ACTON-Population 1400-Temperance Society organized May, 1830-contains 80 males, and 73 females-annual meeting 4th July; other meetings, once in two months, and well attended; quantity of ardent spirits sold in town for eight years previous to 1830, about 2645 gals. annually; in 1830-31, about 300 gals, each year; quantity of cider and beer sold since 1829, less in proportion; no tavern in town; one licensed retailer-eight formerly; none licensed to sell to be drank in shops; laws regulating licenses, violated rather privately; 36 intemperate males; 5 intemperate females, ail married women; 30 intemperate heads of families; $300 annual expense of paupers, and all caused by intemperance; money tax averages about $1200 per annum; no vote of town to authorize licenses for selling to be drank in shops; no paper taken, exclusively devoted to the cause of Temperance- two or three wives occasionally leave their drunken husbands, but not permanently." "The people, generally, are exerting themselves, either for or against Temperance."

"And, (says the Secretary,) as respects opposition, we have a plenty of it; sufficient to keep us wide awake, at present; and it is not from the abandoned drunkard, for he is content with his cups, and will occasionally cry out priestcraft, tyranny, cold water society, &c. when he sees a temperance man; but we are strongly opposed by a set of men, who, but for this, would be quite respectable. They are made up of gentlemen holding the Commission of the Peace, of Deacons, and Clerks of Churches, &c. who, although they almost entirely abstain themselves, and have not, for several years, furnished spirit to their workmen, yet they exert all their influence against persons covenanting to totally abstain-they say that it is exceedingly anti-republican so to do-and have themselves with a few kindred spirits (in an adjoining town) formed a Society upon the plan of using spirits when they please, but always to be sure not to drink any more than they want. They have as yet done but little apparent harm, to what might have been expected from such specious pretences; yet they have seduced a few from our Society, who perhaps felt alike liberally disposed towards the destroyer of our race. Notwithstanding their popularity, and their great exertions, they have effected but little; and, in fact, appear to be rather ashamed of themselves; so that, (for the good of mankind,) we have strong hopes that their Society will, ultimately, become extinct."

ALFRED-Population 1453-Society organized in Nov. 1829--60 male, 130 female members-annual meeting, Thanksgiving eveningmeets monthly-about 8000 gals. ardent spirits sold in 1827-in 1829 the sale of it ceased-in 1831, there was sold in three petty grog shops and three taverns, about 1200 gals.-use of cider and beer diminished since 1829-3 taverns-3 retailers licensed to sell to be drank in shops-laws regulating licenses not observed-15 deaths annually, about one sixth by intemperance-55 intemperate males, and 3 intemperate females; 40 of them heads of families-annual expense of paupers, $150; 3-4ths of it caused by intemperance-1 criminal prosecution within the last year; criminal intemperate-2 cases of Delirium Tremens-5 widows whose husbands died by reason of intemperance; and 10 fatherless children, from same cause--4 cases of separation of husbands and wives, caused by intemperance-4 reformed drunkards-20 farms carried on without ardent spirits-money tax $950highway do. $1500--1 Temperance Recorder taken "no serious opposition; those decidedly intemperate, opposed of course.'

BERWICK-Population 1600-Society organized in April, 1830annual meeting, 1st Tuesday of Nov.--meetings held monthly-generally well attended-quantity of ardent spirit sold in 1831, far less than in any one of the preceding ten years-use of cider and beer

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less in proportion-3 taverns licensed--"one taverner's license revoked for keeping a disorderly house"-6 retailers; formerly 8-two of the principal Merchants, within the past year, who sold more than all the others, have banished the 'fire waters' from their stores-1 in 7 of the deaths, caused by intemperance-64 habitual drunkards; 41 of whom are heads of families--annual cost of paupers, about $150; 1-3d of which is caused by intemperance--all imprisoned for debt, for many years, have been made poor by intemperance-2 insane persons, the cause of either cannot be traced to intemperance--10 widows of husbands that have died by intemperauce, and 30 fatherless children, from same cause--8 husbands and wives separated, by reason of intemperance-12 farms carried on without ardent spirits-1 Genius of Temperance taken. The Secretary writes-

"Our opposers are men of all classes-however, those in high standing, or generally esteemed respectable, are not seen openly to oppose the cause of Temperance -but those who are seen to revile it, are the lovers of rum, or in other words, people of mean character. There are many in our town who appear favorable to our objects, but will not enroll their names on the Temperance list-which may be attributed, in some degree to want of light on the subject, there having been but one address delivered before it since the Society was organized. 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. But we hope, that if the exertions of the friends of Temperance are continued, we shall ere long, see a reformation in this particular. "Upon taking a review of the whole, we see the ravages that have been made by this fell destroyer. It has, Sir, produced more evil and distress than any Scourge that ever visited our land. Truly it may be said, it is high time efficient measures were adopted to stop its progress. Here is a work for benevolence; yes, philanthropy may weep over the desolation that has been made in our happy land. But notwithstanding the depth of degradation to which our country has fallen, we should not despair. The efforts of the friends of Temperance have done much in amelioration of our condition, and if their exertions are continued, we have every reason to believe that by the assistance of Divine Grace, they will ultimately be successful in exterminating the common foe to mankind.

"It gives me pleasure to learn that a State Temperance Society has been formed. The measure has long been called for, and it is believed will be productive of much good. It is hoped that now every suitable means will be resorted to, calculated to advance this noble cause. And here permit me to suggest the propriety of appointing a special agent, to be paid by subscription or contribution of the friends of Temperance, whose duty it shall be to travel through the State, circulate information on the subject, form new Societies, &c. For I am convinced, that many are deterred from aiding the cause of Temperance through misrepresentation of its objects. Much, I am persuaded, might be effected in this way."

BIDDEFORD--Population 1905-Society organized in 1828-about 50 male members, and nearly as many females-annual meeting in October-meets quarterly-generally well attended-from 50 to a 100 hhds. of ardent spirit sold annually-3 taverns, one of which sells no ardent spirits-6 licensed retailers; but none authorized to sell to be drank in shops-laws regulating licenses generally disregardedfrom 10 to 15 reformed drunkards-a majority of the farmers in town do not use spirits of any kind--opposition principally from temperate drinkers, as they call themselves-others, more abandoned, profess to approve of the object, but still will not abandon their cups.

The towns of Saco and Biddeford, lying contiguous to each other, and having common interest in the suppression of intemperance, have usually united in their efforts to suppress this most beastly of all vices; and much good, as we think, has resulted by such united and vigorous efforts as have been put forth; less however has been done recently than heretofore. Our friends now begin to awake, and we shall

have Temperance Addresses as often as once in three or four weeks during the present winter. These Addresses are attended by large and attentive audiences; and we think are productive of much good. You will understand me,-our towns unite in the promotion of the great object in their public meetings and public addresses; each town has its Temperance Society," &c."

BUXTON-Population 2855-Society organized in 1330-65 male members, 35 female do.--13164 gals. ardent spirits sold in 1827-use of cider and beer not increased since 1829-7 taverns, 4 of them not licensed, all sell ardent spirits-2 licensed retailers-none authorized to sell to be drank in store or shop--laws regulating licenses not observed--annual expense of paupers $1000--several widows, whose husbands died by reason of intemperance-the number of fatherless children from same cause, not known--14 reformed drunkards --money tax $3000--highway do. $3000--12 Temperance Recorders taken by one individual-other Societies formed in the several religious Societies-many temperate men will not join Society, professing to believe that it is enough for each individual to do what he can.

KENNEBUNK-Population 2233-1st Society organized Aug. 19, 1829--male members 78, female do. 96--annual meeting Dec. 25th. Has no stated meetings--meets about 30 times in a year-well attended. 2d Society organized March 15, 1832-25 male members-is auxiliary to the M. T. Society-annual meeting 4th July-12000 gals. of ardent spirits sold in 1827; 5000 in 1831--use of cider and beer diminished since 1829-2 taverns; one sells no ardent spirits--no licensed retailers-laws regulating licenses not well observed-45 deaths annually, and 1-3d of those caused by intemperance-95 intemperate males, 19 intemperate females-probably 30 intemperate heads of families-annual expense of paupers $500; formerly $900; 2-3ds produced by intemperance--2 insane persons-6 cases of Delirium Tremens within the last year-16 widows, whose husbands died by reason of intemperance-8 husbands and wives separated by same cause-4 reformed drunkards-33 farms, and 4 ship yards managed without ardent spirits--money tax $3868; highway do. $1800—13 retailers who have voluntarily abandoned the sale of ardent spiritsopposition is made by rum drinkers and dealers."

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In regard to the inquiry, as to the nature and extent of the opposition to the cause, the answer is, "I can only say, that it is here, as it is probably every where else arising chiefly from rum sellers, of whom I am thankful we have now but two in our village who sell to any great extent. Of these characters, four years ago, we had sixteen-now there are none licensed, and but four sell in violation of law. Rum drinkers themselves, so far as I have learned, seem to say but very little in opposition to the work of reform; though every exertion is made by the venders to excite them upon the subject, on the ground that their liberties are in danger. "The exertions that have been made by several of the members of the Society, are worthy of all praise, and deserve to be imitated everywhere; and would probably be attended by a like success." In proof of this we make the following extract from a letter of a highly respectable member of the Society." We commenced the work in good earnest about a year ago. Six gentlemen who are in the habit of speaking in public, took it upon themselves to go through the cireuit of our school districts, and talk to the people on this subject.The school houses, and sometimes meeting house, were crowded. They commenced at 6 o'clock and continued till 9 in the evening. The remarks made were entirely extemporaneous, and well adapted to win the attention of the auditors.The effect astonished all. Many individuals came forward and declared for total abstinence. We had previously all been in the habit of keeping ardent spirit in our houses. Now, I do not know a single family (making any pretences to respectability) in the whole village, where the old practice is continued. We had,

last winter about 30 meetings, and have commenced them again this winter; having audiences equal to those of last winter. There is a very good spirit prevailing on the subject. Many who take no part in public speaking, labor hard and zealously in every other way, especially by their example-for, to do away that great argument which the drunkard makes use of in excuse for his indulgence, the example of temperate men-even the use of wine has been entirely abandoned. It is not offered by respectable families as an article of hospitality, and I believe, kept in the houses of but few. Total abstinence is carried to its full extent. I believe no spirit is used in the framing or raising of buildings-our vessels are all built without spirit and I believe most of them are navigated without rum, gin, or brandy. I believe that no spirit is furnished by militia officers for their companies. We stand well. A change has been brought about, which five years ago, the most sanguine could not have anticipated. We have now arrived at the most difficult point. We cannot do anything more until the strong bulwarks of the enemy, the dram shops, which remain, are beaten down. I think this will be accomplished.-We have recently labored hard to establish a non-intercourse between them and all friends of temperance. All dealing with them we have considered as furnishing supplies to the enemy, and therefore as treason against the cause. The doors of the dram-seller, we believe, are now seldom darkened by a temperate man. I believe they will be compelled to surrender. If so, intemperance will cease from among us. But we must have the co-operation of all our neighboring towns.”

KENNEBUNK PORT--Population 2763--Society formed 4th July, 1831--100 male, and 200 female members--annual meeting 1st Wednesday of Jan.--meets by direction of Ex. Com.--well attended-about 30 hhds. spirit consumed in 1827, and about 15 hhds. in 1831 --use of cider and beer not increased--2 taverns--3 licensed retailers, but not authorized to permit drinking in their stores or shops-laws regulating licenses not observed-annual expense for paupers $500--proportion by intemperance, not ascertained--no insane persons in town, except those occasionally so, when under the influence of rum-perhaps a half dozen reformed drunkards--money tax $4000-highway do. $1800--2 retailers have voluntarily abandoned the sale of ardent spirits. The Secretary writes,

"Such is the scanty information I have to communicate-for we have been more diligent in distributing information, than in collecting facts from our own community. Temperance Meetings were holden last winter in the various school districts, as often as travelling and other circumstances would permit, and have been re-commenced the present season. These have taken place of Society meetings; and are conducted by such friends of the cause as can, from time to time, attend to make short addresses. As to the criminals in jail-one has been recently liberated from Thomaston (imprisoned for shooting at an inmate in his house, while under the influence of ardent spirit) a reformed man; and has become a temperance advocate. Another, died the past year in the State Prison, who was sent there for roasting (I may say) his wife to death while intoxicated, himself, being at the time under the same malign influence."*

LIMERICK---Population 1426---Society organized in April, 1828--75 male, 65 female members---annual meeting in May---meets 4 or 5 times a year, not well attended---use of cider and beer diminished, although there are 2000 bbls. cider made in town, and 1500 drank there---3 taverns---8 licensed retailers, 5 stores and 3 taverns---3 licensed to sell to be drank in shops; a vote having been obtained not to permit such license, and then reconsidered, by calling in voters from the stores---laws relating to this subject, not strictly observed--about 20 deaths annually, 1-30th by intemperance-30 intemperate males, nearly all heads of families-annual expense of paupers, about

*It has been stated that 109 murders were committed in the United States in 1831, nearly all by persons in a state of intoxication.

$150; 7-8ths of which occasioned by intemperance, chiefly by the intemperance of the husbands or parents of those who receive aid"--money tax $1200; highway do. $2200---about 20 Temperance Agents taken---2 retailers have abandoned the traffic in spirits.

"There is some opposition to the Temperance Society, made by those who use ardent spirits very moderately, or even not at all. The sale of ardent spirits at three stores and three taverns, is productive of immense evil, which no Temperance measures can correct. Spirituous liquors have been handed round at trainings, and by-standers, and even children, have been invited to drink. There is decidedly more intemperance than there was two years ago. But the friends of total abstinence remain firm, and lament more deeply the deplorable effects of the use of strong drink."

LYMAN-Population 1502--Society formed Jan. 30, 1832--107 male, and 122 female members--annual meeting 1st Wednesday in Sept.--meets monthly--well attended---1760 gals, ardent spirits sold in 1827, and 1200 gals. in 1831---use of cider decreased, and of beer increased---2 taverns---3 licensed retailers, with authority to sell to be drank in shops---laws regulating licenses not strictly observed--21 deaths annually, 5 of them caused by intemperance---35 intemperate males, 17 intemperate females, 45 of whom are heads of families -annual expense of paupers $328 19, $200 of which is produced by intemperance-9 committed to jail in 1831, and all intemperate-4 insane by reason of intemperance, 1 from other causes--1 case of Delirium Tremens-12 widows, whose husbands died by reason of intemperance-42 orphans from same cause-5 husbands and wives separated by reason of intemperance-9 reformed drunkards-14 farms carried on without ardent spirits-money tax, $1200; highway do. $2500-no temperance paper taken in town-opposition "from unprincipled sots, and those engaged in the traffic in ardent spirits."

LIMINGTON-Population 2320-Society formed Jan. 1st, 1830-130 male, 137 female members-annual meeting 1st Tuesday in Jan.meetings 1st Tuesday of each month; well attended when addresses are delivered-use of cider and beer not increased--3 taverns, and 5 licensed retailers, all authorized to sell to be drank in shops; and 1 who sells without license, of course in violation of law-25 the average of annual deaths--1 death by intemperance during the last year, directly; some indirectly, it is presumed-12 intemperate men, 11 of whom are heads of families--$500 annual expense of paupers, one tenth part of it caused by intemperance-1 debtor, and 1 criminal committed to prison, both intemperate three cases of separation of husbands and wives, in consequence of intemperance--50 farms carried on without ardent spirits-money tax, $1800; highway do. $2000 -5 Genius of Temperance, and 5 Temperance Agents taken--1 retailer abandoned the sale of ardent spirits-"opposition from several classes; and 1st, retailers generally; 2d, intemperate persons; 3d, persons who think it is intended to promote sectarian purposes in religion; and 4th, such persons who have not been convinced that a little ardent spirit is injurious, and has a tendency, eventually, to make people become intemperate.'

PARSONSFIELD Population 2465--3 Societies; 1st formed Aug. 17, 1829-80 male, 133 female members--annual meeting, last Monday of Aug.-meets monthly; well attended. 2d Society formed May