ABSTRACT
The advocates of teetotalism do regret that the astonishing progress of that great movement does not excite deeper feeling of interest in our public writers, so that all our population should be constantly informed of its progress in different localities. It is a movement which has already shed abroad more happiness in Ireland than any other which could be named, and it is calculated beyond any other
agency yet known, to elevate and enlighten the moral and intellectual character of our people. It is a movement which should interest all good men in its favour. I trust its advocates are not influenced by the paltry feelings of vanity which seek for personal notoriety, but that the noble feeling of anxiety to carry onward a great principle, conducive to human happiness, actuates them. It is for this purpose that I desire and entreat the more zealous cooperation of the press; I believe it cannot be more worthily or more usefully engaged; and I am sure its talented writers can readily invest our meetings with a constantly renewed and living interest. The advocates of teetotalism are often accused of overheated enthusiasm, but it is by men who do not witness our proceedings; who look coldly on at a distance, and who need to have their icy imaginations a little thawed under the enlivening influences of our open air meetings. They are noble meetings, they are glorious meetings. I hope the people will long appreciate their value, and that they will continue gladly and joyously to assemble at the call of the good men, Father Mathew28 and Father Spratt.29
