McGrawville Express, Thursday, September 23, 1847.
MCGRAWVILLE DIVISION, No. 152, S. T.
This Division, in connection with brethren from Cortland, Homer, and Virgil, met at their Division Room in Salisbury's Block, on Thursday the 16th inst., preparatory to holding public exercises in the Presbyterian Church, which were contemplated by a desire on the part of the LADIES of McGrawville, to present to the Division a BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANTLY BOUND COPY OF THE BIBLE, as a testimony of their respect and esteem for the Institution, and the cause in which its members were engaged.
The day was most auspicious. The sun came up from behind the eastern hills and soared away in its loveliness, unobscured by a single cloud. Before one o'clock the brethren began to assemble, and at about half past one o'clock, attired in full regalia, marched in appropriate order from their Room to the Presbyterian Church, followed by citizens and strangers.
After appropriate exercises, the LADIES, by Mr. SAMUEL N. KINNEY, presented the BIBLE to the Division, through the Worthy Patriarch, accompanied with the following impressive remarks:
Brothers, Sons of Temperance.—With this testimony of our regard for the cause in which you are engaged, we would unite our most hearty good wishes for your prosperity and success.
We feel it a high privilege that we can enlist our influence under a banner which has been so widely unfurled, and in a cause which has for its end and aim, humanity.
We present this sacred testimonial of respect, as the most befitting tribute we can offer you. From its sacred pages the record of "Him who went about doing good," you have drawn those divine lessons of Temperance, Charity, and Brotherly Love, which inspire you with the blessed spirit of Reform.
To comfort the sick, relieve the suffering, befriend the widow, protect the orphan, are noble duties, and heaven will reward the benevolent hearts engaged in them.
We gladly lend you our sympathy and assistance as far as in our power. May you not faint in well doing—nor falter in your warfare against the vices which deform society, until the widening circle of your influence shall enclose, in one great Brotherhood the family of Man. Our blessings and prayers are with you.
After which, the Worthy Patriarch, P. H. McGraw, Esq., rose and said:
Ladies.—We are exceedingly gratified in the reception of this beautiful and precious volume, as a tribute of the regard and esteem you have for us, as a Division of the order of the Sons of Temperance.
No gift could have been more acceptable. You judged rightly of the feelings and principles of our order, when you made the selection of the Holy Bible as a present. It is indeed the "most befitting tribute you could offer." We esteem it as such. In it are found those truths which enlarge the mind, and purify the feelings. Truths consolatory to us in the hours of affliction and distress and a source of perennial enjoyment through all the walks of life. Truths glorious in their source, exalted in their nature, and delightful and blessed in their influence—adapted to every variety of human character, condition and circumstances. Not less adapted indeed to societies of men than to individuals are the precepts of this volume.—Well convinced are we that no principles of reform except those drawn from the Bible can suppress evil, or ameliorate the condition of mankind. Here we learn the fact that the infirmities of human nature are such that any attempt at permanent reformation will prove unsuccessful unless Divine aid is invoked and relied on in the great work.
To imitate "him who went about doing good" to rely upon his counsels and strength are principles which we have chosen by which to regulate our actions as Sons of Temperance and which, Ladies, your inestimable gift will serve to strengthen and establish in our hearts. Relying upon these principles we fondly hope to be of benefit to one another, a blessing to the community in which we live, and "all, to the world an example!" But there are words of encouragement and assurance of sympathy accompanying your gift to which I fool myself entirely inadequate to reply. For those "good wishes for our prosperity and success" and the pledge "to lend us your sympathies and assistance as far as in your power," we thank you—we sincerely thank you. The deep interest you have evinced for the blessed cause in which we are engaged, and for our continued success against the common foe of God, Nature, and Humanity is worthy of imitation.
We hail with more pleasure the reception of this gift because it reminds us that those darker days of the beginning of our enterprise have passed away; and that whatever there may be of difficulty yet remaining, we trust by your co-operation, counsels and influences will be removed, and there be nothing to hinder us in the execution of our benevolent design of doing good to our fellow men. Our hearts are cheered by these assurances. We heartily welcome your sympathies and assistance. We are thankful for the assistance of that sex that was last at the Cross, and first at the sepulchre, which poured the precious ointment upon the feet of Jesus, and which is always most ready to choose for themselves and others that good part which shall never be taken from them.
And now, brother Chaplin, I present this volume to you for safe keeping. Often will we sit and listen whilst you read to us from its sacred pages. It shall be a lamp to our feet, and a guide to our way. In the light of its teachings will we joyfully tread on in the path of duty. Cheered on by its promises, we will not cease our efforts in the glorious work of increasing human happiness until God shall call us up higher. And it is my fervent wish that each member of our brotherhood may so attend to its instructions that our understandings may be enlightened, our hearts enlarged, and our sympathies sanctified, to finish more acceptably our work here below, at last all to be recognized by the Great Patriarch above, that we may dwell in that haven of rest, where sorrow is never known and where love and harmony shall reign forever.
To which the Chaplin, S. H. POTTER, M. D., replied as follows:
Worthy Patriarch.—In receiving this Holy book at your hands, I am filled with no ordinary emotions. Containing as it does our only knowledge of the origin of all things around us, the origin of man, the character of his almighty author with the sublime and holy principles by which he governs all rational intelligences; principles so well calculated to dispense the greatest possible harmony and happiness to all angelic and human existence. Subjects so momentous, and so intensely interesting, surely must be a book from heaven—the book of God.
You ask me to read it. How can we fail to do so while from it we learn that we cannot enjoy all this light and knowledge without incurring a fearful responsibility as it will prove a savior of life if we obey, and of death unto us if we disobey its sacred truths. Then cheerfully will we read it in our private and social capacities, hanging with an undying grasp upon its sacred pages which are able to make us wise unto salvation. We will treasure up its pure precepts in our hearts and go meekly forth in the same spirit which was also in Jesus, to renovate mankind.
The gifts bestowed in friendship's care.
Are priceless gems on earth
Though simple in their nature, are
Yet valued high in worth.
If gifts generally are so well received, and small ones so readily accepted and highly prized, how ought we to feel on the reception of Heaven's best gift which you my fair friends have hereby bestowed upon us? Ever will we highly value it as a rich memento of your high estimation of, and confidence in our beloved order, as also exhibiting your devout regard for this sacred volume.
"A day, an hour of virtuous liberty
Is worth an eternity in bondage."
For nearly sixty centuries your sex has uniformly been found in a condition comparatively degraded, and treated almost as slaves by a majority of mankind. Woman has been treated as the weaker sex not only physically but mentally, being excluded from all opportunities of intellectual culture, and visited with the punishment of the most cruel death, as a penalty, if she seeks to obtain only the rudiments of a common education. Regarded as having no souls, more than half the females on earth, to-day, are denied all means even of religious knowledge, to prepare them for a future state of existence. The consequences of this state of things are, that all those excellent graces, pure and elevated virtues, which so distinguish the sex in refined society are entirely lost to them, and they sunk almost to a level with the brute.
This though dark and appalling, is but a faint sketch of the dismal picture of female degradation and wretchedness, wherever the light of this precious volume docs not shine, Contrast that of the above with your own happy and exalted condition, and then tell me I beseech you, what has made so vast a difference? It is the enjoyment of this precious Bible, and that alone.
Then well may you seek to place a copy of this holy book every where it can have any influence and multiply its copies until you emancipate your whole sex. Yes, fly to the rescue of women—a work in which heaven delights, and angels are engaged with you. Use all your means and influence to publish its priceless truths until every female on earth shall enjoy all that you enjoy, and as a glorious reward, brighter than the stars of Heaven, shall their renovated and saved souls glitter in your crown of eternal glory in the paradise above.
Beloved Brothers.—Receive this not as a book composed by man but as it truly is, the book of God. Believe and obey his holy word from the heart, then shall Love, Purity and Fidelity, be manifest in all your words and works.
Sweet to an American is the reflection, that the Temperance cause is indebted to his own country for its existence. When he casts his eye over the state of the moral world and discovers the astonishing effects of this association—when he sees the genius of temperance walking through the earth, scattering in rich profusion her blessings, and collecting her honors with her brow blooming with a wreath of glory and her pathway strewn with the offerings of gratitude, his bosom swells with joy, and overflows with thankfulness to him whose hand has set this brilliant gem in the coronet of his nation's character.
Then hail Sons of Temperance—let us ever keep in mind the noble principles of our order. A vast amount of work yet lies before us, and our rest remains only hereafter. Here we are to labor and toil, not as a duty or task, but as a pleasure and a privilege. Ever will we be ready to succor a distressed brother—do good to mankind as we have opportunity and teach all to shun the intoxicating cup, as they would the remorseless destroyer of their happiness. High on the tree of temperance exalt the emblems of our badge, Love, Purity and Fidelity. Cease not to industriously cultivate this tree, till its luxuriant branches spreading far and wide, all nations shall come and regale themselves beneath its cooling shade and partake of its healthful fruitage.
Here the Worthy Patriarch introduced to the large audience assembled, the Rev. A. JACKSON of Ithaca, as the speaker on the occasion.
The Reverend gentleman rose up before the audience, and in an address of about one hour, delivered one of the most eloquent and impressive appeals in favor of the cause of Temperance, that it has ever been our good fortune to listen to. We should do injustice to Mr. J. were we to attempt to give the substance of the address, all should have been present to have appreciated its convincing eloquence and power. Several points to us were entirely new. For instance: Its effect upon the business character of the nation. Intemperance is, indeed, seeking to tear man down from the high and exalted position to which he is attaining in the arts and sciences, and the various improvements of the day, by blasting and destroying his business habits and character. He also dwelt upon the mental, moral, and social evils of Intemperance, with much force, and concluded by an able and well-timed defense of the Order of the Sons. He believed that this Order was a child born, who although now in its infancy, was imparting power and strength to the Temperance movement, and was ere long to assume the entire control of the cause, and lead on the cohorts of Temperance to easy and certain victory. It was a Blucher that came to the aid of Wellington, and crowned him with success and victory. Many other things were alluded to, but our space admonishes us to hold. Mr. J. was listened to with marked attention throughout, and took his seat after having made the most happy impression upon the audience.
Mr. J. was followed by Mr. FIESTER, alias "Self Sharpener,'' who deserves more than a passing notice. Suffice it to say that the budgets of witticisms and anecdotes with which he abounded, and which he brought to his aid on this occasion, were all pungent, well applied, and laid close to the line.
Here the exercises were brought to a close, and the brethren, after marching back to their Room, dispersed in the best of feeling, and as we believe, favorably impressed with the proceedings of the day.
In the evening the citizens were again entertained by the "Self Sharpener," in true western style. He showed up the miserable policy of the licence power, and the short-sightedness of its projectors in a very clear manner. His remarks throughout, were calculated to strengthen the friends of Temperance, and to inspire them with new zeal and energy in the cause. After speaking about two hours, he retired from the stand, and the citizens dispersed to their various places of abode.
Thus ended the entire proceedings of the day, which we ardently hope may form an epoch in the history of the cause in this vicinity.
EDITORS TABLE.
◘ We hope our friends will not forget that Mr. F. H. ROBINSON is in town taking Daguerreotype Likenesses. Mr. R. is very successful in this art, and his specimens are beautiful and life-like. As he intends leaving town soon, those intending to get their faces taken off, had better call soon or they will lose their chance.
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.—The news from the seat of war is exciting universal attention, and the account of the battles which we publish to-day, will be read with interest. The great victories achieved by Gen. Scott over an enemy so much superior in point of numbers, is looked upon by all, as almost miraculous, The Mexicans rush into the fight, with armies more than doubling our own, seemingly conscious of victory, but such is the skill of the Americans, that their armies are swept away like frost work before the sun, and the enemy is obliged to retire in confusion, and witness the triumphant march of our armies to the very walls of their Capitol.
The people are now looking for the speedy termination of this long contracted war, in which so much blood and treasure have been expended. Peace propositions are now being considered by the Mexicans, the result of which is not yet known. We do hope, by our next issue, to be able to state that Peace has been established, and that this vexed war is at an end.
STATE FAIR.
Reports from Saratoga represent the attendance at the State Fair as unusually large. The place was literally jammed by spectators from all parts of the State.
The Ladies department is spoken of as very beautiful. The Floral department was also very rich and tasty, exciting the admiration of all.
The vegetable department is spoken of as very meagre, consisting only of Squashes, Corn, Beans, Tomatoes and a few other Articles not worth mentioning.
The fruit was good, and the quantity large.
The cattle that carried off the palm were of the Durham breed.
A pair of matched horses, owned by Mr. Otis of Jordan, will no doubt draw the first premium.
The greatest novelty of all, however, and which attracted the greatest notice at the Fair, was the Machine for hatching chickens. This, indeed, "beats all nature," but it is nevertheless a fact—chickens are hatched by machines, and are shelled out in batches of 1200 in about 21 days. The cost of these machines are from 20 to 40 dollars.
SCOTT'S BATTLES
And Victory Fully Confirmed.
Washington Despatches for Government was this morning received, intelligence heretofore received fully confirmed.
On the 20th ult., the American force of 7000 met the enemy at Charberses, 3 miles from the Capital.
The Mexicans were 32,000 strong and posted behind an immense battery of heavy artillery. After two hours most bloody conflict, our gallant troops swept everything before them, mainly at the point of the bayonet.
American loss less than 1,000—that of the Mexicans 5,000, and among the killed were many distinguished men, both generals and civilians.
An Armistice was agreed upon—five new commissioners on the part of the Mexicans, at the head of whom was Herrara. The commissioners have had two meetings and were to hold a third on the 30th.
Valencia escaped with two companies to Filucia, and has since pronounced against Santa Anna and the police officers.
Killed, regulars, Maj. Mills, of 15th artillery; Capt. Burke, 1st do.; Capt. Homan, 7th infantry; Capt. Thornton, 2d dragoons; Capt. Copson, 1st artillery; Capt. Quaby, 2d artillery; Capt. Anderson 2d infantry; Lt. Irons, 1st artillery; Lt. Preston Johnson, 1st do.; Lt. Early, 2d infantry; Lt. Woodman, 2d do.; Lt. Hossman, 1st artillery.
Volunteers, Lt. Chandler, N. Y. Regiment; Col. P. M. Autler. Lt. Adams, Lt. W. R Willing, South Carolina Regiment.
Terms of the armistice agreed upon were, the Commissioners shall negotiate terms of peace, neither party to reinforce nor build new defenses during the armistice; nor go beyond the present line. In short, the two armies are in no way to interfere with each other without 48 hours notice.
We regret to add the following in regard to Gen. Scott. Gen. Scott was himself wounded by a grape shot, which struck him on the outside of the leg below the knee. He experienced so little pain from it, however, at the time that he said nothing about it; but it has since become inflamed, and caused him much uneasiness.
The number of deserters was 72, to whom ample justice would not long be delayed. The official dispatches, owing probably to a failure of the New York mail, have not reached us.
CITY OF MEXICO, Aug. 21.
My dear friend: I am in the blackest of humors; I am overpowered by the most profound melancholy; the whole has gone to the devil. The Yankees—the hateful Yankees—have triumphed, because our inefficient generals cannot even command our soldiers. Generals Valencia and Santa Anna have been routed successively at the stone quarry at San Angel, and at the Cherubusco bridge; and Scott with his army occupies the hacienda of Portales, distant five miles from here.
The gang of miscreants would have occupied to-day, but General Santa Anna in order, as it is reported, to prevent such ignominy to the nation as to have the hateful flag of the stars waving over the palace of the Montezumas, has decided on hearing the proposal for peace from the United States commissioner; and, as a preliminary, to-morrow they will discuss the terms of an armistice. The commissioners on the part of our government are Generals Mora, Villamil, and Quijano.
Malediction and eternal hatred to the perversed, who have usurped the title of leaders to the nation only to head revolutions they promoted for their own aggrandizement, and to demoralize all classes of society. A shameful condition to us; for, without an army of public spirit, which has been deadened by civil dissensions, and in the face of the treasonable selfishness shown by the authorities of some of the States, what advantage is it possible to obtain from a proud enemy who is conscious of his power?
I will not continue discussing this point, because I feel my soul is burning with despair. Poor country! She has been buried in the mire by those of her sons that she most distinguished. [Unsigned.]
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