citizen of that town writes, that "very little ardent spirit is sold... use of cider and beer not increased... 1 licensed tavern, 1 do. retailer with authority to sell to be drank in shop... very few intemperate males, the greater part of those who were once so, being reformed...nearly all the farms managed without the use of ardent spirits," and remarks, "Relative to the Temperance Reform, I accord with you most heartily in its importance to every portion of our community and our country, as truly "the cause of humanity, of patriotism, and of God," so far as religion and the moral welfare of our frail race is concerned. Intemperance is emphatically an evil having its source in the infirmity of our natures, and fatally destructive to every interest of mankind. It is with much pleasure, and I hope with some gratitude, that I see the zeal of reform is still on the march for final extinguishment of the fatal poison. I am happy to say, although the town has not hitherto followed the example of others in forming Temperance Societies, yet I have witnessed voluntary temperance becoming nearly universal in it, a proof that the moral character of its inhabitants is improving; promising a new era in its prosperity and welfare. Another mania of late has more disturbed its social peace, than the demon of ardent spirits, What philanthropist would not wish to see every evil spirit banished from our country. "A Temperance Society has been recently organized in the Northwesterly part of this town, which it is said embraces the principal part of the population in that quarter, with the exception of certain Catholics, who, however, it is said, have lately been admonished by their Bishop, and are waking up for Temperance Reform. At no distant period, in all probability, our town will not only be a town voluntarily temperate, as they have from many causes in some degree, become, but will be generally under the formal regulations of a Temperance Society.Already it is believed that the example and influence of Temperance Societies elsewhere have had much effect, among other things, to produce a present improv. ed character here." "In regard to the Temperance of this town, I can say from my own knowledge, having visited every family in it to the number of 314 families since the 20th of August last, that I saw nothing of any ardent spirits any where used, exhibited or spoken of except I think in two instances. My belief is, that it is very little used, and no where as a daily luxury as formerly, and not generally at all, except it may be for medical purposes." WISCASSET. Population 2244...Society instituted 23d Oct. 1829; about 100 male and 100 female members... annual meeting 1st Janmeets once in 2 months... well attended when there are addressesquantity of ardent spirits sold in 1827, 18,729 gals,; in 1828, 14,843; in 1829, 12,918; in 1832, 9,800...2 taverns, 8 licensed retailers, 4 of whom sell to be drank in their shops, in violation of law, there being no vote of the town to authorize it...laws regulating licenses are "about to be" observed, however...annual expense of paupers $500, nearly all caused by intemperance...there have been some cases of Delirium Tremens...money tax $2900, highway do. $1400..."a_number of Journals of Humanity and Genius of Temperance are taken— no very direct (opposition), but the retailers are most opposed, do the most hurt." 66 Many of our fishing vessels," says the Secretary," are fitted out without ardent spirits, and one of our first rate ships; and all who have tried the experiment are well satisfied that they gain by it." From further information it appears, that "there are 8 persons who formerly drank intemperately, who now drink no ardent spirit and appear well"-annual deaths about 18, proportion by intemperance 3 or 1-6th-35 intemperate males-best farms are carried on without ardent spiritsmilitia officers treat and retreat—it is reported that soldiers have been excused for non-attendance for a reasonable consideration paid in N. E. Rum. The Secretary of that Society is satisfied that very recently the cause of Temperance is advancing that the friends of Temperance are awake again-that though the retailers are most actively opposed, yet the temperate drinkers, who are in fact men of high standing-whose influence in all things else is salutary-who are ready for every other good work, but who think a little of the ardent does them good, and who have no idea of being under bonds-are after all, the most formidable opponents." Whole population, 16,962. Male members, 1012; female do. 1340. No reports from any Society in the towns of Path, Boothbay, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Bristol, Cushing, Dresden, Jefferson, Lewiston, Lisbon, Litchfield, New Castle, Nobleborough, Patricktown Plantation, Richmond, Thomaston, Union, Wales, Whitefield and Woolwich. Whole population 39,308. WALDO COUNTY. County Society organized March, 1831. Hon. ALFRED JOHNSON, JUN. of Belfast, President. BELFAST. Population 3077...Society organized Dec. 2d, 1830-62 male, 17 female members...annual meeting 4th Tuesday in Nov.; no other stated meetings...always poorly attended...31 licensed retailers, 27 of whom "sell by the glass"...6 new retailers since 1831-laws regulating licenses are not observed...4 taverns...12 retailers have voluntarily abandoned the traffic in ardent spirits...deaths in 1832, 47, 5 by intemperance...cases of Delirium Tremens frequently occur...1 reformed drunkard... ardent spirits are in general use by our farmers, ship-wrights and coasters, at military elections and trainings, and at the framing and raising of buildings...there is much opposition to the cause of Temperance in this place, principally from the distillers, the retailers and the lovers of strong drink, by whose influence a vote of the town interdicting the granting of licenses was rescinded and the flood-gates of intemperance again raised.. A gentleman of that place has communicated to the Corresponding Secretary the fact, that "in 1827 there were manufactured at the distillery in that town 60,150 gals. of rum, of which 5500 gals. were exported, leaving for consumption within the bay and towns adjacent, 54,650 gals.; that during the past year, the quantity made will rather exceed than fall short of 70,000 gals. and all consumed in the vicinity, including Bangor and the country depending on that place mainly for its supply, being an excess for home consumption over 1827, of 15,350 gallons!! This quantity is not supposed to comprise half the actual consumption within the circle thus supplied from this distillery." BROOKS. Population 601... Society organized Dec. 17, 1831...45 male, 43 female members...annual meeting 1st Wednesday of Jan... other meetings at no stated times...generally very well attended...2 taverns...laws.on subject of licenses not strictly observed... 18 intemperate males, 14 of whom are heads of families...no paupers at present.. 1 widow whose husband died of intemperance...no drunkard entirely reformed.,."all the best farms and 2 manufactories are carried on entirely without rum"...money tax $700, highway do. $1500"There is great opposition to our Society," says the Secretary, "the opposers with few exceptions are in the habit of drinking" (ardent spirits. CAMDEN. Population 2200. "Camden Temperance Society" was organized Aug. 17, 1829...83 male, 92 female members...meetings 2d Tuesday of each month. "At the time of the adoption of the Constitution, every store except one, sold ardent spirits-now, out of eighteen stores in the village, but three retail ardent spirits." "It is a rare thing for the respectable part of the citizens to drink ardent spirit, or to offer it to their friends." "Drunkenness in its worst garb is rarely seen in our village; still however the vice is not removed from among us." "The fact that the lime-burning-business has increased, and that the labourers are generally of the poorest class, together with the fact that three retailers are found among us who openly violate law, and more doubtfully their consciences, will readily account for the lingering of that vice." "Most of the paupers have been made so by intemperance." "The town has twice refused to grant the right to Selectmen to license retailers to sell spirits to be drank in their shops, &c. and by a decided vote." FREEDOM. Population 869...Society formed Feb. 1st, 1832...43 male, 40 female members...annual meeting 1st Wednesday of Jan.meetings held monthly, well attended...no tavern, 1 retailer, and he so opposed to the Temperance cause that the Secretary could get no information from him in regard to the quantity of spirit sold in the years 1827 and 1831... 1 other trader who does not sell spirits...laws regulating licenses not strictly observed...5 deaths the past year, 1 of which a case of suicide by a man in a state of intoxication... 20 intemperate males, and 2 intemperate females, 21 of whom are heads of families... annual expense of paupers $200, 7-8ths of which caused by intemperance...1 widow whose husband died of intemperance-60 manufactories and farms carried on without ardent spirits... money tax $800, highway tax, $1500...8 Temperance Recorders taken. "The opposition to the Society originates from the retailer of "liquid fire;" and those who drink of it, partake of the same spirit of him who sells it, and takes their money, character, and health. From these characters proceed the most violent opposition; but the most effective opposition arises from the temperate, and from the professors of religion of all denominations, who think they can drink a little, and that it is useful to them; and say that they have to look out for themselves only." HOPE. Population 1541. "East Hope Temperance Society" organized March 3d, 1832...74 male, 117 female members... annual meeting 4th July, other meetings monthly, generally well attended6 retailers licensed to sell to be drank in shops, authorized by a vote of the town... annual expense of paupers $400, not stated whether any of it is caused by intemperance... I insane, not stated from what cause; 1 case of Delirium Tremens...1 reformed drunkard...money tax $1300, highway do. $2500...1 retailer voluntarily abandoned the traffic in "misery and destruction"---opposition "chiefly by those who drink ardent spirits." JACKSON. Population 493...2 Societies....one organized April 30, 1831...57 males, 48 female members...22 of these belong in adjoining towns...annual meeting 4th July...meetings quarterly, rather thinly attended. The other Society formed May 25, 1832...37 male, 35 female members...annual meeting 3d Saturday in Sept... meetings quarterly, not very well attended...no store in town, no tavern, no licensed retailer, and the laws regulating licenses observed, of course no ardent spirits sold in town...5 deaths annually, but none by intemperance--5 intemperate males, all of whom are heads of families---no paupers in town at present---1 insane person---30 or more farms conducted without ardent spirits-1 Temp. Agent taken. "The most opposisition we have," states the Secretary, "is from those that like to take a little now and then, but consider themselves temperate." KNOX. Population 666. "First Knox Temperance Society" was formed 23d April, 1831---69 male, 52 female members---annual meeting 1st Tuesday in Oct.; meetings monthly in winter, semi-monthly in summer, usually well attended---use of cider and beer not increased since 1829---no tavern, 1 licensed retailer without authority to sell to be drank in store or shop--laws relating to this subject probably not observed---no paupers-2 reformed drunkards---35 manufactories and farms carried on without ardent spirits---money tax $700, highway do. $1800---4 Temperance Recorders taken---opposition "from tipplers, temperate drinkers, retailers, lastly, and by much the greatest, from temperate drinkers, and professed lovers of the religion of Christ." LIBERTY. Population 676--- Society composed of the citizens of Liberty and Montville---32 members belong to Liberty---quantity of ardent spirits sold in 1831 some more than 2 hhds.---none in 1827--use of cider and beer increased since 1829-no tavern, no licensed retailer-about 4 deaths annually-none by intemperance-13 intemperate males, 8 of whom are heads of families--no paupers--2 committed to prison, rather intemperate--1 widow whose husband died by reason of intemperance--no cases of separation of husband and wife in consequence of intemperance, "but perhaps some would be better off if they were separated"--1 reformed drunkard--1 manufactory, and about 20 farms are conducted without ardent spirits, and the principal farmers in town use but very little--money tax $300, highway tax $1000-1 Temp. Agent taken-1 retailer voluntarily abandoned the traffic in spirits "There is (opposition) by men of the first class and character, as well as the lowest." LINCOLNVILLE. Population 1702-Society formed March 24,1832; 50 male, 40 female members-annual meeting 3d Saturday in March; meetings generally well attended-monthly--quantity of ardent spirits sold in 1827, probably 50 hhds.; in 1831, 30 hhds.--use of cider and beer has increased--no tavern, 5 licensed retailers, with authority to sell to be drank in their shops-"most of the moderate drinkers voted for this"-laws regulating licenses not strictly observed-probably 20 deaths annually-proportion by intemperance not stated--50 intemperate males perhaps, and 6 females-30 intemperate heads of families--annual expense of paupers $200, 100 of which is produced by intemperance-2 insane, not known to be caused by intemperance40 of 200 farms carried on without ardent spirits--money tax $2000, *The Thorndike farm is carried on entirely without ardent spirits. The overseer is an active friend of Temperance, and will probably exert a salutary influence on the minds of the men who labor for him. He employs from 8 or 10 to 40 or 50 men as laborers. highway tax $3000-2 retailers abandoned the sale of spirits--"not so much opposition now as when first organized. The opposition made at present, is mostly by intemperate drinkers." MONROE. Population 1081-Society formed Dec. 29, 1830--55 male, 56 female members-annual meeting on Fast Day-meetings monthly generally well attended-quantity of ardent spirits sold in 1831, about 1000 gals. 1-3d of which carried into other towns--a less amount sold in 1829-65 intemperate males, and 10 intemperate females, 45 of whom are heads of families-20 committed to prison within the past year, 15 of whom were intemperate--15 farms conducted without ardent spirits--8 husbands and wives separated by reason of intemperance--10 reformed drunkards-12 Temperance Agents taken-"opposers to Temperance are people of intemperate habits"-and also "preachers of the gospel, deacons of churches, and professors of religion, take a part with the drunkards." MONTVILLE. Population 1743--Society formed Dec. 1st, 1831-male members 80, female 36-(32 of both sexes reside in Liberty)-annual meeting Thanksgiving day-meets quarterly--generally well attended.--(No farther information received from Montville, although the President of the Society has been twice requested to communicate it.) PROSPECT. Population 2381--3 Societies. "Prospect Temperance Society" organized Dec. 15, 1830, and excludes the use of wine-54 males, 61 females-annual meeting on Fast-day-meetings monthly-tolerably well attended-quantity of ardent spirits sold in 1827, about 6400 gals. and about 4300 gals, in 1832-use of cider and beer increased-2 taverns, 6 licensed retailers, some of whom retail by the glass in violation of law-average number of deaths annually from 20 to 25, proportion by intemperance not ascertainednot less than 50 intemperate males-annual expense of paupers about $500, the proportion from intemperance "very small-some intemperate (persons) occasionally assisted"-4 insane, from causes other than intemperance-a few reformed drunkards, number not knownmoney tax about $2500, highway do. $3000--62 Temp. Agents taken -at 10 stores spirits are not sold. "There has from the first been strong opposition to the Society. Retailers and lovers of strong drink generally oppose-one from the love of money, the other from the love of stimulants." Says our correspondent: "Nothing need be said of the character of the intemperate who oppose the cause. But they are not the greatest obstacles to its success. Temperate drinkers who are men of character and influence, do more injury to the cause than any other persons, unless retailers be excepted." It is added, "Some buildings are raised without spirits. Some vessels built without rum-2 or 3 at least the past year-2 more are building without it; very few of our vessels carry spirits on their passages, although many of our ship-masters occasionally give spirits to their men while loading and unloading. It is believed militia officers treat their companies. So far as my knowledge extends, ardent spirits are not generally offered to visiters," &c. "This however does not give a full view of Temperance efforts in this place. "The first combined effort to promote Temperance on the principle of total abstinence in this place, was made in the spring of 1827. On the day of the annual State Fast a Sermon was publicly preached on the causes, effects and remedies of intemperance. At the close of public services on that day, a Society was formed on the principle of entire abstinence. But five persons could be found in all the assembly who would become members. Monthly meetings were established, sermons and addresses read, prejudice began to subside, and in one year the Society |