THE TEETOTAL DISCUSSION ADVERTISED.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3119, 16 July 1867, Page 4

THE TEETOTAL DISCUSSION ADVERTISED.

To the Editor of the Daily Southern Cross. Sib, — I observed to-day a brief reporb of a discussion at Newton, on Teetotalism versus Moderation. I know not whether it was one of the advertised series of dramatic sham performances, one of which was (per large placard) conducted by Judge and Jury ; or whether it was a bond fide debate. But still I shrewdly suspect that a quiet, candid Moderationist would have stood only a very poor chance among a pledged coterie. Probably he would have been completelyoverwhelmed with moral, sentimental declamation concerning the miserable drunkard and his dear

innocent family, and bo made intoxicated 'with the tremendous excitement of "moral suasion." However, I cannot help thinking that there are certain yiews of the whole thing which are foreign to the cranium of the Teetotal people, but which are grarely entertained by the Moderationists. Ist, On almost every theorem there are existent, or possible and likely, extremes ; and, ordinarily, extremes are reprobated by the best and most celebrated thinkers. Moderationists presume to believe that they are more elevated (in two respects) than either the Teetotaleraor the drunkards, — the latter being too low, and the former not high enougk ; of course, I mean physically and physiologi- j cally, as well as mentally and socially. These are judged to be at the outside extremes of the right and the true. Secondly, Moderationists have no scrupulous objection to reading that the grandest speeches ever delivered in the House of Commons were under the genial prompting of a pint, "amongst one," of old port ; for they resolutely insist upon it, and daringly defy contradiction, that w» have bodies at well as souls ; and, moreover, it is believed that after a man is worn and depressed by long contact with heavy problems, and almost inestimable world •spread ■tatiatics, his so " indulging" dearly brings him under the inspired and inspiring prescription of Solomon, "Give wine to him who is weary and in heaviness," rather than to easy and luxurious kings. And, again, in common every-day society they incline to prefer the Paul's "take-a-little-wine" men, to the " ready- to* perish" scrupulous abstainers. " Extremes meet" in bad being, so Divine Revelation, observation, and experience, herein, exactly tally. Sir, as you candidly report lots of teetotal matter, do fairly give us a niohe for this '< on t'other; fide." —I am, &0., Old Fashion. July 10, 1867.