent spirits, and others I think will soon make the experiment. Several stores in town have not kept it the past year, and there is now some prospect that none will be brought into town by our merchants during the coming season. Several who were formerly intemperate now belong to the society, and thus far do honor to the cause."

The society in East Mt. Vernon organized in April 1832. Annual meeting first Wednesday in January; meetings monthly, and generally well attended--quantity of ardent spirit greatly diminished,-in the opinion of the Secretary one half--the Taverner is a professor of religion, and sells spirit.

PITTSTON--The East Pittston Temperance Society was organized in 1829, but has ceased operations, and is about to be reorganized. The West Pittston Temperance Society was recently organized, consisting of about 100 members. A respectable correspondent writes,

"The evils of intemperance have been many in this town. Assuming the fact that rum is useless as a drink, which is well proved by recent trials, and add the loss to the loss of time occasioned by it, and the incidental expenses, it would amount, I have no doubt, to more than the present worth of the whole town."

We

"The effect in moral and domestic happiness has been much worse. have a class of citizens who by intemperance are made quite poor-often suffering for the comforts of life, and indisposed to cherish or attend any moral or religious institutions-spending even the Sabbath in idleness, horse-jockeying, and dissipation. We hope, however, that this class is diminishing.

"The evils of rum drinking among us (for wherever it is habitually drank

these evils unavoidably follow) may be summed up in idleness, poverty, family suffering, domestic quarrels, dishonesty, theft, pauperism, disease and death. To these facts the minds of our citizens have been waking up for a few years past. Seven years ago, it would have been thought the height of folly to refuse licensing any person to sell ardent spirit: but not so now. At our last September meeting the town voted not to license, and chose an efficient committee to enter complaints against any who should sell without license. One innholder and two retailers continued to sell and were complained of-the cases are now pending. At the meeting when the vote passed, the article was nearly the last in the warrant, and the worshippers of Bacchus had mostly retired to partake of his libations-and consequently they said the voice of that meeting was not the voice of the town, as the annual meeting in March would show. At our recent March meeting-a very full one-all kept their posts until this great question was settled. The vote was taken by polling the house, when two or three to one went against licensing, and an enlarged committee was raised to see the laws executed."

"The belief that ardent spirit is useless, very hurtful as a drink, is gaining with us, notwithstanding the little effort that has been made to communicate facts, and keep the mind awake to the subject."

READFIELD-There are two societies in Readfield-no date of their organization, &c. One of our correspondents complains that their Physician oldest in practice, advocates the traffic in ardent spirit, and that of three gentlemen of the bar, there is not one of them an open advocate for temperance and that consequently much of the talent is against their progress. He thinks, however, that their prospects are brightning. A correspondent of East Readfield says,

"The effects of the Temperance reformation in this part of the town has exceeded the most sanguine expectations of its friends. Most all our inhabitants were either moderate drinkers or tipplers, and one store was the resort for all to take a social glass-but during the last six months, but very little has been sold." The trader was recently heard to say "that the trade in spirits was worth nothing, and that most of his customers had become 'cold-water-men' and desired him not to keep spirit-and that he made up his mind not to take another license-this is as it should be."

ROME-Temperance Society was organized in May 1833--annual meeting in May--meetings monthly and not generally well attended-"A small portion of the buildings are raised without ardent spirit--many professors of religion refuse to join the society-and much opposition by the most influential men in town," says the Secretary. Another correspondent writes,

"There is no person in this town who sells ardent spirit, and if all our towns would do the same, there would be more bread for the children-more comfort for the wives-more peace for the husbands-and less business for the sheriffs."

SIDNEY--East Temperance Society was organized in March 1833, annual meeting in October. Sidney town Temperance Society was formed on the 30th January 1834-both societies have had several addresses and have met often, and the "temperance cause is advancing gloriously." Our correspondent hopes the Maine Temperance Herald will soon be in every family in town.

TEMPLE-Temperance Society was organized in November 1831. "The meetings of the society always well attended-and its members and influence gradually increasing"-writes the Secretary.

VASSALBORO'-Has 4 Temperance Societies. First organized July 4, 1829-annual meeting second Monday of June-stated meetings semi-annually--6 or 8 other meetings-generally well attended-