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Southland Times, Issue 732, 4 October 1867, Page 3

Teetotaxism in Ameeica. — Since the conclusion of the war teetotalism has made great- . progress in America. The most notable feature : is the increase of leading men from every State. On the 9th January, the reception of General G-rant was one of the most brilliant entertainments ever given in Washington. Kefreshmenta were served in great abundance ; but one of the most notable features of the occasion was that the only beverage served was iced-lemonade. On the I7th February, the first meeting of the Oongres-donal Temperance Society was held in the Hail of the House of Representatives, which was filled to overflowing, the distinguished Senator Wilson, of Massachusetts, presiding. Most of the Bpeakers were leading statesmen, amongst whom were Mr Speaker Colfax, Yates, of Illinois, and Representatives of every State in^/ the Union. This society is strongly in favor of the Maine Liquor Law, and are contesting the seats at the elections on temperance principles, with considerable success. — American paper. As an instance of what may happen to a man in ' Victoria, wetake the following from the " Argus" : — " Distress among Persons of Birth and Education.—To the Editor of the " Argus".— Sir,— Perhaps you will permit me to suggest that if some of your benevolent gentlemen would open , an office for the employment of distressed ladies and gentlemen, you would find that the number of applications would be enormous. Many^ reduced gentlemen would be glad to taise Bituationß in the bush, such as storekeeper or boundary '. rider on a station ; and there are numerous other. ' situations which a gentleman could fill as well as one of the lower class, with equal satisfaction to his employer and credit to hirnßelf. But I grieve to say that there is a dislike to employ on eta- . tions what are called broken-down swells. 1 hare - experienced it. Without friends or relatives in . the colony, I have fought my way for ten years, just managing to keep my head above water, during which time I have done everything, from breaking stones to teaching children. "I was formerly articled to a solicitor ; afterwards served six years in the army in India, and sold out to come to Australia, Micawber-like, waiting for something to turn up, which never does. After months of toil in the bush I came to town, and tried to obtain come employment suitable to toy previous status in society, but the want of some interest has always been the cause of my not succeeding, My last employment was a survey party, composed entirely, of gentlemen, exevpt the cook 5 the wages £1 pei'week, and the work don© was on on average seven mjleß per diem, for which our employer received £1 5s per utfte,*^ s*o, Sir* yews, &c., CAaxwiaiAsV