summaryrefslogtreecommitdiff
path: root/77878-0.txt
diff options
context:
space:
mode:
Diffstat (limited to '77878-0.txt')
-rw-r--r--77878-0.txt23278
1 files changed, 23278 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/77878-0.txt b/77878-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..14167a9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/77878-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,23278 @@
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77878 ***
+
+[Illustration: MRS. ANNIE WITTENMYER,
+
+First President Woman’s National Christian Temperance Union.]
+
+
+
+
+ HISTORY
+
+ OF THE
+
+ WOMAN’S TEMPERANCE
+
+ CRUSADE.
+
+ A Complete Official History of the Wonderful Uprising of the Christian
+ Women of the United States against the Liquor Traffic, which
+ culminated in the Gospel Temperance Movement.
+
+ BY MRS. ANNIE WITTENMYER.
+
+ AUTHOR OF “WOMAN’S WORK FOR JESUS,” “A JEWELED
+ MINISTRY,” ETC.
+
+ INTRODUCTION
+ BY MISS FRANCES E. WILLARD.
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ PUBLISHED BY
+ JAMES H. EARLE,
+ 178 WASHINGTON STREET,
+ BOSTON, MASS.
+
+
+
+
+ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1882, by
+ MRS. ANNIE WITTENMYER,
+ In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.
+
+ BOSTON
+ W. F. BROWN AND COMPANY, PRINTERS
+ 218 FRANKLIN STREET
+
+
+
+
+ TO
+
+ THE CHRISTIAN WOMEN,
+
+ _Who counted not their lives dear unto themselves, but followed
+ the Master into the Saloons, and Gambling Dens, and
+ homes of sin, and sorrow, and went joyfully
+ to prison for Christ’s sake_,
+
+ AND TO
+
+ THE WOMAN’S NATIONAL CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION,
+
+ THIS VOLUME
+
+ _IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY_
+
+ THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+This book is a carefully-prepared official history, of the wonderful
+movement known as the Woman’s Temperance Crusade.
+
+There has been no effort at literary excellence; yet many of the
+thrilling experiences narrated in these pages in simple words, will
+live in song and story as long as God and Truth are honored among the
+children of men.
+
+The women who walked with God in the fiery furnace of the Crusade have
+been allowed as far as possible to tell of their work in their own
+words, and they should be accorded a gracious hearing.
+
+In this record there are glimpses of home life, “like apples of gold
+in pictures of silver,” for these women are true home-makers; there
+are scenes in churches where the awful solemnity is broken only by
+the sobs of strong men, as women with lofty, heaven-born heroism, go
+out as God’s chosen leaders in this holy war; there are scenes in the
+streets, where bands of pure, true women, surrounded by a howling mob,
+kneel in the snow, and with the light of the excellent glory on their
+faces, pray as did their Master for just such another blaspheming,
+mocking mob: “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do,” and
+then out of the jaws of death, out of the mouth of hell, guided by an
+invisible hand, sheltered by unseen wings, pass through the jeering,
+filth-reeking, angry crowd, unharmed.
+
+There are many things in this book that will tax the credulity of the
+reader, but _the statements it contains are well-authenticated, and
+must be accepted as facts_. Nothing, perhaps, could be more incredible
+than the accounts, oft-repeated, of the base and cowardly indignities
+heaped upon American women, in their own land, by foreigners, who were
+protected in their outrages by the stars and stripes, for which many of
+these women had given their husbands, sons and brothers.
+
+The liquor traffic of this country is mainly in the hands of a low
+class of foreigners, and they are responsible for all the mobs, and
+nearly all the insults offered to the Christian women engaged in the
+Crusade.
+
+These pages have been prayerfully written, and the facts they contain
+are earnestly commended to all who love God, and Truth, and Justice.
+
+ ANNIE WITTENMYER.
+
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS.
+
+
+ Page
+
+INTRODUCTION 13
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+The Outlook at the Beginning of the Crusade 25
+
+The Nation Living on her own Vitals 28
+
+A Calcium Light turned on the Liquor Traffic 32
+
+
+OHIO.
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+The Beginning of the Crusade in Ohio 34
+
+Response to Dr. Lewis’ Appeal 36
+
+Mrs. Thompson’s Story 37
+
+The First Saloon Prayer-Meeting 40
+
+A Saloon-Keeper in Tears 41
+
+Battle with Dunn, the Druggist 42
+
+A Lawyer Confounded by Prayer 43
+
+Prayer answered after Fifty Years 48
+
+Baptized in Whiskey 50
+
+Victory at Washington Court-House 51
+
+Kneeling in the Snow 52
+
+A Furious Dutchman 56
+
+Facing the Dealer and his Lawyer 59
+
+Surrender of every Saloon 61
+
+Wine banished from State Dinners in Ohio 63
+
+The Work in Wilmington 64
+
+A General Surrender 72
+
+New Vienna 79
+
+Kenton, Gallipolis, and Greenfield 84
+
+Franklin 86
+
+Morrow 87
+
+Oxford 94
+
+McArthur 95
+
+Georgetown 96
+
+Logan 98
+
+McConnelsville 102
+
+Marysville 103
+
+Findley 105
+
+Jamestown 111
+
+Mount Vernon 112
+
+Warren 115
+
+Steubenville 118
+
+Youngstown 119
+
+Alliance 125
+
+New Philadelphia 149
+
+
+OHIO.
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Cleveland 152
+
+Ladies Beaten by a Mob 154
+
+A Mock Prayer-Meeting 156
+
+Fierce Dogs subdued by Prayer 156
+
+Millersburg 167
+
+Zanesville 168
+
+Painesville 170
+
+Ladies Imprisoned in a Saloon 171
+
+Ashland 175
+
+Bellevue 176
+
+Bucyrus 177
+
+A Drunken Mob 190
+
+Brutal Treatment of the Ladies by the Police 196
+
+Arrest of the Ladies 203
+
+Tried and Condemned 204
+
+Elyria 206
+
+Athens 215
+
+Columbus 220
+
+Indignities offered to the Ladies 221
+
+Meeting in the State House 224
+
+Van Wert 225
+
+Cincinnati 228
+
+A Crusade Dog 230
+
+Meeting at the Esplanade 232
+
+Cannon brought out 235
+
+The Mayor knocked down by the Mob 238
+
+Forty-three Ladies Arrested 240
+
+The Story of the White Shoes and White Dresses 244
+
+What a Picture did 248
+
+Clyde 251
+
+Cedarville 252
+
+Marietta 255
+
+Xenia 258
+
+Waynesville 263
+
+New Concord 267
+
+Ravenna and Marion 273
+
+West Union and Felicity 278
+
+Lebanon 279
+
+Grandville 280
+
+Leesburg and Blanchester 282
+
+Goshen, Zaleski, and Troy 282
+
+Mansfield 283
+
+Ripley 294
+
+Tiffin 296
+
+Bellefontaine 298
+
+Springfield 301
+
+Newark 310
+
+Urbana 318
+
+Dayton 323
+
+Piqua 329
+
+Circleville 330
+
+Madisonville and Delaware 332
+
+Portsmouth 334
+
+Stryker 337
+
+Chillicothe 339
+
+
+INDIANA.
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Shelbyville 341
+
+Jeffersonville 348
+
+Chestertown 356
+
+Thorntown 363
+
+Crawfordsville 366
+
+Evansville 368
+
+Madison 377
+
+Indianapolis 391
+
+Richmond 396
+
+
+ILLINOIS.
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+Chicago 399
+
+Visit to the City Council 401
+
+A Mob of Five or Six Thousand 402
+
+Origin of the Daily Temperance Prayer-Meeting 405
+
+Jacksonville 412
+
+Rockford 417
+
+Bloomington 421
+
+Moline 424
+
+
+WEST VIRGINIA.
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Wheeling 442
+
+Visit to Laramie’s Variety Theatre 444
+
+Laramie’s Harangue 445
+
+Visit to the Dancing Girls 447
+
+Laramie’s Den Closed 448
+
+Savegaut’s Brutal Treatment of the Ladies 449
+
+A Dealer Checkmated 450
+
+Captain Jack and Temperance 451
+
+
+DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 452
+
+A Saloon closed by the Judgments of God 455
+
+Forgeries in obtaining Licenses 457
+
+Securing the President’s Veto 458
+
+Distinguished Paupers in the Poor-House 459
+
+
+PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Pittsburgh 465
+
+First Arrest of the Ladies 469
+
+Their Acquittal 470
+
+Rearrested and taken to Jail 471
+
+A Mob--The Ladies Arrested the Third Time 472
+
+Carried to the Court of Common Pleas 473
+
+Acquitted--Singing and Praying not Unlawful 475
+
+The Acting Mayor in the Penitentiary 476
+
+Allegheny 478
+
+Williamsport 482
+
+Judgments meted out 484
+
+Blossburg 487
+
+Warren 488
+
+Philadelphia 491
+
+A Graduate of Yale Redeemed 498
+
+God can Save a Tramp 499
+
+A Marvellous Answer to Prayer 500
+
+Montrose 504
+
+Susquehanna and Troy 505
+
+Ashley 506
+
+
+NEW YORK.
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Fredonia 507
+
+First Visit to Saloons 509
+
+Auburn 511
+
+Plattsburg 512
+
+Albany 514
+
+Syracuse 516
+
+Rochester 518
+
+Oswego 520
+
+Hornellsville 525
+
+Utica 527
+
+Rome 531
+
+New York City 533
+
+A Scene to melt the hardest Heart 538
+
+Meetings in a Dance-House 540
+
+The Walls about New York City 543
+
+Brooklyn 544
+
+A Strange Telegram 546
+
+A Man Redeemed 548
+
+Every Saloon closed where they held Prayer-Meetings 551
+
+Captain Oliver Cotter’s Conversion 553
+
+The Wonderful Saloon Prayer-Meeting 554
+
+Binghampton 557
+
+Poughkeepsie 559
+
+Geneva 563
+
+Peekskill 565
+
+
+VERMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND R. ISLAND.
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+VERMONT. 569
+
+No Saloons in St. Johnsbury 570
+
+Mechanics growing Rich 571
+
+Schemes to evade the Law 572
+
+St. Albans 573
+
+
+NEW HAMPSHIRE.
+
+Concord 575
+
+Portsmouth 578
+
+Presentation of Flags to Sailors 580
+
+
+RHODE ISLAND. 581
+
+Visiting the Saloons in Pawtucket 583
+
+A Visit to the Legislature 585
+
+The Ladies Victorious 586
+
+Reform Club Movement 588
+
+
+MASSACHUSETTS.
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+Convention at Worcester 591
+
+The Results of Work 592
+
+Protest against Wine-Drinking at Public Dinners 594
+
+Interview with the Mayor 595
+
+Memorial of W. C. T. U. 596
+
+The Response of the Mayor 598
+
+Action of the City Council 604
+
+
+MAINE.
+
+Bangor 605
+
+Petition to the City Council 606
+
+Establishment of a Club and Reading-Room 607
+
+Reformation of Dr. Henry A. Reynolds 608
+
+Augusta 609
+
+Stroudwater 611
+
+Portland 614
+
+Opening of a Friendly Inn 616
+
+Flower and Diet Missions 617
+
+Old Orchard 618
+
+
+MICHIGAN.
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Adrian 619
+
+Lansing 625
+
+Jackson 627
+
+Grand Rapids 631
+
+Cold Water and Eaton Rapids 633
+
+New Boston 635
+
+Portland 641
+
+Howell 642
+
+Allegan 643
+
+Ionia 645
+
+Hudson 647
+
+Morenci 649
+
+Flint 650
+
+Leslie 651
+
+Dowagiac 653
+
+Colon 655
+
+
+WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI.
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+WISCONSIN.
+
+Ripon 657
+
+Invitation to a Saloon 658
+
+Praying in Underground Rooms 660
+
+A Druggist driven away 662
+
+Josh and the Election 663
+
+Indignities offered 665
+
+
+MINNESOTA 667
+
+
+IOWA 668
+
+Manchester 670
+
+Wilton Junction 674
+
+Villisca 677
+
+Vinton 678
+
+Clinton 680
+
+
+MISSOURI 683
+
+Carthage 684
+
+
+CALIFORNIA AND OREGON.
+
+
+CALIFORNIA 687
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Victory at Oakland 688
+
+Mob at Alameda 689
+
+A Reign of Terror 690
+
+Sallie Hart Assailed 690
+
+An Old Lady Insulted 691
+
+Effigy of Sallie Hart Buried 692
+
+German Liquor-Dealers Responsible 693
+
+Statement of Rev. O. Gibson 695
+
+Affidavit of Officer Krauth 697
+
+
+OREGON 698
+
+Visit to Moffett’s Saloon 699
+
+An Irate German 700
+
+Brutality of the Police 702
+
+Mob at Moffett’s 703
+
+Pistols, Knives, and Gongs 704
+
+The Ladies Arrested 705
+
+The Trial 706
+
+Convicted 708
+
+The Ladies Protest 709
+
+Sent to Prison 710
+
+Driven from the Jail 711
+
+Encouraging Words 712
+
+Murder in a Saloon 713
+
+
+NEW JERSEY.
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Newark 716
+
+The Drunken Engineer Saved 717
+
+A Drunken Tailor Redeemed 718
+
+A Miracle of Grace 719
+
+Giving up Rum and Tobacco 720
+
+Reform Club Organized 721
+
+Delirium Tremens Cured 724
+
+A Drunken Husband Reached 725
+
+Roseville 727
+
+Lambertville and Rahway 731
+
+Jersey City 732
+
+Mt. Holly and New Brunswick 733
+
+Hackettstown 733
+
+Trenton 734
+
+
+MARYLAND 736
+
+The Wail of Women and Children 737
+
+Organization 738
+
+State Convention 739
+
+The English Sailor-Boy 740
+
+Farewell Meeting for Mrs. Parker 741
+
+Smallest of the Polished Stones 742
+
+The Tryst of Maryland 743
+
+
+CONNECTICUT.
+
+New Milford 745
+
+The Battle--License or No License 746
+
+Eastford 748
+
+Plainville 750
+
+New Haven 754
+
+Stafford 755
+
+Ministers Stoned 756
+
+Bridgeport 756
+
+Hartford 758
+
+
+DELAWARE 760
+
+Visit to the Legislature 761
+
+I made him what he was 762
+
+A Dealer Confounded 763
+
+Mass-Meetings at Wilmington 763
+
+
+OUTLOOK AFTER THE CRUSADE.
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+The Watchword 764
+
+The Pulpit 765
+
+Sunday-Schools 765
+
+International Medical Congress 766
+
+Correspondence of W. C. T. U. 766
+
+Views of Drs. Mussey and Rush 767
+
+Answer of International Congress 768
+
+Alcohol Ruled out of its cherished Place 769
+
+Important Advancement 770
+
+What the Crusade was 771
+
+Relation of Foreign Emigration to the Liquor Traffic 771
+
+Nationality of Dealers in Philadelphia 772
+
+Nationality of Prisoners and Paupers 773
+
+Outrages that stir Patriotic Blood 774
+
+Political Corruption 775
+
+The Bartender to Manage Election Matters 776
+
+Sabbath Desecration 777
+
+President Hayes’ View of the Bible 778
+
+Personal Liberty 779
+
+Hedged about by Law 780
+
+Work, and Pray, and Wait 781
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+Ours is a famous country for protection. There is the tariff to protect
+industry, while the patent laws are a safeguard to invention. There
+are the land grants for railroads, subsidies for steamship companies,
+charters for corporations. In many of the States we have societies for
+the prevention of cruelty to animals, and in nearly all, laws for the
+protection of game. Busy with all these gentle, wise, and patriotic
+measures, there is one place our brothers have forgotten adequately to
+protect, and that is--Home. The Women’s Temperance Crusade, embalmed
+in the pages that follow, was a protest against this forgetfulness and
+this neglect. It was the wild cry of the defenceless and despairing,
+whose echo rose to Heaven and still resounds in every ear that is not
+deaf. At the height of that wonderful uprising, a sweet-voiced Quaker
+woman led her band to the chief saloon in an Ohio village. “What
+business have you to come here?” roared the affrighted dealer. Going to
+the bar she laid her Bible down and said: “Thee knows I had five sons
+and twenty grandsons, and thee knows that many of them learned to drink
+right in this place, and one went forth from here maddened with wine
+and blew his brains out with a pistol ball; and can’t thee let his
+mother lay her Bible on the counter whence her boy took up the glass,
+and read thee what God says: ‘_Woe unto him that puts the bottle to his
+neighbor’s lips?_’”
+
+The saloon-keeper had but to point to the wall behind him, where hung
+his “License to sell,” bearing the names of prominent citizens of the
+village, and emblazoned with the escutcheon of the Commonwealth. They
+all met in that little scene--Gospel and Law, man’s failure, woman’s
+grief; while the reason why, and the place in which they met, gave
+ample answer to the question heard so often: _What did the Crusade
+mean?_
+
+There is another question quite as often asked: _What did the Crusade
+do?_ One of its leaders made this reply to the Temperance Sojourner,
+who writes these lines: “Well, let me answer from my own experience.
+Until it swept over our place, though I had lived there twenty years,
+I knew so little about this drinking business that I couldn’t have
+pointed out a saloon in the whole town. I thought the queer-looking
+places with blinds and screens were barber-shops. Since then I
+have found out that they are shops where men get shaved--not of
+their beards, but of their honor. Since then, too, I took my little
+four-year-old boy to market with me one morning, and feeling his clasp
+of my hand tighten, I looked down and saw his head turned backward
+apprehensively. ‘Why, Willie, what’s the matter?’ I exclaimed. There
+were volumes of meaning in the reproachful roll of his solemn blue eyes
+as he whispered: ‘Didn’t mamma know that her little boy was a-passin’
+a saloon?’ Surely it was the crowning achievement of the Crusade that
+it opened the eyes of millions of women and children in this land to
+the existence and the dangers of the rum-shop. In consequence of this
+the public finger points to-day with imperious gesture at the saloon,
+and woman’s voice in tones of irresistible persuasion cries, ‘Look
+there!’”
+
+What did the Crusade do? Take another illustration. In front of a
+saloon that had refused them entrance, knelt a crusading group. Their
+leader was also the most prominent Methodist lady of the community.
+Her head was crowned with the glory of gray hairs; her hands were
+clasped, her sweet and gentle voice was lifted up in prayer. Around her
+knelt the flower of all the churches of that city--Congregationalists,
+Baptists, Presbyterians--many of whom had never worked outside their
+own denominations until now. At the close, an Episcopal lady offered
+the Lord’s prayer, in which joined Unitarians, Swedenborgians, and
+Universalists; and when they had finished, a dear old lady in the
+dove-colored garb of the Friends’ Society was moved to pray, while all
+the time below them on the curbstone’s edge knelt Bridget with her
+beads and her Ave Marie.
+
+“Going out on the street” signified a good deal when one comes to think
+about it. First of all, it meant stepping outside the denominational
+fence, which, properly enough, surrounds one’s home. The Crusaders felt
+that “unity of the Spirit” was the one essential, nor feared to join
+hands with any who had the Bible and the temperance pledge for the two
+articles in their “Confession of Faith”--who rallied to the tune of
+“Rock of Ages cleft for me,” or had for their watchword: “Not willing
+that any should perish.”
+
+Best of all, “going out on the street” brought women face to face
+with the world’s misery and sin. And here I may be pardoned a bit of
+personal reminiscence. Never can I forget the day I met the great
+unwashed, untaught, ungospelled multitude for the first time. Need I
+say it was the Crusade that opened before me, as before ten thousand
+other women, this wide, “effectual door?” It was in Pittsburgh, the
+summer after the Crusade. Greatly had I wished to have a part in it,
+but this one experience was my first and last of “going out with a
+band.” A young teacher from the public schools, whose custom it was
+to give an hour twice each week to crusading, walked arm-in-arm with
+me. Two school-ma’ms together, we fell into the procession behind the
+experienced campaigners. On Market street we entered a saloon the
+proprietor of which, pointing to several men who were fighting in the
+next room, begged us to leave, and we did so at once, amid the curses
+of the bacchanalian group. Forming in line on the curbstone’s edge in
+front of this saloon, we knelt, while an old lady, to whose son that
+place had proved the gate of death, offered a prayer full of tenderness
+and faith, asking God to open the eyes of those who, just behind that
+screen, were selling liquid fire and breathing curses on his name. We
+rose, and what a scene was there! The sidewalk was lined by men with
+faces written all over and interlined with the record of their sin and
+shame. Soiled with “the slime from the muddy banks of time,” tattered,
+dishevelled, there was not a sneering look or a rude word or action
+from any one of them. Most of them had their hats off; many looked
+sorrowful; some were in tears; and standing there in the roar and
+tumult of that dingy street, with that strange crowd looking into our
+faces--with a heart stirred as never until now by human sin and shame,
+I joined in the sweet gospel song:
+
+ “Jesus the water of life will give
+ Freely, freely, freely!”
+
+Just such an epoch as that was in my life, has the Crusade proved to
+a mighty army of women all over this land. Does anybody think that,
+having learned the blessedness of carrying Christ’s gospel to those
+who never come to church to hear the messages we are all commanded
+to “Go, tell,” we shall ever lay down this work? Not until the genie
+of the Arabian Nights crowds himself back into the fabulous kettle
+whence he escaped by expanding his pinions in nebulous bars--not
+until then! To-day and every day they go forth on their beautiful
+errands--the “Protestant nuns” who a few years ago were among the
+“anxious and aimless” of our crowded population, or who belonged to
+trades and professions overfull--and with them go the women fresh from
+the sacred home-hearth and cradle-side, wearing the halo of these
+loving ministries. If you would find them, go not alone to the costly
+churches which now welcome their voices, while to those who are “at
+ease in Zion” they gently speak of the great, whitened harvest. But
+go to blacksmith shop and billiard hall, to public reading-room and
+depot waiting-room, to the North End in Boston, Water street, New
+York, the Bailey coffee-houses of Philadelphia, the Friendly Inns of
+Cleveland, the Woman’s Temperance Room of Cincinnati, and Lower Farwell
+Hall, Chicago, and you will find the glad tidings declared by the new
+“apostolic succession,” dating from the Pentecost of the Crusade.
+
+There is another question often asked, to which this thought of woman’s
+temperance work conducts us, viz.: _What is the Crusade doing now?_
+
+Those who ask it with supercilious glance furnish an added illustration
+of the immense power of the human mind to resist knowledge.
+
+ “John Brown’s body lies a-mouldering in the grave,
+ But his soul is marching on.”
+
+Just so with the Crusade. It has come and it has gone--that whirlwind
+of the Lord--but it has set forces in motion which each day become more
+potent, and will sweep on until the rum power in America is overthrown.
+There was but one Pentecost; doubtless history will record but one
+Crusade.
+
+A phenomenon no less remarkable, though certainly much less remarked,
+has succeeded that wonderful uprising--indeed, is aptly termed its
+sober, second thought. This is the phenomenon of _organization_. The
+women who went forth by an impulse sudden, irresistible, divine, to
+pray in the saloons, became convinced, as weeks and months passed by,
+theirs was to be no easily-won victory. The enemy was rich beyond
+their power to comprehend. He had upon his side the majesty of law,
+the trickery of politics, and the leagued strength of that almost
+invincible pair--Appetite, Avarice. He was persistent, too, as Fate.
+He had determined to fight it out on that line to the last dollar of
+his enormous treasure-house, and the last ounce of his power. But these
+women of the Crusade believed in God, and in themselves as among his
+appointed instruments for the destruction of the rum power. They loved
+Christ’s cause; they loved the native land that had been so mindful of
+them; they loved their sweet and sacred homes. And so it came about
+that, though they had gone forth only as skirmishers, they soon fell
+into line of battle; though they had innocently hoped to overcome the
+enemy by a sudden assault, they buckled on the armor for the long
+campaign. The Women’s Praying Bands, earnest, impetuous, inspired,
+became the Women’s Temperance Unions, firm, patient, persevering.
+The Praying Bands were without leadership save that which inevitably
+results from the survival of the fittest; the Women’s Unions are
+regularly officered. The first wrought their grand pioneer work in
+sublime indifference to prescribed forms of procedure; “So say we,
+all of us,” being the spirit of “motions” often “made, seconded and
+carried” by the Chair, while the assembled women nodded their earnest
+acquiescence; the second are possessed of good strong “Constitutions”
+(with By-Laws annexed), and follow their “Order of Business” with a
+dutiful regard to parliamentary usage. The Praying Bands, looking for
+immediate deliverance, pressed their numbers into incessant service;
+the Women’s Unions, aware that the battle is to be a long one, ask
+their members only for such help as can be given consistently with
+other duties. Enthusiasm--“a God in us”--enabled the Praying Bands
+to accomplish prodigies; patient purpose, with the same faith that
+inspired the Crusade, is conducting the Unions to victory--distant, but
+sure. To-day twenty-three States are organized, with thousands of local
+auxiliaries, and all confederated in a National Union.
+
+It is safe to say that never did any form of philanthropic work afford
+scope for so great diversity of talent and of method as this branch
+of the temperance reform “of the women, by the women.” In the days of
+the Crusade a dear old grandmother said: “I’m of no use except to go
+along and cry,” and in the same spirit a negro servant said to the
+lady for whom she worked: “I be’ant good for much, but I kin hold the
+ole ombereller over you;” and even the family dog sometimes walked
+with stately step beside his mistress as she lead her “Band.” So, in
+these blessed days that have succeeded, and which have brought such
+inspiration to our lives that “I’m glad I’m alive!” is a frequent
+exclamation, there is a place that seems “just made on purpose” for
+every honest heart and helpful hand. Some feel a special call to the
+gospel work, and others to the execution of the law; some give their
+time to organizing Unions, others to canvassing for subscribers to our
+paper; some raise money, others raise the tone of public sentiment;
+some work among the children, others labor for the men who drink and
+sell, and all are warmly welcomed and find abundant “elbow-room.”
+
+It was the great Iconoclast, that wonderful Crusade! It broke down
+sectarian barriers; it taught women their power to transact business,
+to mould public opinion by public utterance, to influence the decisions
+of voters, and opened the eyes of scores and hundreds to the need of
+the Republic for the suffrages of women, and made them willing to take
+up for their homes and country’s sake the burdens of that citizenship
+they would never have sought for their own.
+
+But best of all, it revealed to the mothers and daughters in our Israel
+their opportunity and duty to employ the growing leisure which our
+advancing civilization and multiplied mechanical contrivances afford
+them, in building up Christ’s empire on the earth. It is a very plain,
+practical matter to help organize the kingdom of heaven in a human
+breast. It is a business enterprise based on an eminently practical
+treatise known as the New Testament. Replace the brandy flask in the
+pocket of a drinking man by the Bible--get him to read with sincere
+wish to understand the words that are spirit and life, and you have
+set in motion the forces of a new dispensation in his heart. You have
+built him up within instead of propping him from without. To give him
+a loaf of bread, if hungry, would be a good thing, but to put him on
+track of getting one for himself by feeding him with heavenly bread,
+is better. To put a broken arm in a sling is a kind act, but if one
+could by an electric touch make that arm whole, that were the supreme
+benefaction, and analogous to that is the loving “gospel work” by which
+we help to enthrone conscience and enshrine Christ in a man’s soul. The
+process is plain and simple as the Rule of Three. The geometric formula
+that “all the angles of a triangle equal two right angles” is not
+more demonstrable upon the blackboard than this rule is demonstrable
+in a life, namely: Prayer will cause a man to cease from sinning,
+as sin will cause a man to cease from prayer. The whole problem of
+“how to do it” was wrought out over and over again by the women of
+the Crusade. They proved anew to the great church militant that its
+solution involves, and ever must, the individualism of Christ’s own
+way of working; that “the masses” are to be lifted up one by one, and
+not otherwise. It is a question of contact. It is “elbow heathen” the
+Crusaders reached, just because they found them at their elbows. They
+acted on the principle that the man and woman in the next alley to us
+are a part of our parish in the geographical nature of things. Some
+people spend a lifetime chasing after “the masses,” and are in such hot
+pursuit they cannot stop to capture the unit of the mass--and that’s
+the nearest and the neediest man. The masses elude us; the next door
+neighbor couldn’t if he would, and wouldn’t if he could. The masses
+are a glittering generality; the man, poor, needy, wicked, sad, is a
+most unglittering fact. It is the way an army is recruited--one by one;
+it is the way commerce marches across a continent and captures it for
+civilization--one by one; it is the way Christ’s church adds to its
+members, and heaven to its souls--one by one. And first, best, and
+most sacred of the lessons taught by the Crusade, was _this lesson of
+individual work for Christ_, which must be learned by every disciple
+before Christ comes as King in government, in society and individual
+life.
+
+Travelling through Ohio two years ago, and resting for a night in some
+dear temperance woman’s home, how many times I said: “Now talk to me
+of the Crusade,” and how significantly uniform was the reply: “O, that
+was something only to be felt and lived; to be wept and prayed over--it
+wasn’t to be told.”
+
+But as you, dear sisters of Ohio, Indiana, and other States both
+east and west, were helped to do a work so wonderful, even so, as I
+believe, has our dear President of the National Union, which grew out
+of the Crusade, been helped to be its faithful Chronicler. We, who
+can but claim to be eleventh-hour laborers at best, may never see the
+passion flower that burst into such splendid bloom before your eyes,
+but evermore we shall be grateful to her whose patient hands gathered
+up its scattered petals and preserved them for the herbarium of our
+memory. Nay, not for ours alone. Posterity will listen to the story
+and place its heroines in the Pantheon of undying fame. And yet how
+well I know you have not wrought for this; nor is it a regret to you
+that, as in this History our friend has written, so in later times the
+record shall embalm your deeds, but not your names. One human life and
+work signifies little to the world. But O, if we have tried to bless
+the lives about us, whether in the sweet evangelism of our homes or in
+the grand philanthropies by which society becomes the foster-parent
+of thousands who are worse than motherless, we shall not have lived
+in vain. Wherever in the nobler future of the land we love, there are
+safe and happy homes, they will be safer and more happy because we have
+lived and toiled. Wherever little children grow to maturity with less
+to lure them into sin, and tempted manhood finds more helpful hands
+outstretched to save, there we shall still be blessing, there we shall
+still be blessed, though our names may be forgotten. O, “may we join
+the choir invisible,” whose voices, sounding onward through the ages,
+shall speak to sad humanity of Him who yesterday, to-day, forever,
+abides the same!
+
+ “In the cross of Christ I glory,
+ Towering o’er the wreck of time;
+ All that’s bright in human story
+ Radiates from its form divine!”
+
+ FRANCES E. WILLARD.
+
+ CHICAGO,
+
+[Illustration: MISS FRANCES E. WILLARD,
+
+First Corresponding Secretary Woman’s National Christian Temperance
+Union.
+
+Elected President in 1879.]
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY
+
+OF THE
+
+WOMEN’S TEMPERANCE CRUSADE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE OUTLOOK AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CRUSADE.
+
+
+We are a nation of God’s own right-hand planting. The Lord has given
+us a goodly heritage--a land literally flowing with milk and honey. It
+is estimated that our grain fields are broad and rich enough to supply
+the people of all nations with bread. We have mineral wealth in rich
+abundance; and cotton, and flax, and wool, and silks and furs with
+which to clothe ourselves in royal apparel. Our scheme of government
+is wise, and just, and humane--the best that was ever vouchsafed to
+any people. And God has been with us in his providence in a marked and
+wonderful manner; so that all our enemies have been subdued before
+us by the breath of his power. At his word steam has lent her wings,
+and the lightnings their voice, and heaven spread the wires of her
+whispering gallery, like a network, over the continent, to help on the
+cause of liberty and human progress.
+
+Under these favorable circumstances, we might have been the strongest
+and richest nation in the world had not our rulers in their unwisdom
+encouraged the liquor traffic, and adopted a scheme of raising public
+revenue in connection therewith which has been destructive to our
+moral, industrial, and financial interests.
+
+To avoid imposing a direct tax for the support of the government,
+Congress in 1794 recognized and taxed the liquor traffic as a branch of
+commerce. State legislatures soon followed the same unwise and suicidal
+course. From that time on, protected and encouraged by the government,
+which shared in its spoils, the traffic in intoxicating drinks
+increased rapidly. In 1873, the beginning of the crusade, according
+to the estimate of Dr. Young, Chief of the Bureau of Statistics, our
+annual drink bill reached the enormous sum of $600,000,000! This was
+an annual tax of over $15 per capita for every man, woman, and child
+in the country. If the government had levied a direct tax to secure
+the amount she realized from this business, the cost to the people
+per capita would have been less than $1.80 instead of $15. And then
+the government would have saved the immense sum expended annually in
+sustaining a standing army of revenue officers, detectives, and gaugers
+required in connection with the liquor business.
+
+This enormous tax, which reached all grades of society, fell heaviest
+on the laboring classes--upon those who could not afford to pay it;
+and poverty and ruin came to millions. The whole land was filled
+with beggary and crime, and a bitter wail of want and woe without
+surcease went up to God. Millions who ought to have been producers and
+bread-winners, became consumers, tramps and criminals. Men, mad with
+strong drink, reeled through the streets; women, grown old before their
+time, toiled in their comfortless homes in dumb despair, and little
+half-starved children hid away in fear from their brutal fathers. It
+was with us as it was with the Egyptians--there was one dead in almost
+every house.
+
+But the liquor-dealers were so intrenched behind law, so sheltered
+in politics, so guarded and sustained by the government, that they
+were an oligarchy that could dictate to statesmen, and control
+legislatures, and defy public sentiment. Restrictive laws in most
+of the states were weak and inoperative, and the demand for “free
+rum” and a “free Sabbath” was fierce and loud, and many of the old
+barriers against drunkenness and lewdness and crime were being broken
+down. The government of our large cities was largely in the hands of
+liquor-dealers or the creatures of their choice, and the police force
+under their control; many of the courts were overawed or corrupted;
+Justice was perverted, and Right and Truth trampled under foot. There
+was no redress anywhere for those who had been wronged and ruined by
+the liquor traffic; for the liquor oligarchy, which was largely made up
+of foreigners, had the government by the throat, and compelled her “to
+drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
+
+Spies were in the secret chambers of the government; men high in
+places of trust guarded the liquor interests; enormous frauds were
+planned and carried forward year after year; men who ought to have been
+in the penitentiary were lobbying their schemes for plunder through
+legislative bodies; the air of the national council chamber was reeking
+with alcohol and tobacco. There seemed no hope for us or our country.
+Congress was so much under the influence of the rum power that they
+refused even to look into the matter when “a commission of inquiry” was
+asked for by _hundreds of thousands of the best people in the land_,
+lest they should give offence to the liquor oligarchy. Party managers
+were careful to lay down their platforms so that liquor-dealers could
+stand securely on every plank, no matter how many honest, worthy
+citizens were crowded off.
+
+_The nation was living on her own vitals._ For every thousand dollars
+received from the liquor oligarchy, the government sacrificed one of
+her own citizens. Sixty millions of dollars received--sixty thousand
+men sacrificed annually on this putrid altar of sin.
+
+This was asserted over and over again till the whole land rang with it,
+but the government was too much under the control of liquor-dealers,
+who counselled silence and secrecy, to investigate the charge.
+Legislatures cowering before the liquor power spent their time making
+laws for the protection of the beasts of the field, and the birds of
+the air, and the fishes of the sea, while thousands of men and women
+who were “of more value than many sparrows” were going down to death.
+Men were fined for allowing Canada thistles to grow on their land,
+but saloons were allowed to scatter the thistle-down of profanity,
+lewdness, theft, robbery and murder broadcast. And any attempt to stop
+the ruinous work was branded by liquor-dealers as a gross usurpation of
+authority.
+
+So the people were intimidated, and the drink curse fitted down into
+every fold of society, and rested like a heavy, crushing weight on
+every heart and home. The darkness was intense. None but the angels of
+God, whose wings of light parted the clouds of gloom as they came down
+on errands of mercy--none but the white-robed saints, who went with
+weary feet bearing the lamp of truth into the habitations of cruelty,
+into the saloons, and brothels and jails--knew, or guessed half of the
+sin and sorrow curtained away behind the black folds of the liquor
+traffic.
+
+The slaves of appetite were not the only ones who writhed beneath the
+iron heel of rum, and felt its hellish, fiery breath. The innocent
+suffered with the guilty. This black, fathomless gulf of death swept
+right alongside of Christian homes, and children trained in the lessons
+of truth with loving care, consecrated at family altars and in the
+church, were swept away from purity, home, mother and heaven, and
+cursing God, went down, down with the mighty throng into the dark abyss
+of a drunkard’s grave and a drunkard’s hell.
+
+The church, in the presence of these evils she was commissioned to
+overthrow, was criminally silent and inactive, and many of the watchmen
+on the walls of Zion were dumb, and gave no warning voice when they saw
+the approach of the enemy.
+
+Temperance was not popular. Many who were abstainers said: “It is folly
+to war against the drink system; men will sell as long as men will
+drink, and no power can stop men from drinking.” Temperance societies
+that had labored heroically for nearly a half century were holding
+their own against fearful odds--fighting the battle single-handed.
+
+The women were hopeless. Oh, the agony, the tears, the sleepless
+nights, the heart-breaking anguish that wives and mothers suffered
+during those long, bitter years of sorrow and silence, when few seemed
+to care that the demon had come into their houses and was doing his
+bloody work. When their hearts were breaking, if they cried out in
+their agony or ventured a protest in the saloon or court, the liquor
+oligarchy howled them down with the “mad dog cry” of “Strong-minded,”
+“Unwomanly,” “Go home, old woman, and mend your husband’s breeches,”
+“Go home and darn your stockings;” and the world joined in the
+laugh of scorn, and the church made no defence of the wronged and
+broken-hearted. And so the money that ought to have come to them to
+buy new clothing, went into the tills of the liquor-dealers, and they
+stayed at home till the home was gone, and mended garments till there
+were no garments to mend. No pen can portray the utter hopelessness of
+the women into whose homes the drink curse had come. The men who had
+sworn at the altar to protect and honor them had become demons from
+whom they fled in fear; the white-souled children they had nurtured
+with tenderest care, and cradled with prayer and Christian song, had
+become loathsome sots, too low and brutish for companionship. They
+had been robbed of all--property, social position, brothers, husbands,
+sons, love and hope.
+
+Nor were their more fortunate sisters free from care. The gulf of ruin
+was near each door, and an undefined dread, an awful foreboding, was in
+the heart of every thoughtful wife and mother lest all she loved should
+be swallowed up in its black depths.
+
+Countless unspoken prayers went up to God. Women weeping and praying
+through the long night-watches appealed their cause, lost in so many of
+the courts of earth, to the _Supreme Court_ of Heaven.
+
+Suddenly the world was startled by a flash of heavenly light. Hands of
+faith had touched the hem of power, and a mighty spiritual swirl came
+down upon the people. Christian women, many of whom had never spoken or
+prayed in their own churches, under this Pentecostal baptism went into
+the streets and saloons preaching the gospel of Christ, and the people
+gathered by thousands to listen to the truths that fell from their lips.
+
+The air seemed surcharged with spiritual forces. The angel of the Lord
+that John the Revelator saw was before the altar, “and there was given
+him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all
+saints upon the altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the
+incense which came with the prayers of all saints ascended up before
+God out of the angel’s hand.
+
+“And the angel took the censer and filled it with fire of the altar,
+and cast it into the earth, and there were voices and thunderings and
+lightnings and an earthquake.”
+
+The whole nation was stirred. Never before had men so trembled under
+the power of prayer, or stood in such awe of the fierce lightnings
+of God’s wrath. Never before had society been so shaken by a moral
+earthquake.
+
+The women who kept step with God in his grand onward marching were
+calm and serene. To them the thunder and lightning was but the roll
+and rumble of God’s artillery turned against their enemies, and the
+earthquake the tread of their Captain and his mighty hosts. Inspired
+by a heaven-born heroism, they went into the saloons, and facing the
+liquor-dealers in the midst of their deadly work, entreated them in
+God’s name to give up their business and seek pardon and salvation in
+Christ.
+
+Delicately nurtured women, who had not felt the awful evil in their
+own homes, and who had passed by on the other side and hardly ventured
+to look toward the dens where their neighbors’ children were being
+murdered by the slow tortures that kill soul and body, marched boldly
+into the saloons and on into the back rooms where the awful secrets of
+sin and debauchery are hid away, and preached to the spirits in prison
+there. Men who walked among the tombs heard through them the voice of
+the Master and were delivered.
+
+Public attention was directed to the liquor traffic as never before. A
+calcium light had been turned upon it, and the mass of the people were
+horrified at what they saw and heard.
+
+Liquor-dealers writhed under this close scrutiny--under this blaze
+of light--like serpents in the fire, spitting forth their venom and
+stinging themselves in their fury. But when Mrs. Thompson and the
+seventy women who followed her went out of the Presbyterian Church at
+Hillsboro’, Ohio, singing,
+
+ “Give to the winds your fears;
+ Hope and be undismayed:
+ God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears:
+ God will lift up thy head--”
+
+they heralded a new dispensation in the temperance work--a
+union of the moral forces of earth with the invincible forces of
+heaven, and victory was assured.
+
+The Crusade, then, was God’s method of arousing public sentiment and
+consolidating the moral forces of the land, and women His chosen
+instruments for this important and unusual work.
+
+
+
+
+OHIO.
+
+THE BEGINNING OF THE CRUSADE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+HILLSBORO’, OHIO.
+
+ I am indebted to Mrs. Dean K. Fenner for this able report; I have
+ added but little to it.
+
+On the evening of the 23d December, 1873, there might have been seen in
+the streets of Hillsboro’, Ohio, persons singly or in groups wending
+their way to Music Hall, where a lecture on temperance was to be
+delivered by Dr. Dio Lewis, of Boston, Massachusetts.
+
+Some account of the town and people of Hillsboro’ is necessary in
+this connection. It is a small place, containing something more than
+3,000 people, and situated in a beautiful part of southern Ohio. Owing
+to the educational advantages of the place--there being two colleges
+for young ladies there and a large public school--the inhabitants are
+rather better educated than is usually the case in small towns, and its
+society is indeed noted in that part of the country for its quietude,
+culture, and refinement.
+
+But Hillsboro’ was by no means exempt from the prevailing scourge
+of intemperance. The early settlers of Hillsboro’ were mostly
+from Virginia, and brought with them the old-fashioned ideas of
+hospitality. No sideboard was considered properly furnished unless the
+usual supply of decanters and glasses was there. The habit of drinking
+was almost the rule. For many years previous to the crusade the
+professional men, and especially of the bar, were nearly all habitual
+drinkers, and many of them very dissipated. Of course the influence of
+their example was felt everywhere about them, and extended to the next
+generation. When a few earnest temperance men, among whom was Governor
+Allen Trimble, initiated a total abstinence movement in or about the
+year 1830, the pulpit took up arms against them, and a condemnatory
+sermon was preached in one of the churches.
+
+Thus it was that although from time to time men, good and true,
+banded themselves together in efforts to break up this dreadful state
+of things and reform society, all endeavors seemed to fail of any
+permanent effect. Outside appearances were indeed better. The farmers
+could get their harvests in without a keg of whiskey, and the family
+grocers no longer sold it with their tea and sugar. But in many homes
+the light of hope was gone out. Mothers were heart-broken and wives
+worse than widowed. Sighs and tears were continually poured out from
+sorrowing souls, who saw no hand stretched out for their deliverance.
+
+The plan laid down by Dr. Lewis challenged attention by its novelty at
+least. He believed and argued that the work of temperance reform might
+be successfully carried on by women if they would set about it in the
+right manner--going to the saloon-keeper in a spirit of Christian
+love, and persuading him for the sake of humanity and his own eternal
+welfare to quit the hateful, soul-destroying business. The doctor spoke
+with enthusiasm; and, seeing him so full of faith, the hearts of the
+women seized the hope--a forlorn one, ’tis true, but still a hope--and
+when Dr. Lewis asked if they were willing to undertake the task, scores
+of women rose to their feet, and there was no lack of good men who
+pledged themselves to encourage and sustain the women in their work.
+
+A meeting for the further development of the plan was agreed upon,
+to be held in the Presbyterian Church at ten o’clock next morning,
+Wednesday, December 24th, and at the time appointed there was gathered
+a solemn assembly. A strange work was to be done, and by unaccustomed
+hands.
+
+On bended knee, and with uplifted hearts, they invoked the blessing
+and guidance of Him “who knoweth the end from the beginning,” and then
+proceeded to the business of the hour.
+
+Rev. W. J. McSurely, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, was called to
+the chair. A committee was appointed to prepare an appeal which was
+to be presented to the liquor-sellers; also a druggist’s pledge and a
+dealer’s pledge.
+
+[Illustration: MRS. ELIZA J. THOMPSON,
+
+Leader of the First Crusade Band.]
+
+Officers were then elected: Mrs. Eliza J. Thompson, President; Mrs.
+Sally McDowell, Vice-President; Mrs. Mary B. Fenner, Secretary.
+
+Mrs. Thompson is the daughter of ex-Governor Trimble, of Ohio. She is
+a lady of culture, about sixty years of age, of modest and pleasant
+appearance and very agreeable manners. She speaks with great
+simplicity, in a conversational style, and with a quaintness that is
+peculiarly attractive. Whenever she addresses an audience she is sure
+of an attentive hearing.
+
+Her recital of
+
+ “THE FIRST CRUSADE”
+
+is somewhat on this wise: “On the 22d of last December Dr.
+Dio Lewis lectured before our lyceum. It was a literary lecture,
+and the subject was ‘Our Girls.’ I wasn’t there. My boy came home
+and said, ‘Ma, they’ve got you into business;’ and went on to tell
+that Dio Lewis had incidentally related the successful effort of his
+mother, by prayer and persuasion, to close the saloon in a town where
+he lived when a boy, and that he had exhorted the women of Hillsboro’
+to do the same, and fifty had risen up to signify their willingness,
+and that they looked to me to help them to carry out their promise.
+As I’m talking to you here familiarly, I’ll go on to say that my
+husband, who had retired, and was in an adjoining room, raised up on
+his elbow and called out, ‘Oh! that’s all tomfoolery!’ I remember I
+answered something like this: ‘Well, husband, the men have been in the
+tomfoolery business a long time; perhaps the Lord is going to call
+us into partnership with them.’ I said no more. The next morning my
+brother-in-law, Colonel ----, came in and told me about the meeting,
+and said, ‘Now, you must be sure to go to the women’s meeting at the
+church this morning; they look to see you there.’ Our folks talked it
+all over, and my husband said, ‘Well, we all know where your mother’ll
+take this case for counsel,’ and then he pointed to the Bible and left
+the room.
+
+“I went into the corner of my room, and knelt down and opened my Bible
+to see what God would say to me. Just at that moment there was a tap on
+the door and my daughter entered. She was in tears; she held her Bible
+in her hand, open to the 146th Psalm. She said, ‘Ma, I just opened to
+this, and I think it is for you,’ and then she went away, and I sat
+down and read
+
+ THIS WONDERFUL MESSAGE FROM GOD.
+
+“‘Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there
+is no help. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help,
+whose hope is in the Lord his God; which keepeth truth forever; which
+executeth judgment for the oppressed; the Lord looseth the prisoners;
+the Lord openeth the eyes of the blind; the Lord raiseth them that
+are bowed down; the Lord loveth the righteous; the Lord relieveth the
+fatherless and the widow--_but the way of the wicked he turneth upside
+down_. The Lord shall reign forever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all
+generations. Praise ye the Lord!’
+
+“I knew that was for me, and I got up, put on my shoes, and started. I
+went to the church, in this town where I was born. I sat down quietly
+in the back part of the audience-room, by the stove. A hundred ladies
+were assembled. I heard my name--heard the whisper pass through the
+company, ‘Here she is!’ ‘She’s come!’ and before I could get to the
+pulpit, they had put me ‘in office’--I was their leader.
+
+“Many of our citizens were there, and our ministers also. They stayed
+a few minutes, and then rose and went out, saying, ‘This is your
+work--we leave it with the women and the Lord.’ When they had gone, I
+just opened the big pulpit Bible and read that 146th Psalm, and told
+them the circumstance of my selecting it. The women sobbed so I could
+hardly go on. When I had finished, I felt inspired to call on a dear
+Presbyterian lady to pray. She did so without the least hesitation,
+though it was the first audible prayer in her life. I can’t tell you
+anything about that prayer, only that the words were like fire.
+
+“When she had prayed, I said--and it all came to me just at the moment--
+
+ ‘NOW, LADIES, LET US FILE OUT, TWO BY TWO,
+
+the smallest first, and let us sing as we go,
+
+ “Give to the winds thy fears.”’
+
+“We went first to John ----’s saloon. Now, John was a German, and his
+sister had lived in my family thirteen years, and she was very mild and
+gentle, and I hoped it might prove a family trait, but I found out it
+wasn’t. He fumed about dreadfully and said, ‘It’s awful; it’s a sin and
+a shame to pray in a saloon!’ But we prayed right on just the same.”
+
+That the choice was dictated by God we must believe, for in all
+the trials and discouragements which have beset us, and they have
+been many, her trust in God has never failed. She had tested his
+faithfulness through many years of heavy and sore trouble, and had
+proved that his promises are “Yea and amen, to them that believe.”
+And no other woman could have kept up such a spirit of courage and
+hopefulness in the little band of devoted women, who have met week
+after week, all these years, to pray for God’s blessing on the work.
+
+After the election of officers, came the plan for work. It was decided
+to go to the drug stores first, so that the saloonists might not plead
+their example as an excuse for themselves.
+
+Mrs. J. M. Boyd was chosen to present the appeal on that visit. All the
+druggists signed the pledge except Mr. Dunn, of whom more hereafter.
+
+Next day the ladies held another meeting, but decided not to make
+any visitations, it being Christmas-day, and the hotel-keepers more
+than usually busy and not likely to listen very attentively to our
+proposition.
+
+On the 26th, the hotels and saloons were visited; Mrs. Thompson
+presenting the appeal. And it was on this morning, and at the saloon
+of Robert Ward, that there came a break in the established routine.
+“Bob” was a social, jolly sort of fellow, and his saloon was a favorite
+resort, and there were many women in the company that morning whose
+hearts were aching in consequence of his wrong-doing. Mrs. Thompson
+presented the appeal, another lady read a selection in the Bible,
+and then Mrs. Thompson began to talk to him; and she did it with
+her heart all stirred up by the memory of the wrongs the man had
+done to many whose weakness he had taken advantage of, dragging them
+down to disgrace and ruin. Ward was evidently touched. He confessed
+that it was a “bad business,” said if he could only “afford to quit
+it he would,” and then tears began to flow from his eyes. Many of
+the ladies were weeping, and at length, as if by inspiration, Mrs.
+Thompson kneeled on the floor of the saloon, all kneeling with her,
+even the saloonist, and prayed, pleading with indescribable pathos
+and earnestness for the conversion and salvation of this and all
+saloon-keepers. When the amen was sobbed rather than spoken, Mrs.
+Washington Doggett’s sweet voice began, “There is a fountain,” etc.,
+in which all joined; the effect was most solemn, and when the hymn was
+finished the ladies went quietly away, and that was the first saloon
+prayer-meeting.
+
+This is a fair specimen of the saloon visiting as carried on in
+Hillsboro’ for more than three months. Then the doors were locked and
+the prayer-meetings were held on the pavements; extreme care was taken
+not to obstruct the passage-way.
+
+Mr. W. H. H. Dunn, the druggist, who refused to sign the druggist’s
+pledge, and who was known to be selling whiskey for drinking, and to
+minors, too, in disobedience of the law, became very much incensed at
+the continuous effort on the part of the women to persuade him to sign
+the pledge, and I may say here that not the women alone plead with him;
+a petition signed by a large number of the leading men of the place
+was presented to him by two of the oldest and most respected citizens,
+without the least effect. Let it be said as some excuse for him that
+he had bad advisers, and that large sums of money were sent him by the
+Whiskey Ring, that he might be able to fight the Crusaders in the
+courts.
+
+The first thing done was the issuing of a “pronunciamento,” forbidding
+the women to sing and pray on his store steps, or on the sidewalk in
+front of his store. This was printed on slips of paper, and copies
+scattered over the town, and about the front of the drug store in
+question. This was early in the morning of the 31st January, 1874, and
+when the hour came for the usual prayer-meeting, there was a great
+questioning as to what was to be done; finally, some of the gentlemen
+said the ladies should go on the street as usual, and that by the time
+they had gone the round of the saloons, a place would be ready in front
+of Mr. Dunn’s.
+
+Accordingly, in an hour or two, there was erected in front of the drug
+store a covered structure, made of boards and canvas, enclosed on
+three sides, and open on the side next the store. The ladies soon took
+possession and held a prayer-meeting.
+
+Mr. Dunn could not stand that, so he applied to Judge Safford, then
+presiding at court in Hillsboro’, for an injunction against this
+“tabernacle.” The injunction was granted, and a notice served on Mr.
+Sayler, a very active temperance man, after he had gone to bed. It was
+Saturday night, and in order that he might obey the law and still keep
+the Sabbath, he dressed himself, procured some help, and had everything
+removed by twelve o’clock. An appeal was made at once by the temperance
+people for dissolution of the injunction; the case was heard by Judge
+Steele, at the February term of court, and the injunction dissolved on
+the finding of a legal flaw in the application of the plaintiff. But
+Mr. Dunn was not to be quieted. He now brought a suit for “trespass”
+against the Crusaders, and asked $10,000 damages.
+
+This suit was heard before Judge Gray, at the May term of court, 1875.
+Able counsel was employed on both sides. The question was felt to be a
+vital one, and the court-room was crowded to overflowing for _seventeen
+days_. The examination of witnesses occupied thirteen or fourteen days,
+though not nearly all of the two hundred were called to the stand.
+
+One incident of this trial must be told. It happened during Judge
+Safford’s speech, one of Mr. Dunn’s counsel. There was in the
+court-room a dear old lady, Mrs. Margaret Foreaker, a genuine mother
+in Israel, who, full of faith, prayed much during the trial, and
+while Judge Safford was speaking, prayed especially that he might be
+“confounded.” He had been going along swimmingly, and entirely to the
+satisfaction of his friends, when suddenly he seemed to lose the thread
+of his argument, dropped his eye-glasses two or three times, could not
+find his references, made quotations not bearing on the points he was
+trying to establish, and his embarrassment was so obvious that Mrs.
+F. said afterward she did not know but she had “prayed too hard.” The
+judge did not recover himself, and one of Dunn’s friends went over
+to the hotel and reported the case as “lost,” that Judge Safford had
+ruined it.
+
+The jury were compelled by the ruling of the court to bring a verdict
+against the defendants, and laid the costs on them, with $5 damages.
+Counsel for the defence made a bill of exceptions to the rulings of
+Judge Gray, and the case was carried to the Supreme Court of the State.
+It is still pending, but will probably be dismissed, as Mr. W. H. H.
+Dunn is now a _bankrupt_. _Mr. Sayler owns_ the store, and Mr. Dunn’s
+assignee will not defend the suit in Supreme Court.
+
+The “street work” was not resumed after the Dunn suits began. It was
+thought best not to defy the law even in appearance until the decision
+of the courts should be known. But there was plenty to do. The new
+constitution was about to be presented to the people of Ohio, and
+“License” or “No License” was the great question. The women girded
+themselves for the strife. Into the school districts and smaller
+towns they went in little parties, held meetings, organized leagues,
+circulated petitions, and kept on praying. The license clause was
+defeated.
+
+A few miles north of Hillsboro’ is the little village of L----. It
+is quite a pleasant little place; the people are intelligent; there
+are two churches, good schools, and a few stores, etc. But there
+was one drawback to the peace of the community, and that was the
+drinking-saloon attached to the hotel. The proprietor was one of the
+oldest citizens, and when the Crusade began it was hoped that he would
+at once come over on the temperance side. But as he did not, there was
+a meeting called in the little white church to consider what should be
+done. The meeting was large, and after a prayer, a visiting committee
+of ladies went down to Mr. ----’s saloon. He met them at the door, and
+very kindly invited them into the parlor with his amiable wife and
+daughter. There they talked the matter over, but he refused to sign
+the pledge. The next day they called again, and he was very angry and
+locked the door; but on the third day, seeing that the whole community
+was roused, he grew calm, and said, “Ladies, I will not sign your
+pledge; but I will promise you in the presence of God that I will never
+sell another drop of liquor in this town after the 20th of this month,
+and if I violate my word you may have every cent I am worth. I will
+walk out and you may walk in.” He kept his word for a while, but the
+temptation to put a few more dimes in his pocket was too strong, and he
+secretly bought another barrel of whiskey. Just at this time several
+of the leading temperance women were sick and could not visit him, but
+“God met him.” The quiet village was alarmed by the cry of “fire!” It
+was the _hotel_. It caught from a segar thrown into a sawdust spittoon
+in the _saloon_. While it was burning, a lady said, “O, dear! our town
+is built so compactly, it will all burn.” “Never thee fear,” said a
+good Quaker sister, “not a building will burn but that one. Don’t thee
+see? not a leaf is moving; the flames go straight up, and the sparks
+fall back on the house.” She was right. The hotel, store, saloon, and
+all belonging to it were entirely burned, while not another house
+caught fire. Unappalled by this judgment, Mr. ---- built a room on the
+same lot in which to sell whiskey, but became paralyzed, and in a short
+time died a miserable death. There is no whiskey now sold in L----.
+
+I want to relate one or two little incidents that show the hardening
+effect of liquor-selling on the dealer.
+
+There was a saloon-keeper brought from Greenfield to H---- to be tried
+under the Adair law. The poor mother who brought the suit had besought
+him not to sell to her son--“her only son.” He replied roughly that
+he would sell to him “as long as he had a dime.” Another mother, an
+old lady, made the same request, “lest,” she said, “he may some day
+fill a drunkard’s grave.” “Madam,” he replied, “your son has as good
+a right to fill a drunkard’s grave as any other mother’s son.” And in
+one of the Hillsboro’ saloons a lady saw her nephew. “O, Mr. B----,”
+said she, “don’t sell whiskey to that boy: if he has one drink he will
+want another, and he may die a drunkard.” “Madam, I will sell to him
+if it sends his soul to hell,” was the awful reply. The last man is
+a peculiarly hard, stony sort of man; his lips look as if chiselled
+out of flint, a man to be afraid of. One morning, when the visiting
+band reached his door, they found him in a very bad humor. He locked
+his door and seated himself on the horse-block in front in a perfect
+rage, clenched his fist, swore furiously, and ordered us to go home.
+Some gentlemen, on the opposite side of the street, afterwards said
+that they were watching the scene, ready to rush over and defend the
+ladies from an attack, and they were sure it would come; but one of the
+ladies, a sweet-souled woman, gentle and placid, kneeled just at his
+feet, and poured out such a tender, earnest prayer for him, that he
+quieted down entirely, and when she rose and offered him her hand in
+token of kind feeling, he could not refuse to take it.
+
+But it was not always stormy; sometimes it was summer-sunshine, as
+witness: One bright Saturday afternoon, while we were singing the sweet
+songs of Zion and offering prayer, an old gentleman, a stranger to us
+all, stood at a little distance from our band, and while listening
+to us was led by the Spirit to give his heart to God. He went to his
+home bearing the glad tidings to his friends. He told it in church the
+following Sabbath, and a revival began then which resulted in many
+conversions.
+
+As I go over these facts of a time so full of interest, I recall the
+figure of a venerable, dignified old gentleman, full of vigor and
+enthusiasm, though the frosts of seventy-five winters had whitened
+his head; this was General Jos. J. McDowell, the husband of our
+vice-president. His interest kept pace with the work, he was at nearly
+all the meetings, and had ever a word of counsel or encouragement for
+the women. But there was one thing lacking. He was not a professing
+Christian, and his many friends grew sad when they saw that he was
+drawing so near the close of life without the only hope that can
+lighten the pathway to the tomb. The time came, however, for the Spirit
+to do its work. The ladies had been holding a series of religious
+meetings in their consecrated league room, morning after morning, for
+two months (January and February, 1876). The presence of the One Mighty
+to save and strong to deliver was gloriously manifesting himself,
+and on one of these mornings General McDowell came in and took his
+seat. Mrs. Thompson, who was leading the meeting on that occasion,
+after a very touching hymn had been sung, Scripture read, and prayer
+offered, proposed spending a short time in testimony. One and another
+had spoken, when Mrs. T---- said, in a kind, familiar way, “General
+McDowell, we are most happy to have you with us this morning, and as
+you have so often encouraged our hearts in our temperance work, we
+should love to hear _you speak_.”
+
+He arose slowly, and in a very solemn manner said, “I do not feel
+worthy to speak on sacred subjects before you good women.” After some
+hesitation he resumed, “I have been a great sinner; for many years,
+especially during the war, I had almost come to the conclusion that
+there was no such thing as religion, but seeing the spirit of divine
+love displayed by the crusading ladies of our town, as they have knelt
+_on snow_ even, in front of the barred doors of these worse than
+murderers, to pray for their souls; and as in the churches I have
+watched the tears stream down their cheeks as they have prayed the
+divine blessing upon them and their families, I have felt my heart
+soften. _Now_ I feel that I can say _I love the Saviour_.” The scene
+that followed can be better imagined than described, as that devoted
+wife, who had prayed for her noble husband for more than fifty years,
+received him a new creature in Christ Jesus. All were baptized afresh
+by the Holy Spirit, and we grasped with firmer hold the hand of our
+Almighty Friend who had bidden us walk upon the untried waves, December
+23d, 1873.
+
+Since the departure of this dear friend of the Crusade to the “Home
+of the Soul,” for which home he was _rapidly matured_, wonderful
+developments of divine mercy have been displayed in our highly-favored
+town, Hillsboro’. Last spring a gracious revival resulted from the
+“union services” of the Quaker Evangelists, Nathan and Esther Frame.
+Scores of young men were converted during these meetings who had been
+the objects of our _earnest_ and special prayers. Many a mother’s heart
+was made glad, and the churches all received their dead raised to life
+again.
+
+Thus God prepared our community for the glorious dawn of the Murphy
+movement, and wonderfully qualified by _reformation based upon
+conversion_, our Congressman elect, Hon. Henry Dickey, for its
+inauguration. The first Murphy meeting was held on the evening of May
+15th, 1877, and the first men to sign the pledge were some of our
+prominent citizens in every profession; but pre-eminently the lawyers,
+men of talent and influence, but whose habit of intemperance had long
+been a source of grief and anxiety to their friends. Three hundred
+signed the pledge upon the first evening; within two weeks over two
+thousand names were upon the roll; some of the most energetic workers
+in the movement were men who were foremost in opposing the Crusade,
+unsparing and bitter in their invectives against all concerned. That
+which fills us with astonishment and devout thanksgiving is the desire
+evinced by these men, that old scores be wiped out, and Christian women
+come to the front and help in the cause by their presence and sympathy.
+
+
+BAPTIZED IN WHISKEY.
+
+Among the many interesting incidents of work reported at the Woman’s
+Temperance Camp-Meeting at Ocean Grove was the following, related by
+Mrs. E. J. Thompson, of Hillsboro’:
+
+“During the Crusade, a saloon-keeper consented to close his business.
+There was a great deal of enthusiasm and interest, and we women decided
+to compensate the man for his whiskey and make a bonfire of it in the
+street. A great crowd gathered about the saloon, and the barrels of
+whiskey were rolled out to the public square where we were to have our
+bonfire. Myself and two other little women, who had been chosen to
+knock in the heads, and had come to the place with axes concealed under
+our shawls, went to our work with a will.
+
+“I didn’t know I was so strong, but I lifted that axe like a woodman
+and brought it down with such force that the first blow stove in the
+head of a barrel and splashed the whiskey in every direction. I was
+literally baptized with the noxious stuff. The intention was to set it
+on fire, and we had brought matches for that purpose, _but it would not
+burn_! It was a villanous compound of some sort, but we had set out
+to have a fire, and were determined by some means or other to make it
+burn, so we sent for some coal oil and poured it on and we soon had a
+blaze. The man who could sell such liquors would not be likely to keep
+the pledge. He is selling liquors again.”
+
+
+VICTORY AT WASHINGTON C. H.
+
+Most of the facts in the following history of the work at Washington C.
+H. have been gleaned from the official report of the secretary, Mrs. M.
+V. Ustick.
+
+It will be seen that the Crusade began in this town only two days later
+than at Hillsboro’. And Washington C. H. was the first place where the
+Crusade was made prominent and successful.
+
+On Friday morning, Dec. 26th, 1873, after an hour of prayer in the M.
+E. Church, forty-four women filed slowly and solemnly down the aisle,
+and started forth upon their strange mission with fear and trembling,
+while the male portion of the audience remained at the church to pray
+for the success of this new undertaking; the tolling of the church-bell
+keeping time to the solemn march of the women, as they wended their way
+to the first drug store on the list. (The number of places within the
+city limits where intoxicating drinks were sold was fourteen--eleven
+saloons and three drug stores.) Here, as in every place, they entered
+singing, every woman taking up the sacred strain as she crossed the
+threshold. This was followed by the reading of the appeal and prayer;
+then earnest pleading to desist from their soul-destroying traffic and
+sign the dealer’s pledge.
+
+Thus, all the day long, they went from place to place, without stopping
+even for dinner or lunch, till five o’clock, meeting with no marked
+success; but invariably courtesy was extended to them; not even their
+reiterated promise, “We will call again,” seeming to offend.
+
+No woman who has ever entered one of these dens of iniquity on such an
+errand needs to be told of the heart-sickness that almost overcame them
+as they, for the first time, saw behind those painted windows or green
+blinds, or entered the little stifling “back room,” or found their
+way down winding steps into the damp, dark cellars, and realized that
+into _such places_ those they loved best were being landed, through
+the allurements of the brilliantly lighted drug store, the fascinating
+billiard-table, or the enticing beer-gardens, with their syren
+attractions. A crowded house at night, to hear the report of the day’s
+work, betrayed the rapidly increasing interest in this mission.
+
+On the 27th the contest really began, and, at the first place, the
+doors were found locked. With hearts full of compassion, the women
+knelt in the snow upon the pavement, to plead for the divine influence
+upon the heart of the liquor-dealer, and there held their first street
+prayer-meeting.
+
+At night the weary but zealous workers reported at a mass-meeting of
+the various rebuffs, and the success in having two druggists sign the
+pledge not to sell, except upon the written prescription of a physician.
+
+The Sabbath was devoted to union mass-meeting, with direct reference to
+the work in hand; and on Monday the number of ladies had increased to
+near one hundred. That day, December 29th, is one long to be remembered
+in Washington, as the day upon which occurred the first surrender ever
+made by a liquor-dealer, of his stock of liquors of every kind and
+variety, to the women, in answer to their prayers and entreaties,
+and by them poured into the street. Nearly a thousand men, women, and
+children witnessed the mingling of beer, ale, wine, and whiskey, as
+they filled the gutters and were drank up by the earth, while the bells
+were ringing, men and boys shouting, and women singing and praying to
+God who had given the victory. But on the fourth day, “stock sale-day,”
+the campaign had reached its height, the town being filled with
+visitors from all parts of the county and adjoining villages. Another
+public surrender, and another pouring into the street of a larger stock
+of liquors than on the previous day, and more intense excitement and
+enthusiasm.
+
+Mass-meetings were held nightly, with new victories reported
+constantly, until on Friday, January 2d, one week from the beginning of
+the work, at the public meeting held in the evening, the secretary’s
+report announced the unconditional surrender of every liquor-dealer,
+some having shipped their liquors back to wholesale dealers, others
+having poured them into the gutters, and the druggists as all having
+signed the pledge. Thus a campaign of prayer and song, had, in eight
+days, closed eleven saloons, and pledged three drug stores to sell only
+on prescription. At first men had wondered, scoffed, and laughed, then
+criticised, respected and yielded.
+
+Morning prayer and evening mass-meetings continued daily, and the
+personal pledge was circulated till over one thousand signatures were
+obtained. Physicians were called upon to sign a pledge not to prescribe
+ardent spirits when any other substitute could be found, and in no case
+without a personal examination of the patient.
+
+Early in the third week the discouraging intelligence came that a
+new man had taken out license to sell liquor in one of the deserted
+saloons, and that he was backed by a whiskey house in Cincinnati, to
+the amount of $5,000, to break down this movement. On Wednesday, the
+14th, the whiskey was unloaded at his room. About forty women were
+on the ground and followed the liquor in, and remained holding an
+uninterrupted prayer-meeting all day and until eleven o’clock at night.
+The next day, bitterly cold, was spent in the same place and manner,
+without fire or chairs, two hours of that time the women being locked
+in, while the proprietor was off attending a trial. On the following
+day, the coldest of all the winter of 1874, the women were locked out,
+and stood on the street holding religious services all day long.
+
+Next morning a tabernacle was built in the street, just in front of the
+house, and was occupied for the double purpose of _watching_ and prayer
+through the day; but before night the sheriff closed the saloon, and
+the proprietor surrendered; thus ended the third week.
+
+A short time after, on a dying bed, this four days’ liquor-dealer sent
+for some of these women, telling them their songs and prayers had
+never ceased to ring in his ears, and urging them to pray again in his
+behalf; so he passed away.
+
+ Early in the work Mrs. George Carpenter, Mrs. A. C. Hirst, Mrs. A.
+ E. Pine and Mrs. Ogle, who were appointed to draw up an appeal,
+ presented the following
+
+ APPEAL.
+
+ Knowing, as you do, the fearful effects of intoxicating drinks, we,
+ the women of Washington, after earnest prayer and deliberation,
+ have decided to appeal to you to desist from this ruinous traffic,
+ that our husbands, brothers, and especially our sons, be no longer
+ exposed to this terrible temptation, and that we may no longer see
+ them led into those paths which go down to sin, and bring both
+ body and soul to destruction. We appeal to the better instincts of
+ your own hearts, in the name of desolated homes, blasted hopes,
+ ruined lives, widowed hearts, for the honor of our community, for
+ our happiness; for our good name, as a town; in the name of the
+ God who will judge you, as well as ourselves; for the sake of your
+ own souls, which are to be saved or lost, we beg, we implore you,
+ to cleanse yourselves from this heinous sin, and place yourselves
+ in the ranks of those who are striving to elevate and ennoble
+ themselves and their fellow-men; and to this we ask you to pledge
+ yourselves.
+
+ This appeal was adopted, and was afterwards extensively used in other
+ parts of the State, and in other States.
+
+ A property-holders’ pledge was also circulated--pledging men not to
+ rent, or lease property, to be used as saloons, nor to allow any
+ dealings of the liquor traffic to be carried on upon any premises
+ belonging to them. This pledge was generally signed by holders of
+ real estate.
+
+ During this week came a plea for help from Hillsborough. In answer to
+ that call, on Monday, January 12th, a committee, consisting of Profs.
+ Morehouse and Dean, and Mrs. M. G. Carpenter, Mrs. Judge McLean, Mrs.
+ Judge Priddy, and Miss Annie Ustick, went to Hillsborough, spent the
+ evening in attendance upon a mass-meeting there, and next forenoon in
+ prayer and conference with the workers, returning in time to attend
+ the mass-meeting at home, bringing with them encouraging words.
+
+ By this time the new method of fighting whiskey began to attract the
+ attention of the press and people in surrounding places; and meetings
+ were announced to be held in every village and school district in the
+ county. Committees of ladies and gentlemen were sent out to assist
+ in these meetings. Committees were also sent, by request, into all
+ adjoining counties, the meetings being constantly kept up at home,
+ and all the while gaining in interest.
+
+ About this time came word from Columbus, that the Adair Liquor Law
+ was in great danger of being repealed; consequently the following
+ communication was sent to every known Temperance organization
+ throughout the State, by the Washington League:
+
+ “_To the Secretary of Women’s Temperance League, at ----_:
+
+ “DEAR SISTER--By order of the entire body of our Temperance League,
+ we send you an urgent request that you immediately appoint a
+ committee of not less than six, of the most earnest and effective
+ workers, who shall be ready at an hour’s notice, to respond to the
+ call embodied in the following resolution:
+
+ “‘_Resolved_, That the secretary of this meeting be requested to
+ correspond with the ladies in all places where the Temperance
+ movement is now, or may be progressing, asking the same to appoint
+ a delegation to appear at Columbus, when called, if any action of
+ the legislature, threatening the safety of the Adair Liquor Law,
+ may be contemplated.’
+
+ “Please notify us of your decision in the matter, forwarding us
+ one name to whom we may telegraph if necessary.”--[Signed by the
+ secretary.]
+
+ Responses poured in from all Leagues addressed--the word “_Ready_.”
+ But the law remained undisturbed that winter.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ The names of the following women, chosen by God and men to inaugurate
+ this great work and carry it forward to success, appeared in the
+ columns of the _Fayette County Herald_ at the time:
+
+ Mrs. George Carpenter; Miss Annie Ustick; Mrs. A. C. Hirst; Mrs. A.
+ E. Pine; Mrs. B. Ogle; Mrs. P. E. Morehouse; Miss M. A. Love; Mrs.
+ Wm. Stevens; Mrs. O. Grubbs; Mrs. J. Van Deman; Mrs. E. Milliken;
+ Mrs. A. Blakemore; Mrs. Wm. Smith; Mrs. P. T. Light; Mrs. H. L.
+ Hadley; Mrs. F. Nitterhouse; Mrs. D. McLean; Mrs. Allen Hegler; Mrs.
+ T. N. Ustick; Miss A. E. Robinson; Miss Julia Wood; Miss Anna Cherry;
+ Mrs. S. Lydy; Miss Brightie Ogle; Miss Flora Ogle; Mrs. Barnett;
+ Mrs. Farmer; Mrs. Geo. Dahl; Mrs. M. Gardner; Miss Kate Foster; Mrs.
+ Col. Maynard; Mrs. Dr. Dennis; Mrs. Dr. Coffman; Miss Belle Stuckey;
+ Mrs. H. P. Cherry; Mrs. J. B. Priddy; Mrs. M. Blackmore; Mrs. A. E.
+ Silcott; Miss L. Milliken; Miss Emma Wilcox; Mrs. H. P. Ustick; Miss
+ Ida Dean; Mrs. J. Hopkins; Mrs. C. L. Getz; Mrs. T. Gardner; Mrs. Wm.
+ Gordon; Miss A. Kephart.
+
+But there still remained the beer hall of Charlie Beck, about half a
+mile out. Carriages were furnished the ladies, free of charge, from the
+temperance livery-stable of Collins & Bitzer, and in these the band
+made daily visits to Beck’s.
+
+At this time the Cincinnati _Commercial_ sent a reporter to view the
+land, from whose graphic pen we quote the following:
+
+“I reached Washington at noon of January 20th, and seeking Mr. Beck’s
+beer garden, found him in a state of terrible nervousness, as the
+ladies had spent the forenoon in front of this place. He evidently
+regarded me as a spy, but was much mollified when assured that I was
+only a journalist, and made voluminous complaint in ‘high Dutch’ and
+‘low English.’
+
+“‘I got no vitnesses. Dem vimens dey set up a shob on me. But you don’t
+bin a ’bitual drunkard, eh? No, you don’t look like him. Vell, coom in,
+coom in. Vat you vant, beer or vine? I dells you, dem vimens is shust
+awful. By shinks, dey build a house right in the shreet, and stay mit a
+man all day a singin’ and oder foolishness. But dey don’t get in here
+once agin already.’
+
+“In obedience to this invitation, I had entered by the side door--the
+front was locked and barred--to find four customers indulging in
+liquor, beer and pigs’ feet.
+
+“Mr. Beck kept open house nearly all that night; the sounds of revelry
+were plainly heard in town, and in the morning several drunken men came
+into town, one of whom tumbled down into a livery-stable, and went
+to sleep on a manure pile, from which he was carried to the lock-up.
+Matters were evidently coming to a crisis, and I went out early; but
+the ladies reached there in force just before me. I met Mr. Beck
+hurrying into town to consult his lawyer, or, as he phrased it, ‘to see
+mein gounsel ven I no got a right to my own broberty.’
+
+“The main body of the ladies soon arrived, and took up a position with
+right centre on the doorstep, the wings extending each way beyond the
+corners of the house, and a rearward column along the walk to the gate.
+In ludicrous contrast the routed revellers, who had been scared out of
+the saloon, stood in a little knot fifty feet away, still gnawing at
+the pigs’ feet they had held on to in their hurried flight, while I
+took a convenient seat on the fence. The ladies then sang--
+
+ ‘Oh, do not be discouraged, for Jesus is your friend;
+ He will give you grace to conquer, and keep you to the end.’
+
+“As the twenty or more clear, sweet voices mingled in the enlivening
+chorus--
+
+ ‘I’m glad I’m in this army,’ etc.--
+
+the effect was inspiring. I felt all the enthusiasm of
+the occasion, while pigs’ feet party, if they did not feel guilty,
+certainly looked so.
+
+“The singing was followed by a prayer from Mrs. Mills Gardner. She
+prayed for the blessing of God on the temperance cause generally, and
+in this place particularly; then for Mr. Beck, his family and friends,
+his house, and all that loved him, and closed with an eloquent plea for
+guidance in the difficult and delicate task they had undertaken. In one
+respect the prayer was unsurpassed; it was eminently fitting to the
+place and the occasion. As the concluding sentences were being uttered,
+Mr. Beck and his ‘gounsel’ arrived. The ladies paid no attention to
+either, but broke forth in loud strains,
+
+ ‘Must Jesus bear the cross alone?
+ No, there’s a cross for me,’
+
+when the lawyer borrowed some of my paper, whispering at
+the same time, ‘I must take down their names. Guess I shall have to
+prosecute some of them before we stop this thing.’
+
+“I should need the pen of an Irving and pencil of a Darley to give any
+adequate idea of the scene. On one side, a score of elegant ladies,
+singing with all the earnestness of impassioned natures; a few yards
+away a knot of disturbed revellers, uncertain whether to stand or
+fly; half way between, the nervous Beck, bobbing around like a case of
+fiddle-strings with a hundred pounds of lager beer fat hung on them;
+and on the fence by the ladies, a cold-blooded lawyer and excited
+reporter scribbling away as if their lives depended on it. It was
+painful from its very intensity.
+
+“The song ended, the presiding lady called upon Mrs. Wendels, and again
+arose the voice of prayer--so clear, so sweet, so full of pleading
+tenderness, that it seemed she would, by strength of womanly love,
+compel the very heavens to open and send down in answer a spark of
+divine grace that would turn the saloon-keeper from his purpose. The
+sky, which had been overcast all the morning, began to clear, the
+occasional drops of rain ceased to fall, and a gentle south wind made
+the air soft and balmy. It almost seemed that nature joined in the
+prayer.
+
+“Again the ladies sang--
+
+ ‘Are there no foes for me to face,’
+
+with the camp-meeting chorus,
+
+ ‘Oh, how I love Jesus,
+ Because he first loved me.’
+
+“As the song concluded, the lawyer suddenly stepped forward, and said:
+
+“‘Now, ladies, I have a word to say before this performance goes any
+further. Mr. Beck has employed me as his attorney. He cannot speak
+good English, and I speak for him here. He is engaged in a legitimate
+business, and you are trespassers on his property and rights. If this
+thing is carried any further, you will be called to account in the
+court, and I can assure you the court will sustain the man. He has
+talked with you all he desires to. He does not want to put you out
+forcibly; that would be unmanly, and he does not wish to act rudely.
+But he tells you to go. As his attorney, I now warn you to desist from
+any further annoyance.’
+
+“Again the ladies sang--
+
+ ‘My soul, be on thy guard,
+ Ten thousand foes arise.’
+
+And Miss Annie Ustick followed with a fervent prayer for the
+lawyer and his client; but they had fled the scene, leaving the house
+locked up. After consultation, the ladies decided to leave Mr. Beck’s
+premises and take a position on the adjoining lot. They sent for the
+‘tabernacle,’ a rude frame building they had used in front of Slater’s
+saloon. This they erected on the adjoining lot, put up immense lights
+to illuminate the entrance to the beer garden, and kept up a guard from
+early morning till midnight.
+
+“For two weeks religious services were held in the tabernacle day and
+night, and the women were constantly on duty; at the end of which time
+an injunction was granted Mr. Beck and the tabernacle was taken down.
+
+“Temperance was still the pulpit theme on the Sabbath, and on Monday
+morning, February 9th, all the business houses were closed from 8 to 9
+to attend the business men’s prayer-meeting. Large delegations were
+present from adjoining villages at that early hour. At the meeting
+there came a messenger from this man stating that he would give up his
+business, which announcement was received with cheers. It was then
+decided that all who were not enjoined from so doing should march out
+to Mr. Beck’s beer garden, where the proprietor met them at the gate,
+and after a brief consultation with a committee appointed for that
+purpose, he publicly announced: ‘You comes so many, I quits. I will
+never sell any more beer or whiskey.’ Again the crowd gave vent to
+their feelings in cheers. Messengers were despatched to the women who
+remained praying in the church, to join them. All the bells commenced
+ringing, and the procession, numbering two hundred strong, started
+out to Sullivan’s beer house, now the only remaining saloon in the
+township. Marching up Court street, the numbers increased, and amid the
+most profound silence the men and women pursued their journey. About
+half way there the man in question was met and interviewed. He asked
+two days to consider, which were granted. The procession then returned,
+the bells all the time ringing out their chimes upon the crisp morning
+air. Meetings, morning and evening, continued with unabated interest,
+and at each came to us the cry from other points, ‘Come and help us.’
+
+“On Wednesday morning, February 11th, at mass-meeting in the
+Presbyterian Church, Mr. Sullivan came in and publicly pledged himself
+to ‘quit _forever_ the liquor business.’ A general rejoicing and
+thanksgiving followed this surrender of the ‘last man.’
+
+“Thus, through most of the winter of 1874 no alcoholic drinks were
+publicly sold as a beverage in the county.
+
+“The summer was given up to the defeat of the license clause in the new
+constitution which was to come before the people on the 18th of August.
+
+“Mass temperance picnics were a prominent feature of the season, and
+the untiring zeal of the workers was crowned with success on election
+day.
+
+“During the two intervening years weekly temperance league-meetings
+have been kept up by the faithful few, while frequent union
+mass-meetings have been held, thus keeping the subject always before
+the people.
+
+“To-day the disgraceful and humiliating fact exists that there are more
+places where liquors are sold than before the Crusade. Does any one
+ask the result of all this labor, and if the movement was a failure?
+We answer to the first question of results: The idea that _women_ are
+to take an active part in the great conflict between religion and the
+rum power, was evolved by this very Crusade. None saw quicker than
+the women themselves the weak and strong points of the movement, and
+these praying bands have become thoroughly organized _Women’s Christian
+Temperance Unions_; and reform clubs, reading-rooms, coffee-houses, and
+friendly inns are the outgrowth of these ‘unions.’ Other countries have
+felt the impulse, and the best women of Europe and Canada are being
+organized into ‘leagues’ and ‘unions.’
+
+“Was this movement, then, a failure? No! No! The long list of reformed
+lives; the restored happiness and prosperity of once desolated homes;
+the still longer list of our noble young men, who were arrested in
+their first downward steps in the path of intemperance and ruin, and
+whose upright and useful lives will be standing monuments of good for
+years to come. Who dares to compute such results? The improved public
+sentiment, banishing the wine cup from the social circle, from the
+sideboards and cellars of respectable homes--the awakening and uniting
+of all Christian hearts in one grand work for God and humanity. All
+these are the outgrowth of a reformation which has since belted the
+world--the most far-seeing being utterly unable to grasp its results.
+
+“An incident recently under the observation of the writer is in point.
+During the winter of 1876 a grand banquet was given the Ohio General
+Assembly, judiciary, and military officers by some of the prominent
+citizens of our capital city. No labor or expense was spared in
+ministering to the comfort or pleasure of the guests, yet no wine was
+to be found in all that banquet hall. One of the hosts of the evening
+remarked that ‘before the “Women’s Crusade” the giving of such an
+entertainment without wine would have been impossible.’
+
+“A failure? No! Eternity alone will unfold the glorious success of
+that work. To have banished liquor from the land, as at first the
+movement seemed to promise, would have been a miracle, and God does
+not now work in such manner; and the work we feel he meant to do in
+this Crusade was to rouse up his people to a sense of their duty; to
+awaken his church, which seemed to be strangely indifferent and asleep
+to this terrible evil. Thus He crowned the movement with success; and
+while His followers believe and trust Him, the good work will go on to
+completion, for
+
+ “‘Right is right, as God is God,
+ And right the day will win;
+ To doubt would be disloyalty,
+ To falter would be sin.’”
+
+
+WILMINGTON, OHIO.
+
+We are indebted to Rhoda Worthington and Mary Hadley for the following
+history of the work in Wilmington:
+
+In pursuance to the call of the pastors of the different churches of
+Wilmington, a large and earnest assemblage of citizens gathered at the
+M. E. Church, on Saturday evening, January 3d, to devise some plan of
+procedure, by which all lovers of the race might be brought to work in
+harmony for the suppression of the sale of intoxicating drinks within
+the limits of the corporation of Wilmington.
+
+The meeting was called to order by the Rev. William Runyan, pastor of
+the M. E. Church. After the singing of the hymn, “All hail the power
+of Jesus’ name,” the audience were led in prayer by the Rev. S. H.
+Bingman, pastor of the Christian Church. The meeting was then addressed
+in a stirring and thrilling appeal in behalf of the movement, by the
+Rev. A. C. Hirst, of Washington C. H., Ohio. Mr. Hirst, in the course
+of his remarks, set forth the main features of the plan pursued by the
+people of Washington, but thought that, if the people of Wilmington
+would take hold of the matter with the one object in view, viz., to
+suppress the liquor traffic in our midst, some plan suited to the local
+requirements of the case would develop itself. At the close of Mr.
+Hirst’s address, remarks on the duties of the hour were made by W. E.
+Prichard and others. A temporary organization was then effected. Mr.
+William H. Cole, superintendent of public schools, was called to the
+chair, and J. H. Grove was nominated as secretary.
+
+A committee of five, consisting of Messrs. Hildebrant, Zeigler,
+Albright, Gaskill, and Outcalt, was appointed to secure the names of
+such men as were willing to pledge themselves to support the ladies in
+efforts to suppress the sale of intoxicating drinks within the limits
+of Wilmington.
+
+On the suggestion of Mrs. Mary N. Hadley, a minister in the Society
+of Friends, it was moved, that all women interested in the cause of
+temperance be requested to meet in the Friends’ Church, Sunday, January
+4th, at four o’clock P. M., and that all men willing to aid the ladies
+in this movement be requested to meet in the Baptist Church, at the
+same hour, for prayer and consultation.
+
+At the women’s meeting at four o’clock, Sabbath evening, there was a
+good attendance. Rhoda C. Worthington was called to act as president
+of the meeting. She came forward and said, “As the children of Israel
+did not see the Red Sea open before they came to it, nor the prophets
+see the waters of Jordan roll back until the soles of their feet
+touched the brim of the water, so it seems we must go forward in this
+work, trusting that a way will be made for us.” Rachel MacGregor and
+Lizzie C. Runyan were then called on to act as secretaries. Huldah C.
+Estes was elected leader, and Sarah S. Walker secretary of the field
+of labor, who was to make the report of our proceedings to the public
+mass-meetings at night.
+
+At 10 A. M., sixty-three ladies, some of them the tearful wives of
+dissipated husbands, solemnly marched forth amid the peals of all
+the church-bells of the town, to visit the places where liquors were
+sold in Wilmington, and pray for and with the dealers, and implore
+them to desist from this work of destruction. Most of the men of the
+congregation remained, and engaged in prayer and supplication to God,
+that the great mission of the mothers, wives, and sisters of Wilmington
+might be successful.
+
+One young man told his mother that he placed himself on a corner to
+see the fun as the women passed along, “but,” said he, “they all came
+weeping, and I wept, too.”
+
+In the congregation, as we passed out, aged men bowed their heads,
+tears were seen to drop to the floor; none seemed to notice, or
+scarcely know, that others were weeping. The first place we entered was
+Brown Bro.’s drug store. A hymn was sung, three prayers were offered,
+and the pledge presented and signed, the druggist shedding tears while
+he signed. “Glory, hallelujah, our God is marching on,” was sung, and
+we passed out.
+
+We made many visits before we obtained all the signatures of the
+dealers, continuing eight days in the work, our numbers increasing to
+more than one hundred women.
+
+We then had four drug stores and nine saloons. During all the
+preliminary meetings, a number of persons who manifested a deep
+interest in all proceedings--men and women, too--were persons whose
+faces had not often been seen inside of church walls. But they tarried,
+not seeming to tire at the most lengthy exercises. There was a greater
+unanimity on the part of the different societies than had ever before
+been observable in any movement looking to the good of the general
+community. The feeling as the women filed out of the church, two by
+two, was of the intensest kind. It was no common errand on which they
+started, and their appearance on the streets awed to silence those
+whose hearts beat no responsive thrill.
+
+From drug store to drug store, and from dram shop to dram shop, these
+brave women went during four hours and a half, daily, pleading,
+singing, and praying, in behalf of those who were engaged in the unholy
+traffic of rum-selling.
+
+The meetings were continued in the church until the return of the women
+at half-past three in the afternoon, when, after a short time spent in
+consultation and devotional exercises, the meeting closed. At night the
+church was packed in every part. Extra seats had been procured, and
+the aisles and vestibule were filled to such an extent that egress was
+an impossibility. After a season spent in devotional exercises, the
+report of the work done by the women during the day was read by Sarah
+S. Walker, and was listened to with breathless attention.
+
+The remainder of the evening was occupied in the transaction of
+business, speaking, singing, and prayer, and securing signatures to
+the total abstinence pledge. Some of these meetings were the most
+remarkable ever held in Wilmington, and their influence cannot be
+computed or gainsaid.
+
+On other days the same procession of earnest, devoted women filed
+out of the church amid the ringing of bells, and the supplication
+and prayers of their fathers, husbands, and brothers, through snow
+and sleet; and when the procession returned to the church there
+was awaiting them a large meeting of men, to give them a prayerful
+reception.
+
+The rain, sleet, and snow in an unusual degree kept on falling, but the
+meeting at the Friends’ meeting-house showed the indomitable purpose
+of the good people who were engaged in this work. At one of the many
+meetings the following appeal, having been prepared by the women
+engaged in the work of visitation, was read and adopted:
+
+“Sisters--Feeling greatly encouraged at the results of yesterday’s
+work, and thanking God our Father, who giveth us the victory through
+Christ, our crucified but risen and glorified Redeemer, and feeling
+that, from the character of the men engaged in the liquor traffic, the
+amount of capital and financial interest employed in the same, and
+the silent yet powerful influence of many members of our community
+in backing up these men in their unholy calling, that we may have a
+long siege--therefore, let us call upon all our Christian brothers and
+sisters in the country surrounding Wilmington, to at once earnestly
+identify themselves with this great _Christian temperance movement_, by
+organizing, and placing themselves in communication with us, and thus
+be ready to help us in carrying forward the work.”
+
+The Crusaders, as they went out on their mission of love, were urged
+forward by the prayers and tears of the active Christian community, and
+aided by the moral sentiment of very many who made no pretensions of
+religion. The unity of effort, fixedness of purpose, and hearty support
+given to the work procured entire success.
+
+As the women were engaged all day in their work, arrangements were made
+for them to have lunch every day during this protracted effort.
+
+Superintendent William Cole and Sheriff Hackny took the lead in this
+matter. It was announced each night, at the mass-meeting, where lunch
+would be given, and who would pay for it. A correspondent says: The
+saloon-keepers weakened in their efforts to stem the tide of public
+opinion. Several were ready to sell out and quit the business, but the
+women were not willing to buy. J. R. Hawley, a colored saloon-keeper,
+announced in the meeting that he was resolved to quit.
+
+The ringing of all the bells in the town announced to the people that
+the lines were broken, and victory was only a question of time. The
+women were vigilant, and regardless of the weather, went bravely on
+with the work.
+
+Half-way promises were made, but they desired a complete surrender.
+Thomas Young, a colored man, who had a saloon in Clarktown (a part of
+Wilmington, over the railroad), signed the pledge, amid the ringing
+of bells, and singing of songs of praise, that the outposts were
+surrendering.
+
+It was resolved at this meeting, “That the business men be requested to
+close their houses between the hours of nine o’clock A. M., and three
+o’clock P. M., of the following day.” This was generally done, and the
+meeting held in the Friends’ meeting-house was largely attended during
+the day. The procession was larger than ever, and their influence
+correspondingly increased. Whenever they found a saloon closed against
+them, praying and singing was carried on in the street. From Main to
+South, and up and down South street, the procession moved as the ladies
+thought best for the accomplishment of the good work in which they were
+engaged. Mr. J. J. Stagg, of the Gates House, generously entertained
+the women in the procession; that day one hundred and thirty took
+dinner there. That day the last place we visited before dinner was the
+court-house, court being in session. We spent some time in religious
+service there, but some of the members of the bar made it convenient to
+be absent.
+
+One day before that, just after we had taken lunch, we came out and
+stopped on the court-house steps, and Lizzie C. Runyan led in prayer.
+We afterward heard that a liquor case was just then being tried, that
+the court became demoralized for a time until we went away, and the
+lawyer who lost his suit accused his opponent of making an arrangement
+with us to go there; but we knew nothing of what was going on, and
+acted only under the impression of the moment, many of us not knowing
+we were going there until the one leading stopped.
+
+At night the meeting was densely packed. At this meeting a plan of work
+was arranged for Saturday, somewhat different from the previous days;
+we divided into as many companies as there were saloons, having a few
+who could sing and some who would pray in each company.
+
+Saturday’s meeting was held in the Baptist Church, and the procession,
+large and formidable in appearance, started out, and a regular detail
+went to each of the saloons to watch and pray. It was arranged that
+every fifteen minutes the church-bell would be rung, and each company
+would then pass on to the next saloon; that day our enemy became
+exasperated. Before they were rid of one company another would be
+seen coming. We soon became too earnest to hear the bell, but went
+on from place to place. When any one of the unfortunate fellows was
+discovered on the street, a delegation of earnest, devoted women would
+surround him, and escape seemed hopeless. Never before had our town
+witnessed such a scene. Men dry for drinks, who had come in expecting
+no trouble, wandered disconsolately about the streets, and went home
+at night-fall in a different condition from what had been their habit
+on previous Saturdays, and the bowls of egg-nog already mixed up for
+their use were still standing unmolested. They would see a company of
+us at one place and think these were the Crusaders, and they would
+go on hurriedly to another shop, perhaps enter the door before they
+perceived women were there, too; then some would very unconcernedly ask
+for a half-dozen apples or something else, and pass out. Through the
+vigilance of the women but little liquor was sold during the day, and
+at night all of the saloons were temporarily closed, and the chances
+were much against any open purchase of liquor. The week had been one of
+intense excitement and active work, and such an up-building of public
+sentiment as had never been manifested here before.
+
+Union service was held at the Friends’ Church on Sabbath morning and
+evening. At the morning hour Rev. James Kendall preached one of his
+characteristic sermons, which was listened to attentively by as large
+an audience as could be packed into the house. The evening service was
+very good, made up of singing, praying, and general speaking.
+
+Monday meetings were held at the M. E. Church. The attendance was
+prompt and the procession moved early, and took possession of the
+saloons. Men who had been brave all the week before, gave in and
+surrendered. Thomas Norton, Fred. Hineman, George Lauber, Henry Getz,
+Washington Champ, and Patrick Egan, gave up the business, and while
+they did not all sign the pledge, they all promised to quit. Norton and
+Hineman emptied their saloons.
+
+As an episode of the day’s work, the capture of the Xenia ale-wagon
+and the frightened driver will long be remembered. He entered town and
+was replenishing saloons, while the attention of all were taken up by
+the pouring out of a half-barrel of gin, given up for that purpose.
+
+G. Thomas Young had signed the pledge, and his liquors were poured into
+the gutter from the court-house pavement; some poor fellows drank from
+the gutter, taking it up with their hands; one ran up and caught some
+in his hat and drank it, although his hat was not a new one. The crowd
+dispersed: some went home, but most of the temperance women and men
+went to the M. E. Church.
+
+When it was announced that the ale-wagon was in town and M. N. Hadley
+was beside it, it was soon overtaken by a vast crowd. A colored boy
+caught hold of the horses; the wagon was soon surrounded by the women;
+earnest prayer was offered, and just as we had a pledge written, to
+present to him, to sign, not to enter our place again on such an
+errand by day or by night, the city marshal told the boy to quit his
+hold of the bridle, and the driver lay whip to the horses and fled. We
+telegraphed to Salina, and they were ready to receive him by the time
+he arrived there.
+
+The meeting that night was a joyful one, and the work was reported in a
+much more forward condition than any one could have expected. Thursday
+found all ready for work, and there being a suspicion that the saloon
+of Conners had been open during the night, a delegation met early and
+was ready to take possession, as soon as it was opened for business.
+The meeting was held in the Baptist Church, and the procession came
+out promptly. During the day Edward Conners and Alice Bourke signed the
+pledge, thus closing all the drinking-saloons or places in the town.
+The men engaged in the work not feeling entirely satisfied with the
+fulfilment of some of the pledges, kept a watch.
+
+All the saloon-keepers signed the pledge except Norton and Getz, and
+they both closed under the promise not to sell again. Norton finally
+sold out at auction, and poured out his beer and turned himself into
+the street.
+
+Many individuals who worked without ceasing during this effort we would
+gladly mention by name, but not having room for all, we do not desire
+to discriminate. The work encouraged all good citizens, and a brotherly
+feeling has been wonderfully developed among the different churches.
+
+It was estimated from freight books, that during the six months
+beginning with July 1st, and ending December 31st, 1873, that the sum
+of twenty-five thousand dollars was spent in this place for liquors.
+
+The above will give our readers some idea of the immense injury which
+our town has suffered from the sale of intoxicating liquors; over one
+hundred and forty dollars a day.
+
+After the closing up of the saloons, the people on the streets were
+universally sober, and in marked contrast to former times. We are
+informed by one whose duty it is to extinguish the street-lamps, that
+there is a wonderful change in the order on the streets since the
+closing of the saloons. Previously, disorder and drunkenness was the
+rule night after night, but now he will go around the town without any
+sign of disturbance.
+
+The Lebanon _Star_ says, “In Wilmington, Clinton county, there were, a
+week ago, we are told, twelve saloons. On last Monday night there was
+but one remaining. The women did it. No suits were brought; but as we
+understand it, they just talked and sung and prayed, and the hearts of
+the liquor-sellers (many of them have hearts) gave way, and they quit
+the business. As the walls of Jericho fell at the sound of rams’ horns,
+so will the liquor traffic vanish in the presence of a healthy public
+sentiment properly manifested.”
+
+
+RESOLUTION OF THANKS.
+
+The following resolution was unanimously adopted by the women, at the
+last meeting held by them at the close of their arduous labors in
+putting down the liquor traffic in our town. It is a resolution which
+fully explains itself, and we give it without further comment:
+
+_Resolved_, That we return our sincere thanks to our Heavenly Father
+for putting kindness into the hearts of the pastors, and so many of the
+brethren of all denominations amongst us, together with our friend,
+M. Rombach, and those who claim alliance with no church organization,
+to so cordially co-operate with, and encourage us in the performance
+of the duties of the last few days by their prayers and sympathy;
+also, kind attention in the bountiful provision for the sustenance
+of our bodies, and care for our comfort and convenience by improving
+street-crossings, etc. And again we will thank him for the silent
+breathing of “God speed the work,” which we felt was with many of
+our citizens and neighbors who had no opportunity to manifest their
+interest and co-operation therein, and in humility we desire to thank
+and praise his holy name for causing the saloon-keepers with whom we
+have labored, to treat us with such profound respect and gentility. And
+last, but not least, we most devoutly thank him that he has enabled us
+to work thus lovingly together, until the language of our hearts is,
+“Truly is it the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in our eyes.”
+
+On behalf of the women of Wilmington and vicinity.
+
+ R. C. WORTHINGTON, President.
+
+There were many women who attended our league-meetings regularly, who
+never went on the street as Crusaders. When we would start out they
+would go home, or remain at the prayer-meeting.
+
+These were led by ministers: W. E. Prichard, S. H. Bingham, Wm. Runyan,
+and Friends.
+
+A relief committee was appointed, consisting of both men and women,
+which did much to relieve the poor of our town. The children of the
+public schools were invited to come out.
+
+We taught them the following pledge:
+
+ A pledge we make, no Wine to take,
+ Or Brandy red, to turn the head;
+ Or Whiskey hot, to make the sot;
+ Or fiery Rum, that ruins home;
+ Nor will we sin, by drinking Gin;
+ Hard Cider, too, will never do;
+ Or brewers’ Beer, the heart to cheer.
+ To quench our thirst, we’ll always bring
+ Cold Water, from the well, or spring.
+ Also, from Tobacco’s use we plead excuse;
+ The filth and scent thus we prevent,
+ That does accrue from Snuff and Chew;
+ And Smoke, we abhor, from Pipe or Cigar.
+ To this Pledge we live, for the joy it will give
+ To Fathers and Mothers, our neighbors, and others.
+
+ Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio.
+
+Some of the saloons were open, but claimed to be selling cider only.
+One had protested that he did not sell whiskey, and tried hard to
+convince us of the fact. His door opened into an alley. The children
+stopped before his front window, and began repeating the pledge; he
+raised the window, put his head out, and said, in an impatient voice,
+and with an Irish brogue, “What are ye all a doing here?” The children
+all turned their sober little faces toward him, repeating on. What he
+heard was just the line,
+
+ “Or Whiskey hot, to make the sot;”
+
+when down went the window. It was very amusing, but none
+laughed at the time.
+
+One place we visited was a livery-stable, where many had been seen
+drinking and drunk. The keeper was greatly incensed to think we had
+stopped on his pavement--talked rather roughly; said, “If we came there
+just once more, he would sell out, and set up in the liquor business,
+and would show us he could sell if he wanted too.” This was all the
+rough language we had spoken to us, except by one druggist, who was so
+thrown off his dignity to think we dared go to him; he asked us to
+sign a pledge that we would not steal anymore, then he would sign ours;
+many of them answered him they would, but he did not present any: but
+we found afterward that John Deck, the livery-man, perhaps would have
+been elected our marshal had it not been for the way he talked to us.
+How glad we were then that we suffered, that the right man might be
+elected; some men said they expected to have voted for him, but would
+not because he talked so roughly to us.
+
+Mary N. Hadley, a minister in the Society of Friends, may be said to
+have been one of our most indefatigable private, as well as public,
+laborers at home and abroad; while we have many whose faith and
+untiring zeal and energy are worthy of a record, although their share
+of the work was done in so quiet a way, that eternity alone will
+recognize it all, and give it its due reward of honor and praise.
+
+Lizzie C. Runyan, wife of the minister of the M. E. Church, was, after
+she fully entered the work, most gifted in prayer and public speaking.
+
+Some time after we had quit all visiting of the dealers, either by
+committees or otherwise, on the day of the spring election we met in
+the M. E. Church, and continued most of the day in the capacity of
+a prayer-meeting. The mayor, marshal and councilmen we desired were
+elected, and served their time out faithfully.
+
+In the beginning we felt ourselves, as it were, thrust into the work
+by our Allwise Father, for we were allowed no time to consult as to
+qualifications, or convenience, or scarcely of how to proceed until
+we found ourselves in the work. Truly can we say: “This is the Lord’s
+doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.” One of the most striking
+features of it to us, and one which plainly shows the hand of Deity,
+is, that it is not those who have suffered most directly, or are most
+likely to suffer thus, from the evils of strong drink, who are first
+to enter the field. As God sent his own Son to give his life a ransom
+for his fallen children, even now he calleth those who profess to be
+his followers to exercise in their measure (though too small to bear
+comparison) the same spirit of unselfish love. “Greater love hath no
+man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” While we
+look upon the incomplete condition of our work in this place, we are
+not discouraged; we can say, hitherto the Lord hath helped us, and in
+his own time he will again visibly move onward.
+
+Wilmington was the third town to enter the Crusade, and the first to
+cry Victory! and we felt the reaction as deep and sore as any.
+
+
+NEW VIENNA, OHIO.
+
+The Crusade fire which came down like an electric cloud upon Hillsboro’
+and Washington Court-House, Ohio, spread rapidly from town to town.
+
+New Vienna, a small railroad village, was one among the first to become
+conspicuous, because of the wickedness of one of its liquor-dealers,
+and the persistent faith of the women engaged in the work.
+
+The last saloon to surrender was the “Dead Fall,” kept by John Calvin
+Van Pelt. The building was a miserable one-story frame structure near
+the railroad depot, and Van Pelt had the reputation of being “the
+wickedest man in Ohio.” In appearance he looked like a prize-fighter,
+and in behavior he acted like one possessed of devils.
+
+The very first visit of the ladies enraged Van Pelt beyond anything
+they had ever seen. In his fury, he threatened that if they came to his
+saloon again, he would “hang, draw, and quarter them every one.” And he
+looked bloodthirsty enough to undertake any murderous deed.
+
+But, fortunately, these women were imbued with a heroism that comes
+from above, and had a faith that would not shrink in the presence of
+bodily peril. And the next day about fifty of them marched down to the
+“Dead Fall,” as though no threat had ever been made against them.
+
+Van Pelt had made special preparations for them. In one of his
+show-windows an axe besmeared with blood was placed; in the other an
+unusually fine display of whiskey-bottles; over the door jugs and
+bottles were hung, and a black flag conspicuously surmounted all; while
+within doors, Van Pelt could be seen walking the floor and flourishing
+a club at invisible foes. Now this was all very consistent--whiskey,
+a _rowdy_ to serve it; the black flag and the axe, the symbols of the
+trade.
+
+The sight of the flag and the axe, nor even the hostile demonstrations
+of Van Pelt, deterred the women; they moved right on without halting,
+or a quiver of fear, under the black flag of piracy and death, into
+the very presence of the man with the axe and club.
+
+Van Pelt stood back in amazement, and the women began to sing and
+pray. A great crowd had gathered in the street about the saloon, but,
+notwithstanding their presence, while the ladies were at prayer, and
+one of them was earnestly praying for him that he might be baptized
+with the Holy Ghost, with a horrid oath he said, “_I’ll baptize you!_”
+and commenced dashing buckets of dirty water over them.
+
+The crowd of men were enraged and threatened him, but the ladies plead
+that he might not be punished. But some of the fathers and husbands
+of the women who had been drenched with beer and dirty water had him
+arrested, and for a week he had time for reflection in the quiet of the
+jail. He came forth, however, more bitter and furious than ever.
+
+He had the audacity to go to the Friends’ Church, where the ladies were
+holding a meeting, and try to engage them in a public controversy.
+
+“Why did the Lord put the stimulant in the corn and grape if it was not
+for the use of man?” he shouted, furiously. His question betrayed his
+ignorance, and they might have answered him that the Lord did not put
+it there, but that it came only with decay and rottenness, but instead,
+they sang:
+
+ “My soul be on thy guard,
+ Ten thousand foes arise,
+ And host of sins are pressing hard
+ To draw thee from the skies;”
+
+and prayed for him especially.
+
+On the 26th of January, when the ladies visited the saloon, he met them
+at the door, and told them they might come in and hold a prayer-meeting
+on condition that he would be allowed to make every other prayer. The
+women were amazed, but consented, and the prayer-meeting began. A lady
+was the first to pray, and she was followed by a long, blasphemous
+harangue by Van Pelt.
+
+“He asked the Lord to have mercy on the women, whom he classed with
+the brutes, and to teach them wisdom and understanding. Woman, he
+said, first caused man to sin, and there was great need of prayer in
+their behalf. He said the Lord opened the first distillery, and made
+the first wine, and that he was following the example of the Lord,
+and other like words of blasphemy.” The women, although filled with
+amazement, prayed on, until Van Pelt had made three long blasphemous
+prayers. They looked to see him struck dumb by the divine power, but
+God is merciful and long-suffering, and one week from that day he
+surrendered.
+
+He had given some intimation that he would surrender at two o’clock.
+Boys ran through the streets ringing hand-bells, and crying at the top
+of their voices, “Everybody meet at Van Pelt’s saloon at two o’clock,
+and hear his decision.”
+
+There was a general gathering of the people, who closed up their stores
+and shops and rushed to the saloon. When the ladies arrived, Van Pelt
+presented himself, and with a good deal of feeling said, “I do not
+yield to law or force, but to the women, who have labored in love.”
+
+Then ordering the men to stand back, he rolled out his stock of
+liquors, and taking the axe besmeared with blood, with which he had
+tried to terrify the women, he knocked in the head of every cask, and
+sent the contents gurgling down the gutter.
+
+Then drawing himself up to his full height, he said, most solemnly,
+“Ladies, I now promise you to never sell or drink another drop of
+whiskey as long as I live, and also promise to work with you in the
+cause with as much zeal as I have worked against you.”
+
+He also remarked that he hoped the women of the United States would
+never cease until every drop of whiskey was emptied upon the ground, as
+his was.
+
+Just then the train from Cincinnati arrived. The crowd set up a
+deafening cheer. A photographist caught the scene, and preserved it to
+posterity. The women gathered around Van Pelt, shaking his hands, and
+congratulating him, and the glad news spread through the town, creating
+great excitement.
+
+The doxology was sung, and all the bells of the town were rung in honor
+of the occasion. That evening Van Pelt spoke at a mass-meeting and
+confessed his wickedness, and denounced the business. He referred to
+his saloon as a low doggery, saying, “Yes, I’ll call it a low doggery,
+for no man can keep a high one.” He had often taken the last ten cents
+from a man for whiskey when he knew that the money had been earned by
+his wife or child. Every man who sells whiskey does this. Little faces
+thus robbed had often appealed to his heart with greater force than any
+words of man. He was now determined to quit this business forever, and
+throw his strength on the other side of the question.
+
+Thus New Vienna was cleared of grog-shops.
+
+
+KENTON, OHIO.
+
+The Crusade work began early in January. The town was canvassed, and a
+large number of personal pledges obtained, and by the 2d February ten
+saloons had surrendered, and two were closed by law.
+
+General Robinson, during the work, made a most eloquent and impressive
+address, showing up the whiskey-ring in a way that made them instantly
+quail.
+
+
+GALLIPOLIS, OHIO.
+
+This town was settled by the French, in 1790, and from that day on
+whiskey flowed freely.
+
+Early in January, the women commenced Crusade work, and by March 2d,
+three saloon-keepers had yielded. Mr. Crowley allowed them to take down
+his sign and empty his whiskey into the gutter. Three hundred habitual
+drunkards signed the pledge. All sects and parties united in the great
+reform; and at the annual election a majority in favor of a prohibitory
+ordinance was secured, and five out of six of the seats in the council,
+and all the school board, and most of the minor offices were filled by
+temperance men.
+
+The result was, that sixteen saloons closed, and _the police-officers
+reported crime lessened nine-tenths_.
+
+
+GREENFIELD, OHIO.
+
+The secretary gives the following statement of work:
+
+Our league began the work January 12th, 1874, and continued until the
+latter part of March.
+
+For nearly three months we visited saloons almost every day. At the
+end of that time there was _but one_ saloonist who had not made some
+concessions to us; and, except by the drug stores, and this one saloon,
+there was no liquor sold in our town.
+
+Few of these, however, had signed the pledge, but from outside pressure
+abandoned it for the time being.
+
+
+RESULTS.
+
+How we in our weak human nature love to _see the results_ of our work
+for Jesus!
+
+To-day, three years and a half after, we find four of the fifteen
+places where liquor was sold have kept their pledges; a number of
+moderate drinkers reformed have stood fast. But the greatest and
+grandest result is that of the change of public sentiment. Four years
+ago a temperance lecturer, of no mean ability, could scarcely find a
+respectable sized audience to listen to him; but at any time since the
+Woman’s Crusade the simple announcement of a temperance mass-meeting
+would insure a crowded hall. Our League in all these years has still
+prayed that in some way God would carry on the work. One earnest
+petition was that God would raise up some _one in our midst_ who would
+be a “sharp arrow,” and last May, God answered our prayer, and Senator
+Dickey came over from the ranks of King Alcohol, and from under the
+power of sin, into the temperance army and into the fold of Christ.
+_This man_ inaugurated the Murphy movement in Greenfield, which we
+feel to be the outgrowth of the Woman’s Crusade. Many who have always
+scoffed at the Crusade now refer to it with the deepest respect, and
+acknowledge it to have been a fore-runner of this great thing which _we
+know_ is also of the Lord. I want to add that our ladies were always
+kindly treated by the saloonists; we have no thrilling experiences to
+tell or hair-breadth escapes to relate; also that the gentlemen “held
+the rope” _always_.
+
+When we met at the church to start to work, they met with us, and
+while we went to the saloons they prayed, or rather had all-day
+prayer-meetings, often expressing their sympathy by ringing the bell.
+
+Then, too, we had messenger boys, who would carry little notes from
+the league to the church, reporting various stages of the work to our
+brothers at the church. At the close of the day we returned to the
+church to sing, perhaps, “One more day’s work for Jesus,” before we
+went to our homes.
+
+Clinton, the worst man engaged in the business, whose place was named
+“The Den of Iniquity,” said, after his surrender, “I thought I had sand
+enough in my craw to stand anything; but the prayers of these women did
+stir me up; they were enough to sink a wooden man.” Thirteen saloons in
+all were closed.
+
+
+FRANKLIN, OHIO.
+
+There were six saloons in this village, when the Crusade commenced,
+January 21st. Webber, a German saloon-keeper, sent for a brass band to
+drown the voices of the praying women, but prayer and tears silenced
+the band, and they fled from the field, and Webber himself signed the
+dealer’s pledge and gave up the business.
+
+Five thousand dollars were raised to keep saloons out of the town, and
+a library and social hall established, and eighteen hundred dollars
+raised to purchase books, and to pay the rent of the hall. The rent of
+the hall was prepaid for twenty years.
+
+
+MORROW, OHIO.
+
+The ladies of Morrow commenced the street work, January 26th, to
+encounter seventeen drinking-places, fourteen of which were regular
+saloons.
+
+They labored unceasingly till all but two insignificant doggeries were
+closed; these held out persistently.
+
+A correspondent of a Cincinnati paper gives the following account of
+the town, which had been blasted by rum:
+
+“Population, eleven hundred; drinking-places, fifteen; increase of
+population in ten years, two hundred persons; increase of municipal
+taxation, one hundred and thirty per cent.; decline in business
+reported at twenty-five per cent.; manufactures nothing, and no
+increase in the value of property; eighteen vacant dwelling-houses, and
+numbers of the best citizens removed. Such are the facts given me by
+the ‘old and reliable.’ Verily it was time for the law or the gospel to
+do something. The place has a beautiful and romantic site. They have
+three railroads, and expect connection soon with a trunk line to the
+East. On one side is the river, and on the other the beautiful hill,
+with hundreds of sites for palatial residences. In the neighborhood is
+good fishing and hunting, and all around is scenery unsurpassed in the
+State of Ohio. Apparently this is just the place for a favorite summer
+resort.
+
+“Twenty-five years ago Morrow had aspirations. There were, and are,
+unsurpassed facilities for manufacturing--still unimproved. Three
+large hotels at that time were filled most of the summer with families
+and visitors from Cincinnati. The society was good; church, school,
+and lyceum were thoroughly organized; and besides the manufacturing
+interests which were being established, the place expected to become
+a city of elegant retired country-seats. Somehow the saloons got the
+start, the manufacturers took the alarm, the expected good families
+did not come, and many that were here moved away. If the place has
+improved in twenty years, that fact is not apparent to the naked eye.
+Still there are many good families in Morrow. They have borne the
+demoralization and tyranny of the whiskey power until it has become a
+question of life and death with them; and they have entered on this
+struggle in the spirit in which patriots fight for their homes, feeling
+that unless they conquer, they must emigrate. It is not a question of
+philanthropy alone, and other people’s good, here, as in some places:
+they must conquer or die.”
+
+Wilmington, a neighboring town, had been cleared of the traffic, and
+Mrs. Runyan, the wife of a Methodist minister, and Mrs. Hadley, a
+Quakeress, went over from that place to Morrow to aid their sisters in
+the Crusade. There was great enthusiasm; over fifty ladies rallied
+around them, and the work commenced in earnest.
+
+There were many hard cases among the saloon-keepers. Looskins
+threatened to shoot the first woman that crossed his threshold.
+
+A notice was posted up conspicuously in Opes’ and Goepper’s saloon,
+“No singing and praying women allowed here.” Martin Fath brought out
+his sewing machine and ran it violently during their stay. Some of the
+saloons locked their doors.
+
+Henry Scheide, who was a young man of some culture, and kept the most
+respectable saloon in the place, proved to be one of the hardest cases.
+
+A Cincinnati reporter gives us the following sample of Scheide’s
+rambling talk:
+
+“We’ll worry ’em some, though I’m the only one that lets the ladies
+in. It don’t bother me much; they only sing and pray, and slay about
+half an hour. I’ll open every time they come, shutting doors on nobody.
+There’s no rowdies come into this place. Those ladies don’t understand
+it: they have a foolish prejudice about this business. Now I can run
+this establishment just as nice as a dry goods store, and I do.... O,
+if they’d stay all day, I’d soon stop that. This is my business, and
+I won’t let anybody interfere with it. There’s a State law against
+selling by the drink, but nobody pays any attention to it. We run that
+risk. No man but a low sneak, who has a spite against you, will drink
+in your house, and then go and make complaint against you. The council
+won’t make any order here. They’re men of too much sense. I tell you
+a town must have a decent saloon, or it won’t prosper. All the farmers
+nearly in the country, when they go to sell their grain or buy goods,
+are going where they can get a dram. They will have their beer or ale.
+Stop the sale here, and two-thirds of our travel leaves us. Maybe,
+though, if no town had saloons, it might make it even; but the others
+will have them.
+
+“Women get along in all these towns because they have no opposition.
+Mayor and officers and lawyers are all with them, because it was a new
+thing. But here we’ve got some rights. Our lawyers are with us. It’s
+politics that’s really at the bottom of this thing. It’s been tried
+here.”
+
+I glean the following facts from the writings of T. A. H. Brown, in
+“Fifty Years’ History of the Temperance Cause.”
+
+On the 17th of February, Henry Scheide went before Judge Gilmore, of
+Eaton, with the following petition:
+
+“The said Henry Scheide, plaintiff, prays that each and every one
+of the said defendants, individually, jointly, and collectively, be
+restrained, prohibited, and enjoined from molesting, disturbing, or
+hindering the said Henry Scheide in the prosecuting and conducting his
+said business, upon any pretence or pretext whatever, and invading,
+or meeting in or about his premises, to obstruct his said business;
+and also prays judgment against all of said defendants for the sum of
+one thousand dollars, and prays for all other proper relief in the
+premises.”
+
+The said defendants were--
+
+ Mrs. E. R. Grim,
+ Frank Forshnell,
+ Geo. W. Davis,
+ John Hanford,
+ Oscar T. Hanford,
+ B. F. Wilson,
+ H. J. Coffeen,
+ Josiah Fairchild,
+ Porter Corson,
+ Jas. H. Jeffery,
+ W. P. Hanford,
+ J. T. Welch,
+
+and one hundred and four other ladies and gentlemen, among
+whom were Dio Lewis and Van Pelt.
+
+The trial came off at Lebanon, the 28th of February. It was a great day
+in Lebanon. The whole town of Morrow came over. A public dinner was
+given by the Lebanon ladies to their persecuted sisters. Forty of the
+defendants marched to the court-house in solemn procession. Every inch
+of space in the building was packed full.
+
+After noticing the first two points at length, the judge decides on the
+third point of the case as follows: Judge Smith presiding. “But there
+is another ground, which, in my judgment, effectually disposes of this
+motion. That is third, viz.: That the allegations of the petition are
+not true. He alleges that he kept a house where he conducted business
+according to law. From the nature of the case, the character of this
+business in this respect is directly in issue, and from the proof it is
+perfectly clear to my mind that instead of this it was a place where
+intoxicating liquors were habitually sold, in violation of the laws of
+the State, and where gambling was constantly being carried on.
+
+“Such a place as this our statute expressly declares to be a public
+nuisance, and which being shown in a proper case would have to be
+ordered by the court to be shut up. Now, the doctrine is perfectly
+well settled that a nuisance, either public or private, may be abated
+even by force, so no breach of the peace is committed. Surely, then,
+the means used here, with the view of abating this nuisance, were not
+unlawful or in derogation of the rights of the plaintiff; for, as the
+keeper of such an establishment, the maintainer of a public nuisance,
+and a gambling-house, he can have no standing in a court of equity,
+when he asks to be protected in his unlawful and criminal business. The
+injunction will be dissolved at plaintiff’s costs.”
+
+Thus the women triumphed in the only injunction case of the Crusade
+that was decided on its merits. There was great rejoicing at Morrow.
+A correspondent, writing from there under the inspiration of the good
+news, gives the following graphic description of the scene:
+
+“As I write, the band is playing and marching through our streets,
+followed by an immense throng of men, women, and children, shouting
+and rejoicing. Every church-bell, school-bell, etc., in town is
+ringing, and two or three locomotives are creating a terrible noise,
+whistling and ringing their bells. In fact, the entire town is wild
+with excitement. Hundreds of country people, hearing the noise of the
+bells and general tumult, are flocking to town from all quarters,
+many thinking the village was in flames. An immense meeting is now in
+progress at the Presbyterian Church, in addition to the immense throng
+upon our streets. Speeches are being made, and cheer upon cheer is
+rending the air. Morrow never had such an awakening, everybody being
+happy except the lawyers who defended Scheide, and four or five saloon
+patrons.”
+
+It was too much for Scheide. He shut up his establishment, and left
+the town; and thus ends the history of the “only respectable saloon in
+Morrow.”
+
+The women were out every day, in constantly increasing numbers.
+Enthusiastic mass-meetings were held every night. Almost every
+man, woman, and child in the vicinity, not engaged in the liquor
+business, signed the total abstinence pledge. One after another the
+saloon-keepers gathered their traps about them and silently stole away,
+until the number was reduced to three or four.
+
+One of these was Max Goepper, a brother of the wealthy Cincinnati
+brewer, who kept a low place close by the depot. To this the women
+devoted their attention, and passengers on the Little Miami trains
+might see them at almost any hour, from six in the morning until ten
+at night, kneeling on the steps before the door with their piteous
+faces upturned, and pleading with the Almighty to have mercy upon
+that saloon-keeper, and change his heart. Just within the door stood
+Goepper, with a cigar in his mouth and a sardonic grin on his face,
+winking at the train men, or at some old customer whom he saw in the
+crowd. In the window hung a caricature of a dead man being carried
+off on a bier, and underneath the inscription, “This man was prayed
+to death.” It was a sight that brought tears to the eyes of many a
+traveller, at the same time that it provoked a smile.
+
+At last, on a morning early in March, the ladies came as usual, and
+found only the empty shell of the old shanty. Goepper and his effects
+had disappeared. The bells were rung loud and long, and the patient
+and persistent workers wept for joy. It was one of the most signal
+victories of the campaign.
+
+
+OXFORD, OHIO.
+
+Oxford, with a population of 1,800, had twelve saloons. The women
+commenced Crusade work January 31st, 1874, and by the 27th of March
+every saloon was closed but one.
+
+One noble woman, Mrs. Sheard, over seventy years of age, put out her
+washing before daylight on that morning, so that with home work all
+done, she might be able to go with the Crusade band into the streets;
+other ladies were equally energetic and determined.
+
+Wertz and Barraclough, after closing their saloon, sold out their
+fixtures at auction.
+
+The wealthier citizens purchased them, and presented them to the ladies
+as mementos. Glasses brought as high as $1.50, and other things in
+proportion.
+
+March 31st, the last saloon-keeper, Mr. Taylor, signed the pledge. Thus
+in just two months of prayer and effort every saloon in the town was
+closed. A jubilee festival was held, to which the saloon-keepers and
+their families were invited.
+
+During the Crusade, out of a population of 1,800, 1,200 signed the
+pledge.
+
+
+McARTHUR, OHIO.
+
+McArthur is the county-seat of Vinton county; has a population of 800.
+At the commencement of the Crusade five saloons were in full blast;
+four of them were closed in one week.
+
+One of the worst places was a gambling and faro-bank. A correspondent
+gives us the following graphic account of the closing of this den:
+
+Fifty women singing and praying in a faro-bank is calculated to
+cause quite an interest in almost any place, and especially in our
+usually unaccustomed-to-excitement village. The rooms were crowded
+to overflowing by curious and interested spectators. The proprietor
+had boasted that the ‘praying band’ had not enough ‘religion’ and too
+little ‘faith’ to visit him, and even threatened violence should such
+an action be attempted. After the conclusion of the evening services
+at the churches, the ladies formed in line of march, accompanied by
+the marshal and one or two others, in case their services were needed
+in an emergency, and the attack was made. They were received without
+opposition. Crowds followed, the rooms were filled, and a large number
+remained below on the sidewalk. Singing and prayer were held for about
+an hour, when the band took their leave, thanking the proprietor for
+his courtesy, and he in turn requesting them to return; but this
+they had not the opportunity of doing. The next day he closed his
+establishment, sold his tables and chairs, and decamped, saying that
+being prayed out of town was a new experience to him, and that he had
+best leave.
+
+
+GEORGETOWN, OHIO.
+
+This is an old aristocratic town; like Hillsboro’, many of the early
+settlers were from Virginia or Kentucky, and had the same ideas of
+hospitality.
+
+My earliest recollections of Georgetown are of its splendid monthly
+balls, and the fashion and gayety of the people who attended them,
+coming many of them from long distances.
+
+The inhabitants suffered terribly from the drink ravages, and yet
+drinking was deemed respectable.
+
+The Crusade commenced late in January, and on February 28th the last
+saloon closed.
+
+We give the following incidents of the Crusade from a correspondent:
+
+“One man, on being approached by the ladies, had nerved himself for the
+shock with the electrifying fluid of his own establishment. By his side
+sat a glass half full, ready to be swallowed as soon as the burning
+effects of the first had cooled. When asked if he would quit selling
+liquor, his response was, suggested, no doubt, by the inward burning:
+‘No! not till h--l freezes over.’ Since then the wicked of this
+community, before whom the lake of fire has been a dreadful reality,
+have had great occasion to rejoice.
+
+“At the second place visited, the proprietor, fearing the prayers
+of the ladies would annihilate his stock, had it rolled out on the
+sidewalk and labelled ‘Cincinnati.’ He told them, in answer to inquiry
+respecting the cessation of his business, that they might report him
+closed. This, however, was only a dodge to evade the pressure of this
+movement. He afterwards closed, however, and allowed his liquors to be
+emptied in the street.
+
+“The proprietor of another saloon wept during the first visit of the
+ladies; said he was a Christian man; could not quit the business at
+present, as he had bought property, and his word was out to pay for it;
+said also that he could not let his wife and children suffer for food
+and clothing. He gave a written pledge, however, that he would never
+sell another drop of intoxicating liquor after the present was gone.
+
+“Judging from the professions of the next man, we would classify
+him with an ancient order of people. ‘He is not as other people; he
+prays twice a day; was foreordained from all eternity to sell liquor;
+considers it no more harm than to sell calico.’ A few days afterwards,
+we thought his Calvinism knocked end-ways, as he solemnly pledged the
+temperance people he would never sell again. But nickels were too
+tempting. The next day he was discovered selling. Had this not been a
+ruse to secure the intercessions of the ladies before the court in his
+behalf, his return to his foul business would have verified the old
+proverb. He persists that there was a mistake in his promise; that it
+embraced a condition. We are happy to record he has since closed up
+unconditionally.
+
+“At another place, the proprietor said as he was a law-abiding citizen,
+and sold only according to law, that he would lose every drop of blood
+in his body before he would give up the business. This was severe
+on the ladies. Until then they had not perceived they were warring
+against legitimate business. But the next day, on learning that some
+one had indicted all of these _law-abiding men_ before the grand jury,
+their conscientious scruples vanished. At this place, too, temperance
+triumphed and no blood was shed.”
+
+
+WHO ARE THESE WOMEN?
+
+In all adjacent towns, the wildest rumors are afloat as to who the
+praying women are. Some say they are strangers sent here to do this
+work. Those not in sympathy with us say they are from the lower strata
+of society, and that among them are women of questionable character.
+Let the liquor-dealers of Georgetown be asked, and, if men of veracity,
+they will say they are the women of Georgetown, and the very best
+of its female inhabitants. They are the wives and daughters of the
+ministers, bankers, judges, lawyers, merchants and mechanics of this
+place.
+
+
+LOGAN, OHIO.
+
+The following was reported by Mrs. John Walker:
+
+“Logan, the county-seat of Hocking, with two thousand inhabitants,
+contained, before the Crusade, eighteen saloons, most of them doing a
+profitable business. Much of the wealth of the town was in the hands
+of prominent liquor-sellers, and men in other business quailed before
+them. Our lawyers and office-holders, with scarcely an exception, were
+in their interests. But God had a chosen few who caught the inspiration
+of the Crusade.
+
+“It is a remarkable fact that several towns took up the work
+simultaneously, and, with but little knowledge of what the others
+were doing, worked substantially in the same manner, as we found in
+comparing notes afterwards.
+
+“We were, as we supposed, the fifth town in point of succession, but
+found that other towns had commenced at the same time. We felt the
+magnitude of our work, for many of these liquor-dealers were our
+neighbors and friends--some of them the magnates of our town.
+
+“And I speak what I know of our women, when I repel the accusation
+since made against the Crusade, that one element in its work was a
+spirit of persecution. So far as our work was concerned, all bitterness
+was laid aside. We felt called to work for the Master, and with as much
+of his spirit as possible. Our meetings were solemn; our processions
+well ordered; our work determined and telling; for God seemed to come
+so near to us that we touched his guiding hand. No woman among us,
+who entered into the spirit of it, doubts for a moment the Almighty
+guidance. I can never describe my own feelings as the leader of it. I
+seemed under a mighty inspiration, so calm, so peaceful, so fearless,
+so trustful, and with remarkably clear views of God’s truth, so that I
+would select passages for public reading without hesitation. I received
+threatening letters. My husband was advised to compel me to stay at
+home, as I would ruin his business (banking, which was never harmed).
+
+“Country people flocked into our town and were amazed; there was
+so much power in the work--power from on high. It was a spiritual
+phenomenon, unexplainable, even to ourselves. ‘How our hearts burned
+as we talked of Him by the way!’
+
+“Our Master walked with us. In three weeks, we had the four drug
+stores under pledge, and all the saloons closed except one. That one
+was upheld by wholesale dealers in cities, and by the Catholic priest
+at home. We labored with the priest, but he steadily told us that he
+interfered with no man’s business.
+
+“Our Lutheran minister also upheld his people who sold liquor. Now for
+the results:
+
+“Although some of these liquor-sellers gave us their hand before the
+crowd, and with tears promised they would never sell liquor again,
+after a few months they returned to it again, and as much liquor was
+sold as before. There is a kind of brotherhood among them, and they
+fear and influence each other.
+
+“But was the Crusade a failure, as some have said? By no means. We gave
+the liquor business a blow in _this town_, from which _it never has and
+never will recover_. Some of our Germans in that business I think had
+no idea until then how disreputable it was in the eyes of Americans.
+They _feel_ it _now_.
+
+“It is neither respectable to sell nor drink whiskey in this town now,
+although much of it is done; for so long as there is money in the
+business, it will be continued.
+
+“Public opinion has taken an _immense_ stride. One of these wealthy
+liquor-dealers has recently died, leaving orders that no liquor should
+ever again be sold at his place of business, and a nice hardware-store
+now fills its place. Another young man has left the business, and
+opened a furniture store. Several others are now shut for want of
+custom.
+
+“It was a fearful reaction which followed the Crusade--the mighty wave
+threw up the mire and filth in the community. This element festered,
+and in sheer bravado many of them have tried to show _these women_ that
+they _will_ sell and drink in spite of them. But our ‘boys in blue’ are
+coming to the rescue. Each temperance revival seems to be an outcome of
+the preceding one.”
+
+We add the following from D. Little:
+
+“But two of the twenty liquor hells in our town, that surrendered,
+possessed any interest to those who do not believe in the efficacy of
+prayer.
+
+“Mr. Barnhardt, the day of his surrender, knelt with the ladies, and
+tearfully promised them that he would never sell any more spirituous
+liquors; that he was convinced that it was a great sin to do so. He
+hoped they would be as successful at all the other saloons as they
+were at his. He has been, ever since his surrender, one of our best
+temperance men.
+
+“Mr. Rohler’s surrender was the same as Mr. Barnhardt’s. Upon his
+surrender, the ladies sang ‘Praise God,’ etc.
+
+“One of the most remarkable cases of God’s answering prayer is told
+by our good sister F. Her husband is a kind-hearted man, a good
+mechanic, and, until he commenced drinking, was one of our most thrifty
+mechanics. He ran through with all the accumulation of years, and but
+for the hand-work of his wife, his family would have suffered for bread.
+
+“Mrs. F. felt that there was no safety for her husband without God
+would take from him his appetite for whiskey. She believed that God
+would do it, if she asked him. She prayed that God would take from him
+the desire for whiskey. At this time he had not taken any stimulant for
+a week. He would walk the floor of his shop in the greatest distress,
+and in going to and from his meals, he went through the alleys, in
+order to avoid the saloons, knowing, as he says, he could not resist
+the temptation.
+
+“After about a week of such suffering, his desire for whiskey was taken
+away, and he says he has no more taste for it now than when he was a
+child. He is happy, cheerful, industrious, and says he will never drink
+any more.”
+
+
+McCONNELSVILLE, OHIO.
+
+Mrs. Eva R. Sprague writes of the work at this point:
+
+We organized February 14th, 1874, under the name of McConnelsville
+Women’s Temperance League; officers: president, vice-president,
+treasurer, and secretary.
+
+The usual constitution, by-laws, and pledges were adopted, and one
+hundred and thirty signatures obtained.
+
+We owed largely our success, under God, to our venerable president,
+Mother Paxton, who, although bending under the weight of years (she was
+at the time seventy-seven), was, nevertheless, prompt in attendance at
+each of our meetings, and in the street work, no matter how inclement
+the weather.
+
+As a result of our efforts, with the blessing of God, every saloon in
+our town was closed. (There are now six saloons in the place against
+which we are battling.) Some of the persons who were then dealing out
+death to their fellow-creatures are now efficient members of Christ’s
+visible church. So manifest was the presence of the Holy Spirit in our
+meetings and work, that denominational lines seemed to have melted
+away, and a heavenly union “like to that above” prevailed.
+
+A blessed revival of religion and an ingathering of members to the
+churches followed, as a matter of course. Our meetings were kept up for
+several months, and were seasons of great soul-enjoyment to those who
+attended, and the savor of their influence will, we hope, never be lost
+upon the members of the League, and the Christians of McConnelsville.
+
+
+MARYSVILLE, OHIO.
+
+On Wednesday evening, February 14th, 1874, an interesting mass-meeting
+was held in Union Hall; every available foot of room was packed.
+This meeting was the means of developing much temperance feeling,
+which rapidly grew; and on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, devotional
+meetings were held at the Congregational Church.
+
+Monday afternoon, thirty or forty ladies formed into line, and
+marched to the saloons. At the places where the saloons were closed
+against them, the devotional exercises were gone through with, on the
+pavement, in front of the saloon. Monday afternoon, Mother Stewart, of
+Springfield, paid us a visit. In the evening, she made a two hours’
+address, at the Methodist Church, and was listened to by a crowded
+house. A subscription was started for the purpose of prosecuting
+all violations of the liquor laws. About six thousand dollars were
+subscribed. On the whole, the people were terribly in earnest.
+
+While a committee of ladies was visiting the saloons, with the view of
+having an understanding with the keepers, concerning their continuing
+to sell liquor, a few young men, with more impudence than brains,
+entered the saloon and called for drinks.
+
+At one of the evening meetings in the hall, the cry of _fire_ was
+raised; the audience became much alarmed, and made a rush for the door.
+It was soon discovered that a barn had been set on fire near the depot.
+It was supposed to have been set on fire for the purpose of breaking
+up the meeting. The same ruse was employed a second time during the
+meetings.
+
+The druggists signed a pledge which they prepared for themselves.
+On a Saturday, a beautiful day, the ladies were out in full force;
+one hundred and seventy-two in all. Large numbers of persons were
+in from the country as silent spectators of the solemn scene. Many
+stout-hearted men were melted to tears, and all expressed themselves as
+singularly affected.
+
+Not a word was spoken in derision of the movement, nor was there a
+smile to be seen on the countenance of any one. It was a wonderful work.
+
+The last week in February, 1874, was the memorable week in the history
+of Marysville. It will be remembered as the week when every saloon in
+the place was closed.
+
+Photographs, cabinet-size, of the ladies’ prayer-meeting in front of
+the “City Beer Saloon,” were taken, and became objects of historic
+interest.
+
+Monday evening, March the 2d, our citizens, to the number of about
+three hundred, met at Mr. Peter Baugh’s residence, and took supper with
+him. Peter was among the first to yield to the wishes of the ladies. He
+sacrificed all his liquors, by spilling them out on the ground; then
+tore out his saloon-fixtures, cleaned up his room, and spread a table
+capable of seating eighty persons at a time.
+
+It was a pleasant evening, in the way of genuine enjoyment. After
+supper, addresses were made by Mr. Stephenson, Mayor Kennedy, Rev. Mr.
+March, Dr. Hamilton, Mr. Piper, and Mrs. Woods. All rejoiced together
+that deliverance had come to those who were in bondage.
+
+The supper given at Mr. Raugh’s proved a success. The sum given so
+cheerfully and liberally amounted to five hundred dollars. The kindly
+feeling which prevailed convinced all that it is better to be ruled by
+love than by law.
+
+Reported by order of the committee. E. J. MARCH.
+
+
+FINDLEY, OHIO.
+
+Sarah A. Strothers, writing of the work in this place, says:
+
+“In the month of February (about the 27th) the great wave of the
+temperance revival, now known as “The Crusade,” reached Findley,
+Hancock county, Ohio. A meeting was called to be held in the
+Presbyterian Church, where the wonderful events that had, and were
+transpiring, at Hillsboro’, and Washington Court-House, were talked
+over, until the people were enthused to such a degree, that, for the
+time being, all other things seemed void of interest.
+
+The great incubus of intemperance that was crushing us socially,
+and as a nation, was about to be overthrown, by the great lever of
+faith--Faith in God. It was claimed that at this day He would hear and
+answer the supplications of His children, as He did in other years,
+when He brought them out of the land of bondage. The people assembled
+every day for two weeks. The church was crowded. All were anxious that
+the women should go out as their sisters were going in other places.
+
+On the morning of the 14th of March, the work of organization
+commenced. A president and two vice-presidents, and other officers were
+chosen. One of the ministers present suggested that consecration was
+necessary before we could work effectively. All seemed to feel that
+this was indeed needed, and for two weeks longer we met daily in the
+church for prayer.
+
+The interest increased. Crowds came from our county, and from towns
+and cities of the country adjacent to these meetings. The baptism of
+power came upon us. We then sent committees to the saloons, to ask the
+dealers to cease their work of death; and to say that if they did not
+abandon the traffic, prayer-meetings would be held in their places
+of business. There were thirty-two retail and one wholesale liquor
+store, in our village of four thousand inhabitants. Although evidently
+much disturbed, not one of them would promise to give up the traffic,
+claiming that there was too much money in it; that the government was
+kept up by the revenue derived from the traffic in intoxicants. To be
+told this by a foreigner was enough to make every American blush for
+his country.
+
+When the committees returned, the church was filled with women bowed
+in prayer; and, as one expressed it, the very atmosphere seemed to be
+filled with the Spirit. They had been blessed as were the disciples of
+old, with a pentecostal baptism.
+
+All denominational lines were gone, and they were as the Saviour prayed
+that his followers might be, one in Him. The leader of the band went to
+the front of the church to make the report. She said: “My sisters--We
+have met with a defeat equal to that of the army of the Potomac at
+Bull Run. Let us once more bow before God, and ask for direction and
+strength for the contest that is evidently before us.” We then signed
+the pledge to work until the victory was won, or till death should
+release us.
+
+At the evening meeting, held in the court-house, many of the dealers
+were present, and so learned that on the morrow we would move upon
+their works, armed with the weapons of Christian warfare--Love and
+Faith, backed by the power of Almighty God.
+
+At eight o’clock in the morning the church was filled with persons
+anxious to take part in the work, or to see what was going to be
+done. After devotional exercises, the men present pledged themselves
+to aid by their prayers, their means, and influence, until the work
+was accomplished. The leader now requested all who were willing, and
+felt moved by the Spirit to go out, to rise. Two hundred and twenty
+signified their willingness to go. We then had a few minutes’ silent
+prayer, after which we formed a procession. The leader then said: “My
+sisters, we are going forth in the strength, in the spirit of our
+Master, to follow Him in trying to save men, and it may be going even
+to death. Let us all feel that, following Christ, all will be well. Let
+us leave all in His hands--life, friends, reputation--all that is dear
+to us, in His hands.” Persons were stationed in the Protestant churches
+to ring the bells as soon as the M. E. Church bell would ring. As we
+walked two and two out of the church five bells commenced ringing. The
+streets were crowded with men and boys, all excited over the strange
+scene. It was, indeed, like a great funeral procession.
+
+The first place we visited the proprietors had closed the doors and
+fled. We sang “All hail the power of Jesus’ name,” and offered two
+prayers. A man, in giving his experience afterwards, said that that
+prayer and hymn were the means of his conversion.
+
+The third place we visited was kept by a wounded soldier. He had once
+known the Saviour. As we sang he wept, and knelt when we prayed. All
+the time we were out those who remained at the church were praying.
+At the close of each prayer, the bell would be rung, thus notifying us
+that they were holding us up by their faith.
+
+The next place we visited was a billiard saloon. As we filed into the
+room the players were startled; they were not looking for us. One
+woman exclaimed: “Merciful heaven, this is the gilded hell that is
+destroying my sons!” The owner said: “We never sell anything that will
+intoxicate.” Another mother present answered: “I don’t see how that can
+be; my boys come in here sober, and I have to help them home--they are
+too drunk to take care of themselves.” He was now becoming angry, and
+a sister, standing with her hand on the billiard-table, said: “Let us
+pray.” She prayed that his little son might never have the temptations
+to evil that he was offering to her children; that the father might
+become a Christian ere his boy would know anything of his life. The
+pledge was then presented. He said he would not sign it till the Day of
+Judgment. He, however, came to the church in the morning, and not only
+signed the pledge but asked us to pour his liquor into the street. Oh!
+the crowds that came to witness the funeral of the vicious compound. We
+had a very joyous time; God was with us in great power. Several of the
+dealers gave up the business, and the five bells were rung, and great
+rejoicing was heard all over the town. At one saloon a sister was asked
+to lead in prayer; she was a shouting Methodist, and she rejoiced with
+a loud voice, to the astonishment of the beer vender.
+
+At one place we were in the habit of singing “Come to Jesus,” and
+“Rock of ages.” An old German was much disturbed by this. “What did
+des Rock of ages mean?” he said. “He dakes mine shleep all de night. I
+durns over, I hear _Rock of ages_, and den I hears _Come to Jesus, all
+de time_; vat does it mean?”
+
+A man, a German, was in his place one day; a boy, whose mother was a
+Crusader, was standing by the stove. He did not observe the boy, but
+said to the man, “Come now, haf a glass of peer, dem vemens will not
+drouble me any more already. I dalked so cross dey will not comes
+agin.” The beer was poured out, but just as the man was raising it to
+his mouth, “Rock of ages” sounded through the air, sung by a hundred
+voices. “Quick, shut the door! mine Got, dis dem vemens agin.”
+
+Most of the places we visited we held our meeting inside, but the
+wholesale dealers would not suffer us to come inside. One or two
+would go in to talk with the proprietors. When the door was opened
+one morning, five or six slipped in and commenced praying. Oh! what a
+meeting we had--one good short inside meeting, and a large one outside.
+We then commenced picketing saloons; some rich scenes transpired
+in this work. After we had enough evidence accumulated (we had the
+McConnelsville ordinance) we concluded to try the law. We had an old
+German arrested and tried; _he was sentenced to fine and imprisonment_.
+The Germans banded together, and took him out of the prison, and there
+seemed no help but to submit to a lawless mob.”
+
+What a confession! _A few German dealers defy public sentiment and
+override the decrees of the court_. And American men, who outnumber
+them _ten to one_, submit to this lawlessness and insult, and allow the
+triumph of vice over virtue; mob over the law.
+
+
+JAMESTOWN, OHIO.
+
+Reported by Mattie B. Long.
+
+In the early part of February, 1874, the citizens of Jamestown, Ohio,
+met at Christian Church of that place; the object of the meeting being
+to organize a band to go in the streets, into saloons, or wherever a
+war might be waged against the liquor traffic. After prayer by one of
+the ministers present, and some remarks upon the necessity of the work
+now about to be engaged in, a league was promptly organized, with Mrs.
+Mattie B. Long as president, Mrs. Elizabeth Davis vice-president, and
+Mrs. H. R. Brown secretary.
+
+A spirit of enthusiasm pervaded all classes. The pastors of the three
+churches entered heartily into the work, and were, as well as other
+Christian men, very valuable allies in the warfare. While the women
+went forth weeping, trembling, praying, these men remained in the
+church praying for their success in the work until they returned and
+reported.
+
+A band of about fifty ladies went forth, visiting first the only drug
+store in the village, where they were kindly received. The president
+asked permission to have prayer, when an earnest, eloquent petition
+was offered by Mrs. Mary Perryman, the first prayer, perhaps, that had
+ever ascended to heaven from a place where ardent spirits were sold as
+a beverage in this town. This drug store and two saloons were the only
+places in the village where liquors were sold.
+
+These places were visited daily for a week or more before either of
+the proprietors agreed to desist; one saloon-keeper finally yielded.
+Then the druggist, and then the other saloonist “unconditionally
+surrendered,” and gave permission for his premises to be searched. All
+his liquors were given to mother earth to drink. So that in the space
+of three weeks our village was for the time freed from the curse.
+
+The experience of all engaged in the work was that, while laboring for
+the good of others, their own souls had been greatly blessed.
+
+
+MOUNT VERNON, OHIO.
+
+Mount Vernon, with a population of 6,000, had thirty-one saloons.
+
+The Crusade work commenced the 16th of February; in the short space
+of twelve days of prayer and persuasion, twenty-three saloons closed
+their doors, and the saloonists agreed never to enter into the business
+again. The Catholic priest expressed his sympathy with the movement,
+and organized a society in his own communion.
+
+Mrs. E. A. Wright wrote, April 2d, 1874: “Our success up to the present
+time has far exceeded the expectations of the most sanguine; out of
+twenty-two places where intoxicating drinks were publicly sold, only
+six remain, and those doing but little. A great change has been wrought
+in the outside element. If a popular vote had been taken the first day
+of the Crusade, whether we should retire from the streets, or continue
+with our prayers, we would have been obliged to disperse; to-day, thank
+God, so great is the change that nine-tenths of the people bid us God
+speed in our work, and would regard it as a public calamity, should we
+cease our efforts. Men who hitherto had been enslaved have, like true
+men, come up and with trembling hands signed the pledge, that they
+might be free, while their tear-dimmed eyes spoke the gratitude that
+welled up from their hearts.
+
+Surely God is with us: he will not fail us, but his work, like a
+mighty wave, will continue to increase in volume and power until its
+boundaries shall only be determined where the love of mother, wife
+and sister cease to exist; where _such love dwells_, there shall the
+standard of temperance be uplifted; not only uplifted, but sustained.
+We may not live to see the glorious consummation of this work, but I
+believe in God’s own time this evil shall cease to be in our midst.
+
+A very stringent ordinance passed by the city council has awakened
+terrible fears in the minds of those who still continue the traffic,
+ordinances covering so much ground, that they will be obliged to
+surrender, if not from principle, from loss of profit. The council
+stand nine to one (a saloonist) in favor of temperance.
+
+Let us educate our daughters to fill up the ranks when we fall, looking
+always to God for support, going forth in His fear, with His love in
+our hearts, to do battle against this awful enemy of mankind, being
+determined that not until the last rum-hole is closed, will we rest.”
+
+On the 21st of February, Mr. McFeely, who kept the finest restaurant
+and billiard hall in southern Ohio, made a full surrender. After
+rejoicing over this great victory, the women proceeded through the
+rain to the Commercial Hotel, where they found the white flag, the
+symbol of surrender, hanging out. After holy praise to God, Mr. McFeely
+and the proprietor of the Bergen House (which had surrendered a few
+days before) invited them to dinner, while the owner of one of the
+livery-stables sent hacks and omnibuses to convey them to their homes.
+This generous courtesy of those who had given up their business at the
+solicitation of the women was a token of the kindly feeling existing
+between the parties. After Mr. McFeely gave up the traffic, he had an
+elegant motto put up in his dining-hall, inscribed with the sentiment:
+“God bless our noble women.” A reporter shortly afterwards visited him,
+and gives the following interesting account of the interview:
+
+“With some curiosity as to what the late liquor-sellers thought of the
+movement and its effects, I went to a billiard-room which, when I was
+here before, was the most popular drinking-place in town, being crowded
+every night with young men who rank high in Mount Vernon society. The
+proprietor, an Irishman, with the physique of a trained prize-fighter,
+had told me that ‘the thing would never work in Mount Vernon,’ and that
+‘they’ (meaning the ladies) ‘had better not try it on.’ I now found him
+in a much more tranquil state of mind, as he stood dispensing lemonade
+and soda to old topers, who have now to be content with such mild
+substitutes for the old-fashioned toddies and punches. ‘How do you
+feel after your surrender?’ I asked. ‘Never better--never so well--in
+my life,’ was the prompt reply. ‘I don’t know anything about getting
+religion, but a fellow who has just been converted must feel something
+like I have felt for the last week. I actually enjoy going to church.
+Somehow or other everything looks brighter. The best day’s work I ever
+did was hanging out the white flag on my saloon.’ ‘But you will go into
+the old business again when this excitement dies out?’ ‘Not if I know
+myself. I wouldn’t be able to hold my head up if I did; I couldn’t look
+a lady straight in the face. No, sir, I don’t know what’s come over
+me, but whiskey-selling don’t appear to me now as it used to. Besides,
+everybody seems to look on me so different now. The very men that used
+to drink at my bar think more of me; and as to the ladies--why, sir,
+some of the best ladies in this town have been in my dining-room with
+their husbands to dinner since I closed out.’ I could hardly realize
+that I was talking to the man who a few days ago had, with angry
+tone and defiant eye, wished the ladies to ‘try it on,’ and who over
+this same counter tried to induce me to take something in the way of
+cold-weather alcoholic drinks.”
+
+
+WARREN, OHIO.
+
+A Woman’s Temperance organization was effected in Warren, February
+28th, 1874.
+
+We are indebted to a writer in the _Morning_, for the following facts
+connected with the work there:
+
+At the beginning of the work, the following pledge was circulated:
+
+“We, the women of Warren, pledge ourselves to use every effort in our
+power, (giving our presence, time, prayers and influence,) towards the
+suppression and total overthrow of the liquor traffic in our midst,
+and that we will never cease to labor and pray until the work is
+accomplished.”
+
+This pledge was afterwards circulated throughout the city, and signed
+by 500 women.
+
+Pledges for different classes of persons were prepared and extensively
+circulated. Our druggists were induced to sign the “Iron-Clad,”
+especially drawn for them. Prayer-meetings were held twice a day.
+March 10th, 1874.--A mass-meeting was held at the Disciples’ Church,
+conducted by Mr. and Mrs. Bolton, of Cleveland. The greatest
+enthusiasm prevailed at this meeting. After the church was filled,
+the crowd outside was so great, that an overflow meeting was held at
+the court-house. The speakers addressed both audiences. A citizens’
+pledge was circulated and signed by hundreds. The influence of that
+meeting pervaded every portion of our city. Even the enemy could no
+longer be restrained, but came out boldly the next day in the form
+of two men mounted on a cask of beer, drawn by horses through our
+streets, drinking and dealing out liquor to all. The next day at the
+prayer-meetings all felt that _now_ was the time to begin our warfare
+on intemperance, and that the enemy must be met on his own ground. So
+the first band of women, numbering 170, armed with God’s own peculiar
+weapons, singing and prayer, went out from the Disciples’ Church on
+Wednesday afternoon, March 11th, 1874. We visited several saloons. At
+some places we were admitted, at others not. We went forth in bands day
+by day for weeks, into these places of sin and degradation, carrying
+the love of Jesus in our hearts, praying and urging those men to give
+up their unlawful business. Prayer-meetings were held daily the first
+six months; the next six, three times a week; the last year, and
+at the present time, once a week, on Thursday afternoons. Open air
+meetings have been held Sunday afternoons, whenever the weather would
+permit. On the 4th of April, 1874, a very large mass-meeting was held;
+the audience was addressed by four of our District Judges, Messrs.
+Freese, Conant, Canfield, and Glidden. April 6th, Election day, was a
+day of great interest; the McConnelsville Ordinance was voted upon, a
+prayer-meeting was held from seven o’clock in the morning until six in
+the evening, the ladies going to the polls in all the wards, and using
+their influence for the Ordinance in every possible way. It was carried
+by a small majority.
+
+July 4th.--A temperance celebration was held and largely attended. July
+14th.--A county convention was held in Warren, to inaugurate plans for
+canvassing the county in the interests of anti-License, preparatory to
+the election on the 18th of August. December 18th, 1874, the temperance
+women of Trumbull county met at Warren and organized a County League.
+This League meets quarterly and is in good working order, the
+interest growing deeper and broader until nearly every township in the
+county has organized a League. January 28th, 1875, a Soup House was
+established under the supervision of the ladies. April 5th, 1875, the
+young ladies of Warren organized a “Young Ladies’ Temperance League.”
+A Constitution and By-laws were drawn up and signed by eighty-five
+members. Through their efforts a Free Reading-Room has been established
+in a good location, attractive and comfortably furnished. It has a
+library of 200 volumes, magazines, periodicals, and a large number of
+daily and weekly papers. We feel that by these means many have been
+drawn away from saloons and other bad places. May 6th, 1875, the League
+made application to the editors of the _Western Reserve Chronicle_ for
+a space in their paper to be devoted to the interests of temperance,
+and to be edited by the League. The request was kindly granted, and a
+column has been filled from week to week with temperance matter.
+
+September 25th, 1875, a Boys’ and Girls’ Temperance Society was
+organized, consisting of 175 members. The question would so often come
+up, “Am I doing all I can to save the boys, my own, my neighbors’ sons,
+those who in the years to come will be our glory, or our shame?”
+
+
+STEUBENVILLE, OHIO.
+
+When the Crusade commenced in Steubenville there were one hundred and
+twenty-five saloons and liquor stores. Twenty-five of these were closed
+by the Crusade. An ordinance, which became effective April, 1874,
+growing out of the Crusade, closed forty more.
+
+The friends of temperance and good order were hopeful, and the
+prospects were bright. But in the midst of their work there was a
+“Personal Liberty” club formed, the object being to obtain the drink in
+defiance of law. This action gave the saloon-keepers new courage, and
+some of the saloons were reopened, and the traffic was carried on in
+defiance of law. This cry of “Personal Liberty,” has bewildered many.
+There is no such thing as personal liberty except among savages.
+
+The reader will find this subject fully discussed in another chapter of
+this book.
+
+
+YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO.
+
+We are indebted to Mary G. Moore for the following statement of work:
+
+In the winter of 1873 and ’74 strange reports reached us, from central
+and southern Ohio, of how women, moved by a horror of the liquor trade,
+were organizing themselves into companies, and seeking the men engaged
+in liquor-selling at their places of business, and by prayer and
+entreaty trying to persuade them to quit it.
+
+The first newspaper reports were read with a mixture of astonishment
+and incredulity. It could not be true. But they were soon verified.
+Then came speculations as to what kind of persons these women were.
+Fanatics surely, or women driven to desperation by drunkards. But no;
+the word came that they were generally persons of moderation and
+refinement, who were actuated by a single noble purpose to do something
+to stop drinking. Then the results were noted, and the progress of the
+work was watched with hourly increasing interest.
+
+Pretty soon the question commenced to be whispered as it came eastward:
+What if it should come here? As if it were not here already, and all
+the time; the iniquity and wretchedness on the one hand, and sympathy
+and Christian zeal on the other, the latter only waiting to be kindled
+into a flame by a spark from that consecrated fire that lighted at
+first the Woman’s Crusade. Finally, one said to another, “Let us meet
+and pray;” and early in March, a Woman’s Temperance Prayer-Meeting
+was started, which has never been discontinued to the present. It was
+at first held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, but for the sake of
+convenience, it was soon removed to the First Baptist Church. This
+was held daily in the morning hours, and daily increased in numbers,
+until hundreds came. Gradually it assumed the character of a conference
+meeting in connection with the more solemn service of prayer. Scores
+came to pray and hear the discussions, and commit themselves personally
+to temperance, who declared they never could and never would go into
+the streets to work. But many of these, in the after days, might be
+seen kneeling on the sidewalks in the immediate presence of the public;
+this only illustrates how we change our mind.
+
+A Woman’s League was at once organized, with a membership of over four
+hundred, and by its influence, a League of the men was formed to
+co-operate with the former. A common inference from this action was
+that the women might pray, and the men would vote. The Woman’s League
+was based on the one condition, of taking a simple abstinence pledge
+from all intoxicants as a beverage.
+
+The first public work, was the canvass of the town with the
+property-holders’ pledge. This was largely successful at the time, and
+it holds yet, the majority who signed it. The most flagrant violators
+of it, are, in some instances, conspicuous members of society here, and
+in other cities, holding property here. When a pledge was circulated
+among druggists and physicians, this carried to a considerable extent
+also; but what was said of the other pledge, may be repeated of this.
+
+Prominent practitioners and dealers set the example of breaking over.
+Finally, after a fortnight of meetings, it was resolved to attack the
+enemy on his own ground. The forces were mustered, and, be it said to
+the credit of woman, very few desertions were recorded. A very small
+number made excuse “their husbands would not let them,” but as a rule
+the husbands and fathers and brothers, the men, nobly seconded the
+women. The meetings were presided over and the Crusade led by Mrs.
+Ashley, the wife of the Baptist minister, then of our city, a woman
+eminently qualified by nature and education for such an undertaking,
+for she had not only the courage and culture, but the Christian zeal
+that would prosecute such a work with steady enthusiasm after the
+effervescence of popular excitement had disappeared.
+
+Day after day, and week after week, the women, in numbers ranging from
+fifty up into the hundreds, convened at the Baptist Church, where,
+after an hour spent in prayer and conference, they would form into
+companies of twenty, or thirty each, and taking different wards or
+streets, go from door to door of the saloons, and, where admittance was
+granted, by religious services and personal entreaty try to effect a
+change. Where they were not permitted to enter, services were held on
+the outside. This was quite common at first, but very few persisted in
+closing their doors to the end. And here the Crusaders counted a gain,
+for many had declared with blasphemous oaths that no meddlesome women
+should get into their establishments, who finally, with civility if not
+courtesy, invited them to enter. Places never before trodden by women,
+whose walls had echoed nothing but the language of bar-rooms for years,
+now resounded to the music of Gospel hymns, and Scripture lessons, and
+fervent prayers. Who shall say this was seed, that, though seemingly
+unproductive at the time, in the majority of cases may not yet bear
+fruit? And so the Crusade went on for about six weeks, and thirty-five
+saloons were closed--not particularly eventful from first to last.
+There was at once an absence of boisterous enthusiasm, and riotous
+opposition. Many of those who yielded, did it without ringing of bells
+and firing of guns, and those who held out, never countenanced the mob.
+Of course, the thirty-five that succumbed, were only a drop in the
+bucket to the number who kept on in the work. In a population of about
+twelve thousand, we had nearly four hundred saloons, and we probably
+have pretty nearly that number yet; but as one--not a pronounced
+temperance man by any means--remarked the other day, there is not the
+money in them that there used to be.
+
+So, in estimating the Crusade, we should consider it as formative,
+and developing in its results, rather than defined and immediate,
+although whiskey neither surrendered of itself, nor was vanquished by
+legislation, yet drinking in saloons is much less popular and general
+than it used to be. Somehow, they say, since 1874, it has constantly
+been growing unfashionable. As for the men who closed out the business
+then, it is believed the major part have kept their promise. One of the
+men is on our police force, three are respectable temperance grocers,
+and others are doing honest labor in our mills and factories. Indeed,
+there are only two or three cases of returning to the business.
+
+But, as the labor of the Crusade seemed about accomplished, or, at
+any rate, as if no more good could be done by visiting saloons, the
+ladies cast about them for something else: And here I might set down
+what we, in Youngstown, have ever regarded as one of the first and most
+beneficial fruits of the Crusade, namely, what it did for the women
+themselves. It quickened their energies; strengthened their courage; in
+short, educated them, and at the same time opened up a field and showed
+them the harvest.
+
+We had long known the need of a free reading-room, and the ladies
+felt it pressing more and more, as the boys and young men, and many
+middle-aged men pledged themselves away from those haunts of amusement
+and temptation, which have cursed our town pre-eminently, in the last
+dozen years.
+
+They resolved to open one, and run it for the benefit of those who
+would forego the dram shop for the daily newspapers, and fresh
+magazines, a bright fire, pictures, flowers, a standard cyclopedia for
+reference, etc. But in 1874, places were scarce, and rents high; so,
+after much discussion, they concluded to build.
+
+This, for us, by the way, in a manufacturing town where iron is the
+staple, pushed sorely by the hard times, was no little undertaking. And
+then the burden was borne by a handful. The League, by no means as a
+body, indorsed the enterprise of a reading-room. Most of the members
+said, Wait; the times are too hard; money is scarce; wait, wait. But
+they did not wait.
+
+A liberal gentleman offered them the ground-rent free for ten years of
+a most eligible location, upon which they immediately commenced the
+erection of a building, worth, at the lowest estimate, twenty-five
+hundred dollars. This is a two-story house, with a commodious room on
+the ground for a reading-room, and a business room adjoining; above,
+a large temperance hall, occupied by the Good Templars and other
+societies; and two other rooms adjoining, suitable for offices. This
+building in due time was finished, furnished, and dedicated, and has
+been run at an annual expense of about four hundred dollars.
+
+So far it meets the demands made upon it, and seems to answer the
+purpose of its design. It was intended to be self-supporting, and will
+eventually be put on that basis.
+
+Since its organization, our Temperance League has been the almoner
+generally, for the different charities of our town, and very liberally
+has it contributed in this way, its own resources. Establishing
+local prayer-meetings, visiting the poor and the sick, looking after
+those who do not attend church, and the children not in school, and
+not attending any Sabbath-school, is the work the League has been
+prosecuting all along.
+
+A Juvenile Templars’ society was organized, and carried on for more
+than a year; but during an epidemic of the scarlet fever, it was
+discontinued, and has not been called since.
+
+The Reformed Men’s movement was inaugurated here last winter by the
+Woman’s League, and was directed largely by their labor and zeal.
+
+Thousands signed the pledge and tried to reform, and though many have
+broken it, many, very many more, are keeping it, and are better a
+thousand times for it. And so the work goes on, as the world goes on,
+little by little, not always bright, not always on the crest of the
+wave, but always _advancing_.
+
+
+ALLIANCE, OHIO.
+
+We heard reports of warfare waged by women against their common foe.
+The weapons of their warfare were _not_ carnal, but spiritual. There
+was no sound of cannons’ roar, or crash of musketry. No glittering
+swords or bayonets were gleaming in the sun that shone upon the rank
+and file of soldiery.
+
+The sounds that came to us as we passed through towns, where the
+enemy’s forts were being stormed, were those of sweet _voices_ singing
+sacred songs, and breathing fervent prayers.
+
+That new strange army’s only sword was the “sword of the Spirit,” and
+its only shield the “shield of Faith.” Its book of tactics was the
+Bible, and its General the Prince of Peace. Wonderful to every one, was
+the baptism of spiritual power that descended upon the Christian women
+in those days. And we lifted up our hearts in earnest consecration, and
+received the power and the commission for the work allotted us.
+
+Alliance and Mount Union, distinct incorporations, yet one in situation
+(the latter being a college town in which no intoxicants were sold),
+united their temperance forces. And on the third of March was
+inaugurated among us the new Crusade, so different in every way from
+the Crusade of the olden times. Then Crusaders carried red crosses on
+their breasts, insignia of their purpose to possess the burial-place of
+Christ.
+
+The Crusaders of the nineteenth century, equally loyal to the cross,
+labored not to find the place of the sepulchre; but realized that
+_Christ had risen_, and labored to lift up fallen ones for cleansing in
+the precious blood that was shed for all our sins.
+
+A brother called our first meeting, but a sister presided; and in it
+one hundred and twenty-six women “volunteered for the holy war.” An
+organization was at once effected; the list of names increasing daily,
+until it numbered about five hundred, in a population of seven or eight
+thousand, with thirty-two places where liquor was sold in our borders.
+
+Many of us had never engaged in any public work. Some had never even
+breathed a vocal prayer at their own family altars.
+
+Realizing fully that only from Jehovah sufficient strength could come,
+we remembered the command of the Master to earlier disciples: “Tarry ye
+in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
+And we tarried long at the foot of the cross. Ten days we “waited on
+the Lord” to renew our strength. Earnestly we consecrated ourselves to
+the work of turning back the tides of iniquity that were sweeping our
+loved ones from our hearts and homes. When the command came to us, Go
+out and meet the foe, we _obeyed_, _silently_ marching _two and two_,
+in solemn procession, praying silently as we went that grace might be
+bestowed sufficient for that time of special need, and our mission of
+mercy be crowned with rich results.
+
+While we went out upon the streets, our husbands and brothers remained
+in the hall to pray for our success, and at the close of every
+prayer the college-bell was tolled, and we knew another petition was
+registered in the courts of heaven in behalf of the cause we loved.
+
+The pastors of nearly all our churches gave us sympathy and
+co-operation. Many of the business houses were closed during the
+morning prayer-meetings for a time.
+
+We held mass-meetings nearly every evening for three months, which
+were very largely attended, and great enthusiasm prevailed. On Sabbath
+evenings, many of the churches held no regular service, but united in
+the temperance meetings, for several weeks.
+
+When we visited saloons, some dealers received us very kindly, and
+others locked their doors against us, and then we held services on
+the sidewalks, kneeling on the cold stones, amid storms of rain, or
+snow, and later beneath a burning sun. Those meetings on the sidewalks
+were attended by crowds of rough men who would not enter the hallowed
+precincts of a church.
+
+They came to mock at first, but often their jeers were merged into
+weeping, and they stood with uncovered heads, to hear us read from
+God’s own word, and their hearts were touched and tendered. Thus we
+were carrying the gospel to the masses, who would not come to hear it
+in the house of God. We cannot attempt, in the brief space allotted
+us, to give minute details of our three months’ campaign. Neither can
+we speak personally of the brave women who wrought so nobly. Some
+who faithfully performed the most arduous duties of the band held no
+offices. All cannot be spoken of. Therefore, knowing that consecrated
+women want the Lord to have all the glory of our successes, _we mention
+not a name_.
+
+The press was favorable to our work; all our papers reporting it
+fairly, and advertising our meetings free of charge. Three local papers
+gave space for Temperance Departments, that were edited by members
+of our league. One paragraph so clearly shows the animus of all our
+editors that we quote it verbatim, from the “Alliance Local”--“It
+was a scene to make angels weep. Amid the blinding fury of a fierce
+March storm, out in the bitter cold, their fragile forms shivering
+and swaying before the biting blast, one hundred and fifteen of the
+noblest and most highly accomplished ladies of our city, kneeling with
+tearful eyes and pleading tones, before the door of a drinking-saloon,
+beseeching the saloonist to cease the disreputable business.
+
+“In contrast, there stands the proprietor barring their entrance to his
+comfortable room. With scornful sneers he listens to their touching
+plea, and with obdurate shake of the head refuses their earnest prayer.
+The cold and storm are too severe for him to stand and listen to their
+arguments, and the door is rudely closed in their faces, and they left,
+kneeling upon the icy pavement, to plead in loving words that God might
+soften his hardened heart.
+
+“The voice of prayer ceases, and the sweet tones of a woman’s voice,
+singing ‘Nearer my God to Thee,’ rises upon the air, and swelled by
+the united voices of the entire company, is carried away upon the
+wintry blast. And then those loving hearts, not discouraged by their
+ungracious reception, retraced their steps, singing beautiful hymns,
+with hearts full of prayer to the God who has commissioned them to go
+forth in this labor of love. This scene was witnessed in our streets
+on Thursday last, and wrung tears from the eyes of men who were never
+known to weep.” The owner of the opera house gave us the use of a large
+room in that building for our head-quarters, for one year, free of
+rent, which was thankfully accepted and the room formally dedicated to
+temperance.
+
+As time passed on many methods were tested. At first after the
+prayer-meetings (which always preceded street service), we would form
+one large band (sometimes numbering over two hundred), and visit
+saloons _en masse_. Again several different bands were formed, and
+various saloons visited simultaneously.
+
+Sometimes committees of ladies, in pairs or trios, visited saloons for
+personal conversation with dealers.
+
+After a few visitations some of the saloonists surrendered, hanging
+out a white flag, with “Unconditional Surrender” printed on it. Then
+we would go in a band and sing “Praise God, from whom all blessings
+flow,” at the closed saloon. Sometimes the men would come to our
+mass-meetings, and sign the pledge prepared for dealers, and thus
+publicly thank the ladies for having come to them and shown them the
+exceeding sinfulness of _Sin_.
+
+These successes greatly comforted us, and we took fresh courage and
+went bravely forward, though often much wearied and worn. One day
+several saloonists told us that, if a majority of our citizens were
+opposed to their traffic, and would make it known, they would cease
+to sell the odious liquors. Acting on their suggestion, we wrote a
+petition--a kindly, earnest “Appeal to Saloonists”--setting forth some
+of the evil effects of their business in our community, and asking
+them, on behalf of our common good, to cease to sell intoxicants.
+We then appointed committees of women, who spent days in visiting
+families and shops, and a very large number of signatures were
+obtained, covering _two-thirds of the voters_ of our city, besides
+women and minors.
+
+One evening we invited all the dealers to come to our head-quarters.
+Many of them came, and we reminded them of their promises, and
+presented our petitions. They examined the names, and seemed much
+agitated, but, with utter disregard for their word of honor, declined
+to fulfil their promises. Then we knew how false were those with whom
+we had to do. Prayers and pleadings having failed to accomplish our
+object with them, we felt that they were _below_ the reach of _moral
+suasion_, and must have some _legal suasion_.
+
+As the voices of so large a majority of our citizens had been
+disregarded, in the petitions, we felt that it was time for the
+majority to assert their authority over the obdurate few, through the
+majesty of the law. The gentlemen formed a separate organization,
+and subscribed funds for prosecutions. Crusaders were provided with
+blank books, one for every dealer, with his name upon it. Armed with
+those books and pencils, we went by twos, and taking chairs from
+some convenient friend, we would sit near saloons, and note down the
+violations of State, or municipal laws, which we witnessed. Sometimes
+the sale of liquor to minors, again the sale to a man already
+intoxicated, etc.; and thus, by hours of wearisome watching, much
+evidence was gathered.
+
+An “officer of the day” would be stationed at head-quarters--keeping
+the record of picket work and assigning places. The pickets would
+go out quite early in the morning, and continue sometimes until ten
+o’clock P. M., or even later; one set of pickets remaining on duty
+from one to three hours, then being relieved by reserve guards. Valid
+testimony was obtained and placed in the hands of proper authorities,
+and the temperance brothers conducted the prosecutions.
+
+They met many failures and some successes. One man convicted under
+the State law was kept in court during the trial, and while the judge
+was preparing to read the sentence, he escaped from his guards, and
+left the county. After some weeks he returned and was rearrested, and
+sentenced to thirty days’ imprisonment on bread and water, and as large
+a fine as the law allowed.
+
+Some of our workers had intemperate husbands; these prosecuted
+saloonists under the Adair law, and some of them obtained judgment
+against them, and received damages. Thus the liquor business became
+_unprofitable_, and public sentiment was being rapidly raised to a
+temperance standard. The McConnelsville ordinance was passed by our
+city council, but prosecutions were not conducted under its provisions
+so successfully here as they were in some other places.
+
+The Constitutional Convention of our State had offered to the people a
+new constitution, with a license clause, and they were allowed to vote
+“License, or No License,” according to their own convictions of right.
+The temperance people called conventions, sent an organizer into the
+field, and the entire State was organized against license: not, of
+course, including _all the people_, but some citizens of each county.
+
+In _our_ county anti-license meetings were held in almost every church
+and school-house, and speakers were found not only among the brothers,
+but also among the sisters, who for the first time in their lives
+dared to lift up their voices in the congregations of the people, in
+earnest, eloquent appeals to those who represent us at the polls, not
+to legalize, by their sacred right of franchise, the curse we were
+laboring so earnestly to drive from our beloved State. Much previously
+unknown and undeveloped talent was thus brought into active service,
+and the defeat of the License Constitution in Ohio, by a large
+majority, was one of the grand results of the Woman’s Crusade.
+
+During the vigorous work of that campaign, we also continued our
+meetings at head-quarters, and saloon visitation, a part of the time.
+We held many open air meetings, in groves, on the public square, and on
+the platform at the Union depot.
+
+Later a juvenile temple was formed, which held weekly meetings, and
+soon had two hundred members. Another was organized in Mount Union,
+and the two held occasional union meetings, and public concerts and
+literary entertainments, and the hearts of many parents were reached
+through their children, that had remained indifferent to all the
+wonderful experiences of the Crusade.
+
+To recapitulate: When we ceased to visit saloons, seventeen men and
+women, who had been selling liquor when we commenced our work, were
+engaged in more honorable employments.
+
+A very large number of persons had taken the total abstinence pledge.
+A Temperance Reading-Room was established in Alliance. Many of our
+workers have never ceased to labor for the Temperance Reform, though
+in different ways from those of the Crusade days. Women’s Christian
+Temperance Unions are now in existence both in Alliance and Mount
+Union. The Crusade is not ended! but is going on with steadily
+_increasing power_, and our forces are being increased continually by
+enlisting the help of the Sabbath schools everywhere. This “tidal wave”
+of Temperance will go on, broadening and deepening, until it will sweep
+the Rum Power from his throne, and we will be in very deed a _free_
+people, enfranchised from King Alcohol.
+
+A number of conversions occurred at our meetings, and the _workers_
+learned to _trust in God_, as they had never done before. As Moses
+stood between the erring Hebrews and their God, and on Mount Sinai
+the presence of Jehovah well-nigh overwhelmed him, so _we_ stood
+interceding for the fallen, and, at times, the glory of God shown to
+_us_ was all that we could bear. The promise that “no evil should
+befall us” was verified. A saloonist threatened to place gunpowder
+under the floor, and cause an explosion beneath us, but we visited
+him, and no harm came to us. Another turned a fierce dog upon us, but
+the dog hung his head and ran away. A dealer’s wife stood close by a
+kneeling Crusader, and held a _hatchet over her head_, but the uplifted
+arm fell harmless by her side. Guns were loaded and flourished at the
+windows near us menacingly, and many desperate threats were made. But
+the Lord of hosts was with us. “In the Lord Jehovah is everlasting
+strength: we will trust in him _forever_.”
+
+The summing up of the results of the Crusade cannot be perfected until
+the records in the “Book of Life” are read. Many of them are like the
+tender seed we plant in spring-time--we see them not as they germinate
+under the soil, yet they spring up, and bring forth fruit in their
+season. _We_ sowed precious seeds of truth “beside all waters,” and we
+note not the silent germination going forward in the souls of those who
+received them, but we shall find the perfect fruitage in the glorious
+Harvest Home of the Hereafter.
+
+We append some incidents of our work, that we trust will be of interest
+to all our readers.
+
+
+INCIDENTS.
+
+The Lord truly makes the “_wrath_ of man to praise him.” This was
+manifested to us on many occasions, one of which was the following:
+
+One cold wintry day we were assembled for prayer and conference, when
+word came to us that a saloonist had prepared a “_Crusader in effigy_,”
+and placed it at his door. We formed a band, and marched to the place.
+The novelty of the affair brought a crowd of listeners to hear our
+hymns and prayers; and as we knelt around that hideous image, intended
+as a reproach to us, we seemed very near to our blessed Redeemer, who
+was mocked and persecuted, and _crucified, for us_, and who said to his
+disciples: “Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute
+you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my name’s
+sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in
+heaven.” Those services were blessed to our own souls, and those of our
+hearers.
+
+Afterwards the saloonist apologized for his conduct, saying the image
+was placed there in his absence. We told him it did us no harm, but was
+overruled to our good.
+
+An extremely wicked dealer was so convicted, as to tremble mightily,
+on the occasion of our first visit to him, yet would not relent.
+Afterwards, when intoxicated, he accosted the ladies with such a volley
+of profanity, that a policeman arrested him. He was kept in the lock-up
+all night, and in the morning, when the ladies were expected to appear
+in police court _against_ him, they went and plead for _his release_.
+Giving him good for evil, so deepened his convictions, that he came to
+our evening meeting and surrendered his business.
+
+One evening, a small band of women were singing and praying in front
+of a saloon, the door of which was closed. Inside a few desperate
+men were trying to drown the sounds of prayer by singing a parody on
+“Mother, dear mother, come home!” and by dancing, and drunken revelry.
+A Quakeress felt moved by the Spirit to effect an entrance all alone.
+She opened the door partly, when some one within suddenly closed and
+locked it, catching the front width of her plain full dress skirt and
+holding it fast in the door. The lady was thus held in a stiff and
+uncomfortable position until a customer from the street, whose rap
+was evidently recognized inside, caused the door to be opened; the
+Quakeress entered and the door was closed; the dealer raised his hands
+to thrust her out, but she took his arms in her hands and knelt quickly
+before him, and breathed an earnest prayer. A policeman followed her
+into the saloon and ordered the men to be quiet. The revelry ceased,
+and silence reigned among the rowdies. When her mission of love
+was completed she went forth filled with peace, and those men were
+responsible before God for one more offer of mercy; for when the Holy
+Spirit indites a prayer, he also convicts the hearts of those for whom
+the prayer is heard, and then as free agents they receive or reject the
+Holy Spirit.
+
+Soon after our active Crusade work commenced, the Whiskey Ring was
+roused to action, and they sent out great showy posters announcing an
+anti-Temperance Meeting. And those opposed to the “Woman’s Whiskey
+War” were invited from all the surrounding country. On the afternoon
+of their meeting we gathered in a church for social prayer. Some of
+our temperance men sent us word that it would not be prudent for us to
+patrol the saloons that day, as a _riot_ was expected if our band was
+on the street.
+
+We took not “council with flesh and blood,” but asked direction of the
+Lord of hosts, and from Him our marching orders came. It was a long
+procession, and a very solemn one, that wended its way from the church
+to a point near the depot that afternoon. Three saloons were adjacent
+to each other, and we held our services on the street in front of
+those. While we were kneeling on the sidewalk--in two rows on the edge
+of it--leaving three feet between us for passers-by, a train of cars
+came rushing in, bringing a large delegation from neighboring towns.
+They took up the line of march, headed by the Mozart Brass Band, which
+accompanied them. The band struck up a lively tune as the procession
+started to pass between the rows of kneeling women.
+
+Many of them were so drunk they staggered against us as they walked;
+but our voices went on, and the music ceased, and the tune melted into
+silence unfinished; and a great stillness came over that crowd of men
+who were scoffers at first; and the white dove of PEACE descended upon
+the women who had thus humbled themselves to kneel at the feet of a
+mocking rabble; and the living presence of the Master filled our souls
+with joy unutterable.
+
+The Whiskey mass-meeting resulted only in the passage of some
+resolutions, denouncing the “present mode of female warfare,” and
+declaring that they did not approve of _intemperance_! Two of these we
+quote:
+
+“_Resolved_, That we _condemn drunkenness_, _despise drunkards_,
+and _pity_ those who, for want of more moral power, try to fortify
+themselves against the violation of the laws of Temperance ordained by
+nature.
+
+“_Resolved_, That we are willing to support the laws for the diminution
+and _prevention_ of _intemperance_ as far as in our power; to advocate
+a more appropriate _punishment_, and the _correction of inebriates_,
+and to use our influence to _regulate_ the sale of liquors by an
+effective license law.”
+
+The vice-president of the meeting and many of the audience were
+liquor-dealers, and such resolutions as these were passed by those
+who sell what produces _inebriety_, and it is their philanthropic (?)
+design to punish men for the effects produced by liquors, the price of
+which clothe their wives and children! Thankful we are, that Justice is
+with God, and _will_ be _dispensed_ to us all in the eternal ages!
+
+One gloomy April day, as we sat in council, a message came to us that
+a wholesale dealer from Cleveland was in town for the purpose of
+selling liquors to the dealers here. He was a very portly, pompous
+millionaire, we heard, and was boasting that the Crusaders in his city
+were afraid of _him_, and dared not molest _his_ place of business.
+Desiring to prevent him from supplying liquor to be sold in our town,
+we went in a band down Main street. He saw us coming, and sought refuge
+in a clothing store. We followed, and before he could escape, he was
+literally _surrounded_ by kneeling women; a prayer was offered and a
+hymn was sung. He then crowded past us into the street; we followed in
+procession; he went into a hotel, but as we were about to enter, he did
+not wait to transact any business _there_, but felt an immediate call
+to visit a neighboring saloon: _so did we_.
+
+He evidently hoped to enter alone and lock us out, but when the door
+opened wide enough to admit his _corpulent_ figure, it was wide enough
+for two small Crusaders to find entrance, which they did so very close
+behind him, that when the door was quickly locked, it was _astonishing_
+to him that his fair followers were _also_ there; he turned a woful
+face towards the back door, but lo! _they_ were coming! the Crusade
+band! The _front_ door was thrown open and in came _another_ division
+of the band, and they knelt, and the persecuted nabob was again in the
+centre of a lively prayer-meeting, which continued until he forced a
+passage to the street; we followed in solemn order, singing a hymn.
+We kept close behind him, going up Main street until he found a buggy
+standing idle, with a driver, and he was driven rapidly away, while we
+went quietly on to head-quarters as though we had no other intent. We
+considered and felt certain the warm reception we had given him would
+remind him of pressing business at home, that he must reach by the next
+north-bound train. Near train time a Crusade band was at the station.
+Soon after our arrival, a guest of a hotel near by, came to us and
+said, “The man you are _Crusading_ is hidden in an upper room at the
+hotel; I heard his plans, they are going to take him out the back way
+to the train.”
+
+After a time we saw a frightened-looking individual of great
+avoirdupois, accompanied by a very small Jew for protection, coming up
+the railroad track from the rear, having taken a long walk down back
+alleys, to avoid the public thoroughfares. They entered the back door
+of the car, puffing with exhaustion; and just as our _hero_ drew a
+breath of relief, thinking how _shrewdly_ he had evaded his pursuers,
+he noticed some Crusaders entering at the front door of the coach; he
+turned to flee, but others came in at the back door, and in despair
+he sank into a seat. The aisle was immediately filled compactly with
+women. The terrified man threw up a window seeking egress, but it
+would not do, his body was too large to pass through the aperture, and
+besides---- _What_ greeted his bewildered vision? An immense crowd of
+men and women--Whiskey Ring, saloonists, and temperance workers--_all
+had come_ to the _prayer-meeting_. Crusaders to right of him! Crusaders
+to left of him! Crusaders everywhere! And close at his side a solemn
+voice was uttering an earnest prayer.
+
+We exhorted him to cease his sinful trade in Rum, and we sung Crusade
+hymns, the conductor detaining the train for our services. The
+passengers in the car _wept much_, and cried aloud, “_God bless the
+women!_” We finally made our adieux to the dealer, telling him we were
+his friends, and inviting him to return and we would give him another
+meeting! A telegram was sent to Crusade head-quarters at Cleveland,
+asking the band of ladies there to meet him at the train and escort him
+home, which they did, following him singing Crusade songs.
+
+The whole transaction here was conducted with the _utmost_ solemnity,
+and the prayers were full of spiritual power. The ludicrous aspect of
+the proceeding never _occurred_ to _us until it was all over_.
+
+There was a large billiard hall in the opera house, just across the
+hall from our head-quarters. We found that liquors were sold there, in
+a quiet way.
+
+We visited the proprietor in a band and he was very courteous, though
+unyielding. One _night_ two women “on picket duty” stood by his door.
+He grew very angry and roughly _pushed_ them out into the hall. Next
+day the leader of the band was warned, that it would be unsafe to go
+there, he seemed so wickedly disposed. After praying about it, the band
+leader felt especially impressed to visit him that very day; the band
+went, the leader rapped at his door and asked timidly, to be allowed to
+hold a prayer-meeting there. He gave a reluctant permission, and after
+a hymn had been sung he said to the leader, “Will you read a portion of
+Scripture that I will select for you?” She gave an affirmative reply,
+and he found the sixth chapter of Matthew and asked her to read the
+first eight verses. She did so, silently praying all the time, that
+Christ would lead her to act wisely.
+
+Having read it she proceeded to speak from it: saying, “We do not think
+we are ‘doing alms’ when we carry the gospel to our sinful brothers for
+whom Christ _died_, neither do we expect to gain any glory for having
+knelt in saloons and on the unclean streets in prayer; on the contrary,
+it is the greatest cross that we have ever carried, to thus humble
+ourselves before the people. Yet, we are made willing to do so _for
+your sakes_, and the sake of the fathers and sons you are poisoning
+with alcohol!” She then gave a brief exhortation to the _unsaved_ to
+come to Jesus. Thrilling prayers were offered and hymns sung, and it
+seemed to the worshippers that the Shekinah itself hovered over them.
+
+The proprietor was much affected. Several men who had ceased playing
+billiards at our entrance, gave eager attention, and many eyes were
+_red_ with weeping, when the little band departed.
+
+Some weeks later the leader of that band was speaking to a congregation
+in the African Church. At the close of her remarks, a white man arose
+and asked permission to speak. “Once,” he said, “I was a liquor-dealer,
+but I saw the error of my way, and changed my business, but I never was
+converted, until the day you visited the Opera House billiard hall, and
+you read the sixth chapter of Matthew and spoke from it--_then_ and
+_there I was converted. I will never doubt_ my _conversion_,” etc., and
+he has ever since continued a faithful member of a Christian church.
+Reported by M. E. G.
+
+Rev. William Hunter, at that time Editor of the _Pittsburgh Christian
+Advocate_, residing at Alliance, and working in the Crusade meetings
+here, composed the following beautiful hymn, which we used very often
+in our temperance meetings. He has since been called “up higher,” to
+sing the songs of the redeemed.
+
+ “BATTLE-HYMN OF THE WOMEN CRUSADERS.”
+
+ The light of truth is breaking,
+ On the mountain top it gleams,
+ Let it flash along the valleys,
+ Let it glitter on our streams,
+ Till all our land awakens
+ In its flush of golden beams,
+ Our God is marching on.
+
+ _Chorus_--Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!
+ Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!
+ Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!
+ Our God is marching on.
+
+ With purpose strong and steady,
+ In the great Jehovah’s name,
+ We rise to save our kindred
+ From a life of woe and shame,
+ And the jubilee of freedom
+ To the slaves of sin proclaim.
+ Our God is marching on.
+
+ _Chorus_--Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! etc.
+
+ From morning’s early watches
+ Till the setting of the sun,
+ We will never flag nor falter
+ In the work we have begun,
+ Till the forts have all surrendered,
+ And the victory is won.
+ Our God is marching on.
+
+ _Chorus_--Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! etc.
+
+ We wield no carnal weapon,
+ And we hurl no fiery dart,
+ But with words of love and reason
+ We are sure to win the heart,
+ And persuade the poor transgressor
+ To prefer the better part.
+ Our God is marching on.
+
+ _Chorus_--Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! etc.
+
+ When dawns the day of terror,
+ And the awful trumpet’s sound
+ Shall waken up the sleepers
+ From beneath the quaking ground,
+ May no blood of fallen brothers
+ On our startled souls be found.
+ Our God is marching on.
+
+ _Chorus_--Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! etc.
+
+ Our strength is in Jehovah,
+ And our cause is in His care,
+ With Almighty arms to help us
+ We have strength to do and dare.
+ While confiding in the promise
+ That the Lord will answer prayer.
+ Our God is marching on.
+
+ _Chorus_--Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! etc.
+
+The following poem was composed by Mrs. M. B. Reese, at that time
+President of the Alliance League, and sung in our mass-meetings, to the
+tune, “Tenting on the old camp-ground:”
+
+ “THE COLLEGE-BELL.”
+
+ A lowly consecrated band,
+ Who loved the Master’s name,
+ With patience waited on the Lord,
+ Until the answer came.
+
+ _Chorus_--Many a form has bent ’neath the _storm_,
+ The burden of souls to tell;
+ Many are the hearts gladdened to-day
+ The burden of souls to tell;
+ Listening alway, for chimes that say,
+ Your brothers pray as well.[1]
+
+ Go forth, ye trusting ones, He said,
+ In faith to sing and pray,
+ No evil shall your steps befall,
+ I have prepared the way.
+
+ _Chorus_--Many a form, etc.
+
+ Dark shadows swept the wintry sky,
+ The tempest echoed loud;
+ But, oh! we know our Father’s face
+ Smiled on us from the cloud.
+
+ _Chorus_--Many a form, etc.
+
+ No threats disturbed, no fears oppressed,
+ Nor care, least man should mock;
+ We only heard the Shepherd’s call,
+ “Fear not, ye little flock.”
+
+ _Chorus_--Many a form, etc.
+
+ His love hath kept, His hand hath led,
+ Our footsteps day by day;
+ And victory soon will crown our cause
+ If we but watch and pray.
+
+ _Chorus_--Many a form, etc.
+
+
+INCIDENTS.
+
+Two ladies were sent to interview the priest, hoping to gain his
+gracious permission for the women of the Catholic Church to work in
+the saloon visitation. He received them courteously in his private
+parlor. But on learning the object of their visit, his denunciations
+were bitter. The ladies felt the exceeding uncomfortableness of their
+position and politely offered to withdraw their request, also their
+presence. In an excited manner he commanded them to be seated while he
+proceeded to explain that Christ’s commission was given to the Apostle,
+through whom it was delegated to the Pope, thence to the Priesthood;
+and sneeringly added, “Where did you get your commission to go on the
+streets and teach men the gospel? Tell me, woman, _I demand it_; where
+did you get your commission?” Remembering that she must not “deny the
+faith that was in her,” with coolness, she replied, simply, “I get my
+commission from my Bible.” Striking his clenched hand on the sacred
+word, he vehemently demanded, “_Where?_” Without hesitation, the Holy
+Spirit helped her to the words, “Christ says, ‘Lovest thou me? feed
+my sheep.’ St. Peter’s words, ‘The Rock of the Holy Church.’” Their
+utterance fed his anger. He reiterated, almost fiercely, “Woman,
+_dare_ you place yourself on a level with St. Peter?” Accompanied by
+sneering denunciations of the work, again he demanded, “Where in the
+Bible do you find a commission to women to teach the gospel upon the
+street?” Again the Spirit’s quickening power enabled her to reply, with
+calmness, “On the resurrection morn, Christ told Mary to ‘Go tell my
+disciples, to go quickly;’ in her haste she probably ran through the
+streets, proclaiming as she went the risen Saviour.” He made no reply.
+His manner softened; with a half-apology for his excited words, he
+courteously permitted the ladies to depart.
+
+Nearly two months of the siege had elapsed. The light of earnest and
+patient labor shining within the haunts of vice, revealed the strong,
+deep shadows. The women, no longer invigorated by the keen, biting
+March winds, felt the pressure of household care, as well as the
+lassitude of spring-tide. The ranks were perceptibly thinned. The work
+of picketing the saloons grew wearisome and discouragingly monotonous.
+An energy born of consecration alone nerved the faithful to carry on
+the desperate struggle. In the proceedings of the city council, an
+ordinance to restrain and prohibit ale, beer, and porter-houses, or
+shops, or habitual resorts for tippling, had passed its second reading.
+The time for the third and final reading drew near. The saloon-keepers
+hopefully reviewed our depleted bands, and carefully tithed each ounce
+of popular sentiment, knowing their interests hung in the legal scales
+of the city council. They did not recognize a Gideonite band that
+made them daily visitations. Each member, humbled with the publicity
+of street parade, felt she had laid her face in the gutter that her
+brother might walk erect in sobriety and virtuous manhood. If the
+voices were fewer that sung “Nearer my God, to Thee,” the strains rose
+higher; if lips faltered as they plead for strength, the prayer was
+deeper as it went from burdened hearts to the ear of the Great Eternal.
+
+At this issue, through the long afternoon, two ladies kept picket-guard
+at a notorious saloon in an obscure part of the city. In their
+conversation, the question arose in this immediate crisis: What can
+be done to quicken the flagging interest? A serious question. As they
+left the post of duty, they took it with them to their homes. One of
+them took it to her closet, and in earnest prayer besought the Lord
+to wisely direct, else a worthy cause and worthy efforts must suffer
+defeat.
+
+As she rose from her knees, a full conception of a Temperance
+Convention flashed upon her mind. The plan was laid before the
+presiding officer, and heartily approved. Committees were speedily at
+work to effect its consummation.
+
+The following Tuesday evening was the time for the final reading of
+the ordinance. That day was chosen for the convention. Announcements
+were freely but quietly made. The noon trains brought delegations from
+Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Salem, Ravenna, and towns of the vicinity,
+where leagues had been formed. Mount Union College sent a delegation
+of faculty and entire body of students. Alliance Hall was filled
+to overflowing. With addresses full of devotion to the work, and
+encouragement to the workers, and music that stirred all hearts
+to renewed energy, the meeting was one of wonderful enthusiasm.
+At the close of the afternoon service two hundred and twenty-five
+Crusaders filed out of the hall, down Main street. The saloon-keepers,
+suddenly surprised and awed into submission by the number, offered
+no resistance, and an impressive street service was held. During the
+evening session the enthusiasm was at its height, when a messenger
+brought the glad tidings that the hotly contested ordinance had passed.
+The old college-bell rang out gleefully; the men almost lost decorum
+in sounding cheer; but the “Women of the Whiskey War,” with uplifted
+faces, sang with hearty earnestness, “Praise God, from whom all
+blessings flow.” Reported by A. M. B.
+
+
+NEW PHILADELPHIA, OHIO.
+
+The Secretary of the League, Callie A. Everett, gives the following
+interesting account of the closing of the saloons in this town early in
+the Crusade:
+
+“Mr. Schmidt, a German,” proposed many times that the ladies buy him
+out; this, however, was against our principles, and we urged him
+to “dare to do right,” and trust to our temperance people to give
+him a fair start in something else; finally, prayers and entreaties
+prevailed, and he carried out his liquor, and showed the women how to
+open the barrels. As it streamed over the ground, the expression of
+feeling in different individuals was noticeable. Some wept, others
+laughed, the men cheered, anvils were fired, and all the bells in our
+city pealed forth the glad news.
+
+The women surrounded and overwhelmed him with thanks, and he,
+with tears flowing rapidly, assured them “he was glad, too.” His
+saloon-tables, glasses, etc., were at once offered at auction.
+
+The cheering news spread like wildfire, and a large crowd assembled to
+bid-off the various articles. One tumbler was sold three times to the
+same man, bringing in all seventeen dollars. At this rate he was soon
+recompensed, and has started, a number one, butcher shop.
+
+John Myers likewise poured out, or allowed the ladies to empty, twelve
+barrels of wine and whiskey into our streets, and as he was better off
+financially than Schmidt, did not need so much assistance; however, the
+women bought his tables, etc., and by their presence urged the men to
+buy. He has started a saddler shop.
+
+The demonstrations on this occasion were similar to the one mentioned
+before.
+
+Mr. John Furney asked that no public demonstration be made over his
+surrender, and the ladies obtained his name quietly, only evidencing
+their triumph by the irrepressible joy beaming from their countenances.
+Mr. Furney has started a “Temperance Restaurant” in connection with his
+grocery, and on the 4th of April, 1874, fifty ladies ordered him to
+prepare dinner for them.
+
+These cases of surrender were from the very ones that at first opposed
+us in every way. At Schmidt’s, particularly, they danced and sung,
+jeered and drank over the women’s heads.
+
+The worst cases generally yielded first.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+CRUSADE IN LARGER TOWNS.
+
+
+CLEVELAND, OHIO.
+
+Mrs. Sarah K. Bolton gives the following graphic account of the
+Temperance Crusade and its results in Cleveland, written for the
+_Morning_:
+
+The noble work of the women of southern Ohio had touched every
+Christian heart in Cleveland. On the 10th of March, 1874, a meeting was
+called under the auspices of the Women’s Christian Association, and 600
+of the best and truest of the city came together to ask their God what
+they should do, for the destroying of this evil of intemperance, and
+the up-building of His kingdom. They were women, for the most part, who
+had been active in the churches, and in all benevolent work.
+
+An organization was effected, and Miss Sarah Fitch, President of the
+W. C. A., a woman whose executive ability and consecration had gained
+for her the confidence of the people, was chosen President of the
+Temperance League.
+
+Immediately pledge-books were obtained, with property-owners’,
+citizens’, and dealers’ pledges.
+
+The city was districted, and women of influence, over one hundred in
+number, volunteered to canvass the city for signatures. In a short time
+over 5,000 women were enrolled members of the League, each one signing
+a pledge neither to use intoxicants, nor offer them as a beverage, and
+to discountenance their use in every possible way, and about 10,000
+names to all the other pledges. The question was constantly asked:
+“Will the women of a wealthy, conservative city go upon the streets
+as a praying band?” Liquor-dealers said: “Let the women come quietly
+by committees, and we will receive them, but coming in a body to pray
+with us, brands our business as disreputable.” The time came when
+the Master seemed to call for a more complete consecration, for a
+higher power brought to bear upon the liquor traffic. When, in a large
+prayer-meeting, volunteers for Crusade work were called for, twenty-two
+brave women, several of them the wives of clergymen, said: “Here am
+I. Send me! The Lord’s will be done.” They proceeded directly to the
+most fashionable saloon of the city and were permitted to enter. “There
+is a fountain filled with blood” was sung, the first hymn that was
+to inaugurate a Christian warfare against 1,200 centres of evil. The
+Bible was read and prayer offered. Men bowed their heads abashed and
+were silent, and women, consecrated anew by their trust in God, and
+a revelation of the sin they were called upon to meet, went back to
+the church in the midst of a surging crowd, strong to do the unknown
+work before them. The next day saloons were visited, and again the
+eager crowds gathered, some listening tearfully to the hymns, some
+jeering and scoffing. On the third day the liquor interest seemed
+to have awakened to a full consciousness of the situation. The beer
+element began to feel that its liberties were being fettered. Drinkers,
+dealers, and roughs, gathered in large numbers, in the streets, to wait
+for the praying women. Beer and whiskey had done their maddening work
+with the brain, and made them ready for riot.
+
+In the central part of the city, forty women, pressed upon by a jeering
+crowd, went forward in their work of prayer. In the western part, a
+smaller number, refused entrance at a saloon, knelt and prayed upon the
+sidewalk. A mob, headed by an organization of brewers, rushed upon the
+kneeling women, kicking one badly in the side, another in the back, and
+striking others with their fists.
+
+A Mr. Doolittle, attempting to defend them, was brutally beaten, (has
+been obliged to keep his bed for nearly two years,) and would have been
+killed at once had he not been hurried away by the police, some of whom
+even were badly injured. The praying band were locked in a store away
+from the infuriated mob, who, by the arrival of more officers, were
+dispersed, cursing and yelling as they went.
+
+The next day, taking their lives in their hands, a large company of
+women went out, and similar scenes were enacted.
+
+In the meantime public meetings had been called in the churches, and
+such throngs gathered that they could not find standing room.
+
+The clergy as one man came to the front to defend the Christian women,
+who had done nothing save walk quietly upon the streets and pray for
+men who were making the city and the land one vast ruin and desolation.
+True it called attention to the groans of drunkards’ wives and the
+cries of drunkards’ children, and marked as the direct cause, the
+liquor-dealers, but for this the traffic, (not the praying women,) were
+at fault. All good citizens rose up in indignation and horror that
+their wives and mothers were at the mercy of a liquor mob. Business men
+left their stores, ministers their studies, and a thousand manly men
+went out to defend the women.
+
+The mayor was visited by a committee of citizens. A proclamation was
+immediately issued, which, while it did not permit the women to hold
+meetings on the sidewalk, left them free to call upon all the saloons,
+with none to molest or make them afraid. The military companies were
+ordered to be in readiness resting on their arms; the police force was
+increased, and the liquor interest soon made to feel that the city was
+not under their control. The mob never again tried its power.
+
+For over three months, with scarcely a day’s exception, the praying
+bands went from saloon to saloon, holding a prayer-meeting where the
+proprietor was willing, giving temperance tracts and cards to the
+crowds that gathered to hear the singing and the prayers, having
+warehouses often thrown open to them for services when the saloons on
+the street refused to admit them; sometimes entering a vacant lot, and
+surrounded perchance by a hardened crowd, with none to protect them but
+their God (the police having been withdrawn), they preached the gospel
+of the Son of God, crucified for sinners.
+
+One man, a German, very angry at their visits in his street, and rude
+in his treatment of them, held a mock prayer-meeting in his shop, had
+his leg broken by his horse next day and died soon after.
+
+At a Jew’s saloon, a picture of Christ, crowned with thorns and draped
+with black, was held up on a pole before the crowd, who were drinking
+beer and blaspheming.
+
+On the same street, from one of the worst saloons, where cock-fighting
+was carried on, three fierce dogs were set upon Mrs. Charles Wheeler,
+who was that day leading the band. Without ceasing her prayer she
+gently laid her hands upon their heads, and as though taught of a
+higher power than their master’s, they crouched at her feet and were
+quiet. This saloon has since become a friendly inn, most inviting and
+beneficial.
+
+Often several bands visited different parts of the city during the same
+day. Again, as many as 500 women, two by two, quietly and silently,
+making a procession of over one-fourth of a mile in length, followed
+by scores in carriages, went to the larger wholesale liquor-houses,
+club-houses, hotels, etc. Often they were bidden to enter. “Tell me the
+old, old story,” “Almost persuaded,” “I am trusting, Lord, in Thee,”
+were sung, and prayers uttered, whose tenderness and earnestness
+brought tears to eyes unused to weeping.
+
+Often a saloon-keeper with his heart not wholly seared by his
+occupation, wept like a child. Many gave up the business, some rich,
+some poor, and never resumed it.
+
+Those were wonderful days, when a city was baptized by continuous
+prayer; when women, forgetting the ease and luxury of their homes, went
+down to these places of desolation to save those for whom Christ died.
+Men took off their hats as the procession went by. Little children
+gathered close to the singers, and, catching the words, sang them
+months after in their dingy hovels. Haggard women bent their heads as
+they murmured with unutterable sadness, “You’ve come too late to save
+my boy or my husband.” Men dying in attics sent for the praying bands
+to come and tell them about the Saviour. Men who had lost all hope
+because of the appetite that mastered them, heard the glad tidings of
+salvation from women’s lips, and stretching forth their hands were
+lifted upon the Everlasting Rock.
+
+During these three months of Crusade work, three distilleries, eight
+breweries, thirty-one drug stores, thirty-five hotels, forty wholesale
+dealers, and 1,100 saloons were visited, many of them again and again.
+Four hundred and fifty of these places often admitted the bands for
+services. There were seventy outdoor meetings in warehouses, etc.
+Mass-meetings on the Sabbath, conducted by women, were held in wigwams
+in different wards, as well as churches, and always crowded.
+
+Meantime the prominent men of the city, believing that the laws of Ohio
+forbidding the sale of liquors to be drank on the premises should be
+enforced, as also the Adair law, which makes a man responsible for the
+harm which the liquor that he sells causes, acting on the plan of the
+government in ferreting out crime, employed detectives, and soon had
+900 indictments against liquor-dealers; and cases for wronged women and
+children, under the Adair law, covering $150,000.
+
+The Liquor-Dealers’ and Brewers’ Association report, 1874, 5,969
+prosecutions; and in the year 1875, 4,207 prosecutions.
+
+Opposite sections of Cleveland, where different praying bands labored,
+show varied and blessed results of the work. The lower part of the
+city, by the river dock, where saloons were thick, and sin flaunted
+itself, was assigned to Mrs. John Coon, a woman of wonderful faith
+in God, and great strength of character, and her band of twenty or
+thirty devoted workers. At first they were refused admittance at
+all, or nearly all the saloons, but one dealer, touched by her kind
+spirit, relented and sent for her and her band to return. He was the
+son of a clergyman, finely educated; had held a good position in the
+army, and been successful in business till he began travelling for a
+wholesale grocery and liquor house combined. He soon went into the
+liquor trade for himself; and the descent was rapid to the keeper of
+a low saloon and a debauchee. Some days after, at the earnest request
+of his wife, he _signed_ the pledge, and gave up his business. Among
+those present in the saloon, drinking and playing cards, was a
+friendless and prematurely white-haired man, to whom the saloon-keeper
+had given shelter. Southern born, a Colonel in the Confederate army, a
+gentleman in manner, a member of the press in honorable standing for
+years, becoming addicted to drink, then gambling, he left his wife and
+little girl, and wandered from city to city, sinking lower and lower,
+a profane, broken down inebriate. His wife had spent long years in
+searching for him, one year using $700 of her own earnings to find him;
+but at last had given him up as dead. The hymn sung by the praying band
+touched his heart. He asked for one sung years before by his mother,
+and joined in the singing. At last he signed the pledge, and was taken
+to the home of a generous citizen. Here, some days after, wrestling
+with God one whole night in prayer, he found peace in believing. Some
+weeks later a letter was written to the wife. She fainted when she
+read it. She hurried to meet him; and at this house, in the presence
+of a hundred guests, the worn wedding-ring was once more placed upon
+her finger, and the marriage service, touching and beautiful, again
+repeated. Mrs. Coon led the exercises, different members of the band
+praying, and singing the Crusade hymns. None who witnessed it will ever
+forget this affecting scene. The closed saloon was at once transformed
+into a clean boarding-house called the River Street Friendly Inn.
+This being too small for the crowds who gathered at the meetings, an
+adjoining warehouse, three stories high, 25 by 100 feet long, was
+rented, the lower story made into a dining-room, the second into a
+reading-room and chapel, and the third into sleeping-apartments,
+with seven neatly furnished beds. The chapel walls are decorated
+with such mottoes as “Peace on earth, good will to men;” “The Spirit
+and the Bride say, Come;” “Jesus is my only Refuge.” Each day, after
+calling at the saloons, a meeting was held here by the band, who often
+repaired to the river docks across the street, and there, where as
+many as a thousand persons, sailors and others, frequently gathered,
+these godly women offered the bread of life, the only _sure_ safeguard
+against intemperance. From the captains of the boats, the praying women
+received the kindest attention. A platform was built for them and seats
+provided.
+
+Following these afternoon meetings, a meeting for inquirers was held at
+the Inn. Scores of men would repair thither, more sometimes than could
+be conversed with before the evening meeting, at eight o’clock, held in
+the chapel. How many found Christ will never be known till the judgment
+day reveals it. Very few, as far as is known, have fallen.
+
+A weekly prayer-meeting was at once started, with social entertainment
+for other evenings. Both these prayer-meetings are still conducted
+by Mrs. Coon and her band: Mrs. Hall, Smith, Noble, Hanna, Brayton,
+Preston, Johnson, Butts, White, Saunders, Burridge, Mittleberger,
+Chittenden, and others. No time was wasted. Testimony is borne
+successively, by from eighty to one hundred men recently converted, of
+the power of God to keep them from falling.
+
+River street is a changed locality. The saloons have less custom, and
+the presence of the praying women is heartily welcomed.
+
+Another locality, St. Clair street and its surroundings, was assigned
+to Mrs. Charles Wheeler, a woman loved by all; the friend and advocate
+of the poor, and well fitted for this field. After much hard work and
+many mass-meetings sustained by her, Mrs. Stephens, Porter, Detchon,
+Greene, Reese, Gilbert, Couis, and others, the saloon above mentioned
+was opened as a Friendly Inn, under the control of Mrs. George
+Worthington and Mrs. Wheeler, now President of the League, a devoted
+woman whose wealth has been generously given for the cause. Through
+this inn, families have been reunited, and lost ones returned to their
+parents and their God.
+
+Among the 550 families visited the past year about this inn, were a
+father and mother who had strayed from the fold. The father had become
+intemperate. The only son was taken ill. The temperance women were
+unremitting in their care, but nothing could save him. Their hands
+brought flowers for his burial, their own carriages were sent, and the
+only hope of his parents was laid tenderly away. This kindness won
+the father back to rectitude, and he and his wife are rejoicing again
+in the comforts of Christianity. Besides the Sunday meeting, a most
+interesting Bible reading is sustained weekly by Miss Andrews, recently
+our missionary to China; and a social gathering every Saturday evening.
+
+Broadway and its adjacent streets, a part of the city where thickly
+settled saloons have borne bitter fruit, was given to Mrs. W. P. Cooke,
+a woman of piety and ability. Day after day she, with Mrs. Hill,
+Brigham, Morehouse, Tagg, Bowler, Johnson, Mudge, and others, did
+heroic and blessed work. A Friendly Inn resulted from these labors,
+under the directions of Mrs. Rev. Duncan, then President of the League.
+Mrs. Cooke being ill from overwork, to Mrs. Duncan’s executive ability,
+judgment, and spirituality, the Crusade, as well as the Friendly Inn,
+is greatly indebted. This Inn, made from two stores, each 44 feet long
+by 20 feet broad, has the same general features as the others. Mrs.
+Duncan having removed to another city, the control came into the hands
+of Miss Jennie Duty, under whom it has been signally blest.
+
+A young lady of culture and indefatigable as a Christian worker, she
+has given her whole time and strength to the work since the Crusade
+began. She is superintendent at the Inn of a Sunday-school, numbering
+200 scholars, and is instructor of the Teachers’ Bible Class, held
+every Monday evening, made up largely of the reformed men. A Sunday
+meeting, not excelled in interest by any in the city, is conducted by
+her, Mrs. Partridge, Ford, Cogswell, Williams, Taylor, Dutcher, and
+others, who have given devoted service to the cause. A free supper is
+given to hundreds every Sabbath evening. The rooms are crowded at the
+meetings. There has been one continuous revival for over two years.
+
+The past winter there have been over one hundred conversions. A young
+woman, among others, came to the meetings, desiring a different life.
+She was ill and afraid to die. After a few weeks all was changed. The
+aged mother watched by the bedside of the daughter she loved, now
+happy beyond expression. Perhaps no little room was ever more filled
+with the presence of the Saviour. After death, the women who had told
+her how to find her Lord, laid her away, prayed at her open grave, and
+went back to their work of leading others up higher.
+
+In the eastern part of the city, the 16th and 17th wards, where the
+temperance element is strongest, the bands did efficient work. On the
+17th of August, 1874, when the State, after an intense struggle with
+the freely spent money and influence of the liquor power, reiterated
+her vote of twenty years before, of “No license,” the praying bands,
+in a booth trimmed with flowers and evergreens, furnished a dinner
+to the voters. A morning prayer-meeting, started at the beginning of
+the Crusade, has never been discontinued for a single day. A union
+temperance prayer-meeting is held every Sunday afternoon, which _is
+union_ indeed and full of spirit. At both of these, many have been
+converted. A temperance reading-room is sustained, mass-meetings still
+held, and the cause kept bright in the hearts of the people. The
+band-leaders have been Mrs. Ford--a noble, Christian woman, who stepped
+from out a quiet, domestic life to be one of the most efficient--Mrs.
+Bucher, who did valuable work till her health failed, Mrs. Sloan,
+Colby, Bolton, and others, all devoted workers, who have had the
+satisfaction of seeing their work bear precious fruit already. In the
+western part of the city, where the Crusaders first received violence,
+trusting in God, they went forward fearlessly to duty. Hundreds
+of saloons were visited, some wayward ones converted, and public
+sentiment wonderfully elevated. The leaders in this work, that had
+the seal of martyrdom, were Mrs. Breckenridge, a brave, true, earnest
+woman, Mrs. J. C. Delamater, Sheldon, Chapman, Ingham, Lee, McKinney,
+Stork, A. H. Delamater, Janes, Jones, Redington, Story, Mrs. Cheney,
+and others.
+
+A Friendly Inn has recently been started here. Beautiful mottoes adorn
+the walls, and everything invites to temperance and virtue. At its
+head is Mrs. W. A. Ingham, to whose energy, courage, and devotion the
+Crusade owes much of its effectiveness. She had charge of all the
+praying bands, laid out the part of each, and with the skill of an able
+officer, carried through a vigorous warfare against a mighty enemy.
+
+In still another portion of the city, the 18th ward, formerly Newburgh,
+efficient work was done under the able leadership of Mrs. Rev.
+Curtiss, Foote, Palmer, Slade, and others, before the Crusade work was
+undertaken elsewhere in the city. A centre for the manufacture of iron
+and steel, the saloon-keepers knew well where to build to tempt the
+workingmen. With great energy and persistence, the good women have held
+temperance meetings every Sabbath afternoon, in the summers in the open
+air, have speakers from abroad often, and have now a renovated saloon,
+“a home,” of their own. It is sustained by monthly contributions,
+none over one dollar, some as small as ten cents. They have nicely
+furnished eating and sleeping rooms, with an apartment above which
+will seat over a hundred persons. Their social gatherings, intended
+to offer an attraction other than saloons to young men, are so largely
+patronized that they have been obliged to repair to a large hall,
+where five cents admission is charged, and the least they have taken
+at the door is $9.45, usually three times that amount. The pledge is
+offered at all these meetings. They are now visiting those who drink
+or have drunkenness in their families. “I wish I could say,” writes
+their earnest and efficient secretary, Mrs. Foote, “to every feeble,
+half-dead League, no matter how small the town, how few the workers,
+start a home, a little central place, from which in every direction
+temperance sentiment shall radiate. It will prove to the League what a
+home is to the family.” Its chief workers are Mrs. Palmer, Bes, Slade,
+Morgan, Fish, Brown, Morton, Gladding, Way, and others.
+
+Other band-leaders and efficient workers in other parts of the city
+deserve especial and honorable mention. Mrs. Joseph Perkins, Adams,
+Strong, Sheppard, Lockwood, Whitney, Thomas, Starkweather, Stewart,
+Morgan, Hanna, Rose, Burge, Bradley, Southworth, Williamson, Witt,
+Canfield, Stone, Sachell, Herr, Pope, Wright, Nyce, Castle, Benton,
+Hicky, Porter, Ely, Talbott, Hart, Stebbins, Dutcher, Doty, Warren,
+Excell, Prather, Dissette, Mason, Edwards, Hinsdale, Stevens,
+Galbraith, Ingersoll, Massey, Francisco, and many others. When hundreds
+have given time and strength and life itself for the cause, it is
+impossible to write them all on paper.
+
+God keeps the record and a grand record it is.
+
+Another result of the temperance movement has been the formation of the
+Young Ladies’ Temperance League, numbering hundreds of the best young
+women of the city, pledged to discourage the use of wine, beer, and
+distilled liquors, and not to furnish them for social entertainment.
+Its president, Miss Flora Stone, only sister of the wife of John Hay,
+loves the work, and gives herself unreservedly to it. The moral weight
+of such an association cannot be overestimated. Temperance work soon
+led them to see that there was more of sorrow in the world than they
+had ever supposed. Their hearts turned toward those of their own sex
+less favored than themselves. A desirable house was rented, made
+attractive, and matron employed. Their object is to furnish temporary
+relief to poor, friendless girls, and help them in some way to provide
+for their own support. Since its opening, 124 young women have been
+received, and retained, on an average, eleven days each; 270 have been
+assisted to employment. Homes for several young girls have been found,
+where they can have an education. Sewing is furnished to those needing
+it, and the garments sold.
+
+A temperance fete was held by the League, from which $1,000 was
+realized. Similar gatherings keep the work before the people, and
+popularize the cause. Prominent in this League have been Mrs. Lovis,
+Ingersoll, Fuller, Younglove, Prentiss, Hall, Andrews, and many others.
+Much work is done among the children.
+
+A new generation trained in the belief that the use of intoxicants
+is a _sin_, will change most effectually the habits of society.
+Temperance literature, showing the effects of whiskey or beer as
+beverages, and the total disuse of them as medicines by many of the
+best physicians, showing the duty of the church on this question, is
+being extensively circulated. Cities, countries, States, and counties
+are being thoroughly organized; and the women of Cleveland uniting with
+them, abating none of their interest, still holding over twenty gospel
+temperance meetings weekly, are working and praying and waiting for the
+Master to give the victory over evil.
+
+
+MILLERSBURG, OHIO.
+
+The temperance movements of the ladies of Millersburg was inaugurated
+by meetings at private houses, from time to time. During the month of
+January, 1874, mass-meetings were held, pledges were presented, by
+committees appointed to visit every house and place of business in the
+town.
+
+Prayer-meetings were held daily, alternately at the different churches,
+for two or three weeks, preceding the commencement of the street work.
+On the 19th of February, 1874, the first regular visiting of the
+saloons was begun. At that time _ten_ saloons, and three drug stores,
+comprised the number of places demanding attention.
+
+At first we were allowed to enter all of these places. In addition to
+singing and prayers, personal appeals were made to the proprietors, and
+selections of Scripture read in their hearing. The proprietors of the
+three drug stores signed the pledge; after the first visit, regular
+visits were made, almost daily, until the middle of April, by which
+time all the saloons but four were closed.
+
+These were all kept by Germans. A strong effort was made to elect
+municipal officers, at the spring election, who would enact the
+McConnelsville ordinance. In this, we were unsuccessful.
+
+
+WORK IN ZANESVILLE, OHIO.
+
+Mrs. J. T. Ohe, in the _Morning_, says: The wave of temperance
+agitation did not reach the staid city of Zanesville till most of the
+neighboring towns and the country communities had been thoroughly
+aroused.
+
+Early in March, 1874, the first meetings, called in Second Street M.
+E. Chapel, enlisted the deep sympathy of the women of the city; and
+here, as in so many cases elsewhere, those the most shrinking, unknown
+to public effort of any kind, became the most efficient and inspiring
+leaders. The first organized effort was toward the enactment of a
+municipal law to restrain and prohibit a certain low class of tippling
+shops. Petitions were circulated through every ward--many of the first
+women of society going from shop to shop, urging signatures, and
+obtaining them, too, where men would have utterly failed.
+
+The petition was more than eighty feet long, and contained nearly 5,000
+names. The city council, strongly influenced by this demonstration
+of sentiment, passed the law. During the six months it was well
+enforced, the drinking shops decreased in number from 118 to 50. Many
+of those retaining licenses reported greatly diminished sales, and “a
+gratifying scarcity of victims of the police courts was another feature
+of the change.” On the 4th of July, 1874, notwithstanding it was a
+general holiday, and in this manufacturing community, _not one case
+of_ drunkenness on the streets was noticed, nor any arrests. If only
+the men of the place had stood firmly to _their work_, as conservators
+of the public good, these benefits would have been permanent. But some
+reaction took place, and a fort so strongly intrenched was not to be
+dislodged by one year’s siege. At the very outset of this movement, the
+Liquor-Dealers’ Association, under the lead of a notorious wholesale
+dealer, put forth a most offensive and insulting manifesto, threatening
+to ostracise all citizens whose wives were identified, etc., etc.,
+the sole effect of which was to rouse the men to support the women
+_gallantly_.
+
+But little “Crusading” on the public streets was done; the members of
+the League preferring to go quietly, in twos or threes, to interview
+the dealers, and with very few exceptions, they met courteous
+treatment, and felt assured that their visits would bear good fruit.
+
+One of the most estimable women of our city, as the leader of a band of
+six or seven, was arrested, (under the ordinance against obstructing
+the streets,) by complaint of a woman who had for years kept open a
+drinking-place, the terror of the neighborhood. Under the protecting
+ægis of the Dealers’ Association, she appeared in court to annihilate
+the offending Crusaders. But here, as in so many other cases, the
+cause visibly triumphed, and the irate madam departed breathing
+threatenings. The whole scene in the court was “one for a painting.”
+
+Mrs. H. G. O. Carey, writing June 6th, 1876, says: “I believe no city
+of its size in the State, accomplished a more thorough closing of
+the saloons than did Zanesville. For seven months no one could get
+a glass of beer in the city, except by stealth; and in real fear of
+prosecution, our dealers became very cautious. The internal revenue
+office showed that sales were reduced during all that time, until the
+repeal of the ordinance, forty to forty-seven per cent. The improvement
+in morals was most apparent: a public sentiment was created which made
+it possible to punish the guilty. Our work was almost entirely done by
+small parties on the alert everywhere, supported by constant prayer and
+faith in God. League prayer-meetings have never been omitted to this
+day, and I believe no man either drinks, or sells liquor of any kind
+without compunctions of conscience to which formerly he was a stranger.”
+
+It was in this town that a young lady, connected with one of the bands
+visiting the saloons, said, when reproved for doing so: “Where my
+brother goes to drink, I certainly ought to be allowed to go to pray.”
+
+
+PAINESVILLE, OHIO.
+
+We have gathered the following facts from the Painesville papers
+published at the time:
+
+Pursuant to a call for a “Temperance Mass-Meeting,” the large
+audience-room of the Congregational Church was filled to overflowing.
+
+The audience numbered over one thousand of our best people, and showed
+by the deep interest manifested that the “tidal wave” had indeed
+reached this place.
+
+Rev. T. R. Peters offered prayer, and was followed by able speakers.
+
+At the ladies’ meeting, on Tuesday morning, there was a very large
+attendance. After singing and prayers, addresses were made by several
+ministers of Painesville.
+
+The ladies enlisted for the war, and are still engaged in active
+service.
+
+One evening, at eight o’clock, they formed into three large bands, at
+the church, and went by three different routes to three of the largest
+saloons.
+
+The first, led by Mrs. Hitchcock, was received, and held a good meeting
+among the crowd of billiard players.
+
+The second, led by Mrs. Curtis, not gaining admission, held a meeting
+on the sidewalk.
+
+The third entered Stacy’s and commenced services. During prayer the
+doors were locked and the keys removed; a hot fire was built, and
+pepper thrown liberally on the stove, the fumes of which made the place
+almost intolerable.
+
+But the songs and prayers were exultant, triumphant, and the appeals to
+the bartender very feeling and earnest.
+
+Their songs were heard a square away. Friends came and released them,
+after having one of the best meetings they ever held.
+
+They had a list of twenty-eight saloons furnished them. Four of these
+they found had quit the business in consequence of fines imposed by
+the court. Everywhere they met with a courteous reception. They were
+evidently expected: some had waited more than a week for them, some had
+expected a larger band, but liked this better. No doubt they did. Most
+of the saloons were as clean as soap and water could make them, and
+often not a thing could be seen at the bar more contraband than a box
+of segars. In fact, if we may believe the word of the dealers, there
+did not seem to be a place in Painesville where whiskey or rum could be
+bought to be drunk on the premises. Everything is claimed to be done
+strictly according to law.
+
+Nearly every one wished himself out of the business, and would be glad
+to sell out at a fair valuation; but very naturally, none were ready
+yet to sacrifice their property for the public welfare.
+
+At McFarland & Hazen’s saloon, they were kindly received. Spectators
+were excluded, and they proceeded to hold a prayer-meeting. At the
+close of the exercises the pledge was presented to Mr. McFarland, which
+he refused to sign; but said he would be willing to close if any one
+would take their lease off their hands, but they were paying much more
+than the rooms would rent for, for other business.
+
+They next visited Mr. Hennessey’s saloon. He said he would be glad
+to leave a business of which he is ashamed, as soon as he could find
+another business opening.
+
+At Mr. Rochat’s bakery, the meeting was a very affecting one. He and
+his wife seemed almost persuaded. He also had a bar, and said he had
+been trained to the business, and knowing no other, could not sign,
+and thus throw himself out of employment, and people would not buy
+the lunch without the beer. But on their next visit, after prayers
+and singing, and while they were deeply affected, Mr. Rochat and his
+wife yielded so far as to pledge themselves to sell no liquor for
+the space of one month, and _never_ to do so if he could support his
+family by his legitimate business, and gave them permission to pour the
+liquor he had on hand into the street. There was deep feeling over the
+occurrence, and all felt that God had heard and answered prayer. Seven
+or eight ladies laid hold of the cask, carried it up-stairs to the
+pavement, and amid much rejoicing and enthusiasm poured the liquor into
+the street.
+
+Messrs. Warner, Garfield & Jewell, of the Cowles House and Brewery,
+said their capital was invested in the business, and no business man
+would expect them to sacrifice this without compensation. They would
+be glad to sell out the brewery, and stop both the manufacture and
+sale of liquors. When they entered this business, it was considered as
+respectable as any other, but public sentiment had changed, and now it
+was difficult to find a purchaser. If our public-spirited men would
+make a stock company, and convert the brewery into a tannery, for which
+it was well suited, they would sell for $5,000 less than its appraised
+value, and also take stock in the new business.
+
+Mrs. Sullivant, who opened a saloon near the depot, admitted that it
+was a bad business--a lazy business, but said her husband might as well
+have his liquor at home where she could watch him, as elsewhere and
+keep her going after him. She refused them admittance, so they held a
+prayer-meeting in the yard. Mr. Babbitt, of the bakery, said he could
+not think of signing our dealer’s pledge, as _one barrel of beer_ was
+worth more to him in his business than _ten barrels of flour_ made up
+into bakery products, and so refused to admit them, but they held their
+prayer-meeting on the sidewalk in front of his bakery.
+
+The dealers near the depot claimed that their patronage came mostly
+from the road, that they spent more money in Painesville than they took
+from it, and they would not be controlled by the people of the place.
+
+At the close of an interesting meeting Mr. Dayton pledged himself never
+to sell another drop of intoxicating drink. The women were hopeful, as
+the following will show: “Our hopes for the future are great. It is not
+with us, as I have heard it said, ‘A noble impulse sheltered behind a
+because,’ but an earnest resolve, born of much thought and prayer and
+self-consecration.”
+
+This reminds us of an incident that occurred in Columbus.
+
+John had stayed at home to take care of baby, while Mary was praying in
+the saloons, and when she came back John says, “Well, Mary, the baby
+has cried all the time you were gone; I don’t know but it’s all right,
+but home isn’t what it used to be when you stayed at home.” “Well,
+John,” Mary answered, “it is better that baby should cry for me now
+than that I should cry for baby twenty years hence.”
+
+It has been emphatically true of women, that feeling little
+responsibility beyond home, their prayers have not gone out largely
+for others. We must all be better patriots, as well as Christians and
+philanthropists.
+
+
+ASHLAND, OHIO.
+
+The Crusade terminated here after four days only of street work, and
+nothing of special interest, other than the one great cause for which
+the ladies labored, transpired.
+
+There were five saloons, three drug stores, two hotels, and one
+billiard-room where drink was sold. The druggists signed on the first
+presentation. The saloonists had determined to resist their prayers
+and pleadings, and were under the leadership of one of their number, a
+man of influence in the German church, who kept the most _respectable_
+place in town; a place where the young men congregated, and where many
+of the older ones found it pleasant to linger. He was the only one who
+refused the ladies admittance, compelling them to sing and pray upon
+the pavement before his door. He was the man whom they expected would
+be the last to yield. A man of iron will, they expected to besiege him
+daily, perhaps for weeks; they looked for insult and abuse, yet he was
+the first to sign a petition presented by a score of our citizens,
+(some of them in the habit of visiting his saloon,) asking him to
+discontinue the traffic. When he signed, all the rest were ready to
+sign also.
+
+One saloonist has opened a grocery, another has bought a stock of boots
+and shoes, a third is looking for a farm, in the meantime has left his
+old quarters entirely, one (a woman) keeps a restaurant, and he whom
+they feared most of all, confines himself exclusively to his grocery
+trade. The conquest was easy and complete.
+
+
+BELLEVUE, OHIO.
+
+There were several unconditional surrenders in Bellevue, none of which
+present any features of striking interest. West received the committee
+pleasantly, and acknowledged that he did not approve of the business.
+Two days afterward, when the ladies called on him in a body, he told
+them he would quit in a day or two, and sign the pledge, but was not
+prepared to do so at that time.
+
+The next day he sent word to the association that he was prepared to
+surrender his liquor and sign the pledge, which he did. Four kegs of
+wine and one of beer were thrown into the street; his whiskey was
+sent back. He and his wife attended several of the mass-meetings, and
+took a share in the league fund. He afterwards found the Saviour, and
+commenced a better life. He looks like a new man.
+
+Mr. Ailer also received the committee when they called in a body in
+much the same way as did West, and the next day sent word that he
+wished a conversation with Mrs. Goodson and Mrs. Sawseer. He felt
+willing to close out, but did not feel able to throw away his liquors:
+said he would send back all he could if the society would pay him for
+the rest.
+
+After considerable persuasion he agreed to sign the pledge the next
+day, which he did, throwing away nine gallons of blackberry wine,
+twenty-nine gallons of cherry wine, three of gin, seven of whiskey, and
+two barrels of ale.
+
+Seth Cook was a young man, just married, and all he had was invested in
+a billiard-room and tables. He told the committee, at first, that he
+was bitterly sick of the business, and was willing to sign the pledge
+and throw away his liquors, if he knew what disposition to make of
+the rooms. He allowed the ladies to come whenever they chose, and was
+respectful.
+
+After two calls he sent word that he had concluded to throw away his
+liquors, which he did.
+
+
+BUCYRUS, OHIO.
+
+The account of the work at Bucyrus is, in its detail of events, almost
+verbally copied from the weekly narrative in the _Bucyrus Journal_. The
+editor of this paper was, in sentiment, opposed to the Crusade, but
+he defended the ladies in their heroic sacrifices. Anticipating that
+hereafter the Crusade would form a most important era in our social
+history, he was careful to publish in his paper, from week to week, a
+most accurate, impartial, and detailed history of the movement, giving
+everything of importance concerning it.
+
+Bucyrus, a town of four thousand inhabitants, is situated in the
+northern part of Ohio, on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago
+Railroad. It is the county-seat of Crawford, a county which obtained
+a national notoriety by the treasonable actions and sentiments of a
+portion of its citizens, during the late war of the rebellion. This
+place was the scene of more ruffianly disorder, and the ladies suffered
+more abuse at the hands of the saloon-keepers and their friends, during
+the Crusade, than in any other town in the State. Bucyrus contained at
+the time of the Crusade eight churches--four English and four German.
+The Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, and German
+Methodist Churches, and a few of the members of the German Reformed
+Church, joined in the work of this great reform movement, and the
+bond of union between them was never so strong as when, in a combined
+effort, the members of these churches united against their strongest
+enemy--the liquor traffic. The German Lutheran, German Catholic, and
+most of the members of the German Reformed Churches, sympathized with
+the saloon-keepers, and aided and encouraged them by their counsel and
+influence. When the Crusade was first inaugurated, the town contained
+twenty saloons, one brewery, and one wholesale liquor establishment and
+sample-room. Before the street work was discontinued by the ladies, the
+wholesale establishment and four of the saloons had quit the business.
+
+On Monday evening, March 2d, 1874, a public meeting was held at Rowse’s
+Hall, for the purpose of considering the advisability of inaugurating
+the Crusade at Bucyrus. The hall was crowded, and great enthusiasm
+prevailed. A committee, composed of two from each church in the place,
+was appointed to prepare a plan by which to conduct the temperance
+movement in Bucyrus, and this committee reported at a second meeting,
+which was held in the Presbyterian Church, March 9th. The report made
+contained the following resolution, which was adopted with great
+applause:
+
+“_Resolved_, Inasmuch as the efforts of the women have proven the most
+efficient means, under God, of closing the saloons in many places where
+they are organized and at work, we therefore pledge to the ladies of
+our town our sympathy and hearty co-operation at any time they deem it
+proper to inaugurate the movement here.”
+
+Saturday, March 7th, the saloon-keepers and their friends held a
+meeting, at which they resolved to lock their doors when the women came
+around, and, at the approaching spring elections, to vote for no man
+who favored this temperance reform. The conversation of this meeting
+was mostly in German; many were excluded from it, and the proceedings
+were kept as secret as possible. March 9th, they held another meeting,
+and resolved to issue a printed card, pledging themselves, hereafter,
+to conform strictly to the law, and they drew up a pledge to this
+effect, which all the saloon-keepers, twenty in number, signed.
+
+Tuesday morning, March 10th, a committee, composed of two ladies from
+each church, was appointed to organize the ladies, and every afternoon
+during the week they assembled for prayer. March 14th, the druggists
+were visited, and asked to sign the druggists’ pledge. Two of them
+consented, the third refused. The saloon-keepers were also visited, and
+asked to quit, but without success. Every evening, union temperance
+meetings were held at the different churches, and numbers signed the
+pledge.
+
+Tuesday morning, March 17th, an immense crowd gathered at the M. E.
+Church, and upon the streets were many scattered groups of restless
+citizens, who, by their constant uneasiness, would have betrayed to a
+stranger that something unusual was transpiring, even if it had not
+been well known that the women were about to appear. Promptly at ten
+o’clock the church-bell began to toll, and forth from the church came
+one hundred ladies, among whom were those, who, for their unaffected
+piety, for their exemplary lives, and by the position and character of
+their husbands, were the very first women of the community. By special
+invitation of the proprietors, the ladies first visited the saloon
+of Everett & Ricketts, who were at that time making arrangements to
+close their business, as the lease of the room they were occupying
+had been refused them for another year. The ladies were refused
+entrance to several of the saloons, but were treated politely by the
+saloon-keepers. While they were holding their exercises in front of
+Jahn’s, some of the German women who were looking on made some very
+objectionable remarks in German. While the second prayer was being
+offered in front of Bieber’s, a young man, under the influence of
+liquor, spoke loudly and said, “Pray, God d--n you, pray! Jesus Christ!
+why don’t you pray louder?” But when he saw the marshal approaching,
+he stopped his oaths. Some of the saloon-keepers were visibly moved
+when the friends and companions of their youth, knelt before them and
+offered fervent prayers for their wives and children.
+
+The second day, Wednesday, March 18th, the ladies continued their good
+work, and the crowds around the saloons were quiet and orderly until
+late in the afternoon, when they were in front of Mollenkopf’s. The
+proprietor of this saloon had a musical clock, which was wound up and
+started as the ladies approached, and a large crowd of men and boys
+assembled in the saloon and commenced to sing, and the prayers of the
+ladies were drowned by these indecent noises; but one of the ladies
+beautifully reported:
+
+“We felt in our hearts that our prayers reached His ear to whom they
+were addressed, and it seemed as if the sound of those noble, manly
+voices in so bad a cause, only made us the more anxious to labor for
+their conversion, and to pray that some day they might be heard in
+prayer and praise.”
+
+This sort of a reception only strengthened the ladies to more earnest
+devotions. Soon a good woman offered a prayer in German, and instantly
+all noise within ceased, showing that the hearts of those men were
+not utterly hardened, and that they had tender memories of woman’s
+dear voice raised in the tones of fatherland to the Father of all, and
+every noble woman outside felt encouraged. Even the unseemly riot and
+song thus proved a blessing, for it was followed by such a strange
+stillness, that the calm seemed holy, and the prayers glowed with
+increased fervor, and every heart beat in unison; and at the next
+saloon the exercises were so unusually fervent that one of the ladies
+afterwards reported:
+
+“It seemed as if each of us sensibly realized that God was supporting
+us, and sending His Holy Spirit to comfort and sustain us.”
+
+The exercises under such influences impressed the careless bystanders
+with a solemnity exceeding anything previously experienced. During the
+time the ladies were on the streets, a prayer-meeting was in constant
+progress at the church.
+
+March 19th and 20th, the ladies continued their exercises at the
+different saloons without any disturbance, and were either kindly
+treated by such of the saloon-keepers as admitted them, or ignored by
+the majority, who closed their saloons when the women approached.
+
+Saturday evening, March 21st, while a band was holding religious
+exercises in front of Donnenwirth’s, the proceedings in the saloon were
+very boisterous. Two women were inside, and several men, and their
+actions were such as to demonstrate the effects of the saloon business
+in a style not calculated to elevate it in public estimation.
+
+Monday, March 23d, the weather was cold and raw. In the morning the
+women, in bands of four, visited various places and people and labored
+in the work of the great reform without any street exercises. In the
+afternoon they were out in three bands. Tuesday morning a German
+saloon-keeper and baker named Pfleiderer admitted the ladies to his
+parlor and then stood at the door, and, representing to the ladies
+that he had been injured in his business, by reports that had been
+circulated about his having struck and kicked one of them, refused
+to let them out until it had been proved that the report was without
+foundation.
+
+On the morning of March 25th, William Shaw, a candidate for street
+commissioner for the third term, in order to gain the good will of the
+saloons, placed himself in front of a praying band at Hesche’s and
+commenced a loud and blasphemous harangue and prayer in which vulgar
+allusions and oaths were mingled, to the horror of every respectable
+person. The scene was awful, and involuntarily excited in the minds
+of many an expectation that such a bold, bad, blasphemous man would
+be struck dead for his startling defiance of the living God, whom he
+was violently professing to worship. But the insulted women continued
+their exercises and even prolonged them. Upon moving to another saloon
+Shaw followed them, and proceeded again with his violent indecency. In
+the afternoon he followed the ladies, and at every saloon where they
+held exercises, excepting two where the proprietors refused to let
+him speak, the indecent and disgraceful actions of the morning were
+continued, but it seemed as if the ladies only became more fervent
+under such brutal treatment. At Mollenkopf’s this man repeated his
+ribald, blasphemous, brutal harangue, while citizens stood horrified
+all around the square, realizing for the first time how degrading, how
+injurious to society, and how dangerous to the best interests of the
+nation must be a traffic, which had to resort to such unparalleled
+brutality in a vain endeavor to stop a band of devout and earnest women
+from praying and singing. Close at hand and supporting Shaw, were many
+of the saloon-keepers, and on the outskirts of the crowd was a body of
+men and boys, many inflamed by liquor, cheering, yelling and hallooing
+when some remark unusually brutal, profane or outrageous, fell from
+the lips of this saloon orator, who seemed to think he was doing a
+noble act, in bullying and abusing praying women--the teachers of his
+children in the Sunday-school, and the mothers of their companions. At
+Peters & Lauderbach’s the scenes enacted were even more disgraceful
+than before. Not only did Shaw repeat his harangue, but, as a most
+painful variation, a woman appeared with two children and some beer,
+and tauntingly gave it to the children to drink in the presence of
+the women who were laboring that those children might be preserved
+from the terrible effects of the liquor traffic. (The husband of that
+woman and the father of those two children committed suicide several
+months afterward while in a fit of despondency caused by excessive
+drinking.) She also brought beer and gave it to Shaw, and then threw
+the dregs over the band of ladies before her. The saloon-keepers and
+their friends dared any one to attempt to arrest Shaw, and the mayor
+of the town, all the time declaring that these violent proceedings
+must be stopped, never once realized that it was his duty to order
+Shaw to desist under penalty of being arrested if he did not. Passing
+from these violent and disorderly scenes the band proceeded to Thomas
+Fuhrman’s, where they had always been kindly treated, and, as usual,
+he admitted them and then locked the door, and, as one of the ladies
+reported, “enabled them to feel that they were once more alone with
+their God, and to implore Him for strength to endure the terrible
+ordeal to which they were being subjected.” Other bands had been
+visiting other saloons, and when they met at the church there was an
+impressive sight not soon nor easy to be forgotten. Half the women
+were in tears at the brutal treatment they had experienced, but a
+more resolute band of heroines, a body of women more resolved to hold
+together and continue to the end, it is safe to say were never before
+assembled in Bucyrus. One could realize the effect of persecution on
+the martyrs of old, and could plainly see _how_, as well as understand
+_why_, the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church, as he looked
+upon and studied those resolute women and heard them speak; yet not a
+word of anger, not an unkind, not an unchristian thought. It was as if
+each now, for the first time, realized the extent of the depravity of
+the saloon business, and was more than ever convinced that, before her
+God, it was her duty to labor on to the end.
+
+These are not the speculations or opinions of the writer, but the
+actual facts openly presented, and affording material for wonder and
+astonishment as well as for the most earnest thought.
+
+In the evening the usual immense temperance mass-meeting was held. The
+saloonists also held a meeting for consultation. On the morning of the
+26th, three large bands of women appeared on the streets, and during
+their exercises the disgraceful scenes of the day before were repeated.
+At noon a warrant was issued for Shaw’s arrest, and instructions were
+given that it should be executed in case he did not behave himself.
+Shaw, upon being notified that the mayor had issued the warrant with
+these instructions, decided that it was time for him to quit; and in
+the afternoon, when the ladies continued their exercises, the crowds
+who witnessed them were quiet and orderly. In the evening the town
+council held a special meeting, and passed a resolution which closed
+as follows: “We are impelled to instruct our executive officer, the
+mayor, to appoint such additional police force, as, in conjunction with
+the marshal, may be necessary, mildly but persistently, to prevent any
+person or persons being for any length of time around, about, in, or
+in front of any place of business or private house, within the limits
+of the incorporated village of Bucyrus, Ohio, without consent of the
+owner or occupant of the same, for the purpose of singing, praying, or
+making speeches, or in any way annoying the prosecution of any branch
+of business, or disturbing the quiet of any citizen, or impeding or
+interrupting the means of passage upon the sidewalks or streets.” The
+next day the resolution and a proclamation by the mayor to the same
+effect was published and circulated throughout the town. The women
+appeared on the streets as usual and issued the following:
+
+ WOMEN’S PROCLAMATION.
+
+“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The
+kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel
+together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, _saying_, Let
+us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He
+that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in
+derision.” Psalms, chap, ii., v. 1 to 4.
+
+“And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach
+in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them,
+Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than
+unto God, judge ye.” Acts, chap. iv., v. 18 and 19.
+
+“We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts, chap. v., v. 29.
+
+ TO THE PUBLIC.
+
+“In the Temperance movement we have undertaken, we have had no purpose
+to violate the laws of the State, or interfere with the rights of any
+citizen. We have malice in our hearts toward none, but charity for all.
+We believe we have the right to persuade men from strong drink, and to
+plead with the liquor-seller to cease from his traffic. Believing, too,
+that God has called us to the high duty of saving our fellow-men, we
+will not cease to pray and labor to this end. It is our solemn purpose,
+with love in our hearts to God and man, to go right forward in the work
+we have undertaken, and if the hand of violence be laid upon us, we
+make our humble and confident appeal to the God whom we serve, and the
+laws of the State, whose faithful citizens we are.
+
+ “EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
+
+“In behalf of the ladies engaged in the Temperance movement, Bucyrus,
+Ohio, March 27th, 1874.”
+
+ * * * * *
+
+The mayor, at first, experienced some difficulty in obtaining men to
+serve as a special police, and the ladies were pleased to learn of
+strong remarks made by those, who, when offered the position, declined
+to aid the mayor in his dirty work. When the mayor announced that the
+police were not wanted to molest the ladies but to protect them, he
+found no trouble in securing men.
+
+Saturday, March 28th, the women were out in full force, and also on
+Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the next week, although at times
+the weather was very cold and disagreeable, the authorities making
+no attempt to enforce their resolution. Wednesday evening a band of
+ladies surprised several saloons, and caused no little consternation by
+walking in and holding an evening service. At one saloon a number of
+young men and boys were found drinking and gambling. Thursday, April
+2d, the ladies were encouraged by the surrender of J. R. Miller. In
+the afternoon he hung out the white flag, and the ladies marched up
+in full force and held a final meeting in front of his establishment.
+The church-bells were rung, and many steam-whistles united to create a
+jollification. That afternoon they were treated with great discourtesy
+at the saloon of Peters & Lauderbach’s, one of the proprietors laying
+his hands on one of the ladies, and, in the admirably chosen words of
+the council resolution, “mildly and persistently” trying to make her
+leave.
+
+Monday, April 6th, was election day. The ladies remained at the church
+all day holding a prayer-meeting, and praying most earnestly for
+the success of the temperance ticket, and the defeat of the ticket
+supported by the saloon-keepers and their friends.
+
+It is in order to remark here, that all the outrages hitherto
+committed by the saloonists were in defiance of the authorities. The
+disgraceful scenes of March 25th and 26th were permitted by the mayor,
+because he supposed he was powerless to stop them. But when Shaw was
+defeated at the Democratic primaries for the nomination of Street
+Commissioner, because he had acted in such an outrageous manner; and a
+strong citizens’ movement had been organized, and a citizens’ ticket
+nominated, the candidates for the council being men who would close the
+saloons under the law commonly called the “McConnelsville Ordinance”
+(now repealed) if they were elected, the authorities who were seeking a
+re-election became alarmed, and they would permit no further outrages
+because they “feared the people.” The election, however, resulted in
+the defeat of the temperance ticket, and the mayor and council, having
+been re-elected, had nothing to fear, and they permitted their friends,
+the saloonists, to conduct themselves as they pleased. When the result
+of the election was known, the whole of the north end of town, where
+most of the saloons are situated, became one blaze of excitement, and a
+perfect saturnalia of drunkenness appeared to prevail until midnight.
+
+Tuesday, April 7th, the women appeared on the streets, and commenced
+their exercises. The saloon-keepers had hired a travelling brass band
+of Hessians, and when the ladies prayed, the band struck up, but the
+ladies continued their devotions until the melodious Hessians were
+well-nigh exhausted. They then followed the weakest band of women
+from saloon to saloon, constantly becoming more and more fagged out,
+while the ladies gained more and more strength. At Lindser’s, some
+miscreant was about to throw a hatchet at the ladies, but his arm was
+caught by Mr. Lindser, and he was dragged inside. In the afternoon the
+saloon-keepers rigged up a platform on a wagon, hitched four horses
+to it, and having put the Hessian band and representatives from all
+the saloons (except Fuhrman’s and Steinberg’s) upon the platform,
+they drove out to the brewery, and were treated by the proprietors to
+all the beer they could drink. In about two hours they appeared on
+the square, and announced they were having a jollification over their
+victory at the election. While they were at the brewery, the women left
+the church in three large bands, and commenced their exercises. A dense
+crowd gathered around the little band of heroines who were singing and
+praying in front of Rettig’s. On the doorstep of this saloon was a
+young man, his face flushed with liquor, the slobber oozing from his
+mouth, and a bottle of whiskey in his hand, from which he occasionally
+took a sup, and he all the time talking blackguard slang in German,
+which the ladies could not understand, and jabbering in broken English,
+to the astonishment and disgust of over five hundred people. Seated
+on the steps, in a maudlin, blear-eyed condition of drunkenness, was
+another young man, and every few minutes they would drink from the
+bottle. Here was a young man who stood brandishing a bottle of whiskey,
+blaspheming and drinking, the very picture of drunken daring, and
+offering stimulus to the other young man, who was too far gone to stand
+up, and not far enough to keel over in a drunken stupor. Near him pure
+and earnest women knelt and prayed, or gazed in horror on the hitherto
+unrevealed depths of depravity yawning before them; near by were men
+talking about this frenzied brute having as much right to curse,
+blackguard, and drink as the ladies had to cry and sing and pray; while
+on the outskirts stood a dense crowd, receiving the full force of the
+practical temperance lecture presented to them; while the young man
+stood brandishing his bottle, striking the thick end violently on the
+house, blowing a dog-whistle, blear-eyed, besotted, staggering and
+contending for the right of such as he to degrade himself. This young
+man followed the ladies around and repeated his disgraceful actions
+at several saloons. When the ladies were in front of Mader’s, the
+wagon-load of saloonists appeared, and stopped nearby; the Hessian
+band, by this time nearly exhausted, played as long as they could. Then
+Shaw, who was on the wagon, commenced a loud and violent harangue, and
+a disgraceful scene of confusion ensued that should be seen only to be
+realized. A wagon-load of men far the worse off for liquor, some too
+drunk to stand, others compelled to hold lest they should fall, helping
+to cause all this confusion, because a few weak women dared publicly
+to pray Heaven that the evils of the saloon business might be stopped.
+Witnessing these disgraceful scenes at a safe distance, stood prominent
+citizens, who, by their votes the day before, had helped create
+this infernal spectacle, and who, by their sullen silence, approved
+it--men, any one of whom could, by a word, have stopped it, and who
+let it continue. The ladies proceeded to Peters & Lauderbach’s, only
+to experience the same treatment, and in addition, some of them were
+drenched with foul water, and the disgraceful scenes were continued
+until they retired to the church, having finished the rounds as laid
+out by their committee.
+
+Wednesday, April 8th, the Pilgrims appeared, and so did the Hessian
+band, but the latter were forbidden by the mayor from annoying the
+ladies, and the day passed quietly. Every saloon was visited, and
+the crowds who witnessed the exercises kept the best of order. Thus
+the tardy order of Wednesday demonstrated who was responsible for
+the disgraceful disorder of Tuesday--not the women, who continued
+their exercises as usual, but they who sought to interrupt them, and
+the guardians of our peace, who permitted peace and good order to be
+sacrificed at the expense of their oaths of office and the good name of
+the town. Thursday, the Hessian band, in some instances, was inside
+the saloons when the ladies approached, and they played lustily during
+their presence outside, but there was no excitement, no crowd, and no
+event of special note. In the afternoon the ladies entered the store of
+George Ritz, who endeavored violently to eject them, and in closing the
+door he injured one of them so that she could not move her arm. Several
+days afterwards the doctor discovered that her shoulder-blade had been
+broken. She was a very frail young lady, the youngest daughter of the
+Baptist minister, Rev. L. G. Leonard, D. D., and the accident was very
+much regretted by Ritz.
+
+About this time the ladies adopted the picket system, which consisted
+in two or more ladies remaining in front of a saloon, and taking the
+names of all who entered. The pickets were on duty two hours at a
+time. This system was carried on for several days, during which time
+the bands of ladies continued to carry on the work with more or less
+activity. At several of the saloons these pickets were furnished with
+chairs. Some of the ladies on picket duty were insulted and subjected
+to mean remarks made to them by coarse and vulgar men.
+
+When the Crusade was inaugurated in Bucyrus, petty politicians
+proclaimed that the ladies had been sent out by certain men in order to
+create an excitement by which the spring elections could be carried,
+and they sneeringly declared that as soon as the election was over
+the ladies would discontinue their work. But when the women continued
+their exercises before the saloons day after day, the saloon-keepers
+became alarmed, for their business had fallen off fully one-half,
+and they demanded of the authorities that the Crusade should be
+stopped. The town council and the mayor, having been elected by the
+saloon-keepers and their friends, were their willing tools, and on
+April 17th, an ordinance was passed by which the Crusade could be
+stopped. This ordinance was to take effect May 2d. The ladies did not
+appear disturbed at the prospect before them, but continued their work.
+Union meetings were held at the different churches, addresses being
+delivered by prominent workers from all parts of the State. Tuesday
+evening, April 28th, the Ladies’ Executive Committee met the town
+council, and explained to the members of that body that while they
+could not discontinue their street exercises, it was from no want of
+respect for the council, who represented the constituted authority of
+the town, but because they considered themselves conscientiously bound
+to continue, from a sense of duty to a higher authority than the town
+council. The council, through the mayor, gave the ladies to understand
+that the ordinance would be enforced and they would be arrested. One
+of the members of the council read to the ladies from Romans, 13th
+chapter, verses 1 and 2: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher
+powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are
+ordained of God. Whosoever, therefore, resisteth the power, resisteth
+the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves
+damnation.” One of the ladies turned immediately to the second chapter
+of Romans, and read the third verse: “And thinkest thou this, O man,
+that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou
+shalt escape the judgment of God?” And also verse 21: “Thou therefore
+which teachest another, teachest not thou thyself? Thou that preachest
+a man should not steal, dost thou steal?” Meanwhile the Christian
+women were fervently in earnest, relying on their own conscientious
+sense of their duty to their God, while the council were shamefully
+determined to cast their whole power in favor of drunkenness, crime,
+systematic violations of law, full poor-houses, crowded jails, and
+overflowing penitentiaries, and to crush out temperance, virtue, happy
+homes, and the Christian women who adorn them. The women were informed
+by the Hon. Judge Scott, who was a member of the Supreme Court of Ohio
+for fifteen years, that the ordinance was unconstitutional, and they
+were advised to pay no attention to it. During the three weeks which
+intervened between April 9th and May 2d, the ladies were permitted to
+continue their exercises; very little attention was paid to them by
+the proprietors of the saloons, and but few or no spectators attended
+them. This profound calm continued until Friday night, May 1st, and the
+ordinance was to take effect the next day.
+
+Saturday, May 2d, the town was filled with an unusually large crowd;
+the ladies, having previously determined, that, as they seldom appeared
+on the streets Saturdays, they would not go out on the 2d day of May.
+Sunday evening an unusually large temperance mass-meeting was held
+at the Lutheran Church. Monday morning the weather was inclement
+and very damp, and the ladies did not appear. In the afternoon four
+bands, of about twenty each, left the M. E. Church and proceeded to
+the saloons of Messrs. Ritz, Mollenkopf, Hesche, and the Alcorn House,
+at the western side of the public square. At the three latter places
+the exercises were held, and no attention was paid to the women. At
+Ritz’s saloon a large crowd collected, and the ladies were well-nigh
+surrounded, but there was no special force or disturbance used by
+the extra police, who were active in keeping order, in requesting
+the women to move on, and in taking the names of such as refused,
+and they succeeded in getting all their names. The appearance of
+these four bands on the square at the same time and the sound of
+their voices in singing was unusually fine. Passing from the square
+the four bands proceeded to Fulton’s drug store, to Mader’s, and to
+Peters & Lauderbach’s. At Fulton’s the clerk came out and commenced to
+speak roughly, and to push the women, when one of the special police
+immediately caused him to desist, and not create confusion. Some
+earnest urging and rather rough handling was experienced from some of
+the other specials, but nothing serious, and the exercises proceeded.
+At Peters & Lauderbach’s there was considerable confusion and some
+roughness, but after a short time the ladies held their ground and
+the exercises proceeded. At this place, while one of the ladies was
+kneeling with her companions, one of the specials, three several times,
+lifted her up and carried her to the railroad (several rods from her
+companions); each time she rebuked him in the most earnest terms, and
+each time returned immediately to the band. Finally, her censures and
+rebukes were so earnest that the fellow got ashamed of himself, and
+retired from his post, vowing he would make no further attempts to
+oppose the ladies. Thus the noble women went on with their good work,
+and in the evening returned to the church. It was a matter of general
+surprise that no arrests were made, but it finally “leaked out” that no
+provision had been made by the council for trying the ladies; and in
+case they demanded a trial by jury, to which they would be entitled,
+the authorities would be powerless, for no provision had been made for
+forming a jury. The mayor, therefore, instructed the special police, to
+keep the women “moving” but make no arrests.
+
+The next morning, Tuesday, May 5th, commonly called “Black Tuesday,”
+by the Crusaders of Bucyrus, the pilgrims appeared. A band of them
+approached Ritz’s saloon. Immediately a scene took place that no power
+or words can adequately describe. A swarm of specials almost instantly
+appeared, and when the noble women prepared to stop, they were seized,
+and pushed, and pulled, and hustled, and driven, and dragged in a most
+outrageous and brutal manner, until they were finally gotten to the
+pavement in front of Morgan’s barber-shop. Here they stood bravely at
+bay, and told the specials that if they intended making any arrests
+they would offer no resistance, but they, the specials, had no right
+to interfere with them or touch them in any other manner--that
+Morgan had not ordered them away, and they had a right to remain. The
+unfortunate specials, each one, with a few exceptions, armed with a
+regular hickory bludgeon--a sign far more of his cowardice than of
+his authority--realized their want of power, and the brave ladies
+proceeded with their exercises. These being concluded, they passed
+on to the adjacent saloon of Mollenkopf’s. Here the same scenes of
+outrageous violence were re-enacted with increased brutality: the
+women were pushed, and pulled, and hustled, and dragged, and savagely
+assaulted, and openly abused, with vituperations and oaths by wretches
+who were not worthy to dust the shoes of these women. They experienced,
+literally, every indignity but a square blow. Such cowardly blows as
+could be secretly given, seizures and violent pushes, amounting in
+effect to blows, were given continually, but the brave band held its
+ground, by retiring from the pavement to the curb in front, and then
+stood at bay and defied the cowards, who, if they had any manhood
+whatever, would have suffered themselves blows and kicks without number
+rather than thus to have outraged their manhood by such treatment of
+women. One miserable wretch, who has not done an honest day’s work for
+years, approached two ladies, and standing opposite to them, after they
+had brought the specials to bay, and defied them, cursed and blasphemed
+in vindication of his manhood, and said to them; “You are a d--d pretty
+set of Christians, you are! you’re a d--d set of hypocrites; that is
+what you are!” Such detestable conduct from a miserable coward, sworn
+to preserve order, was exceedingly abominable.
+
+While these scenes were being enacted, another band of ladies was
+being treated in the same outrageous manner in front of Donnenwrith’s
+saloon. Citizens who expostulated with the ruffians were seized and
+hurried from the crowd. A stranger by the name of Furguson, a gentleman
+from Delaware, Ohio, who committed the heinous enormity of saving a
+lady from falling down a cellar, into which she was being pushed by
+one of the mayor’s pets, was taken before that illustrious magistrate
+and fined five dollars. Another brave policeman captured a youth of
+sixteen, and the only reason was, the bully wished to arrest some one,
+and young Howenstein was delicate, quiet, and easy to take. Still
+another arrest was made by a special, and when he appeared with his
+prisoner before the mayor, the only charge he brought against his man
+was, “that it was Bill Trimble, who was a good temperance man.” A young
+man was struck down with a billy, and the blows six times repeated
+on the nape of the neck, as each time he attempted to rise. This act
+was wanton, without any provocation whatever. During that morning, at
+every saloon they visited, these atrocious outrages were perpetrated
+by this band of ruffians, acting as a special police, who were, with
+a few exceptions, the “scum” and the “off-scouring” of the community.
+Women were thrown down, were dragged and wrenched by brute force from
+posts and rails to which they clung; were seized by ruffians who were
+intoxicated, and carried several rods from their companions. The police
+would join hands, and the brutal crowd behind them would push, and
+the power exerted by this solid force of men was sufficient to fairly
+sweep everything before them, and they thus succeeded in making the
+women “move on.” All the time these helpless ladies were demanding to
+be arrested if they had done wrong, but protesting against such violent
+treatment, but of no avail: at every saloon the same odious acts and
+detestable proceedings were enacted, until the whole town trembled on
+the verge of a bloody riot. A more atrocious, abominable, iniquitous
+series of outrages were never offered to ladies; and these the wives,
+daughters, and mothers of the best men of the community! suffering such
+infamous treatment because they dared to publicly sing and pray against
+the evils of the liquor traffic.
+
+At noon, citizens appeared before S. S. Caldwell, justice of the peace,
+and entered complaints against several of the specials, and warrants
+were issued for their arrest, on charges of assault and battery. In the
+afternoon a test trial was held before the same officer, and one of the
+specials was bound over to appear before the grand jury. The editor of
+the _Journal_ earnestly and indignantly remonstrated with the mayor,
+against the acts committed by his specials, and finally obtained from
+that officer the following declaration, which he immediately printed
+and circulated: “My instructions to the special police are, to use no
+violence either to the women, or to the men; and, if any such violence
+has been used, I shall instruct the police immediately to desist from
+it.” In consequence of these instructions and the effect produced
+by the arrest of several specials, the ardor of the willing police
+was cooled, and the afternoon passed without any further disturbance,
+except in front of Shaw’s. This man, who is a sensible, orderly
+citizen, when sober, was inflamed with liquor; he had just opened a
+new saloon, and was most indecent in his treatment of the ladies. He
+told them in plain terms, in a violent harangue, that they were no
+better that the vilest women of the street, whereupon, Mr. Furney, a
+livery-stable-keeper, of Mansfield, who had a wife and daughter among
+the Crusaders of that place, caused him immediately to “take it back,”
+which Shaw did. Excepting this indecent insult, the afternoon passed
+without any serious disturbance.
+
+Wednesday, May 6th, large crowds followed the women, but the best of
+order prevailed, and they were permitted to continue their exercises
+free from insult or injury, save at the saloon of Peters & Lauderbach.
+The wives of these men had prepared for the ladies, and in some cases
+literally drenched them with water. Some of the citizens, indignant at
+such treatment, could hardly be restrained from sacking the house; but
+prominent men interfered, better counsels prevailed, and the excitement
+subsided. Thursday, Van Amburgh’s show exhibited in Bucyrus, and the
+ladies did not appear on the streets. In the evening the council passed
+two ordinances to amend and correct the deficiencies of the former
+ordinance, which two were to take effect on the 18th day of May, and
+until that day the ladies continued their work, no further obstacles
+being placed in their way by the authorities. The women desired to test
+the ordinance by a trial, and having retained Judge Scott to defend
+them, they discontinued their work in front of the saloons for a few
+days, because the judge could not devote his time to their case until
+court, which was then in session, adjourned. During the next ten days
+they held religious exercises in front of business establishments, in
+different quarters of the town, permission having been obtained of the
+owners. The ladies presented a very fine Bible to Mr. Harvey E. Morgan,
+a colored barber, for kindly permitting them to remain in front of his
+shop, and continue their exercises on Tuesday, May 5th, after they had
+been swept from the pavement in front of Ritz’s, by the overpowering
+force of the brutal police. Having granted them permission to hold
+a prayer-meeting on his pavement, he was seriously injured in his
+business by twenty-five of his customers removing their shaving-mugs
+from his shop.
+
+The street work was all but discontinued, and many of the ladies had
+virtually abandoned the work as hopeless; but they desired to place
+the responsibility where it belonged--with the town council; and on
+Monday, June 1st, they renewed their exercises in front of the saloons,
+having, since May 18th, held exercises at the most public places of
+the town, and all around the saloons, without creating any disturbance
+whatever, and, therefore, demonstrated that street-praying and singing,
+in and of itself, did not cause any disturbance. In the evening they
+visited Lindser’s, who was evidently completely taken by surprise, and
+exclaimed, somewhat roughly, in effect, if not in words, “See here!
+Get out of this! I thought this thing was played out. I won’t have
+you here.” The ladies moved to the edge of the sidewalk, and finished
+their exercises, and proceeded to Jahn’s, Rettig’s, and then to Shaw’s,
+who commenced with his usual ruffian indecency, and a large and
+disorderly crowd commenced to assemble. A scene of intense excitement
+and confusion immediately took place. The ladies were violently
+interrupted. The indecent crowd, whose faces had become familiar to
+them, began to jostle and jam and swear and riot in the old style. Shaw
+ordered the ladies away, and, as they did not go, he proceeded to take
+their names. The ladies continued their exercises, subject to these
+interruptions, and retired to the church.
+
+Shaw complained to the mayor, and the following indictment was
+preferred against Mrs. Trimble, one of the ladies:
+
+ AFFIDAVIT.
+
+ THE STATE OF OHIO, Crawford County, _ss_.
+ Incorporated Village of Bucyrus.
+
+ Before me, James M. Van Voorhis, Mayor of said incorporated village
+ of Bucyrus aforesaid, personally appeared William R. Shaw, who being
+ duly sworn, according to law, deposeth and says, that on the first
+ day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
+ seventy-four, at and within the incorporated village of Bucyrus,
+ aforesaid, one Kate Trimble, then and there being, upon one of the
+ streets of said incorporated village, did then and there, unlawfully
+ and wilfully disturb the peace and quiet of said village, and
+ the citizens thereof, by then and there unlawfully and wilfully
+ hallooing, vociferating and singing upon the said street of said
+ village, in violation of section three of an ordinance of said
+ incorporated village, entitled: an ordinance to preserve good order
+ within the limits of Bucyrus, and prevent annoyance to business,
+ disorderly conduct, noise and disturbance within said village, passed
+ April 17th, 1874.
+
+ W. R. SHAW.
+
+ Sworn to before me, and subscribed in my presence by William R. Shaw,
+ this 1st day of June, 1874.
+
+ J. M. VAN VOORHIS. [Seal.]
+
+Mrs. Trimble appeared before the mayor, and by her counsel demanded
+a trial by jury. The case was adjourned until Wednesday afternoon,
+in order that the necessary arrangements might be made, and then
+readjourned until Thursday morning. The mayor, after considerable
+hesitation and parleying, consented to hold the trial in the
+court-room, in order that all who desired might attend. Thursday
+morning the jury was formed, and the trial began. It extended through
+three days, and was a perfect farce, committed in the name of justice.
+Throughout the trial the corrupt mayor, by his partial decisions and
+the most unjust rulings, aided his friends, the saloon-keepers, to the
+full extent of his power. The jury was packed, and everything else had
+been arranged for the conviction of Mrs. Trimble. Friday afternoon
+Judge Scott delivered a very long and able speech in behalf of the
+ladies. Saturday afternoon the jury rendered a verdict of guilty, and
+Mrs. Trimble was fined $15 and costs, amounting to $100 more; (this was
+paid by the Men’s League.)
+
+The counsel for the ladies filed a bill of exceptions to several
+of the rulings of the mayor, and upon being carried to the Supreme
+Court, the decisions were reversed, and a new trial granted. Owing
+to the crowded condition of the docket of the Supreme Court of Ohio,
+this case was not reached until several months afterwards, and a new
+trial was not pressed, but the case was dropped. After the verdict was
+rendered, Mrs. Trimble refused to pay the fine, and refused to take
+security, which was offered by several, preferring to go to jail. She
+was advised to do this by a number of the ladies, but their counsel
+protested against such a course, and the security was accepted by
+her, and she was discharged. A number of the ladies were in favor of
+continuing the work, and suffering the penalty, but they were advised
+by prominent temperance men that it would be useless, and the street
+work was discontinued. The ladies still continue their union temperance
+prayer-meetings, and are waiting and praying for the time when every
+knee shall bow to, and every tongue proclaim the glory of their great
+Leader--Emanuel.
+
+Although but three years have passed since the ladies of Bucyrus were
+so shamefully treated for praying that the saloons might be closed,
+three of those saloon-keepers have passed to another world. One died
+from old age; another was thrown from his wagon and sustained injuries
+which caused his death a few days afterwards; the third, while under
+the influence of liquor, committed suicide by shooting himself through
+the brain and heart. Shaw, who abused the ladies so terribly, signed
+the pledge during the Murphy movement, and has since that time been a
+new man.
+
+Our ladies have discontinued their “street” work, but their prayers
+have never ceased to ascend to the God who preserved his chosen people
+for forty years in the wilderness, until he finally permitted them
+to enter the land of promise. The liquor-dealers are more powerful,
+more corrupt, and more defiant than ever before; but the “soul” of the
+Crusade is “marching on,” and it will continue to march on, until every
+saloon and brewery and distillery in the nation has been closed, and
+America is free from the terrible curse of intoxicating liquors.
+
+In connection with the disgraceful scenes which the impartial historian
+has been forced to record in the history of the work at Bucyrus, I
+desire to call attention to the subject of European emigration and the
+liquor traffic, discussed in another chapter.
+
+The liquor traffic is mainly in the hands of a degraded criminal class
+of foreigners--a class who, although clothed with the rights and
+privileges of citizenship, are enemies, open and defiant, to American
+institutions and usages, and noted for lawlessness. As a class, they
+are criminals and criminal-makers.
+
+
+ELYRIA, OHIO.
+
+The following facts were furnished by the Society, through Mrs. S. C.
+Ely:
+
+The great temperance wave that swept over Ohio reached Elyria, on the
+evening of March 5th, 1874. An enthusiastic mass-meeting was held,
+and an appointment for a meeting of the women of the place was made
+for the next morning at the Presbyterian Church. The large edifice was
+well filled, and an attentive audience was addressed by a lady from
+Cleveland, and other speakers.
+
+The women of our staid little town were moved as never before. They
+had hitherto obeyed most faithfully the apostolic injunction to “keep
+silence in the churches;” but the flood-gates were about to give way.
+Lips were unsealed on that occasion; voices were consecrated to the
+cause of truth that still ring out in its defence with no uncertain
+sound.
+
+Among those present were many who had borne the heavy yoke imposed by
+intemperance, and touching were their appeals for help against their
+mighty foe.
+
+All the strong woman-heart responded in the solemn affirmative to the
+question, “Shall we organize a Woman’s Temperance League in Elyria?” To
+many the answer contained the martyr’s heroic decision, so repugnant
+seemed the warfare; but the unwillingness to meet the solemn duty of
+the hour was still more awful.
+
+An organization was effected, and seventy names secured. Encouraged
+by able and devoted Christian pastors, the movement was baptized in
+prayer, and has ever since held on by the same strong arm for its
+support.
+
+At the opening of the Crusade there were sixteen saloons, one brewery,
+and four drug stores where liquor could be purchased, in Elyria. The
+first visit was made to the druggists, and after a few days the names
+of the four were enrolled on a stringent druggists’ temperance pledge.
+
+On March 9th the first saloon was visited. A procession, consisting of
+seventy-five ladies, passed slowly along our principal streets, two
+by two, producing a solemn spectacle, watched by many with uncovered
+heads and tearful eyes. It was decided to visit first the largest and
+strongest fortress of the enemy, and as the long company filed into the
+bar-room the interest became intense. All was quiet at our approach,
+and even solemnly did the landlord and his wife receive us. After
+permission to hold religious services, which was always gained before
+proceeding in our exercises, the whole band broke forth into the hymn,
+“Nearer, my God, to Thee.”
+
+The contrasting scenes served to give a fresh meaning to the words,
+throwing them into bold relief, and thus aptly expressing the
+old conflict between good and evil. Prayers, earnest and full of
+inspiration, followed; and argument and entreaty were used. Then began
+the pleas so constantly put forward afterwards: debt, the necessity of
+continuance in the business for the support of the family, overtures
+to sell out at fabulous prices--till it began to seem that the Crusade
+might be turned into a vast relief agency for the benefit of bankrupt
+saloonists.
+
+That March afternoon witnessed the same long file wending its way down
+the principal street, filling another saloon with sacred influences,
+and raising the look of wonder and awe in faces unused to praise. At
+last the bolted doors of two saloons in close proximity demanded the
+necessity for services upon the steps. A crowd gathered eagerly around
+the band, hymns were sung, and in that bleak March air, prayers went up
+for the inmates of those saloons. Pledges were afterwards circulated
+among the crowd, and many names secured. Earnest appeals were made to
+all, and a solemn influence was felt, as if Heaven were very near. One
+more saloon visited, and the first day of the Crusade was over.
+
+The opposing forces were now fairly met, and their strength vaguely
+measured.
+
+From this time on, for six weeks, two daily prayer-meetings were held,
+from which committees went forth to plead, with prayer, song, and
+argument, with the men who dealt out these destructive drinks.
+
+Evening visitations were often conducted. Quietly but suddenly a band
+of women would stand in the midst of drunken revelry; the coarse,
+brutal jeer only stimulated the women to greater effort, and made
+them feel the full force of the giant evil they were combating; and
+deeper grew the power and solemnity of their appeal to God, that He
+would exorcise this fearful demon, and restore order and beauty to His
+creation.
+
+Many touching remarks were made among the bystanders at the saloons.
+Said one man: “Men have worked forty years to accomplish what women,
+aided by the Spirit of God, have done in one month.” Another: “Oh!
+that they had begun this movement ten years ago--before I was bankrupt
+in body and soul,” And often from fevered lips a murmured “God bless
+you!” gave a fresh impulse to effort.
+
+After three weeks of constant labor, the first surrender was effected.
+Solemnly was the name written to the dealers’ pledge, followed by
+prayers within and ringing of bells without, while “Praise God from
+whom all blessings flow,” broke forth spontaneously as the beer was
+poured into the gutter. Another dealer, at the same time, signed the
+pledge for three months, but soon after sent word he would sign it
+for life. The full force of the Crusade, one hundred and twenty-five
+ladies, met him and received his final pledge. In the general
+enthusiasm, amid a great throng, the barrels were rolled into the
+gutter, while “Glory, Hallelujah!” filled the air. Following this,
+an aged lady, whose life has been an intellectual, and a spiritual
+benediction to this people from their earliest days, offered prayer.
+
+Being small of stature, a pulpit was quickly improvised from a beer
+barrel, and never did priestly altar serve a grander purpose. Her
+spiritual face and form lifted above the crowd, with outstretched arms,
+as if accepting the opportunity as the crowning gift of a long and
+useful life, she gave utterance to one of those inspired petitions that
+have their birth in a moment of spiritual exaltation. The troubled sea
+before her seemed to feel a divine influence, and to hear the voice
+saying: “Peace! be still!”
+
+Yet other victories were gained, until eight saloons had closed their
+doors.
+
+In the meantime, no stone was left unturned in the great struggle.
+Campaigns, flank movements, military stratagems and surprises, worthy
+of the brain of a Von Moltke, were planned and executed. The Catholic
+priest and the two German pastors were visited and appealed to for
+their influence in their different churches. They were all interested
+in the success of the cause, but were not quite sure of the means used,
+nor of the propriety of removing a temptation, which, in the mind of
+one of them, had a divine origin.
+
+German citizens were visited, and a commingling of nationalities took
+place never before known, and though much antagonism was created, each
+learned to view the situation from the other’s standpoint more clearly
+than ever before, and to make allowance for difference of opinion.
+
+To the question of an intelligent German saloonist, “Why should the
+women of America feel more on this subject than the women of Germany?”
+the answer was made, “In your country men and women alike are under
+one central power--one emperor controls you both. Here _you_ are
+all emperors, while _our_ part in this great government is simple
+obedience. Now there is one right we women _must_ be allowed, and that
+is, to see to it as far as we can, that you carry a clear brain and a
+true heart along with this power.”
+
+The McConnelsville ordinance prohibiting the sale of ale, beer and wine
+by the glass, was passed March 28th, creating much irritation, for
+though not directly the work of the Crusade, it was charged to it, and
+the saloonists intrenched themselves behind what legal rights they had
+left, more strongly than ever, and for a time, visiting saloons seemed
+powerless for good.
+
+At this period our membership amounted to 209; 114 calls had been made,
+and 519 signatures to the pledge had been secured.
+
+April 29th marks a golden day in our calendar, for that evening,
+Temperance Hall, an old saloon which had been fitted up attractively
+with pictures, papers, magazines and a musical instrument, was
+dedicated as a home for those we had rescued, and a rallying point
+for ourselves, the crystallization of our work. Here, for two months,
+a meeting for prayer and business was held every afternoon, and from
+them, bands were sent forth to visit. A committee for each week
+provided for the evening’s entertainment of music, readings, etc., and
+during the summer the hall was liberally patronized. A prayer-meeting
+was also sustained here during the entire year on Saturday eve. Saloon
+hours were observed, and many a young man was brought under religious
+influences, and signed the pledge and dates the new life from those
+days.
+
+The McConnelsville ordinance being manifestly disregarded and disorder
+prevailing, these earnest workers felt they could not give up the
+ground they had so courageously fought for, and began the arduous and
+unpleasant duties of “picketing.” This proving very exasperating to
+many in our community, all objectionable features were removed, and a
+“visitation” was substituted by which bands would ask admittance to
+the saloons, and, if allowed, would remain many hours in conversation
+with the saloonist and his friends, urging the great duty of the hour.
+Many times, it is true, he would retaliate, and ladies found themselves
+prisoners, but always employed the time to the best advantage.
+Persecution also showed itself at Temperance Hall; stones were thrown
+into the room through the windows, and angry crowds collected at the
+doors.
+
+On June 2d, the Lorain County Temperance Society was organized at a
+lively meeting held in Elyria of representatives of nearly all the
+towns in the county, and continues a vigorous organization. Reports
+showed that twenty-one out of the thirty-nine saloons in the county had
+been closed. At this time a county visitation was provided for, Elyria
+being assigned six towns to visit before the August election for the
+new State constitution, with a license clause to be added or rejected.
+Thirty meetings were held in the different towns and school districts,
+addressed mostly by women, though often carrying ballast in the form of
+minister or lawyer, (more often one who combined all the professions,)
+to satisfy the shrewd farmers, incredulous of the mental capacity of
+women to expound the weightier points of the law.
+
+Visitation from house to house was kept up for many weeks previous to
+the election, and in the house and by the wayside, much temperance seed
+was sown. The result, so well known, strengthened the hearts of the
+laborers.
+
+The Elyria _Republican_, one of the best weekly papers in northern
+Ohio, and a sterling advocate for the temperance cause, was started
+in October, 1874, and grew out of the Woman’s Crusade. The order from
+the Lake Shore Railroad Company prohibiting their employés entering a
+saloon, was the result of the temperance agitation of northern Ohio.
+
+During the ensuing winter of 1874-75, the spirit of work being upon
+us, but laws unobserved, and public sentiment unfavorable to direct
+temperance effort, a Relief Committee for the poor of our place was
+added to our League. The town was districted and thoroughly visited.
+The sum of $358.11 was raised, besides numerous articles of comfort
+contributed and distributed among our poor, with the exception of
+$63.47 sent to the relief of Kansas sufferers.
+
+A large and commodious room was secured in place of the old one, and
+occupied April 1st, 1875, and Temperance Hall still continues to be
+an important institution in our midst. A Tuesday afternoon prayer
+and business meeting is always held there, and so much of importance
+requires attention on these occasions, that three hours are often spent
+by the faithful ones, who never fail to attend.
+
+The Temperance Lyceum, composed of sixty-seven young people, often
+attracting many more to their lively debates and entertainments, on
+Tuesday evening of each week, is the most hopeful feature of the winter
+of 1875-76. A jail visitation has also been added to our work during
+the past winter, from which reports have been of deep interest.
+
+And now, as we cast our eyes over the years, we miss the beloved faces
+of many who started with us in this work. The patriarch whose constant
+presence and prayers at our meetings were a ceaseless benediction; the
+voice, sweetest of all in its pleading tones for the right, now caught
+up into the angel choir; the aged mothers in Israel who led in feeble
+strains our earthly petitions, now strong in the life above, and, with
+the door scarce closed between us, the man of God, who strengthened us
+by every good word and work--“All folded their pale hands so meekly,”
+“Spake with us on earth no more.”
+
+And our work--what shall we say of that? To the superficial view the
+result is humiliatingly meagre. Broken promises lie scattered along the
+past, thick as dead leaves in autumn; friends grown cold and faithless,
+enemies defiant and triumphant.
+
+But to the vision opened by faith a fairer view is revealed. In that
+unseen realm, where every true prayer here, sparkles with its own
+divine radiance, and every struggle for God and humanity is wrought
+into beauteous form and color; there may we see, undimmed by the mists
+of earth, the glorious fabric we have helped to weave.
+
+Let us then be up and doing, and by all the experience of the past two
+years--richest of our lives--and by the memory of our cherished dead,
+renew our vows and clasp hands again for the work, as long as a brother
+man lies in the sepulchre of drunken degradation, and we have power
+from God to work.
+
+
+ATHENS, OHIO.
+
+I am indebted to Miss Helen Walker for the following facts: The
+temperance wave touched our place on the evening of February 4th, when
+in a little company of Christians, a letter from McArthur was read,
+speaking of the work there, and urging the women of Athens to attempt a
+similar one here.
+
+A prayer-meeting was appointed for eight o’clock the following morning,
+to which came a number of earnest women, and a few men ready to
+encourage them. Women came who knew what it was to see loved ones cast
+away strength, and talents, and all fear of God, and lie down in a
+drunkard’s grave; and women came, who in secret, with tears, had been
+crying: “How long, O Lord?”
+
+Since the commencement of this work, an aged mother in Israel has often
+remarked: “No one knows how the evil of intemperance has burdened my
+heart during the past winter. Though not suffering from it in my own
+family, yet to see so many young men yielding to its influence made
+one tremble for the future of our country. Oh! how many nights I have
+besought God to stay this evil. There were times when I could pray for
+nothing else.”
+
+No doubt other Christians in our land had this subject pressed home to
+their hearts in the same way, and the foundations of this wide-spread
+temperance revival lies in such prayers.
+
+Well, the women who met on that morning of February 5th, 1874,
+organized their meeting, chose President, Vice-President, and
+Secretary, drew up pledges, and talked of the work before them. But
+beyond all that they cried to the Lord their God, and set themselves to
+walk carefully before Him, and seek His guidance. Other prayer-meetings
+followed until the day fixed upon for going forth to the saloons. Ah!
+then there was sinking of heart, and shrinking and trembling.
+
+On the morning of the 10th of February they signified, by rising to
+their feet, their willingness to go forth. How weak they felt, yet how
+courageous, and what a _strange_ courage is that which accompanied
+trembling limbs and tear-bedimmed eyes. Then was illustrated Paul’s
+paradox, “When I am weak, then am I strong.” But with some the
+shrinking so prevailed over faith, that they went not up to the battle
+in the beginning. With slow steps and prayerful hearts they left the
+church, after joining in the solemn hymn:
+
+ “A charge to keep I have,
+ A God to glorify.”
+
+They walked under a heavy burden that morning, but trusting in the
+Lord, they went forth feeling in their souls, that “He had sounded
+forth the trumpet which should never call retreat.”
+
+Three saloons were visited, but no signatures obtained, but an unseen
+Leader strengthened their hearts. One of the number said, “When I first
+opened my lips to pray, my heart grew light, and never before did I
+experience such a sacred nearness to God.”
+
+In the afternoon the band increased in numbers, and they visited five
+places, still no signatures. The following day, February 11th, five
+saloons in the edge of town were visited, and one signature obtained
+on the dealers’ pledge; at the end of the week three druggists and two
+dealers had signed the pledges presented to them; a third dealer had
+given his promise not to sell, and a fourth had closed his saloon.
+These two names were afterwards placed upon the pledge.
+
+During the next week prayer-meetings were held in four different
+saloons, which also had been visited the previous week. Two saloons
+closed this week, one saloonist putting his name on the pledge. On
+Friday, February 27th, one dealer signed the dealers’ pledge, and the
+personal pledge for one year. The following Monday, March 2d, still
+_another_ dealer signed. No name was obtained from _this_ time until
+three weeks had elapsed, but on the afternoon of March 25th the last
+druggist signed the pledge, and our work seemed drawing to a close.
+But much yet remained to be done to give permanence to what had been
+already accomplished, and to crown the work with complete success.
+
+But still they keep praying for those who had agreed not to sell or
+drink intoxicating liquors. They were often remembered in prayer by
+name, that God would keep them faithful to their pledges.
+
+One day when the workers were gathered in a place which seemed strange
+and unfamiliar, one of our number spoke In these words: “Ever since I
+engaged in this work I have seemed to see before me my Saviour hanging
+on the cross. I see Him with His bowed head, suffering, dying for me,
+and I want you all, with me, to think of this when our work seems heavy
+to us, and the way grows weary. He has done so much for us, let us do
+somewhat for Him.” After that sweet appeal their hearts burned within
+them, and did they not draw nearer to the dear cross? At other times,
+when the flesh was weary, and faith drooped, how a few words from the
+Bible would cheer them! “I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from
+whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven
+and earth. The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in,
+from this time forth even forever more.”
+
+Time would fail to recall the many incidents and memories connected
+with this work. We have been more than repaid for all our weariness and
+anxiety, by our sweet Christian communion with each other, and with
+Jesus, and by seeing this cause, which is of the Lord, prospering, and
+we pray that he will still carry it on to a sure completion.
+
+Laura Ballard adds the following:
+
+The Crusade work in our town was characterized by great earnestness and
+spirituality; and those of us who were engaged in it will never cease
+to thank the Lord for the part we were permitted to take in it. The sin
+of intemperance is very far from being done away with in our town; but
+when some sneeringly tell us, “the woman’s work did no good, things are
+worse than before,” we can only say, we don’t understand just how, and
+why it is; but we _know_ that, that work was of the Lord, and we were
+called to it, and the Lord never makes mistakes.
+
+A temperance prayer-meeting has been kept up ever since that time, and
+is now well attended. We meet during the warm weather at eight A. M.,
+on Friday morning. It is cheering to see twelve or fourteen mothers
+and housekeepers lay aside their morning work for an hour of earnest
+pleading with the Lord for a blessing on those who never pray for
+themselves.
+
+
+COLUMBUS, OHIO.
+
+The gospel wave of temperance had cleared many of the villages of Ohio
+of rum, before the larger towns engaged in the movement. The work in
+the cities was undertaken with many misgivings. The saloons were so
+numerous, and the foreign population so large, and because of appetite,
+or interest so identified with the liquor business, that many worthy
+Christian people advised against saloon visitation. A mob and bloodshed
+might be the result.
+
+But in Columbus, Ohio, the women met daily to counsel with each other,
+and to pray. And on the 3d of March, while at prayer, in the First
+Presbyterian Church, the baptism of the Holy Spirit came down upon
+them, and fifty women, consecrated to God and His work, rose from their
+knees and marched forth from the church to the saloons. Not, however,
+till they set the great bell, hanging in the steeple, to ringing.
+
+The tolling of the bell attracted the attention of the people, and the
+news that the women had begun a Crusade against rum, spread like a
+flash, and in a few moments vast crowds of people were following them.
+
+After visiting the principal hotels and saloons, they returned to the
+church, and a rousing prayer-meeting followed. Many who had not been
+accustomed to hear the gospel, were there to listen to the songs and
+prayers.
+
+The next day the number of Crusaders had increased to three hundred,
+and there was great enthusiasm among the better class of people. As
+the women slowly filed out of the Presbyterian Church, many of the
+church-bells were rung. Thousands of people lined the streets, and many
+a “_God bless you_” followed them. But the German beer-dealers were
+very angry, and were determined to break the matter up, or turn it to
+ridicule, if possible.
+
+One saloon-keeper had provided a brass band, and when the ladies
+appeared before his saloon, the band struck up, “Shoo, fly, don’t
+bother me,” and many of the drunken roughs joined, with inharmonious
+voices. But the ladies, not the least disconcerted, sang one of their
+sweet gospel songs; and many a tear was brushed away from manly
+cheeks, as amid the jargon they lifted their gentle voices to God
+in supplication for these wretched lost ones, who gloried in their
+shame. The band, however, changed to “Home, sweet home,” and they were
+followed by laughter and jeers, as they moved away.
+
+The saloon-keepers rallied their forces. Their wretched victims,
+crawled out of their dens, to join in the hooting and howling with
+which they greeted the purest and best women of the city, and mock
+prayer-meetings were held, after which beer was freely dispensed,
+without pay. It was evident that Satan’s kingdom was stirred, and a
+strong stand would be made against the Crusaders.
+
+Passing through Columbus, about this time, I caught a little of the
+spirit of the movement, and heard many interesting facts.
+
+A Boston gentleman, who boarded the train at Columbus, but who looked
+back wistfully as we moved out of the city, told me that he went there
+prejudiced against the whole movement. He could not reconcile it with
+his ideas of social propriety, or womanly delicacy. But curiosity led
+him to their meetings, and he had followed them, day after day, through
+the streets, till all his prejudices were gone. It had given him a new
+view of Christianity, as an aggressive power against sin. He never
+had been so impressed with gospel truth in all his life, as in these
+meetings held in the streets and saloons. The solemnity of the judgment
+day rested down upon the masses of the people: others acted as if
+possessed with devils.
+
+It was an awfully solemn sight, to see arrayed on the one side, the
+best and truest Christian women of the city, with earnest, solemn faces
+bending in prayer, and appealing in gentle, eloquent words to God, in
+behalf of those who reviled them, and who were ruining their homes and
+their city; while, on the other side, men of avarice leered at them
+from behind their counters, and the bleared and bloated victims of
+rum, with the leprosy of sin written all over their faces, mocked at
+the truths which alone could save them from a drunkard’s grave and a
+drunkard’s hell.
+
+“With all my prejudices against women speaking and praying,” said he,
+“it didn’t take me long to determine which side I would take. I have
+stayed a week here, since getting through with business, to enjoy the
+Crusade, and marvel at the wonderful works of God. _Thank God for the
+Crusade!_” he added, reverently.
+
+A German, who had listened with unconcealed interest, now broke in upon
+the conversation.
+
+“You b’lieves in dem Crusaders? I dinks dem vimins has besser be at
+home mit der chil’ren. I has von goot frien’ in Columbus, and dese
+vimins spile hees pisness entirely already. Mine frien’ is von nice
+man, has much riches already, and von fine house and carriage, and
+everyding so nice. But dese vimins come so much singin’ and brayin’,
+and so much foolishness, that he loses much money already, and dey most
+set him crazy mit der brayin’.”
+
+“What business is your friend in?” I inquired.
+
+“He keeps von nice lager peer saloon.”
+
+“How is it that he loses money? The women don’t take it.”
+
+“He give away so much peer already to get the peoples to come dere and
+drink, so that the vimins will be ’fraid, and go way purty soon.”
+
+“The women don’t want him to give away his beer.”
+
+“Well, dey rob him; dey trive the people from der schop.”
+
+“How many horses and drays were sold, and how many women and children
+did he rob, that he might buy a carriage?”
+
+He took the hint immediately, and spoke up with some spirit--
+
+“Dat is dere pisness. He dakes gare of hees own wife and chil’ren.”
+
+“And these women are taking care of their business and their families,
+by breaking up his trade.”
+
+“Dis is von strange countre--I never vonce see vimins do zat in
+Schermany. Zis is no free countre any more. Good-day, madame, I goes
+into de schmoking-car.”
+
+It was very evident that the mass of ladies and gentlemen near us were
+in sympathy with the Crusaders, from the undisguised pleasure they took
+in the hasty withdrawal of the knight of the beer mug. I saw his face
+no more.
+
+On the 20th of March two or three hundred of the women of Columbus,
+marched in a procession to the State Capitol, and held a meeting in the
+rotunda.
+
+The members of both houses left their seats, and stood reverently, with
+uncovered heads, during this meeting. The women were preparing for a
+struggle that they foresaw would come, and they went to their work
+boldly. A bill was introduced in the legislature to protect the sale of
+ale and beer.
+
+The women met it with counter-petitions, and mass-meetings. Delegations
+came from all the neighboring towns, and the capitol building
+was crowded during every session with the friends and enemies of
+temperance. It was a hand-to-hand fight with the rum power, and the
+women gained the victory.
+
+On the 18th of April they had the satisfaction, after the midnight
+hour, of seeing the legislature adjourn without doing anything in the
+interest of rum.
+
+Columbus contains a large foreign element, and the work was, therefore,
+the more difficult and dangerous: the men hooted, blasphemed, and even
+spit upon the kneeling women. While the women were at prayer, before a
+saloon, one day, a German shouldered a keg of beer, and marched through
+the prayer-circle, and the men and boys set up an unearthly shouting
+and screaming. But good results followed: several saloons closed out
+business, and liquors of all kinds were banished from the Union Depot;
+many men reformed, and many citizens signed the pledge, among them
+James G. Bull, mayor of the city. At a State dinner, soon after, where
+every luxury was provided, wine was banished; such was the advance made
+in public sentiment. A State dinner without wine would not have been
+thought possible before the Crusade. And so the women work on, looking
+for the time when complete victory shall crown their efforts.
+
+
+VAN WERT, OHIO.
+
+The work began about the 10th of March, 1874.
+
+The following officers were chosen: President, Mother Webster;
+Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Elcock, Mrs. Hines, Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Sevinford,
+Mrs. Richey; Secretary, Mrs. M. J. McFadden; Executive Committee, Mrs.
+M. M. Minger, Mrs. M. Harnly.
+
+The Spirit of the Lord seemed to move upon the hearts of the women. A
+meeting was called to be held at the M. E. Church. I doubt whether any
+one had any definite plan in view.
+
+Mrs. Dr. Hines (one of the faithful workers), in relating her
+experience of those days, says: “I heard of the meeting, felt quite
+undecided about going; but I felt a restlessness, and could not
+be satisfied to stay at home. I took my seat in the back part of
+the church, thinking I would not say a word. Very soon some one
+called out, ‘There is Mrs. Hines: let us hear what she thinks of
+this movement;’ and then, without a moment’s hesitation, I said, ‘I
+thought the work would be a success, that God was about to answer the
+prayers of those crushed women and children, who had felt the power
+of the demon drink so long, through those that should have been their
+protectors; and from that day to this the work of the Crusade has been
+dear to my heart.’ Another says:
+
+“As for myself, I remember well when I first heard the work talked off.
+I thought if it ever came here, I would do all that I could, _quietly_,
+so that it would not be noticed; but firmly determined in my own mind
+that I never would go into a saloon to pray, nor go out upon the
+streets, under any circumstances, or appear in public, but would be a
+silent worker. But nothing could make me believe that the Crusade was
+not the direct power of God upon the hearts of His children. The work
+was inaugurated at that first meeting I spoke of, and almost before
+I had time to think, I was addressing an audience of hundreds. God
+gave me power, and for a year, with others, I went to different places
+in the country helping to defeat _license_. Ohio gained this victory
+through the Crusade.
+
+“Although of a very delicate constitution, I, with my sisters, went
+through mud and slush, standing or kneeling in the snow, going to
+meetings night after night, visiting saloons in the daytime, and
+through it all, and all the opposition, God preserved us by His mighty
+power, and to His name be all the glory. After a while the number
+thinned, until but the faithful few remained. Our prayer-meetings have
+been kept up until the commencement of the reformed men’s movement this
+spring.
+
+“Our aged President, Mother Webster, was always a power in the Crusade,
+faithful to the last.
+
+“During the first week of the work in Van Wert, one saloon-keeper,
+a German, who had always been accustomed to drink beer, refused the
+ladies admittance, while his wife made sport, and laughed mockingly
+at the ladies. But one morning, when the band stopped at his door,
+he admitted them, and told the ladies he had sold his last drop.
+Then there was such a joyful hand-shaking, and a prayer-meeting of
+thanksgiving.
+
+“Another German, who was poor and had a family of interesting children,
+was very much opposed to the ladies’ visits. For some time they were
+refused admittance, and prayers were offered in German and English.
+About a week afterward, he disposed of his liquors, put out his white
+flag, and started to meet the ladies, telling them he had sold his last
+drop of liquor. It was a sacrifice, for he was dependent upon his daily
+labor for the support of his family.” We are indebted to Mrs. M. Harnly
+and Mrs. Elcock for the above facts.
+
+The contest, with various successes, continued until the 6th of March,
+when a decided victory was gained at the municipal election. The ladies
+worked and prayed, and many of the temperance men were energetic and
+persistent. The issue was squarely made, “whiskey or no whiskey.” The
+temperance candidates won a decided victory. When the result of the
+election became known, the bells rang out a joyous peal, and the new
+mayor-elect, Mr. T. S. Gilliland, rolled out a barrel of apples that
+were in his office as a temperance treat. A prohibitory ordinance was
+passed, and the saloons were closed.
+
+[Illustration: MRS. SARAH KNOWLES BOLTON,
+
+First Assistant Corresponding Secretary Woman’s National Christian
+Temperance Union.]
+
+
+CINCINNATI, OHIO.
+
+There was much prayerful interest in Cincinnati. Many of the best women
+of the church, bending low at the dear Christ’s feet, were asking:
+“What wilt thou have me to do?”
+
+The difficulties in the way seemed more formidable for saloon work
+there than at any point in the State, or perhaps in the country. But
+these consecrated women were ready to follow the Master wherever He led.
+
+Cincinnati was a great manufacturing centre. The annual trade in
+spirituous and malt liquors amounted to over $33,000,000, and there was
+immense capital invested in massive buildings and machinery.
+
+One-third of the population of the city were Germans, accustomed to
+beer-drinking, which tended to make the traffic respectable.
+
+Any interference with the trade was regarded as an attack upon their
+personal liberties. Many of them were ignorant bigots or infidels,
+who were ready, on any pretext, to cry out against the Bible and
+Puritanism, and many of them belonged to the criminal classes, as the
+police records will show.
+
+To meet this class in the saloons and beer-gardens, when the city
+council was made up largely of men interested in the traffic, and the
+mayor of the city was ready to do the bidding of the liquor oligarchy,
+was a fearful risk. But Christ led the way and gave the courage.
+
+The first saloon visited was a fashionable resort, called the “Custom
+House,” next door to the Merchants’ Exchange. The house was well
+patronized by first-class drinkers.
+
+The time chosen was the lunch hour, when many of this class were
+lingering over their cups.
+
+The women, unheralded, were in the saloon before any of them had time
+to escape. In a moment an immense crowd was surging about the door, and
+escape was impossible. A prayer-meeting was held, which lasted about
+half an hour.
+
+The proprietor, affecting indifference, invited them to “come again,”
+an invitation which they accepted; but when they visited that saloon
+again it was like “a banquet hall deserted:” the merchants and
+fashionable drinkers were careful not to be caught there again.
+
+The trade began to be interfered with, which aroused bitter opposition,
+and the saloons were closed against them.
+
+The Esplanade, a large, paved square in the heart of the business part
+of the city, and the market-places, became praying-stations, and many a
+season of prayer was held on the curbstones opposite saloons.
+
+
+A CRUSADE DOG
+
+A lady in one of the bands had a large Newfoundland dog, that always
+accompanied her.
+
+He seemed to know their business. He would walk before them with
+stately mien, till he came to a saloon, and then stop and turn around,
+as much as to say: “Here is work for you.” He would walk back and forth
+before the saloon while they sang; but as soon as they knelt to pray he
+would go and set himself down on his haunches beside the woman who lead
+in prayer, no matter if she were a stranger, and reverently maintain
+his position till the prayer was ended. Then he would start briskly off
+to look for another saloon.
+
+It is said that he showed a decided preference for only _one_ prayer at
+each saloon. Perhaps he knew that there were nearly three thousand in
+that great city, and feared that they would not make the rounds, unless
+he hurried them.
+
+A German saloon-keeper tried to set his dog on one of the bands, (not
+this one,) but the poor brute had more sense, and politeness, and
+humanity, than his master, and wouldn’t even bark, but hung his head in
+shame.
+
+One day the crowd about the Esplanade was very large and threatening.
+Every foot of space was occupied, and all the streets approaching it
+were filled. But the ladies had advertised a meeting there, and they
+went forth, in the name of Christ, to face the howling mob.
+
+They marched right on, two and two, as though no crowd menaced
+them. Many temperance men, and order-loving citizens, were there
+mingling with the crowd, determined to prevent, if possible, a riot.
+Mrs. Leavitt led the band. The crowd parted as they approached. A
+scissors-grinder had been hired by the rum party, for twenty-five
+dollars, to push his cart through the crowd, ringing his bells. He
+undertook the job, but his cart was broken into a thousand pieces,
+and he was arrested and marched off to jail, and subsequently fined
+fifty dollars. So his enterprise did not pay. Mrs. Leavitt gave the
+following graphic account of the beginning of the _Crusade_, at one of
+the mass-meetings held in connection with the annual meeting of the
+National Union at Newark, which was reported by Miss M. E. Winslow for
+_The Morning_, from which we copy:
+
+“People at the East have little idea of what the Crusade really was.
+One of our local papers described its opening in these terms: ‘Hell
+on earth! The devil woke up! The women on their knees!’ I always knew
+that liquor was an awful thing, but I felt no responsibility about it,
+and when I first heard of the Crusading in Hillsboro’ and Washington
+Court-House, I felt in my heart, though I did not say so, that it
+was a prostitution of prayer. But there came to _that city of 3,000
+saloons_, (open twenty-four hours of every day, and seven days of every
+week, with an average of 15,000 men pouring out death by the glass all
+the time,) a call for the women to meet and consider the subject in a
+certain church. I went to my room and asked the Lord what I should do.
+It was a short prayer, for in ten minutes I was at the corner with my
+hat on, on my way.
+
+“The church was fuller than I had ever known it, women, old and young,
+rich and poor, praying and sobbing; and such prayers I had never heard.
+In an hour or two about eighty of us started--I hardly know how we did
+it--for one of the most fashionable saloons. The wealth represented
+by those eighty women being over $3,000,000. We walked two by two;
+some men blessed us as we passed, and some cursed. We went into the
+‘sample-room,’ and asked permission for a moment of prayer, which was
+granted. You can imagine the praying we did, as we agonized that Jesus
+Christ would come and convert that rum-seller. Eight thousand people
+had gathered outside in a few moments. I had never opened my mouth to
+pray in public before, but God opened it now. We were there thirty or
+forty minutes, and then went out, where men pointed a finger of scorn
+at us, and every one thought we would be crushed. But we never felt
+so near heaven as we did then. We walked homeward, singing, ‘There is
+a Fountain filled with blood.’ Every day after that we met at nine
+o’clock, and went out in bands every hour, visiting different saloons,
+hundreds following us.
+
+“One day I led a band of eighty, or a hundred to the Esplanade. The
+authorities had said this must be put down, and the mayor had privately
+given orders to the police to ‘be scarce where the women were.’ We did
+not know that; and after visiting fourteen saloons, we marched towards
+the Esplanade, where we found a dense mass of several thousand men
+awaiting us. I heard a man say, ‘JACK, A WOMAN’S FOOT SHAN’T TOUCH
+THE ESPLANADE TO-DAY!’ And I said, ‘Lord, give us the Esplanade.’ One
+great brutal-looking fellow stood in my way, debauched and degraded,
+yet with a look which told there was a heart somewhere. I took it for
+granted this was Jack. Bless God for woman’s intuition. I walked right
+up to him and said, ‘Jack!’ He started as if he wondered how I knew his
+name. ‘Jack, we are a band of broken-hearted mothers and wives, weeping
+and praying because you are all going to hell as fast as you can go. We
+want to pray here, right by this fountain, and I want you to make way
+for us and keep the men still till we get through our service.’
+
+“First he looked like thunder; then he looked foolish; then I smiled
+sweetly at him (always smile at a man if you want him to do what he
+don’t want to), and he said, with a fearful oath, ‘I’ll do it. Make
+way for the Crusaders!’ and as he forced his great, brawny shoulders
+through the crowd, many voices shouted,
+
+ ‘GOD BLESS THE CRUSADERS!’
+
+I never asked the Lord for a policeman again. I’d rather have
+Jack. At last we stood close to that central fountain, which is the
+glory of Cincinnati, and sang, ‘JESUS the water of life will give,’ and
+I think there must have been joy among the angels of God at the chorus
+that rung through the square. Then we sang ‘Rock of Ages,’ and then I
+talked to the crowd. I forgot all about the liquor-saloons, and thought
+only of Jesus Christ upon the cross, I then called upon all who wanted
+to be saved and have us pray for them to kneel down, and 2,000 men,
+mostly reeking with the fumes of rum and tobacco, knelt there on the
+pavement seeking Christ, with tears and sobs.
+
+“The next day our church was so full that we were obliged to have some
+place to hold an overflow meeting, and we telegraphed to Rev. Mr.
+Beecher (nephew of Henry Ward Beecher), that we must have his church
+in ten minutes. ‘Ten minutes, do you say? You shall have it in five,’
+was the answer, and in ten minutes it was packed to overflowing; and
+afterward we held two daily meetings.”
+
+One of the regular meeting-places of the praying bands of Cincinnati
+was a large, open market-house. Thousands gathered there daily. The
+place and all the avenues leading to it were usually well filled. But
+one day, as the band of women approached, they found an unusually vile
+and belligerent crowd. Butchers fresh from their stalls, with their
+sleeves rolled up, and their bloody aprons on, and their butcher knives
+in their hands; villanous-looking men with ugly pistols protruding from
+their pockets; and women debased by strong drink, uttering curses, were
+all huddled together, while just across the street a cannon had been
+placed so as to sweep the market-house if fired.
+
+Altogether, the circumstances were anything but encouraging. But the
+women marched right on to their usual meeting-place in the centre of
+the open space and began to sing:
+
+ “There is a fountain filled with blood,
+ Drawn from Immanuel’s veins,
+ And sinners plunged beneath that flood
+ Lose all their guilty stains.”
+
+The crowd was somewhat hushed into respectful silence by the singing.
+Mrs. Leavitt, who led the band that day, made the opening prayer. As
+they knelt on the paving stones she found herself facing the cannon,
+with a possibility of its being fired.
+
+The crowd, that seemed to expect such an event, surged to either side
+so as to be well out of the way. But her consecration to God covered
+all that, and she remembers saying to herself: “If God wants to take
+me, as He did Elijah, to heaven in a chariot of fire, I would just
+as soon go that way as any other.” And she thought no more about the
+cannon or the vile men with knives and pistols, but prayed straight
+up to God for the perishing multitudes about her. And there came down
+upon the people such mighty awakening power, that the most desperate
+and unbelieving bowed their heads, and tears streamed down many a
+sin-scarred face.
+
+And when the meeting was over, and they invited the people to come
+with them to the house of God, many followed them to the church, and
+hundreds remained to pray.
+
+The placing of the cannon was a trick to frighten the women, but it did
+not succeed; and as they took no notice of it, the experiment was never
+repeated. The falling off in the liquor traffic in Cincinnati was very
+great; the trade in the leading houses in that business losing tens of
+thousands of dollars.
+
+During the first six months of the Crusade, in the United States
+Revenue District in which Cincinnati is situated, the falling off In
+the revenue on liquor alone was about $3,000,000. And such was the
+interest, that one day the Merchants’ Exchange suspended, at least for
+a time, their business, to follow a few women who modestly and quietly
+sang and prayed on the Esplanade, or before the large saloons near by.
+
+At first, the manufacturers and dealers laughed at the attempt of the
+women to call public attention to the traffic. But when they saw that
+this was effectually done, and that they were losing by thousands, they
+were wild with rage.
+
+I overheard a conversation between two Cincinnati liquor-dealers at the
+time.
+
+They were seated just behind me in a railroad car, so I could but
+choose to hear; and the curses they heaped upon Christian women were
+loud and deep; almost every word was emphasized with an oath.
+
+“We must do something to stop this horrid thing, or we are ruined,”
+said one.
+
+“The press has played the mischief with us,” exclaimed the other, “by
+publishing their movements. We must buy up the press. If they don’t
+stop writing about it, we must withdraw all our advertisements. Let
+this be a united thing with us, and they will soon have to look after
+their own bread and butter. These women have cut down my sales more
+than $20,000 this spring.”
+
+“The mayor and city council ought to do something before the city is
+ruined. They are a pack of fools to let a few praying women ruin our
+business in this way.”
+
+And then they talked and planned earnestly. The press was to be dealt
+with, the mayor brought to issue a proclamation against the women,
+forbidding their singing and praying on the streets, etc.
+
+The mayor and city council were quite willing to serve the rum cause,
+as results show.
+
+The ladies soon after were informed that they could no longer hold
+meetings in the streets, but must confine themselves to the public
+squares and market-places, unless a saloon-keeper chose to open his
+doors to them.
+
+They obeyed orders, and went on with their work in the places
+designated. But one day, while one of the bands was quietly walking up
+the street, they were met and surrounded by a mob of the vilest men
+and women in the city. They were, no doubt, sent out by the dealers
+to intimidate the women, and received their reward in strong drink on
+their return.
+
+The mayor also, accompanied by his private secretary, came to them and
+earnestly appealed to the ladies to quit their work and go home.
+
+“I’ll not be responsible for your safety unless you do. For God’s sake,
+ladies, desist.”
+
+The ladies in turn appealed to him to disperse the mob. They were
+quiet, unoffending citizens, walking the streets, which was their
+right; and as for their lives, they relied on God, not on him. All the
+while this parley was going on, the vile drunken mob was hooting and
+howling.
+
+No attempt was made to disperse them. But the mayor was exceedingly
+annoyed with the violence and obscenity of a German woman near him, and
+turning upon her he commanded silence. “Shame! shame! such indecency.”
+But the words were scarcely out of his mouth till she began cursing
+him, and the mob uttering a horrid yell rushed toward him. He raised
+his hand, waving them back; but they came on like a herd of wild
+cattle, pushing each other forward, whirling him like a top from the
+sidewalk into the gutter. His secretary ran like a frightened deer,
+and the mayor, as soon as he could gather up himself and find his hat,
+followed suit. They remembered Lot’s wife, and never looked behind
+them. Some of the women of the band had been knocked down; but they
+soon fell into line, and now that the mob was behind them, marched down
+into the heart of the city, singing,
+
+ “Nearer, my God, to Thee,
+ Nearer to Thee,
+ Even though it be a cross,
+ That raiseth me.”
+
+The insults offered to the ladies aroused a feeling of indignation,
+and an address was prepared, and a committee of gentlemen appointed
+to present it to the mayor. The reading of the paper brought on a
+discussion, in which the mayor said it would take all the police force
+within twenty-four square miles of the city to protect the ladies.
+
+Dr. Payne--“Do we understand you to say that you are powerless in the
+hands of a mob?”
+
+Mayor Johnson--“It would appear so from the practical experience of
+yesterday afternoon.”
+
+Dr. Payne--“Then, sir, it is high time that the pulpit began to
+thunder, and that all good men should arise, and see that men are
+elected who will enforce the law.”
+
+The committee then entered upon a defence of the rights of women to go
+upon the streets as they had been doing, notwithstanding the riotous
+crowds which surrounded them, and the disorders consequent thereon,
+which point the mayor met by saying, that he believed with Lincoln,
+that the blow should be aimed at the cause.
+
+Dr. Payne--“Yes, but the cause is the liquor traffic, not these women.”
+
+Dr. Taylor--“We only claim their rights, and if women cannot be
+protected by law, the result will be that neither can we, and the blow
+that strikes them, strikes us. If they be prosecuted for praying, so
+may I. The same mob spirit that attacked women yesterday, may attack
+citizens. If we cannot obtain protection, by addressing you, where
+shall we go?”
+
+In the course of the conversation, the mayor said, that the whole Board
+of Police Commissioners were opposed to the women.
+
+Immediately following this interview the mayor issued a proclamation,
+addressed: _To the ladies composing the Temperance League_; forbidding
+them to hold meetings on the streets, basing this action on an old
+sidewalk ordinance that had been a dead letter for years.
+
+I quote again from Mrs. Leavitt’s speech.
+
+“By this time there was such a falling off in the liquor trade that
+the mayor and common council, twenty-three of whose members were in
+the liquor trade, said the Crusade must be stopped; so they raked up
+an old sidewalk ordinance which said that no group of more than three
+should occupy the sidewalk at any one place and time. But we knew
+nothing of it, and we went to a saloon where we were denied admittance,
+so we knelt outside. The pavement was eighteen feet wide, of which
+we occupied about thirty inches. I was leader that day, and gave
+out, ‘Rock of Ages, cleft for me,’ when a policeman laid his hand on
+my shoulder, and said, ‘_Mrs. Leavitt, you are under arrest!_’ ‘All
+right,’ said I. ‘Let me hide myself in Thee.’ And then we prayed for
+that policeman, and for the others, and for the crowd. We tried the
+patience of that policeman a little, for our service lasted sixty
+minutes. Some shouted, some cried, but all were happy; and then we
+rose and walked in an orderly manner, two by two, about two miles, to
+the station-house. As soon as we got there we kneeled down and prayed
+again, and then they asked our names, nativity, and ages. They took
+mine first, and while they were taking the others, I thought may be the
+Lord had something for me to do there; so I went round to the cells and
+talked with the inmates. In one I found a boy of eighteen, who said,
+‘I wouldn’t have my mother know I am here for all the world. I came in
+under an assumed name. Did you?’ So I visited every cell, and pointed
+every prisoner to Christ. I tried to guess a conundrum (I never
+guessed one in my life), and I will give it to you. ‘How is it that
+every one I spoke to was put in for drunkenness, and we forty-three
+women were brought there for trying to put it down?’ We expected to be
+sent to the work-house for thirty days; so presently the husband of one
+of our number came in, and asked in the most touching tones, ‘_What
+shall I do with the baby?_’ ‘Go home and feed him,’ said his wife, ‘I
+wouldn’t be got off for twenty babies.’ Then the mayor came in. You
+have heard of the man who drew the elephant in a lottery, and then
+didn’t know what to do with it. The mayor looked just like that man.
+At last, when we had stayed two hours, the common council excused us
+till Monday on parole. So we marched back to the church, and gave our
+report, and it seemed as though the roof would come off with the ring
+of the doxology that followed.
+
+“On Monday morning we went to the police court, and while they were
+trying the prisoners for drunkenness, we who were arrested for trying
+to stop them from drinking went round, preached Christ, and got twenty
+signatures to our pledge. When our turn came they did not know what to
+do with us. We had put on all our best things, and though I say it,
+were FORTY-THREE OF THE PRETTIEST-LOOKING WOMEN YOU EVER SAW, and all
+just as happy as could be. Six of us were ministers’ wives, three wives
+of rich bankers, and all the rest of wealthy citizens. At last they
+told us we had been naughty, but they would forgive us this time if we
+wouldn’t do so any more. We went back to the church, and a few of us
+went out crusading.
+
+“But we didn’t want to break the law, and just at this time the Crusade
+began to change its form from active crusading into steady, organized
+work; so we only went out in parties of three or four, and we have been
+doing this ever since.”
+
+The city officers and the police force were in the interests of
+the liquor traffic, and the arrest of the ladies was a part of a
+well-concerted plan to break down the temperance work.
+
+We must not omit to give the names of the forty-three women arrested
+and thrust into the common jail:
+
+Mrs. Rev. S. K. Leavitt, Mrs. Rev. W. I. Fee, Mrs. Rev. C. H. Taylor,
+Mrs. D. H. Baldwin, Mrs. Charles Folger, Sarah Shipley, Mary Whitaker,
+Mrs. May A. French, Mrs. Olive Roseboom, Mrs. Lottie Oldrieve, Mrs.
+Lizzie R. Harvey, Mrs. A. F. Whiteman, Miss Ellen King, Mrs. S. E.
+Massey, Miss Kate M. Warden, Miss Helen Russell, Miss Susan Sutton,
+Miss Annie Nunn, Mrs. J. R. Squire, Mrs. Mary J. Montford, Mrs. Ellen
+Hewson, Mrs. Whitredge, Mrs. Rev. C. H. Payne, Mrs. Rev. A. McHugh,
+Mrs. Dr. Carter, Mrs. S. J. H. Elstner, Mary White, Mrs. Kate Traugh,
+Mrs. Maria Stevens, Mrs. A. V. Crum, Mrs. H. Robinson, Miss Lottie
+Nunn, Mrs. Lucy M. McKenzie, Mrs. May Francis, Miss May Talbot, Miss
+Jennie Forbes, Miss Mary Scott, Mrs. E. B. Dalton, Miss Eliza Hughes,
+Mrs. Frederick Hanbold, Mrs. Mary Warner, Mrs. E. H. Mance, Mrs.
+Wealthy Fisk.
+
+Dr. Fowler, of Chicago, who happened to be in the city at the time,
+and went with them to the jail, at a mass-meeting said: “Although I
+do not belong to this city, I say as an old heathen said, ‘Whatever
+concerns mankind, concerns me.’ Not only the immortal forty-three, but
+every woman in the land went down into the streets yesterday, and was
+scoffed and jeered at by those who stood in the saloon doors. You are
+not alone. All the good people of the land say, ‘You are fighting our
+battle,’ and from 10,000 pulpits are going up prayers for those who
+have made one bright page on the records of the police courts. The day
+may come when you can sell that page for money, enough to buy all the
+saloons in the city.” (Applause.)
+
+Stirring, eloquent speeches were also made by Dr. C. H. Payne, Mr.
+Rowland, Rev. S. K. Leavitt; and Mrs. Leavitt followed with a solemn,
+earnest appeal, that brought nearly all the men and women in the house
+to their feet.
+
+There was a meeting of citizens of the first ward, and a protest was
+prepared and sent to the mayor and city council--a protest, strongly
+condemning their action and calling upon them to maintain law and order.
+
+Nearly all the pulpits of Cincinnati thundered against the liquor
+traffic, a strong public sentiment was created, and the women have
+gone steadily on with their work from that day to this. A large number
+of meetings are sustained in various parts of the city, and at Walnut
+Hills; tens of thousands have signed the pledge, and it is no longer
+respectable to sell or drink intoxicating liquors in Cincinnati.
+
+A large hall has been secured for head-quarters, where meetings are
+held daily, and their influence is felt throughout the entire city.
+
+
+WHITE SHOES AND WHITE DRESSES.
+
+One morning, during the Crusade, a drunkard’s wife called on Mrs.
+Leavitt. She carried a babe in her arms only six weeks old, and was
+pale and weak from sickness and fasting, and this was her pitiful story:
+
+“My husband is drinking himself to death; he is lost to all humane
+feeling; our rent is unpaid, and we are liable to be put out into the
+street, and there is no food in the house for me and the children. He
+has a good trade, but his earnings all go into the saloon on the corner
+near us; he is becoming more and more brutal and abusive. We seem to
+be on the verge of ruin. How can I, feeble as I am, with a babe in my
+arms, earn bread for myself and children?”
+
+“Why not have your husband converted?” questioned Mrs. Leavitt, as the
+drunkard’s wife finished her sad story.
+
+“Oh, there is no hope of such a thing. He cares for nothing but rum.”
+
+“I’ll come and see him this afternoon.”
+
+“He’ll insult you.”
+
+“No matter; my Saviour was insulted, and the servant is not above his
+Lord.”
+
+That very afternoon Mrs. Leavitt called at the little tenement house.
+The husband was at work at his trade in a little back room, and one of
+the children was sent to tell him that a lady wished to see him. The
+child, however, soon returned with the message: “My pa says he won’t
+see any one.”
+
+“You go back and tell your pa,” said Mrs. Leavitt, in her energetic
+way, “that a lady wishes to see him on very important business, and she
+must see him, if she has to stay till after supper.”
+
+She knew there was nothing in the house to eat. A moment afterward a
+poor, bloated, besotted wreck of a man stood before her.
+
+“What do you want?” he demanded, as he came shuffling into the room.
+
+“Please be seated and look at this paper,” she answered, pointing to a
+vacant chair at the other end of the table at which she was sitting,
+and handing a printed pledge to him.
+
+He read it slowly, and then, throwing it down upon the table, broke out
+violently:
+
+“Do you think I’m a fool? I’ll drink when I please, and let it alone
+when I please. I’m not going to sign away my personal liberty.”
+
+“Do you think you can stop drinking?”
+
+“Yes: I could if I wanted to.”
+
+“I think you’re a slave to the rum-shop down on the corner.”
+
+“No!”
+
+“Then you love the saloon-keeper’s daughter better than you do your own
+little girl.”
+
+“No, I don’t, either.”
+
+“When I came by the saloon-keeper’s house I saw his little girl coming
+down the steps, and she had on white shoes, and a white dress, and a
+blue sash. Your money helped to buy them. I come here, and your little
+girl, more beautiful than she, has on a faded, ragged dress, and her
+feet are bare.”
+
+“That’s so, madam.”
+
+“And you love the saloon-keeper’s wife better than you love your own
+wife.”
+
+“Never; no, never!”
+
+“When I came by the saloon-keeper’s house, I saw his wife come out with
+the little girl, and she was dressed in silks and laces, and a carriage
+awaited her. Your money helped to buy the silks and laces, and the
+horses and the carriage. I come here, and I find your wife in a faded
+calico gown, doing her own work: if she goes anywhere, she must walk.”
+
+“You speak the truth, madam.”
+
+“You love the saloon-keeper better than you love yourself. You say you
+can keep from drinking if you choose; but you helped the saloon-keeper
+to build himself a fine brick house, and you live in this poor,
+tumble-down old house yourself.”
+
+“I never saw it in that light before.” Then, holding out his hand that
+shook like an aspen leaf, he continued: “You speak the truth, madam--I
+am a slave. Do you see that hand? I have a piece of work to finish, and
+I must have a mug of beer to steady my nerves, or I cannot do it; but
+to-morrow, if you’ll call, I’ll sign the pledge.”
+
+“That’s a temptation of the devil; I did not ask you to sign the
+pledge. You are a slave, and cannot keep it. But I do want to tell you
+this: _There is One who can break your chains and set you free._”
+
+“I want to be free.”
+
+“Well, Christ can set you free, if you’ll submit to Him, and let Him
+break the chains of sin and appetite that binds you.”
+
+“It’s been many a long year since I prayed.”
+
+“No matter; the sooner you begin the better for you.”
+
+He threw himself at once on his knees, and while Mrs. Leavitt prayed
+she heard him sobbing out the cry of his soul to God.
+
+The wife followed Mrs. Leavitt in an earnest prayer. The words were
+simple and broken with sobs, but somehow they went straight up from
+her crushed heart to God, and the poor man began to cry in earnest for
+mercy.
+
+“O God! break these chains that are burning into my soul! Pity me, and
+pity my wife and children, and break the chains that are dragging me
+down to hell. O God! be merciful to me, a sinner.” And thus out of the
+depths he cried to God, and He heard him and had compassion upon him,
+and broke every chain and lifted every burden; and he arose a free,
+redeemed man.
+
+When he arose from his knees he said: “Now I will sign the pledge, and
+keep it.” And he did. A family altar was built, the comforts of life
+were soon secured--for he had a good trade--and two weeks after this
+scene, his two little girls came into the Sunday-school, with _white
+shoes, and white dresses, and blue sashes on_, as a token that his
+money no longer went into the saloon-keeper’s till.
+
+But the lesson that should impress us most is, that this disciple,
+helped of God, devoted _less_ than two hours to this service of
+redeeming a family for time and for eternity. Go, thou, and do
+likewise! _The Master is waiting for you_ in many a desolate home. Go,
+speak in His name, and He will be with you, and help you.
+
+
+WHAT A PICTURE DID.
+
+The heading of _The Reform_, an illustrated tract paper, is composed of
+three pictures. The first represents a drunkard staggering home to his
+family. In his hand he holds a bottle; his wife, with her babe in her
+arms and her little boy clinging to her dress, is shrinking from him.
+Terror and fear are depicted upon the countenances of the three.
+
+The second picture represents the same man, standing at a table, a
+woman holding out a pen to him with one hand, and with the other a
+paper upon which are seen the words, “Temperance Pledge.”
+
+In the third picture we see the same man, well clothed, walking erect,
+with a cane in his hand, and leading a little boy up a flight of steps
+to a nice house, in the door of which stands the wife, with beaming
+smile upon her face, and hardly able to hold the baby, who is overjoyed
+at seeing the father.
+
+A bundle of these papers was sent to one of the ladies in Cincinnati,
+who distributed them in the market, at the hospital and jail.
+
+Two months afterwards she was stopped on the street by a German woman,
+who told her the following story:
+
+“You shoost stop von minute vile I tells you vot is in mine heart. You
+come von day to mine stall in de market, you give mine old man a paper,
+and you gives me a paper.
+
+“Ven I goes to mine home, mine children dey cries for dere dinner. I
+says, ‘You shoost keep still, and I vill give you von paper a vomans
+give me in de market.’ So dey spreads a paper on de floor, und dey
+kicks up dere heels, und dey looks hard at de pictures. Vile I gets
+mine dinner, dey visper. Mine leetle boy he says: ‘Dat is pap mid the
+bottle! dat leetle boy vot hides hind his mudder’s dress is me, ven I’m
+skeered at pappy, und de baby is Helwig, cause dat is shoost de vay he
+hides hind mudder’s ear when pappy’s drunk.’ Den dey say, ‘Mudder, vat
+dat voman do mit de table?’ I says, ‘De temperance voman vants de man
+to sign de pledge, and says he drinks no more beer or whiskey, den his
+wife and children be no more feared of him.’
+
+“Dey looks hard at de picter, den dey vispers and dey say, ‘Mudder,
+will pappy look nice like de udder picter, would he sign de pledge?’
+
+“And I says, ‘Yes, childrens, your fadder would look shoost like dat if
+he goes no more to saloons.’
+
+“Mine old man den he comes in to his dinner. He loves his children ven
+he is sober. My children dey see he no drunk, so dey runs to him mid
+de papers, and dey say, ‘Pappy, that is you mid de bottle, and dot
+voman is mudder, and de baby wot hides hind his mudder’s ear is Helwig.
+Pappy, vont you go to de temperance voman’s mit de table, and sign de
+pledge, and den you will look shoost like dat nice man mit de cane,
+and Helwig he will look shoost like dis baby vot tries to jump out of
+his mudder’s arms and is so glad to see his pappy?’ Mine old man he
+gets so mad, and he says, ‘I eat no dinner, I hates de temperance, I
+hates de temperance,’ and my children dey cry, dey be so scared. My old
+man he slams de door, and he goes off. He comes home to supper and he
+say de first ting, ‘I hates de temperance, I hates de temperance,’ and
+he no speak to de children, and dey be so skeered.
+
+“After supper mine old man he makes de children go to ped, and he
+smokes, and he scolds, and he gets so mad he no goes to de saloon, like
+he always does all his life mid me.
+
+“Ven it vas bed-time mine old man he lay down his pipe and he says:
+‘Old woman, I’s no been good to you; I gets drunk no more; I goes no
+more to saloons; mine heart is sick mit what mine children say. I loves
+mine wife, I loves mine children ven I gets no drunk.’ Den I put mine
+apron to mine eyes, and I cries, and mine old man he cries. Den we
+stand by de childer’s bed, and mine old man he kiss me, and he kiss de
+children, and he says, ‘Mine heart is so sick all de day mit vat de
+children says to me.’
+
+“I tells you I loves dat leetle paper, mine heart is so glad dat
+you gives it to me. I folds it up shust so nice and I puts it mit a
+handkerchief round, and I puts it in mine under-drawer in mine bureau
+mit mine children’s tings what died.”
+
+
+CLYDE, OHIO.
+
+The women worked and prayed faithfully for five weeks. During the first
+two weeks, two saloons closed, one dealer disposing of his liquors, the
+other giving them up to the ladies to be emptied into the street. They
+were poured into the gutter amid great rejoicings, and the singing of
+the doxology.
+
+While one of the women was pleading with Carroll, a saloon-keeper, she
+referred to the fact that her boys were becoming drunkards. “Oh!” said
+he, “I do not think I ever sold your boys any.” “But,” said the noble
+woman, with tearful emphasis, “you sell to somebody’s boys.”
+
+One Saturday evening, as the ladies approached one of the most
+prominent saloons, the proprietor came out and informed them that
+they could not hold services in front of his house; that he would
+spill his last drop of blood before they should do it. He had his back
+yard and saloon full of help. The ladies immediately commenced their
+exercises, and he called his rabble out to hoot; a pail of cold water
+was splashed into the face of the one who was praying. She never broke
+a sentence, but said: “O Lord, we are now baptized for the work.” The
+effect was good, it was a most complete victory. All became quiet, and
+the saloon-keeper accompanied them to the church, and oh, such earnest
+prayers as were offered in the church for that man. Mass-meetings were
+held every Wednesday evening, and the pressure of public sentiment
+became so great, that the saloon-keepers closed for an indefinite time.
+
+
+CEDARVILLE, OHIO.
+
+In 1873, the ever-memorable time, in the history of the women Crusaders
+of Ohio, we in Cedarville were aroused to work by the call from our
+Father in heaven.
+
+It seemed as though a few of the sisters here, were called out for the
+work, even before the sisters in Hillsboro’. We had our first meeting
+announced, and a speaker engaged, and had of ourselves determined to
+organize for work. But by a providence of God we were kept back to let
+the sisters at Hillsboro’ and Washington Court-House commence first.
+
+January 2d, our first meeting was held, and we were fully equipped
+for visiting the saloons. We did not need to wait, and hold our
+prayer-meetings in the church; the Lord had prepared us before, in our
+homes, so we went at once to the saloons to hold prayer-meetings; we
+felt the Lord had made such a distinct call for us to go, that we had
+no fears: we knew that He would lead us. Our mouths were filled with
+song and prayer; our sympathies were awakened to such a degree, it
+seemed nothing on earth could have stopped us from going on in the path
+the Lord had laid out for us. Thanks be to the Lord for the faith He
+gave us.
+
+We felt that we must do something; that if we did not, our homes would
+be made desolate, our hearts would be broken, our sons would all
+perish. The words, “What wilt thou have me do?” were spoken so plainly
+that we felt we _must_ do something to help the wretched souls out of
+their bondage. My husband being a zealous temperance man, was easily
+aroused to action; he sent for a lecturer, Dr. Watt: he came, and
+spoke earnestly for the cause; the next day we made our first visit to
+the saloons, through the snow and bitter cold, but we were not cold; we
+went early and late until all our saloons were closed.
+
+We had three saloons and two drug stores--one of the drug stores was
+as bad as any of the saloons, and we thought worse, for there our
+best young men went to drink, when they would not have been seen at
+a saloon. One of the druggists signed the pledge, but one would not,
+notwithstanding we prayed and plead earnestly with him. He had a
+suit pending in the Supreme Court at that time, and he was very much
+embittered against us. A lady of our town had sued him for selling
+liquor to her husband, and had gained it in the county court; but he
+had appealed it to a higher court, so we did not expect him to give up
+very soon, but we made him a special object of prayer; he was not an
+ignorant foreigner, but a native of this place, and had been taught
+better things, and knew the power of prayer, and knew too, that we were
+praying earnestly for him, that his wicked business might be stopped.
+We think he wanted to be clear of the whiskey, but he didn’t want to
+lose a dollar, so he sold it all in a lump; and for a short time we
+were clear of the traffic.
+
+But as the whiskey men found their cause was in great danger, they put
+forward a man and sustained him. We made a powerful effort to stop him,
+got out a petition and tried to get all we could to sign it, but some
+we had depended on as being firm friends of temperance, failed us,
+said there was no use trying: if the people couldn’t get whiskey here
+they would go to “Xenia” to get it.
+
+Notwithstanding all our efforts, the saloon was opened, and in a short
+time another one. Then we were in great trouble, but concluded we had
+better hold prayer-meetings again at the saloons. Some thought the
+time was past for that, but a few of us felt we _must_ pray for their
+removal, and it was not long until one of these men took fits: he was
+taken sick about four o’clock in the afternoon, and died at two o’clock
+that night. In our meeting that day we had prayed especially for him.
+As we watched these saloons every evening from dusk of evening until
+about ten o’clock, (that being the time when most of the drinking was
+done,) and prayed they might be removed, it did seem as though the
+Lord answered our prayer in a marvellous manner. Nor was this all:
+just about that time the other saloonist had some sort of a strange
+spell which was pronounced fits; he took them just when the women were
+praying for him, he got frightened, closed his saloon, and went into
+the grocery business. He thought that would save him, but he still has
+fits. In answer to our prayers both saloons were closed.
+
+We still have our prayer-meetings; they have been kept up regularly
+ever since the Crusade. We still have one saloon, but there is not
+one-third the quantity of whiskey sold now. Many have reformed; it has
+become unpopular to be seen going to a saloon, and none will go, except
+those who care nothing for their reputation.
+
+We see great results from our temperance work here, but still we expect
+to work on, while there is a saloon in operation.
+
+We have a temperance fund; some have subscribed as much as $500: I
+think over twenty have subscribed that much. There is about $38,000
+in the bank; ten per cent. of that money can be drawn to defray any
+expense the association may have in law suits, etc.; the men have a
+business committee to look up cases for prosecution, and to watch the
+saloons to see whether they sell according to law. Thus it will be
+noticed we have public sentiment in our favor.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. R. O. Stewart for the facts in this account.
+
+
+MARIETTA, OHIO.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. J. M. Eells for the following account of the work
+in Marietta: It has been my privilege to be engaged in the cause of
+temperance for many years, but never have I seen the power of God so
+manifested as in the Crusade, and the recent reform movement. Previous
+to the work here in Marietta, many groaned under the heavy burden of
+the sin of intemperance. Feeling that something must be done, and that
+prayer would avail, yet we did not lay hold on the means of grace as
+we should have done until stimulated by the persevering efforts of our
+sisters in Washington and Hillsboro’.
+
+Thanks be to our Heavenly Father for the great good that has been
+accomplished by our feeble efforts. When our work commenced, if I am
+rightly informed, the number of saloons amounted to about sixty in
+this place and vicinity--kept mostly by Germans. Our sympathy embraced
+all classes of drinking men; but our efforts were more closely drawn to
+the saloonist for a time.
+
+With prayers, tears, songs, and entreaties we went from the house of
+God to the doors of the saloons, and we trust to the hearts of the
+saloonists, though few surrendered, until affliction laid them low: six
+have gone to their final account.
+
+There is one remarkable incident connected with our work. A young man,
+of upright character in society, was engaged in dealing out to others
+_that_ which he would not drink himself, though from childhood he had
+been employed in a saloon. During all this time he was never known
+to touch a drop of intoxicating drinks. The ladies labored with him,
+endeavoring to show the inconsistency of such a course, pressing the
+question: “Are you doing by others as you would that others should do
+to you?”
+
+The answer would invariably be: “This is my way of getting a living.
+People will drink. I might as well sell it as any one else. I know what
+I am about. I read my Bible--attend church with a hope of heaven.”
+
+We left, saying we feared he was deceiving himself. He kept on and
+on until, in the stillness of night, his house was wrapt in flames.
+We thought he had lost his all, but a few days later we were invited
+to call at his new establishment, fitted up in fascinating style, to
+allure the weak. At this crisis he was attacked with a disease which,
+in a few days, numbered him with the dead. In his ravings he was heard
+to cry, “_I cannot, I will not die._”
+
+Our encouragement in laboring with drinking men has been great,
+especially when we hear them in our gospel meetings testifying to the
+goodness of God in reclaiming them from a life of sin, and taking away
+their appetite for strong drink.
+
+Through the efforts of the ladies, and the recent Reform movement,
+many, very many families have been made happy and provided for well,
+by the reclaiming of a father, husband, son, and brother. Yes! we have
+seen the tattered, reeling, profane man clothed and in his right mind;
+also the weeping mother and half-starved children with their tears
+wiped away, and fed and clothed; and the rough, defiant saloonist
+bathed in tears.
+
+Something like two thousand signed the pledge during these movements.
+
+Words of cheer often come to us in these late days, from one and
+another who were blest during the Crusade. One man said he wished the
+ladies had thought of the poor drunkard long before; it would have
+saved _him_ ten years of wretchedness. He never met with anything that
+went to his heart as their appeals did.
+
+We are encouraged more, by seeing in our walks, places where a bar had
+been kept changed to a neatly furnished sitting-room. We like to enter
+and converse with the occupants. They always invite us to call again,
+saying, “Doesn’t this room look better than when the bar was in it?”
+
+Our work is still going on, under the influence of the Good Templars,
+gospel meetings, and the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. The work
+has gone on here very much as in other places.
+
+We still hold it to be God’s work, and pray that He will bless all
+efforts put forth by His people for the overthrow of the monster vice,
+Intemperance.
+
+
+XENIA, OHIO.
+
+This city, beautiful for situation, is the pride of southern Ohio,
+and contains a population of about ten thousand inhabitants. At the
+commencement of the Crusade there were one hundred and twenty places
+where liquor was sold--one saloon to eighty-three inhabitants.
+
+Dr. Dio Lewis assisted in organizing the movement in this city.
+Temperance soon became the all-absorbing topic of conversation among
+all classes. The women organized under the leadership of Mrs. Colonel
+Lowe. The women of wealth and culture came at once to the front, to
+take their share of the burden of the work. Denominational lines were
+broken down, and women accustomed to psalm-singing joined heartily in
+gospel songs.
+
+One of the worst saloons in the place was the “Shades of Death,” kept
+by a young man named Phillips, who kept a liquor shop and gambling den
+of the worst character, although he had been well brought up.
+
+A special correspondent of the _Cincinnati Gazette_ gives us the
+following graphic account of the work at this saloon:
+
+ “XENIA, OHIO, February 13th.
+
+“At the close of my letter yesterday the women held the ‘Shades of
+Death’ in close investment. It was agreed by the ladies to adjourn
+for dinner, and so I announced; but there was no adjournment. The
+determined women could not find it in their hearts to leave, and they
+did not until near five o’clock. Such as found it necessary to go home
+to their families did so, but were early back to the place of prayer.
+
+“This saloon is a brick house on the corner of Whiteman and Second
+streets, having one door on each. Under the back room there is a deep
+cellar, where much of the gambling is carried on, quite out of sight.
+At first the women held their station on the two sidewalks, but at
+length discovered a third door in the rear, through which some of those
+caught in the saloon had already made good their escape. This outlet
+was quickly occupied by the women, and so the place was surrounded. The
+keeper, Phillips, was not prepared for this, and came to the door and
+remonstrated vigorously; but the response came in spiritual song:
+
+ “‘A charge to keep I have.’
+
+“In vain Stephen assured the women that their praying would do no good.
+They only sang the more fervently,
+
+ “‘To patient faith the prize is sure.’
+
+“A fiddle was played inside, and some dancing attempted, but this did
+not last long. Through a broken window the services outside were
+distinctly heard inside. The proprietor sent for a glazier, and had
+the missing glass replaced. The faces of bloated white and colored men
+appeared at the windows side by side.
+
+“The representatives of six wholesale liquor-houses were here
+yesterday, offering the saloonists all the liquors they can make use
+of, while the campaign lasts, free of charge.
+
+“One of these gentlemen was in the ‘Shades of Death’ when it was
+invested. About two o’clock he came to the front door to tell the women
+that they were helpless, and could do nothing; that they did not know
+where their own sons and husbands might be at that moment. His own wife
+had no idea he went to such places. An estimable woman of God began to
+pray for him, and, as he retreated through the door, they followed him
+in. Phillips came out about three o’clock, accompanied by his brother,
+to draw the crowd away. A part followed him across the street, but the
+siege was not lifted.”
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ “XENIA, OHIO, February 19th, 1874.
+
+“Just as I sealed my letter, I heard a great shout in the street,
+and soon after all the church-bells in the city commenced ringing.
+At the same time there arose a prolonged cheering from the Grangers’
+Convention, just across the street from the hotel, and it was evident
+that something unusual had happened. Going on the street for the news,
+I saw crowds of people thronging towards Whiteman street, and heard on
+every hand in joyful accent, ‘The “Shades of Death” has unconditionally
+surrendered.’ The good news, as the temperance people considered it,
+proved true, and I found Whiteman street thronged with people. At a
+little before three o’clock, as it appeared from the general account,
+Mr. Steve Phillips, proprietor of the ‘Shades of Death,’ invited the
+ladies to enter, and announced that he gave up everything to them, and
+would never sell anything intoxicating in Xenia again. Then the ladies,
+joined by the spectators, sang,
+
+ “‘Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,’
+
+while the liquors were rolled into the street. A half-barrel
+of blackberry brandy, the same of highwines, a few kegs of beer, and
+some bottles of ale and whiskey, were soon emptied into the street,
+amid the shouts of an enthusiastic multitude. The leading lady then
+announced that if Mr. Phillips went into any other business in Xenia,
+they should feel it a duty to support him. A despatch was sent to the
+Grangers, eliciting three cheers, and all the bells were set ringing
+in honor of the first great victory. When I arrived, the liquor had
+mostly collected in one depression in the street, and such a stench
+went up--‘a rank offence, that smelt to heaven’--as made me think it a
+very fortunate thing for somebody’s insides that the liquor had been
+poured out. Of the women around, some were crying, some laughing, a
+few alternately singing and returning thanks. One elderly lady in the
+edge of the crowd was almost in hysterics, but still shouting in a
+hoarse whisper such as one often hears at camp-meeting: ‘Bless the
+Lord! O-o-o, bless the Lord!’ She had the appearance of a lady in
+good circumstances, and a citizen informed me that she is ordinarily
+one of the quietest, most placid of women. One of her sons died
+of intemperance, and another is much addicted to liquor. On every
+side nothing was witnessed but smiles, laughter, tears, prayers,
+hand-shaking, and congratulations.”
+
+ * * * * *
+
+Phillips opened a meat-market at his old stand, and was most liberally
+patronized.
+
+The good work went on. At the close of the second week, twenty-five out
+of the forty-seven saloons were closed, some permanently, others during
+the war. The street prayer-meetings were kept up without intermission
+for over a month, when the ladies decided to try the picket work, which
+proved quite effectual.
+
+But at the municipal election, the whiskey party was triumphant; not
+because there was a lack of temperance sentiment, but for lack of
+unity, and earnest effort on the part of moral and temperance men.
+
+The liquor element became defiant and insulting. While Mrs. Monroe’s
+band was at Hollencamp’s brewery, a man came out with a mug of beer in
+his hands, and stopping a woman in the midst of her prayer, offered her
+a drink; holding out the foaming beer, he told her it was Jesus.
+
+One day, while the ladies were holding services, Bloom, Altschul, and
+other liquor-dealers, with their degraded customers, surrounded them,
+and the interruptions became so boisterous and threatening, that Mayor
+Keever and Marshal Riley interfered for the protection of the ladies.
+
+Notwithstanding all these discouragements, the ladies continued their
+work, _and will continue till a complete victory is won_.
+
+
+WAYNESVILLE, OHIO.
+
+“Waynesville is a quiet village in Warren county, of strong Quaker
+proclivities. It is situated on a gentle slope which descends to the
+little Miami river. Across the stream is the little village of Corwin,
+named after the illustrious governor and statesman of Ohio. Together
+these two towns boast that they have a population of twelve or fifteen
+hundred. The groups of white houses form a very quiet, pretty picture.”
+
+The women of this quiet little village commenced public work January
+17th, and maintained one of the most protracted and determined
+campaigns of the Crusade. There were three saloons in the two towns:
+two in Waynesville, and one in Corwin.
+
+The first real work of the Crusade was the circulation of a petition,
+which was largely signed, and sent to the town council, asking them to
+prohibit the sale of ale and beer. The desired ordinance was passed.
+In the meantime the ladies held prayer-meetings, and prepared for
+street work, if that should be necessary. A report having obtained that
+the women intended to commence crusading on Saturday, Timothy Liddy
+printed and circulated the following notice, which I give _verbatim et
+literatim_.
+
+ “NOTICE.--As it has come to my hearing that there is a rumor in
+ circulation that some of the ladies in and about Waynesville, O.,
+ are about to visit my grocery on Saturday, the 17th inst., for
+ the purpose of holding a prayer-meeting, I advise all the ladies
+ concerned in the movement to keep clear of my grocery, and keep
+ within the bounds of the law, as my grocery is not a place of worship.
+
+ “TIMOTHY LIDDY.
+
+ “WAYNESVILLE, O., Jan. 16th, 1874.”
+
+The women accepted it as a challenge, and marched at once to Mr.
+Liddy’s saloon for a prayer-meeting. Mr. Liddy was very obstinate, and
+his wife maintained a threatening attitude.
+
+“I’ll scald yez! I’ll scald yez!” she cried. But the women had
+enlisted for the war, and were not deterred by her threats. The other
+saloon in Waynesville was kept by William F. Raper; the saloons were
+on diagonally opposite corners, which was a great convenience to
+the ladies, as with their large band they could keep up a continual
+prayer-meeting in both saloons. Mr. Liddy declared that “These wimmen
+are worse than haythens.” Both saloon-keepers closed their doors
+against the women, and on the 7th of February, with the ground covered
+four inches deep with snow and the snow still falling, they sang and
+prayed again and again in front of Raper’s saloon, and some of them
+afterwards declared that it was a most delightful meeting.
+
+As the weather continued inclement, a few of the ladies took shelter
+in covered carriages drawn up in front of the saloons for their use,
+while on picket duty; a vacant room on the third corner was fitted up
+for the use of the band, so the siege went on with a degree of comfort.
+Books were kept in which the name of every man entering either saloon
+was registered; the result was a large falling off in the patronage.
+
+The house occupied by Liddy was finally bought over his head, and he
+was forced to close, and Raper soon afterwards surrendered. He wrote
+Miss Esther Pugh the following letter:
+
+ “MISS PUGH:--I have thought the matter over, and have come to the
+ conclusion to let the ladies empty the ale.
+
+ “WILLIAM F. RAPER.”
+
+There was great rejoicing, and immense enthusiasm, and in response to
+the letter, the ladies marched through a pouring rain to the saloon.
+Mr. Raper very graciously assisted the women in rolling out his liquors
+on the pavement. But the enthusiasm of the women was so great, that
+they didn’t wait for assistance, but seized the kegs of ale in the
+cellar, and by almost superhuman effort carried them up the steep
+cellar-stairs into the street; and their contents were soon poured upon
+the ground.
+
+The whole force was now concentrated upon Tom Franey’s saloon, at
+Corwin. Tom was noted for his politeness. The ladies who came to pray
+in his saloon were treated with great consideration, and when the
+prayer-meeting was over, and he had shaken hands all around, an omnibus
+was at the door to carry the ladies back to Waynesville. The ladies
+were not turned from their purpose by his blandishments, but continued
+their work till it began seriously to interfere with his business. His
+saloon was the only one now in the centre of a large district, dotted
+over with villages. But the country people ceased to come with their
+jugs and bottles, and the polite Franey became ungracious, and went
+so far as to threaten to sue the Society for damaging his business.
+After securing legal advice, he changed his mind, and closed his doors
+against the Crusaders; but they sang and prayed beside his door until
+he, too, surrendered unconditionally.
+
+The officers of the League which did such valiant work were: President,
+Esther Pugh; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Devitt, Mrs. Rebecca Randall, Mrs.
+Levi Cook, Mrs. Kate Allen; Secretary, Miss Annie Fisher. Among the
+workers were, Miss Phebe Bailey, Mrs. John Fetter, Miss Addie Keys,
+Miss Eliza Bunting, Mrs. Israel Wright, Rachel Hopkins, Mrs. Dr. Way,
+Eliza Nedry, Jane Jones, and others. It was the habit of these ladies,
+when visiting a saloon, to fall at once upon their knees, and remain
+kneeling most of the time during their stay. The company was made up of
+all denominations, members of the Society of Friends pre-dominating,
+Orthodox and Hicksites commingling, and all sang together gospel songs.
+Their meetings were characterized by deep religious feeling, and were
+intensely solemn. The siege, that resulted in closing all the saloons
+in these two villages, was protracted _forty-nine days_.
+
+
+NEW CONCORD, OHIO.
+
+We are indebted to Mrs. E. J. Oxley for the facts in this report.
+
+The Christian Women’s Temperance Union of New Concord, Ohio, was
+organized March 18th, 1874, at a meeting held in the Presbyterian
+Church. Prior to this time, a few of the Christian women of the village
+had met several times in the capacity of a temperance prayer-meeting.
+
+A temperance mass-meeting was held in the Reformed Presbyterian
+Church, on the evening of the 27th. Two of the ministers were staunch
+temperance men who had nobly battled against intemperance for many
+years. These men, hand in hand, and shoulder to shoulder, did much to
+assist the women, who pledged themselves to labor for life against
+intemperance, and adopted as their watchword, “eternal vigilance and
+perseverance.”
+
+These meetings were well attended, partly because the people were
+becoming excited on the temperance question, and partly because it was
+the “Woman’s movement.”
+
+The novelty of women holding public meetings, perhaps, drew out some
+who would not otherwise have attended a temperance meeting.
+
+In the latter part of May, committees were appointed to canvass the
+town with copies of the _pledge_, in order to obtain all the signatures
+that could be secured, and leave all without an excuse. The canvassers
+met with unexpected success. In a short time our pledge-book contained
+277 signatures to the citizens’ pledge, and 60 to the “Band of Promise”
+pledge.
+
+A “Band of Promise” was organized May 5th, 1874. Its pledge prohibited
+the use of intoxicating liquors of any kind as a beverage, the use of
+tobacco in any form, and also stipulated that the subscribers would
+refrain from the use of profane language.
+
+Some of the parents who were quite willing to have their children
+become members of the Band of Promise, objected to their signing the
+pledge, because they said _they_ could not keep it, but it was not
+long before the children were allowed to sign it. This Band proved
+a great benefit, not only to the children themselves, who were
+receiving a course of thorough temperance training, but also to their
+parents, many of whom could not have been induced to attend any of the
+other temperance meetings, but were eager to attend the children’s
+mass-meetings, to hear their own dear little boys and girls sing or
+speak their particular pieces: proving that this is the _great field_
+for temperance workers: the field where the seed now sown will, at some
+not far distant day, yield “an hundred-fold.”
+
+The entertainments by the Band of Promise were by far the most
+Interesting temperance meetings held in the place; their music was
+sweeter and more attractive than any other, and their performances were
+more highly appreciated than the most eloquent speakers who could be
+brought forward, simply because the people were generally interested in
+children. They are the hope of both church and state.
+
+Although there was no saloon in our village, there was one just a
+little out of town, in one of the best places for that business that
+could well be found--outside of the corporation, out of view from town,
+and accessible by four different ways. This was kept by Wm. Wylie, who
+claimed to be selling according to law, and could not be gotten rid of
+until the summer of 1875, when at last he grew tired of the frequent
+visits of the “preachers and temperance women,” and closed out.
+
+Prayer-meetings and temperance visitors had made his _trade dull_, so
+he concluded to give up the business and try to earn an honest living
+by the “sweat of his brow.”
+
+The last visit, and perhaps the one productive of most good, was
+made about the last of July, 1875, when a procession of fourteen or
+fifteen women, accompanied by five men, three of them ministers--Revs.
+M’Arthur, M’Clurkin, and Murch--marched out one afternoon. On arriving
+there they found the house closed, as if there was no one at home; but
+they soon had evidence that the family were there, and proceeded to
+hold a prayer-meeting in front of the saloon. After a while Mr. Wylie
+came out, and they had an opportunity of talking with both him and his
+partner. He threatened prosecution, and _did_ come to town to try to
+get _law_. Soon after this he quit selling liquor, and has since signed
+the pledge.
+
+The only street or outdoor work this League ever had to do was on the
+23d of May, 1874. This was Saturday, the day of an “animal and circus
+show.” It was also a communion season with the people of the Reformed
+Presbyterian congregation.
+
+Early in the morning some of the League received information that a man
+from a neighboring village had brought a wagon-load of liquors, and was
+prepared to sell near the show grounds. He had selected a very good
+place for his business, a short distance out of the corporation, by the
+roadside, and was doubtlessly anticipating a _fine day’s work_; but
+before he had time to make many sales the temperance women were on the
+grounds, too, to _watch_, and to see, at least, that he did not sell to
+any of their friends, or any others, if they could prevent.
+
+This little band of eight or ten women, led by Mrs. Murch, first
+vice-president, and accompanied by perhaps half a dozen of the _good_
+old temperance men, as a kind of _escort_, at first tried to persuade
+Mr. Davis to go away, but they could neither induce him to sign the
+pledge, sell out to them, nor accept any proposition which they could
+make. He seemed invincible, determined to _sell_, “according to law,”
+as he said. Soon a large crowd of men, women, and children had gathered
+to see what this little handful of temperance women would or could do
+with a man who seemed to defy both them and “_their law_.”
+
+Other women continued to come, until by afternoon the few who had gone
+out in the morning were pretty strongly reinforced, and as the day wore
+on Mr. Davis learned that temperance women and those restrained by
+their presence, were not very good customers.
+
+But not until late in the afternoon did he show any signs of retreat.
+The law protecting persons holding religious services being found,
+was read to him by Mrs. Murch; he being within the limits prescribed
+by that ordinance, as the Reformed Presbyterian people were holding
+religious services in their church. Soon after the law was read to him,
+he began very reluctantly to pack up his kegs, boxes, and other saloon
+arrangements, and turned his face homeward, followed by a large and
+promiscuous crowd, some of whom followed him entirely out of town.
+
+The shades of evening fell upon a quiet and peaceful village, and many
+hearts rejoiced that there had not been one intoxicated man in town
+that day.
+
+This day’s labors strengthened the temperance women, and brought them
+into favor with some who had before thought they were transcending
+woman’s proper sphere. During the summer of 1874 frequent public
+mass-meetings were held, at which the question of “License or No
+license” was freely discussed, there being one article in the new
+Constitution which was to be submitted to the vote of the people of
+Ohio on the 18th of August. _Union_ temperance prayer-meetings were
+held almost every week in some one of the four churches, through this
+summer, fall and winter.
+
+These meetings were called union meetings, because the different
+pastors had been invited to conduct them, and a general invitation was
+extended. These soon became very interesting, large numbers attending.
+On the 18th of August, an all-day prayer-meeting was held, the object
+of which was to plead that God would guide the voters throughout the
+State, to cast their ballots in favor of “_No license_.” Their prayers
+were heard--the decision was, NO LICENSE.
+
+A most interesting entertainment by the Band of Promise was given
+October 26th, in College Hall, about sixty girls and boys taking part.
+In this meeting there were some from almost every family in town.
+This entertainment consisted of music, temperance songs, declamations
+and select essays. They were highly appreciated, some of which would
+have done credit to much older boys and girls. The children were not
+only benefited, but highly delighted, so much so that in a few weeks
+there were many anxious “little folks,” inquiring of the committee of
+arrangements, who had drilled the class, when there would be another
+children’s mass-meeting.
+
+This was the _first_ of these “Temperance Exhibitions,” but not the
+_last_. They were held as often as once in three months, and sometimes
+oftener.
+
+In January and February, 1875, petitions to Congress and the
+Legislature, asking for temperance legislation, and also petitions to
+the Centennial Commission, asking that no brewery or distillery be
+allowed on the Centennial grounds, and that the gates be closed on the
+Sabbath, were circulated with unexpected success.
+
+Again, in January, 1877, petitions to Congress and the Legislature,
+asking for prohibitory laws, were again circulated with still better
+success, this time securing, in the village and country neighborhoods
+around, 868 signatures to one petition, and 800 to the other. The
+winter before, only about 300 names were obtained.
+
+The W. C. T. U. still hold weekly prayer-meetings, but with much
+depleted numbers. Instead of forty and more members, as at first, there
+are but ten or twelve of the Crusade members, and a few others. Many
+do not think it is necessary to keep up a temperance organization when
+there is no public work to do.
+
+
+RAVENNA, OHIO.
+
+An organization was formed in Ravenna, March 12th, 1874. It was called
+the Woman’s Temperance League, Mrs. M. A. Woodbridge, President, Mrs.
+R. B. Witter, Secretary. The features of the work were similar to those
+throughout the State. Daily prayer-meetings were held, from which
+bands of women went forth in the name of the Lord to visit saloons, a
+portion of the League remaining in supplication at the church until
+their return, much good resulting therefrom. These meetings were held
+continuously for many weeks, with frequent mass-meetings in the evening.
+
+After the close of the Crusade, the meetings were held regularly,
+with more or less frequency, as circumstances required, until early
+last year, when the League was suspended, and the commencement of the
+present year a Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was formed, auxiliary
+to the State Union. Most excellent temperance work has been done in the
+town and county, for which we give God the glory.
+
+
+MARION, OHIO.
+
+“For weeks before we took any forward step in the temperance work in
+our own place, our hearts had been fired by reading of what had been
+done in other places. Hillsboro’ and Washington Court-House seemed the
+scenes of miracles. Other towns and villages fell into line. But we
+halted. Could we do anything?”
+
+At last an informal meeting was held on February 23d. It was resolved
+to circulate two petitions, one to our State Legislature, asking that
+“no change be made in the famous Adair Liquor Law,” and one to the
+Constitutional Convention, praying that our legislative bodies have
+the right reserved to them of enacting prohibitory laws with regard to
+the sale and manufacture of all alcoholic liquors. Twelve hundred and
+twenty-five signatures were obtained to the first of these petitions,
+and twelve hundred and fifty-five to the second.
+
+A large and enthusiastic mass-meeting was held on Sabbath, P. M.,
+and on Monday, March 2d, a business meeting. Most of the places of
+business were closed, and the largest audience-room in the place was
+packed almost to suffocation. One hundred and eighty-five women pledged
+themselves to co-operate in the “Women’s Temperance Movement,” until
+the sale of intoxicating liquors, as a beverage, was abolished. One
+hundred and sixty men pledged themselves to sustain the women in their
+work. It was decided to hold a daily prayer-meeting “during the war.”
+
+“March 6th, Mother Stewart was with us. The following note of the day
+is in the words of our Secretary at that time:
+
+“Although the day was exceedingly inclement, we decided the
+trial-moment had come, and we marched upon the street with Mother
+Stewart at our front. We went with trembling, but God’s grace, which
+never faileth in the hour of need, strengthened us by the way, and as
+we knelt upon the muddy pavement, we felt God’s Spirit overshadowing
+and leading us. Four saloons were visited, but the doors were barred
+against our entrance. We prayed that the Spirit which can work, and no
+man hinder, might enter there.
+
+“At a mass-meeting on the evening of March 9th, we were cheered by
+our first unconditional surrender. A stock guarantee fund of forty
+thousand ($40,000) dollars, afterwards increased to fifty thousand,
+was also raised at this time. The object of this fund was, so it was
+stated, was to prosecute liquor-dealers, and it could only be used for
+prosecutions, and for defending the women in prosecutions, should any
+arise; and great as has been our need of funds at different times, not
+a cent of it has ever passed into our hands.
+
+“As the days and weeks passed by we received other promises from
+liquor-dealers to stop selling. Six ceased entirely, though some
+of them have since resumed the traffic. New ones have started up
+within the past two years, so that we are often met with the taunting
+question, ‘What good did your Crusade do? The town is worse off than
+it was before.’ But looking back, we can see good that has been
+accomplished. Daily the bands visited the saloons, and the voice of
+prayer and praise was heard from such unaccustomed places, for a brief
+while each day, though often the sounds of cursing and revelry mingled
+with the prayers. One such scene the writer remembers distinctly.
+It was Saturday afternoon, and the village was thronged with people
+from the surrounding country, full of curiosity to see the ‘praying
+women.’ One of the bands entered a saloon on the busiest part of Main
+street. Coarse, rough men, others quiet, observant, and boys eager
+and interested, thronged the pavement. The rear part of the saloon
+was full of men, one degree coarser than those without, smoking,
+drinking, swearing, scoffing. As the band entered, one of our sweet
+Crusade hymns rose on the air. We were told to ‘be brief. They were
+very busy, and wanted no interruption.’ A few verses of Scripture
+were read, and a sister led in prayer, and _such a prayer_. The wife
+of the proprietor told her to stop, but she prayed on; finally, she
+shook her, but the prayer flowed calmly and earnestly on, as if the air
+carried no sound but her own voice to the listening ear above. A German
+sister immediately followed, and while she prayed the door was locked.
+Whatever may have been the intention, the door was opened while we sang
+at the close of her prayer, and we passed out. Committees of two or
+three were also sent at times to talk with saloon-keepers.
+
+“We had at this time two hundred and sixty-two women pledged to the
+work.
+
+“Early in April, pickets were stationed at the principal saloons. This
+work was kept up more or less closely until the Crusade work ceased.
+
+“April 6th, being our local election day, and the saloons closed by
+law, was devoted to an all-day prayer-meeting. We began at six o’clock
+in the morning, and during the hours of the day, earnest prayers went
+up, that the cause of right and temperance might triumph, and the Lord
+show His power in controlling the affairs of men. The liquor interest
+made a desperate fight, but the victory was essentially ours, though
+much of the good we hoped from it was lost by the mismanagement of men.
+
+“Nothing daunted the ladies prepared and presented to the council a
+petition, signed by three hundred and sixty-five men and four hundred
+and sixty-one women, praying that a prohibitory ordinance be added to
+our municipal code, but though there was a majority of the voters, the
+council was divided against itself, and our petition was lost.
+
+“May 20th, the chairman of the executive committee of the guarantee
+fund requested that the ‘ladies should retire from the streets.’ After
+considerable discussion, it was decided to do so for a time. We never
+resumed the work in that form.
+
+“July 9th, officers were elected, and constitution adopted for
+permanent organization. Weekly prayer-meetings have been held ever
+since.
+
+“The county has been thoroughly canvassed twice; once against the
+license clause of the new constitution, and once in the endeavor to
+thoroughly organize it.
+
+“After the formation of the Woman’s National Union, we changed our name
+of League, to Women’s Christian Temperance Union, of Marion, Ohio.
+
+“We feel that we have done, and can do, oh, _so_ little; but we can
+pray, and ‘prayer moves the arm that moves the world.’”
+
+
+WEST UNION, OHIO.
+
+This little village, of only four hundred inhabitants, had four
+saloons. For years and years they had been doing their deadly work,
+paralyzing business and wasting the resources and ruining the homes of
+the people.
+
+The women of this staid old town had never thought it possible to
+change this order of things. But as soon as the success of Crusaders
+elsewhere became known, they rallied to the work with such zeal and
+earnestness that in a very short time the whole town was ablaze with
+temperance enthusiasm, and _every saloon was closed_.
+
+
+FELICITY, OHIO.
+
+Felicity, a quiet little village, a few miles back from the Ohio river,
+and thirty miles by road from Cincinnati, had one saloon.
+
+The women had watched the desolating work of that saloon, and
+encouraged by the example of their sisters in other places, they
+determined, if possible, to close it.
+
+A meeting was called, and the women met and consecrated themselves for
+any part of the work God might demand of them.
+
+But while they yet prayed, He answered; and when, a few days later, the
+band visited the saloon, they found that terror had taken hold of the
+dealer, and that he had shipped his liquors back to Cincinnati, and the
+room was being cleaned and put in order for other purposes.
+
+
+LEBANON, OHIO.
+
+Lebanon was noted for its morality.
+
+The town contained about four thousand inhabitants, and had nine
+churches, and only three saloons.
+
+It had been, from the very beginning of its existence, a temperance
+town, and a prohibitory ordinance had been passed years before by the
+town council.
+
+These men, in defiance of law, were selling liquors; but the municipal
+authorities did not put a stop to the traffic.
+
+A great deal of enthusiasm had been created by the trial of the ladies
+of Morrow, which took place in this town. Many of the citizens of
+Morrow had accompanied the ladies to the court, and the Lebanon ladies
+provided dinner for them, and rejoiced with them when Scheide was
+defeated. But the ladies were slow to begin the Crusade work.
+
+They believed that the men, who had the law on their side, ought to
+shut up all three of the saloons without their help. And perhaps the
+men thought so, too, but it was not easy to get evidence.
+
+Rev. E. B. Burrows, a young Congregational minister, went to
+Cincinnati, secretly, and employed a detective.
+
+The detective, after lounging about the saloons for a few days, had
+proof enough to sustain a prosecution, and Brady and Glady were
+arrested. Brady owned two saloons. The liquor-dealers rallied the
+roughs and drunkards to bully the court and carry through the case
+after the usual style. But the temperance element was aroused, and the
+building was crowded with the best and wealthiest citizens of the
+town. The two men were convicted, fined, and sent to prison.
+
+Immediately they began to negotiate for a compromise--“If the fines and
+imprisonment were remitted, and the prisoners allowed to go free, they
+would leave the town.”
+
+And so a compromise was made, and two of the saloons closed their doors.
+
+The other saloon-keeper, Nate Wood, was arrested, tried, fined, and
+imprisoned. He paid his fine, served out his time in jail, and went
+back to his business as though nothing had happened. But he now
+confined himself to legal sales. Under the law of the State, liquor
+must not be sold to be drunk on the premises. He filled little bottles
+for his customers, and they could pass out to a vacant lot or some
+convenient corner and take their drinks.
+
+The women organized and visited his saloon, and entreated him to stop.
+At last, after much boasting that he had plenty of money and could
+stand the siege, he closed his saloon and left the town.
+
+
+GRANVILLE, OHIO.
+
+There were only four saloons in Granville. One of the dealers being
+a Jew, would not, on “account of his religion,” allow the ladies to
+come into his saloon to pray. But he spread carpeting on the sidewalk,
+and brought out chairs for their accommodation, and they held their
+prayer-meetings daily in front of his saloon.
+
+One hotel-keeper closed his doors against them, but standing by the
+closed door they sang: “Behold a stranger at the door.” A lady who was
+present said: “It seemed as though the words had been prepared for the
+occasion, and O’Kane had written the music for just such a time and
+place: it can never sound to me again as it did that day.”
+
+There was a woman who kept a saloon and grocery just outside of the
+corporation limits. Just before leaving the church to visit her saloon,
+the women were told that she was a rough and dangerous character, that
+she had whipped her husband and driven him away, and that the parish
+priest, for she was a Roman Catholic, could do nothing with her. But
+trusting in God, the women went forth to visit her. They found her son
+in charge of the store; she was in the back yard very angry. The ladies
+went out to her, but she told them she had no time to talk with them.
+
+When they next visited her saloon, the liquors had all been sent away;
+and she was willing to talk to the ladies in a respectful manner.
+
+The Crusaders then visited the brewery. Mrs. Thomas Adams gives the
+following graphic account of that visit: “Two ferocious dogs were kept
+by the brewer, which he let loose upon us, but the dogs would not harm
+us. The man paced to and fro like an enraged lion in his cage, and
+raved like a mad man.”
+
+In a short time all the saloons were closed.
+
+
+LEESBURG, OHIO.
+
+The Crusade, which commenced January 29th, closed out all the saloons
+in two weeks, and $50,000 was subscribed as a guarantee fund to keep it
+clear. A correspondent wrote: “The last spike was driven in the coffin
+of King Alcohol to-day.”
+
+
+BLANCHESTER, OHIO.
+
+The work commenced in February, and the little village of 600 was soon
+cleared of the traffic.
+
+
+GOSHEN, OHIO.
+
+The Crusade was successful in this place, and when the last saloon
+closed, all the bells in town were rung.
+
+The overjoyed people, who were in their homes at the time, ran
+bareheaded into the streets, to join the praying band; the children
+of the public schools were dismissed, which added to the enthusiasm.
+The only keg of beer found in the saloon was rolled out, and the bung
+knocked in, and its contents poured into the gutter. The enthusiasm was
+so great, that many embraced each other and wept for joy.
+
+
+ZALESKI, OHIO.
+
+All the saloons in this little village were closed by the Crusade.
+
+
+TROY, OHIO.
+
+On the 18th February, 1874, the Christian women of Troy came together
+_with one accord_ to pray for the removal of the curse of intemperance.
+They numbered fifty-three. Their number increased from day to-day, as
+continued meetings were held. A wonderful degree of the Holy Spirit
+was manifest.
+
+On the 22d, a Temperance League was formed by the simple election of
+a President (Mrs. J. B. Riley), and Secretary (Mrs. E. B. Meeks), and
+the adoption of the solemn agreement to “_Make common cause against the
+common enemy, Intemperance._” To this pledge were signed 737 names.
+That pledge has been kept until the present date, September 20th, 1877.
+
+Daily meetings were held for two years; since that they are
+semi-weekly. Many have been reformed. To God be the glory forever.
+
+
+MANSFIELD, OHIO.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. Fanny W. Leiter, State Secretary, for the
+following facts:
+
+The deep interest on the subject of Temperance which had been aroused
+in the hearts of our citizens by the spirit which was abroad in the
+land, found relief in action about the 25th of February, when a
+petition was circulated, receiving 600 signatures, and presented to the
+mayor, praying for a better enforcement of our Sunday laws.
+
+Immediately following this, a few of our earnest women assembled at the
+residence of one of their number, and, as a result of this gathering,
+on Sunday, March 1st, notices were read in all the churches, calling
+for a meeting of the women, to be held in the basement of the Methodist
+Church on the following afternoon. Before the meeting was called to
+order every chair was occupied and standing room was in demand. The
+faces of that audience would have been a study for an artist. Deep
+earnestness was the prevailing expression, varied by every shade
+of emotion, such as curiosity, doubt, fear, credulity, enthusiasm,
+hopefulness. Young faces took on an unusual gravity; older ones were
+lighted by new and strong feeling; even women, bowed by three-score
+years and ten, seemed filled with youthful ardor, and added dignity and
+animation to the scene.
+
+The petty distinction of wealth and social standing was forgotten, as
+swayed by one common impulse, all minds were busy with the question:
+“What can we do to destroy this common evil of intemperance?”
+
+Mrs. McVay stated the reasons that seemed to demand such a gathering of
+the women of our city.
+
+After the appointment of a temporary chairman, many short and telling
+speeches were made by women who, perhaps, had never before expressed
+their minds to an audience, and, as a forward step, a committee of
+seven ladies was directed to call upon the mayor, and see what he
+could do to aid us. This committee met on Tuesday, and after prayer,
+proceeded to visit his honor, the mayor. His signature was obtained to
+a paper promising to do all in his power to enforce the laws bearing
+upon the sale and use of intoxicating liquors.
+
+The meeting of April 5th was held in the Methodist Church, filling the
+audience-room.
+
+After some preliminary discussion the “Women’s Christian Temperance
+League,” of Mansfield, was organized with the following officers:
+
+President, Mrs. J. H. Reed; Secretary, Mrs. Fannie Leiter;
+Corresponding Secretary, Miss M. Brinkerhoff; Treasurer, Mrs. G. W.
+Geddes.
+
+A Vice-President from each of the twelve churches in the city, was also
+appointed.
+
+A strong personal pledge was passed around, and signed by nearly every
+one present. Letters were read from several of the ministers of the
+city, expressing sympathy with the movement, and bidding us “God speed.”
+
+Restrictive pledges, signed by most of the physicians and druggists,
+were handed in, unsolicited.
+
+Women held morning prayer-meetings, which were largely attended by
+business men who had agreed to close their places of business during
+one hour in the forenoon.
+
+The men agreed to raise a fund, if possible, amounting to $100,000,
+to be assessed, not to exceed more than one per cent. This was a
+very substantial proof of the interest the men took in the work of
+reform, and the women were very thankful for the means to carry on
+the work. Prayer-meetings were held both forenoon and afternoon,
+and largely attended by men as well as women. Committees appointed
+to visit saloons, by twos, performed their work faithfully. One of
+them, the smallest one too, said she had “seen the giants” and was
+_not affrighted_. All seemed of one mind that the time had come to
+visit saloons in bands, and pray for saloon-keepers face to face. The
+President expressed her willingness to do so if enough were agreed as
+touching this one thing. After some talk and a few moments spent in
+silent prayer, the question was put, and over one hundred rose to their
+feet, though with manifest trembling.
+
+The ladies who went to Ashland returned and made a favorable report of
+the street work being done there. The desire to undertake a similar
+work here was acted upon. All of the advisory committee approved,
+and on taking a vote of the League, all rose to their feet. Feeling
+had _intensified_ and _conviction deepened_ until many who, at the
+outset of the work, shuddered at the thought, were willing to take the
+course so strongly pointed out to them by Providence. The weather was
+very inclement, and physical as well as moral courage was in demand.
+A feeling of great solemnity prevailed as the procession, headed by
+the president and secretary, moved out upon the street. The band was
+formidable in point of numbers, nearly five hundred, many who were not
+members of the League, joining in, to express their approbation of the
+movement. All the saloons on each side of Main, down to Fourth street,
+were visited.
+
+The first three compelled us to hold our services upon the pavement,
+all kneeling during the prayers. The proprietor of a fourth was
+willing to admit the ladies, but the room, an underground apartment,
+was already so packed with men and boys, who had congregated for the
+purpose of witnessing, and thwarting the effort, that it was impossible
+for more than twelve or fifteen to gain access; and the uproar of the
+multitude proclaiming for their idol, seemed to defeat, for a little
+time, our purpose. Finally, one of the band, pressed in spirit,
+stepped upon a chair,--in the very presence of that rebellious crowd.
+They were hushed in a moment to profound stillness, as she poured forth
+her soul in behalf of the perishing people.
+
+The ladies, as many as could get in, were admitted in several other
+places, and treated with respect.
+
+The convictions that followed the experiences of this day proved the
+turning-point with many women, who, previous to this, were undecided as
+to their duty in this matter.
+
+March 13th.--The ladies went in two columns and visited all the
+drinking establishments from Fourth street to the railroad. Exercises
+were conducted mostly on the pavement, large crowds of people standing
+around; some listened reverently and others talking angrily; the angry
+tones were mostly in a foreign tongue. Some declared that if this thing
+was to go on long, they would go back to Faderland, where they could
+drink their lager in peace, with no _vimmen_ to “molest or make them
+afraid.”
+
+March 14th.--We divided our forces into smaller bands--organizing six,
+with the more active ones as leaders. Three bands met together in the
+morning, spent an hour in prayer, and then an hour or two in singing,
+praying, and talking temperance, either in saloons, or on the pavement,
+or gutter in front of them. This programme was repeated with little
+variation in the afternoon. They were warned against _concentration_,
+and threatened with the contents of beer barrels; nevertheless they
+continued to _concentrate_, and “bearded the lion in his den” so long
+as seemed unto them good.
+
+The McConnelsville Ordinance, somewhat modified, was passed March
+17th, to the great joy of many friends of temperance and the sorrow of
+others, who believed that prayer was the only weapon to be used in this
+warfare, and that the rum-sellers themselves were quite as open to its
+influence as the executors of the law. Election day, April 5th, was
+observed by the members of the League as a day of fasting and prayer.
+There was undivided joy over the result of the election, which gave a
+majority, considered in favor of temperance, and left the council as
+before--three against and five for the ordinance.
+
+April 1st, the day when the ordinance should have gone into force, saw
+every saloon closed, at least in appearance, and silence reigned in
+our streets for the space of half a month, save an occasional meeting
+in one of the wholesale liquor-houses. Several saloonists had agreed,
+previous to this, to quit the business--two of them women. Eighteen
+less licenses for selling liquors were taken out on May 1st, 1874,
+than on May 1st, 1873. Official returns showed a great decrease In the
+amount of liquors of all kinds sold in the month of February, March and
+April, of 1874. A property-holders’ pledge was circulated and generally
+signed. Druggists’ and physicians’ pledges were pressed earnestly and
+signed, with but a very few exceptions, by the men of influence. A
+petition against license received nearly 1,000 signatures. Personal
+pledges were made by many, the turning-point to a better life. Our
+all-day sessions of the League, the four mass-meetings a week at the
+Opera House, the Sunday afternoon prayer and conference meetings, were
+all attended and participated in by a very large number of the better
+class of our citizens.
+
+In a word, a strong tide of temperance sentiment prevailed, which,
+taken at the _flood_, by those who should, for the sake of humanity,
+have ruled our city in the fear of God, would have led on to the
+entire overthrow of the liquor traffic and its consequent evils. This
+fortunate end was not reached.
+
+Nevertheless, in the language of one of our beloved co-workers,
+Mrs. Wilson, “God honors the smallest particle of faith in Him.” We
+hesitate not to claim the undeniable good wrought in our midst as
+answers vouchsafed to the many believing prayers offered by earnest and
+untiring workers in the cause of temperance. We heard more than one
+ex-saloonist say that he was glad he had quit a business which did harm
+to himself and customers. Our hearts were gladdened every Sabbath by
+seeing those seated among us, clothed and in their right minds, who,
+one year before, were estranged from church, family and friends by that
+destroyer of all the better faculties of the soul--_intemperance_. Many
+of our faithful and devout sisters gave it as their experience at the
+close of the year, that it had been the richest and noblest of their
+lives. “Good measure, pressed down and running over,” was given them by
+the rewarder of the faithful.
+
+The daily meetings of the League, the visiting of saloons in bands, or
+as committees, the circulation of the various pledges and petitions,
+the distributing of tracts, the visiting of those sick, and in prison,
+and a large amount of private temperance work, took a great deal
+of time and strength. This work was done, mostly, by women whose
+domestic cares had, heretofore, occupied their time and thoughts.
+It was a work _added to_ the _more important_, and done in place of
+the less important duties of wives, mothers and sisters, but it was
+done promptly and cheerfully, and not _one of them all died_ from the
+overwork or exposure.
+
+We have yet to learn that any member of the house-holds represented,
+were _materially injured_ by the reduced fare of their tables, or the
+depleted state of their wardrobes. Still, after so long a time as eight
+weeks, the fact was recognized that the Crusaders were not blessed as
+the wandering Israelites, “whose garments waxed not old upon them,
+whose shoes waxed not old upon their feet, and whose bread dropped
+from heaven!” Working-time was at first reduced one-half; then three
+meetings a week were held, and this continued until the 1st of August.
+The work upon the street changed its form several times, to suit the
+change in the impressions of the workers, as to the better mode of
+conducting such services. The last direct appeals to the saloonists,
+were made on the 27th of May--nearly three months from the beginning
+of the work. The dealers in liquors, both wholesale and retail, who,
+at first, were at least polite, and often apologetic, in their talks
+with the ladies, offering to quit the business if any other employment
+could be found, or to sell out at half or one-fourth the value, again
+revived their courage, under the failure to enforce the ordinance, and
+evident cooling off of some advocates of the movement, and closed their
+doors and ears to all appeals. Outdoor meetings were held in various
+parts of the city, in the daytime conducted by the women, and on Friday
+evening in the Park, mostly addressed by our ministers and lawyers, who
+were not yet afraid to speak their minds on the subject of temperance.
+Meetings of this kind were kept up as long as the weather permitted.
+Then prayer-meetings in private houses were undertaken, under the
+auspices of the League, which have been fruitful of much good.
+
+Mrs. Leiter, an active member of the League, was chosen as Secretary
+of the State Temperance organization. A convention, held in the
+interest of the cause, made up of delegates from the several townships
+of Richland county, convened in the Opera House, June 13th, 1874.
+A permanent county organization was effected, with Mrs. McVay,
+President; Mrs. Patterson, Secretary; Mrs. Mercer, Treasurer, and one
+Vice-President from each township.
+
+This was the beginning of a good work for this county; men and women
+going miles into the country to talk temperance up, and license down.
+The majority against license was largely increased by the vote of
+Richland county. A temperance picnic, held on the 4th of July, and
+addressed by “Mother Stewart,” was a success in every way. On July
+25th the trial of Wm. Etz, for breaking the Ale and Beer Ordinance,
+was begun, and occupied the attention of the people for five days,
+being held in the court-room. The temperance women attended, both
+as witnesses and spectators, and were compelled to hear more unkind
+remarks, and to receive more discourteous treatment, than during
+the entire campaign, up to that time. The water showered on them,
+from a down-town saloon, was (to speak in a figure) but a _drop_ to
+the _buckets full_ dashed at their devoted heads by these vigorous
+defenders of the beer-keg. To have their own _favorite weapons_, the
+words of _holy writ_, arrayed against them by their enemies, was
+both a surprise and a grief. The verdict rendered in the case was a
+death-blow to any hope of the ordinance being of use under the existing
+administration. Nothing was really lost but much gained by the trial;
+among other things a better knowledge of the foes of our cause, who
+stand as well behind the bar of justice, as the bar of the saloon.
+
+At the beginning of the second quarter a constitution and by-laws were
+adopted. Previous to this a simple pledge served to bind us together.
+At this time, also, a reporter was appointed, who gave to the public,
+in a series of articles, such work of the League as seemed of general
+interest.
+
+Several temperance meetings were held on Sunday afternoon, especially
+for children; but this important branch did not receive the attention
+it merited until after the close of the first year. In the latter part
+of August the League meetings were reduced to one each week, and these
+have since been held regularly upon Wednesday afternoon. At least one
+general temperance meeting was held each month during the year.
+
+During the winter a permanent place of organization came into effect.
+Committees were appointed to canvass the city for members, presenting
+at the same time two petitions for signatures--one to be sent to the
+Ohio Legislature, praying against the repeal of the Adair law; the
+other a memorial to Congress, asking for restrictive laws in the
+manufacture of alcoholic drinks in the District of Columbia, and the
+Territories.
+
+Three assessments were collected in part, on the $30,000 of stock
+actually taken by the temperance men of Mansfield, for the use of the
+League. At the time of permanent organization the stockholders were
+released from further assessment.
+
+However much the work fell short of the desired end during the months
+usually denominated the existence of the Crusade proper--whatever
+weakness was manifested in plan or performance, we are sure of one
+thing: it was done in the fear of God and for love of humanity.
+
+The great _mistake_ committed by some, was in considering the _Crusade
+ended_ when the street work ceased. That was a striking feature of the
+work, but a feature _only_, not the soul or body, as the following
+months have demonstrated.
+
+Of the enthusiastic 500 who went forth upon that eventful day in March,
+1874, the majority are not with us in active work at this time, having
+either from necessity returned to imperative home interests--though
+their hearts are still in the work; or, with the ebbing tide of popular
+sentiment, drifted to the open sea of indifference, but continuing in
+readiness to help swell the next oncoming wave.
+
+A score and more of earnest laborers have continued faithful, through
+some opposition and many discouragements, during the past three years,
+guarding with a jealous care, the true interests of this great reform;
+and to-day ask no greater reward, than the consciousness that they have
+been following the path of duty.
+
+
+RIPLEY, OHIO.
+
+This beautiful town is situated on the Ohio river, and contains about
+3,500 inhabitants.
+
+The place became prominent during anti-slavery times, because of its
+“_underground railway_.”
+
+If a fugitive slave once set foot on the streets of that town, he was
+safe, no matter if his pursuers were at his heels. Somehow or other he
+was spirited away, and though every house was searched with a lighted
+candle, he could not be found.
+
+My first recollections of Ripley were in this connection. I lived
+in Maysville, Ky., a neighboring town, which was an important slave
+market, and often whole families would escape from their masters and
+find a refuge there; and though so hotly pursued that they were in
+sight when they entered the town, nothing more would be heard of them.
+
+But while fighting human slavery so heroically and successfully, that
+all southern Kentucky was in a measure stripped of her slaves, the
+other slavery--the worse slavery of the drink habit, was carried on
+without restraint in their midst.
+
+But early in the Crusade movement, the women rallied to this work, and
+carried it on heroically.
+
+The Crusade began in Ripley, February 5th, and in nine days seventeen
+saloons were closed. Some of the German dealers were so frightened and
+disgusted, that they returned to the “Faderland.” The German minister
+who tried to rally them for the conflict, was soon prayed out of town.
+
+A correspondent writing from there while the contest was going on,
+gives the following graphic account of one day’s work:
+
+“Saturday we went to Sprenger’s with an advance guard; for we had heard
+most bitter threats that he had made. Imagine our delight when he met
+us in the most cordial way, and, after singing and prayer, gave us
+his name to the dealers’ pledge. Mr. Hauser, the German druggist, who
+first declined to sign the pledge, sent for the ladies and gave his
+name most willingly. Mr. Scholter promised, by his country, his God,
+and his wife, never to sell another drop of intoxicating liquor, and we
+know he has kept it in the face of strong entreaty to the contrary. Mr.
+Reinert received the ladies the first day, but the second closed his
+door. Down on their knees the ladies fell upon the pavement, in snow
+and sleet, with a most pitiless wind blowing. Men stood with uncovered
+heads, and the crowd wept. A commander of our navy, who has faced death
+and danger, said he could not endure this sight, and tears coursed over
+his face. Close against the pane a mother bowed in prayer, and a moment
+later the door was opened, and Mr. Reinert said, ‘Ladies, I will quit
+the business; send a committee of your business men to me.’ They went,
+and he arranged to dispose of his stock.”
+
+Rev. Granville Moody, a Methodist minister, who had been a colonel
+in the Union army during the war--a man of wonderful courage and
+possessing great wit and power, was stationed there at the time, and
+backed up the work by his influence. His wife, a talented leader, was
+prominent and efficient in the work.
+
+The ladies entered every open door.
+
+The steamer _Wildwood_, which plied daily between Maysville and
+Cincinnati, received a share of their attention, because of the bar on
+board.
+
+One day, as she came in from Maysville, a large crowd of Crusaders were
+awaiting. When she blew her whistle they responded with sacred song:
+“Shall we gather at the river.”
+
+Captain Powers, a born gentleman, received the ladies politely, and
+conducted them on board the boat, where they held a prayer-meeting.
+Captain Powers signed the personal pledge, as did many others, and “the
+barkeeper promised not to sell to citizens of Ripley.”
+
+All the meetings in this town were remarkable for spiritual power, and
+the prayerful efforts of the women in their work were crowned with a
+good degree of success.
+
+
+TIFFIN, OHIO.
+
+This town, with a population of nine thousand, had, at the beginning of
+the Crusade, sixty-five saloons.
+
+After visiting the saloons for some time, in bands, the ladies changed
+their tactics, on the 31st of March, and placed pickets at nearly all
+the saloons in the city. At some they were admitted, at others locked
+out. Several of the saloons closed on account of the pickets, and the
+proprietors went to the country.
+
+The city marshal, at several places where the guards were denied
+admittance, opened the doors, and told the ladies to enter and stay as
+long as they pleased. The traffic dropped off wonderfully. Christian
+Mueller, the principal brewer, said that if the Crusade continued
+thirty days longer he would be compelled to shut down.
+
+The second saloon surrender took place April 7th. It was kept by D.
+Bartell, and was one of the worst saloons in the city. The proprietor
+signed the pledge, and the ladies emptied the stock of liquors in his
+cellar, into the gutter.
+
+Wagner & Brickner, proprietors of the distillery, were driven almost to
+desperation. They were compelled to redeem from the bonded warehouse
+$5,000 worth of whiskey per week until the 1st of May, and their sales
+were too slim to aid them in the task.
+
+A public meeting was called, April 8th, in the city hall, to take
+measures to get the mayor, to issue a proclamation forbidding the
+women the right to carry on the Crusade any longer. The meeting was a
+failure; only about one hundred and fifty saloon-keepers and bummers
+congregated, while the temperance mass-meeting at National Hall was
+overcrowded.
+
+The ladies, besides going to the saloons in bands, resorted to the
+picket system, and smaller bands remained at the saloons, from eight
+A. M. till ten P. M., the pickets being changed every hour.
+
+This proved, during the Crusade, to be the most effectual way to break
+down the traffic. None but men lost to shame will go into a saloon
+in the presence of Christian women, and over their remonstrances and
+prayers, to drink.
+
+
+BELLEFONTAINE, OHIO.
+
+Mrs. I. S. Gardner, April 6th, 1874, wrote the following in regard to
+the work:
+
+The first surrender of special consequence was that of J---- J----. Mr.
+J---- is of Irish descent, and has been used to liquor-selling all his
+life. He was one among the first that was visited, and while he treated
+the band with respect, he was very loud in his denunciations against
+this interference in his business. His place was considered one of the
+worst, as a general resort, for those not only long addicted to drink,
+but also for those just commencing. The ladies had reason to suppose it
+would take a long siege to convince him of the wrong, much less induce
+him to quit the business.
+
+On Monday the first visit was made. On Wednesday he began, under the
+influence of Mother Stewart’s talking, to show signs of weakening. He
+had prepared himself for a vigorous biblical controversy, having his
+Bible in hand and passages selected which seemed to him to support his
+position. But she speedily knocked the props from under him, and left
+him without the support he had counted on. At the morning meeting
+on Thursday he made his appearance, and announced his readiness to
+surrender, and at the suggestion of those in whom he had confidence,
+made it complete by signing the pledge not only to cease selling, but
+also to abstain from drinking. The scene was impressive. Every heart
+that sympathized in the movement was full, and the ladies of the
+League, and others, filed by where he was standing, and taking him by
+the hand bid him “God speed.” Since then he has made some very telling
+speeches, and given evidence of a contrite heart.
+
+The other case is that of Mr. T. L. M----. Even before any visits were
+made to him, it had been reported that powder and lead would be used
+in case of interference with his trade, and a band went there with
+considerable doubt, but with brave hearts. For about a week, visits
+were made under various conditions; sometimes noisy demonstrations
+were made, as well as rudeness offered, and again a better show of
+respect. There were many interesting incidents connected with this
+case, which would take too much time and space to relate. Finally,
+one afternoon, he hung out a white flag, and it was supposed to be a
+token of surrender, but on being visited by a band, he refused to sign
+the pledge, nor would he let the ladies stand near the door. On the
+next day a similar scene was enacted. At his request a committee of
+gentlemen visited him, and settled the matter, so that, on Wednesday
+evening of the week following the first visit, he made his appearance
+at a mass-meeting and signed the pledge. On the following Sabbath he
+attended church for the first time, it is said, in five years. It is
+believed by every one that he will remain true to his pledge. Mr. M.
+was a wholesale and retail dealer.
+
+Mr. R---- is the only one who holds out, under, it is believed, the
+support of dealers in Cleveland and Cincinnati, but the women are as
+determined as the dealers, and have the advantage, in being at no
+expense. The dealers may as well succumb, as the women say they have
+started out on this Crusade for _life_, if necessary, to stop the
+traffic, and will instruct their daughters to keep it up. The only
+work performed here is picketing Mr. R----’s establishment, which is
+done more to redeem the hard drinkers, who are about the only ones
+that visit the place, than with the expectation of closing it up. This
+latter is merely a matter of time.
+
+ MRS. I. S. GARDNER,
+ President Ladies’ League, Bellefontaine, Ohio.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+I glean the following from the _Cincinnati Gazette_: April
+4th.--“Roades declares that only law can prevail against him. Monday’s
+election will be an exciting one. Ladies are calling on voters and
+urging them to do their duty on Monday.”
+
+April 9th.--“The election passed off quietly, although some of the
+offices were hotly contested. Mayor Walker was re-elected. The women
+are untiring in their work against whiskey. Judge West addressed a
+large audience on Tuesday evening, and Judge Cole will speak to-night.”
+
+“The women of this town have settled down to solid, earnest, persistent
+work.”
+
+
+SPRINGFIELD, OHIO.
+
+The following facts are gleaned from the _Springfield Republic_, the
+special correspondence of the _Cincinnati Gazette_, and from Mother
+Stewart’s statement:
+
+“The first mass-meeting mentioned occurred January 23d, 1872. Allen
+Hall was well filled, on Monday evening, on the occasion of an address
+on the liquor traffic, by Mrs. E. D. Stewart. The speaker gave an
+interesting and able address.” _Springfield Republic._
+
+The editor of this paper, Mr. C. M. Nichols, a member of the
+Congregational Church, was a staunch friend of temperance, and in every
+way, before and during the Crusade, gave aid to the cause.
+
+Several suits, brought by the wives of drunkards to recover damages,
+under the Adair law, from liquor-dealers, added to the general interest.
+
+Mother Stewart hearing accidentally that a woman had such a suit
+pending in court, in company with Mrs. John Foos, went to the
+court-room, and the attorney for the plaintiff induced her to make the
+opening plea to the jury.
+
+The case was won, and the wife was awarded one hundred dollars damages.
+
+In October, 1873, another case was brought to her notice. A woman in
+deep distress, with streaming eyes, told her a sad story of suffering
+and want. Her husband was a drunkard.
+
+This woman belonged to a worthy family, was the sister of a
+distinguished minister in the South, who at that time was president of
+a college; she had always been accustomed to plenty, till robbed of all
+by the liquor-dealers. Knowing Mother Stewart’s connection with the
+case above mentioned, she appealed to her.
+
+To fight this matter through the courts was not a pleasant task, and
+she was about to turn away from the woman; the lines of wretchedness
+on that sad, tearful face, arrested her. “No, I dare not do that; she
+will haunt me in my dying hour,” was the thought that brought her to a
+decision. So she not only accompanied her to the law office of Mower &
+Rawlins, and secured the aid of one of the firm, but she stirred up the
+ladies of Springfield in behalf of this woman, so cruelly wronged and
+robbed by liquor-dealers.
+
+The trial was fixed for the 16th of October, and many ladies were in
+the court-room, but the defence secured a postponement till the 21st.
+The papers took up the matter, general interest was excited, and, when
+the day of trial came, the court-room was crowded with the best men and
+women of the city. The excitement was intense. Mother Stewart made a
+plea, and charged the jury. The suit was gained, and $300 awarded to
+the wronged wife as damages.
+
+In the meantime a petition to the city council was circulated, and the
+names of six hundred ladies and sixty men were secured, asking the
+council to enforce the laws for the suppression of intemperance. This
+petition was presented by the ladies, and Mother Stewart and Mrs. J. A.
+S. Guy addressed the council in its behalf. The committee, to whom this
+petition was referred by the council, made the following report, which
+shows that they were “men of _words_, if not of _deeds_:”
+
+“We also give it as our deliberate judgment, that the matters to which
+this petition refers is one of such transcendent importance as to
+demand of this council the exhausting of every means within its power
+to divest it of its capacity for making misery and crime within our
+midst.
+
+“The universal sense of the Christian world condemns drunkenness as
+a crime.... And if this be so on recognized principles, measures are
+demanded to prevent it and punish it.
+
+“The temperance movement throughout the land has suffered more from
+the indiscretion of its friends than from the open opposition of its
+enemies.
+
+“We are therefore not in favor of recommending council to grant what is
+asked for by the petitioners.”
+
+The city council formally adopted the following:
+
+“_Resolved_, That the indulgence in intoxicating drinks, whereby
+neglect and want are brought home to the family, is a crime against
+nature, and it is expedient to exercise any authority, or impose any
+punishment, necessary to prevent it.
+
+“_Resolved_, That it is an apparent and acknowledged fact that there
+is an indulgence in intoxicating drinks in this city, which deprive
+families of peace, comfort, and a proper support, and there are those
+who take, in exchange for their drinks, the money known to be needed
+for family support, contrary to law.”
+
+These bombastic resolutions did not frighten the rum-sellers. They went
+on with their illegal sales without fear. They had learned long before,
+that these official utterances were to quiet the public conscience,
+and shield law-makers from well-deserved contempt.
+
+The Bible in the pulpit of one of the Methodist churches was stolen and
+sold for drink in a saloon. In the meantime, Mrs. Guy, after a night of
+watching and prayer, wrote a resolution, and presented it to the City
+Benevolent Association.
+
+The result was, a committee was appointed to confer with the ministers,
+and secure their co-operation in holding mass-meetings. The ministers
+were called upon in their weekly meeting, and a union mass-meeting
+arranged for in the Lutheran Church. This first meeting took place
+December 2d, 1873. The second mass-meeting occurred December 17th, and
+was addressed by Revs. J. W. Spring and Allen, Mr. Jackson, and Mother
+Stewart. Every seat in the body of the Central M. E. Church was filled,
+and the aisles were seated, and every foot of standing room taken.
+
+The speeches were strong and spirited, and there was a great deal of
+enthusiasm.
+
+When Mr. Nichols was called on to speak, he asked that the audience
+might be addressed by Mother Stewart instead. When she came forward,
+carrying a glass tumbler full of liquor, and told where and how she got
+it, the interest was intense. It was against the law to sell liquors
+on the Sabbath day; but everybody knew, and the city authorities knew
+well, that this law was being broken every week. On Sunday morning,
+December 16th, she had disguised herself with an old circular cloak and
+sun-bonnet, and gone into a saloon through the back door. She found a
+number of young men and old buying liquors. Approaching the counter,
+she asked for a drink. And when asked what she would have, she said,
+“Sherry wine.”
+
+The barkeeper poured it out; she questioned him before the men as to
+what it was, etc., and then laying a ten-cent piece on the counter she
+took the glass and rushed from the room with all possible speed.
+
+She appealed to the men as to whether they would prosecute this case,
+and several hands went up.
+
+Weekly meetings were decided upon, and the next mass-meeting was held
+December 24th, in the Presbyterian Church.
+
+On January 7th, 1874, a Woman’s League was formed, with the following
+officers:
+
+Mother Stewart, President; Vice-Presidents, 1st ward, Mrs. Wm. Barnett;
+2d ward, Mrs. Dr. Tee-garden; 3d ward, Mrs. Thomas I. Finch; 4th ward,
+Mrs. John Foos; 5th ward, Mrs. James Kinney; Secretary, Mrs. J. A. S.
+Guy; Treasurer, Mrs. James Cathcart.
+
+Springfield was a large town, larger than any of the towns where the
+Crusade had been made successful, and there was a general feeling that
+the plan of saloon visiting, introduced elsewhere, could not be carried
+out in cities.
+
+But the women, who were following the pillar and the cloud, on Tuesday,
+January 11th, commenced street work. The first day there were only
+thirty or forty ladies in the band, but the second day the number was
+doubled. The first visit was to the Lagonda House Saloon. Admission
+being refused, the ladies held their services before the door, Mrs.
+Cosler making the first prayer, and Mother Stewart addressing the
+crowds of people gathered to see the strange sight. The next day they
+were in the street again. They were admitted at the Lagonda House,
+but the crowd was locked out. The prayer-meeting was held in the
+billiard-room.
+
+At the next saloon they were not admitted, and when Mother Stewart
+attempted to talk to the crowd, the saloon-keeper came out and
+shrieked, “Get away: get away, every one of you; I don’t want any
+trespassers on my premises; you shan’t stand on my steps!” But the
+people cried, “Go on! go on!” and a policeman took the irate saloonist
+in charge and restored order.
+
+That evening Dio Lewis spoke in Springfield. The Opera House was
+packed, and the meeting, which was addressed by Van Pelt, Dio Lewis,
+and Mother Stewart, ended in a blaze of enthusiasm.
+
+The next morning, at nine o’clock, the Central Methodist Church was
+crowded with ladies. Dio Lewis and Van Pelt were present, and a still
+larger number of ladies were enlisted for the work. Not long afterwards
+Mrs. James Kinney was chosen as leader of the band. Hundreds of women
+engaged in the work, and labored hard and long. Among the prominent
+workers were Mrs. Kinney, Guy, Foos, Cathcart, Banes, and many other
+noble women whose names cannot be mentioned, but whose record is on
+high.
+
+Mother Stewart was called out much into the general work, and did
+efficient service during the canvass against the “_License Clause_,” in
+the new Constitution, which was defeated by the efforts of the women of
+the Crusade, and the zeal they inspired among temperance men.
+
+The State was thoroughly canvassed, and the victory won.
+
+A State Temperance Convention was held in Springfield, February 24th.
+About one thousand delegates were present. Dio Lewis acted as temporary
+chairman and organized the meeting.
+
+Mrs. H. C. McCabe, of Delaware, was elected permanent president, a
+position she was well calculated to fill, and which she has held ever
+since.
+
+There was great enthusiasm in the convention, and many of the heroic
+workers, who met each other for the first time in this, the first State
+convention of women, have, in the years that have followed, worked and
+planned for the extension of the cause like sisters, with loving trust
+and confidence.
+
+April 3d, a county organization was formed in Clarke county.
+
+The convention was held at Springfield, in Black’s Opera House. Four
+hundred and fifty women marched from head-quarters in procession to
+the hall. Mother Stewart was elected President; Vice-Presidents, Mrs.
+Bennett and Mrs. Cathcart for the city, and one for each township
+outside of the city; Secretary, Mrs. J. A. S. Guy; Treasurer, Capt.
+Penny Stewart.
+
+This is said to have been the first county organization in the State.
+
+On April 6th the spring election for municipal officers took place.
+The claims of temperance had been pressed, and the ballot-box, it had
+been urged, was the most effectual way to curtail the power of alcohol.
+The election was one of the most exciting the city had ever known.
+On Saturday evening previous, large mass-meetings of workingmen were
+addressed by Mrs. M. W. Banes and Mother Stewart; and on election day
+an all-day prayer-meeting was held.
+
+The temperance ticket was carried by a fine majority.
+
+The plan of work soon after changed, the picket system being resorted
+to. The guards were relieved every two hours. But as there were, at
+the beginning of the Crusade, about one hundred and thirty saloons
+scattered over a town of fifteen thousand inhabitants, to station such
+an army over the town demanded a heavy force and great sacrifices. The
+traffic fell off wonderfully. Some saloons were closed, a better public
+sentiment prevailed, and a more faithful execution of the laws against
+beer and tippling houses was secured.
+
+The men in this town stood gallantly by the women in their work.
+Special mention should be made of the faithful labors of C. M. Nichols,
+editor of the _Springfield Republic_--a fearless advocate of temperance
+and anti-license; Dr. Cloakey, of the U. P. Church, who was always
+ready to help the women with prayer or counsel, or a speech, and
+who brought forth treasures, new and old, from his rich storehouse
+of scripture knowledge, with marvellous aptness and effect. Though
+very aged and feeble, he seemed as enthusiastic as in the prime and
+fire of youth. He has two sons in the ministry; both follow in his
+footsteps, and are ardent temperance workers. Rev. J. W. Spring, of
+the Methodist Church, was an earnest, capable worker, and a competent
+adviser; and Rev. M. W. Hamma, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church,
+a most enthusiastic worker and eloquent speaker. Many of the laymen
+did effective service, and contributed largely to the success of the
+women’s work in Springfield.
+
+These pages are not devoted to the workers, but to the _work_; and yet,
+when the names of heroic workers are known, they are recorded.
+
+It seems eminently proper in this connection to refer to the services,
+abroad, of Mother Stewart, which resulted in great good, and, with the
+co-operation of Mrs. Parker, the organization of a “British Woman’s
+Temperance Union.”
+
+She was met and welcomed at Liverpool; and at almost every town she
+visited in England, Ireland and Scotland, grand receptions were given
+her, at which the dignitaries of the towns presided and made speeches.
+The greatest enthusiasm prevailed, and large audiences greeted her
+everywhere. In London an audience rose to their feet and waved their
+handkerchiefs and cheered enthusiastically when she was introduced as
+“_A Crusader_.”
+
+Perhaps the most magnificent reception given her was in Glasgow,
+Scotland, in the Queen’s room, which had been most elegantly draped
+with white flounced lace curtains and American flags, and flags of
+various nationalities, looped up with roses and ivy; while the rarest
+exotics ladened the air with perfume. Six hundred of Glasgow’s most
+prominent and respected citizens were there, as a select company, to
+give addresses of welcome, and partake with her the sumptuous feast
+provided. Mrs. Margarete E. Parker was very active in securing for her
+a favorable hearing.
+
+Every American woman has reason to be proud and thankful, for the
+marked attention shown to one of her countrywomen, but especially the
+women who worked in the Crusade; as the respect and attention shown
+to Mother Stewart was very largely due to her connection with that
+wonderful movement, which at the time won a world-wide fame, and which
+future generations will commend, and embalm in song and story, as the
+Woman’s Crusade.
+
+
+NEWARK, OHIO.
+
+This town contains about 3,000 inhabitants, and is situated at the
+intersection of the Baltimore and Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Chicago and St.
+Louis railroads.
+
+At the beginning of the Crusade there were in this little town _fifty
+saloons_, or one for every sixty of its inhabitants.
+
+The writer of these pages has occasion to remember the miserable
+tumble-down old building where unfortunate passengers were forced to
+wait to make connection, and the whiskey saloon, called a “Restaurant,”
+near by. One night detained at this place till midnight, the
+drunkenness and revelry and profanity were positively alarming.
+
+The yelling, hooting, wrangling and fighting were kept up with little
+intermission till the midnight train, that bore us away, came in. The
+fumes of tobacco and whiskey as that crowd of men gathered at the depot
+were almost stifling.
+
+Fifty or sixty men, in all stages of intoxication, reeled out
+from their midnight orgies to see the train come in and block the
+passage-ways.
+
+But early in March the Crusade began. At first there was a strong
+feeling against the movement. Men were afraid their business would be
+injured. Some went so far as to forbid their wives having anything to
+do with it. But it was not long till all this opposition broke down,
+except on the part of dealers.
+
+The women went to the church, and there consecrated themselves to God,
+and marched out right past their homes, right past their husbands’
+stores, and banks, and offices; and as the solemn procession filed into
+the saloons, singing gospel songs, irate husbands, melted to tears, all
+anger, all opposition gone, stood reverently, with uncovered heads. It
+was not long till the railroad saloons were closed by the companies,
+and those horrid dens of iniquity broken up.
+
+A correspondent gives the following:
+
+“Yesterday was the Ides of March in whiskey in Newark. It is as
+assuredly inaugurated there as the rebellion when the first red-hot
+ball leaped from Sumter’s wall, and upon its panoply is already
+written, ‘Mene, tekel upharsin.’ The Fort Sumter of the whiskey war was
+the first prayer proclaimed from woman’s lips at Washington Court-House
+for the Great Father above, who presides over our destinies, to assist
+them to abolish that which has enervated the mightiest minds, and
+brought ruin and desolation to many a happy and prosperous family.
+Never shall I forget the touching and imposing spectacle that burst
+upon my view as I beheld, walking calmly, solemnly, and deliberately,
+over two hundred ladies, representing our best society, enshrined with
+silence and beautified by tears. The streets were crowded by thousands
+as they moved, and many a head was uncovered as the ladies passed, as
+if they had a special power from God.
+
+“Soon they stopped before one of our saloons, and the ladies were
+received there, as at other places, with politeness and consideration.
+Failing to get the signature of the proprietor to a petition, they
+knelt in fervent prayer, and, with eyes raised to heaven, asked the
+God of love to help them. There was in the attitude of those women,
+with eyes raised to heaven, something far more powerful and touching
+than speech; for even if God had turned a deaf ear to their earnest
+entreaties, yet in that attitude they would have been dignified. Men
+stood there, not in ridicule, that probably never heard a fervent
+prayer, with uncovered heads and tearful eyes, as if impressed that
+the angels of heaven were hovering above them. On several occasions,
+as our ladies took some of our saloonists by the hands, tears could be
+seen streaming down the cheeks of both men and women, and as eyes met
+eyes, they dropped in reverence, as if to conceal their thoughts. Even
+a laugh at such a time seemed to jar discordantly on such enchanting
+silence, for they seemed, in that touching immobility, as if in
+communion with God. Laugh, as I have, ye that may read my letter, at
+its magic power; but when one reflects that it is our mothers, our
+sisters, our wives, that are praying, weeping, beseeching, and asking
+in the name of humanity, in the name of God, to overcome an evil
+that has ruined millions of the human race, and filled our jails and
+prisons, unless one be destitute of feeling, they cannot look upon such
+scenes unmoved. As the ladies passed a house yesterday, the husband
+stormed, and the wife laughed; but no sooner had that multitude of
+solemn women commenced to sing,
+
+ “‘Nearer, my God, to Thee,’
+
+than the husband burst into tears, and, throwing his arms
+around his wife, he said, ‘My dear wife, I cannot resist that song. I
+am now convinced that it is the power of God that moves that column.
+Go and join them, and may God bless you.’ Bulwer says, ‘The pen is
+mightier than the sword.’ I declare that prayer uttered from woman’s
+lips is mightier than the law. I hope that moderation and consistency
+may ever accompany these movements, and nothing transpire to mar their
+dignity or true nobility. The epoch that crowned this movement will
+never be forgotten. It is just in its infancy; it will not only sweep
+over the republic, but knock at all the doors of Europe for admission,
+and women will at last, by this movement, have an epitaph written upon
+that which is less perishable than marble--upon the hearts of untold
+millions--by the touching pencil of gratitude. Our women, as I close,
+are again on the march. They have divided into squads, and their songs
+and prayers constantly fall upon the ear, thence to be borne aloft
+upon the invisible chords, and rehearsed to the courts of God by the
+heavenly harpists.”
+
+The enthusiasm became so great that the church was crowded every
+morning long before the hour for meeting had arrived. Business houses
+were closed, and a solemn silence pervaded the streets.
+
+A friend of mine visiting Newark during the Crusade, reached there
+on the nine o’clock train. The streets were empty, the doors of the
+business houses nearly all closed.
+
+She hastened to the church, which she found crowded to its utmost
+capacity. Pushing through the group about the door, she obtained a view
+of the audience. A deep solemnity pervaded the place. The very air
+seemed surcharged with spiritual influences. Many were weeping.
+
+She kept her position by the door till the band arose to move out on
+the street. A passage-way was cleared by a motion of a hand, and the
+ladies marched out two and two, like a funeral procession. She fell
+into the procession, and went with them to the saloons, and saw what
+she had never seen before, a hand-to-hand fight with the powers of
+darkness, led on by _Christian_ women. The struggle was too intense to
+last long; but victory turned on Israel’s side, and many saloons were
+closed.
+
+Visiting the town the following autumn, it seemed transformed.
+
+No saloons about the depot; no drunken men reeling through the
+streets; but a degree of thrift and good order was visible on every
+side.
+
+The week before there had been a county fair, and liquor had flowed
+freely there, and many of the weak had fallen into the snare.
+
+But the town authorities, if they were not diligent in punishing the
+men who had sold to minors, and drunkards, contrary to law, were very
+prompt in arresting the victims, and thrusting them into the jail.
+
+In company with other ladies, I visited the jail. It was a cold, frosty
+morning.
+
+The massive iron door closed behind us with a heavy clank, and was
+locked. But there was still another wall of iron lattice-work between
+us and the prisoners, which was opened, and we were ushered into the
+presence of the inmates, and the iron gate locked behind us. The
+atmosphere was stifling. Groups of men and boys were sitting on the
+stone floor, for _there were no chairs_. They arose when we entered. It
+was a pitiful sight. Most of them were ragged and filthy and unkept.
+There was no chance for personal cleanliness, and little for fresh air.
+No books, papers, or anything to encourage thoughts of a better life,
+or give comfort. With a hearty “Good-morning, brother,” we shook hands
+with each. We told them that we were the friends of Jesus, and came in
+His name to tell them that He loved them, and wanted to be their Friend
+in this the time of their need. As we talked, many were moved to tears.
+
+We sang “Rock of Ages, cleft for me,” and knelt on the cold, hard,
+stone floor to pray. Some knelt, others crouched down on the floor,
+and hid their faces in their ragged sleeves, and sobbed aloud as we
+told God all about their need of Him as a Friend and Helper.
+
+“What can you sing?” inquired one of the ladies. “Shall we gather
+at the river?” several responded, and most of them joined in the
+singing. They had learned it in the Sunday-school. Looking around, we
+saw curious iron cages across the entire end of the room, and eyes
+glaring at us like the eyes of animals, and fingers thrust through
+the iron lattice like claws. Human beings thrust into these dark
+cells, with stone walls on seven sides of the room, and only the iron
+grating on one side for light, and heat, and air. And for what crime?
+Drunkenness. Every man and boy in that jail, and there were about
+fifteen, was there for drunkenness, but one. He was there for forgery,
+and he too confessed that he drank freely. Going to one after another
+of these cages, unfit for animals, and pressing my face against the
+iron bars, I could see that the rooms were about seven by four or five
+feet. More than half of the prisoners were under age. Where were the
+saloon-keepers who sold them liquor in violation of law? Why were they
+not behind these bars instead of these boys? Perhaps at that hour they
+were hob-nobbing with some politician as to how they would carry the
+next election, and break down the Crusade and all law. I could only
+thrust two of my fingers through the grating in an attempt to shake
+hands, as I said, “Good-morning, brother.”
+
+Immediately the fingers were clasped by the hand of the inmate, and
+the sad eyes lighted up with a look of welcome.
+
+“You are very young to be here,” I said to one, _a mere boy_, who held
+on to my finger tips, while his eyes filled with tears. “Have you a
+mother?”
+
+“No. She died when I was a baby.”
+
+Oh, what a story of neglect and heart hunger and temptation _that_
+little sentence told.
+
+“Have you a father?”
+
+“No. Leastwise I dun no’ if he’s alive. He never paid no attention to
+me. He never cared for nothing but whiskey.”
+
+“I hope you don’t drink.”
+
+“I take a spree sometimes. I took too much at the fair, that’s the
+reason I am caged.”
+
+I talked to him kindly and lovingly; the tears ran down my face, till
+the iron bars were wet, while he sobbed as though his heart would
+break, and the dear women about me were all in tears, and many of the
+men were weeping, when we knelt there to pray in his behalf, that the
+All-pitiful Father would look on this orphan boy with compassion, and
+pleaded for His mercy upon them all.
+
+When we bade him farewell he sobbed out, “I’ll never drink any more.”
+
+Oh, that God would hasten the time when liquor-dealers will be put
+behind iron bars for selling intoxicating liquors, instead of boys for
+drinking them.
+
+
+URBANA, OHIO.
+
+The facts that make up this report are gleaned mainly from a
+_Temperance extra_ published daily, furnished me by the Society.
+
+The Crusade wave reached this place March 9th, and found the Christian
+women ready to obey the Master’s word, “Go ye also into my vineyard
+and labor.” They too had, with feelings of grief and terror, seen
+the ominous cloud of intemperance settling down over the fair cities
+and happy homes of our land, and had called aloud upon the Lord for
+deliverance, and he had heard them.
+
+In response to notices given in the different churches of the city,
+a large meeting of the women was held in the Presbyterian Church, at
+three o’clock P. M., March 9th, 1874. After singing and prayer, they
+organized with the following officers: President, Mrs. G. W. Hitt;
+Vice-President, Mrs. M. G. Williams; Secretary, Mrs. T. D. Crow;
+Treasurer, Mrs. James Anderson. They felt that the time for work had
+come, and from mansion and cottage alike, they went forth, with faith
+and courage, strong to accomplish the work assigned them in that part
+of the Lord’s heritage, and in His name to “rescue the perishing.”
+Their hearts were aflame with the love of Jesus, and they were yearning
+for the opportunity to “tell to sinners round, what a dear Saviour they
+had found.” And for more than three months they labored daily, from
+_four_ and _five o’clock_ in the morning until nine o’clock at night.
+
+Thursday, March 12th, was the first day that saw the Crusaders upon
+the streets of Urbana. A day long to be remembered by those who went
+forth, the willing instruments in the hands of the Lord, for the
+accomplishment of His work; and there were not wanting those who, in
+fear and trembling, bid them “God speed.”
+
+The ladies met, that morning, in the First M. E. Church. Mrs. Jennings
+read the Scriptures; and after singing that grand old hymn, “All hail
+the power of Jesus’ name,” Mrs. Patrick prayed a short, earnest prayer.
+After the singing of another hymn, Mrs. Hitt gave the word to go forth.
+It was a solemn moment; and as they followed Mrs. Kimber and Mrs.
+Shyrigh, ladies who led them that day, their hearts were lifted up to
+God for guidance and wisdom.
+
+Out into the bitter blasts of a strong east wind they went, their
+hearts warm with the love of the sinner’s Friend. Old women, with bent
+forms and silvery hair, walked with feeble steps. Young women, radiant
+with beauty, purified by Christian faith and love, moved along with
+light and eager step.
+
+The first place visited was the Weaver House saloon. The saloon-keeper
+had been warned of their approach, so the ladies found themselves
+barred out. But they went on with their singing and prayers; kneeling
+down upon the cold hard stones of the pavement, determined to do their
+duty, notwithstanding the winter blasts and hard hearts of the men.
+As the sweet notes of “I need Thee every hour,” floated out upon the
+wintry winds, a crowd began to gather to witness this strange sight;
+men who believed their work was God-given, gathered close around,
+trying to shield them from the wind.
+
+The next place visited was Henry Fulwiler’s beer saloon, on South Main
+street. This place was also closed against them. From his warm quarters
+this man heard all the loving, tender petitions, that went up to God
+for him, but was unmoved. Miss Saddie Thompson, Miss Belle Stayman,
+and Miss Emma Long stood in the doorway and sang, “Jesus, Lover of my
+soul;” after which Mrs. Jennings read the sixth chapter of Ephesians,
+and Mrs. Hitt prayed. A crowd had followed them, which grew larger
+every moment, until the streets were filled; and from every window,
+and from the house-tops, the people gazed upon this earnest band of
+godly women, praying for the souls of men who had never prayed for
+themselves. While they were praying, three men, who were in the saloon,
+raised their glasses of poison and drank confusion to the souls of the
+ladies. No violence was offered them by the crowd.
+
+From this place the Crusaders proceeded to Samuel Wheritt’s saloon.
+This place was closed, also. A man named Joe Pence came along, and
+made a disturbance, and demanded that the pavement be cleared. He was
+so disrespectful towards the ladies that he was marched off to the
+calaboose. The ladies, to avoid any more trouble on this account,
+divided into two lines, one close up to the house, the other on the
+curbstone, and so continued their meeting. This was the last place
+visited that day. The ladies returned to the church, where a large
+company was waiting for them, and received their account of their work
+with joy.
+
+The ladies concluded to divide up into several small bands, and follow
+each other. Band No. 1 was led by Mrs. J. M. Boul; No. 2 by Mrs. Dr.
+Goddard; No. 3 by Mrs. West; No. 4 by Mrs. J. G. Hedges. These bands
+numbered about thirty each, and were led by elderly ladies, and each
+numbering among its members some of the younger ladies to lead in the
+singing. The bands left the church about twenty minutes apart, and
+followed each other, so that about the time one band was leaving a
+saloon another would be in sight. And so they kept the enemy within his
+stronghold, in rather bad humor, it is feared.
+
+A laughable incident occurred one day, at Owen Coughlin’s. This man has
+a saloon and a bakery adjoining. He did not understand their management
+of forces, and one day he watched the first and second bands come and
+depart, and looked upon the arrival of the third band. In the meantime,
+band number four had come up and joined its head on to the rear of
+number three. As the third moved off, Coughlin came to his door, and,
+looking up and down and seeing no more advancing, thought he would
+now have a respite, and stepped out, with an air of relief, upon the
+pavement. But when the head of column four reached his door, it halted
+and began a hymn. A look of mingled astonishment and despair came over
+his countenance, as he turned and entered his door again. We should
+think he would conclude that baking was his best chance for a living.
+
+The saloon of Mrs. Breslin was visited, and when the band entered
+they beheld the whole family standing in the background, dumb with
+amazement and terror. Mrs. B. informed the ladies that if there was any
+legitimate business by which she could earn a living for herself and
+twelve children, she would quit liquor-selling. She stated that she had
+worked out; but, one day, upon coming home, she found that the children
+had set fire to the house. So she began business in her own house.
+
+After the work had been in progress some two weeks, Mrs. Hitt called
+for volunteers to go on picket duty at the doors of the saloons. Women,
+young and old, willingly offered themselves for this very trying duty.
+Promptly each day these soldiers of the cross took up their positions,
+and held them in spite of wind and weather. Groups of citizens would
+gather round the pickets when they were on duty. Men brought chairs and
+seated the ladies who were shut out of the saloons. Robes were provided
+to throw over them while they quietly noted down the names of those who
+had the hardihood to enter in their presence. One night, when it was
+extremely disagreeable, and the picket outside of Murphy’s had remained
+to a late hour, that gallant Irishman could not stand against such
+devotion any longer, and coming out said: “Now, ladies, if you will
+go home, I will lock-up, and will not open again to-night.” And so,
+believing him sincere, the guard departed.
+
+Mass-meetings were held every week, which were well attended, and
+full of interest; and such an enthusiasm was aroused in the cause of
+temperance as never was known in the history of Urbana. As evidence
+of interest awakened, an ordinance, prohibiting ale, beer, and
+porter-houses, was passed by the city council, and a public sentiment
+was aroused which sustained the enforcement of the ordinance in several
+notable instances.
+
+When the warm weather came, it was thought best to have the bands
+go out in the morning at five o’clock, and in the evening at seven,
+remaining out for one hour each time, and visiting as many saloons as
+possible in that time.
+
+The ladies of the League addressed political meetings all over the
+country, which doubtless contributed largely to the defeat of the
+license clause in the county.
+
+There were twenty-seven liquor-dealers in Urbana when the Crusade
+began. At the time for renewing their license only _five_ presented
+themselves. Some who promised to quit selling are faithful to their
+promises.
+
+
+DAYTON, OHIO.
+
+Dayton is a beautiful, well-built town, in central Ohio. Its streets
+and avenues are broad and well-paved. It has handsome residences, fine
+churches, substantial public buildings, and massive business houses.
+But many of its palaces are red with the blood of murdered innocence,
+and many of its massive edifices have been built with the price of
+souls. For liquor-making and liquor-selling has been no inconsiderable
+part of the business of the place. At the beginning of the Crusade
+there were not only the usual array of saloons, and gambling-dens, and
+brothels, where liquors were sold and drank, but there were massive
+breweries, and great wholesale houses, that by their influence and
+money sustained the traffic; and the business was largely in the hands
+of a rough class of foreigners, mainly Germans. This class, in the
+towns already reached by the Crusade, had been insulting and riotous.
+
+Against all this array of evil--this wickedness in high places--a few
+women were praying and crying to God. Encouraged by the success of the
+Crusade work at Hillsboro’ and Washington Court-House, and other towns,
+they set themselves to walk carefully before the Lord, and to know His
+will.
+
+Dayton had a population of about forty thousand. At the beginning of
+the Crusade there were in this town over five hundred saloons, or one
+to every sixty of its inhabitants; or, divided into families of five
+each, _one saloon to every twelve families_.
+
+Large and enthusiastic mass-meetings were held; but it required
+more than ordinary courage to go out into the saloons, and face
+liquor-dealers in their own dens, and meet the class that congregated
+in these places, many of them speaking a strange tongue. But there were
+not wanting women in Dayton, pure, consecrated, Christian women, who
+were ready to take their lives in their hands, and go forth in God’s
+name, and speak and pray in the saloons, and on the streets.
+
+A permanent organization was effected February 20th, and a private
+canvass of the saloons made by small companies of ladies, but no
+results followed. Mass-meetings were held daily; two hundred women were
+enlisted for active aggressive work, and on the morning of the 6th of
+March, two companies, led by Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Weakley, filed slowly
+and solemnly out of the church, to visit the saloons. The rain was
+falling steadily, but the women were sheltered under water-proofs and
+umbrellas. The saloon doors were closed against them.
+
+T. A. H. Brown, correspondent of the _Cincinnati Gazette_, in “Fifty
+Years’ History of the Temperance Cause,” gives the following:
+
+“Saloon after saloon was visited, services generally being held before
+the doors; and at last one man, who had a light stock of liquors,
+offered to surrender if they would pay him first cost. The vile
+compounds were then emptied into the gutter, amid much rejoicing. In
+the afternoon the two bands exchanged territory, so that the same
+saloons received two visits.
+
+“The excitement now began to increase. The bands increased in numbers,
+and more favorable weather brought out great crowds of people to
+witness the strange spectacle of women actually praying on the streets.
+The rabble began to grow turbulent and threatening; saloon-keepers saw
+the matter was putting on a serious aspect, and fought every inch of
+ground by the most unscrupulous means. It soon came to be known that
+the visit of the ladies to a saloon meant free beer and whiskey at that
+place, and there ‘the boys’ rallied in force like vultures over a dead
+carcass. The result was, more drunken men on the streets than had been
+seen since the 4th of July; and as if this round about warfare was not
+sufficient, direct insults were heaped upon the ladies. The voice of
+prayer and song were drowned by those of ribaldry and blasphemy. Bits
+of bologna and crackers were thrown at the kneeling women, who bore
+these indignities meekly, with no word of reproof. One of the worst
+elements in the noisy mobs was women, mostly of foreign nationalities,
+who joined their screaming to the shouting and swearing of their male
+relatives.
+
+“The result of this unseemly mocking and jeering was to inflame the
+public mind, and bring thousands out to the evening mass-meetings,
+where the reports of the day’s proceedings were read, and commented
+upon.
+
+“Under such dire persecutions, the band steadily increased in size, and
+grew more determined.”
+
+Another correspondent says:
+
+“The women form for action near the curbstone, and are speedily
+encompassed by the crowd, who watch with varying manifestations and
+emotions. Lines of men file into the bars to quench real or affected
+thirst, and the clink of foaming glasses chimes in with the soft,
+pathetic notes of the worshipping women. But the plaintive voice of
+prayer, when the women on bended knees supplicate the mercy of God,
+produces an instant and indescribable hush even in the bar-rooms; and
+as the eloquent pleadings ascend, the influence quickly strikes the
+nearest rank of spectators, and penetrates to the outermost rim of the
+ragged semicircle formed about them. There are moments, when the women
+weep and pray, that their influence is thrillingly impressive, and men
+even, who do not approve of the saloon devotions, are unconsciously
+but irresistibly affected. Excepting among the depraved, there is
+not the remotest suggestion of levity in the scene. It is touchingly
+solemn.”
+
+Becker, one of the saloon-keepers, admitted the ladies; but insisted
+that none should pray in his saloon unless they were without sin.
+
+On the 6th of April, the municipal election was held, and by the help
+of the dealers, and bummers, Butz, the whiskey candidate, was elected
+over Houk, the temperance candidate; and a majority of councilmen
+elected were in favor of whiskey. This was taken by the saloon-keepers
+as a verdict for free whiskey.
+
+Undeterred by the results of the election, the women met at Grace M. E.
+Church, determined to go on with their work. But they were met with the
+following proclamation from the Board of Police Commissioners:
+
+_Whereas_, It has become apparent to this board, that the visits of
+the recently organized bands of ladies to the various saloons in the
+city, and the occupation by them of the sidewalks and streets for
+religious exercises, have, on several occasions, attracted large crowds
+of riotous and disorderly persons, who assembled in the vicinity in
+such numbers as seriously to threaten the peace and good order of the
+city, and materially to obstruct the free and proper use of both the
+sidewalks and the streets; and,
+
+_Whereas_, It is, by the laws of this State, unlawful for any person or
+persons, by agent or otherwise,
+
+1. To sell, in any quantity, intoxicating liquors (except wine
+manufactured of the pure juice of the grape, cultivated in this State,
+beer, ale, or cider), to be drank in or upon the premises where sold,
+or in or upon any adjoining premises connected therewith;
+
+2. To sell any intoxicating liquors whatever, without exception, to
+minors, unless upon the written order of their parents, guardians, or
+family physician;
+
+3. To sell intoxicating liquors, of any kind whatever, to persons
+intoxicated, or in the habit of getting intoxicated; and,
+
+_Whereas_, All places where liquors are sold in violation of these
+laws are declared public nuisances, and upon conviction of the keeper
+thereof, are required to be shut up and abated as such; therefore,
+
+Be it known, that orders have been issued to the police force of this
+city to prevent the use and occupation of the streets and sidewalks as
+aforesaid, and to give special and careful attention to the enforcement
+of the said laws, and make prompt arrest of any and all persons
+violating the same.
+
+ By order of the Police Board.
+
+ WM. H. SIGMAN,
+ _Mayor and ex-officio President Police Board_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+After consultation it was decided best not to go into saloons in
+large bands, and thereafter saloon visiting was carried on by bands
+of three or four. Wherever they were admitted, they conversed with
+the proprietors and their guests. The saloon-keepers were generally
+averse to these visits, and insisted that the election had settled the
+question, and the people had indorsed their business at the polls.
+But the ladies were not deterred, but pushed their work in every
+possible direction. Women’s meetings were held daily for prayer and
+consultation, followed by mass-meetings at night. Enthusiastic meetings
+for children were held, and the better class of people were thoroughly
+aroused. The men began to bestir themselves, and a guarantee fund was
+raised for the enforcement of the law.
+
+And so the women go on with their work against fearful odds, assured
+that victory in due time will crown their efforts.
+
+
+PIQUA, OHIO.
+
+The work at Piqua commenced early in the Crusade, and was carried on
+with great enthusiasm and determination. As the women knelt in front of
+saloons on the sidewalk, the mighty power of the Spirit was displayed.
+
+Mrs. Stephenson was chosen as the leader. The ladies held a meeting,
+and by ten o’clock of the same day they were out on the streets. They
+seemed to be urged on by an invisible power to the work for which they
+had consecrated themselves.
+
+The first day three of the druggists signed the pledge. There was
+much to contend with in Piqua; a large German population; heavy
+wholesale liquor-houses, and wealthy men who rented their property to
+liquor-dealers. The opposition was violent, the crowds in the saloons
+disorderly; men mocked, while women prayed. But insult and opposition
+tended to increase their zeal, and greatly augmented their numbers.
+
+Their way of conducting these visitations was to go to the door of
+a saloon, and ask if they could come in. If they were answered in
+the affirmative, they went in and held a prayer-meeting. If they
+were refused admittance, they held their meeting on the sidewalk in
+front of the saloon. The ladies found that, although the saloons
+were closed against them, their prayers could penetrate the doors.
+Many saloon-keepers gave up the business, others became violent and
+insulting, and offered indignities to the ladies. In one saloon a mock
+prayer-meeting was held and the Lord’s Supper celebrated with beer and
+crackers by saloon-keepers and their drunken customers.
+
+It may be proper in this connection to state, that the men who were
+engaged in this mock service have nearly all died violent and awful
+deaths.
+
+The ladies were arrested, and held to trial for praying on the streets.
+But their trial was postponed, and the better class of citizens, who
+were now thoroughly aroused, petitioned the council for a prohibitory
+ordinance, and before the day of trial came on a prohibitory ordinance
+was passed, which effectually broke down the opposition.
+
+The ladies, very much encouraged, went on with the battle, and
+still continued the contest in a more permanent and quiet form of
+organization.
+
+
+CIRCLEVILLE, OHIO.
+
+In justice to a few faithful workers, Circleville deserves mention.
+
+I am indebted to Lizzie W. Scovile, Secretary, for the following facts:
+
+We have nothing thrilling to relate, and cannot point to such marked
+results as some are able to do. The Crusade was entered upon very
+reluctantly, in this place. Daily meetings for prayer had been held in
+the church nearly two weeks previously, but on the 18th day of March,
+1874, the Spirit descended in power, and the women went forth to visit
+the saloons. All through the summer the work was prosecuted in various
+forms, visiting saloons in bands, picket work, daily prayer-meetings at
+our League Room, open air meetings, etc. Several saloons were closed,
+but, with only two or three exceptions, were again reopened.
+
+We can point with certainty to but one conversion, and that was of one
+of our ladies, who, though not a Christian, went with the band to help
+sing, and was converted in one of the saloons during one of our first
+visits.
+
+When the street work was first entered upon, our numbers were so large
+it was thought best to form two bands--one under the leadership of Mrs.
+S. H. McMullin, wife of the minister of the First Presbyterian Church,
+and the other under Mrs. Dr. Ray, a good old mother in the Episcopal
+Church.
+
+A Presbyterian gentleman, noticing that a number of ladies of his
+denomination had been assigned to Mrs. Ray’s band, said to her, “You
+will have to furnish our ladies with prayer books.”
+
+Many went out, thinking they could do nothing but uphold the hands of
+others, but the spirit of prayer descended, and prayer books were not
+needed: the dumb spake.
+
+Numbers of these ladies had never prayed in public, until they offered
+prayer in saloons, or upon the street. Now, at the end of three and a
+half years, although the numbers have fallen off, there still remains
+enough of the faithful to sustain the prayer-meetings, generally two
+each week, and prosecute other branches of work. As to results, we can
+point to the brotherly love which has grown out of this union work: the
+churches of different denominations are united, as never before, and
+woman’s prayer-meetings and missionary societies have received fresh
+inspiration from the Crusade.
+
+
+MADISONVILLE, OHIO.
+
+The work commenced in this town on the 19th of February, but the
+Crusaders met with an obstinate resistance, especially from the German
+dealers. One of them, Hendel, told the ladies, “he would not quit
+selling whiskey till hell froze over.” Other saloon-keepers deluged
+their sidewalks with water, and they were soon a glare of ice, but
+women living near tore up their carpets and brought them for the use
+of the Christian workers, and the songs and prayer and work went on in
+spite of all opposition.
+
+
+DELAWARE, OHIO.
+
+Delaware, the Athens of Ohio, only a few miles from Columbus, has a
+population of about six thousand inhabitants. The moral sentiment of
+the town was opposed to the liquor traffic, and yet at the beginning of
+the Crusade twenty-three saloons went on with their deadly work, day
+and night.
+
+Dio Lewis was invited to lecture for the Chi Phi Society of Wesleyan
+University. A large audience assembled to hear him, and at the close
+of the lecture, he pressed upon them the importance of the temperance
+cause, and pledged the women to the Crusade work. The women held a
+meeting at William Street Methodist Episcopal Church the next day,
+and a permanent organization was effected, with Mrs. A. S. Clason as
+President, and Mrs. Bishop Thompson as Secretary. All classes came
+forward to engage in the work. The pledge was freely circulated. Nearly
+a hundred young men of the Wesleyan University refusing to sign the
+pledge, great excitement and indignation followed. The young ladies of
+the town were so aroused, in view of this, that they formed a league,
+pledging themselves not to associate with any young man who had not
+signed the pledge. The young men, who had not counted on this, were
+speedily brought to terms, and most of them signed the pledge.
+
+The saloon-keepers tried to compromise with the women, offering to sell
+nothing but beer, if the women would withdraw from the work. This the
+women refused to do, and the good work went on. Saloon after saloon
+surrendered, and the women were in a fair way to close all the saloons
+by prayer, when the men came forward on election day, and elected the
+entire temperance ticket. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed. All the
+bells of the town were rung, cannons were fired, and a praise meeting
+held in the Opera House, which was crowded to its utmost capacity.
+
+The next day the women were on the street, as usual, determined to
+continue their work until every saloon was closed.
+
+This town is the home of Mrs. H. C. McCabe, the able and efficient
+President of the State Union.
+
+
+PORTSMOUTH, OHIO.
+
+Portsmouth is a beautiful town on the Ohio river, near the mouth of the
+Scioto. It was one of the first points of settlement in the State, and
+from the day the first shanty was built, whiskey had flowed freely,
+without a protest, until the Woman’s Crusade.
+
+Men came with their jugs and bottles weekly from the rich valley of the
+Scioto, and from the farming districts up and down the Ohio river, to
+get them filled with intoxicating liquors. And it was not uncommon for
+them to drive out of town too drunk to manage their horses.
+
+Distilleries were built, and the products of the immense corn-fields
+of the valley of the Scioto, one of the richest valleys in the world,
+instead of being turned into bread, were sent to the distillery, and
+turned into the waters of death; and while the people grew poor, and
+the town began to put on a dilapidated appearance, the distillers and
+the liquor-dealers grew rich, built themselves fine houses, and became
+the nabobs of the town.
+
+The people had groaned under the heavy burdens of the liquor
+traffic--crime and pauperism; and women with tears and prayers had
+cried unto God for deliverance, but all in vain. Despair had settled
+down on almost every true heart.
+
+The tidings of the Crusade inspired them with fresh hope, and the
+women, after meetings for prayer and consecration, went out from the
+church into the saloons. They met with great opposition on the part
+of saloon-keepers and their customers, and the business men of the
+city refrained from taking any active part in the temperance work, for
+fear of losing trade and influence with the liquor party. The ladies,
+however, went on with unabated zeal in their work until the 6th of
+April, when the whiskey candidates were elected by an average majority
+of only forty-five, which the temperance men might have overcome if
+they had sustained the women in the work. Weaver, a colored barber at
+the Bazaar Hotel, was elected as a member of the Board of Education,
+the colored folks all voting for the whiskey candidates.
+
+The ladies, undeterred by the liquor vote, were out on the street the
+next day, in larger numbers than ever. John Price, a saloon-keeper,
+whom they had visited, and prayed with frequently, but who claimed
+to sell only according to law, was soon after indicted for illegal
+selling, and tried before Hon. Judge Harper, and fined seventy-five
+dollars, put under bond for one thousand dollars, and sent to jail for
+thirty days. The severe penalty inflicted on Price by Judge Harper put
+a check upon the illegal traffic.
+
+A correspondent of the _Cincinnati Gazette_, ten days after the
+election, gives the following report of the work there:
+
+“The interest in the work here has greatly increased since the city
+election. The determination on the part of the temperance people
+to put down the traffic in our city is stronger to-day than it has
+been since the work began. The street work commenced Monday, March
+16th. Since then the Ladies’ League have held over ninety street
+prayer-meetings each week, or nearly four hundred and fifty since the
+work began. Our success has not been as great as we had hoped for.
+The first surrender here was that of Mr. Redenger, who kept the most
+respectable saloon in the city. At that time we had fifty-two licensed
+saloons, nine wholesale liquor stores, and eight drug stores, which
+were in the habit of selling liquors without asking any questions.
+This gave us sixty-nine places where liquor was sold. Since then
+nine saloons have been closed, and all the druggists have signed the
+druggists’ pledge. The steamer ‘Granite State,’ one of our regular
+packets, has removed its bar; all our physicians but one have signed
+the physicians’ pledge; and one wholesale dealer the personal pledge.
+Hundreds of our citizens have signed the personal pledge. In addition
+to the above, our liquor men admit that their sales have fallen off
+from one-half to two-thirds. This work the ladies feel has been done in
+answer to the prayers of God’s people. The street work still goes on,
+with increasing strength and numbers. All day prayer-meetings are still
+held every day (Sundays excepted); mass-meetings every night, except
+Wednesdays and Saturdays; mass-meeting also on Sunday at three o’clock.
+From the above you will see that the war is not over in our city.”
+
+Passing through the town since the Crusade, I could but notice the
+great change that had come over the place, and the improved moral
+atmosphere everywhere, although the distilleries and the saloons were
+still doing business. Just after the Crusade, there was a great flood
+in the Scioto and Ohio rivers, which destroyed nearly all the corn, and
+much other grain and property. The feeling was so intense against the
+distilleries on account of the scarcity of grain, and the high cost of
+bread-stuffs, that one wealthy distiller promised not to use up their
+grain in that way, a promise which, if reports are true, was not kept.
+
+The women continued faithful through all the discouragements and
+successes, and are still at work.
+
+
+STRYKER, OHIO.
+
+A REMARKABLE SCENE.
+
+Mrs. R. R. Wallace wrote from Stryker, Ohio, April 18th, to the
+_Western Advocate_:
+
+“The ladies of our village have organized themselves into a ‘Woman’s
+Temperance League.’ We have not as yet visited the saloons, but are
+laboring in a different way. We meet as a band every Tuesday and
+Friday afternoon for prayer and speaking, and once a week prepare an
+entertainment or general mass-meeting for all interested in temperance.
+We held our first meeting on Friday evening, April 17th, and a more
+impressive scene was never witnessed in Stryker. The room was crowded
+to its utmost capacity. Several of our most prominent saloon-keepers
+were present. Our meeting was opened by singing and prayer; then a
+short address by Mrs. Lindsley, President of the League. We were next
+entertained by some very able and appropriate remarks by Colonel E. D.
+Bradley. While he was speaking, the husband of our president, who is a
+confirmed drunkard, came staggering toward the platform. With shame,
+mortification, and deepest anguish depicted on her countenance, the
+wife sprang to intercept him, not knowing what he would do. He pushed
+by her and reached the rostrum. Just as he passed her, she slipped
+the protruding bottle from his pocket, and placed it on the table
+at her side. In the meanwhile, the drunken, half-insensible husband
+returned to the audience and sat down. All was still as death; rising
+to her feet, and holding the bottle up to view, the half-frenzied wife
+exclaimed: ‘Here is the cause of my sorrow! Here are the tears--yea,
+the very life-blood of a drunkard’s wife. Look at it, rum-seller: Here
+is the poison dealt out by you to the once loved husband of my youth;
+but now (pointing to her husband) behold the remains--nothing but the
+remains--of what was once a noble and honored man. Love, truth, and
+even manhood itself has fled. Now behold him! And here (pointing to the
+bottle) is the cause.’ She stopped for a moment, and nothing was heard
+but the sobs of the audience; then turning her pale, anguish-stricken
+face toward heaven, she exclaimed, ‘How long, O Lord, shall
+intemperance reign--blighting our dearest earthly hopes and draining
+our very life’s blood!’ Then, turning to the audience, ‘Can you wonder
+why I raise my voice against this terrible evil? Sisters, will you help
+me?’ Cries of ‘Yes, yes!’ came from almost every lady in the house.
+She sat down pale and exhausted. The meeting concluded, but impressions
+were made that can never be erased. Sisters, take courage! the Lord is
+on our side, and right must prevail.”
+
+
+CHILLICOTHE, OHIO.
+
+Chillicothe is one of the oldest towns in the State. It was settled
+while the Indians still had possession of the territory. Like
+Hillsboro’ and Georgetown the early settlers were largely Kentuckians
+and Virginians, and the same idea of hospitality obtained. From the
+first settlement up to the present, whiskey has abounded.
+
+Forty years ago, there was a large number of distilleries in the
+county. But public sentiment had gradually improved, and drinking
+became more and more disreputable, until the Crusade put its stigma
+upon it. Situated in the valley of the Scioto, this town will remain an
+important station between the corn-fields and the distilleries, till
+the traffic is overthrown.
+
+Chillicothe has the honor of being the birth-place of Mrs. President
+Hayes, who sympathized with the Crusade movement, and has since done
+signal service by banishing liquors from the Presidential mansion.
+
+Saturday, April 5th, the Ross County Temperance Alliance met in
+Chillicothe, and although the ground was covered with snow, and the
+morning cold and raw, there was a large attendance of men and women.
+In the afternoon four bands of women, of about forty in each band,
+went on the streets, while the fifth band remained in the church
+for prayer. They drew large crowds upon the streets to witness their
+visits, but for a while the voice of prayer and praise sounded out upon
+the comparatively still streets. The bystanders, although curious,
+were respectful, and only inside the saloons from which the women were
+excluded was there anything like opposition. At some places there
+was whistling, singing and dancing, while the women were singing and
+praying.
+
+The women of this town, finding that Sabbath was the best day for the
+sale of beer and whiskey, continued their Crusade work on Sundays as on
+other days.
+
+At the municipal election, the whiskey power was successful. But
+the ladies continued their work with increased zeal, regardless of
+the defeat at the polls; petitions and pledges were circulated, and
+finally a Women’s Temperance Union organized, with a view to a long and
+determined siege.
+
+
+OTHER TOWNS.
+
+The following towns had a part In the Crusade, and were more or less
+successful: London; Logan’s Gap; Pomeroy; Middleport; Lancaster;
+South Charleston; Sydney; Loveland; Middletown; Higginsport; Milford;
+Nelsonville; Frankfort; Upper Sandusky; New Lexington; Cadiz; Toledo;
+Berea; Darrtown; Woodstock; Somerville; Hamilton; Walnut Hills;
+Plymouth; Norwalk; Galion; Dennison; West Jefferson; Harmony Village;
+Yellow Springs; West Milton; Hanover; College Corner; Mechanicsburg;
+Mount Carmel; Fort Ancient; Mount Sterling; Sunbury; Osborn; Alpha;
+Ironton; and Sandusky.
+
+
+
+
+INDIANA.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+SHELBYVILLE, INDIANA.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. Prof. Harrison for the following facts:
+
+On the 20th of January, 1874, a number of earnest, devoted women first
+made their appearance on our public square, to prosecute the glorious
+work of the Crusade. It is true, faithful men had been engaged in the
+cause forty or fifty years previous to this; and a noble work they had
+done, both for temperance and religion. We would honor the names of the
+workers in such a blessed cause.
+
+During this time various societies had sprung into existence. First,
+there was the Total Abstinence Society; then the Washingtonians; next
+the Good Templars, and so on.
+
+But all this time women, for the most part, remained in the background,
+hoping and praying at home, and in their closets, for the success of
+the efforts of their faithful husbands and brothers.
+
+But previous to the opening of the Crusade, things grew very dark
+and discouraging to some of the wives and mothers in Shelbyville;
+and, hearing of the success of their sisters in Ohio, they resolved
+to ascertain whether Indiana liquor men had yielding consciences
+like those of Ohio. So, after careful and prayerful consideration,
+a mothers’ meeting was called, to determine what had best be done.
+No one but those who were present at that meeting could conceive how
+wonderfully they were encouraged to go to work, trusting in the Lord
+for success. It seemed as if they had an inspiration from Heaven for
+their great undertaking. At a meeting of the Good Templars, held the
+next evening, some of the gentlemen present suggested that a committee
+of ladies be appointed to visit an individual who was talking of
+opening a new saloon, never dreaming that out of this the Women’s
+Crusade would commence in Indiana. Volunteers were called for, and ten
+Christian ladies offered their services. The next morning all met at
+the house of a devoted sister; and there, in solemn, fervent prayer,
+invoked Divine aid.
+
+From this fact it will be seen that they did not go out under improper
+excitement, or without calm and deliberate consideration. The rain was
+pouring down freely, but this did not deter them: in fact, they thought
+it was a suitable time for cold water workers. Accordingly, a speaker
+for the occasion was appointed, and the roll called, and all fell into
+line to visit the individual referred to. They met with good success.
+The man’s heart was touched to tenderness. They were then assured that
+God was in the work; and a proposition was made to visit another place
+where liquor was sold in great quantities. At once the proposition was
+acceded to. And, if there be such a place as Pandemonium on earth,
+that certainly was the place. More than a dozen men were drinking at
+the bar, as we entered. Two or three were past walking, and they lay on
+a table, dead-drunk. With those more sober, religious conversation was
+held, and we trust that the faithful words spoken that morning produced
+good that eternity alone will reveal.
+
+The ladies now resolved to visit every saloon in the place, which
+was accordingly done. That night, we believe, but few families
+offered prayer who did not remember the ladies on their mission of
+love and mercy. All Christians were in sympathy with this wonderful
+work of God, and encouraged true Christian women to labor for the
+suppression of the gigantic evil of intemperance. Soon they had a host
+of co-workers--about two hundred were added to the number. They were
+encouraged by numbers of noble Christian men, coming forward with their
+money and influence to assist in the work of reformation. The ladies
+continued earnestly laboring in the cause.
+
+The first saloon which surrendered was converted into a union chapel,
+and about seventy-five ladies marched, in line, from one of the
+churches to the new place of worship.
+
+Language would fail if I should attempt to describe the scene. Suffice
+it to say, a low, wretched, sin-cursed saloon was turned into a temple
+of prayer and praise; and a sweet little girl living there wished those
+ladies would sing and pray all the time--it was so much pleasanter than
+cursing and quarrelling.
+
+But I must refer to one earnest minister who spoke on that occasion:
+I mean a lady minister. Crowds of hard-drinking men were her audience
+in the room, and on the sidewalk were other crowds witnessing the
+scene, all listening to her eloquent appeals. This sister said she
+had a talented brother, whom to know was but to love, and yet,
+notwithstanding his noble and generous nature, he fell a victim to the
+vice of intemperance; and she was certain, if he could only come out
+of his grave, he would most faithfully warn every one, of the terrible
+evil, and most earnestly beseech all to sign the pledge, never, never
+to touch intoxicating drink. But this could not be permitted; and she
+felt it her imperative duty to do all in her power to promote the
+blessed work of temperance amongst those around her as neighbors and
+friends. She then poured forth a stream of eloquent Christian words,
+such as few had ever heard before. Surely the Spirit of God was in that
+wonderfully changed place at that solemn hour. The work went on with
+varied success for several months, and a number of inebriates were
+reformed, who have stood firm to this day, and the friends of the cause
+were strengthened in the faith.
+
+We ought to add that the saloon which was closed was used for
+prayer-meetings and a reading-room, until it passed into other hands,
+when the temperance society moved to one of the churches, where the
+meetings have been held ever since. Several meetings have been held in
+different parts of the county, at which excellent addresses have been
+delivered and powerful appeals made, and an amount of good done which
+we have not space to relate. A great many meetings have also been held
+in our city, which have been addressed by Governor Cumback, Mr. Baxter,
+and other distinguished speakers from abroad, as well as several at
+home. Among the home speakers we would refer to the late Judge Wright,
+a man who was well skilled in argument, had a fluent speech, and,
+moreover, was never ashamed to avow his sentiments. If all lawyers and
+men of talent had the independence and moral heroism that he had, in a
+very short time the death-blow would be given to intemperance, and our
+glorious country, nay, the whole world, would be forever free from its
+terrible and demoralizing influence.
+
+The society is now working under the Womens’ Christian Temperance
+Union, of Indiana, praying for the suppression of intemperance,
+visiting drunkards’ families, circulating pledges, and canvassing
+for signatures to petitions to send to legislative bodies. Over one
+thousand names have been sent last winter and this, praying that
+something may be done effectually for the destruction of this great
+national evil. Many persons that frowned and spoke unpleasantly a year
+or two ago, when asked this year, would sign gladly, and express the
+wish that the dreadful business was stopped at once and forever. And
+now we hail with joy the district convention in our midst, attended
+by such talented Christian women to assist us. And we fervently hope
+during the coming year that many more Christian ladies will join our
+society, and unite their influence with ours for the entire removal
+of the greatest evil that now curses our land. We are aware that there
+are some persons who are opposed to this work, especially as carried on
+by the women; but if the Saviour, our great Exemplar, could approve of
+women working, and even commend them for their efforts to do good, we
+feel perfectly safe in going forward in His name. He that is for us is
+more than all that can be against us. To Him be all the glory.
+
+I gather from newspapers published at the time, the following
+additional facts:
+
+Shelbyville contained one large distillery of “Corn Whiskey,” a brewery
+of poor ale, five doggeries, licensed under the Baxter law, five
+drug stores, three unlicensed liquor shops, and three or four houses
+of ill-fame, a total of public places of drunkenness of nineteen or
+twenty. The principal liquor family in town bears the name of Deprez.
+They came from Cincinnati about twenty years ago, and have grown rich
+selling liquor. Three of the principal licensed doggeries are run by
+two brothers and a sister of this family. The old stock were German
+Presbyterians in faith. “Gus” (as he is familiarly called) keeps the
+original establishment opposite the I. C. & L. Railroad depot. George
+had a substantial brick concern on the public square, and their sister,
+and her husband, Silas Metzer, are located on a principal street,
+adjoining the Baptist Church.
+
+Robertson & Nickum had a wholesale liquor house and dram shop beside.
+Robertson was the county treasurer lately, and belongs to a reputable
+family. Gid. Keck is the remaining licensed keeper. Captain Maze and
+O’Conner had the principal unlicensed rum depots.
+
+The ladies made daily visits to these places. The first of these visits
+was made by about a dozen elderly and middle-aged ladies.
+
+At Metzer’s they were met with insulting language and impertinence.
+George Deprez denied them admittance. Robertson, of the firm of
+Robertson & Nickum, treated them very rudely and contemptuously.
+
+No more visits were made for four days. During that time, however, the
+ladies were getting organized, and when they again went out they were
+led by Mrs. Elliott, and were about fifty strong. They again visited
+George Deprez; this time they were very kindly received and were
+invited in, and held a prayer-meeting, but could get no one to sign the
+pledge.
+
+The saloon of Maze was visited. They were admitted and found about
+a dozen men in the saloon. They were a motley crew. One or two bore
+lingering traces of former intelligent manhood. Others were the sad
+pitiable wrecks of alcoholic poison. Not one had reached middle life.
+They held their prayer-meeting, and before they left every man was in
+tears, and the proprietor gave a conditional promise to surrender. The
+second visit to this place Captain Maze signed the pledge and gave up
+the business. He went into another business, and his place became the
+head-quarters for the Crusaders.
+
+They organized under the following pledge:
+
+“We, the undersigned ladies of Shelbyville and vicinity, do hereby
+organize ourselves into a league, to be called the Women’s Temperance
+Union, for the purpose of suppressing the liquor traffic, and we
+solemnly pledge ourselves to use all just and honorable means in our
+power to accomplish this object.”
+
+Among the hundred names signed to this paper are those of Mrs. Elliott,
+wife of the President of the First National Bank, Mrs. Judge Wright,
+Mrs. Rev. G. P. Jenkins, Mrs. Dr. Green, Mrs. Professor Harrison, Mrs.
+Dr. Robins, Mrs. Dr. Parrish, Mrs. Dr. Clayton, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs.
+Hattie Robbins, Mrs. Sprague, Mrs. Lide Shaw, Mrs. Cumback, Mrs. Geo.
+H. Dunn, Mrs. Jeffras, and others.
+
+
+JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA.
+
+Mrs. Dr. Seymour furnishes the following interesting facts of the work
+in Jeffersonville:
+
+At ten o’clock A. M., February 12th, 1874, about one hundred of the
+ladies of Jeffersonville met in Wall Street Sunday-school room, for the
+purpose of organizing a Women’s Temperance Union. After a statement
+of the object of the meeting, and a free discussion, an organization
+was effected. The following pledge was signed by a large number of the
+ladies present:
+
+“We pledge ourselves to be at every meeting, if possible, and assist
+in this work of mercy. We also pledge ourselves to pray three times,
+_daily_, for this special work.”
+
+At the afternoon session of the same day the following resolutions were
+presented and adopted:
+
+“_Whereas_, We believe that a crisis has been reached, in which true
+popular sentiment demands the cessation of the liquor traffic; _and,
+whereas_, We have at heart the real interest of the seller, as well as
+the buyer of alcohol, therefore
+
+“_Resolved_, 1. That we, the women of Jeffersonville, organize
+ourselves into a Women’s Temperance Union.
+
+“2. That our object shall be, by moral suasion, to induce
+liquor-dealers to abandon their business, for their own welfare, and
+that of humanity; that, in our efforts, we will maintain an humble
+dependence upon Divine influence, knowing that without that we can do
+nothing.
+
+“3. That, uniting our prayers, we will never cease pleading until our
+object is attained.
+
+“4. That we invite the active co-operation of every true woman in the
+city, whether a Christian or not; and that we ask the prayers and moral
+support of all good men.”
+
+It was resolved that the officers of this Women’s Temperance Union be
+constituted an Executive Committee, who shall have the direction of the
+movements in which we are engaged, seven of whom shall constitute a
+quorum.
+
+Notwithstanding a blinding storm of rain, which continued all the
+afternoon, a large number of ladies assembled in Johnson’s Hall
+the next day, February 13th, to perfect further the work of the
+organization. A greater part of the time was spent in fervent prayer,
+for the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the difficult work
+we had undertaken, and the comforting assurance was given to many
+hearts that the Lord of Hosts was with us.
+
+It was resolved to hold a secret session on the following day at
+Wall Street Church, to which none but members of the Union should be
+admitted. By this time, one hundred and fourteen ladies had signified
+their intention to engage in the active work of the Union, by signing
+the pledge before referred to.
+
+As agreed, the Union met on the afternoon of February 14th. After a
+short season of solemn prayer, in which every soul was stilled, as in
+the visible presence of God, the officer presiding said: “During the
+silent watches of the night, while engaged in prayer, the conviction
+had come to her, that we ought to begin active work at once.” Several
+others said they had been similarly impressed. The president then read
+Matt. x. 32, 33--“Whosoever, therefore, shall confess me before men,
+him will I confess, also, before my Father which is in heaven; but
+whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my
+Father which is in heaven”--immediately following it with the request
+that every lady who was willing to go to the saloons to hold meetings,
+and go at once, would rise to their feet. Over sixty responded. We were
+soon formed in line, and silently and solemnly we went forth, with
+trembling but trustful hearts.
+
+By the time we reached our first point of attack, Stauss’ saloon, the
+alarm had spread, every door and window was bolted and barred, and
+a rabble waiting in front to receive us. In response to our knock,
+the barkeeper appeared, trembling and as white as a ghost, and said
+Mr. Stauss had gone over the Falls, and he could admit no one in his
+absence. Here we held our first street prayer-meeting, amid the angry
+taunts of the crowd assembled to intimidate us.
+
+From here we passed on to Font’s, one of the largest saloons, and
+the _only_ one in the city kept by a native American. Here we were
+received with a show of politeness, and invited in; but, as the event
+proved, only with the purpose of heaping upon us every indignity they
+dared offer. The sale of liquors never ceased for a moment; rude,
+half-drunken men crowded about us, with oaths and songs, attempting to
+drown the voice of prayer and praise.
+
+By the time we reached Klispie’s, the fashionable drinking-place of
+the town, we were surrounded by an angry mob. Here we were invited to
+enter, which we did, and began our prayer-meeting. We could not kneel,
+for the crowd pressed so closely upon us; our voices were drowned in
+the terrible din; barrels of beer were broken open, and their contents
+distributed; glasses, when emptied, were thrown up in the air, and came
+down upon the counter or floor with a deafening crash; the barkeeper
+sprang upon the counter, and led in a ribald song, in which his
+companions joined him; men beat upon the doors and empty beer barrels,
+and yelled with rage; they glared upon us with eyes full of deadly
+hate, but they dared not touch a hair of our heads, or a thread of our
+garments, for God was around and about us as a wall of fire: we felt as
+safe and secure as we ever did sitting about our own quiet firesides--a
+new and wonderful sense of our Father’s protecting care over us, came
+to us as we worshipped amid that pandemonium; and as we passed out,
+unharmed, feelings akin to those experienced by the Hebrew children, as
+they emerged from the fiery furnace, stirred our breasts.
+
+We returned to the church, to bow in humble gratitude before Him who
+had been our Guide.
+
+Such was the history of the first day’s work among the saloons. Days,
+and weeks, and even months passed, in which these scenes were repeated,
+though rarely were the powers of darkness so rampant as on this first
+day.
+
+On Monday morning, February 16th, we visited a number of the saloons
+again. We were not expected, and held our meetings without any
+disturbance. In the afternoon we held a praise and prayer-meeting,
+while a mob of five thousand people, who had gathered from our
+neighboring city, Louisville, raged with disappointment without. The
+street about the church was so crowded that our policemen were obliged
+to clear a way for those who wished to enter or leave the meeting. Hour
+after hour they waited for the Crusaders to appear, until the darkness
+of coming night drove them home.
+
+The heart experiences of those days can never be told. _We walked
+with God._ His presence made it light all about us; we _knew_ the
+_blessedness_ of being reviled and persecuted for Christ’s sake; the
+most timid among us grew strong and brave enough to bear any cross, and
+we all felt it was sweet not only to work, but to suffer for His sake.
+
+As the result of the first month’s work, all the druggists of the city
+signed the druggists’ pledge; all the physicians but _two_ signed
+pledges to use liquor in their practice in cases of emergency only.
+
+Total abstinence pledges had been generally signed. There was such an
+awakening upon the subject of temperance as was never known before. The
+liquor traffic was reduced at least sixty per cent. Ninety-one street
+and saloon meetings had been held. Though no saloon had been closed,
+most cheering moral results had been attained, and the workers felt
+that their labor had not been in vain.
+
+Efforts were made by the saloon-keepers to bring the law to bear upon
+us, to prevent our holding street meetings. With this in view, Judge
+Bicknell, of the Circuit Court, published a card, stating, among other
+things, that “Mob law enforced by women is no better than mob law
+enforced by men. Also, no crowd has a right to assemble in a man’s
+place of lawful business to interrupt that business by praying, or
+anything else. Further, that violation of natural or social rights, if
+encouraged, generally end in riot and bloodshed.”
+
+On Saturday, March 28th, the only American saloon-keeper in the town
+signed the pledge and closed his saloon.
+
+In September, we held a Martha Washington tea party, which brought
+$325 into our treasury. A large part of this was expended in securing
+temperance speakers from abroad to assist us at our mass-meetings,
+which were inaugurated at the beginning of our work, and held
+semi-weekly for a year and a half.
+
+On June 9th, the Secretary of the Union made the following record:
+
+Since February 12th, the Ladies’ Temperance Union of Jeffersonville
+has held 152 street prayer-meetings, beside a large amount of
+committee work done, visiting saloons, offering pledges, conversing
+with saloon-keepers, trying to persuade them to give up their unholy
+business, and in many instances praying with and for them.
+
+When the Union commenced its work, there were forty-two places in the
+city where liquor was sold. One saloon has closed, and several others
+been compelled to cease selling. We have circulated pledges in every
+ward in the city, and in most of the wards have secured the names of
+a majority of the voters against signing permits for license. We feel
+that for three months, at least, we have tried earnestly to work for
+the advancement of the cause of Christ, and to hasten the coming of His
+kingdom. We feel that we have received rich supplies of grace day by
+day, as we have gone forth to work in this vineyard, and humbly trust
+our works may prove a blessing to our city, and to the cause for which
+we are laboring.
+
+A week or two later, one of the leading lawyers of the city stated
+publicly that there were eight times as many cases in the city court in
+the same length of time in 1873 as in 1874. He attributed this fact to
+the womans’ movement; it spoke for itself; he had had but two fees in a
+month.
+
+We continued our saloon work at intervals during the winter, generally
+visiting them in committees of three or more.
+
+Temperance literature was secured and distributed broadcast. Much was
+accomplished by individual effort. Our last visit to the saloons was
+made March 5th, 1875, after which date our Union ceased to exist as an
+active organization. A large part of our members have since identified
+themselves with the Ribbon Club, or other similar organizations, and
+are engaged in temperance work in some way.
+
+Last Saturday there was a meeting called for the purpose of
+reorganizing our Union.
+
+ A VOICE FROM THE PRISON HOUSE.
+
+ JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA.
+
+MRS. WITTENMEYER:--Your astonishment will doubtless be great at
+receiving this letter, when I tell you it is from a convict. Your
+excellent paper (_The Christian Woman_) has reached me by the hands of
+Mrs. B. F. Osborn, who sometimes visits this prison as a missionary.
+Your paper has been a bright light in a dark cell, by pointing me to
+the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world. I have nothing
+stirring to communicate--stern realities pertaining to the welfare of
+the soul demand my utmost attention. To take one glance at the 537
+uniformed convicts, filing into the dining-room in long, sad lines,
+and to know that this mass of thieves, murderers, and adepts in all
+kinds of villany, owe their condition remotely or immediately to the
+thousand-toothed demon called the worm of the still, is a temperance
+lecture more eloquent than ever thrilled an audience of Gough, Malloy,
+or Benson. _And I am one of them._ Oh, how it makes my heart ache
+to realize this awful fact. Never can I wrap myself in the shroud of
+oblivion. As I look back upon my past life, it seems to be a cesspool
+of iniquity; a trackless desert, inhabited only by the spirits of
+past opportunities; an ocean of the soul, wrapt in all the horrors
+of Stygian darkness; and swept incessantly with the dread simooms of
+remorse.
+
+I am but a youth, comparatively speaking; but my life has been a life
+of dissipation. I have seen and felt enough of intemperance to make me
+regard it with detestation.
+
+This confinement has been a God’s blessing to me. Liberty is sweet,
+friends are dear, but if I knew that I had to live my past life over, I
+would rather remain here the remainder of my days. Please remember me
+kindly in your prayers. Now, may God bless you, and your labor, above
+all I can ask or think, is the humble and sincere prayer of
+
+ A. S. J.
+
+
+CHESTERTOWN, INDIANA.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. C. S. Jones for the following facts:
+
+About the first week in March, 1874, we organized our first Crusade
+band. We met at the M. E. Church several days, before we ventured out
+on the street. We were few in number; only twenty-two at first, but our
+number increased. There was a mighty work before us, for our town was
+of whiskey-birth; as the first erection was a whiskey-barrel, then a
+house, then a saloon.
+
+When we organized, there were five places where intoxicating drinks
+could be had in our little village, and three up the railroad at the
+next station. Some said, “You will never see the day when there will
+not be a saloon in Chestertown,” but we all did. In connection with the
+band, we held two meetings a week, in which we obtained signers to the
+pledge.
+
+We conducted our meetings in the way that the M. E. Church does its
+love-feasts. We did not send off for help, but went at it ourselves,
+and by the aid of the great Helper we succeeded in closing six saloons,
+two drug stores, and one place where they sold in connection with their
+groceries. This was completed in six weeks. So Chestertown led the van
+in Porter county.
+
+There were some amusing circumstances connected with our work, which,
+perhaps, will be interesting to some of our readers. When we first met,
+some said, we had better wait until they get through at Valparaiso,
+and get them to come and help us; but the Spirit said work, and we
+could not wait, not knowing how long we should have to wait. And as
+they appointed me as their leader, I thought, perhaps, it would be best
+to visit Valparaiso, and learn their method of work. So I started,
+and leaving the depot, walked up-town, and there were the faithful
+Christian temperance women at the door of a saloon, praying and
+singing, with hearts full of love for their fellow-creatures. A hearty
+welcome was given, and for two days we worked together.
+
+Returning home with still stronger convictions, we went to work in
+earnest, but some said, “Remember, I have no faith,” and others, “I
+will join if you will not go out on the street;” consequently, we had
+to move slowly at first, until their courage arose. As I told them we
+were not going in the street until we got ready, we did not, but after
+meeting a few times, they were all ready, and we started, and, as in
+other cases, the very dogs were ready to help, for as one of the number
+owned a nice, white dog, it took the lead, and as we walked the street,
+it advanced of its own accord, and cleared the way. It was amusing to
+see it, and as we desired solemnity, it required no little effort to
+suppress laughter. Thus we passed down Main street, and back to the
+church, everybody running to see us.
+
+Each day we met, we tried to take the saloonists by surprise, and often
+did. We had articles of agreement drawn for the different dealers in
+the traffic, and finally presented them, and they were duly signed,
+although it took much persuading to get it done. In one instance, the
+owner of the property that was rented for a saloon, threatened to take
+hold of the keeper for the rent, but the Lord softened his heart, and
+he relented; he said he would put his beer in the cellar, and drink it
+himself, and when that was gone he would get more; if he could not get
+it in America, he would send across the ocean.
+
+But this man’s family were all, except one, stricken down by disease,
+and lay near death, himself dying, so he did not live to drink the
+beer. I hope the Lord had mercy on his soul, for his wife told me (as I
+visited her in their affliction), that he thought he should not live,
+and that he read his Bible constantly, as long as he could, and he
+requested Mr. Jones to visit him, which he did, reading the consoling
+promises to him, and conversing with him; he stated that his trust was
+in Jesus.
+
+After we had closed all the saloons, some proposed to have this poison
+delivered at their cellars by means of a beer-wagon driven by one of
+the distillers of Valparaiso. This way of evading the law they thought
+would match us. Luckily, we espied the first arrival. We were at the
+church. Those who had made their previous purchase were not at home,
+and as their wives belonged to the temperance band, they were forbidden
+to leave it, and they were defeated. At other places they left the beer
+if they were enough in advance of the band.
+
+However, we did not get discouraged. We resolved that the first one
+that saw the beer-wagon was to ring the church-bell, and no matter
+what we were doing, or at what hour, we were to run to the rescue. One
+morning ring, ring, ring; louder and louder pealed forth the call from
+the old bell. True to our resolution, we all ran. The old, gray-haired
+grandmother, the maid, and the children (for we were drilling our
+daughters). We met and followed the beer-wagon, now up one street, then
+down an alley; lifting up our banner in the name of the Lord, and He
+helped us to triumph.
+
+The driver had started very early, even before breakfast, and we gave
+him no peace; he had to retreat, and go back to Valparaiso. A gentleman
+coming from Valparaiso said that he saw him, and tried to get him to
+come back, and take a load of carpenters with him: his reply was, “I
+would not go back to Chestertown for a thousand dollars.”
+
+This is what became of the travelling saloon, but the driver fell into
+the hands of the Lord; for death followed close at his heels.
+
+A German kept liquor in the house where he kept the post-office, and
+he said that he never would give up to these “vimmens.” But we found
+the quickest way to get a German to yield was to get at his money. He
+had violated the law, the officials arrested him, and they told him if
+he would sign the women’s paper, and not sell any more, and give them
+his license, they would pardon him; so rather than lose his money, he
+said: “Send dem vimmens, and I will sign der bapers.” They brought him
+to my house, and he was glad to sign our papers, and give us his liquor
+license, which we keep as a proof of the work we had done.
+
+It was common for saloon-keepers to make threats, but we often found
+that they were the greatest cowards, and they were the most easily
+overcome when approached in the right way. One at Porter said that he
+would shoot us, and his wife said she would scald us, but two of us
+went to the saloon, and he gave us his license and signed our papers
+without any trouble. Thus we closed our work at home and vicinity. Then
+the Macedonian cry came from Lake, Miller, Hobert, and other stations,
+“Come over and help us.” As we felt it to be our duty, we said we
+would come. As Lake was first in order, we sent them an appointment, a
+band-meeting in the day, and mass-meeting at night. The day arrived;
+four of us went up in the morning, organized the band the best we
+could. In the evening there were about twenty members of our society
+left the train, and were met by the best of the citizens, and escorted
+to tea, after which we repaired to the school-house for mass-meeting.
+We opened our meeting, as usual, with reading of the Scripture and
+devotions, and singing by our temperance glee club. During the speaking
+the opposite party made quite a noise, and finally it was almost a
+mob. Some became frightened, but we kept them quiet as possible. We
+offered them a chance to defend their cause, but they did not seem to
+be disposed to do so.
+
+When they found that they could not break up our meeting, some left
+the house and joined the rabble out-doors, firing guns, and groaning
+to make us think some one was hurt, and thus cause us to leave. But we
+had met to hold a temperance meeting, and we did. When we were ready
+we circulated the pledge, and obtained about thirty names, several of
+whom were drunkards. Several signed because they saw the effects of
+liquor, and were ashamed of their party, and I am happy to say, that
+in returning to the cars none were hurt, although the roughs escorted
+them to the train with tin cans,--anything that would make a noise.
+But one of their own company met them at the depot, drew his coat,
+and ordered them to let the temperance folks alone, throw down their
+clubs, and behave themselves as they ought to. This ended our first day
+and night’s work at Lake Station. However, our Crusade band did not
+all go; several stayed until the next day, to assist in getting into
+working order the newly organized band.
+
+According to appointment we met, and started out to visit the
+drinking-saloons. First, we obtained the signature of the keeper of
+the hotel. While our committee were in, the rest stood on the sidewalk
+singing; a train arrived, and the train hands seeing them there,
+left the train, secured clubs, and marched toward the band, swinging
+and flourishing them, but, as the women sang on and stood firm, they
+slackened their pace, dropped their clubs, and returned to the railroad
+again. One more victory achieved, with renewed strength we proceeded to
+the next place, it being a saloon. The wife met us at the door. We told
+her we wished to see her husband. She said he was sick. We mistrusted
+what ailed him, and said we would come in. She opened the door, and we
+went in. He seemed frightened; he finally said he would re-ship his
+liquor and quit.
+
+He always got sick when the Crusade came around. As this station had so
+hard a name, the temperance people had sent for an officer from Crown
+Point to guard us; and he, having arrived, went with us to the next
+saloon. It being the hardest place in town, some advised us not to go,
+as they considered it not safe, but we went, our guard at our side. The
+saloon-keeper was not at home; his wife was up-stairs, and talked to us
+out of the window. In the adjoining lot there was an old house filled
+with men, but no harm was done us. We did not succeed at this place in
+closing all the saloons, as we could not stay, and the band at this
+town met with things that they thought they could not overcome; yet
+there was a good work done, and many saved. We held other mass-meetings
+at this place, but were not disturbed.
+
+Our next point was Hobart. We organized a band in the Methodist
+Episcopal Church, held a mass-meeting at night, had an interesting
+meeting, and obtained about thirty more names to the pledge, and left
+the work to them. There is one thing that should not be overlooked, and
+that is: the first year not one of our company died, but five of our
+opposers were suddenly stricken down. Different ones sent me word, on
+their dying beds, that they were wrong, and the temperance folks were
+right. I felt to say, “The Lord called, but ye would not hearken.”
+There were about five hundred signed our temperance pledge.
+
+
+THORNTOWN, INDIANA.
+
+Caroline E. Haworth furnishes the following facts:
+
+The tidal wave which struck Thorntown, the 16th of March, 1874, was
+preceded by the Holy Spirit, or perhaps the Awakening Angel, who
+visited some three or four of our number.
+
+Never shall I forget one night about midnight, when I was aroused from
+my slumber, as if some one was shaking my pillow, and I heard a voice,
+an audible voice, saying: “What hast thou done for me? I have died for
+thee,” and a mighty trembling seized my whole being, for I knew it was
+the voice of the Lord. The words were repeated; I became alarmed; upon
+being asked what was the matter, I repeated what I had heard, and said
+I did not know but the Lord was going to send me away as a missionary
+or something, I did not know what; I could not sleep, I was in such
+terrible agony: I tried to say, “Lord, Thy will be done, not mine,” but
+my rebellious heart would not surrender. The next night the whole scene
+was re-enacted, then I partially surrendered, telling the Lord, I would
+do what I could, for I felt I could endure it no longer, and he knew me
+altogether, and would not require more of me than I was able to perform.
+
+The next night Mrs. Henderson, in a meeting, related a similar
+experience, and said she had promised the Lord she would go to a drug
+store, which was selling intoxicating liquors, and offer up prayer, and
+if there was a sister in the house who would go with her, she would
+please rise: four arose to their feet. Night came and six Christian
+mothers might have been seen wending their way down the street to the
+drug store. A hymn was first sung, then all knelt down by the door.
+Mrs. Henderson led in prayer, then Mrs. Hines. After singing another
+appropriate verse, Mrs. Milhouse, of precious memory, with pale,
+earnest, upturned face, in a solemn, truthful manner, pleaded that God
+would hear and answer His children.
+
+On leaving the place the proprietor said he wished it distinctly
+understood, that we were “not to come again on these steps; you profess
+to be sent here by the Spirit of God, but I think your God is in h--l.”
+At that the hissing crowd rushed around him, while these timid women
+walked quietly away, nothing daunted, believing it was better to obey
+God rather than man. The next night the little band numbered twenty,
+and repaired to the place and knelt just off of the pavement down in
+the snow, and there supplicated a throne of grace. The third night the
+praying band had increased to about fifty, the crowd still increasing
+in proportion.
+
+Not only the town people, but for miles around in the country, the
+people came to see and hear.
+
+A daily prayer-meeting was held in one of the churches, for over
+one year; then a prayer-meeting was held every Thursday afternoon.
+Mass-meetings were held, public speakers engaged, remonstrances and
+pledges circulated, and the work kept on increasing and steadily
+advancing.
+
+A Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized, with Mrs. Milhouse
+as President.
+
+One of the leading spirits in this Crusade, a great sufferer from
+intemperance, one on whom the Spirit of God rested, was “Grandma Boyd.”
+She was instant in season and out of season, and being a natural
+orator, could fight the enemy hand-to-hand, and face to face; then, as
+she often expressed herself, mounting her light horse (which was her
+prayer charger), she would go direct to the great white Throne, and
+there with strong faith, take hold of the horns of the altar. At such
+times she seemed almost to bring heaven and earth together.
+
+
+CRAWFORDSVILLE, INDIANA.
+
+Miss Mary D. Naylor furnishes the following brief sketch of the
+temperance work done in Crawfordsville:
+
+In the winter of 1874, when the ‘Woman’s Crusade’ began in Ohio, and
+spread over the State like a wave of the sea, the women of Indiana
+watched and waited for the results with intense interest. And, with
+‘bated breath,’ said one to another, “What if this ‘tidal wave’ rolls
+over into Indiana! Are we ready for it? And have _we_ not as much
+reason for this work as our sisters of Ohio? Have we not saloons in our
+midst, and is not the liquor traffic bringing ruin and desolation to
+many homes? And is not this the ‘call of God’ to the women of our land
+to put away this evil from us?”
+
+A mass-meeting of the temperance people of the city of Crawfordsville
+was called to meet in Centre Presbyterian Church, at three o’clock P.
+M., March 11th, 1874. This “call” was largely responded to, by the
+ministers of the various churches, and the leading men and women of the
+city.
+
+The meeting was called to order, and opened by singing the hymn, “All
+hail the power of Jesus’ name,” followed by a fervent prayer for God’s
+blessing upon the work, by Rev. R. F. Caldwell--and then the beautiful
+song, “Shining Shore,” was sung. Rev. John Safford, pastor of the
+church, assured us of his hearty co-operation in the work; and gave as
+a motto, “Push things,” as one worthy to be accepted as our battle-cry
+in this great and glorious work of exterminating the liquor traffic,
+never forgetting that in God is our strength and help.
+
+A Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized that day, with the
+following officers elect:
+
+Mrs. Joseph Milligan, President; Mrs. Maria L. Naylor, Vice-President,
+1st Ward; Mrs. Wm. Enoch, Vice-President, 2d Ward; Mrs. Dr. Purviance,
+Vice-President, 3d Ward; Mrs. J. P. Campbell, Treasurer; Miss Mary D.
+Naylor, Secretary.
+
+This official force, with the many earnest Christian men and women
+ready for work, met often in the various churches (which were _freely_
+opened to them), for prayer and counsel, as to the best methods for
+furthering our cause. It was not deemed best to “Crusade” on the
+streets; but to avail ourselves of the Baxter law, (local option,) and
+prosecute the cases in our courts. Whenever petitions were presented
+for license, to file a remonstrance, and with proper witnesses to
+testify as to the “moral character,” etc., of the applicant; with our
+temperance men and women present in the court-room, an unprecedented
+influence was thus brought to bear, and one case after another
+defeated. In fact not one of the many applicants received license.
+
+Much good was done in this way--not only by shutting up the saloons,
+and preventing the opening of new ones, but also by the building up
+of a public sentiment on the subject of temperance, and a stirring
+up of the temperance element, and bringing to a _decided opinion
+many_ who heretofore were _conservative_, and had felt no _individual
+responsibility_ in the matter.
+
+Good Templar Lodges have been revived and increased by the labors of
+the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, both in our city and throughout
+the county. Some saloon visiting was done; but not to any great extent.
+We worked in any and _all_ ways, to overcome the enemy. We have been
+permitted to see men taken from the gutter, become sober, Christian
+men, “clothed and in their right mind,” who attribute their conversion
+to the efforts of the Christian temperance workers.
+
+Eternity alone can reveal _all_ the results. The “Crusade” is not dead,
+the work still goes on. That the “little leaven” will finally “leaven
+the whole lump,” is my unwavering faith.
+
+Truly, “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.”
+
+
+EVANSVILLE, INDIANA.
+
+The officers of the Union furnish the following facts: We have been
+called the Sevastopol of intemperance in comparison with other places
+in the State. Whether we deserved this name or not, it is a fact that
+intemperance prevailed to an alarming extent; and while its ravages
+were all around us, few seemed to realize the danger.
+
+Some of our ladies had been reading of the Crusade work in other
+places, and were awakened to the subject, but were hesitating as to
+the expediency of inaugurating the work here, where we had such a
+mixed population, when the ministers, at their monthly meeting, drew
+up resolutions, calling upon the Christian women to take active steps
+in the matter. This decided them, even the doubting ones feeling they
+could not hold back, without being allied to the enemy.
+
+Our first meeting was held March 14th, 1874, twelve churches being
+represented. After organizing, and electing officers, our first
+aggressive work was to enlist the various county officials, members of
+the bar, etc., by presenting a petition for their signatures, asking
+their sympathy and indorsement of the movement, and their co-operation
+in the enforcement of the existing temperance laws.
+
+This petition was largely signed by the members of the bar, and it may
+also be a matter of surprise to know that our county commissioners
+were the first to put their names to the paper. But it is a fact, and
+stands out in strange contrast to the course they afterwards pursued.
+It clearly shows the wonderfully potent effect that mere personal
+interest, and political pressure, has upon our officials, to warp their
+better judgment, and turn them from their honest convictions.
+
+As our work progressed, it seemed to shape itself more into a
+determination for the enforcement of the liquor law, and the toning up
+and educating of public sentiment, rather than saloon visitation and
+street-praying, as in many other places.
+
+In accord with this fact, morning prayer-meetings were established,
+public mass-meetings were held, and a total abstinence and a voters’
+pledge were circulated for signatures. In canvassing, our ladies had
+some racy as well as trying experiences. Some of our German women
+seemed to understand just enough of English to say, “No temperance! no
+temperance!” and I am sorry to say they were not the only ones, for
+some of our own people, yea, some of our church members, said the same
+thing, “No temperance!”
+
+In the lower part of the city, as two of our ladies were out with
+pledges, they came near being mobbed. At first they were followed by
+one saloon-keeper only, who insisted on their buying him out. Soon he
+was joined by one and another of his companions, hooting and yelling as
+they went along. The ladies, becoming alarmed for their safety, rushed
+to the nearest friendly house for shelter, and there remained until the
+crowd dispersed.
+
+In many places in the State, temperance workers found a vast amount
+of fraud practised, in the way the liquor petitions were gotten up.
+Names of persons long since dead, and of others living out of the
+ward, as well as of those who had never authorized such use of their
+signatures, were all found attached to these petitions. Thinking these
+irregularities might also exist here, our Union employed counsel to
+investigate the matter. On the assembling of the county commissioners
+on the first of June, a large number of ladies, attended by their legal
+advisers, appeared before them. One of our number offered a fervent
+prayer. Our President, Mrs. A. L. Crosby, addressed them, setting forth
+these irregularities, and asked that a thorough investigation might be
+made before granting any permits.
+
+The following Friday was set for the hearing of the case, and in
+the meantime quite an excitement was stirred up. On Friday the
+commissioners found their own room too small, and adjourned to the
+one usually occupied by the Circuit Court, which was soon filled to
+overflowing.
+
+After the morning session, as the ladies were leaving, they were met
+by an excited mob; and here I quote, as authority, from the _Evening
+Herald_ of that date, as perhaps the description is more graphic than I
+can give:
+
+“After rendering this decision, the commissioners adjourned till the
+afternoon. At half-past one, the audience, which had by this time
+increased to a great number, then left the court-room, and a great
+portion of them, mostly saloon-keepers and their patrons, stationed
+themselves along the aisles from the court-house to the sidewalk,
+through which it was supposed the ladies would have to pass.
+
+“Judge Robinson was the first one to run the gauntlet, and his
+appearance was greeted with hisses and scoffs, some of the participants
+going so far as to push him rudely from one side to the other. Then the
+ladies prepared to make their exit; the buzz and clamor of the mob in
+the yard could be plainly heard. As they descended the stairs led by
+Rev. Mr. Webb, of Ingle Street Church, they saw the men, and desiring
+to escape them, they turned to make their exit through the side door
+opening to Main street.
+
+“It was here that August Brauns, a man who, by some peculiar and
+unaccountable line of circumstances, has been awarded the responsible
+position of Deputy County Auditor, showed himself. He saw the movement
+the ladies were about to make, and hurriedly running to the door, cried
+out: ‘Here they go around this way.’ With a yell the mob started around
+in front.
+
+“The ladies faltered, and dared not venture out into that yelling,
+hissing, scoffing mob, when suddenly our gallant sheriff, Add.
+Plafflin, sprang to the front, and cried out that he would see that
+those ladies were not hurt. Drawing his billy, he rushed into the
+street, and cried out, ‘Stand back or somebody will get hurt.’ The mob
+stopped, not a man moved. Held by the power of one man’s bravery this
+select assembly of transplanted American citizens, who a few moments
+ago had, with unparalleled bravery, bristled about a feeble gray-haired
+old man, and who an instant before were prepared to assault the ladies,
+stood speechless.
+
+“In an instant the deputies had rallied to their chief; and under
+the protection of the corps, the ladies walked down Main street and
+dispersed to their homes.”
+
+In the afternoon most of the ladies returned, and during the rest of
+the trial, which lasted several days, the number increased. At first
+we imagined we should have a fair and impartial hearing; everything
+was evidently in our favor. In one petition we found names omitted,
+but still numbered; names repeated several times. Thirteen swore
+positively, that they never authorized such use of their signatures,
+and when asked to do so had refused. Still, in the face of all this,
+these very petitions were granted. In fact it was a kind of a wholesale
+business, for as many as seventy permits were granted in one day.
+
+It was remarked to the president of the board of commissioners, that he
+would be met on this question at the polls, and it is pleasant to know
+that he was met there at the late fall elections and _defeated_.
+
+One of the inspired said, “When the wicked beareth rule, the people
+mourn.” We find this as true to-day as it has been in all ages past.
+
+Through the summer our weekly prayer-meetings were kept up. The
+subject of youth’s temperance societies was often under discussion,
+but deferred from time to time. In December, 1874, we circulated two
+petitions, one issued by the State Temperance Alliance; the other by
+the Ladies’ Temperance Union, of Indiana. Both of these petitions
+received a good number of signatures, and were presented to our
+Legislature, by Mrs. ex-Governor Wallace, of Indianapolis. We also
+circulated a memorial to Congress, asking for restrictive legislation
+in the District of Columbia, and the Territories.
+
+This in brief is a summary of our first year’s work. The question has
+often been asked, What does all this effort and self-sacrifice amount
+to? That more prayer, more faith, and more zeal could have produced
+greater results, cannot be denied; still our efforts have not been
+in vain. Of this we are certain, though we may be unable to measure
+ultimate consequences. Some tempted souls have been led to form better
+resolutions, and our own children even, may have had their feet turned
+unto the right path by our efforts and examples.
+
+The agitation and consequent discussion of this subject has awakened
+the public mind to the enormity of this evil, and many who were
+indifferent before, are earnest workers now. I am told that on last
+New Year’s day, most of our ladies, who were accustomed previously to
+entertain with wines, banished it entirely from their boards.
+
+After our defeat before the county commissioners, as heretofore
+described, and the repeal of the Baxter law by the Legislature the
+following winter, the enemy felt that the temperance cause was entirely
+vanquished, and that they had the field. Many of our own number left
+us, and those who had never joined us seemed to feel a pleasure that
+they had never been mixed up with anything so unpopular. We saw there
+was no redress in human laws, and so appealed our case directly to the
+high court above, feeling assured the great Judge would not turn a
+deaf ear to our pleadings, but that in His own time, and His own way,
+would surely grant our petition. And so a temperance prayer-meeting was
+established, or rather continued; and for over two years this little
+band of sisters, often not more than enough to claim the promise, have
+met together and pleaded their cause.
+
+In the meantime, several petitions and memorials were circulated and
+sent to the Central Society, at Indianapolis, to be presented to the
+Legislature, or to be forwarded on to Washington. It is an old saying
+that “the darkest hour is just before day,” and so it proved with us,
+for scarcely a glimmer of light shed its ray out over the midnight
+darkness.
+
+In May of this year our President, Mrs. M. A. Ross, attended the annual
+meeting of the W. C. T. U. of Indiana, held in Richmond, and there met
+Mr. Bontacue, one of the leaders of the red ribbon movement. She came
+home enthused with the subject, and soon after presented the cause in
+her own church prayer-meeting, getting a response from _one_ brother,
+that he could stand by her in case Mr. Bontacue should come. And so
+this faithful band of sisters came together, and prayed over the
+matter; and with not a few misgivings as to final results, directed the
+message to him to come.
+
+He arrived the 19th of June, and at first the meetings were small, and
+for nearly a week very few converts were made to the cause. They felt
+discouraged, and talked over ways and means for success, and finally
+appointed a meeting for _men only_, in the Criminal Court room. When
+the meeting began very few were present, but soon the singing in such
+an unusual place attracted attention, and one after another dropped in,
+till there was a tolerably good audience.
+
+That night a young man, well known in the city, belonging to a family
+of wealth and culture, went forward, signed the pledge, donned the _red
+ribbon_, and made a little speech. It acted like an electric shock
+in the community. People flocked thither to see what was going on.
+Soon they were compelled to adjourn to a larger hall. Other young men
+joined, making initiatory speeches, and hundreds were unable to get
+into the hall, and were compelled to go away.
+
+All this time the temperance women stood back, directing affairs,
+but were not publicly known as being more than other observers. Mr.
+Bontacue remained some days longer, organizing the Red, White, and Blue
+Ribbon Clubs, and then left for other fields of labor.
+
+Under the able leadership of the Presidents of the different clubs, the
+work is still going on. In the city and county, at this date, September
+18th, 1877, there are about _four thousand members_. And so our hearts
+rejoice in the Lord, for He has done more for us than we could ask, or
+even think.
+
+We can hardly believe our own eyes, as we see these men “clothed and
+in their right mind,” standing before large audiences, pleading with
+church members, as well as with drinking men, to come and join them. We
+hope the work is just begun, and that it will go on till all shall be
+gathered, not only under the temperance banner, but also into the fold
+of Christ.
+
+M. A. Ross gives the following interesting incident:
+
+“We had a large distillery here, running in full force, when our work
+began, and one of our sisters made it a special point in her prayer, to
+ask that its wheels might be stopped, its doors closed, its grain given
+to feed the poor, and its men find better employment. In a few weeks it
+was closed, and has never made another gallon of whiskey since. It went
+into the hands of the government, and was several times offered for
+sale, finding no purchaser. It was sold a few weeks ago to a party who
+are fitting it up as a flour mill; and now, verily, its grain will go
+to feed the poor.”
+
+
+MADISON, INDIANA.
+
+I am indebted to Mary E. Sullivan, Secretary of the Union at this
+place, for the following facts:
+
+The untold anguish of years found utterance at last on the morning of
+March 5th, 1874. Rev. W. W. Snyder prepared the way for the Quakeress,
+Mrs. Hunt and her husband, and others, for the Crusade in Madison. And
+as if we were to meet with the direst opposition from the very outset,
+the liquor-men, this same evening, met and formed an organization to
+resist the women.
+
+Mrs. Hunt, after her husband’s address, rose calmly and spoke to
+the masses crowded into the pews, aisles, and gallery of Old Wesley
+Chapel. The enthusiasm was intense. On the morning of March 7th, a
+business meeting came together at Trinity Church. W. M. Monroe gave a
+stirring address; proffered his aid to do _anything_--work that was
+too menial for anybody else, to enable him to make amends for wrongs
+committed years ago, when he kept a hotel before he was God’s servant.
+Local option prevailed in Indiana, and J. W. Levick urged “action.”
+Accordingly, after prayer by Mrs. Hunt, the ladies filed out, and moved
+in a body to the court-house, to visit the commissioners who were then
+in session. And now, for the first time, the voice of a woman was heard
+in prayer in that building, and amid the most intense interest and
+profound attention, she prayed for the court-house officials.
+
+We continued our visits to the commissioners, and committees canvassed
+the city, urging those who had signed the petitions of saloonists
+to withdraw their names. On March 9th, the room was crowded to its
+utmost capacity, and we can do no better than copy from the _Madison
+Courier_: “Gathered about the three commissioners, and the opposing
+attorneys, who were seated at the table, was an audience, which, for
+motley and variegated appearance, challenges the experience of the
+oldest inhabitant. Side by side, sat or stood, the low, shambling
+debauchee, and the lady of aristocratic mien and person. Brewers
+and saloon-keepers with burly bodies and flushed faces, contrasted
+strangely with the pale-faced, proper-looking parsons, and their
+adherents. The ‘odor of sanctity,’ and the fumes of tobacco, seemed
+strangely intermingled, and there was incongruity in everything. Upon
+the opening of the case, attention was riveted upon the opposing
+attorneys, John W. Levick, for the temperance cause; and Judge J. R.
+Cravens, for Donahue.”
+
+Judge Cravens was counsel representing Mr. Charles A. Korbly, who,
+throughout the Crusade, stood like an adamantine wall against the
+ladies. On the morning of March 10th, after consulting the county
+attorney, A. D. Vanosdol, the commissioners refused the license to sell
+intoxicating liquor to Mr. Donahue. McLaughlin and Gaumer withdrew
+their applications.
+
+We continued our work quietly and steadily, and a great number of
+signers to temperance and other pledges were obtained during our
+canvass of the city. And all the time, the spirit of earnest prayer and
+deep devotion prevailed, and women tremblingly waited.
+
+We knew that it was our duty to visit the saloons, and at our daily
+meetings, morning and night, as we came down the aisles of the various
+churches, each would scan another’s face, and anxiously inquire, “Shall
+we go?” and the answer would come, “We are not yet prepared.” We agreed
+to spend one night in prayer. Many wrestled all night with God, and
+light came in the morning.
+
+On the morning of March 13th, Mrs. Indiana Stiver rose in Christian
+Chapel and said: “Some of the sisters feel moved to begin the work at
+the saloons. For more than forty years I have tried to bear the cross,
+and have never felt its weight more heavily than I do this morning, but
+I also feel that I will be strengthened by the Lord for the work before
+us. I feel like Queen Esther--‘I will go in unto the king, and if I
+perish, I perish, for we are sold, I and my people, to be slain and to
+perish.’ As many of the sisters as feel moved to go to the saloons,
+follow me. Let us go into the vestibule and select the place where we
+will commence. We need a few of those who can sing to go with us. If
+any of the gentlemen have any advice to give, let them give it now. Let
+others stay here and pray.” Prayer was offered, and the hymn, “Guide
+me, O thou great Jehovah,” sung, when the praying band assembled in the
+vestibule.
+
+The reporter of the _Daily Courier_, M. E. Garber, Jr., politely
+advised us to go to the saloon of Tom Mullen, saying he knew Mullen
+would treat us well, and walked on before us into the saloon. This
+band, at first small, but afterwards increased to a hundred or more,
+consisted in part of
+
+ Mrs. Sarah Thomas,
+ ” Indiana Stiver,
+ ” Sarah J. Hughes,
+ ” Malvina Quigley,
+ ” Kate V. Williams,
+ ” Jewel,
+ ” D. G. Stewart.
+
+Arriving at Mullen’s, our band filed in, evidently to the consternation
+of the proprietor. The evils of intemperance were of course depicted,
+and permission asked to pray; but Mullen said he preferred we would not
+do so. And so, thanking him for his courtesy to us, we withdrew; and in
+all our after visits to him, he invariably treated us politely.
+
+We moved on to Johnson Conaway’s, at the door of which stood the
+barkeeper, who refused admittance. Our entreaties proving of no effect,
+we kneeled on the pavement and prayed, the barkeeper in the meantime
+having opened the door and locked himself in. We then passed on to the
+saloon kept by Nadler, on Main street, whose door we found locked.
+Nadler was very rude, talking roughly, saying, “It’s no use to talk to
+me. If you want to do me any good, give me some money;” and walking
+off, locked the door behind. During our prayer a window opened above,
+and an old German woman cried out in mingled glee and wonder, “Oh, see
+’em pray! Oh, they are praying!” The ladies now returned to Christian
+Chapel.
+
+The next morning our band left the German M. E. Church, and called at
+Frook’s saloon, the proprietor of which treated us well; but several
+men, with disgusting bravado, stepped to the bar and drank in derision
+of the women. We next moved on to the Western Hotel, kept by Henry
+Neisse, followed by an immense crowd. His barkeeper informed us that
+the proprietor was not yet up, but his instructions were to admit no
+one, and we prayed on the pavement. Drinks were here taken during
+prayer. Such was our uniform treatment at Neisse’s. Indeed, so often
+were we told that he was still in bed, that the house acquired the name
+of “Sleepy Hollow.”
+
+Broadway Hotel, kept by George Smith, was our next destination, and the
+scene was terrible. Our band huddled together, and jeering faces closed
+around us, and a group at the bar continued drinking and clinking
+glasses, and the women of the house, in an adjoining room, tittering
+and laughing--altogether making a perfect Babel of confusion.
+
+The Crusaders were followed up street by several hundred people, and
+they halted at George Glass’, at which place we were greeted with a
+scene which we are sure had been studied and practised for us. Glass
+had been known to boast how he would treat us, and the curiosity of
+the mob was intense, and was amply satisfied in a scene which beggars
+description, and disgraces the city.
+
+Our leader, Mrs. Stiver, having nearly swooned on the way, had dropped
+into the house of a friend, and we marched on, led by Mrs. J. F.
+Hutchinson. The door was locked, and we had no escape from the surging
+circle that hemmed us in. Again we copy from the _Madison Courier_,
+adding name: “Those in the rear shoved and jostled to get forward,
+so the circle narrowed and decreased till there was imminent danger
+of the kneeling women being crushed under foot. Rough words were
+bandied about; loud Amens issued from the bar-room; then snatches of
+derisive song; and amid and above all the din, the orchestra pealed
+out, rattling and drumming like a steam brass band. But a motherly old
+lady (Mrs. Susan Buchanan) prayed on, with her hands outstretched,
+notwithstanding the hideous noise within, as sweetly and calmly as by
+the bedside of a little child. The praying woman’s action and utterance
+alike expressed her faith: ‘The Lord will hear us, though the crowd
+will not.’ Presently Glass elbowed his way through to the doors and
+threw them open. He spoke pleasantly to the ladies, inviting them in,
+but the scene within was enough to deter them. A house full of burly
+men, drinking, and smoking, and acting as boisterously as they well
+could. In the ladies went, and the rush after them was so great that
+life was imperilled. They were greeted by the proprietor himself in a
+kindly manner. He expressed his regret that they had called Saturday,
+as this was a busy day, and he could not give them the attention they
+deserved.”
+
+Glass called out, “Come in, ladies, and take a drink, and hear the
+music. I paid so much for that organ. I keep a respectable house.”
+Mrs. Hutchinson replied, “If you keep a respectable house, you will
+stop that noise.” Upon which Mr. Glass, somewhat pacified, ordered,
+“Bill, stop the organ,” which was done. Beer all this time was flowing
+gratuitously. But we must add, to the praise of _One who protected
+each hair of our heads_, that this man’s hand was stayed, and the mob
+grew comparatively quiet, and Mr. Glass himself conducted himself much
+more gentlemanly during the rest of our visit, and invited us to call
+again. Before we were out of the door, however, a boisterous song was
+raised by those inside.
+
+The effect of this visit was varied. The monster Alcohol grew so
+hideous in its deformity to one man, that he renounced drink, and
+became a temperance man.
+
+During our frequent visits to Mr. Glass we were never able to make any
+impression for good on him. At one time, in response to the entreaties
+of Mrs. Stiver, he replied, “It’s no use. You can do me no good.” She
+answered, “Well, Mr. Glass, if we cannot, we will pray that God may.”
+To which he said, in response, “I take no stock in God.” Mrs. Electa
+Wilson frequently accompanied us in our visits here and elsewhere, and
+was very efficient in praying and exhorting the crowds. One morning
+Mrs. Joseph Todd for the first time accompanied us. Mr. Glass asked,
+in a very impudent manner, “What can I do? I can’t shovel coal.” And
+she replied, in a beseeching tone, “You had better shovel coal than
+ruin our sons.” She had known the effects of this inhuman traffic. He
+immediately proceeded to have her summoned before Mayor John Marsh,
+upon charge of “provocation.” Mr. Glass’s counsel refused to make any
+argument, and after a few scathing remarks from Mr. A. D. Vanosdol, the
+counsel of Mrs. Todd, the case was dismissed, when our band, who had
+accompanied her in a body, broke out in a song of thanks.
+
+Mr. Glass afterwards made a cowardly “assault with intent to kill,”
+upon Mr. Levick, who seemed destined to bear the brunt of the war, and
+was slowly recovering from an accident in which he narrowly escaped
+losing his limb, and was then walking around on crutches.
+
+Mrs. Horning locked the doors against us, as did Mr. Effinger. Mr. John
+Kraut admitted us once, but never afterwards. The house kept by Kraut
+bears the reputation of being of the class called _fine_, with marble
+counters and tall mirrors; and manufactured drunkards by the hundreds.
+Mr. David Humphreys always received us politely, and always treated
+us well and gentlemanly, but we were never able to make any change in
+him. C. Kraut refused us admittance. Johnson Conaway did also, and we
+were never able to see his face. Mrs. Kinne was a reluctant host, but
+treated us well. At one time the liquor element felt dissatisfied with
+the reports of the Crusade, as published in the _Courier_, thinking
+it favored us, and proffered to pay a reporter themselves, if his
+productions would be published. On our part we felt that we were
+ridiculed, and on the same day sent a committee to request Mr. Garber,
+Jr., to discontinue his visits with us. His reply was, “That is what we
+get for carrying water on both shoulders.”
+
+Henry Pfeiffer’s doors closed, as also did Lohman’s. Mrs. Patrick
+Devany treated us well. Fred Winnefield always refused us admittance,
+and we kneeled on the pavement. On April 4th we called on Fred Glass,
+Mrs. Stiver entering and inquiring for the proprietor. Mr. Glass
+started up from the rear of the saloon, exclaiming, “What’s here--more
+praying? I want no praying.” Mrs. Stiver answered, “But see here,
+Mr. Glass--” Mr. Glass, abruptly, “I want no conversation at all.”
+So we grouped together on the pavement, and Mrs. Stiver delivered an
+impassioned address, but we are compelled to add that, as far as we
+know, we were never able to produce any good effect on Mr. Glass. Mrs.
+Scheible treated us rudely. Leonard Klein tried how rudely he could
+talk to us. We were sometimes led by Mrs. Hutchinson, and sometimes
+by Mrs. Stiver. Great confusion was created on one occasion by Mrs.
+Thomas, an old lady eighty years of age, and loved by everybody,
+familiarly spoken of as “Aunt Sally,” stepping into the doorway, and
+kneeling down to pray. Klein hurriedly ran forward, and rudely drove
+her up and off. Aunt Sally was so much overcome she could not control
+her voice, and said, “Oh, excuse me, Mr. Klein, I am old and did not
+know I was doing any harm!” Mr. Klein frequently told us we were doing
+more harm than the saloons.
+
+And now we come to trying days indeed, but we were upheld by the power
+of God. Mrs. Hunt, who some time before this had left the city, was
+again with us, and Mrs. Stiver avowed her own willingness to sit at
+her feet and learn of her, and so under her leadership we concluded to
+visit Walnut street, along which almost every other house was a saloon.
+We had looked forward anxiously to this time; had heard threats of
+harshness. Cheeks blanched with fear and voices trembled with unshed
+tears. But into this stronghold of the enemy we marched, and called
+first at Mr. Schwab’s, who treated us well, and acknowledged he was
+ashamed of his business. His wife was glad to see us, and received
+us into her own sitting-room, thanking us with genuine earnestness.
+Winters refused to sell while the ladies were present, and a young
+German, being twice refused, ran behind the counter, drew the cork from
+the bottle, and was proceeding to help himself, when Winters snatched
+the bottle from him, and made him leave. Winters firmly avowed his
+intention to sell, however. John Greiner’s ale-wagon stopped here while
+we were inside, and men began drinking, and one of them took a bottle
+to the door, and drank from it ostentatiously. By this time drays,
+buggies, and wagons stood at the saloon doors, while swarms of human
+beings gazed upon the solemn procession of sisters, who pushed their
+way through the rough crowd, and commenced singing at Kimmel’s, who
+refused to sell drinks in our presence. A lady at the doorway passed
+through a severe ordeal in barring out the crowd.
+
+Jacob Schuler’s saloon was found filled with men drinking noisily, and
+there was a perfect jam before and around the door as we approached,
+and we found Schuler himself intrenched in an arm-chair, haranguing the
+crowd, crying, “Clear off my pavement.”
+
+When Mrs. Hunt said: “Brother, we were calling on the rest and would
+not slight thee,” Schuler, pacified, replied, “I am obliged to you for
+coming.”
+
+Our visit here was amusing in the extreme. Schuler, swearing
+unconsciously all the time, told of his bravery and exploits in the
+army, said he came to this country in “1885”--became very angry at any
+noise inside, swearing, “I can stop that, by ----,” set down quietly,
+while we prayed, but began again as soon as we arose.
+
+Amid yells and cries, and great confusion, we started for Mat. Baus’,
+where quite a controversy occurred between Baus and his wife. Baus’
+wife interrupted his words, and took up his argument, and Baus seemed
+hugely amused.
+
+After singing and prayer, we discontinued our visits for the day, but
+renewed the skirmish the next morning, and called on S. Pfau, who was
+inclined to shut us out because we passed him yesterday. He talked
+kindly to us, and expressed a hope that we might succeed.
+
+Not being admitted at Barar’s, Mrs. Hunt made a stirring appeal, after
+which, and singing and prayer, we closed the Crusade for the day.
+
+At another time, led by Mrs. Stiver, we again went out Walnut street,
+and finding Solcher’s door closed, we stepped off three paces, and held
+our usual exercises. Soon a rude crowd gathered.
+
+At Mrs. Woodchopper’s a motley crowd of children by the hundred, women
+by the score, and men innumerable, all mixed in a confused mass,
+gathered. A dray with empty beer barrels, the Walnut street hose,
+country wagons, dogs, etc., completed the company. Mrs. Dr. Little
+stepped forward, and, in her own kind way, turning to a crowd of
+children, delivered them an appropriate address. Mrs. Newel also spoke
+very effectively to some part of the crowd; and amid the confusion and
+boisterousness Mr. J. W. Levick, that indefatigable temperance worker,
+jumped into the spring-wagon of Mr. Auger, while Mr. A. held the horse,
+made an appropriate speech, tending to quiet the people, referring to
+his own German origin. Several men, in a rough, though not rude manner,
+interrupted him, asking him questions, to each of which he politely
+listened and replied. He then jumped to the ground and came near the
+ladies. During his address he was treated with more courtesy than
+we had any reason to expect, and one German followed him down-town,
+desiring to sign the pledge.
+
+And now, having given a brief account of some of our visits to the
+saloons, which our readers must take as an example of our work in that
+direction, we will pass on to other matters.
+
+On April 30th, 1874, Hon. Wm. Baxter came to Madison and spoke on
+the subject of Temperance, two evenings in succession. The Crusaders
+held a mass-meeting in Wesley Chapel, on the evening of May 6th. The
+church was well filled, our President, Mrs. Stiver, in the chair. After
+singing by the choir Mrs. Susan Buchanan led in prayer, after which
+Miss Emma Vail read a portion of God’s word. Mrs. M. E. Sullivan made a
+thrilling address.
+
+Mrs. Hutchinson read an essay, and Mrs. Johnson and Miss Mary Page
+sang solos. Miss Jennie David recited an original poem and when she
+demanded, “Was it _all_ the fault of the suicide?” the effect was
+indescribable. Miss David was an indefatigable worker, and willingly
+did anything our band desired. Mrs. Tibbetts concluded the exercises.
+
+Again, on the evening of June 10th, we held another mass-meeting at the
+court-house, Mrs. Stiver in the chair. Mrs. Sullivan made the opening
+address, followed by an essay by Mrs. Anna Dougherty, who in turn was
+followed by an address by Mrs. Electa Wilson, who from the depths of an
+earnest soul poured forth thrilling words, which coming from the heart
+went to the heart. Mrs. Wilson was listened to with rapt attention.
+Mrs. Gilpin concluded by reading an essay.
+
+In the meantime committees had circulated pledges and procured 2,500
+signers to the total abstinence pledge. Our feet were blistered from
+the scorching streets, while we worked faithfully on, defeating the
+license of George Glass and others. In this place we must make especial
+mention of Mrs. Thomas Clark, Mrs. Elizabeth Crane Black, Mrs. Harry
+Colgate, Mrs. Berryhill, Mrs. James Lewis, Miss Mary McFetridge.
+
+We also held mass and street meetings in various parts of the city and
+county. We gratefully remember Mr. Nat Williams, who at one time when
+we held a meeting on his wharf boat, kindly arranged seats and lights,
+and exerted himself to make us as comfortable as possible. On the
+arrival of the Louisville and Cincinnati mail packet, the commander,
+Captain Chas. David, cordially received us on board, followed by an
+immense crowd. Miss Jennie, daughter of Captain David, again recited
+an original poem to an attentive audience; and when she feelingly
+referred to the claim of the saloonists that theirs was a respectable
+business, and demanded authoritatively,
+
+ “If so,
+ Remove all bolts and bars, and let us see
+ What gin-shops are, what drunkards do,”
+
+the effect was thrilling in the extreme.
+
+At another time we held service on board the Cincinnati packet,
+commanded by Captain Sam. Hildreth, who received us cordially. After
+singing and prayer by Mrs. L. J. Hughes, Mrs. Stiver spoke for some
+thirty minutes, when after some other devotions we retired, escorted
+to the shore by Captain Hildreth. Captain Hildreth afterwards attended
+one of our meetings, was so much impressed that he resolved he would
+“taste not the unclean thing,” and let us hope that he adheres to his
+resolution.
+
+A stranger meeting one of our number afterwards informed her that
+through our efforts, on board the _Buel_ that day, he had ceased the
+use of intoxicants; and yet we must record the bitter with the sweet
+and say that the whiskey fraternity gave the United States Mail Company
+warning that if that performance was repeated, they would ship no more
+produce with them.
+
+And now, after all these long weary months of suffering and waiting, we
+have nothing to recall. Led by Jehovah’s hand we did what we could, and
+we leave the results to him. Though the good done seemed comparatively
+slight, yet we worked on, and to-day we recognize the recent reform
+movement in Madison, as the _child of the Crusade_, and as God’s answer
+to our prayers. We believe that by some agency God will answer our
+prayers and that _Mene, mene, tekel, upharsin_, is written over every
+bar-room in the United States as plainly as when the finger of God
+placed it over Belshazzar’s feast.
+
+We desire to say that we have been warmly seconded by most of the
+ministers in the city--W. W. Snyder, J. F. Hutchinson, B. F. Cavin,
+I. H. Hardin, Henry Keigwise and J. H. Barth. And we would especially
+mention the Rev. Dr. Little and Rev. David Stiver, who have firmly
+stood by us through all opposition and given their wives their warmest
+approval. We look forward to the coming day, when our victory shall be
+complete.
+
+
+INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. Dr. R. T. Brown, President of the Woman’s State
+Temperance Union, for the following facts:
+
+When the Temperance Crusade was spreading over the West like wildfire,
+in February, 1874, the Friends held a temperance meeting in their
+church.
+
+The Rev. Mr. Bayliss preached a sermon on Temperance at Roberts’ Park
+M. E. Church, and President O. A. Burges, in a sermon at Bethlehem
+Christian Church, made strong appeals to the women, spoke of the many
+saloons in the city, and told them to go out on the streets to work,
+and he would stand by them and give his assistance at all times, which
+promise he faithfully fulfilled. Soon after this, a call was made for
+the women to come to Roberts’ Park Church, to organize a temperance
+union. The attendance was large, and the meeting enthusiastic. A
+central union was organized, and soon after each ward in the city
+organized an auxiliary union. There was a general awakening in the
+hearts of the women. Well do I remember how large bodies of women met
+first in church for prayer, then walked in a long procession through
+the streets to the auditor’s office, and copied the petitions filed
+for permits to sell liquor, then again met in church for prayer,
+before going to the Commissioners’ court to expose fraud. They asked
+leave to open the sessions of the Commissioners’ court with prayer,
+which was granted, and there they sat from day to-day with dozens of
+beer-bloated, brazen-faced men, gazing at them.
+
+One morning there were five temperance women in the Commissioners’
+court, and an old colored man came in and gave the women five
+pamphlets, some in prose, some in doggerel verse, containing low,
+vulgar abuse of the Crusaders. The women hid them, and said nothing.
+When the women first met from the different churches, they were
+strangers, but they were soon acquainted and became lasting friends.
+They held many mass-meetings; they called the ministers into each
+other’s pulpits to make temperance addresses; in short, the Crusade
+work brought about a Christian union that nothing else ever had done.
+Prof. R. T. Brown said it looked like the Millennium had come. The
+Crusade has been a great blessing to the women of Indiana. It has
+developed latent powers and faculties which have astonished none more
+than themselves. They have circulated petitions extensively, and
+presented, in person, at two successive Legislatures, the names of more
+than forty thousand citizens, praying relief from the burden of liquor
+legislation. Besides this, there has been a growth in the social and
+Christian virtues that other means had failed to produce.
+
+The women kept liquor from being sold on the Exposition Grounds one
+year, and the next the managers allowed it to come in, and fifty of the
+leading temperance women pledged themselves not to attend the fair, and
+published the following card:
+
+ TO THE LADY READERS OF THE INDIANA FARMER:
+
+ DEAR SISTERS:--Knowing our sex as we do, and its womanly instincts,
+ keenly alive to all moral questions of conscience and duty, we appeal
+ to you.
+
+ Last year the State Board of Agriculture inserted a clause in
+ its leases prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors at the
+ Exposition, and thereby failed to rent the usual number of stands,
+ losing, as is claimed, several thousand dollars, while there was
+ probably no compensating increase in attendance on that account.
+
+ Consequently, the prohibiting clause is omitted this year, and the
+ sale of intoxicants will be allowed, unless the applicants fail to
+ procure a license from the Marion County Board of Commissioners,
+ which is altogether improbable.
+
+ Thus, as is usually the case, moral sentiment has again been
+ compelled to retire before appetite and avarice, which give to the
+ liquor traffic all its vitality.
+
+ It is also reported that large sums of money ($50,000 in one case)
+ have been paid to the Centennial management at Philadelphia, for the
+ privilege of selling intoxicants next year, where our nation, by “an
+ exposition of its material, commercial, intellectual and political
+ prosperity, resultant from an hundred years of self(?) government,”
+ will celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of that day when the
+ “Old State House” bell proclaimed “liberty throughout the land and to
+ all the inhabitants thereof.”
+
+ It is a sad commentary, that wherever our brothers, sons, fathers
+ and husbands are expected to gather, there the rum-seller invariably
+ plants himself, plies successfully his vocation and spreads his
+ snares.
+
+ He does not thus intrude upon gatherings of women alone, for he finds
+ no appetite to meet his avarice.
+
+ Now where, and by whom, shall a standard be raised against this
+ burning disgrace?
+
+ By whom, but the women and the churches? Where, so appropriately as
+ at our own Indiana Exposition and State and County Fairs?
+
+ Are the women of the State of no consideration to its commercial
+ interests?
+
+ Who wear its dry goods and jewels? Who change annually its fashions,
+ replacing the old with the new, while the old is still tasteful and
+ comparatively unworn? For whom do its young men dress well? By whose
+ tasteful housekeeping is the demand created for beautiful carpets,
+ handsome furniture and table appointments, pictures and other home
+ ornaments?
+
+ To gratify whose taste are thousands of men employed in building
+ elegant homes?
+
+ Who demands sewing machines, improved coal stoves and other
+ conveniences?
+
+ For whose eye is three-fourths of the display of our markets, on
+ business streets and at the Exposition?
+
+ Verily, women have a power for weal or woe, commercially as well as
+ morally, and can by combination make themselves felt.
+
+ Will you not, therefore, Sisters and Christian people, unite with us
+ in setting our faces like flint against the Indiana Exposition and
+ State Fair, while the management tolerates the sale of intoxicants?
+
+ If these gatherings are for the vicious and immoral, let us abandon
+ the field to them; if for the virtuous and moral, let such insist
+ upon a recognition of their moral sentiments; but if they are solely
+ business enterprises, which must pay at all hazards, let us know it,
+ and withhold our patronage as we would from a beer garden or saloon.
+
+ Mrs. Z. G. Wallace,
+ ” J. H. Bayliss,
+ ” J. A. Ross,
+ ” R. B. Duncan, Sr.,
+ Miss Auretta Hoyt,
+ Mrs. H. M. Brown,
+ ” Judge Test,
+ ” M. M. Finch,
+ ” T. H. Sharpe,
+ ” F. M. Farquhar,
+ Jane Trueblood,
+ Mrs. Dr. J. R Siddall,
+ ” John Gotschall,
+ Mrs. Lucia S. Holliday,
+ ” Ovid Butler, Sr.,
+ ” D. B. Harvey,
+ ” Ingraham Fletcher,
+ ” M. M. B. Goodwin,
+ ” Dr. F. G. Carey,
+ ” John S. Newman,
+ ” F. C. Holliday,
+ ” H. Parrott,
+ ” Elijah Fletcher,
+ Miss Annie Butler,
+ Mrs. Wm. H. Page,
+ ” R. T. Brown,
+ and many others.
+
+The consequence was that the Exposition was a failure, leaving the
+board largely in debt. Since then liquors have been excluded by the
+board from the fair grounds.
+
+[Illustration: MRS. MARY T. BURT,
+
+Corresponding Secretary Woman’s National Christian Temperance Union.]
+
+
+RICHMOND, INDIANA.
+
+Richmond is a beautiful town, containing about 15,000 inhabitants. Of
+the thirty-one registered saloons, only one was doing a legal business
+under the Baxter law. The town was of Quaker proclivities, and the
+Crusade was inaugurated by a few Quaker ladies; but the women of other
+denominations rallied around them, and the town was soon in a blaze of
+temperance enthusiasm.
+
+Among the places visited was the “Continental,” kept by one McCoy,
+which was the finest saloon in the city. McCoy could not stand the
+prayers and appeals of the women, but unconditionally surrendered.
+A thousand dollars was raised, and loaned to him to begin another
+business; and the “Continental _Saloon_” became the “Continental
+Market.”
+
+August Woeste unconditionally surrendered, and his liquors were poured
+into the gutter; a public entertainment was given for his benefit.
+Thomas Lichtenfels treated the ladies with the greatest indignity;
+he had a license under the Baxter law, and claimed that he was doing
+a legitimate business. The ladies continued their visits till one
+afternoon, six or eight ladies who had entered were locked in, and were
+prisoners from four till nine o’clock P. M. The very worst men in the
+city were in the saloon at the time, drinking and carousing, singing,
+and blaspheming in mockery. Beer flowed freely, and the tobacco-smoke
+was stifling, and the attempts to frighten the ladies were of the most
+threatening character. The noise and the confusion was so great, that
+no religious exercises were attempted, but the women sat in silent
+prayer, while the drunken rowdies offered every insult but actual
+violence.
+
+The Baxter law required that all saloons should close at nine o’clock.
+When that hour arrived Lichtenfels released the ladies, and, closing
+his saloon, said: “This is the last time I will open my saloon--this
+is too much for me.” For a week the saloon was closed, when,
+notwithstanding his promise, he reopened again.
+
+The Police Board of the city had it in their power to close all of the
+saloons of the city, but the one that was licensed; but, instead of
+hunting up evidence to stop the illegal business, they hunted up a city
+ordinance preventing the obstruction of the sidewalk, hoping in that
+way to stop the Crusade. But the ladies, getting a hint of it, changed
+their tactics, and went out in small companies.
+
+Enthusiastic mass-meetings were held--young men’s meetings, young
+ladies’ meetings, and daily prayer-meetings--and a public sentiment was
+aroused that would have closed every rum-shop in the town if they had
+not been sustained by official influence.
+
+Richmond is the home of Mr. Baxter, originator of the Baxter law.
+
+The women continue their work, adopting various methods, and are
+waiting and praying for the victory.
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+The Crusade was carried on in the following towns of Indiana, with
+more or less success: Fort Wayne, New Albany, Dunkirk, Portland,
+Muncy, Frankfort, Columbus, Buffton, Kokoma, South Bend, Valparaiso,
+Lawrenceburgh, Union City, Terre Haute, Greenfield, Bedford, Lafayette,
+Logansport, Warsaw, Wabash, Franklin.
+
+
+
+
+ILLINOIS.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.
+
+Early in March, 1874, it was announced that the city council had
+determined to repeal the law requiring saloon-keepers to close their
+doors on the Sabbath day. Petitions against the repeal of the law were
+extensively circulated, and the moral sentiment of the city thoroughly
+aroused.
+
+A meeting was called for the next Monday afternoon, March 16th, at
+Clark Street M. E. Church. The house was packed to its utmost capacity,
+the front seats in the gallery being filled with saloon-keepers. Many
+ministers were on the platform. Mrs. Wirts called the meeting to
+order, and Mrs. Rev. Moses Smith was elected chairman. There was deep
+interest. One present says: “The intensity of feeling was something to
+be felt, but can never be described.” During the devotional exercises
+every Christian heart realized that the Holy Spirit was present.
+
+The first business of the meeting was the appointment of a committee of
+fifty to present the petition to the common council. Mrs. Rev. Moses
+Smith and fifty others were designated to visit the council chamber.
+
+Mrs. Smith gives the following particulars of this visit:
+
+“About seven o’clock, when the streets were comparatively quiet, we
+formed in procession and marched silently to the council chamber. On
+reaching the hall, the door was found locked, and guarded by a drunken
+janitor, armed with a revolver and dirk. Rev. Arthur Mitchell, D. D.,
+and Rev. Arthur Edwards, D. D., who had greatly aided in the afternoon
+meeting, came to our aid, and succeeded in getting the door unlocked,
+and with their own hands lighted the gas. As many of the ladies as
+could be seated passed in to await the coming of the council, while the
+others returned to the church.
+
+“At eight o’clock the council came to order, and the clerk announced
+the first business on the docket to be the final vote on the repeal
+of the Sunday law. Then ensued a struggle: the more reckless were
+determined to repeal the law before the ladies’ petitions could be
+presented; others, even of the rum party, with an eye to future
+elections, favored making the listening to the petition the first
+business in order. After a long discussion, the motion prevailed to
+listen to the petition.
+
+“In the meantime a mob had gathered around the building, pressing
+through the long corridors even into the council chamber. There was
+hooting and yelling, and throwing of bricks, and threats from some of
+the more desperate.”
+
+After the presentation of the petition, Mrs. Moses Smith was permitted
+to address the council. She said: “_Gentlemen of the Common Council_:
+We came not here to address you. We desire not to take one moment
+of your time. We come with a petition bearing the names of 16,000
+women, and we feel that we represent the women of the city, and that
+we represent the cause of righteousness and of God; and we feel,
+too, that we are the power behind the throne, which may be felt at
+another election, though it was not at the last. We only entreat you
+in the name of our Father in heaven, and as you have the personal
+responsibility before you, not to open the saloons to our young men and
+to our children on God’s day.”
+
+Mrs. Smith was escorted from the building by Dr. Mitchell, preceded by
+an armed policeman.
+
+She says: “The moment I stepped out of the room an infuriated yell went
+up that fairly shook the building.” Saloon-keepers had offered free
+rum to all who would join the mob. Although several thousand of the
+most desperate men in the city were gathered in that surging, hissing
+crowd, the ladies passed through and returned to the church without any
+serious injury. Regardless of the petition, the law was repealed, but
+the mob had done more for the cause of temperance than the granting of
+the petition could have done.
+
+We give the following detailed account from the _Chicago Times_, of
+March 17th:
+
+“It was well the ladies proceeded at an early hour to the council
+chamber, though this precaution entailed upon them nearly three hours’
+wait. As soon as they had been admitted, the rabble began to gather
+on the outside, blocking up all the avenues of approach. Adams street
+was crowded by, perhaps, the most ruffianly crowd ever gathered
+in the city--a crowd in duty bound to insult everybody bearing the
+semblance of a lady. It had been gathered from the saloons and slums
+of the city to give the bummer aldermen a moral support. The leaders
+had sent out the command: ‘Rally your forces; we must counteract the
+influence of the women.’ Accordingly, every saloon had stood treat to
+all the dead-beats who would ordinarily be ordered out of the place, on
+condition that they would make ‘Rome howl!’ about the city hall. The
+move was a complete success, and a more unmannerly and disgraceful mob
+never outraged propriety and threatened the peace of the city. As soon
+as the council chamber was filled, the corridors were crowded with a
+filth-reeking crowd. The doors were slammed in their faces, and then
+a howl of indignation arose, that made the old rookery shake from its
+foundations to the skylights. As often as a vote resulted in favor of
+the bummers, the news was conveyed to the mob, and the most unearthly
+yells would be sent up, reverberating through the council chamber to
+the stopping of all business.
+
+“The air within was stifling, and frequently ladies would beg escorts
+from Captain Buckley to seek the open air. Such requests were always
+granted, but it was almost as much as their lives were worth for the
+ladies to work their way through the mob. As soon as the doors opened
+to pass them, the crowd in the corridors, getting sight of a bonnet,
+would break out in cheers, yells, hoots, groans, and cat-calls. This
+sort of thing was kept up until the lady reached the street, and there
+the cries would be taken up by the rabble outside, and the lady would
+generally be accompanied by a mob of several thousand, a block or two,
+all yelling like demons possessed. A number of ladies fainted during
+the ordeal. These diversions were of frequent occurrence, and the
+shouting and yelling were interminable during the whole time that the
+ladies were in the council chamber. But the closing scene was the most
+disgraceful of all.
+
+“It was the most outrageous proceeding ever witnessed in a civilized
+community. It must now be counted among the other delusions dispelled
+in this age, that men, no matter in what position in life, entertain
+a natural regard for the fair sex. The mob on last evening completely
+refuted this flattering unction. Savages would have shown more respect
+to captive Amazons. When the vote on the whiskey ordinance was declared
+carried, the ladies rose to depart. A posse of police then proceeded
+to break a way through the crowd. Having succeeded in this difficult
+task, the ladies filed out of the hall between two rows of officers. On
+either side stood a glaring mob--a shouting, a groaning, a hooting, a
+demoniac mob. The most obscene phrases were bandied about; the foulest
+epithets were applied. Women passing along the corridors through this
+lane of filth, hid their faces in their hands; dropped their veils;
+shrank within themselves; hurried forward on the run; stopped sometimes
+as if ready to sink, but gathering renewed strength, started forward
+again, pressed by the ladies behind them, all eager to reach the open
+air.
+
+“But when the open air was gained, the situation in nowise improved.
+Egress was had by the door in the rear leading to the alley next to
+the Grand Pacific. Thousands were crammed into this space--a howling
+menagerie. The police cleared the sidewalk, but the crowd lined the
+verge, and poured a volley of blasphemy and obscenity at the procession
+of ladies. When La Salle street was reached, other thousands were
+awaiting their approach, and these howled even louder than those who
+greeted them in the alley. The noise was positively hideous, and this
+hooting, yelling, blasphemous mob, of five thousand roughs, the very
+offscourings of the saloons, flanked and followed them clear to the
+door of the church. Jostling them on the way; spitting tobacco juice on
+their dresses; pulling at their chignons; in some cases tripping them
+up; knocking off the hats of their escorts,--brothers, husbands, or
+sons,--giving the latter kicks, cuffs, and digs in the ribs; and all
+the while the hooting, yelling, howling continued, and not infrequently
+members of the procession would sink to the ground, swooning from very
+fright.
+
+“It was a terrible ordeal these ladies were compelled to pass. It
+is safe to say that never before, in this country, did an equally
+respectable body of ladies receive such brutal treatment. The rage of
+the mob following the cart of Marie Antoinette to the guillotine was
+not more demoniac, and probably far more courteous. For much of this,
+that low-bred demagogue--Hesing’s henchman--Jack Rehm, superintendent
+of police, is responsible. The ladies called on him for protection,
+and he refused it; the mob ruled in the very head-quarters of the
+police. This bummer, with the star of the chief, was in league with the
+rabble; he was a party to the plot to congregate all the scum of the
+city hall; no pretence at order made on the outside; the police, as
+they say in Paris, ‘fraternized’ with the mob; they knew which side the
+powers that be were on.”
+
+So far from intimidating the women of Chicago, it made them a thousand
+times more determined. Perhaps many of them were not aware, up to that
+time, of the hideousness of the rum power, and the degradation and
+vileness of its votaries. Their eyes are opened. They see they have a
+giant to fight, and yet it is not for them to fight; this wonderful
+movement is _all of God, in answer to prayer_. Millions of prayers
+are going up to God, and a wonderful spiritual influence in answer to
+these prayers is being poured out upon the people of all lands. The
+temperance question is on the crest of this wonderful tidal wave.
+
+The _Chicago Tribune_ and _Northwestern Christian Advocate_ give
+substantially the same account, and unite to deplore and condemn the
+affair as a disgraceful outrage on decency and propriety.
+
+
+ORIGIN OF CHICAGO DAILY TEMPERANCE PRAYER-MEETING.
+
+After the visit to the mayor, rejection of petition, mob procession,
+etc., the temperance women of Chicago did not lose heart. They
+maintained a daily prayer-meeting in the lecture-room of Clark Street
+M. E. Church, at which numbers of drinking men signed the pledge,
+and sought “the Lord behind the pledge,” as one of them expressed it.
+During the frightful heat of that summer, the attendance fell off
+sometimes. Mrs. O. B. Wilson, the President, a plethoric lady, in
+feeble health, and past the prime of life, would ride miles in the
+street cars, from her home on one of the south side avenues, to the
+place of meeting in the Y. M. C. A. building, meeting there but one
+other lady, and she from a distance equally great on the north side of
+the city. At last, for a few weeks, the meeting was relinquished. When
+Miss Frances E. Willard, who had just entered the temperance work, and
+been made President of the Chicago Union, returned from old Orchard
+Beach, with the fresh enthusiasm and faith stimulated by that meeting,
+she, with Mrs. Louise S. Rounds, her special friend and coadjutor,
+proposed the re-establishment of the daily gospel meeting. They laid
+their plans before the ladies at the regular meeting, and advocated
+giving more publicity to the effort, and especially the effort to
+secure attendance of the drinking, swearing, “elbow heathen” of the
+streets. They proposed circulating a little hand-bill of invitation,
+putting out a sign with “Everybody welcome! Come and sign the pledge!”
+and also placing notices in the daily papers. The debate was long and
+animated. Some of the ladies said, “You’ve seen how difficult, almost
+impossible it is to sustain any sort of a meeting. A failure will
+be disastrous, and we cannot hope to succeed.” Others said to Miss
+Willard, who gave all her time to the office, “You’ll have to conduct
+the meeting all alone; and though profitable to you, it will not
+fulfil what you are aiming at, for if nobody comes, you surely cannot
+reach the masses.” But at last, by a small majority, the proposition
+carried.
+
+Miss Willard, in the simplicity of her heart, went to Miss Cushing,
+Librarian of the Y. M. C. A., and obtained her promise that if the
+prediction came true, and she found herself absolutely without any one
+to kneel beside her in prayer, Miss Cushing might be called upon to
+help her “keep up the meeting.”
+
+But this exigency never arose. The first day seven were present, the
+majority of them drinking men. Rapidly the numbers increased, until
+the office, which, by packing, would hold forty, was crowded, and the
+doorway and hall. Then the Y. M. C. A. gave the use of lower Farwell
+Hall (where their noon meeting is held) and the attendance grew until
+two, three, and four hundred would convene at three P. M. daily.
+
+Humanly speaking, the elements of success were: Dauntless
+determination; thorough advertising of meeting and persistently keeping
+it before the public--large placards of welcome, hand-bills circulated
+on the streets, notices of the press; accounts of the occurrences at
+the meeting, as well as mere announcement; having it _accessible_--in
+heart of city, _down-stairs_, level of street, good lively music and
+excellent instrumental accompaniment; regularly-appointed leaders (the
+week beforehand, so they could prepare), going into reading-room of Y.
+M. C. A., and daily inviting the loungers there, with utmost kindness,
+to attend.
+
+Mrs. L. S. Rounds, Corresponding Secretary, gives the following
+account of the work during the last year:
+
+“Since the 1st of October, 1876, I have had charge of the work. We have
+a membership of about seventy-five. Our daily temperance prayer-meeting
+is _the_ feature of our work. Held in the very centre of the city, we
+have had, since the above date, an average daily attendance through the
+winter of two hundred and fifty, and during these past summer weeks an
+average attendance daily of eighty-five to one hundred.
+
+“These meetings are held from three to four each day, Sundays
+excepted--always led by some lady, excepting a few weeks during the
+winter, when the meetings were led by Brother Sawyer, Mr. Moody’s
+co-laborer.
+
+“The influence going out from these meetings is felt in all the
+surrounding States, and letters come to us nearly every day from
+persons who have been helped by them. At the close of each meeting the
+pledge is presented.
+
+“Besides this daily meeting, we have weekly meetings under our
+auspices, at the following points:
+
+“_Bethel Home_, where a meeting has been sustained about three years.
+There a _mighty_ work has been done: _thousands_ passing through the
+Home have been in our meetings, possibly, only once--others several
+times, and the seed thus sown has fallen upon many a poor, weary heart.
+The Superintendent of the Home says that about twenty thousand persons
+pass through the Home yearly. The larger portion of these come into our
+meetings. They are poor wanderers, going up and down in the world,
+seeking work, rest, and homes. The most of them are drinking men. It is
+one of the most promising points of our work, and _thousands_ of these
+poor outcasts have signed the pledge here and begun a better life.
+
+“_Burr Mission_ is also a grand field for labor--a hard one, but all
+the more blessed, because of the joy it gives of seeing the cross of
+Christ win its way in the worst of places. Earnest Christian women have
+stood firm at their post here, and God has blessed them wonderfully.
+Hundreds have signed the pledge. Much house to house visiting is being
+done here, with blessed results.
+
+“_Twenty-fifth street and Portland avenue_ is another point where we
+have planted our temperance work. Here we have much help from Christian
+men and women living in the neighborhood.
+
+“_At 221 West Madison street_ we have another point of work. This
+meeting has only been in progress a few months, and yet the interest is
+remarkable, and much good is being done. Many Christians attend this
+meeting, held every Monday night.
+
+“And last, but by no means least, we have a new point of work in the
+extreme south part of the city, in the midst of a drinking class of
+people, called--
+
+“_Our Forty-seventh Street Work._ A gospel temperance meeting was
+started here about six weeks ago, a hall secured, and meetings held
+_twice_ every week. The entire neighborhood seems aroused. Some
+opposition was met with at first, but the whiskey men are finding out
+that we have come to stay. A noble Christian man, under the direction
+of our Union, has charge of the work, and we send speakers and watch
+its interests. At _every_ meeting large numbers sign the pledge. The
+work here promises grand things.
+
+ SUMMARY OF WORK.
+
+“The Chicago Union holds, _every week, twelve_ gospel temperance
+meetings. At all of these, the pledge is presented, and the Saviour
+offered as the Physician for sin-sick souls. At all of these meetings
+an opportunity is given for any one to present requests for prayers
+either for himself or for friends, and also to give testimony as to
+what the Lord is doing for him.
+
+“No reformed man is allowed to take part in our meetings who ignores
+Christ’s power to save, or scorns His help, no matter how good a
+_temperance_ man he may be. _We never run in debt._ It is an understood
+rule that we shall _never_ go beyond the means in hand. Clinging to
+this, we found ourselves one day with only forty-five cents in the
+treasury, but all bills were paid, and before others came in the Lord
+supplied our needs.
+
+“Not _one dime_ from our treasury goes to relief work. In a great
+city like this, constantly running the risk of being imposed on by
+untruthful and indolent people, we saw the wisdom of adopting this
+rule, and have adhered to it strictly. We find that those we help
+the least, _materially_, do the best for _themselves_, and this is a
+fact worthy of consideration. Much of the so-called _charity_ of the
+world is but adding fuel to the fire which is burning out our social
+life. Every man ought to be taught that he must depend upon _God_ and
+_himself_.
+
+“Our temperance women cannot learn the lesson too soon, that there
+is _no end_ to the long procession who care more for the bread that
+perisheth, than for that of eternal life.
+
+“Our objective point is the uplifting of _public sentiment_. Pulling
+drunkards out of the gutter is good work, but to keep them from getting
+in is better. Our hope is in the children. To this end the juvenile
+work interests us much. In nearly all the evangelical Sunday-schools of
+the city, we have introduced a review lesson on Temperance, prepared
+by Miss Kimball, the chairman of that department. It has proved _very
+acceptable_; and Sunday-schools out in the towns and villages in the
+State have sent to us for it.
+
+“God give us the children for Christ and temperance, is our cry; and we
+hear Him say, ‘According to your _faith_ be it done unto you.’
+
+“To-day, at the close of this hot August month, with the fall and
+winter work close upon us, our Chicago Union stands bravely at the
+front, where, thank God, she has _always_ stood.
+
+“To recapitulate:
+
+“We hold _twelve gospel temperance meetings every_ week, counting in
+our six _daily_ meetings, the attendance of which yesterday was 120,
+averaging daily from 80 to 100! Our regular _business_ meeting every
+week. During the past _eleven_ months (first three of which is in the
+last report), between 1,500 and 1,600 have signed the pledge; and we
+feel safe in saying that there have been from _three_ to _five hundred
+conversions_. May God continue to bless the temperance cause, and to
+Him be all the glory.”
+
+
+JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS.
+
+After an all-day prayer-meeting, the women were invited to meet and
+organize, which they did on March 16th, 1874, enrolling at the first
+meeting 200 names, as workers. They caused to be placed on record,
+the following solemn statement: “We now buckled on the armor, and go
+forward; there is no retreat, no failure; we do not expect to lay down
+our armor until life’s work is done. Our motto is, Jehovah nisi: the
+Lord my banner; and with this unfurled, floating in the air--which is
+wafted from the heavens above us--we go forth to conquer for Him who
+gave His life for us.”
+
+A pledge was drawn up, and circulated among the druggists, to which
+most of them signed their names. Committees were appointed to visit the
+owners of the buildings where saloons were kept, hoping, as nearly all
+were church members, they would be convinced of the wrong they were
+doing. Total abstinence pledges were circulated throughout the city,
+and over two thousand names were enrolled on the pledge-books.
+
+One day, a member of the Union, seeing a man come out of a saloon,
+said, with a kind look, “My friend, you do not frequent the saloon
+at such a time as this?” He answered, “I have done so.” After some
+conversation, they separated; he went home and related the circumstance
+to his wife, and expressed a willingness to sign the pledge. The wife
+found out the name of the lady, visited her and urged her to present
+the pledge to her husband, which she did. The man wrote his name to the
+pledge, declaring solemnly that he would never break it; and has kept
+it faithfully, and taken a stand on the Lord’s side, and united with
+one of the churches.
+
+A man came into the meeting one day, who seemed very much affected and
+interested. He said he lived eight miles from the town, was in the
+habit of drinking, and had been for thirty years; as he was coming into
+town, his wife wished him to attend the meeting where they prayed for
+those who wanted to be free from the bondage of drink, so instead of
+going to the saloon, he went to the prayer-meeting.
+
+Not long afterwards, while the women were praying before a saloon, a
+wagon stopped, and the occupants desired to see some of the women; it
+was the man just mentioned, with his family. They all wanted to sign
+the pledge; the shadow had been lifted, they had now a happy home, the
+man had reformed.
+
+Mrs. L. H. Washington, who was the President of the Union at that time,
+says:
+
+“We met daily, asking our Father to lead us, and use us against the
+evil, which threatened all that was precious In life. We did this,
+however, in the beginning, without any expectation of going into the
+saloons. For myself, I had an abhorrence of drinking-places, from which
+happily my father, brothers and husband, had kept aloof.”
+
+After two weeks of dally meetings, we began to visit the saloons.
+
+Our band, which commenced with five, soon numbered seventy-five. We
+were almost invariably treated with respect, not that the saloonists
+were glad of our company, but they knew that their only hope of
+maintaining their position and business was in appearing as much like
+gentlemen as they knew how.
+
+There were some exceptions to courteous treatment, generally from
+those under the influence of liquor. One saloon-keeper, who was much
+intoxicated, seized a gun, and aimed it at the women, but it was
+wrested from him, by his patrons. When sober he always invited us
+in, (we did not enter without permission,) and frequently followed
+to other saloons with apparent interest. Another saloon-keeper, also
+intoxicated, said: “What do you bring your Jesus here for? take Him to
+the church, and crucify Him there. You are working for money, any way.”
+
+We immediately acknowledged that we had received nearly a thousand
+dollars to open a pleasant free reading-room, where all were invited,
+and we wanted all who worked for money to take good care of it, and
+make their homes pleasant, and their wives and children happy, and we
+urged all to come and partake of the “water of life freely, without
+money, and without price.”
+
+One of the most deeply solemn prayer-meetings I ever attended, was held
+in a saloon, by appointment, and with the consent of the proprietor.
+Intelligence and wealth, ignorance and poverty, were represented in the
+band. Anguished hearts were laid bare; wrongs and solicitudes which had
+been carefully covered over for years, awakened ready sympathy, and
+all clasped hands against a common foe.
+
+Saloon patronage was greatly reduced; many unaccustomed to attend
+church, on invitation came, and some were gathered into the fold.
+
+It was almost the universal opinion, that with the burning eye of
+public sentiment turned upon the liquor traffic, it must go down.
+The saloonists were evidently trembling, not so much at the power of
+God whom they did not fear, as at the power of the earthly counsel,
+from whom they bought silence and favor, by paying $500 per annum. So
+insecure did they feel, and so low had their patronage been reduced,
+that they did not replenish their stock.
+
+One liquor agent, who, when he visited the city, usually sold from
+$1,500 to $2,500 worth of liquors to the drug stores and saloons,
+stated, that he could not sell one dollar’s worth. We afterwards
+learned that he came into our daily meeting to see what the women were
+doing, to so interfere with his business.
+
+I was riding in the cars one night. We reached the city of Peoria about
+midnight. This city is noted for its whiskey making, and a man entered,
+and engaged in conversation with a passenger, from which I learned,
+they were both engaged in the liquor business.
+
+“Times are dull, dull,” was the salutation that passed between them. A
+pocket flask was produced, and the quality of its contents tested with
+evident relish.
+
+“Doesn’t it beat the devil? You can’t sell whiskey in these days.” (I
+thought myself, that the devil was badly beaten.)
+
+“Where have you been this round?”
+
+Several places were indicated.
+
+“Did you stop at Jacksonville?”
+
+“Yes, but they’ve got a Crusade and a revival, too, and there’s no use
+to try to sell there.”
+
+“Things look rather dark.”
+
+“I think they do: Why, there are 30,000 barrels of whiskey in the
+bonded warehouses of Peoria, to-day, and no sale to speak of. B----’s
+distillery must shut down, if times don’t brighten. Why if this thing
+keeps on three months longer, every whiskey man in the country will be
+busted.”
+
+Alas! that the adversary of souls should have so many allies, and one
+so powerful in the love of money.
+
+In our city, many who commended crusading, and were loud in their
+praises, and hoped the women would not give up, when the time came for
+voting, failed to back their praises with their votes. “Temperance
+work,” they said, “was a Christian work, a work of moral suasion, and
+since men would drink, it was best and safest to make them pay for
+it.” And so they bargained for the evil, which their wives prayed to
+prevent, and hindered the good work.
+
+We were cast down, but not altogether discouraged. We wept, it is true,
+but had not our Master wept over Jerusalem? Jerusalem was destroyed,
+but His blessed cause lives, and the light then overshadowed, is
+brightening the uttermost parts of the earth.
+
+I learn from the records that on April 9th the following petition was
+prepared: “_To the Honorable, the Mayor and City Council of the City
+of Jacksonville_:
+
+“The undersigned, residents of Jacksonville, respectfully ask that no
+license to retail intoxicating drinks shall be granted by the city of
+Jacksonville. To you who have full power to grant or deny our prayer we
+appeal as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, to aid in preventing a
+traffic that causes evil, and only evil, and by which our sex and young
+children are the greatest sufferers.”
+
+This petition was circulated, and the names of 1,650 women annexed,
+and presented to the council at their first meeting by a committee
+appointed by the Union. This petition was placed, by vote of said
+council, in the hands of the chairman of the committee on ordinances,
+where it slept, with naught to disturb its repose, until its
+resurrection by the Union a year afterwards. It is now nicely rolled
+up and occupies a place with the records kept by the Secretary of the
+temperance society.
+
+And yet, with all these discouragements, the Secretary, Mrs. E. J.
+Bancroft, records the purpose of the society in the following tender
+words:
+
+“Let us, members of the Union, keep heart to heart, having charity
+among ourselves as to ways and means of doing good. Work and wait,
+looking to Him who gave the cause into our hands--the burden into our
+hearts.”
+
+
+ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. S. M. I. Henry, Corresponding Secretary, for the
+following facts:
+
+The city of Rockford, Illinois, on the Rock river, has had rather a
+remarkable history. About twenty years ago its numerous Christian
+counsellors set themselves to frame a municipal law for the liquor
+traffic, which, while it licensed, should at the same time prohibit;
+and the government was run on this double-faced principle for a series
+of years, during which manufactories multiplied, homes were built after
+the most luxurious style, churches were erected until they stood one
+for every thousand of her population, schools were perfected, and her
+youth grew up and entered business, and reared houses of their own;
+when it suddenly appeared to the women that their proud and beautiful
+city had a saloon for every church, and more than matched the church in
+point of influence.
+
+Under the terrible pressure of facts, the women came together, on the
+27th of March, 1874, and organized a Woman’s Temperance Union, having
+but the one object, of saving the men of our city from the curse
+of rum. The wife of the mayor, Mrs. Gilbert Woodruff, was made the
+President of this organization, with a Vice-President from every church
+in the city. Mrs. S. M. I. Henry was elected Secretary, and Mrs. H. W.
+Carpenter, Treasurer.
+
+Thoroughly organized, the Union began its work--holding public
+meetings, canvassing the city with pledges and petitions, studying the
+laws of the State and city, looking up the city records for facts to be
+used in public and private; and, greater than any of these, imploring
+the God of heaven daily for relief from the death-grip of this enemy.
+The pledges were signed by a good proportion of the _temperance_
+people, and a few drinkers.
+
+The petition to the council, not to grant licenses, was signed by
+2,325 women, 1,357 men, over age, and was presented to the council
+by twenty-one ladies--and was _not granted_. We worked on one year,
+without any apparent result--passed the anniversary, and began the
+second year with nothing but faith. By very great efforts, we raised
+the means to secure the services of Francis Murphy, who came to
+Rockford, about the 10th of April, 1875. The people thronged to hear
+him, and thus became interested in the idea and fact of reformation for
+the drunkard. Some hard drinkers signed the pledge at his meetings, who
+have stood true until now.
+
+Just before Mr. Murphy came, the business men who were in sympathy with
+our work organized an alliance, which is still in good, substantial
+working order, and is a power in our city.
+
+In July, 750 of our Union opened rooms for temperance gospel work,
+and Mrs. Henry, the Corresponding Secretary, was placed in charge, in
+which position she still remains. These rooms have become one of the
+institutions of the city, and have been the scene of many thrilling
+incidents in the work of individual reform. A pledge-book is kept on
+the table, and about four hundred names have been enrolled, of those
+who, in the midst of a downward course, have resolved to reform, and
+sought the temperance rooms and called for the pledge, unsolicited by
+us. Of this number more than ninety per cent. stand true.
+
+On the 15th of October, 1875, a Reform Club was organized in the rooms,
+beginning with seven members, all men rescued, by the grace of God,
+through the gospel temperance work, from the lowest depths. This club
+now numbers over one hundred men of like experience, many of whom have
+been converted, and are humbly following Christ.
+
+At the beginning of the second year of our Union, Mrs. John Backus
+was elected President, Mrs. Woodruff being first Vice-President; and
+Mrs. Starr, Recording Secretary; Mrs. S. B. Wilkins, Treasurer; the
+Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Henry, being retained. These officers
+were re-elected at our last annual meeting. At that meeting, the
+Corresponding Secretary in making her report referred to the strange
+fact, that not one of our members had been called away by death, and
+that no one had ever seceded from us. But to-day, six months after,
+we cannot say this: two of our dearest fellow-workers have gone up to
+represent us in the court of the King.
+
+Mrs. Mary A. Phelps, and Mrs. Gilbert Woodruff, our first
+Vice-President. No one reading these two names, in this connection, can
+know what it means to us. They were beloved and honored among us, and
+we are left _stricken_, yet following on.
+
+Our work is peculiarly _gospel_ work. During the years, our weekly
+gospel meetings for the men, our monthly meetings for the young people,
+weekly Thursday afternoon meetings of the Union, and weekly club
+meetings on Friday evening for men only, are all carried on, nothing
+being allowed to interfere. During the summer, afternoon meetings are
+held in the public park, every Saturday, at three o’clock, conducted by
+the women; and occasionally some good pastor of a city church visits
+us of a Sabbath evening, with his people, to hold a gospel temperance
+meeting.
+
+We have done a great deal of saloon visiting, not crusading, and
+tract work, with good results. A great deal of relief work comes
+to us every winter. Last winter the charity of the churches was
+distributed through our agency, and we had thirty-five families on
+our list, whose comfort was the daily care of our Union all winter.
+Cause of this want--_drink_. Result of the gospel temperance relief
+work--reformation, and conversion in several instances.
+
+Out of the W. T. Union of our city have grown several organizations,
+all working in harmony with us, and each other, viz.: the Rockford
+Temperance Alliance, the Rockford Reform Club, Spafford Lodge, I. O. G.
+T., and the Temple of Honor.
+
+We were sure, at first, that our call was of God, but to-day, looking
+back over three and a half years of constant work in this cause, we
+_know it_.
+
+We praise Him for the past, and trust Him for the future.
+
+
+BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS.
+
+Mrs. A. E. Sanford, of Bloomington, gives the following account of work
+there:
+
+The two months of prayer and conference preceding the work of saloon
+visiting, was a season of earnest praying and patient hard work.
+Saloons were visited every day, their keepers and occupants conversed
+with, urged to sign the pledge, become Christians, and give up the
+miserable business of selling and drinking liquors. Several gave up
+the business, many signed the pledge, and much good resulted from the
+loving labors of God’s loyal women.
+
+April 20th, 1874, was a memorable day in the history of Bloomington.
+The city council, in answer to the importunate entreaties of the women
+to make prohibition regulations, had promised to leave the decision to
+the popular vote. At an early hour the ladies convened at the First
+M. E. Church, and after spending one hour in agonizing prayer, went
+out in companies to the different wards, to influence, if possible,
+the voters. Quiet, timid women, with calm, resolute courage, in many
+of whose faces shone the peace and trust born of abiding faith in
+God, took their places with hearts full of prayer, and hands full of
+prohibition tickets, and in the drizzling, cold rain, fought for the
+cause they loved.
+
+Ministers, Christian men and women, and the Faculty of Wesleyan
+University, all worked together tirelessly, for they thought much
+depended on that day’s work. Many a voter, who had little faith in
+the “no license plan,” was induced to try the experiment; many a
+poor inebriate, seeing in prohibition his only hope of reform, and
+many a man, who cared little for the result, was induced to vote the
+prohibition ticket.
+
+At the church the women gathered all day and prayed; lunch was served
+also there; reliefs sent to those who had worked at the polls till
+strength gave way. Not a word of disrespect or roughness was given to
+the ladies, though they mingled with rough men, accompanying them to
+the polls to see the proper tickets deposited.
+
+When the polls closed, men and women, interested in prohibition,
+gathered at the church to await “returns.” As the news came in, shouts
+of praise, and songs of rejoicing mingled together; and when the
+victory was declared, the grand long-metre doxology sung with quivering
+lips and streaming eyes, attested how deep had been the interest, and
+how profound was the thanksgiving.
+
+But alas! how short-lived was our triumph. The council, disappointed
+in the result, “dilly-dallied” about carrying the popular vote into
+execution, until in June they passed the mockery of a prohibition
+ordinance, making the sale of less than one gallon illegal. But even
+this mockery accomplished good. Young men and boys were less frequently
+found in saloons; drunken men were seen less frequently upon the
+streets; and a visible improvement was manifest until fall, when even
+that ordinance was repealed, and “license” became the rule. Those were
+dark days for the friends of temperance.
+
+Since 1876, nearly half the saloons which had existence here have been
+closed. The Washingtonian Club has grown out of the prayers and efforts
+of the Union. Every week a few sign the pledge; and steadily, though
+slowly, the temperance sentiment is gaining ground and winning sympathy.
+
+The ladies of the Union meet weekly, not in the large numbers
+which characterized the Crusade days, but a few are always there,
+“stretching their hands to God,” and believing that the right must
+triumph in God’s good time; and so we are not discouraged, but hoping.
+
+
+MOLINE, ILLINOIS.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. M. E. Stewart for the facts connected with the
+heroic work of the women of this town:
+
+Long before the great tidal wave of temperance had rolled over Ohio,
+Indiana, and other States, there were anxious hearts in Moline. There
+were sleepless nights, and agonizing prayers, and many times was the
+question repeated mentally, “What, oh, what can be done to stay the
+terrible curse of intemperance?” But when the glad news of what was
+being done in our sister States flashed across the wires, we thanked
+God, and took courage, hoping that a spark from the spreading fire
+might alight in our own city. At length our desires were realized, and
+on the 20th day of April, 1874, at three o’clock P. M., about twenty
+women met for prayer and discussion, and, before separating, organized,
+and appointed committees for various duties, drafting Constitution and
+By-laws, and drawing up petitions.
+
+The meeting was earnest and spirited, and the great burden of heart
+seemed to be that the city council, manufacturers and business men,
+should take a decided stand on the side of temperance, by not licensing
+the sale of spirituous liquors, and by giving employment to men of
+steady habits only, and by discountenancing intemperance in every form.
+
+Our next meeting was held on the 24th of April. Forty ladies were
+present. The “Woman’s Total Abstinence League,” as the Society was
+called, had for its President Mrs. M. M. Hubbard, a woman of large
+motherly heart, one on whose brow were lines of thought and care,
+and whose hair was being silvered with age, and one whose heart was
+imbued with the work. Vice-Presidents, Mrs. M. A. Gordan and Mrs. M. A.
+Stephens. Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. M. E. Stewart.
+
+After that meeting, no time was lost, but active and persistent
+labor was ours. The city was divided into districts, and thoroughly
+canvassed with a petition to the city council in favor of “no license,
+and prohibition.” From house to house, from shop to shop, and from
+manufactory to manufactory did the earnest, anxious canvassers go,
+earnestly pleading with all to sign the petition “for no license.” Day
+after day they walked through drenching rain, snow, sleet, wind and
+storm, so that it might be completed before the election of new city
+officers.
+
+The roll contained 2,100 names and measured sixty-nine feet; and
+after a meeting of solemn, earnest prayers, a committee was appointed
+to carry it to the council room. It was presented to the mayor, who
+listened attentively, and responded by saying, that “both he and the
+council were in sympathy with our petition, and would do all they could
+to grant the favor.”
+
+The hearts of the old council had been touched, and to quiet
+conscience, they had repealed the license law, and left a clean page
+for the new officials.
+
+The first vote taken on the matter was a tie, requiring the mayor’s
+signature or vote to decide, which he refused to give, fearing he might
+offend either party, and thus the question was left undecided, and for
+two months there was no license. Meanwhile we did all in our power to
+prevent action in favor of license. We held meetings for prayer, sent
+articles on temperance to the newspapers, plead with the manufacturers
+and capitalists, to employ only men of strict temperance principles;
+plead, too, before “our wise ones, that the policy of no license was,
+and always would be, the wisest political economy--a financial gain to
+the commonwealth.”
+
+Although there was no license, the liquor-selling and drinking went on,
+and law was being violated, and work--hard work--and prayer was our
+daily motto.
+
+The mayor and council were frequently visited, always after earnest
+prayer. Saloon-keepers were visited and appealed to in the kindest
+and most tender terms to give up their occupation, and engage in some
+business that might command the patronage of all. The druggists were
+visited with the pledge, which was signed by each of them, but alas! we
+only too well knew, that some of them did so as a mere pretence, never
+intending to keep their promise.
+
+The churches were also most thoroughly canvassed with the pledge,
+and, although many responded eagerly, yet our hearts were saddened to
+know that quite a number of God’s professed followers did not fully
+comprehend the spirit of the great apostle, when he said, “If meat make
+my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stand.”
+
+Drunkards’ families were visited, and a kind and helping hand extended
+to the poor inebriate.
+
+Many little incidents occurred during such visits, which were worthy of
+note, but I shall only mention two, giving them in the canvasser’s own
+words:
+
+“In the northern part of our city are a number of poor, unfinished and
+unpainted houses, nothing of interest surrounding them. One cold, dark,
+dreary day, I called at the door of one of them: my rap was answered
+by a gruff voice from within, that seemed to come from some hollow
+cave. The door opened, and I stood face to face, in the presence of a
+man upon whose brow was stamped God’s bitter curse, ‘No drunkard shall
+enter the kingdom of heaven.’ I followed him, and found that I had
+entered a place of wretchedness and suffering. No fire, no furniture,
+except a broken table, one or two chairs, an old stove, and a bed
+of rags on the floor. Three poor children greeted me with kind and
+somewhat cheerful faces, a welcome indeed, in such a place of want and
+destitution.
+
+“I told them I had come to get their father to sign the pledge, and
+hoped to bring joy and comfort to them. After hearing the pledge read,
+he wrote his name, exclaiming as he did so, ‘No man has more need to
+sign your paper, woman, than I,’ wishing, at the same time, ‘that
+intemperance could be done away with;’ then, sinking upon the floor, he
+exclaimed, ‘Father, have mercy, what has drink done for me! taken my
+children, my wife, my property.’
+
+“The oldest child, a girl of fourteen, coming and throwing her arms
+around my neck, inquired if I had ‘come to save her father from a
+drunkard’s grave.’ ‘Would he come home once more sober?’ ‘Once more
+bring joy and comfort to his home?’ Two interesting children, a girl of
+eight and a boy of ten, came and took me by the hand and with trembling
+voices, asked if I had ‘come to save their father.’ I inquired for
+their mother. ‘She was dead four years since. She used to pray with
+us, for this good time coming, when father would be kind and have a
+pleasant home.’ She inquired if I ‘was the good angel, God had sent.’
+The father hearing the sad, tearful voices of his children, came and
+took me by the hand, and asked me to pray with him. In that dark and
+dreary room, believing God would hear and answer prayer, I asked them
+to repeat with me the Lord’s prayer, ‘Our Father, which art in heaven.’
+
+“Visiting still further among the poor, I called upon a family in more
+comfortable circumstances. Poverty and wretchedness had not yet stamped
+their blight so plainly upon their home. Still sorrow and sadness had
+found their way, and were gnawing at the hearts of its occupants. An
+aged mother, a young wife, a beautiful babe; must the finger of scorn
+be pointed towards them, a drunkard’s family? I told them my mission.
+I had come to get their names to our petition. In bitter anguish they
+told me of sorrow and suffering. How they had waited his coming in
+trembling and in fear: how they had gone out in the darkness of the
+night, mother and daughter, wandering among the haunts of vice to find
+no comfort.
+
+“He, upon whom they once leaned for support, was too intoxicated to
+know them. In bitter anguish they had returned to their home, so cold
+and desolate, to await his coming. The young wife asked if anything
+could be done to save her husband from a drunkard’s grave. Inquiring if
+they ever prayed for him, or those who sold him drink, I received the
+answer, ‘Prayer! What good would prayer do?’ I entreated her to pray
+for him, and for her enemies; told her prayer would prevail before God;
+to pray for the time when this terrible monster intemperance would be
+done away; for her son God had given her, that he might not follow in
+the footsteps of his father. Assuring her all our labors were backed
+by faith and prayer; that we would continue our prayers with hers, the
+prayers of the drunkards’ wives and children, until they reached to
+heaven. She threw herself at my feet, exclaiming, ‘Let me come, then,
+Lord, and consecrate myself to Thee.’”
+
+Our meetings were always characterized by a deep devotional spirit,
+great zeal and earnestness in the work. Social positions, if they
+differed, were for the time levelled, and denominational differences
+forgotten.
+
+Our League grew, and soon numbered ninety-three, but only a part were
+willing for active service, so that the labor devolved upon the few.
+
+The ministers joined with us heart and hand, and in sermons, hymns and
+prayers, held aloft the temperance banner. By their enthusiasm they
+incited the people to action, and temperance meetings became the order
+of the day.
+
+Mass-meetings were held alternately in each church. A Union Temperance
+Prayer-meeting was organized, and sustained for a year. A part of the
+League had pledged themselves to be always there, if possible.
+
+And those who held on were amply repaid, for their own hearts were
+warmed and cheered, and often the blessed prayer-room seemed a very
+Bethel. After much prayer the saloons were visited.
+
+On June 2d, after earnest prayers, discussion, and great shrinking from
+so unpleasant a duty, the picket work began; a few only volunteering
+to assist in the labor. That great excitement was created by this
+arrangement will be seen by the following, taken from our city paper,
+the _Moline Review_:
+
+“A STREET RIOT.--Every friend of good order in Moline must feel
+disgusted with the riotous crowd that assembled at the corner of Main
+and Atkinson streets on Wednesday evening, and, in defiance of law,
+blockaded the streets and disturbed the peace for hours. There was
+no occasion for this public disturbance; there is no excuse for it;
+and the good name of the city requires that a repetition shall not be
+permitted to occur.
+
+“But in this connection some explanation of what drew the crowd
+together is required. It appears that the Ladies’ Temperance League
+deputed two of their number to obtain and record the names of all
+persons who enter Shroeder’s saloon, which is located on the corner
+of the streets already named. Early in the morning the ladies began
+the duty assigned them, and remained at their post until noon without
+any notable occurrence. In the afternoon kegs of beer were placed in
+the middle of the street, and freely drank by a small crowd of men.
+This continued until six o’clock in the evening, the crowd constantly
+swelling in numbers. By eight o’clock the crowd had grown from a
+score to hundreds. A wagon was placed in the middle of the street and
+beer flowed freely. The crowd was ordered by the mayor in person to
+disperse, but it refused to do so. By nine o’clock from 300 to 500
+men, women, and children had congregated. Shouts, jeers, speeches,
+and profanity were indulged in. Challenges were boldly shouted for
+the friends of temperance to defend their views by arguments; common
+decency was outraged, religion mocked, and the name of the Deity loudly
+proclaimed as authority for drinking. This state of affairs continued
+without hindrance until eleven o’clock, when the crowd, out of sheer
+exhaustion, dispersed.”
+
+It was on the evening of the general prayer-meeting when the above
+scene occurred; and, during the hour of prayer, could be heard, far
+from the place, the shouts and yells of the enraged bacchanalians.
+Earnest prayers went up to our Father for the poor, wretched votaries
+of alcohol.
+
+After that evening the pickets never remained on duty later than six
+o’clock in the evening, as we did not deem it wise. Notwithstanding
+remarks and severe criticisms, the pickets proved faithful, and with
+pencil and paper took notes as the hours went by.
+
+Many little incidents, both ludicrous and amusing, occurred whilst we
+were on picket duty.
+
+One very hot afternoon, when two were at their post, a man came driving
+up like Jehu, and when near, drove clear around us, staring all the
+while, as if he had never before seen two women. He then turned,
+crossed over to the saloon, went in, and no doubt quenched his thirst.
+He then came out, jumped in his buggy, and came back, stopping just in
+front of us, when he took out a pencil and paper and began to write,
+as we supposed at first, but we subsequently learned that he was
+drawing our likenesses, and afterwards they were hung up in the saloon
+on exhibition, and when we passed by, we could hear remarks about the
+correctness of the drawings. The man himself, his manner, etc., during
+the whole scene, was exceedingly ludicrous, and yet he never spoke a
+word; we, meanwhile, retaining our dignity, and apparently indifferent
+to it all, and yet really peeping out from under our sun-hats, we could
+see the whole, and were greatly amused.
+
+Out of the picket work grew many rumors, incorrect ideas, and many
+unjust and unkind remarks. But during the whole time we were too busily
+engaged to notice, or give a second thought to anything of the kind.
+Our hearts were in the work; we had counted the cost; were willing to
+make great sacrifices, and knew well before we began, that we should
+be misunderstood and misrepresented; but we had also learned from the
+words of the blessed Master, that “The servant is not above his Lord.”
+
+There was one thing, however, for which we were not prepared. We were
+not ready for the unjust remarks and criticisms of those who professed
+not only strong temperance principles, but also Christianity.
+
+However, the picket work proved effectual, and the business of one
+particular saloon wasted away like the dew before the summer sun.
+
+This saloon had been notorious for decoying our American young men
+within its gilded net, and because we were anxious to save our boys, we
+placed our heaviest guns near by.
+
+Men not lost to shame, would turn away when they saw the pickets, and
+young men would come to us, and ask us for the pledge, saying, they
+were disgusted with the drink habit, and weary of their thraldom, and
+desired to lead better lives.
+
+It also proved a grand discipline to ourselves, for some of us, who so
+greatly deplored the sin and misery of strong drink, knew but little of
+its heinousness or extent, until we learned it upon picket duty.
+
+The work was begun for two reasons: one, that we might obtain evidence
+of violation of law; and the other, that our presence might deter our
+American youth from entering and forming the habit of strong drink.
+
+But a deep and lasting impression was made upon ourselves. Our souls
+were sickened and saddened, and our determination deepened and
+strengthened, never to abandon the cause, until our old and young
+men should be saved from the soul and body destroying influence of
+alcoholic stimulants.
+
+During the picket term, we also made arrangements for a temperance
+convention and celebration, which convened on the 4th of July, and
+with the help of our Davenport and Rock Island sisters, proved quite a
+success.
+
+There was also a petition presented to the county guardians. Though
+able and earnest, and signed by the leading ladies of Rock Island
+county, the petition was refused, and license granted.
+
+The appeal was signed and presented by the following ladies:
+
+Mrs. M. M. Hubbard, President; Mrs. M. E. Stewart, Secretary; Mrs. J.
+W. Spencer, President; Mrs. M. B. Hays, Mrs. M. R. McCalister, Mrs. T.
+J. Robinson, Mrs. T. F. Abbot, Mrs. C. C. Starr, Mrs. Margaret E. Ells,
+and Mrs. Helen Moffit.
+
+In the midst of our arduous labors we did not forget that justice is
+justice, and that those men whose “business was licensed by law, and
+protected by law, should be of all men the most willing to be judged by
+law;” and so, accordingly, in the month of May a legal committee was
+appointed to “take notes of evidence of all violations of law which
+came under their notice, or to their knowledge.” An attorney was also
+retained, and the work assumed a definite form.
+
+Of course such proceedings called forth a variety of remarks, such
+as, “Oh! don’t use the law in your work,” and “What do these women
+know?” “They cannot prove anything.” “Of course, law is made for the
+lawless, and law must be enforced if men steal our money, or murder our
+citizens; but this is different; and really it will agitate matters too
+much, if you prosecute men for violations of the liquor law.” But we
+believed our Father, a God of justice as well as an answerer of prayer,
+and most wonderfully did He open the way for us, as the sequel will
+show.
+
+Our testimony often came from sources both surprising and unexpected;
+and through the dust and heat we toiled on, “occasionally gaining a
+word of cheer, but never failing to hear of our mistakes.”
+
+Early in July a modified and somewhat restricted license law went into
+force. Under the old law there was an unlimited flow of rum, brandy
+and whiskey; but this ordinance permitted only the sale of wine and
+beer. Under the old law the saloons were nominally required to close
+at eleven o’clock at night, but in fact ran on undisturbed by watch or
+police--rolling balls and clinking glasses--until twelve, one and two.
+
+By the new law they were required to close at ten o’clock, and no games
+of any kind were permitted to be played in the saloons. Under the old
+license there was paint on the windows, and screens at the doors; by
+the new ordinance, “he, the saloon-keeper, shall keep the windows in
+his said bar, or place of business, free of paint or any other matter,
+whereby free view of the inside of his said bar, or place of business,
+through said windows, would or might be obstructed from the outside
+thereof; that persons of ordinary stature, standing on such ground, can
+easily see the interior of such bar or place of business, or anywhere
+therein; whereby any obstruction would be made to a clear view of the
+interior of said bar or place of business, from the outside thereof.”
+
+If this was not all we could have desired, yet we felt it was a step in
+the right direction.
+
+The mayor also told us that instead of twenty saloons, there should
+be licensed but eight or ten. But after the number was complete, one
+unfortunate evening, when the mayor could not be there, the license
+faction of the council increased the number to fifteen, which so
+annoyed the opposing party that one left in disgust.
+
+The mayor’s ordinance, however, produced an effect, one which the
+saloon-keepers did not greatly enjoy; many being deterred from
+entering, for fear of being seen from the outside by the passer-by; and
+billiard playing being prohibited, much of the former charm was broken.
+
+And thus we felt that God had answered prayer.
+
+About this time, Dr. William Ross (since then deceased), an
+enthusiastic lecturer, came to our city, and by his earnestness incited
+the people to financial action and united effort to suppress all
+illegal traffic in ardent spirits. The people responded nobly, the
+result being the subscription of over $200,000, to be assessed at the
+discretion of a board of managers. The board was composed of some of
+our best men, who, for a time, stood firmly by their pledges.
+
+If any one inquired what was to be gained by our lawsuits, even if we
+did win, we answered, “Much, every way:” but as one definite result, we
+knew that minors and inebriates who were connected with our cases could
+not now find so easy access to the intoxicating bowl, and we also knew,
+that some unconscious parents were suddenly brought to a knowledge of
+where their minor sons spent much of their leisure and money.
+
+The picket work continued, and the days sped on. Many weary, oh, so
+weary days were ours; but One was ever with us, to comfort and sustain.
+The summer months passed rapidly by, for our hearts and hands were
+filled, and we scarce took note of time.
+
+September came, and we sent our witnesses of the violation of the law
+to the grand jury of Rock Island county.
+
+Having thoroughly proved, in the meantime, that “the municipal courts
+would grant small, if any, justice in cases brought to their notice by
+women,” we had had overwhelming evidence of the violations of the city
+law.
+
+Three cases were brought before the city court, but each one lost. With
+sadness we recall the ungentlemanly conduct of the opposing lawyer, in
+his questioning one of the witnesses, a most excellent Christian woman,
+who now rests from all her labors, where her heart is not saddened, or
+her ear pained, by the coarse ribaldry of bacchanalian revelry.
+
+During the trials of the cases, the same lawyer would leave the
+court-room and still further excite his stimulated brain. And our
+experience proved, that when the city employed its police, they were
+not very much troubled at violations of the new ordinance, and our only
+hope must be under the State law.
+
+The pickets took evidence of the violation of the State law; and a
+book, containing a list of names of witnesses of the violation of said
+law, was sent to the foreman of the grand jury, who refused to lay
+the cases before the jury. The State’s attorney then sent word to the
+President of the League that she or other members of the society must
+present the cases themselves. Accordingly, the President and legal
+committee attended court, and presented our cases, during which time,
+other members met for prayer and supplication to the God of justice,
+that we all might be constantly led by the Spirit.
+
+Some of the members of the grand jury were liquor-dealers and drinkers,
+yet such was the character of the testimony laid before them, that
+they were compelled to bring in twenty-two indictments against the
+liquor-sellers of Moline.
+
+The cases were not reached until near the close of the term of the
+Circuit Court, when five cases were tried. We were not allowed to
+retain a temperance man on the jury, or one who believed the selling of
+liquor to be a moral wrong.
+
+We watched the empanelling of the jury with great anxiety. How our
+hearts sank within us as we saw one after another, the friends of
+temperance, dismissed from the jury! Yet we rejoiced to know that there
+were staunch temperance men in the county.
+
+Three men were summoned, two of whom were drunk, and one idiotic. The
+opposing counsel fought for hours to retain such upon the jury; but
+through the earnest appeals of the women, and honest efforts of our
+attorneys, who were noble and staunch men, they were dismissed, and
+their places filled by liquor-men who were not so fully under its
+influence. And before such a jury, men whose moral perceptions were
+blunted, and whose hearts were calloused, were our cases tried. But
+Jehovah remembered his people. Three of the five rum-sellers were
+convicted, sentenced to fine and imprisonment; one confessed, and one
+was acquitted.
+
+Several members of the League attended the trials, and were soundly
+berated by the opposing attorneys for neglecting, so they said, homes
+and family. So, to take that weapon out of their hands, some of the
+ladies took their children, knitting, etc., with them, thus losing no
+time, and yet seeing with their own eyes, and hearing with their own
+ears, the injustice and wickedness of men whose hearts seemed calloused
+to all that was good, pure and noble. Many lessons were also learned,
+not to be forgotten.
+
+Some of our witnesses were taken to saloons and treated by opposing
+lawyers, being followed to the doors by two of our ladies, who took
+cognizance of the painful fact.
+
+The testimonies of some of the witnesses were very touching, that of
+one heart-broken wife and mother bringing tears to the eyes of many.
+
+One case was tried and gained at the next term of court; sentence, fine
+and imprisonment. The next on the docket was that of a saloon-keeper
+who had just lost his wife, and, being left with a large family, his
+case was postponed until the next court, but, through the sympathies of
+our women in his behalf, was ultimately dropped.
+
+The trying of our cases revealed many things relative to the liquor
+traffic which before were unknown to us, and thus our experience was
+enlarged, and lasting impressions made upon our hearts, and we said,
+“We will never give up the ship,” but will labor on to raise the fallen.
+
+Time flew on apace, and as the picket and legal work had frightened
+many of our members, the League was greatly diminished in numbers, and
+the hard labor was all performed by a few, who were most wonderfully
+sustained by a loving Father, through faith and prayer.
+
+Death entered our circle, and one whom we dearly loved passed over to
+her rest. Sickness and removals at last compelled us to suspend for a
+time, and ten long months passed by before we resumed our meetings. In
+the meantime, another mayor came into authority, and the screens were
+again placed at the doors, and paint upon the windows of the saloons;
+the billiard tables were returned; all law, both city and State,
+violated, and yet no one to interfere.
+
+But we, a little band of women, still meet to plead with God in prayer
+for a better day. And we believe it will come, for Jehovah, the God of
+Israel, is ever on the side of right!
+
+Our little band has been made auxiliary to the State and National
+Union, and our name changed to “Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.”
+
+ We are watching, waiting, praying
+ For a brighter day to dawn,
+ When our watchword shall be Freedom!
+ Freedom, of Jehovah born.
+
+ When our loved and proud republic--
+ Land for which our fathers died--
+ Soil made sacred by the struggle
+ They encountered side by side:
+
+ When this land, o’er which our banner,
+ Symbol of the free and brave,
+ Floats aloft in all its glory,
+ Shall no longer know a slave!
+
+ Oh, thou mighty God of nations,
+ We would stretch our hands to thee;
+ Hear our prayer for deliverance;
+ Come, oh, come, and set us free!
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+The Crusade work was carried on with more or less success, in addition
+to the towns already named, in Springfield, Galesburg, Dickson, Joliet,
+Pontiac, Matamora, Oswego, Farmer City, Yorkville, and Sparta. The
+good work has gone on in Illinois. There are now fifty-four Woman’s
+Temperance Unions in the State, nine temperance reading-rooms, two
+friendly inns, and a large number of children gathered into juvenile
+organizations.
+
+
+
+
+WEST VIRGINIA.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA.
+
+During the Crusade in Ohio a deep interest was felt among the Christian
+and temperance people of West Virginia for the success of the work.
+
+Indeed, the sympathy and excitement was so great that the
+liquor-dealers were alarmed lest the tidal wave that was so rapidly
+overthrowing the traffic in Ohio should overwhelm them.
+
+I visited the State at that time, and aided in the work. Mass-meetings
+were being held, the women were deeply stirred, and Temperance was the
+theme of conversation in every circle.
+
+In Wheeling, especially, the enthusiasm of temperance people was very
+great.
+
+A wealthy gentleman, Mr. Hornbrooke, rented the Opera House, the
+largest public hall in the place, and offered it, free of charge, to
+the ladies, as long as they wished to use it. All classes attended
+these temperance meetings, which were held twice a day. Dealers,
+drinkers, and manufacturers were conspicuous in almost every gathering,
+and those who spoke had the privilege of speaking face to face with
+the men they desired to reach.
+
+“There are no less than eight of our heaviest liquor-dealers in the
+audience,” whispered one of the prominent ladies to me, just before the
+meeting commenced.
+
+“Notice that young man, standing by the pillar, with his hat in his
+hand. He is the son of one of our heaviest distillers; he is anxious
+that his father should get out of the business; he says it is becoming
+so disreputable that he is ashamed to be known as the son of a
+distiller,” was the passing comment of another lady.
+
+There was great freedom of speech in these gatherings.
+
+One evening I was speaking to an immense audience in the Opera House,
+about the awful harvest of crime and pauperism, the liquor traffic
+yielded annually, when I was startled by a man in the audience calling
+out:
+
+“If you don’t stop that kind of talk you will ruin my business.”
+
+I promptly replied: “If you are in the liquor business, I hope I will.”
+
+“No, I’m not in the liquor business; but I keep the jail--and the
+success of the jail business depends mainly on that.”
+
+The effect was electrical--the audience saw the point in a moment, and
+cheered enthusiastically.
+
+During the Crusade in Wheeling, among the saloon-keepers visited was
+one Laramie, who kept in connection with his saloon, a variety theatre.
+
+As soon as it was known that the women were going to visit the saloons,
+Laramie invited them to begin their work at his saloon, and assured
+them that they should be treated with respect, and that he would see
+that they were not harmed.
+
+They accepted his invitation, and a large company of ladies marched
+from the church to his saloon. A great crowd followed them. The saloon
+door was closed against them, for the dance was still going on, and
+they could not admit respectable women to _such a dance_.
+
+While the ladies stood outside, and the wild, devilish revelry went on,
+they could plainly hear the dancing men and women, who were nude, at
+the pauses in the mad whirl, slapping each other, and the rude, vulgar
+crowd of men and boys cheering the indecent performances.
+
+The ladies looked at each other in utter horror and amazement, for a
+moment, and then all knelt on the pavement, and one of the number led
+in earnest prayer.
+
+After the prayer they sang, “Nearer, my God, to Thee.” While they were
+singing, the dance closed, the saloon door opened, and Mr. Laramie
+appeared to conduct them into the theatre. The stifling fumes of
+tobacco and whiskey that met them as they entered made them feel that
+they were near the brink of hell.
+
+They were taken at once on to the stage, where the wild, hurdy-gurdy
+dancers had so recently been, and facing the same vile audience, began
+their meeting.
+
+There was a great deal of noise and disorder at first, but as the
+meeting progressed, the attention of the most degraded was gained, and
+silence and respect were secured.
+
+On the third day of the meetings in this theatre, Mr. Laramie, who
+began to feel that they were interfering with his business, said: “Now,
+ladies, I have heard your side, and treated you with respect. I want
+you to stay and hear my side.” As they could but choose to hear, they
+lifted their hearts in prayer that the Holy Spirit might take hold on
+his heart.
+
+He came forward with a document in his hand, which he read. It was full
+of the most abusive and insulting statements. He advised the ladies to
+go home and attend to their own business. The vulgar crowd cheered him
+lustily. But the women were unmoved, for they felt that their business
+just then was to close up that den of vice, and rescue the souls he was
+dragging down to death.
+
+The power of God took hold of the man, and he trembled so he could
+hardly finish reading the paper. The moment his part of the performance
+was over, one of the ladies went to him, and taking him by the hand,
+said: “My brother, I have one request to make of you--I want you before
+you sleep to-night to take that paper and get down on your knees and
+ask God to forgive you for that false, insulting statement. You’ve got
+to meet that paper in the judgment, if you do not meet it here. You
+know you are in a bad business, and that you’re ruining souls. I beg
+you, my brother, to give up this warfare against God and humanity.” The
+man was so deeply moved that the tears streamed over his face, and he
+promised her that he would seriously consider the matter.
+
+This theatre became a regular meeting-place, and daily these pure, true
+women, some of them of high social position and influence, preached
+the gospel of the Son of God to the lost besotted men, who congregated
+there, and won many of them as trophies of the cross.
+
+When these meetings had been going on for some time, Miss Boyd and Miss
+Humphryville called on Mr. Laramie to have a quiet personal talk. He
+invited them down into the dining-room, and talked very freely with
+them. He confessed that he was in a mean business, but he was in it
+because of the money he could make.
+
+“The Lord can take the money out of it, my brother. Besides, there are
+things of more value than gold. Think of the value of an immortal soul;
+for the little money you get, you are ruining scores and hundreds of
+souls. Think of the young women you are degrading. How would you like
+your daughters to be led into such a life? Remember, these girls are
+daughters of fathers and mothers who loved them in the days of their
+purity as much as you do yours.”
+
+“I don’t want my children to come to such a life--I don’t allow them to
+come to this place at all.”
+
+He was deeply moved, and promised again to consider the matter, and
+urged them to visit his wife.
+
+The ladies asked the privilege of talking with the girls, and they were
+shown into their apartment.
+
+Only two of the girls were in, and the ladies sitting down beside them
+engaged in personal conversation with each. They were beautiful, and
+behaved themselves well in presence of these visitors.
+
+The ears of the Christian women tingled, as they listened to the story
+of folly and sin that had shadowed these two young lives.
+
+One of the girls had been induced to run away from home when she was
+little more than a child.
+
+“Do your friends know where you are?”
+
+“No; and I wouldn’t have my Christian mother know where I am, and what
+I am doing, for the world.”
+
+She revealed some of the horrors of the life she was living, the mock
+marriages at each theatre, the mating of the men and women of the
+troupe, the marrying and unmarrying at pleasure.
+
+The women were horrified and amazed that such things could be done in
+a land of Bibles and churches. Say not, gentle reader, that Wheeling
+was a Gomorrah, and this place an exception. Every large city almost
+in the land has its low dens where just such vile men and women, amid
+the fumes of liquor and tobacco, corrupt the youth of the land by their
+vile performances. And in some of these dens the girls are as much
+prisoners as though they were in a penitentiary. Once in these dens
+they can never get away.
+
+A friend of mine went into one of the low dance-houses of New York
+city. She managed to speak with one of the young girls:
+
+“Why do you lead this awful life?”
+
+“I can’t help it, I can’t get away from it.”
+
+“Oh, yes, you can. There is the door. Can’t you walk right out?”
+
+“No. Do you see that man beside the door? It’s his business to see to
+it that none of the girls slip away.”
+
+“But couldn’t you get out at some back door or window?”
+
+“Every door and window is barred. There is no hope for us but in death.”
+
+These prison dens, and the whole vile system of amusements connected
+with them, find their chief stimulant in alcoholic drinks, and could
+not exist without them.
+
+But to return. The ladies went down to Laramie’s one day, to find the
+house closed up. The burning eye of the public had been turned upon the
+place, and villains who moved in respectable society didn’t like to be
+seen going there; the patronage fell off, and Laramie was financially
+ruined. God had taken the money out of it in answer to the women’s
+prayers.
+
+From Wheeling Laramie went to Cincinnati and opened the same kind of a
+house, but the women’s prayers followed him, and the Crusade was raging
+in Cincinnati, and in a very short time he became a bankrupt and closed.
+
+From Cincinnati he went to Cleveland, attended the temperance meetings
+led by women, signed the pledge, and resolved to lead a new life.
+
+In course of time, he returned to Wheeling, joined the reformed club,
+and made a public confession of his wrong-doing, and begged to be
+forgiven. He said the prayers of the Christian women offered in his
+theatre had followed him, and been constantly ringing in his soul,
+and he desired to lead a better life. He offered his large hall, over
+his temperance restaurant, free of charge to the ladies, for their
+meetings, and he has remained steadfast to his purpose to lead a better
+life.
+
+A saloon-keeper of Wheeling, named Savegaut, invited the ladies to hold
+a meeting in his saloon. The band, in their rounds among the saloons,
+entered his place. They were graciously received, and chairs were
+brought for their accommodation. The crowd of drinking men maintained
+quiet during the religious services. The ladies sang, prayed, and
+talked kindly to the men, telling them of the power of Christ to save,
+and the joys of a Christian life. When they were about to leave the
+saloon, Savegaut said:
+
+“Now, ladies, I’ve listened to you; you must listen to me--you can’t
+leave here till I’m through.”
+
+The roughs, who had been previously instructed, immediately crowded in
+between them and the door, so that escape would have been impossible,
+if an attempt had been made; but no attempt was made. They all sat
+serene and self-possessed amid the disgraceful scenes that followed.
+Savegaut mounted the counter, where he was accustomed to deal out
+drink, and heaped upon the ladies such a tirade of abuse as none but
+those who have the poison of asps under their tongues could find
+language to express:
+
+One lady who was present says:
+
+“He literally exploded, and it was as if a putrid carrion had bursted
+and poured out a mass of corruption.”
+
+Immediately there was a row--fights, knock-downs, wounds and bruises,
+and one broken nose, and one broken finger. The police rushed in and
+cleared the way with their clubs, and delivered the ladies. They were
+unharmed and unterrified, and a peace that passeth understanding filled
+their hearts.
+
+Such treatment of respectable women, by any other man than a
+liquor-dealer, would have been visited by an indignant public with
+sudden vengeance, and the man would have been glad to have escaped with
+his life. But liquor-dealers seem to have the privilege to commit all
+kinds of enormities without reproof.
+
+That man was not even censured, but has gone on from that day to this,
+by the authority of the city, in his business of criminal-making.
+
+Oh, chivalry, where art thou?
+
+One of the wards of Wheeling was free from saloons, and the women were
+determined to keep it clean. In the midst of their fancied security,
+however, they learned that application had been made for license,
+and the applicant had received such positive assurance from the city
+council that license would be granted, that he had rented a building at
+heavy cost, and was preparing to open a saloon.
+
+The council was to meet in two days. There was no time to be lost.
+The women got out a remonstrance at once, and, the men of the ward
+assisting them, every family was visited, and the name of every man and
+woman solicited. And out of a population of 3,000 over 2,200 signed the
+remonstrance.
+
+When the council met it was presented, and in the presence of such
+strong, decided action the council did not dare to grant the license
+they had promised. So the saloon man was left with a heavy rent to pay,
+without hope of returns.
+
+The battle goes on with varying success.
+
+The women were somewhat diverted from their own legitimate work,
+however, by an attempt, on the part of the temperance men, to organize.
+They wanted the women to aid them in this. But, as it usually is in
+such cases, the men assumed the management, and took most of the
+offices, and nothing was done. So the women were left to gather up
+their wasted energies, and form their own plans and manage their own
+work, if the work was to go on.
+
+
+CAPTAIN JACK AND TEMPERANCE.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. J. McK. Riley, for the following incident,
+connected with the work in Wheeling, West Virginia, in the spring of
+1877:
+
+“There was a large meeting in the Opera House. Francis Murphy had
+spoken and left for the train. How could the crowd be held and the
+cause advanced?
+
+“A prayer was breathed to God for help. Just then there was a stir--a
+parting of the crowd, and a stalwart man in Indian costume came
+forward, and, with a wild Indian war-whoop, that made the blood fairly
+curdle in one’s veins, signed the pledge. Facing the audience, and
+holding up the pen, he challenged ‘Buffalo Bill’ to do the same.
+
+“‘Come on and sign, Bill: you know you ought to--you know you drink
+more whiskey than is good for you--you and all your company ought to
+come forward and sign this pledge.
+
+“‘I don’t sign it because I drink--I never drank a drop in my life. My
+mother died when I was only a little child, and she said to me just
+before she died, ‘Little Jack, I want you to promise me that you will
+never drink a drop of intoxicating drinks,’ and I promised her, and I
+have kept sacred the promise I made to my mother.’”
+
+Then turning to the audience he made a thrilling address, full of
+original thought. The audience was electrified. Mrs. Riley talked
+with him, urged him at once to abandon the stage, and give himself to
+Christ and his work. He was almost persuaded, but he pleaded previous
+engagements. He said that he was to pilot a company through the wilds
+of the Rocky Mountains this summer, and then he would throw himself
+into the temperance cause.
+
+
+DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
+
+I am indebted to Anna L. Davidson, Secretary of one of the local
+societies, for the following facts:
+
+January, 1874, two ladies, themselves sufferers by reason of
+intemperance, requested the President of the Woman’s Christian
+Association to hold meetings in the interest of temperance. She deeming
+it advisable to make it more general, called the women of the various
+churches to meet for prayer in the chapel of the Y. M. C. A., on
+the first day of the week of prayer, January, 1874. This room being
+too small, the meeting was removed to Wesley Chapel, where, from day
+to-day, for two weeks, large and intensely interesting temperance
+meetings were held, under the auspices of the Woman’s Christian
+Association. Many special subjects of prayer were presented; a deep
+feeling pervaded every meeting; the influence of the Holy Spirit was
+manifest. On Sabbath afternoon a public meeting was held in Lincoln
+Hall, Dio Lewis addressing a large audience. As now, the Christian mind
+of Washington seemed thoroughly roused on the temperance question, a
+representative meeting of ministers and members of the various churches
+was held in the parlors of the Y. M. C. A. to organize for temperance
+work. A resolution was adopted requesting the ministers of Washington
+and Georgetown to appoint, each, three active women to represent the
+different churches, forming a general committee, to conduct meetings
+and attend to the business of a temperance union. This was carried out.
+A meeting was also called in the Congregational Church to interest the
+masses and perfect a general temperance organization. This was largely
+attended, and after much discussion among the brethren the following
+plan was proposed:
+
+That the field be divided into five districts (embracing Georgetown),
+in each of which a daily morning prayer-meeting should be conducted by
+the women. A daily Union meeting in the afternoon, conducted in Central
+district by various ministers in rotation. A weekly meeting in Central
+district, representing the whole, at which reports from the different
+districts should be presented and other business of the Union attended
+to. This plan was afterward perfected, and successfully carried out
+for many months. Great enthusiasm prevailed. The Union meetings were
+largely attended and very interesting. Many ministers entered into the
+work and took part in the exercises. Numerous requests for prayer were
+sent to the women’s meetings held every morning in the five districts.
+
+Very successful mass-meetings, presided over and conducted by women,
+were held in various churches, which were crowded to their utmost
+capacity.
+
+Saloons were visited, in a quiet, unobtrusive manner, with some
+success. I mention one marked case of rescue from one of these dens of
+iniquity. Two of our women entering a saloon were shown into a back
+room by the keeper “to hold a meeting,” he said. They were appalled by
+the sight of a young man stretched upon a table dead-drunk; they fell
+upon their knees and poured out heartfelt prayers for all under that
+roof. Rising from their devotions they found the room filled with men
+from the bar-room, the keeper standing among them. They had entered
+so silently that the ladies were not aware of their presence. All
+seemed deeply impressed. Coming front they perceived an old and very
+respectable gentleman under the influence of liquor, a younger man
+trying in vain to persuade him home. They joined their entreaties; he
+finally consented to go if they would accompany him; they hesitated but
+a moment, then each giving him an arm conveyed him to a sorrowful wife,
+who met them at the door. They retired, with the promise of calling
+next day. They did so; found him sick. On a subsequent visit he saw
+them, expressed his gratitude and signed the pledge, which he kept. Two
+others went into a saloon kept by a woman; she was extremely abusive,
+ordered them out, would listen to nothing they had to say. On leaving,
+one remarked: “_We_ cannot reach you, but _God can_.” “God cannot shut
+me up,” was her reply. A few weeks afterwards, she was thrown from her
+carriage near her own premises and instantly killed. One of the ladies
+in passing that door found it closed, with crape on; an unfinished
+building, that she was rearing as the fruit of her gains and to enlarge
+her means of doing mischief, was also hung with mourning. A token of
+_God’s visitation_.
+
+Committees, also, waited upon grocers and druggists to reason with and
+persuade them to desist from the unholy traffic.
+
+In May a large public meeting was held in Lincoln Hall, addressed very
+effectively by Thane Miller. As summer approached, the meetings became
+smaller--“the love of many waxed cold.” Some of the ministers, who
+at first took active part, withdrew their influence. The odium which
+always attaches to any extraordinary effort for the salvation of men
+(especially woman’s effort) operated upon many, even Christian minds,
+and produced a great falling off in numbers. The Union meeting was
+relinquished; finally the faithful few reorganized, and gathered weekly
+for prayer, with the deep conviction, that the race is not to the swift
+nor the battle to the strong; the word expressly declaring that God
+hath chosen the weak things to confound the things that are mighty,
+and things that are not to bring to nought things that are. Prayer,
+earnest, persevering prayer, ascended week after week for special
+cases presented, and for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this
+city, in the salvation of the intemperate and in the overthrow of the
+rum traffic. We were favored, in many instances, by hearing of marked
+answers to prayer in special cases. Of the general effect, I cite one
+or two remarkable instances:
+
+During the week of prayer, January, 1875, a minister, who had been
+opposed to the woman’s movement, spoke to a crowded audience in
+Lincoln Hall on the effect of prayer, and said two young men of
+former intemperate habits called upon him to converse on the subject
+of their soul’s salvation. They had thrown away the cup and were
+deeply impressed by hearing that a few women met weekly to pray for
+the intemperate. Also, during the progress of the daily meetings, a
+liquor-dealer called on a friend, and said he intended giving up the
+sale of liquor. “Why,” said the other, “doesn’t it pay?” “Oh, yes,
+it pays well enough, but how can I continue to sell when 300 women
+are on their knees every day praying against the traffic!” What a
+responsibility this one fact throws upon those who weary in the work,
+as well as upon the whole Church!
+
+During the sweeping revival in this city, commencing in February, 1875,
+and continuing several months, scores and hundreds of drinking men,
+many of the most abandoned, were brought to the feet of Jesus, clothed
+and in their right mind. Some of these had been special subjects of
+prayer. The almost universal testimony of these was, that the appetite
+for strong drink had been removed. In one of the large churches, a
+minister stated, that he believed God was now answering the prayers
+that had been ascending for two years from the circle of godly women,
+and remarked, alluding to the experience of reformed men, as mentioned,
+that he had often attended their meetings, and heard repeatedly the
+fervent petition that the appetite might be removed.
+
+Though prayer has been the foundation and top-stone of our work, we
+have not been otherwise idle. The license law of the district makes it
+necessary that the applicant for license to open a saloon shall have
+the consent or signature of the majority of the property-holders and
+residents on each side of the square in which the saloon is located.
+By consent of authorities, we obtained, in the summer of 1874, the
+applications for license, with names of signers attached. These were
+all copied. Circulars were printed, calling upon these signers, in the
+name of God and humanity, not to lend their names and influence to such
+a destructive business. With directory in hand, four thousand of these
+circulars found their way, by mail, to as many citizens. Among the
+patrons of the saloon-keeper we found the names of many church members,
+deacons, elders, vestrymen, class-leaders, and one parson.
+
+A number of answers were received, some insolent, but mostly denials
+of ever having perpetrated so foul an act; many protesting that
+forgery had been committed. The same course was pursued the next
+year. Protests, or remonstrances were carried over the city to obtain
+signatures, but few were found willing to put their names in opposition
+to the liquor interest. Some were afraid of having their premises
+fired; others feared loss in business, etc.
+
+Repeated efforts have been made upon police commissioners, calling
+their attention to the frauds practised, and to the loose manner of
+proceeding in granting licenses without the legal requirement having
+been met. A committee was appointed to meet similar committees of the
+various temperance organizations, to investigate more closely the
+license system. In the spring of 1876 a public meeting was held, in
+which many facts we had brought to light were presented; one very noted
+was this: Of thirteen licenses examined, after thoroughly canvassing
+the districts represented, only one was found to have been legally
+obtained. Other facts equally strong were brought to prove that rum
+influence in the district dominates the law.
+
+In the latter part of General Grant’s term of office, 1877, our
+President, Mrs. Linville, and Vice-President, Mrs. Dr. Noble, with Mrs.
+Dr. Newman, called on President Grant, with reference to a bill which
+had passed both houses of Congress, and which we considered detrimental
+to the interests of temperance in the District. They requested that he
+would interpose the veto power, and thus prevent its becoming a law.
+They were politely and cordially received. The bill was vetoed.
+
+The same ladies, with Mrs. General Birney added, called at the White
+House soon after the inauguration of President Hayes, and, in an
+interview with Mrs. Hayes, represented the views of the Woman’s
+Christian Temperance Union on the subject of the use of wine at State
+dinners, respectfully requesting her influence in abolishing it. We all
+know how nobly and successfully she accomplished it.
+
+A committee also waited upon Vice-President Wheeler, with regard
+to the sale of liquors in the Capitol. It is a notable fact that a
+Congressional temperance society of forty years standing has not yet
+succeeded in ridding the national legislative halls of this accursed
+traffic.
+
+An effort was made upon churches and ministers, with regard to the use
+of alcoholic wines in the administration of the Lord’s Supper. But
+little has as yet been accomplished in that direction.
+
+An interesting feature in our work has been, and continues to be, the
+work-house and jail visitation. This committee is composed of godly,
+self-sacrificing women, whose one object is to seek and to save the
+lost. Upon close inquiry, it has been found that nine-tenths of those
+confined in the jail, found their way there through the influence of
+strong drink.
+
+The Washington correspondent of the _Hartford Times_ has furnished that
+paper with some interesting facts, in regard to these paupers, which we
+give:
+
+“One of the first men he met there had been at one time
+Attorney-General of Virginia. In his office a number of now
+distinguished lawyers were students, and they owe much to his advice.
+His father had been Attorney-General of the United States and left his
+son wealth. But he drank, and sacrificed distinction, fortune, and
+everything to his love for drink. Another distinguished pauper was an
+ex-Judge of the Supreme Court of California, and had been esteemed one
+of the most eloquent men of his time. He came to Washington expecting
+to get an office, was disappointed, took to drink, and drank himself
+out of pocket, mind, and friends, and into the poor-house. In his
+company the correspondent found a once wealthy newspaper editor and
+proprietor of New York--a man of great ability and political influence.
+This man also sunk all he possessed in whiskey, and has been for three
+years in the almshouse. Sometimes his friends take him out, but,
+says the correspondent, ‘he drinks so much that he lies about the
+streets and is returned by the police.’ A fourth pauper had been only
+a few years ago a political power, special agent of the Post Office
+Department, and owner of much property in Washington and Arkansas. At
+one time he was a United States detective, but while drunk he ‘gave
+away’ the details of a case that would have resulted in the capture of
+two or three hundred thousand dollars in counterfeit money, presses,
+plates, etc. For this he was retired. When sober he was capable of
+doing remarkable work. In fact, fortune and fame were his if he had
+not allowed the taste for liquor to grow on him. In another branch
+of the institution the correspondent found an ex-Attorney-General of
+North Carolina. He made many friends, drank much whiskey, neglected
+his business and everything else, and drifted to the poor-house. Says
+the correspondent: ‘The principal reason for his being put where he
+now is, is that he stole a friend’s vest and sold it for whiskey.’ To
+such depths of degradation will whiskey bring the strongest and ablest
+of us. A man who was Stephen A. Douglas’ intimate friend, and who
+used to speak from the same platforms with him, is also a Washington
+pauper. When fortune smiled on him he used liquor as a relish, and when
+her smiles turned to frowns, he took it as an antidote for sorrow.
+It brought him temporary relief and permanent ruin. Coming into the
+almshouse in the ‘Black Maria,’ as the correspondent left it, was an
+old, white-haired man, ‘who was at one time one of the leading men of
+the Michigan bar. He is the man who backed Zach Chandler, and made him,
+politically speaking, what he is to-day.’ And this man of great legal
+ability, political influence sufficient to make and un-make men, and
+much wealth, is now a pauper. Why? Because he allowed whiskey to obtain
+the mastery over him, as did all the others herein referred to.”
+
+In the work-house, a still larger proportion, if not all, are addicted
+to this vice. The latter place has been removed to the county; but
+a marked change was visible in their appearance and deportment. The
+jail is now the object of special attention, and the women visiting
+are truly welcome, not only to the prisoners, but the keepers express
+their approbation and afford every facility for the instruction of
+inmates. The success attendant upon the faithful labors of our women
+is truly wonderful. Many cases of undoubted conversion and reformation
+have taken place; some that had fallen into a snare through strong
+drink and were unjustly incarcerated, have been restored to liberty,
+to society, and to the church; here we would observe that in the Young
+Men’s Christian Association we find ready helpers in restoring the
+lost. These same women do not let go the restored ones, but follow them
+up, and strive to find employment for them. Many from that prison will
+bless God to all eternity for the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.
+
+Another branch of our work which has occupied considerable time and
+attention has been the establishment and operation of the temperance
+lunch-rooms. The Holly Tree, at the time of its opening, was the only
+place of the kind in Washington, and was exactly fitted to meet a great
+want in this community. Life in Washington is more superficial than
+elsewhere. Men and women, separated from home and friends, a floating
+population, found here a rest and quiet not to be met elsewhere. No
+smell of rum, or fumes of tobacco, pervaded the air; no unsightly
+spittoon offended the eye; cleanliness, comfort, woman’s influence,
+gave refinement and elevation to the character of the place. Nor is
+this all. We could give you instances of entire reformation in the life
+of those brought under its kindly, genial influence.
+
+The popularity of this lunch-room (its patrons numbering hundreds) has
+led to the establishment of others, free from the temptation of the
+cup. Temperance dining-rooms at cheap rates, and dairy-rooms where
+cheap, wholesome lunch can be procured at all hours, are springing up
+in every part of the city, so that we almost feel as if our work in
+that direction was accomplished, and that we shall soon be at liberty
+to give our whole attention elsewhere.
+
+We have been striving this past year to enlarge our borders by forming
+auxiliaries, and have clearly seen the hand of the Lord in directing
+our way, have acknowledged His agency in removing obstructions and
+overcoming opposition. Churches that were closed upon us have been
+opened, ministers in opposition have not only yielded, but rendered
+assistance, and in those places where the greatest obstacles obtained,
+great favor is shown. We have gone out of the city into neighboring
+villages, held successful and interesting mass-meetings. Ministers
+have yielded their churches for Sabbath evening service, as we could
+reach a larger portion of the people on that evening. We go through the
+audiences to privately warn, and entreat to sign the pledge; some who
+publicly asked for prayers have since been converted. We can say of our
+work, as Mr. Wesley did of his, “The best of all is, God is with us.”
+
+I add the following from the report of the Secretary of one of the
+societies, Miss R. E. Hartwell:
+
+“We have been granted interviews by various officials of the United
+States and municipal government, in regard to framing new laws, and the
+more vigorous execution of those already existing. In every instance
+our petitions and statements have been courteously received, and we
+believe that in the new plans which are being developed at police
+head-quarters God is honoring the many prayers we have offered in this
+direction.
+
+“And who shall determine how much the recent revival of religion in
+this, as well as in other cities, is owing to the prayers of earnest,
+faithful, loving women, who are so continually besieging the Throne
+of Grace for the descent of the Spirit of God and the overthrow and
+subjection of that monster--appetite for strong drink.
+
+“More than two hundred letters have been written to various persons on
+the temperance question; and in almost every instance where information
+has been solicited the replies have been satisfactory. I would refer
+to those addressed to committees of Congress, the Police Board, Board
+of Health, and others, and thank them for their uniform kindness and
+courtesy.
+
+“The use of fermented wine at the Lord’s Supper has deeply engaged
+our attention; and last autumn we addressed an appeal to Christian
+ministers, urging them to discard it, as several cases have come to our
+knowledge, where the recently reformed have been tempted at the very
+altar to which they had gone for strength to battle against the foe,
+and have fallen, in some instances never again to regain their lost
+manhood.”
+
+
+
+
+PENNSYLVANIA
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+I gather the facts of work in this city from statements by Mrs. J. S.
+Collins and Mrs. W. M. Gormly.
+
+After meeting in Alliance Hall several times, for consultation and
+prayer, a mass-meeting was held in the Third Presbyterian Church,
+February 26th, 1874.
+
+On the 2d of March an organization was effected, and Mrs. J. S. Collins
+elected President, and other officers chosen.
+
+The next meeting was held in the United Presbyterian Church. The large
+edifice was densely packed. The principal address was made by John B.
+Gough. In closing, he wished the women of Pittsburgh God speed in their
+efforts to overthrow the liquor traffic.
+
+Soon after, one hundred women, headed by the officers, marched, two and
+two, to the office of the Mayor of Pittsburgh, to ask him to enforce
+the Sunday closing law. After a brief interview, and prayer, the mayor
+promised, in the most solemn manner, to see to it that all saloons
+should be closed on the Sabbath.
+
+They then waited on the Mayor of Allegheny, to make the same request,
+which was acceded to. For two or three Sabbaths there was a marked
+improvement, no places being visibly open for the sale of liquors. But
+very soon it was apparent that the mayor did not care to enforce the
+law, even when cases were reported to him.
+
+During all this time much discussion had taken place as to methods
+of work, and, on the 8th of April, 1874, the street work began. Mrs.
+Gormly says:
+
+All along the route the crowd increased, until we reached the Scotch
+Hill House, corner Fourth avenue and Ross street, kept by John
+McFadden. Permission was asked to hold services inside, which was
+gruffly refused. The Crusade was opened on the pavement by singing
+‘All hail the power of Jesus’ name,’ the band kneeling. Mrs. Youngson
+offered a fervent appeal to the throne of grace. Amid all these
+exercises a howling mob, with oaths and blasphemous curses, were
+calling for beer and whiskey. The proprietor and a boy were taxed to
+their utmost capacity to supply the demand. It now became necessary
+to send for aid. The acting mayor sent a detail of police. The scene
+here beggared description. Beer wagons drove up and were soon filled
+by the rabble, as were all the trees and tree-boxes adjacent, and high
+carnival was held in the devil’s cause.
+
+The next place visited was the wholesale house of Dillinger &
+Stevenson, on First avenue. Here the ladies were admitted, and knelt
+and prayed between rows of l liquor barrels. The proprietors were urged
+to sign the pledge, which they refused. We then withdrew.
+
+On Wood street, on passing a liquor house, the crowd had attained large
+proportions. We were treated with taunts and jeers until we arrived at
+our rooms. After lunch and devotional exercises, the line of march was
+again resumed. The first place visited was the Monongahela House. Mr.
+Crossan courteously received us, and tendered us the use of one of his
+parlors, in which we held our exercises--a large and orderly gathering
+being present, many signing the pledge. The acting mayor gave a detail
+of police, which accompanied us.
+
+We next visited the La Belle House, directly opposite the Monongahela
+House. Here the crowd was immense. Mr. Bailey, the proprietor, had sent
+an invitation to us to visit his house, and had made ample preparation,
+so far as his room permitted. Mr. Bailey and the police did everything
+in their power, under the circumstances, to keep order. Although
+demonstrative, the crowd was not insulting. “We’ll wait till Jesus
+calls” was sung, the proprietor joining heartily with us.
+
+Our next visit was at the Alden House, on Wood street, where we were
+cordially welcomed by the proprietor. The crowd was most respectful,
+evidently being of a better class. They all joined us in singing “We
+praise Thee, O God.” While we knelt in prayer, being led by Mrs.
+Youngson, a canary bird, hanging in a cage near a window, commenced to
+sing, and at every pathetic appeal, he sent forth his beautiful notes,
+making the event particularly impressive.
+
+April the 9th we visited the Lion Hotel, where we were admitted,
+and courtesy extended, the proprietor closing up the bar, suffering
+no liquor to be sold during our stay. As we were leaving this place
+Chief-of-Police Irwin presented an appearance, and announced that we
+were no longer to continue in our Crusade, as it was the orders from
+the police committee. We returned to our rooms for consultation.
+
+It soon became known that no order had been issued by the mayor. We
+obtained legal advice from the United States District Attorney, David
+Reed. He informed us we could not be arrested unless a proclamation
+was issued by the mayor. The sick-chamber of the mayor was invaded
+by prominent wholesale liquor men, and the coveted proclamation was
+obtained, forbidding us, under penalty of arrest, to hold services on
+the streets in the future. Wishing to test which was in power in the
+city of Pittsburgh--God or the devil--we continued our Crusade in the
+afternoon, visiting the wholesale houses of Anderson & Gamble, Mr.
+Hamberger, and Littell & Mechling. The members of the last-named firm
+became greatly enraged at our appearance, Mr. Mechling skipping over
+rows of barrels, calling lustily for the police to save them, in their
+legalized traffic, from the women, while Mr. Littell, in an outrageous
+manner, stood heaping vile epithets on us, and as one of our number was
+engaged in prayer on his behalf, his hands were over her face as if
+ready to tear her to pieces. His excited and angry talk had attracted a
+very large crowd, and his insulting words had aroused the indignation
+of the bystanders, and a riot was imminent.
+
+The Crusade was continued for several weeks, without any interference
+from the authorities, the ladies enduring every indignity; dogs were
+set on us, but, to the credit of the noble animals, they refused to
+attack us; barrels of liquor were rolled toward us; beer wagons were
+driven against us; and we were drenched by the hose of hydrants, turned
+upon us.
+
+May 21st, while holding services at a wholesale liquor house,
+Lieutenant Hager, with two officers, appeared on the scene, requesting
+an onward move. The request was not heeded. A loud command rang out:
+“Policemen, keep the pavement clear.” At this time some high words took
+place between Lieutenant Hager and Mr. Andrew Brice, who said, “Before
+I would do such dirty work, I would tramp my uniform in the gutter.”
+The lieutenant replied: “If you don’t keep quiet I will arrest you and
+every person on the pavement.” Approaching us he said: “I shall have to
+obey my orders and arrest you all.” The president replied: “We will not
+go until we see the proper warrant.”
+
+After asking the ladies if they refused to consider themselves under
+arrest, Hager helped himself to a pledge, and on the back of it
+proceeded to write the names as far as he could succeed in getting
+them. Armed with this list he proceeded to the mayor’s office, and
+warrants were filled out for our arrest, which were immediately
+executed. The procession then proceeded to the mayor’s office. In the
+meantime the acting mayor and clerk were actively engaged in filling
+up information against the band for disorderly conduct, the members
+thereof freely giving their names.
+
+During the interim, religious exercises were held, and tracts and
+pledges were distributed to the spectators, reporters, acting mayor and
+his clerk. Upon the arrival of the complainants and our counsel--for
+whom we had a tedious wait--the case was opened, the burthen of the
+liquor men’s complaint being interruption of business. The evidence
+being of a sickly nature, we were discharged with a reprimand.
+
+The mayor said that he was a friend of the ladies as long as they
+obeyed the law, but if they did wrong, he would be compelled to enforce
+the law to the letter. Accordingly, he dismissed the case, bidding us
+“go and sin no more.” The magistrate had scarcely concluded, when we
+commenced singing, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,” and
+continued to sing until the spectators were cleared from outside the
+bar. Thus ended the first arrest.
+
+On the following day the Crusade was resumed. While holding services at
+Hostetter & Smith’s Stomach Bitter house, one of the mayor’s police,
+Lieutenant Gordon, stepped up and asked for the names of the members
+of the band. They declined to accommodate him, but by some means he
+obtained the name of Mr. Watt Black, who always accompanied his mother,
+and proceeded at once to the mayor’s office to obtain a warrant for the
+arrest of Mr. Black and the Crusading Band.
+
+While holding services at the La Belle House, on Smithfield street,
+Detective Wilmot presented a warrant. After the arrest, the band,
+headed by the detective and other officers, marched up Smithfield
+street, singing as they proceeded, and, to our surprise, as well as
+the hundreds of spectators who were following us, we were led to the
+lock-up in Diamond alley. As soon as those under arrest filed in, the
+doors were closed and a strong guard placed to keep them from being
+forced open. To make it as uncomfortable as possible, the windows were
+tightly closed, and remained so until one of the band, being overcome,
+fainted, when they were compelled to open them.
+
+As the deputy mayor was somewhat tardy in presenting himself, religious
+services were conducted for some time. On being notified, our counsel,
+W. K. Jennings, Esq., promptly appeared. Immediately after, the acting
+mayor took his seat and commenced the hearing. The information only
+contained the names of three of our number, viz.: Watt Black, Esq.,
+his mother and Mrs. Vanhorn. The officer, in testifying, stated that
+those three obstructed the sidewalk, by singing and praying. On
+cross-examination he stated there were whiskey-barrels obstructing the
+sidewalk, which he neither ordered to move on, nor arrested. After
+arguments by counsel, the mayor’s decision was a fine of one hundred
+dollars on Mr. Black; Mrs. Black and Mrs. Vanhorn, twenty-five dollars
+each--which was greeted with hisses. Mrs. Black arose and indignantly
+protested against paying one cent of the fines, saying they would go
+to the work-house or jail. The mayor here stated that the ladies must
+be treated as other prisoners, and if they wished to take an appeal,
+the fines must be paid. At this juncture, W. D. Moore, Esq., believed
+to be in the employ of the liquor league, stepped forward and gave
+his check for the amount of the fines, which was strongly protested
+against by the defendants. The mayor having received the money, we were
+discharged, and withdrew from the lock-up singing, “Am I a Soldier of
+the Cross.”
+
+Saturday, May 23d, we met in our room at 2 P. M., engaged in devotional
+exercises, invoking the aid of the Master. We then took up the line of
+march, visiting the establishment of Dillinger & Stevenson, on First
+avenue. We were interrupted by the police--they leaving to procure
+warrants for our arrest. We proceeded to the store of Weiler & Brother,
+on the same avenue, near Smithfield street. On commencing our exercises
+a scene most disgraceful ensued. As soon as the voice of prayer was
+heard, a German copper shop immediately opposite brought their stills
+and kettles to the front, and all hands commenced pounding and making a
+deafening noise. The friends of alcohol everywhere seemed to be about
+us, yelling at the top of their voices; and to complete the effort of
+the hour, ten policemen, who were detailed to arrest us, made their
+appearance, and informed us we were under arrest. The warrant being
+presented, we surrendered and accompanied the officers to the lock-up,
+an immense crowd accompanying us. As we entered, the iron gate was
+thrown open that the culprits might pass into their cells. Paul and
+Silas like, we prayed, and sang praises to God. No doubt, like the
+keepers of old, they trembled, but did not spring in to ask what they
+must do to be saved. This created a great stir among the people. Had
+they known that we were locked behind the bars with the vagrants, the
+building would have been torn to pieces in a very short time.
+
+The case being opened, the usual questioning and cross-questioning was
+gone through with, and was concluded by the mayor imposing a fine of
+thirty dollars upon each; but subsequently finding he was not likely
+to get rid of us, he reduced it to ten dollars. A gentleman stepped
+forward and filled a check for three hundred and thirty dollars, and we
+were immediately discharged.
+
+Acting Mayor McMasters said: “T am very happy to announce to the ladies
+and the public here assembled, that I received this morning a writ of
+_certiorari_ directing that the record in the case disposed of Thursday
+last should be transmitted to the Court of Common Pleas. The questions
+of law involved will thus be explicitly laid down by a tribunal whose
+purity and integrity has never been called in question. The citizens,
+and the ladies in particular, and I will, I am confident, abide the
+decision of that tribunal. In view of an early hearing, I have decided
+to defer further action in the cases now under consideration, until the
+court shall have rendered a decision in the case pending before it.
+I have instructed the clerk to hand back the money deposited for the
+appearance of the ladies.”
+
+No sooner had we emerged from the lock-up than a tremendous burst of
+applause arose from the vast multitude. The mayor, police, and our
+accusers were greeted with groans and hisses. As we moved away to the
+Alliance rooms, the crowd increased at every step, the men who were
+standing along the curbstones respectfully raising their hats. Before
+we reached our head-quarters they were densely packed by an excited
+crowd, expecting to hear addresses of approbation. The halls and
+stairways were crowded, as were the streets also, so as to make egress
+or ingress almost impossible. As soon as order could be had, Hon. B.
+C. Christy was called upon, who arose and made a few congratulatory
+remarks, complimenting us on the patience and fortitude with which we
+had undergone our trials. He believed that we were actuated by motives
+true and pure as heaven.
+
+We then adjourned to Duquesne Way, on the Allegheny river, in front of
+Rhodes’ brewery, making use of one of his wagons from which to denounce
+their infamous traffic. Several enthusiastic addresses were made. It
+being late on Saturday evening, we then adjourned.
+
+On Sabbath, several sermons were preached, denouncing the evil, and
+encouraging us in the work.
+
+Thursday, May 27th, we met at our rooms, which were densely crowded.
+After devotional exercises, we formed in line and proceeded to the
+court-house; and because of the publicity the papers had given the
+case, the streets were filled with an immense throng. When we arrived
+at the court-house, the yard and building were so packed that the
+officers had great difficulty in opening up a passage for us to enter.
+Promptly at ten A. M., Judges Sterritt, Stowe, and Collier entered and
+took their seats on the bench. After proclamation by the crier, the
+case was opened. The attorneys stated their pleas to the judges, who,
+upon consultation, delivered their opinions as follows: Judge Stowe
+stated, “Singing and praying upon the public streets is not disorderly
+conduct.” Further, the learned judge informed Mr. Coyle, the acting
+mayor’s counsel, that his argument partook of shallowness of pretext
+more than anything else. Concurred in by the other judges. Judge Stowe
+gave the following decision: “The decision of the acting mayor should
+be set aside; restitution awarded; fines and costs returned; the city
+pay the costs;” and we were discharged from custody much to the chagrin
+of the acting mayor, who was present, his countenance indicating great
+discomfiture. As we emerged from the court-house, it was plain to be
+seen on which side the sympathy was. Cheer after cheer greeted us. We
+took up our line of march for the Smithfield Street M. E. Church. On
+our entering, the large auditorium was immediately packed. Order being
+restored, we engaged in singing, prayer, and thanksgiving to Almighty
+God for deliverance.
+
+The following are the names of the thirty-three arrested and
+imprisoned: Mrs. J. S. Collins, Mr. A. Watt Black, Miss McClung,
+Mrs. Van Horn, Mrs. Sarah Moffett, Mrs. S. C. Matchett, Mrs. W. W.
+Morris, Mrs. Alice Gillchrist, Mrs. Macken, Miss E. B. Carmichael,
+Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. M. Gray, Mrs. ----, Mrs. J. I. Logan, Mrs. Grace
+Hopeful, Mrs. M. E. Tutell, Mrs. A. W. Black, Mrs. A. Hill, Miss A.
+A. Starr, Miss Pearl Starr, Miss Lee A. Starr, Mrs. Youngson, Mrs.
+M. B. Reese, of Alliance, O., Mrs. John Foster, Mrs. Mary Caldwell,
+Mrs. Samuel Allinder, Mrs. W. M. Gormly, Miss E. Beeson, Mrs. D. N.
+Courtney, Mrs. Jane Nelson, Mrs. Martha Woods, Miss E. J. Foster, Miss
+Bessie Black.
+
+The Crusade continued. “Many devices were resorted to by the
+liquor-dealers to drive us away. For instance, the scattering of
+cayenne pepper, burning brimstone in the vault under the pavement. This
+ruse they soon abandoned, as we caused it to recoil on them by covering
+the grating, thereby turning the fumes into their houses.”
+
+I have recently learned that Blackmore was Mayor of Pittsburgh during
+the Crusade, and Samuel McMasters acting mayor, Blackmore being an
+invalid. McMasters did as he pleased, and it is generally believed that
+the liquor-sellers paid him (McMasters) to prosecute the ladies, and
+bring them into disgrace, if possible, and thus stop the Crusade.
+
+The true character of McMasters, the acting mayor, who caused their
+arrest, and by whom they were tried and convicted, has recently been
+brought to light, _he being convicted and sentenced to seven years in
+the penitentiary, for the double crime of adultery and abortion_, which
+resulted in the death of mother and child. The victim, a young girl,
+accompanied McMasters to the Centennial, and he effected her ruin; and
+to conceal the black crime, he committed another, even blacker.
+
+So this official ruffian stands out before the public in his true
+light. Others who were active in opposing the Crusade have fallen into
+disgrace, or have been forced to fly to escape justice.
+
+The howling mob that struck terror to the hearts of the people of
+Pittsburgh during the riot of July, 1877, and made its streets red
+with human blood, was composed largely of _the very same class_ of
+drunkards, tramps, and hoodlums that gathered at the call of the
+saloon-keepers to insult and howl down respectable Christian women, who
+dared publicly to protest against the liquor traffic by song and prayer.
+
+If the whole moral influence of the city had been brought to bear at
+that time on the liquor traffic, and the saloons had been closed and
+the business overthrown, the riot of 1877 would not have been possible.
+
+But the people sustained the rum power rather than the Crusade. And
+adown the very same streets, where the bands of women had marched, in
+the spirit of love, and with the songs of Zion on their lips, to win
+men from sin by prayers and tears, an angry, howling mob, with oaths
+and torches, with knives and pistols, surged and yelled, and rioted,
+with hellish hate and murderous intent. The city had “sown to the
+wind,” and she “reaped the whirlwind.”
+
+We all know now, as we never could have known without the bitter,
+costly lesson of the riot of 1877, how much the women of this land
+risked in the Crusade, and how wondrously _God shielded every one of
+them_, as, going forth in His name, they walked through these very same
+mobs, _unharmed_.
+
+
+ALLEGHENY, PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+The Allegheny City Temperance Society, known as “Mrs. Swift’s Band,”
+was organized as a branch of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, of
+Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 25th, 1874. The preparation for
+the great work differed in nowise from that of similar organizations
+in other places. Daily prayer-meetings were held, and faint hearts
+grew courageous, and weak hands strong to undertake what so appalled
+sensitive natures. On the morning of April 4th, 1874, after an
+unusually solemn prayer-meeting, the band started from Rev. Dr. Swift’s
+church, to make the first visit to saloons. The succeeding three months
+this method of working was faithfully adhered to, and one hundred and
+sixteen saloons were visited; forty of this number received two visits
+each, and a few even three. In addition to the saloons, some of the
+mills and work-shops, as well as a large number of families, were
+visited. In the case of families, the ladies went in committees of
+two or three. Many persons signed the pledge, and while some have not
+had strength to keep it, we rejoice that others, whose first serious
+impressions were received from the saloon and curbstone exercises
+of the “praying women,” are now leading sober and useful lives. The
+churches opened their doors for our prayer-meetings, and two each day
+were sustained. A general meeting in the morning, and in the afternoon
+for ladies only. We were greatly encouraged by the interest manifested
+by the clergymen of the city. Their prayers, their words of counsel
+and of sympathy, nerved the shrinking women to go on with a work so
+fraught with disheartening and revolting details. Carrying the meetings
+from church to church was attended with many disadvantages, and several
+of our earnest supporters conceived the idea of providing us with a
+“local habitation and a name.” A very elegant building had been erected
+in a fashionable quarter for the purpose of establishing a “drinking
+palace.” Before its completion, the owner became involved, and it was
+offered for sale. It was purchased by the Reformed Presbyterians for
+a Theological Seminary. They did not require the whole building, and
+rented for our use a large, handsome room. This very building, which
+was designed to destroy men, body and soul, was occupied by those whose
+every effort was to “establish, strengthen, and save them.” Our friends
+furnished the room with great comfort and taste, and on Monday evening,
+July 6th, 1874, Crusade Hall was formally dedicated to the service of
+God and the temperance cause.
+
+Many friends now suggested to us the propriety of becoming an
+independent organization, as Allegheny City and Pittsburgh are
+distinct municipalities. Considering the matter from every point
+of view, we decided that our best interests would be subserved by
+severing our connection with the Central Union of Pittsburgh, which
+was done, July 25th, 1874. As the summer advanced, our numbers rapidly
+diminished, leaving us too weak to pursue the work as heretofore. Our
+prayer-meetings were reduced to one afternoon and one evening meeting
+weekly.
+
+But the disastrous flood by which our city was visited, in July, 1874,
+loudly called for help from willing hands. Immediately, our temperance
+band offered its services to the relief committee, and the quiet room,
+where the gentle voices of women had ascended in prayer and praise,
+grew vocal with the hum of sewing machines, and Crusade Hall became
+one of the most important relief head-quarters. Immense quantities of
+material were converted into substantial clothing, and distributed
+with the utmost system and despatch. Numbers of families were visited,
+receiving not only material aid, but the priceless boon of a sympathy
+which thought it no toil to brave the horrors of the desolated district
+and see the victims of the disaster in the ruins of their once peaceful
+homes. The grand object we had in view was not lost sight of in these
+trying days. We had access to many homes where intemperance was no
+stranger, and where hearts were softened by great suffering seed was
+sown which we can hope has borne fruit.
+
+After the necessity of this work had passed but little was done, beyond
+the sustaining of the two prayer-meetings.
+
+As our members returned in the autumn, we again began to consider what
+we should do. It was thought that no further good could be accomplished
+by crusading in bands, yet we did not wish the enemy to congratulate
+itself that we were discouraged or wearied. So it was decided to
+visit the saloons in committees of twos and threes. The ladies were
+courteously received, and their arguments listened to with civility,
+but apparently little impression was made.
+
+Again we seemed to pause, and a second time our work was sent to us.
+For some time our Friday evening meetings had been disturbed by a
+number of boys of the lowest class. Whence they came no one could tell.
+Whether curiosity, or a deliberate design to disturb the Crusaders,
+brought them, we could not conjecture. The disagreeable fact of their
+presence was all we knew about them. No one felt like assuming the
+responsibility of dismissing them, and a few earnest hearts resolved
+to make a special effort in their behalf. One evening each week during
+the winter and spring was devoted to their instruction. No encouraging
+results were apparent, but the pleasing reflection is ours, that a
+great desire to do them good actuated the ladies, who endured their
+rudeness with unwavering faith and courage. The endeavor to improve the
+boys suggested similar work for the girls of the same class. A most
+flourishing industrial school was established, and sustained throughout
+two winters. Cottage prayer-meetings formed an important feature of
+our work. It was the desire to hold the meetings, if possible, in
+homes which had felt the horrors of intemperance. This was not always
+practicable, but localities were chosen where the degraded of both
+sexes congregated, and where religious instruction was not given. Very
+soon an interest was manifested in the simple services, and many have
+anxiously inquired the “way of life.”
+
+We still have unabated interest in the work, and would gladly be
+more actively engaged. Our Tuesday afternoon meeting has never been
+interrupted, but we now feel ourselves “a feeble folk,” and can do
+little else than pray. The most perfect harmony has characterized our
+band, and the only change of officers we have made has been occasioned
+by the removal from the city of one lady, and the enforced absence, by
+serious illness, of another.
+
+
+WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. Mussina for the following facts: “Before our
+Crusade commenced, there were thirty liquor-saloons within a stone’s
+throw of the court-house.
+
+“One of our first meetings was held in a large hotel. The house was
+full, and the street was full--there was a multitude all around us.
+We bowed before the Lord and offered up a petition in behalf of the
+proprietor.
+
+“The people said: ‘We thought those women were going to find fault
+with us, but they have come to do us good.’ From that time we felt an
+earnest desire to visit all the liquor-dealers.
+
+“The father of the landlord of one of the largest hotels sent us word
+to go and hold meetings in that house, and his son would be saved. Our
+street meetings were owned and blessed of God in the salvation of many.
+We have often been thanked by strangers, for holding these meetings.
+
+“We had a number of mass-meetings; and the liquor-dealers had _one_.
+Many of the temperance people thought we ought to have attended it in a
+body; but we only sent a delegation and the rest of us remained in the
+church, and prayed to a covenant-keeping God to confound our enemies.”
+
+Mrs. Dr. Kemble, who was appointed to visit Harrisburg to help save the
+Local Option law, furnishes the following incident of her escape the
+night before she started:
+
+“Wishing to arise early, I told the young lady (who was staying with
+me) that we would leave the blinds up, that we might see the daylight
+at an early hour. About midnight we heard a crash which awoke us both,
+and upon looking up, we discovered that the window had been broken
+in; and upon further search we found that a brickbat had been thrown
+through the window, and lay between us on the bed; but by the blessing
+of God neither of us were hurt. This did not deter us in the least. We
+prayed and worked with more determination than ever.”
+
+The most signal manifestation of God’s hand in the work, is the swift
+judgment that has overtaken almost every one who opposed them, as will
+be shown from the following facts sent me by E. L. Nice, who writes:
+
+“The first meeting was called February, 1874. The ladies organized
+twenty-five strong, and commenced the saloon visiting and picket work
+soon after. A coffee-house also was opened, in a concert saloon room,
+situated in the midst of the liquor-selling business. This room had
+been previously occupied as a saloon; but the keeper had skipped away
+without paying his rent, and thus we got it; but kept it only a short
+time, because the man of whom we rented (then the mayor of the city)
+grew afraid of the liquor men, when he saw our coffee-house hurt their
+‘lunch-rooms,’ and would let us have it no longer. This man has since
+gone into disgrace as a _dishonest_ bankrupt, even losing his friends
+among the liquor men, who suffered from his failure.
+
+“The man who was the most insulting to us has since shot himself while
+in jail, during a fit of delirium tremens, and died a miserable death.
+Two others have found a home in the insane asylum.
+
+“Many have been sold out by the sheriff, and reduced to poverty. One
+who did all he could slyly, to discourage and injure us, now goes about
+a cripple, almost helpless with paralysis, and his family is reduced to
+abject poverty.
+
+“Our District Attorney, G. C. Hinman, who boldly advocated the repeal
+of the Local Option law, and denounced the work of the Crusade, left
+here last year in disgrace; ran away just in time to escape the
+penitentiary.
+
+“The man who was counsel for the liquor men has been twice at death’s
+door, and in fearful agony in the belief that he was lost. The first
+time, he turned to the Lord, and commenced a new life, but was brought
+back to his habit of sin, by his physician insisting upon strengthening
+him by alcoholic stimulants. So Satan still holds him, and he is still
+the drunkard-maker’s friend.
+
+“On the other hand, those who aided us in the work have been generally
+prospered.”
+
+We are furnished the following facts and incidents by Mrs. Olmstead:
+
+March 2d, 1874, about two hundred of us went to the Herdic House; we
+held our meeting in the long hall, and were followed by a large crowd
+who pressed in at the door to hear.
+
+The next day we visited the Hepburn House. An _immense_ crowd was
+around. We feared a riot, but God was there, and it became to them a
+solemn place.
+
+The proprietor, who had threatened many things if we came, wept like a
+child.
+
+We next went to the Crawford House, and then to the Henry House.
+
+We afterwards divided into four bands, and visited Fricker’s,
+Gerlach’s, United States, and the American.
+
+On March 7th, 1874, five saloons were visited, and the proprietors were
+much affected.
+
+About a week after, seven of us were at Fricker’s saloon, from
+half-past two until half-past six. This place seemed to me like the
+very door of hell.
+
+The sights and sounds there have laid the burden of this war upon me
+more heavily than ever.
+
+One poor, half-drunken man was very insulting to us--a plan of others
+to drive us away.
+
+We were relieved by others, who stayed until late in the evening.
+
+One saloon-keeper we visited was as furious as an angry caged lion. We
+had a pleasant talk with him and his wife, and left feeling that God’s
+will had been done.
+
+One of the saloons, where a most powerful meeting was held, was kept
+by a Frenchman, an unbeliever. He was very polite to us, and he soon
+gave up his business and went away, saying he should never sell liquor
+again.
+
+Some of the ladies visited George Koch’s saloon, March 7th.
+
+There Mrs. C. prayed that her husband, who was old and a drunkard,
+might not be allowed to take another drink at that place. It was
+a powerful meeting, though small, and that prayer was one to be
+remembered; that husband _never drank_ AGAIN, _anywhere_, and soon
+became a Christian.
+
+We had some remarkable instances of bad men being reclaimed and
+converted at that time, who are now in the church, and working in the
+temperance cause.
+
+One blessed feature of our Crusade was, that we never stopped to ask or
+think to what denomination we belonged.
+
+The court-house pavement became a Bethel to us, where Christ seems a
+little nearer than in His temple made with hands.
+
+At the commencement of our Crusade, one good Presbyterian pastor,
+who was with us heart and hand, expressed his sorrow that the women
+of his church were wholly unprepared for such public work, and said
+the Baptist and Methodist sisters would have it all to do. In about
+three weeks from that time he might have heard ladies of his own flock
+praying on the street, and exhorting the crowds on the pavement in
+front of the court-house. So wondrously had God poured out His Spirit
+upon them, and prepared them for His work.
+
+
+BLOSSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+The society reports the following:
+
+When the thrilling news came to us, that Christian women were carrying
+the gospel into the haunts of intemperance, and thus meeting the enemy
+face to face, our hearts were stirred in sympathy with the effort.
+
+Those unacquainted with mining regions may not know that in such
+communities intemperance gains a strong foothold, because of the
+influences brought to bear in early childhood as well as in mature life
+upon those who comprise the majority of its population. To contend with
+life-long prejudices requires courage. Having within the limits of our
+village some thirty places where liquor could be obtained, it seemed
+a grave question whether we should begin the warfare. The conviction
+deepened in some hearts that “now” was the time to work; and in the
+month of June, 1874, the first meeting was called by Rev. C. G. Lowell,
+and a ladies’ prayer-meeting appointed.
+
+At the first of these meetings a Ladies’ Temperance Union was
+organized. General meeting was held alternately in the several
+churches. We did not visit the saloons, but all our dealers were
+invited to sign the pledge. In every instance we were refused, they
+giving us frankly their reasons, viz.: that their money was in the
+business, and they preferred to run the risks of prosecutions for
+breaking the law, rather than leave off selling. After counting the
+cost of their displeasure, and the weight of public opinion, we decided
+to complain to the authorities in the name of the Commonwealth, of
+all who were guilty of violating the Local Option law. This step
+brought us much unpleasant work, such as we would gladly have avoided,
+those engaged in the traffic giving us the full benefit of all the
+influence afforded them in points of law, to retard our progress.
+Those who frequented these places for drink were in danger of being
+used as witnesses, therefore we gained their displeasure. We continued
+to complain for nearly two years at each term of court, sometimes
+successfully, and sometimes failing to secure truthful witnesses. Some
+complaints were made after the repeal of the Local Option law. At
+the second application of our dealers for license, we remonstrated,
+being opposed in this by Christian men, who were certain we should
+be defeated. The number of applicants were ten, three of which were
+refused. At this point we did not see fit to make further resistance.
+Many of the dealers, during the time spent by us in opposing the
+traffic, abandoned its pursuit, leaving at present less than one-third
+as many places for drink as we had three years ago.
+
+
+WARREN, PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. Annie C. Wetmore, Treasurer of the State Union,
+for the following facts:
+
+“The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union at this place was organized in
+December, 1874, this being several months before the State organization
+was effected. The membership was large. The temperance women were
+impressed with the feeling that the time had come for action, but as
+none were ready to visit the saloons, as the women of Ohio and other
+States were doing, they hardly knew what to do, but concluded to do
+all in their power to build up a better public sentiment.
+
+“They applied to the editors of the two weekly papers, and obtained
+a part of a column in each paper, and appointed editors to fill this
+space with original notes, or selections on temperance. They held
+their Union meetings weekly, and mass-meetings as often as possible.
+Temperance papers were subscribed for and placed in the reading-room.
+Remonstrances were circulated against the repeal of local option, and
+February, 1874, the first prosecution under the Local Option law was
+made by the women. The liquor men were aroused, but the women carried
+the suit and convicted one man, and the community received its first
+temperance lesson; and as success always commands respect, those who
+had ridiculed the idea of woman’s work in this way, began to respect
+them, and tremble before the power that was in their hands.
+
+“It was decided in April to appoint committees to go to the different
+towns in the county and organize unions, and as a result five towns
+were visited, and unions formed, and in May a county convention was
+called, and a county organization formed, which has continued to this
+day.
+
+“In May, 1875, after the repeal of the Local Option law, the women
+circulated resolutions against the giving of license to such persons as
+had violated the Local Option law.
+
+“The Union purchased and circulated a great number of temperance
+tracts in the county; and an effort was made, by the appointment of a
+committee for each Sunday-school, to introduce temperance work among
+the children, which was attended with some degree of success.
+
+“In March, 1876, a juvenile temperance society was organized, which
+was called the Centennial Temperance Society. Each member was provided
+with a badge of red, white, and blue ribbon; each ribbon representing a
+pledge. The meetings have been kept up regularly.
+
+“There being no town pump where a thirsty man, free of expense, could
+relieve his thirst, the W. C. T. U. had a well dug, and a pump set up
+at the corner of the principal street, so that thirst can now be slaked
+‘without money and without price.’
+
+“On New Year’s days, 1876 and 1877, the Union opened a Holly Tree Inn,
+where they received visitors, inviting all to come and partake freely.
+In the evening speeches were made and many signed the pledge.
+
+“During the years 1876 and 1877 a number of prosecutions were made by
+the Union with various degrees of success.
+
+“The liquor party have been made to feel that law is not to be trampled
+under foot with impunity, and that the license law should be enforced
+as other laws.
+
+“September, 1876, a committee of two were appointed to visit the
+county superintendent of public schools during the annual teachers’
+institute, and obtain a few minutes during one of the sessions to talk
+on temperance. The time was cheerfully granted, and the teachers were
+generally enlisted. We asked them to make the subject a specialty at
+least once a month, and supplied them with tracts and catechisms on
+alcohol. Most of them have been faithful to their duty in this respect.”
+
+An incident _not reported_ by Mrs. Wetmore, which occurred during
+the prosecutions of dealers in court, will show the animus of the
+liquor-dealers in Warren.
+
+One of the ladies very active in the work wore a velvet cloak. A lady
+from a neighboring town being there on a visit, went to the court-house
+to attend the trial. She, too, had on a very costly velvet cloak; the
+velvet had cost $25 a yard. Both these ladies, while in the court-room,
+or when they were leaving, had _vitriol_ thrown on their cloaks which
+utterly ruined them. The purpose, of course, was to ruin the cloak of
+the active temperance woman, but when the agent of the liquor-dealers’
+revenge saw two cloaks so near alike he made sure work by destroying
+both.
+
+
+PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+The first meeting in this city was called through the public press on
+February 27th, 1874. The place of meeting was the Fiftieth Baptist
+Church, a small frame mission chapel in the northern part of the city.
+The little chapel was well filled with grave, earnest women, and every
+heart was stirred during the first prayer. “What wilt thou have me
+do?” was pressed upon every conscience. The object of the meeting was
+explained, and stirring appeals were made.
+
+One lady said on a corner near this chapel was a drinking-saloon of the
+worst character, and asked if anything could be done. Another lady,
+who lived next door to the saloon, said she would throw open her house
+at once for a prayer-meeting, that this place might be closed. The
+leader then proposed that those who felt willing should follow her to
+the lady’s house, and hold a prayer-meeting. About half of the women
+followed her, while the others remained in the church to pray. As the
+band marched down the street they were followed by a great crowd. As
+the house would not hold half the people that gathered, the leader
+stood on the doorstep, and addressed the multitude. There was not the
+least disturbance, but all listened with breathless attention to her
+earnest and touching appeals.
+
+When they started from the chapel, the cry was raised by the crowd
+outside: “The Crusaders are coming!” The rum-seller on the corner
+hastened to close his windows and bar his door.
+
+March 1st, 1874 (Sunday), mass-meetings were held afternoon and
+evening in Wood’s Museum, which was crowded to its utmost capacity,
+and hundreds went away unable to gain admittance. The proprietor had
+received several notices that there would be a mob, and that the museum
+would be burned down if he attempted to hold such a meeting. But he was
+a staunch temperance man, and determined that the meeting should come
+off at any hazard. There was no mob and no disturbance.
+
+March 2d, a business meeting was held, and a Woman’s Union Temperance
+Praying Band organized, and the usual officers elected.
+
+Meetings were held in various churches, the pledge circulated, and
+hundreds came forward to sign their names to the pledge.
+
+On Monday, March 9th, the liquor-dealers becoming alarmed, held a
+secret meeting to consider what they could do to check the temperance
+work. What they decided on was never known.
+
+On the 9th of April a general meeting was called, and held in one of
+the rooms in the Horticultural Hall. There was a large attendance.
+The officers reported that 112 meetings had been held; 24,870 names
+enrolled on the pledge-books, of whom 1,613 had been drunkards, 61
+barkeepers, and a number saloon-keepers. Also, that 38 church members,
+who owned property which was rented for saloons, had been visited, and
+pledged not to rent their houses for such a purpose in the future.
+
+During the month of April ninety-four meetings were held. Several being
+held on the same night, it was necessary for the president and other
+members of the band to drive from church to church, and speak several
+times each evening. At these meetings many requests for prayer were
+sent in: some of them were from drunkards’ wives and brought tears to
+many eyes.
+
+A temporary home was established for reformed men who were homeless and
+without work. It was soon filled, and a larger building was secured,
+which was afterward turned over to the ladies in Frankford, it being in
+that part of the city, and another started at the corner of Seventeenth
+and Francis streets; also an Old Woman’s Home in West Philadelphia was
+opened by one of the managers.
+
+During the summer, meetings were held in a tent. At one of these
+meetings a report came that a man was dying on a vacant lot adjoining.
+He was taken charge of, nourishment given him, and he soon revived. He
+said he was a castaway, his friends had disowned him, and drunkenness
+had brought him to destitution, and almost to death. He was induced to
+sign the pledge, was converted, and afterwards became a worker in the
+cause, and, in course of time, he was restored to his friends, clothed
+and in his right mind.
+
+Mrs. Eleanor Crew, the Secretary of the band, who was earnest and
+capable, and most abundant in good works, giving her life freely for
+the salvation of others, fell at her post, September 4th, 1875, it is
+believed from mental strain and overwork, but the beautiful example of
+a life devoted to Christianity and temperance is still an inspiration
+to many.
+
+In the meantime, another organization had been formed, and efficient
+work was done for God and humanity by other earnest workers. This
+society held mass-meetings, and did other important work. But the
+President of the National Union induced the two bodies to unite, and a
+meeting was held for that purpose, January 26th, 1875, in Dr. McCook’s
+church. The meeting was enthusiastic, and the reorganization effected.
+Many of the members feeling unprepared for the work, a meeting was
+appointed for prayer and consecration. At the very first meeting a poor
+man presented himself and desired to sign the pledge. They were quite
+unprepared for this, had no pledges ready, but they soon learned that
+the most effectual way to consecrate one’s self is to go to work. The
+man and his family were in a wretched condition, and temporary relief
+was necessary. He was soon afterwards converted, and became a church
+member. His former employer, hearing of his reformation, sent for him
+and gave him employment, and a year afterwards he was known to be
+faithful and doing well.
+
+Cottage prayer-meetings were held, which resulted in great good. The
+ladies would secure the use of a house for meetings, and throw the
+doors and windows open, and commence singing. A large crowd was soon
+attracted, who would stand for an hour to listen to the gospel as it
+was proclaimed from the doorstep by one or more of the ladies. On such
+occasions an invitation was always extended to all who wished, to come
+inside to a prayer-meeting, which was accepted by many. The doors and
+windows were then closed, and the crowd, with tracts in their hands,
+which had been freely distributed, slowly dispersed, but usually the
+room was filled with those who remained for prayer, and many were saved.
+
+Public meetings were held, some saloons visited, much temperance
+literature distributed, and a home opened for inebriate women,
+especially for those who felt themselves to be slaves of the drink
+habit, but because of their social position and the stigma attending,
+would not enter public reformatory institutions. Many have found
+shelter there, and some have given evidence that these labors have not
+been in vain. This has since been detached from the work, and is under
+separate management.
+
+Two of the members fitted up in good style a comfortable lodging-house,
+where men, reformed through the efforts of the society, and others, at
+a low price, could have a tidy, cheerful home. This house accommodates
+about fifty, and has a reading-room, and is cheerful, well-lighted,
+and warm, the price ranging from twenty to thirty cents per night,
+or one dollar, or one dollar and a half per week. Not a profane or
+obscene word is allowed, and those who have never made a profession of
+Christianity feel the influence that is quietly and steadily exerted.
+This work is also under outside management, but contributes to the
+success of the society.
+
+March, 1877, daily meetings were established, which have been largely
+attended. These meetings, though led by ladies, are open to all, and
+are attended by men of all classes, often more than three-fourths of
+the audience being men.
+
+Quietly and reverently they wait before God, and the influence of the
+Spirit is so manifestly present that all hearts are solemnized.
+
+The hall is well filled daily, and over six hundred have been brought
+to a saving knowledge of Christ in the forgiveness of their sins. Some
+of these were gentlemen who came out of curiosity; others were prodigal
+sons, far away from home and God. Gamblers, barkeepers, infidels,
+drunkards, criminals fresh from the jail, and homeless tramps, have
+here found salvation. Some even of the most degraded, are educated
+men, who have had the advantages of a college course; others are
+business or professional men, who have come down from the highest
+circles of society to poverty and rags, through drink.
+
+It is touching to see these men, scarred and marred by sin, sitting
+with reverent faces, listening, for the first time in years, to the
+sweet story of Jesus and his love, or rising to ask prayers for
+themselves, with streaming eyes. Oh, the sad stories the searching
+spirit wrings out of these penitent hearts! “For with the heart man
+believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made
+unto salvation.”
+
+Some of these men were in utter despair, and were arrested when about
+to commit suicide; others had not prayed since they left their mother’s
+knee, and had not been in a church for ten, fifteen, or twenty years.
+
+But Jesus is mighty to save, and all his salvation may know, and he
+has revealed himself as the Saviour of sinners; and such mighty saving
+power I have never seen before. Gamblers have thrown away their cards,
+and pressing the Bible to their hearts, have said, with tears, “I take
+this book, instead of my pack of cards, for a companion and guide.”
+
+Families, broken up and scattered, have been reunited, and gathered
+about an altar of prayer; the ragged have been clothed, the hungry fed,
+the unbelieving convinced, and the broken-hearted comforted. Letters
+bearing the glad tidings across seas and continents, of prodigals
+saved, have winged their way to distant friends, and hundreds of homes
+have been made glad because of these afternoon meetings.
+
+One young man who arose to ask prayers, said, “I am the son of praying
+parents. I had every advantage that wealth and social position could
+give me. I was educated at Yale College, but was expelled before I
+graduated. I shall never forget the humiliation of that morning when I
+was dismissed and sent home on account of drunkenness. I tried for a
+time to do better, and was sent away to medical college, where in due
+time I graduated in medicine--and drunkenness. While attending college,
+I would write home for money to buy books, and then spend it for rum.
+After I got my diploma I went home, but it was not long till I was
+brought, at a late hour of the night, from the saloon to my father’s
+door, helplessly drunk. When my condition became known to the members
+of the family, there was sorrow and weeping all over the house. The
+next day my father talked very seriously to me as to the consequences
+of the drink habit, if I continued in such a course. I promised to
+amend, but in a short time was brought home again dead-drunk.
+
+“My father turned me out of doors, for I had broken my mother’s heart.
+But one of my brothers came after me very soon, to say:
+
+“‘Come home, Harry, you have broken our mother’s heart; come home and
+see her die.’
+
+“I followed him, going like a criminal. My dying mother was surrounded
+by her family and friends, but she reached out her hands to me and
+said, ‘Oh, Harry, you have broken my heart, but if you will promise me
+that you will never drink another drop as long as you live, I will die
+happy.’
+
+“I dropped on my knees at her bedside, and promised her that I would
+never touch the accursed stuff again. I thought then that I never
+would, and as I followed her to the grave and heard the earth fall upon
+her coffin, I swore in my heart that I would keep my vow. I went to a
+distant western town and entered upon the practice of medicine. I was
+prospered in every way. I soon had a large and lucrative practice and
+moved in the best of society. I bought a house and was fitting up a
+home for a lovely woman who had promised to become my wife. During a
+New Year’s holiday-time I visited my old home, and on New Year’s day
+started out to call upon my friends. The third house I entered the lady
+offered me wine. I refused, but she insisted, and once the glass in my
+hand I drank it off and rushed from the house to the nearest saloon.
+That night I was carried to a hotel dead-drunk. My descent was rapid. I
+soon lost all my money and friends, and was wandering over the country
+a miserable, drunken tramp. I begged a ticket to cross the Delaware
+river to reach this city, and have begged my bread here from door to
+door. I have been called a _tramp_ to my face since I have been in your
+city. But if God can save a _tramp_, I want Him to SAVE me.” When he
+sat down there was not a dry eye in the house.
+
+Immediately another young man arose, and said, “I was a class-mate of
+that young man’s in Yale. I well remember the day he was expelled. I
+had not met him in all these years till at these meetings. I, too,
+since leaving college, have become a drunkard; but I have been saved
+by God’s mighty power in these meetings, and the appetite for rum has
+been taken away, and what God has done for me, He can do for you,
+Harry.”
+
+There was united prayer for that young man, and he was saved that very
+day. Or, as he puts it, “The ladies held on to me till I found Christ,
+and had the appetite for rum and tobacco taken away.”
+
+There are scores of cases equally interesting.
+
+
+A MARVELLOUS ANSWER TO PRAYER.
+
+One day two young men came into the meeting, and took seats near the
+door. They were very irreverent, and inclined to be disorderly. The
+lesson that day was on the forgiveness of sin and the witness of
+the Spirit; and those testifying spoke with great clearness of the
+cleansing power of the blood, and the witness of the Spirit to their
+acceptance. The meeting was very solemn, many were moved to tears; all
+sat in awe before the Lord, but these two young men. I led the meeting
+that day, and, as I was about to close, I spoke of the two young men
+who had been indifferent and irreverent, as eternity-bound, walking,
+may be, on the brink of destruction, and yet unsaved and unconcerned.
+We knelt to pray, and while I prayed, those two young men came up
+before me, and with earnest pleadings I asked God to _save_ their
+souls--in some way or other to reach them--if He could not win them
+by His love, to reach and save them by His judgments--any way, only
+save their souls alive. The next day I was sent for by a young man in
+the inquiry room, after the meeting. The tears were running over his
+face. Grasping my hand, he said, “Oh, do pray for me that no judgments
+may come upon me. I am one of the young men who behaved badly in the
+meeting yesterday.” “Where is the other man?” “When you prayed I felt
+awful bad; it was just like a knife going to my heart. As soon as the
+meeting closed we left. My friend said, ‘Let’s get out of here.’ When
+we reached the street I told him I was afraid some judgment would come
+upon us. He laughed, and said he wasn’t afraid of the judgments of God.
+We walked on together up to Broad street, where he fell with a stroke
+of paralysis, and was carried off to St. Mary’s hospital. We are both
+Catholics. I did not think God was with you. But when I saw that man
+fall so soon after your prayer, I knew it was a judgment. I did not
+sleep any last night, and to-day as I walked the streets I could not
+help crying. A lady met me on the street, and seeing me weeping, she
+said, ‘Young man, you seem to be in great trouble; what is the matter?’
+I undertook to tell her, but I broke down utterly. She invited me to
+her house; there I met her husband, and when I told my story he seemed
+much moved. He told me he was a saloon-keeper; that he kept a saloon
+in Camden, N. J., but he was going to give up the business and open a
+feed store, and that he would give me work and allow me to go to these
+meetings.”
+
+I bowed with the young man, and prayed earnestly that God would
+be merciful and save him. The next day he was gloriously saved.
+He immediately went to the hospital, to look after his friend. He
+found that he had recovered consciousness soon after reaching the
+hospital. The lessons of the day pressed upon his heart and conscience;
+especially those awful words, “I’m not afraid of the judgment of God.”
+He felt sure he would die, and he set himself to gain what he had heard
+spoken of in the meeting--a knowledge of sins forgiven, the witness of
+the Spirit. And the Lord revealed Himself to that man right there in
+the Catholic hospital, so that when the friend came to him he found
+him rejoicing in a knowledge of his sins forgiven and his acceptance
+with God. They took sweet counsel together, and the dying man sent this
+message back to the meeting:
+
+“Tell that lady who prayed for me that her prayers are answered, and I
+am saved. She will find me in heaven when she comes, for I am _saved by
+the judgment of God_.” A few hours after this he died. Only a few weeks
+passed till the other young man was sent to the Blockley Alms House
+Hospital, with dropsy. But he was joyously happy--ready for anything.
+
+Ten doctors one day gathered about his bed for consultation: the
+decision was that they could do nothing for him. With a triumphant
+smile he looked up at them and said:
+
+“It’s all right, doctors; I am ready to die.”
+
+The doctor who attended his case afterwards came and knelt by his cot,
+and wept and prayed.
+
+A young man lying in the next cot to his was very irreverent. Charles
+wanted to read the Bible to him, for he preaches the gospel to all,
+but he said: “No, I don’t want to hear it; I’ve got a novel--I like
+that better.” But after a while Charles induced him to read, as an act
+of kindness. The truth took hold of his heart, and one night he got
+up out of his bed and knelt beside the cot of Charles, and was saved.
+The novel-reading young man has since died in the full triumphs of
+faith. Charles D. still lingers to preach Christ in the ward, and his
+influence is blessed. A priest visited him one day.
+
+“Have you confessed?” he inquired. “Yes.” “Who to?” “The Lord Jesus
+Christ; and I have been forgiven, and I am ready to depart and be with
+my Lord.”
+
+The priest insisted on leaving a rosary, which the sick young man,
+having no need of such helps in prayer, gave to one of the ladies of
+the meeting who visited him very often.
+
+Who can doubt that God in _answer to prayer_ took the best, and perhaps
+the only way, to save these two souls!
+
+It is better that a man should be dealt with in judgment than that he
+should lose his soul.
+
+The meetings still go on with power, and the general work with
+increasing interest.
+
+In 1875 a State Union was formed, the convention meeting in
+Philadelphia. One hundred ladies went from that meeting to Harrisburg,
+to protest against the repeal of the Local Option law, which was
+threatened. A mass-meeting was held in the State House in the evening,
+the legislative hall being well filled, and most of the members of
+the Senate and House being present. The meeting, which was addressed
+by prominent ladies and gentlemen of the State, was enthusiastic. The
+next day about two hundred marched in a body to the Capitol, and held a
+meeting, and had an interview with the committee having the matter in
+charge, and then called upon the Governor to urge him, if the law was
+repealed, to veto it.
+
+It fell to the lot of the writer of these pages to head that procession
+and make the speech to the Governor.
+
+If the question pending had not been so grave, the scene would have
+been ludicrous. Governor Hartranft, although he had won honor as an
+officer in the recent civil war, was as pale as a ghost, and stood
+bracing himself against the mantel-piece, with his lips firmly set, as
+though he was afraid to open his mouth lest he should betray his party.
+
+The appeal was made in the presence of a hundred or more people, and
+despite his efforts at self-command he was deeply moved.
+
+He responded very respectfully, but his guarded words foreshadowed his
+future action, and we knew he would follow the dictates of his party,
+whatever that might be. But it was a privilege to be able, fearlessly
+and plainly, to tell him a few facts, and let him know in just so many
+words, “that no matter what party went up, or went down, the women of
+the commonwealth intended that the rum power should go down, and would
+bend all their energies to that end.”
+
+
+MONTROSE, PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+A praying band was organized in this town at the beginning of the
+Crusade. Petitions and pledges have been circulated, and prayer and
+mass-meetings held.
+
+The saloon-keepers have been visited and urged to sign the pledge.
+The children have been gathered together and taught, and a society
+organized. The jails have been regularly visited.
+
+Mrs. Post and Mrs. Sayer are among the active workers who have pushed
+the cause in this town and in the county.
+
+
+SUSQUEHANNA, PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+The ladies of this town organized early in 1874; mass-meetings were
+held, saloons visited, and pledges circulated.
+
+Under the Local Option law, which had carried in this place, it was
+unlawful to sell liquors. And as the saloon-keepers did not yield to
+tears and prayers, the ladies brought the law to bear upon them with
+good success.
+
+The devotion of the women was shown in their self-denial in matters of
+dress, that they might have money to carry on the temperance work.
+
+
+TROY, PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+The women of Troy organized for work in May, 1874. I had the privilege
+of visiting the drinking-houses with some of these earnest workers. We
+went to the hotel. The bar-room was filled with a crowd of rough men.
+The fumes of tobacco and whiskey were stifling. The landlord turned
+pale when he saw us, but withstood all our entreaties, although he had
+been trained in a Christian home and had a praying mother.
+
+We appealed to him to stop the business for the sake of his own boy.
+He had a beautiful little boy. Though deeply moved, he would not allow
+us to pray in his house. As we were leaving, I said: “My brother, the
+Lord will answer the prayers of your mother. He is now trying to win
+you by love; if you reject Him, He may bring you to the truth by His
+judgments. He may take the boy you love so much. Don’t wait for the
+judgments of God.” The words seemed to be prophetic: in a month from
+that time the boy was dead, and he was brought to see so clearly that
+God was dealing with him that he closed out the bar. One of the drug
+stores was really an open saloon, the worst in the town. The work went
+on for a while with enthusiasm. But some of these methods, especially
+the prosecution of saloon-keepers, displeased the ministers, and they
+drew up a paper asking them to desist, and confine themselves to
+prayer-meetings, etc. The result was an entire abandonment of the work,
+at a time when it promised the largest success.
+
+
+ASHLEY, PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+The women organized in this town in the spring of 1874. Prayer and
+mass-meetings were held; a Juvenile Union formed; the saloons visited
+again and again, and a friendly inn and lunch-room founded, mainly
+through the efforts of Miss N. M. Wells. Good results have followed.
+
+The work there and throughout the State is increasing in interest and
+enthusiasm.
+
+Nearly all the towns of Pennsylvania have carried on the temperance
+work with more or less success.
+
+A good work has also been done in Great Bend, the home of Mrs. F.
+D. B. Chase, President of the State Union; also in Sharon, Chester,
+New Milford, Towanda, Canton, Tunkahannock, Carbondale, Kingston,
+Wellsburg, Norristown, Rochester, Meadville, New Castle, Honesdale, and
+Milton.
+
+
+
+
+NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+The work in New York, which began in the beautiful village of Fredonia,
+has extended to every part of that great State. Every city, and almost
+every hamlet, has been reached by this Temperance Gospel.
+
+Women’s Temperance Unions have been organized in almost every town, and
+the best and truest women of the State have banded together in God’s
+name, to overthrow the liquor traffic.
+
+It will be noticed, by reference to the date, that the work at Fredonia
+commenced several days before it began at Hillsboro’.
+
+I do not know why that town was not made conspicuous as the place where
+the Crusade commenced, unless it was because no saloons were closed,
+and the ladies fell back, after a short campaign, upon other plans.
+
+
+FREDONIA, NEW YORK.
+
+Mrs. L. B. Greene gives the following interesting account of the work:
+
+Dr. Dio Lewis lectured in our village, Saturday evening, December
+13th, 1873, in the regular lyceum course, and remaining in the place
+over the Sabbath, was invited to speak in the Baptist Church, Sunday
+evening. A union service was held, and the large building packed to
+overflowing. He chose as his subject--“The duty and responsibility
+of Christian women in the cause of Temperance.” In illustrating his
+views upon the subject, he related the proceedings of the women in the
+village of Clarksville, in this State, forty years ago, when he was
+a boy--how, aroused by some specially grievous result of the liquor
+traffic, eighty-four women banded themselves together, and, after
+conference and prayer, marched to the saloons, where, with more prayers
+and singing, they appealed to the liquor-dealers to pledge themselves
+to give up the sale of intoxicating beverages. The object sought was
+attained, and for thirty-nine years no liquor has been sold there as a
+beverage.
+
+This plan, he stated, had been partially or wholly successful in other
+places.
+
+A remarkable interest was manifested throughout the audience, and at
+the close of the lecture an organization, to consider a similar work in
+our place, was effected by the election of Dr. Lewis, Chairman; John
+Hamilton and L. A. Barmore, Secretaries. The Secretaries, together with
+Dr. E. M. Pettit and Prof. H. R. Sanford, were appointed by the meeting
+to name fifty or more ladies as a visiting committee for work similar
+to that performed by the women of Clarksville.
+
+This committee was enlarged to more than two hundred, who met on the
+following morning, December 15th, 1873, and entered upon their work of
+visiting all the hotels, drug stores, and saloons. As the result of
+the first day’s work one druggist gave his assent to the pledge. The
+other dealers listened respectfully, and we were encouraged to think
+would yield to our petitions.
+
+Each succeeding day brought intelligence of a like movement--first in
+Jamestown, near us; then in Hillsboro’, Ohio, followed by place after
+place. So we were encouraged and strengthened to believe that the
+Spirit of the Lord was moving in the land, stirring up women who had
+hitherto rested quietly, or unquietly, in their homes, _submitting_ to
+what seemed an ineradicable evil, to _rouse_ themselves and take up the
+cross of the “Temperance Crusade.”
+
+I need not detail the events of the first weeks of our effort, with
+their alternations of hope and doubtings; suffice it to say, the
+saloons were not closed _when_, and _as_ we prayed they might be. There
+was another lesson in store for us, as to our Heavenly Father’s ways of
+answering prayer.
+
+We ceased our saloon visiting, but had formed a permanent “Woman’s
+Christian Temperance Union” for continued work in the cause, as
+circumstances and opportunities should permit.
+
+Our principal efforts have been as follows: An aid society was formed
+to help the needy of our village, nearly all of whom are the victims of
+intemperance.
+
+A reading-room in the interests of temperance and morality was
+established; a large amount of temperance tracts and papers were
+circulated.
+
+Many petitions to Congress and the State Legislature, in the interests
+of the cause, have been circulated. Young people and children’s
+unions, auxiliary to our own, have been formed. Days of fasting and
+prayer have been observed.
+
+In the spring election of 1874 there was a gain for temperance (a
+stirring little appeal to the voters had been scattered through the
+streets).
+
+Before the election of 1875 a committee of ladies was appointed to see
+each voter, urging principle in the matter, and we were rewarded by
+a large no license majority. During the years 1875-76 there were no
+licensed places in the town for the sale of liquor as a beverage, but
+several club-rooms, in evasion of the law, were formed, where almost
+any one could obtain drink. These we entered legal prosecution against
+to no purpose.
+
+During all these years our Union has held its weekly prayer-meetings,
+and has tried to keep the public alive to the subject, by bringing
+before them frequently the best talent in the lecture field.
+
+Though there have been occasional instances of conversion and
+reformation all along, it has seemed as though results had not been
+commensurate with our efforts. In our last excise election, 1877, the
+village again voted for license, and when many of us were feeling
+almost discouraged, groping in the dark, God made his face to shine
+in the darkness, and we felt that the prayers of so many years were
+answered.
+
+Following the series of meetings, after the week of prayer in the
+Baptist Church, came a gospel temperance worker, the Rev. Mr. Bocock.
+He found the field ripe for the harvest. Hundreds signed the abstinence
+pledge.
+
+Meetings continued for weeks, in our largest public hall, under other
+workers, until over 1,500 names were enrolled on the Murphy pledge.
+Among these were not only intemperate men, but many of our leading
+citizens, who before had opposed or stood aloof from all work for
+the cause. We hope to see these faithfully heading the ranks in the
+temperance reform. Our Union still lives, and, we trust, may continue
+an influence for good in our midst.
+
+
+AUBURN, NEW YORK.
+
+A little company of sisters, after consulting their pastors, called
+a prayer-meeting, Monday, March 9th. On account of a severe storm
+only six persons were present at the appointed hour, yet out of that
+small prayer-meeting grew the “Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of
+Auburn.” At its organization we were so fortunate as to secure for
+our President, Mrs. Mary T. Burt, then a resident of Auburn--now the
+publisher of _Our Union_, in Brooklyn.
+
+March 13th, we gave a call for a meeting, asking “all women, friendly
+to the cause of temperance, to be present on that occasion, with a view
+of devising some method of securing, through our city authorities,
+the rigid enforcement of existing laws, restricting the sale of
+intoxicating liquors in this city.” To the above appeal were appended
+500 names of the women of Auburn. This meeting was followed by other
+crowded mass-meetings.
+
+Committees waited upon the mayor and board of excise, begging them to
+grant fewer licenses.
+
+In June of the same year, one of the board of excise said that the
+Woman’s Temperance Union of Auburn had been the means of closing,
+during the year, from forty to fifty saloons. Also, if the organization
+had not made their petition to the board, they would, undoubtedly, have
+gone on and licensed all applicants, as former excise boards had done.
+
+Soon after our annual meeting, March 18th, 1875, our Union decided to
+furnish hot coffee to firemen on duty. A committee was appointed to
+confer with the Chief Engineer of the Fire Department in reference to
+the work. A courteous reply was received from that officer, in which he
+stated it to be his opinion “that the proposed effort would not only
+advance the cause of temperance, but elevate the standing of the fire
+department.” The firemen have proved true friends of our organization;
+and though there have been many obstacles to overcome, we have great
+reason to feel that much good has been done in this direction. Besides
+our regular Monday afternoon prayer-meetings, and gospel temperance
+meetings, we have meetings for the children, and a Band of Hope
+connected with the Union numbers 230.
+
+ MRS. CYRENUS WHEELER, Pres’t.
+
+CHARLOTTE T. L. SMITH, Rec. Sec’y.
+
+
+PLATTSBURG, NEW YORK.
+
+Fanny D. Hall reports:
+
+The Plattsburg Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was established March
+14th, 1874. The attendance was large at first. At present our numbers
+are small, but the few have been constant workers. The influence
+emanating from the Union has had, and is having a decided effect upon
+public opinion, changing the aspects of the temperance cause.
+
+We feel that time _only_ is needed for the community to show the power
+of prayerful, earnest Christian work. A union prayer-meeting, under the
+auspices of this society, was formed, in which the churches joined.
+
+Sabbath and Wednesday afternoon prayer-meetings have been regularly
+maintained by the ladies. In the autumn of 1875 a converted
+saloon-keeper offered his bar-room one evening in the week, for a
+prayer-meeting, under the care of the Union, which has been continued
+to the present time.
+
+Our juvenile association, “The Plattsburg Temperance Guards,” was
+organized in October, 1874. It has enrolled some 800 boys as members.
+A meeting of the guards is held every three months in the court-house,
+in which the exercises are varied by music and speeches, followed by
+refreshments.
+
+It has been the custom of ladies to attend all the meetings of the
+excise board. To this we attribute influences most favorable to the
+work. The saloons have been quietly visited by members of the Union,
+for individual appeals.
+
+Before the election of excise commissioners, the ladies, with the aid
+of the ladies of the Good Templars, canvassed the entire town, giving
+opportunity for earnest Christian temperance work.
+
+A legal committee of the Union has also been able to bring cases of
+violation of law before our juries, and although much that we could
+wish has not been accomplished, still good has been done in this field.
+Our stronghold of hope is _prayer_, but we feel and know the Lord has
+been with us in all these departments of temperance work.
+
+We have sustained, since 1874, a temperance column in the _Plattsburg
+Republican_, which has been freely accorded to us.
+
+
+ALBANY, NEW YORK.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. Nye for the following facts:
+
+Our first temperance prayer-meeting was held weekly, in 1873, in
+a private parlor, three present. We soon adjourned to a church
+prayer-room, but our numbers were small. In August, 1873, a society
+was organized, known as the “Woman’s Temperance Union of Albany.” Our
+prayer-meetings were held twice every week.
+
+In January, 1874, we were invited to hold meetings in the City
+Mission rooms, No. 40 State street, at which time two of our number
+became responsible for a daily meeting. The faithful few were greatly
+encouraged by the goodly number that gathered daily, and from among
+those we most desired to reach. During three months, about two
+hundred names were enrolled on our pledge. Among these were a large
+number of conversions, including some from the very lowest depths
+of intemperance, who to-day are first and foremost in the cause of
+temperance.
+
+Five or six ladies prayed earnestly that the work might be enlarged,
+and we be fitted for the work. A door of entrance came, and a place
+formerly occupied as a machine shop, located in the rear of the
+theatre, on William street, was secured. There was not one cent in the
+treasury. The day came when money must be paid; and that morning, after
+asking at the family altar that God would supply our need, when about
+to leave the house of a dear sister, a note was placed in our hands,
+written that morning by one of His chosen ones, a Swedish lady, who had
+been spending a few days in the city, enclosing the desired amount,
+saying, “Please accept of my mite, with prayers for your success.”
+From that time, with the want has also come the supply, even to the
+furnishing of our rooms with everything to make them both comfortable
+and attractive.
+
+The first of May we rented the entire building for lodging and eating
+purposes; and though we had nothing with which to furnish, in one month
+it had the appearance of a pleasant, comfortable home; and here a large
+number have been cared for when they most needed help and Christian
+sympathy. Since the first of May, one hundred have received food and
+lodging, and have thus been brought under the power of the gospel.
+
+A midday meeting has been opened recently, and is increasing in
+interest and numbers. This is sustained mostly by reformed men. Many
+young men who were this time last year spending their time and money
+in drinking-saloons and drunken brawls, are now “clothed and in their
+right minds,” and spend nearly every night in our meetings, saying it
+is the best place they ever knew.
+
+Testimonies like the following are often heard: “I bless God for this
+mission. I have been tempted beyond what I was able to bear, and had
+I not come in and stayed all day in this room, I do not know where I
+should have been to-day. I thank God for putting it into the hearts of
+these Christian women to open these rooms for a refuge for such as I.
+And these meetings have been a great blessing to me.”
+
+Another says: “I have been one of the most wicked young men in Albany,
+and my friends thought I could not be saved. And I thought so too. But
+through the efforts of this mission, I am a saved man.”
+
+Saloons have not been left unvisited; and those who were once dealing
+out the accursed draught, thank God, to-day have found a better way.
+Our room for meetings has been enlarged three times. Recently a
+glorious temperance revival has prevailed, reaching all classes, which
+has stirred the community, and encouraged all Christian hearts.
+
+
+SYRACUSE, NEW YORK.
+
+Mrs. Allen Butler, President of the State Union, furnishes the
+following facts:
+
+When reports of the wonderful work for temperance being done at
+the West reached our city, the inquiry began to be made. If there
+was not something of the kind needed here. After due deliberation
+a Woman’s Temperance Union was formed in March, 1874. The city was
+districted, and canvassed with petitions and pledges. The city
+authorities, board of excise, ministers, physicians, druggists,
+grocers, and landlords were visited, petitioned, and entreated, and
+as many as possible pledged, not to participate in, or countenance
+the traffic in intoxicating liquors in any way. An immense amount of
+work was done in a few months, with but little apparent success. The
+prayer-meetings were continued during the summer, and in the early
+autumn. Prayer-meetings were established in desolate parts of the city,
+and food distributed. A suitable building was secured, and a Friendly
+Inn opened in sight of thirty saloons, to counteract influences. It
+was opened on the 8th of July, 1875, with pleasant company, attractive
+music, and sacred song; things so in contrast with the neighborhood,
+that every passer-by was attracted, and led to inquire what was going
+on. The opening was auspicious, and for three months the place was
+thronged to its utmost capacity every evening, to join in the gospel
+temperance meetings, and hear the wonderful experiences there related.
+From the first day, new trophies were won.
+
+More recently the reformed men’s movement has swept over our city, and
+2,500 have signed the pledge; and 1,300 have united with the Reform
+Club, and 200 have been added to the Young Men’s Temperance Union,
+which was already strong.
+
+A cold water army was organized in 1875, and the work is still well
+sustained.
+
+
+ROCHESTER, NEW YORK.
+
+Mrs. S. J. Vosburgh gives the following account of the work in
+Rochester:
+
+The Women’s Temperance Crusade in Rochester began about the middle of
+March, 1874, by the appointment of a committee of four ladies, who were
+to confer with the pastors of all the city churches and secure their
+co-operation in the work. This committee did their work so well, and
+the public mind was so fully prepared for the movement, that in a few
+days a Woman’s Temperance Union was formed, which soon increased to 500
+members, representing nearly every church in the city.
+
+Two very large mass-meetings were held, and many smaller meetings in
+various places. Temperance sermons were preached in nearly all the
+churches, and the entire city, with all the region round about, became
+aroused upon the subject. The liquor-sellers were very uneasy, and a
+few at this time gave up the business voluntarily. On the first Monday
+in May there was an enthusiastic morning meeting held at the Central
+Presbyterian Church, and about 200 ladies went in procession from that
+place to the court-house, where the excise board were to meet for the
+granting of licenses.
+
+These morning meetings continued for two weeks or more, the time
+being given mostly to prayer. The numbers increased, so that the
+commissioners adjourned to the city hall, as the council chamber, in
+which they first assembled, was quite too small. At these meetings
+remonstrances against the granting of licenses were read every
+morning, and the same were published by the _Daily Press_; causing many
+to see the evils of the traffic who had hitherto thought but little
+about it.
+
+The liquor-sellers and manufacturers, with some of their sympathizers,
+had also formed a Union entitled “The Society for the Protection of
+Personal and Religious Liberty.” The word religious was, however, soon
+dropped, as being inappropriate. This society was very active, held
+frequent meetings, and, it was said, had raised $10,000 to carry on
+their work.
+
+During the second week of the month of May, after the ladies had
+marched in procession, as usual, to the court-house, preceded by
+a few of the pastors and other temperance men, a large number of
+the liquor-sellers, led by some of the officers of their society,
+appeared before the Excise Commissioners, with a petition, signed,
+as they claimed, by 6,000 citizens and voters, asking that licenses
+for the sale of liquors be granted as usual. It was ascertained, upon
+examination, that this immense petition was made up largely of forged
+signatures, among which were not only the names of some of our best
+temperance men, but some dignitaries from abroad were added to swell
+the list; among these we remember was the wife of the Mormon prophet,
+Brigham Young, and some who for many years had been in the spirit world.
+
+When this unlooked-for examination revealed the fraud, the better class
+of their number seemed a little ashamed, as might have been expected.
+
+Political influence was mightiest on their side, however, and licenses
+were soon granted just as freely as before, though action had been
+stayed for weeks.
+
+There is at present a growing public sentiment against the liquor
+traffic, and the better class of our citizens, especially the Christian
+men and women, are arraying themselves on the side of temperance. The
+women, too, are thinking and acting more intelligently and effectively
+for this cause than in the past.
+
+There are now in our city two large and well-conducted lunch houses,
+each under the direction of a board of managers, composed of temperance
+ladies, besides a number of smaller establishments of the same class
+owned and controlled by individuals.
+
+A Reform Club was organized about a year since, and more recently
+a Temperance Aid Society of ladies, whose work is especially to
+further the interest of the Reform Club, and to visit the families of
+intemperate men.
+
+A Christian Temperance Union, composed of Christian men and women, has
+also been organized recently, and these are already doing a good work.
+
+These are all the outgrowth of the Crusade.
+
+
+OSWEGO, NEW YORK.
+
+I have received the following facts from officers of the society:
+
+We organized March, 1874, with about thirty members. Held our meetings
+in the different churches, one month in each, wishing them to be
+thorough union, feeling that we must have a united sisterhood to face
+the dark shadow which seemed to be coming nearer and nearer, throwing
+its shade either directly or indirectly into almost every home.
+
+About this time we canvassed the city with the pledge, with good
+results.
+
+Our work was persistent and earnest with the saloon-keepers, city
+authorities, and wherever God seemed to show an open door.
+
+Committees were appointed to inspect the applications made for license,
+and it was found that a majority of them were granted illegally, and
+having found who the men were who signed these applications, and were
+willing thus to encourage the traffic, our work was then with them,
+to try, if it were possible, to persuade them never to sign another
+application. And great was the surprise and shame of many who found
+that what they had done in secret had been brought to the light, and
+many promises were given that the like should not be repeated.
+
+We organized a Woman’s Temperance Prayer-Meeting on Water street, led
+by women, yet calling in the aid of Christian men.
+
+The fact that a few Christian women were meeting twice a week for
+prayer, had its effect upon the community.
+
+We endeavored to look after the poor suffering ones all around, keeping
+our eye on the one object--Christ and His work; feeling that it was
+just that which brought Him down to us, to raise the fallen. Some
+of the crosses were very heavy, the greatest, perhaps, of all our
+life-work, February 1st, 1875.
+
+“Four, ladies only, were present at our meeting; very earnest prayers
+were offered for direction and help, and especially that some influence
+might be brought to bear upon the hearts of Christian people, to awaken
+them to duty, with regard to temperance work. We were not wholly
+discouraged, for we felt that with _God_ on our side, _one_ was a
+majority.”
+
+Before our next meeting, two reformed men, Frost and McKelvey, had
+come to our city ready to work; they hardly knew why they came, for no
+one had asked them, and they had been told not to come, as they could
+do nothing here. But some of us felt that we knew how it came about,
+and as the work seemed to take shape, Christian men said, this is the
+result of the prayers of the faithful few.
+
+On and on went the work, until over two thousand signed the pledge,
+while our own numbers were greatly increased. A Reform Club was
+organized, with a reformed lawyer as president.
+
+One of the saloon-keepers put up a long sign, black letters on white
+cloth, that could be read two blocks off: 20,000 _men wanted to drink_
+20,000 _glasses of lager beer_! It was too much for us to endure, and a
+committee of two ladies was appointed to visit him; we prepared a paper
+for him to read, and went in the strength of the Master, gave him the
+paper, and while he read we prayed, silently, yet earnestly. At first,
+he seemed quite indignant, closed the paper and passed it back; I did
+not take it (wished him to keep it). God seemed to _shut_ our mouths.
+While he talked, the perspiration covered his face and neck, he wiping
+until his handkerchief was thoroughly drenched. When he had said all
+he had to say, he dropped into a chair behind him; then our lips were
+unsealed; he was melted, promised to take down his sign, and leave the
+business as soon as his lease was out. He is now a member of the Reform
+Club.
+
+We came from that saloon, saying to ourselves and each other, “O ye of
+little faith.”
+
+You can imagine the feelings of the heart of his faithful wife, as she
+rose in the weekly prayer-meeting of her own church, after the happy
+event in which all rejoiced: said she, “My husband has signed the
+pledge, and I want you all to pray for him; nay,” said she, “I _demand_
+it.” Do you wonder at her earnestness?
+
+May 20th, a committee of our ladies, in connection with a committee of
+gentlemen, began to cast about for rooms to accommodate this wonderful
+work. It was soon done. On Washington’s birthday, February 22d, we met
+in our new reading-room.
+
+We dedicated those rooms not only to temperance, but to Christ and His
+work, for it is all one.
+
+Our Woman’s Christian Temperance Union now numbers about one hundred
+and fifty; and our motto is, “More earnest work for the Master.”
+
+One of the first fruits of the reform movement was the conversion of
+a young man, son of a prominent clergyman of the State, and former
+pastor of one of the churches of this city. This young man, the child
+of many prayers and much solicitude, had, in spite of all, led a very
+intemperate and wayward life, setting at nought his father’s counsels,
+and treating with scorn his mother’s prayers. His own confession
+is, that during the temperance work he attended one of the Sunday
+services, and, for the first time in his life, went with the settled
+determination to be benefited, the Spirit of God met him, and for days
+he struggled with the adversary. Finally, at a public meeting, where
+hundreds were gathered, and among them many of his boon companions,
+he, in response to a call for short speeches, said, “My friends, the
+devil has beaten me long enough, and now I am determined to beat him,
+not only on the whiskey question, but, God helping me, I mean to beat
+him on sin of all kinds, and from this time forth to live not only
+a temperate but a Christian life.” This was a great surprise to his
+many friends, and for the avowal, light soon broke into his soul, and
+he became a joyful believer. The wires carried the happy news to his
+parents, the mails carried the particulars; but the old father and
+mother wanted to see their son, in whom the Lord had wrought this
+mighty work. He visited them, carrying the temperance spark with him.
+
+At his suggestion a temperance meeting was called. Speakers failed
+him, but he was not discouraged. With the local help he had, he went
+on with the work, speaking himself with the eloquence the love of God
+and the perishing inspired him; and in less than two months from the
+time he became a converted temperance man, he had organized a reform
+club of over six hundred members. When he returned home, he left, as
+its president, a man who had been a confirmed drunkard for over thirty
+years. Among the members was nearly every drunkard in the town.
+
+Behold how great things the Lord hath done!
+
+
+HORNELLSVILLE, NEW YORK
+
+Mrs. Ransom Sheldon gives the following account of the work in this
+town:
+
+Hornellsville, a railroad town on the Erie Railway, with a population
+of between eight and nine thousand, with its five churches, none of
+them blessed with a large membership, with but few pronounced and
+outspoken Christian people, was cursed with eighty-six saloons and
+places where they sold liquor. Prominent wealthy business men were none
+of them temperance men. Young men starting in life had few correct
+examples of living placed before them. Society was gay, and the wine
+cup flowed freely, when the Woman’s Crusade movement found its way
+to Hornellsville. By obtaining a few names, a meeting was called.
+Our business men were so afraid to be identified, that we failed
+in our first selection of chairman, which was the President of our
+village. Our clergy, to their honor be it spoken, stood out pronounced
+temperance men. The women were organized for work, the town canvassed
+for pledges, and all-day meeting was held, in which the reports were
+brought in with rejoicing and cheering. Three thousand women, fifteen
+hundred voters, and four hundred minors signed the pledge as the result
+of this effort.
+
+The Woman’s Temperance Prayer-Meeting was organized and well sustained;
+public opinion in favor of temperance was created; and much good was
+accomplished. Different lecturers were employed, and various means
+adopted to sustain the interest.
+
+When our efforts seemed not to avail, we had recourse to law, and
+six hundred dollars in fines was saved to the county by prosecuting
+violations of law. This plan was followed for one year, a man being
+hired whose business it was to work up cases, present them at court,
+and follow them through.
+
+Last winter we were blessed with a special outpouring of the Holy
+Spirit, and our woman’s meeting felt its influence, and we were moved
+to pray especially that a man adapted to temperance work might be sent
+to us. Our railroad men, who went to Salamanca, returned with accounts
+of the wonderful good John R. Clark was accomplishing In Salamanca,
+Bradford, and other places. Mr. Clark came to Hornellsville for a four
+days’ meeting. The ladies secured the Opera House. The weather was most
+unfavorable. A large audience, however, gathered. When the opportunity
+was given to sign the pledge, a great rush was immediately made.
+
+The morning prayer-meetings were continued, and many who signed
+the pledge at night came into the meeting in the morning, and were
+converted. It was a glorious time. The whole community were never
+before so stirred. Young men, old men, all classes and conditions felt
+its influence. Temperance principles were advocated by men who had
+always advocated and practised intemperance. Some saloons were closed,
+and the liquor business was much crippled. Temperance lecturers came
+to the front from among our lawyers and editors, and outside towns
+were visited and canvassed for pledges. The greatest evidence of good
+accomplished was manifest in the late strike on the Erie Railroad,
+when for nearly a week our town was under martial law, and a drunken
+man was not to be seen, and law and good order prevailed to a degree
+not before realized.
+
+The temperance work in Hornellsville has accomplished great results in
+saving our community from many evils, and has blessed many homes. There
+still remaineth, however, much land to be possessed. One blessed result
+of this effort has been the saving of Hon. Horace Bemis, an eminent
+lawyer, who has given his fine talents as a lecturer to the cause, and
+western New York and northern Pennsylvania have felt his influence as
+an inspiration.
+
+
+UTICA, NEW YORK.
+
+Mrs. D. E. Stevens furnishes the following facts:
+
+The Crusade work in the city of Utica, unobtrusively as it has been
+done, was the origin of our present organization and success in the
+temperance cause. Mrs. M. M. Northrop, upon whom this fell most
+heavily, was probably the first to do real Crusade work, a woman known
+for her good deeds among the poor. She says when the news first reached
+her of the Ohio Crusade, a strange feeling came over her, that caused
+her to betake herself to prayer--to very earnest prayer. The subject
+was so constantly before her mind that she was compelled to speak to
+all whom she met on the subject of temperance. Finding no sympathy, she
+felt alone in the work, and could only cry mightily to God for help,
+who seemed to hold her responsible for this great service in her own
+city.
+
+After a little, she found a good Christian sister, in whose heart there
+was a response for this work (Mrs. T---- by name). Together, she and
+Mrs. T---- visited saloon after saloon, urging the saloon-keepers to
+leave off the terrible traffic; singing in each place as they went.
+
+In one instance they met, as keeper of a saloon, a woman of ill-fame,
+upon whom the singing had a powerful effect. She wept and kept hold of
+Mrs. Northrop’s hands, as though she could not let her go, following
+her to the door with streaming eyes.
+
+In another, God had preceded them, and the saloon-keeper owned his
+dislike for the business; and told them of the daughters of church
+members who came there to drink (it being a little out of the city),
+and then went near by to a house of ill-fame. They sought them there,
+but could not find them. This saloon-keeper promised and did give up
+his business, and became, not long after, a member of a Christian
+church.
+
+The spirit of indifference that pervaded the hearts of Christians
+on this subject seemed terrible to Mrs. Northrop; as she walked the
+streets, the burden grew so heavy upon her she groaned aloud. Meeting a
+Christian sister one day, a lady of wide influence, the lady accosted
+her with, “Well, Mrs. Northrop, how does the temperance work go on?”
+“Poorly, Mrs. B----, very poorly. Were all who profess an interest
+in temperance _consecrated_ workers, the work would go on, and if
+some one does not take up this cause and help to carry it forward, I
+believe this burden will crush me.” Mrs. B---- looked up in her face,
+apparently astonished. Said she, “Well, perhaps the burden has got to
+come over on to me.” And it did. Through this woman the door was opened
+to a grand temperance rally in this city. Ready hearts were found, who
+met weekly at the cross, until the Spirit of the Lord fell upon them
+likewise. To us the work seems but just begun, although we have some
+2,000 signers to the pledge, and over 500 members to the club who wear
+the blue ribbon.
+
+We look to God, believing that his power _alone_ can accomplish this
+work. We are but the willing instruments in his hands, to serve or to
+sit still at his bidding.
+
+One of our most faithful workers in the Crusade, Mrs. M. A. Patterson,
+whose age is sixty-two years, is a woman who has suffered greatly from
+the terrible curse of intemperance. Her husband, once in the habit of
+drinking, is now a reformed and Christian man. Her two sons, drunkards,
+one supposed to be hopelessly lost, are both of them now members of our
+Reform Club, and thus far faithful to their vows.
+
+Suffering so greatly herself, Mrs. Patterson was exercised in an
+unusual manner, not only for her own sons and husband, but for the
+sons and husbands of other mothers and wives. “O,” said she, “how I
+have prayed, and wrestled with God in prayer; night after night I
+have walked the floor, weeping and praying, watching for the unsteady
+footsteps of my boys. Yes, and sometimes I have spent whole nights on
+my knees, till the morning shone in upon me, praying that God would
+send some one, or raise up some person or persons who would help to
+do away with this terrible curse. How I have prayed and wrestled for
+our city! I have gone from saloon to saloon, trying to persuade them to
+stop selling this accursed stuff. And then again I have shrunk back and
+thought, I am like Jonah fleeing away from the work God had called me
+to do, so I went on again, trying to do my best.
+
+“At one time I went to a saloon, where they had drawn in my boys, where
+they were dealing out death to them, and I found the saloon-keeper’s
+wife standing behind the bar dealing out liquor, and I said to her:
+‘Can you, a mother, deal out death and hell to my boys, and the sons of
+other mothers? Would you like it to have me deal out poison to _your_
+sons? What would you think of _me_, or any _other_ mother, to do that
+to _yours_? and yet you are doing it to mine.’
+
+“Said the saloon-woman: ‘Do not talk thus to me. Do not talk to me.’
+
+“‘Shall not I, a mother, whose heart is wrung with anguish, speak to
+you? I tell you _God_ will yet speak to you, in _thunder_ tones, if you
+do not desist. I have not come to blame, nor to reproach, but to _pray_
+you to give up selling this accursed rum.’”
+
+And then, with hands clasped to heaven, she prayed: “How long, O God,
+how long, shall we mothers pray and weep and lament for our sons? How
+long shall our hearts be wrung with bitter anguish? How long shall this
+terrible curse be _forced_ upon us, and we lie powerless before this
+foe?”
+
+And thus she poured forth her woe in prayer. She was driven from the
+saloon by the woman behind the bar.
+
+She has been so worn with her griefs, that I had supposed her to be
+nearly eighty years of age. Her voice sounds like a song of prayer. She
+would gladly go from saloon to saloon, to-day, on her knees, she says,
+if in this wise she could do away with this abominable evil that is
+cursing our city. Her zeal is in nowise slackened by the salvation of
+her husband and sons, and her “Glory to God in the highest” is like a
+Te Deum.
+
+
+ROME, NEW YORK.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. R. M. Bingham for the following report:
+
+The reports of the wonderful revival of the temperance work in the
+West, a little more than three years ago, inspired the friends of the
+cause in this place to hope that something might be done in our city.
+
+About forty ladies responded to the first call for workers.
+
+A daily meeting for prayer and counsel was inaugurated. These meetings
+have been characterized by earnest and prayerful enthusiasm, prompted
+by a genuine dependence on God, and faith in His promises. The efforts
+made to stay the tide of intemperance, or to interpose any obstacle to
+its progress, revealed the great power of the foe with which we had to
+cope, and the strength of its intrenchments. It could count among its
+allies Christian men not a few, and its supporters were to be found in
+the temples of law and justice. So potent was its influence that all
+branches of trade and business were more or less bound by its fetters.
+In our helplessness we cried to God, and our hearts went out in
+greater love for the guilty as well as the suffering ones.
+
+Frequent mass-meetings were held in the churches and other public
+places.
+
+The city was canvassed, and over a thousand women gave their names,
+pledging themselves to do what they could to promote the cause of
+temperance, and we think the moral power cannot be estimated, of this
+large number of women, each acting conscientiously in her own family
+and sphere of influence. A committee of ladies was appointed to ask the
+gentlemen of the Board of Excise to grant no licenses; and if we did
+fail to see our hearts’ desire accomplished, we are glad those prayers
+and tearful appeals stand as our protest against the monster evil.
+
+Much faithful labor has been done in circulating the pledge, and many
+have been induced to sign it, and have been rescued from a drunkard’s
+disgrace and a drunkard’s grave.
+
+One only we will mention--Joseph Higgins, the blacksmith: a most
+wonderful example of the power of God, in removing all appetite for
+intoxicants, after their use for many years. He is doing much for the
+salvation of others. We can but exclaim, “What hath God wrought!”
+
+In 1876, the temperance ladies made a centennial offering to the city,
+of four drinking-fountains, valued at $450.
+
+Children’s meetings have been held, and a large number have signed the
+pledge.
+
+We see indications of the improvement, and strengthening of
+the temperance sentiment of the city. We believe the so-called
+“_respectability_” of liquor-selling has diminished--that fewer
+persons offer wine on New Year’s day, and other special occasions,
+than formerly. A number of suffering wives of drunkards have recovered
+damages from the liquor-seller under the civil damage act. And not the
+least of the good results of our work is the increase of Christian
+fellowship in the different churches of our city.
+
+The hearts of the workers have been united, and we have not thought of
+denominational differences in our work of love. And, although but a
+small part of what we had hoped has been accomplished, we do not feel
+discouraged or inclined to cease our efforts in this great work. “In
+God we trust,” and with Him _for_ us, _who_ can be against us?
+
+
+NEW YORK CITY.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. Helen E. Brown, for the following able report of
+the work in this city:
+
+From the first blast of the trumpet borne to our ears across the
+Alleghenies, calling the daughters of Zion to the holy war, there were
+found hearts in New York city thrilling with sympathy, and eager to
+enter the work. How it was to be done, what shape it would take in the
+metropolis, could not at first be seen; but devoted Christian women
+gave themselves to the Lord with a solemn consecration, promising to
+do whatever he should direct. He would surely make the way plain,
+and though they could see but one step at a time, that one step they
+decided to take just as soon as it was made visible. The first thing
+naturally was to assemble for prayer.
+
+In the month of March, 1874, one of our sisters was on her way to a
+prayer-meeting, and waited at the corner of the street for a car.
+The corner store was a liquor-saloon, and as she stood there, she
+thought of the many, many similar places in the city where the deadly
+poison was dealt out to her fellow-creatures, and her heart went up
+in prayer that God would seal up these fountains of iniquity. Just
+then the proprietor of the store appeared, and seeing the woman’s
+thoughtful attitude, he said to her, “Are you one of the temperance
+crusaders?” He had evidently been reading the exciting reports with
+which the daily papers were filled. The question seemed to her of the
+Lord, and she instantly replied, “I am.” “Won’t you come in, then?
+you’re welcome,” said he. The sister, feeling that it was not wise to
+make the visit alone, replied, “I am on an errand now to another part
+of the city; when I return, I will call.” She went to the meeting,
+which was one of a series of holiness meetings then in progress in the
+Seventeenth Street M. E. Church, Rev. Mr. Boole’s, and there related
+the circumstance, and begged that some one would give herself to the
+Lord for this service, and accompany her on this visit. Two ladies
+volunteered, and they went out, followed by the earnest prayers of the
+assembly. The Lord went with them. They were greatly blessed in their
+visit, and there is reason to believe that great good in several ways
+followed. Thus the work was inaugurated in the city.
+
+A praying band was at once formed in that church, and, simultaneously,
+in different sections of the city, and saloon work was undertaken in
+earnest. This was done quietly, the sisters going in twos and threes,
+always presenting the gospel message, praying and singing whenever
+permission could be obtained, and leaving tracts, papers and printed
+invitations to prayer-meetings. Many hundreds of saloons were thus
+visited, and incidents of the most interesting character occurred.
+Saloons were shut up, and rum-sellers converted, who stand now in the
+church of Christ, monuments of his saving power.
+
+The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized in April. It
+was brought about by the clerical committee formed by the National
+Temperance Society to consider the general subject, and was intended to
+bring together the working element of all the churches. There was not,
+however, a very prompt response to this call. One and another began
+to make excuse, and the result was that we had at no time more than
+thirty active members, and as we began operations at the very close
+of the working season, our numbers were soon greatly reduced. A daily
+prayer-meeting was sustained, however, through the entire season, and
+was always as a well in the valley of Baca. The Lord never failed to
+refresh our souls, and our love for one another, our faith in God, and
+our devotion to the cause steadily increased.
+
+At the first a committee was appointed to visit the clergymen of the
+city, and ascertain to what extent we might expect their co-operation.
+Here unexpected disappointment met us. We found every denomination
+more or less apathetic, the ministry indifferent or faithless, and in
+the membership a deplorable lack of principle. It was a sad revelation,
+but it taught us this lesson, that temperance work was needed in the
+church as well as out of it. How should it be done? To the Lord we went
+in our trouble.
+
+A series of Sunday evening meetings was commenced in the churches,
+wherever admission could be obtained. There were some noble champions
+of the cause, who were always ready to open their doors, and to aid us
+to their utmost ability. They encouraged and counselled. It was thought
+best from the first that the women should plead their own cause, and
+with the Lord’s help they were enabled to do it. Though unaccustomed
+to service of this kind, it was undertaken in obedience to the Divine
+call, and the effort was greatly blessed.
+
+Another committee was appointed to visit the Excise Board. This
+interview gave us a still clearer insight into the vastness of the
+work upon which we had entered. We were advised to a double course of
+duty: on the one side to exert ourselves to create a public opinion in
+favor of temperance; and on the other, to take immediate measures to
+prosecute the liquor-dealers for violation of the license and Sabbath
+laws. But, after prayerful consideration, we decided to waive the legal
+work and go forward on the gospel principles of “love, persuasion and
+prayer.” We hoped much from our public meetings, believing that our
+Christian brothers would be aroused to participate in the work, and
+to do that which was beyond our reach. But our surest hope was in the
+power of prayer. “Ask, believe, receive,” was our motto. Like the
+stripling David of old, we went forth in the name of the Lord of hosts
+to meet the giant.
+
+When the city churches were closed for the summer, and the
+congregations were dispersed, we asked the Lord what he would have
+us do; and the way was opened in a remarkable manner, for work
+among inebriates. This was prosecuted with untiring ardor, by the
+few workers left behind in the city. The prisons, hospitals, and
+charitable institutions of the city, which were mainly filled with the
+victims of the cup, were visited, and the gospel of God’s free grace
+presented. Industrial and mission schools too were instructed often,
+and thoroughly in the truths of temperance and salvation. Much faithful
+effort was put forth, and with good results. Souls were saved; but,
+perhaps, better than all the workers were themselves enriched with an
+experience which proved invaluable in their after labors.
+
+During the summer of 1874, our first gospel temperance meeting was
+established, in one of the most desperately wicked localities of the
+city; and from its beginning, we had the most wonderful manifestations
+of God’s power to save. We were surrounded by dance-houses of the worst
+description, and wedged in between two of the vilest dens of the city.
+We followed prayer with work; and public meetings were held, statedly,
+on Sunday evening, with weekly visitations in this godless section of
+the city. It was with fear and trembling, but with earnest prayer and
+simple trust, we entered these wretched bucket-shops, where men and
+women were crowded together in every stage of beastly intoxication.
+
+On one occasion, three of us went together to a corner shop of the
+most notorious character. About twenty women were huddled together in
+one corner; vile, disfigured, clad in filthy rags, and presenting an
+appearance to melt the hardest heart. To think that woman could fall
+so low--so low! Could such as these be saved? But they were silent and
+respectful, with the exception of one brawler, who was soon shamed
+by the bar-tender’s reproachful thrust: “If the like of these ladies
+come to see yez, ye can, at least, hear what they have to say to yez.”
+“There’s worse than we here,” they said; after a few words had been
+spoken to one and another, and opening a door they pointed the way into
+a small, dark, inner room, the air stifling and fetid with liquor. One
+poor drunken wretch stood in the centre of this apartment, and on the
+floor and settees around it were twelve others, sleeping the heavy
+sleep of a drunkard. We were almost overcome by the appalling sight;
+but in a moment, as if it were the rally of our faith, we raised the
+beautiful hymn
+
+ “God loved the world of sinners lost
+ And ruined by the fall;
+ Salvation full at highest cost,
+ He offers free to all.
+ Oh, ’twas love, ’twas wondrous love,
+ The love of God to me;
+ It brought my Saviour from above,
+ To die on Calvary.”
+
+We had not sung two lines before every head, one after another, had
+come up with a wondering expression; then the big tears began to fall,
+and by the time we had finished the strain, the sobs and groans were
+pitiful to hear. Then we prayed for that uttermost salvation of Jesus,
+that His mighty love might rescue some of these poor fallen ones from
+the jaws of hell. As we went outside they followed us with staggering
+steps, and one poor marred, wretched woman drew near, and asked, with
+trembling lips, “Won’t you sing ‘Whiter than snow?’” Those words,
+seemingly so incongruous in that dark place, never seemed so precious,
+as we sang them with our hearts resting on the promise, “Though your
+sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.”
+
+Several girls followed us that day to homes of safety, which we were
+able to provide for them in institutions and refuges in the city. One
+of them, at least, was saved. We heard her afterwards give her simple,
+triumphant testimony to the power of Jesus, to which she added: “Oh,
+how I wish I had a voice to reach from here to Water street, that I
+might tell every poor girl there that Jesus can save her, too, and wash
+her whiter than snow in His precious blood.”
+
+In the fall the campaign opened vigorously. Gospel meetings in the
+churches and in the slums, in the city and the towns outside, were
+diligently held. Interest seemed rising, and efforts were put forth
+in various parts of the city to put down the traffic and lift up the
+drunkard by the power of the gospel. The daily prayer-meeting was still
+sustained, and at our first annual meeting we had only to recount the
+mercies of the Lord.
+
+The second summer was a marked one in the history of our work in Water
+street. The vile rum-shop on one side of the Mission House had been
+closed in answer to prayer, and so effectually that the owner of the
+property could never re-let it. He determined to pull down the old
+building, and replace it with a substantial warehouse. In the meantime,
+the chapel was rendered untenantable, but the meetings must not be
+relinquished. They sought and obtained permission to hold them, for the
+time being, in the dance-house on the other side; and there for four
+months held the fort in Jesus’ name, and by His grace, with courage and
+success.
+
+In one of the meetings a young woman of modest appearance, and neatly
+attired, rose and said: “I have come here to-night to ask the privilege
+of signing your temperance pledge, and to tell you how much good you
+have done me. I was living not far from here, in one of the worst
+houses, and the first night you opened I was passing by, and came in,
+as I had many a time before, for a drink. I found the bar closed, and
+this dance-hall lighted for a meeting. The singing sounded so sweet
+I slipped in and sat down on a back seat. The words you spoke made
+me cry. When you asked those who wanted to be saved to stand up for
+prayer, I longed to get up, but I couldn’t. But I made up my mind then
+that I would lead a better life, and that I never, never would go back
+to that wicked home again. But I had no place to go to, and what could
+I do? I walked the streets for hours, and at last asked a policeman to
+send me to the station-house, and he did. There, in my cell, I kneeled
+down and cried to the Lord, and gave Him my heart. The next day I went
+out to find a place for honest labor, and the Lord sent me to a good
+Christian woman, and I am living with her now. I mean, with God’s help,
+to serve Him all the rest of my days.”
+
+On that same memorable first evening a young man staggered into the
+rum-shop for a drink, was persuaded to enter the meeting, where he took
+a draught of the water of life and was saved. His father and brother,
+both addicted to intemperance, subsequently came to the meetings, and
+were converted. All three are now standing on the rock Christ, and are
+laboring earnestly in a temperance revival in another city. Incidents
+like these, showing the wonders of God’s mighty love, could be greatly
+multiplied.
+
+The next year’s labor of the Union presented some new features. It was
+during this year that the hippodrome was opened for the evangelistic
+work of Moody and Sankey in New York. Prior to their coming we had
+sent forward a request that one day in each week might be devoted to
+temperance. The request was favorably considered, and Friday was set
+apart as temperance day. The members of the Union were diligent in
+their co-operation in this gospel work, some of them devoting their
+entire time to it. They worked in the inquiry rooms, visited from house
+to house, and did their part to sustain the woman’s meetings, which
+were thronged and of thrilling power.
+
+During this year also very successful outside labor was accomplished,
+members of the Union going out to other towns, and holding a series of
+private and public meetings, through one or two days; organizing the
+work and stimulating their sisters. These occasions were attended with
+a rich blessing from on high.
+
+The juvenile work also occupied the attention of some of our most
+earnest workers. This has been well begun, especially among the class
+of children gathered into the industrial and mission schools of the
+city. Our hope is in the children, and, as far as we have gone, we find
+there is no more effectual method of reaching the homes of the drinking
+classes than through the little ones.
+
+In the fall of 1875 a coffee-house was projected, and engrossed the
+Union during the following year. It did not, however, prove a success
+as a business enterprise. It drained our financial resources, failed to
+reach the class for whom it was designed, consumed in secular interests
+the time and energies of the workers, and thus unavoidably diverted
+them, in a great measure, from the spiritual work to which they had
+been devoted. The struggle was continued through a period of fifteen
+months, and then was given up.
+
+The gospel meetings held at the coffee-house, however, accomplished
+much good. Many souls were hopefully reclaimed from the depths of
+intemperance, by the grace of God, some of whom have labored publicly
+and diligently in the service of God.
+
+As we look around from our present standpoint, we are assured that
+the Lord has set his seal of approval upon the labors and influence of
+the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. We see the increased attention
+given to this subject, the rising of public sentiment, the efforts,
+though spasmodic and almost farcical, to put down the traffic, the
+more positive espousal of the cause by ministers and churches, the
+establishment of gospel temperance meetings on every hand, in the
+openness of the people to the truth, and the increased demand for
+Christian temperance laborers. All this we recognize as answer to
+prayer, and a pleasant foretaste of what the Lord is ready to do for us.
+
+“It is useless for the women to do anything here: New York is a walled
+city,” said a liquor-dealer to one of our visitors, in the early
+days of the Crusade. And, indeed, we have proved it so; its walls
+are thick and high, and to all human force impregnable. First in the
+intrenchments are the drunkards, men and women, standing shoulder to
+shoulder, not very erect and firm, it is true, but, supported and
+filled in by the moderate drinkers next behind them, every one is a
+brick well laid. Then come the domestic and social users and offerers
+of beer and wine, next the traffickers, then the property-holders with
+their wealth and greed, and last, but not least, since they afford
+strength, finish, and adornment to the defences, stands the Church
+in its cold indifference. What a strong wall is this! No wonder our
+opponents feel secure behind it; no wonder human sight discerns no way
+to overthrow it.
+
+But the Lord of hosts is with us; the Lord strong and mighty, and,
+even in New York, we are not disheartened. The multitude on the side
+of wrong is immense, but chased by the army of God’s resurrected ones,
+must and will flee. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but
+spiritual, and, for that very reason, will be invincible.
+
+
+BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. Mary C. Johnson, President of the Brooklyn Union,
+for the following facts:
+
+In the month of January, 1874, Mrs. Caroline E. Ladd, who was chosen to
+lead a Union Bible Class, which met weekly in the Friends’ Church, was
+so strongly convinced that the time had now come for the inauguration
+of a woman’s temperance prayer movement in this city, that she said
+she could not consent again to conduct the exercises of the class
+unless a half-hour should be spent in prayer to God for the success
+of the temperance cause, now given by Divine commission to Christian
+women. Her wishes were acceded to, and as far as is known, this was the
+beginning of the Prayer movement in this city.
+
+About this time an invitation was given in the Bible class, by Mrs.
+Mary A. Wilder, to an afternoon prayer-meeting. Most of the members
+accepted. There came a bestowal of power in answer to prayer in
+larger measure than they had ever realized. At times the Spirit’s
+manifestations seemed almost to break their hearts, and found vent in
+tears; again they were exultant with the glad tidings of deliverance.
+
+Miss Hamilton was deeply impressed with this passage of Scripture; “Ye
+shall not need to fight.”
+
+On the 30th of January, an all-day prayer-meeting was held in the
+“church on the heights,” by the ladies’ union prayer-meeting, which was
+brought into existence by a mother in Israel, Mrs. S. A. Merrill, who
+became one of the most faithful supporters of the work, and who was
+beloved by all who knew her. The meeting was one of spiritual power.
+The chrism of the Spirit fell upon many, who afterwards became workers.
+The voice said: “Cry,” and souls replied: “What shall I cry?” It was
+like children stretching out their hands for a blessing, not knowing
+what they wanted.
+
+During the month of February, 1874, renewed activities began in an
+old temperance society, of which a number of the ladies were members.
+In one of these meetings, held March 13th, as time was being consumed
+in passing resolutions, etc., Mrs. Ladd arose and expressed the wish
+of most of the ladies present, to organize a union for the purpose of
+prayer. Nearly all the ladies retired to an upper room. A glorious
+prayer-meeting followed. The presence of the Spirit was manifested.
+The two hours spent together proved to be a pentecostal season, and
+faith claimed the promise, when Miss Hamilton voluntarily read from 2
+Chron. xx. 15, 16, 17: “Be not afraid, or dismayed by reason of this
+great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.... Ye need not
+to fight in this battle; set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the
+salvation of the Lord with you. Fear not, nor be dismayed; to-morrow go
+ye out against them, for the Lord will be with you.”
+
+The next day Mrs. Mary C. Johnson and Mrs. Conkling called upon the
+officers of the Y. M. C. A., who placed their handsome rooms at the
+disposal of the ladies, and they have held their daily meetings there,
+through all these months and years. On Monday, March 16th, 1874, the
+first meeting of the Christian Temperance Union was held; hundreds
+of earnest men and women attended, and Mrs. Mary C. Johnson, who was
+chosen the leader, presented the seven “Fear Nots” of Isaiah, 41, 43,
+44, which became the watchword of the society.
+
+From this little beginning, smaller, indeed, than a mustard seed,
+has sprung a goodly tree, under whose shadow many weary and tempted
+ones have found rest. At the daily meetings requests for prayer were
+presented; some of them coming by letter long distances; and as the
+work has gone on, this prayer-circle has extended to the uttermost
+parts of the world. Requests coming even from Australia, where the
+influence of this meeting has been felt, and led to the formation of
+two temperance prayer-meetings.
+
+Perhaps the most touching request for prayer received was from a
+mother, beseeching prayer for nine sons, all intemperate.
+
+During the first week of the meeting, the following remarkable message,
+telegraphed to the New York Chamber of Commerce, was read by a
+gentleman present:
+
+ “CINCINNATI, 12.25 P. M.
+
+ “Provisions stronger--unchanged. The women Crusaders are singing and
+ praying so loudly and earnestly in the saloon next to the Chamber of
+ Commerce, that business is quite demoralized at this hour.”
+
+This despatch created great enthusiasm. In response to a call for
+workers, large numbers volunteered to go forth to the druggists,
+licensed grocers, and saloon-keepers. A prominent saloon-keeper sent
+an invitation for the ladies to visit him, and hold a Sabbath evening
+prayer-meeting at his saloon. The invitation was accepted, and twelve
+ladies were appointed to attend the meeting. Promptly at seven o’clock
+the ladies were at Mr. Myers’ saloon. Fully three thousand men gathered
+into the saloon, and about the doors, and in the street, to see and
+hear the ladies, whose zeal and courage had prompted them to such
+singular service in the cause of temperance. The gathering was composed
+almost exclusively of young men. Mrs. Chace, who had a singularly rich
+and attractive voice, sung,
+
+ “There is a gate that stands ajar.”
+
+Prayers and hymns followed, and the Word was read to an
+attentive audience; and yet there were those in that motley throng
+who came to jest. A spirit of solemnity pervaded the meeting; numbers
+signed the pledge; and God graciously set his seal of approval upon
+the effort. Thirteen conversions resulted, and the liquor-dealer in a
+few days voluntarily placed the keys of his saloon in the hands of the
+ladies, and it was afterwards opened as a temperance restaurant.
+
+Sabbath evening saloon meetings followed, and from this time the call
+of God to the Union to visit the saloons, was gladly acknowledged; and
+it has indeed been the one secret of the deeply spiritual character of
+the work, and of the harvest of souls which has resulted.
+
+During the first month, the number of young men attending the three
+o’clock meeting became so large that Mrs. F. E. Thomas and Miss
+Annie J. Ludlow were led to invite them to a meeting for personal
+conversation and prayer. This led to a second daily prayer-meeting,
+from five to six o’clock, which is still continued. The room was filled
+nightly with the same changing class, from the jails and saloons, the
+gutter and the homes of wealth, all bitten by this serpent of sin,
+intemperance; and not a few have been led to look at the crucified One
+and live.
+
+During the year 1875, 1,325 arose for prayers. Among the number of
+thrilling histories, but one can be given: A man under the influence
+of liquor found his way into the room, and slept until evening on one
+of the settees. At the opening of the meeting, he left the room, but
+reappeared at the close, and in a voice husky with emotion, said, “I
+have not gone; something has held me. I have been behind the door, and
+have heard all that has been said. Oh, if there is any hope, pray for
+me.” A few gathered around him in prayer. His sad story was this: The
+son and grandson of a clergyman, a graduate of a theological seminary,
+he had given up his studies because of failing health, entered
+business, taken the first social glass, which in time resulted in his
+becoming a helpless victim, and a living sorrow to his wife and four
+little ones. The pledge was offered, and with trembling hand he signed
+it for three months only, and left us. At the expiration of that time
+the pledge was returned, and on it these words, “By God’s help I have
+kept this pledge, and now renew it for all eternity. I have also found
+Christ as my Saviour.”
+
+The jails were visited; meetings held on shipboard, in private houses,
+Naval Chapel, Naval Hospital, the Inebriate Asylum, the Penitentiary,
+and Sabbath meetings at Fort Hamilton. Miss Beatty also held a meeting
+at her residence, and Mrs. Chace, for young men; and the wife of a city
+alderman was led by a remarkable providence into a blessed work among a
+reckless class of young men.
+
+The President of the Union, accompanied by a lady of each of the
+denominations, visited and addressed the New York East Conference,
+Ministerial Union, and the Baptist Union of Ministers. She also,
+accompanied by Mrs. Alderman Richardson, visited the Roman Catholic
+Bishop Laughlin, who gave them respectful hearing, and made special
+inquiries as to the number of children they found in the saloons. They
+were cordially received by all, and earnest, favorable responses given.
+
+When the Brooklyn Union was organized, only a few churches could
+be found, whose doors were open to Christian women who came in the
+interests of gospel temperance, but now the majority of Protestant
+churches are open to them. The temperance sentiment among church-going
+people has been greatly increased, and as an outgrowth of the Union, a
+Temperance Brotherhood has been formed, which has done a glorious work
+on the legal line. A flourishing juvenile society has been organized,
+and well sustained. A restaurant and friendly inn was opened in the
+first saloon that surrendered, and has formed an important part of the
+work.
+
+For the means to carry forward their great work, they have looked to
+Him in whose hands is the silver and the gold, and during these years
+they have received and expended $7,739.24.
+
+The receipts and disbursements of the temperance restaurants one year
+was $13,021.69, and 5,000 free meals and lodgings given.
+
+A Reform Club has been organized, and those who remained in Brooklyn
+gathered into churches, but many of the men, especially the sailors and
+officers of vessels, have gone to other lands. Most encouraging letters
+have been received from the Pacific coast, from Yokohama, Japan, and
+other distant points.
+
+The untiring and successful labors in the legal work of Captain Oliver
+Cotter, a converted saloon-keeper, who gave up his business, and has
+been laboring for the Master, has resulted in great good. He was one
+of their first trophies, and has greatly helped on the work. When the
+Union was organized, March, 1874, there were 3,110 saloons in this
+city, and their doors were open on the Sabbath day, bidding defiance
+to the Sunday closing law as well as to the sacred day. An official
+statement, published after three months of prayer and labor, showed
+that 180 of these had been closed--twenty-one being closed through
+their direct influence in three weeks. At the expiration of three
+years, _one-half of the saloons were closed_, and there was no open
+selling on the Sabbath day. The arrests for drunkenness in 1875 were
+6,810 less than during the year 1874.
+
+It is a matter of special thanksgiving to God that every saloon,
+without exception, in which the ladies held saloon prayer-meetings,
+is closed, and the buildings devoted to other purposes. Many
+property-holders now refuse to rent their buildings for such uses. A
+liquor-dealer recently said: “The trade will never revive until these
+crazy women cease their persecutions.”
+
+The work cannot be put into numerical figures. An army of voices
+has joined in the great song of redemption; broken homes have been
+restored; the morning of joy has come to many a night-weeping mother;
+women have had their dead raised; and the laborers themselves have seen
+higher and deeper into the wonders of a wonder-working God. Friends
+are numerous; pastors and churches are now allies; public sentiment
+gaining; saloons and institutions open for work; the enemy trembling;
+and above all, the hand of God is visible in the battle.
+
+The death-angel has come to one of our most gifted and earnest
+workers, Mrs. Hannah E. Chace. One who sat beside her in her last
+hours writes, “she hoped till the very last that she might be allowed
+to work again for the Master. Her soul was filled with love: ‘I love
+you all--_everybody_;’ she said. After a season of prayer, in which we
+had earnestly plead with God to prolong her life, she looked earnestly
+into my face, saying: ‘What does He say?’ I answered, ‘Forever with the
+Lord.’ With a sweet smile she responded: ‘Thy will be done.’ In giving
+directions for her funeral, she asked that ‘Forever with the Lord’
+might be sung.”
+
+The officers and earnest workers of this Union were: Mrs. Mary C.
+Johnson; Mrs. Caroline E. Ladd; Mrs. Mary E. Hartt; Miss Albina
+Hamilton; Mrs. J. Bowman; Mrs. S. A. Merrill; Mrs. L. D. Oakley;
+Mrs. R. L. Wycoff; Mrs. E. Squires; Mrs. H. B. Spellman; Mrs. K. E.
+Cleveland; Mrs. Bayless; Mrs. E. L. Conklin; Mrs. Wilder; Mrs. Watson;
+Mrs. Field; Mrs. Thomas; Miss Ludlow; Mrs. Duncklee; Mrs. Allen; Mrs.
+Blakely; Mrs. Annie S. Hawkes (author of “I need Thee every hour”);
+Miss Lizzie Green; Mrs. Marinor; Mrs. Harmon; Mrs. Stout; Mrs. Philip
+Phillips; Mrs. Holman; Mrs. Crocker; Mrs. Tremaine; Mrs. Reynolds; Mrs.
+Goodrich; Mrs. Richardson; Mrs. Thorn; Mrs. Acker; Mrs. Dr. Bond; Mrs.
+Swanson; Mrs. Bartlett; Mrs. Alford; Mrs. Griffing; Mrs. Higley; Mrs.
+Tate; Mrs. Hemmenway; Mrs. Hutchins; Mrs. Ressique; Mrs. Dickinson;
+Mrs. Trask; Mrs. Langford Palmer; Mrs. Tilney; Miss M. E. Winslow; Miss
+Meacham; Miss Meserole; Miss Greenwood; Miss Slack; Mrs. Eyer; Mrs. C.
+F. Ketchum; Mrs. H. B. Jackson; Mrs. T. W. Ladd.
+
+In the year 1876, Mrs. Mary C. Johnson, the efficient and talented
+President of the Brooklyn Union, visited Great Britain and Ireland,
+and spent six months in successful work in drawing-room and public
+meetings. Her efforts to help forward the cause of gospel temperance
+were richly blest. She addressed during her absence 121 audiences, and
+conducted forty-one prayer-meetings. Her work was chiefly among the
+upper classes, and her drawing-room and lawn meetings were attended
+largely by the nobility. Mrs. Johnson, who is a cultured Christian
+lady, was received everywhere with great attention, and the American
+women have reason to be proud of her record abroad, and the National
+Union that one of her officers so ably represented her in the higher
+circles of Great Britain.
+
+By special request of the writer of these pages, Captain Oliver Cotter
+has written out the following history of his conversion, and his legal
+work:
+
+ CAPTAIN OLIVER COTTER’S CONVERSION AND WORK.
+
+ On Thursday afternoon, April 12th, 1874, Mrs. A. Wilder and Mrs.
+ Richardson, of the Ladies’ Union, first called on me, and found me
+ in my saloon, behind the bar. The barkeeper and several gentlemen
+ were present. I was in the act of drinking liquor with the gentlemen
+ present. These two agents of Christ inquired for the proprietor. I
+ responded. They said: “My _brother_, we have called on you to inquire
+ and to talk to you about your soul’s salvation, and about this
+ business _you are in_.”
+
+ I immediately quit my company, and invited them into the reading-room
+ attached to the saloon, and entered into conversation relative to
+ my business. It was then a _novel_ and rare thing to hear and see
+ two such fine, respectable, highly-cultured ladies, strangers then
+ to me, take such a deep interest in me, and particularly in my
+ soul’s salvation, that word my _brother_ still coming from their
+ lips every time they addressed me. For over an hour they remained in
+ that reading-room, and before leaving both of them knelt in prayer.
+ I felt then, for the first time, that I was a sinner, and needed
+ God’s forgiveness, and that I was in a bad business, and that for
+ seven years I had been making drunkards by law, and was blind to
+ the sin and iniquity I was every day heaping on my soul: for I was
+ running _five different saloons_, four in Brooklyn, and one in New
+ York; was the Secretary of King’s County (Brooklyn) Liquor-Dealers’
+ Society--2,500 strong, with $10,000 in our treasury, to work for the
+ devil. Was chairman of the executive committee, and stood high among
+ my friends in the trade. For six years I worked faithfully for Satan,
+ as the secretary. On Friday, the 13th, two other ladies called on
+ me, same saloon, 358 Fulton street, Brooklyn, and again pleaded with
+ me by exhortation and in prayer. Same, on 14th, Saturday. It was
+ then I broke down, and gave my consent for a saloon prayer-meeting,
+ next evening, Sunday, April 15th, 1874, which commenced in the
+ reading-room of the saloon, seven and a half P. M., and ended at
+ eleven o’clock, nine of my customers and myself being present. Ten
+ Christian women marched in, two by two, as the disciples of old
+ went out, and commenced the services with the hymn, “Nearer, my
+ God, to Thee.” We all signed the pledge, relying on God to help us
+ keep it. The whole of us were soundly converted, and all of us are
+ to-day living evidence of God’s goodness. Not one of us has fallen,
+ but have grown in grace. So you see that each Christian woman had
+ a trophy: ten came, and ten were converted, the liquor-dealer and
+ his customers. All are working for the Master. It was a powerful
+ meeting; the Holy Spirit was there in great power. The saloon was
+ closed, never again to be opened. Not sold out; no, no. That would
+ be compromising with God. I never could do that. I destroyed all the
+ liquors I had, and counted my redemption good pay for the loss of the
+ filthy stuff. And I now thank God for a Union of Christian women in
+ Brooklyn, through whose instrumentality I was saved and cleansed in
+ the blood of the Lamb--clothed, and in my right mind.
+
+ Persecutions then awaited me from all sides--friends and foes. The
+ devil commenced; the society, of which I was an honored officer
+ for six years, commenced; the wholesale and retail liquor-dealers
+ commenced; my house, that cost me $9,000, I lost; large amounts were
+ offered, my house to be given me back, if I would resume the business
+ again, but I would not give in; my brother turned against me, and
+ said I ought to go to the poor-house. My time won’t here permit me
+ to go into detail of what I suffered. God’s grace was sufficient to
+ keep me through it all. I put my hand to the plough--He kept me from
+ looking back. Glory be to His holy name!
+
+ Being left almost penniless, and not willing to take anything from
+ any one, only what I could earn by the sweat of my brow, I set out
+ for New York city, relying on God and trusting Him. I found an humble
+ situation in a mercantile house. When asked for my reference I told
+ the merchant (who I found afterwards was a Christian man) that he
+ must take me just as I was, gave my history, etc.; he took me by the
+ hand and engaged me. I was six months in his employ, when I was
+ called through him and others who are now with me, all members of
+ the same church (Dr. Budington’s), into the legal work, the history
+ of which would fill several volumes. At this time I cannot go into a
+ full detail of the work which God has done through me, in Brooklyn
+ and elsewhere. Suffice it for me to say, when I commenced the work
+ here, in 1874, we had 3,110 saloons, now we have less than 1,500,
+ still getting less; the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union has helped
+ also.
+
+ I have been in the States of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey,
+ Pennsylvania, Maryland, District of Columbia; also in over 150
+ cities, and villages, and towns in New York, Connecticut, and New
+ Jersey; and have inaugurated the legal work and addressed meetings,
+ besides a large amount of correspondence--all this in the past three
+ years.
+
+ I was President of a Reform Club for two years; have organized Reform
+ Clubs on the gospel plan in other places, all of which has been for
+ the honor and glory of God. I never had a day’s sickness; never was
+ better in my life, spiritually and temporally. The Lord provides and
+ gives me more than I ask for. My faith is in my Redeemer; His grace
+ has kept me. I rely not on man, but on God’s precious promises. I
+ believe them all; I trust God for everything. The legal work and the
+ gospel work go together. God has blessed me abundantly in the work;
+ and I know he has called me into this kind of work. I would have been
+ murdered long since if the work had been of myself; therefore, I
+ know it is His work. How sweet the knowledge I have derived from the
+ many hair-breadth escapes I have had from the cursed liquor traffic,
+ and the enemy of Christ and His work, who oftentimes assailed me.
+ Divine Providence protected me; therefore, I always go out in His
+ name, and for Him, and Him only, so that He should get all the honor
+ and glory.
+
+
+BINGHAMPTON, NEW YORK.
+
+I gather the following facts from the report of Mrs. H. Morris,
+Secretary:
+
+Our Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized in the spring
+of 1874. The first meetings for prayer and consultation were fully
+attended, and with it praise went up to God for His blessing on the
+Temperance Crusade. We felt that God was present by His Spirit,
+inditing our prayers and efforts. Our inquiry was, “Lord, what wilt
+Thou have us to do?”
+
+A special day of fasting and prayer was observed. Our sisters met
+together in one place; and every hour had its separate leader through
+the day. A large number present pledged themselves before God to a
+life-work in the temperance cause. This spirit has animated our Union
+ever since.
+
+The first year of our work the drug stores, saloons, and other places
+were visited, and urgent appeals were made, to induce the occupants to
+desist from selling intoxicating liquors as a beverage. The druggists
+uniformly denied that they sold the article except for mechanical and
+medicinal purposes, and were all ready to sign the pledge.
+
+A committee from our Union have visited the Board of Excise several
+times, and presented a petition from 1,300 of our citizens to grant no
+licenses. All the inducements that could be presented to them in the
+most solemn manner, drawn from three worlds, seemed to have but little
+weight upon them.
+
+Our Union has met for prayer many times, feeling that no earthly arm
+could save us, and that God’s strength must be extended. He alone could
+save. And in answer to our prayers, Mr. Robinson came, held meetings,
+and labored personally, with great success. Some five thousand
+pledges were taken, and the good work has been going on ever since.
+Mass-meetings have been held two and three times a week.
+
+At the request of some of the reformed men, a religious evening meeting
+has been kept up by our Union. They feel and know that Jesus can
+alone save them from everlasting ruin, and they are trying to lead
+Christian lives, and are doing all they can to bring their associates
+to temperance and to Christ. So that this work is a religious one--a
+gospel revival. Souls, that were fast sinking into the drunkard’s
+grave, are now redeemed, and a new song put into their mouths, even
+praise to their Redeemer. Towns all around us are participating In this
+great movement, and are sending to Binghampton for speakers.
+
+A juvenile temperance society, a young men’s temperance union, and
+a young ladies’ blue ribbon society are among the outgrowths of the
+Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. The blessed Lord has indeed heard
+our prayers. We need more faith, more earnest workers, and more of the
+blessing of God, for the warfare against intemperance in this place.
+But we rejoice and bless God that He has so wonderfully visited us in
+mercy and love, and that He has shown to those who profess not His name
+that this is His work, and He is mighty to save.
+
+
+POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK.
+
+We glean the following facts from a report sent by Maria A. Wiley;
+
+In response to the invitation given through the daily papers, a large
+audience assembled at Temperance Hall on Tuesday evening, April 7th,
+1874. Mrs. Deyo, of Dutchess county, addressed the meeting, stating the
+object of the movement, which was to help the rum-seller out of his
+evil business. There were ministers and representatives from all the
+denominations present, and favorable to the movement, and the Lord was
+evidently with us in this beginning of our action.
+
+A letter was read from Messrs. Brown & Doty, druggists, stating
+they were willing to pledge themselves to sell no liquor except on
+physicians’ prescriptions, and for medicinal purposes.
+
+An invitation was given to the women present, who were willing to begin
+this movement, to signify it by rising. Seventy-five arose; and notice
+was given that a woman’s prayer-meeting would be held in the chapel
+of the Congregational Church at three o’clock, on the following day.
+Sixty-five women were present at the meeting next day. The meeting was
+one of deep solemnity and heart-searching. We consecrated ourselves
+to the work in response to a question proposed by our leader, “Are we
+_ready_ for anything?”
+
+Another large meeting was held in the evening. The Lord poured out his
+Spirit. Large mass-meetings continued to be held in the churches each
+evening. Encouraging reports were made. Committees were appointed to
+visit property-holders, drug stores, groceries, and hotels, asking them
+not to rent their property as saloons, or sell intoxicating drinks. A
+petition to the Board of Excise was also circulated, that the license
+be hereafter withheld from the one hundred saloons, that were such
+a curse to the city. Notice was sent us of the voluntary surrender
+of some of the liquor-dealers. The first from George M. Frazier, 61
+Main street, wherein he states, in a letter which was read at one of
+our public meetings, that in five years he had been ruined by selling
+rum, and intended to discontinue the business. He also inserted the
+following notice in the daily papers:
+
+ “_Anticipating the Ladies’ Crusade_, the undersigned surrenders
+ without a call. Hereafter the Mansion House, 61 Main street, will be
+ conducted on the temperance plan. We offer first-class accommodations
+ to both custom and transient boarders. Meals furnished at any time.
+
+ “G. M. FRAZIER.”
+
+An impressive incident occurred about this time. William St. John,
+proprietor of the Exchange Hotel, sent in a letter, which was read at
+our fifth mass-meeting, April 11th, wherein he announced he had given
+up selling liquor, and would never, _never_ enter the business again;
+that he believed it to be wrong, and was doing much evil. He was taken
+sick soon after, and died the 17th of April.
+
+The Catholic priest sent us a letter of encouragement, saying his heart
+and prayers were with the movement; he was willing to be present at a
+meeting, on neutral grounds.
+
+The committee of fifty ladies, who had been canvassing the city with
+petitions to be presented to the Board of Excise, completed their work
+by April 29th. The total number of signatures of citizens and real
+estate owners was 3,966; of property-holders alone, 867. A large number
+of signers to the total abstinence pledge was obtained at the same
+time; 149 signed it in the White House shoe factory.
+
+Some who had rented their buildings for liquor-selling agreed not to
+rent them for that purpose again. Appeals to mayor and common council
+were presented by a committee of ladies, asking for the enforcement of
+the laws prohibiting the sale of liquors on Sunday, and to minors. But
+this was discouraging work, for we found the Excise Board had no regard
+for our petitions, for they granted 130 licenses in June, that year.
+Some had delayed applying for license until they knew the result of the
+appeals to the Excise Board, and the limits of the power of that body.
+Statements had been made to the Excise Board and common council of the
+violation of the excise law; but they were in some instances evaded,
+and in others treated with an indifference which left the impression
+that the laws would not be enforced; but we had pledged ourselves for
+life to the work, and no one felt inclined to give it up.
+
+We visited the poor drunkards’ families, and from there we went to the
+saloons that had the legal right to make them such.
+
+In most places the ladies were treated respectfully. They went in
+companies of two or three, and generally called on the family first, or
+on the proprietor at his home,--in some cases, only one called,--and
+by gentle, friendly remonstrances, many promises were made of
+reformation. Some promised to leave the business if other occupation
+could be furnished them. We were rewarded for a time by seeing some
+saloons closed on Sundays. A few voluntarily abandoned the business,
+and others were persuaded, and now, after three years, have not broken
+their promise. But very few had the moral principle to abandon a
+business which was sanctioned and encouraged by the law, and our only
+alternative was to work on diligently in the line of moral suasion,
+trusting in the Lord.
+
+Forty-three saloons were visited during the summer and fall, but all in
+a quiet way. The temperance pledge was circulated in Sunday-schools,
+factories, and on Bible and tract districts, and hundreds of names
+obtained.
+
+Several ministers, one of them the Roman Catholic priest, and other
+gentlemen of influence, met with the executive board again on May 9th,
+to give counsel as to the most effective measures to carry out our
+purpose.
+
+The petitions had been presented by a committee of twelve ladies,
+on May 4th, 5th, and 6th. They were politely received, but no
+encouragement given of their aid in the temperance work.
+
+Two Friendly Inns were established. Some of the most forlorn and ragged
+boys who were cared for, and for whom we found employment, walk our
+streets to-day well clothed, and industrious members of society.
+
+Seven Sunday-school temperance societies were organized in the spring
+and summer of 1875, auxiliary to the Woman’s Temperance Society. A
+juvenile temperance union was organized, November, 1876; number of
+children on roll-book, 160, though we have had as many as 200 at one
+meeting. On the 30th of August we treated the children to a picnic. We
+went to a beautiful grove, just south of the city, and spent the day
+very pleasantly, many of the parents of the little ones accompanying
+them.
+
+
+GENEVA, NEW YORK.
+
+The Society reports the following:
+
+The Geneva Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized April
+22d, 1874, with twenty-six members. Of the original number twenty
+remain; present number, fifty-two. Became auxiliary to the State Union,
+September 30th, 1875.
+
+Our work for the three years has not been Western Crusade work, but
+trying to create public opinion in favor of temperance; using our
+influence against license and for prohibition, distributing temperance
+tracts and papers, holding mass-meetings, and inviting temperance
+lecturers, as our means allowed; sustaining without fail one weekly
+prayer-meeting, and for a time two--both still continue; occasionally
+distributing temperance literature in saloons and hotels; laboring
+with individuals and families of drunkards. All this time working and
+praying with no apparent success, “hoping against hope,” but with never
+failing faith in our faithful God, believing firmly that He would yet
+answer our prayers, and make our work apparent. At last the answer
+came. The reform movement with us was the culmination of all these
+years of work and prayers.
+
+As God caused the “Western Crusade” to be the great lever to “open
+the door which no man can shut,” and thereby inaugurating the great
+temperance movement not only all over our own land, but throughout
+Christendom, so I believe this reform work is but another door opened
+to still greater work, setting forever at rest the question, Can
+drunkards be reformed? and also, Will temperance principles finally
+triumph? involving in it, as it does, the same glorious principles of
+the gospel and temperance combined.
+
+About six months since a Reform Club was organized, numbering now about
+200, many of whom have come from the lowest depths. A few have been
+converted, but we are looking and laboring for the salvation of them
+all. Over 2,000 have signed the pledge during that time, many of them
+youths and children.
+
+We have two beautiful club-rooms, furnished nicely; have quite a
+library already, and papers and innocent games. These are a continued
+resort for many who would otherwise visit saloons. Already the damage
+to saloons is estimated to be a hundred dollars per night. One
+saloon-keeper remarked, “he did not know whether it was the blue ribbon
+or hard times, but something affected his business.”
+
+Our work is now almost exclusively through this channel, assisting
+families, and contributing in many ways to their welfare. We gave them
+and their families a dinner on the 4th of July, a scene which had never
+been witnessed in this place before. Truly it was a dinner on the
+gospel plan: over six hundred men, women and children were fed, and
+many more than twelve baskets full sent out the next day.
+
+So we are working and praying, and hoping to see the day when there
+will be no liquor sold in our beautiful village.
+
+
+PEEKSKILL, NEW YORK.
+
+A. M. Stewart furnishes the following facts:
+
+The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of Peekskill was organized on
+the 19th of January, 1875, with about fifteen members.
+
+Although the attendance has never been large, the prayer-meetings have
+been characterized by great earnestness and fervor of spirit.
+
+It has been utterly impossible to arouse the villagers to a sense of
+their danger, though we had three wholesale liquor establishments in
+the place, and forty or fifty saloons where the young men congregated,
+and spent night after night in drinking, gambling, etc.
+
+There has been considerable quiet saloon visiting by wives and mothers,
+who have had the sting of the serpent in their own families, but no
+organized systematic crusading in that direction.
+
+Public sentiment is becoming more awake to the importance of saving the
+boys and young men of the community from the grasp of the destroyer.
+
+We have made complaints against several saloons, by watching the
+persons who visited them, and sending their names to the district
+attorney of the county, who was, of course, obliged to subpœna them as
+witnesses against the places, and bring them “before a jury for trial.”
+Some would swear falsely, of course, but there is honor even among
+thieves and drunkards, and some would testify to the truth. In that way
+we have brought the village into a great commotion, and have succeeded,
+we hope, in arousing fathers and mothers to watch their boys. Great
+consternation was manifested by parents when they found that their
+sons were in the habit of frequenting the low places, and joining the
+drunken revelries, so we feel that good has been done by this effort.
+Quite recently, by the help of a noble woman, who is driven to severe
+measures by home sorrow, another of these dark dens has been complained
+of, and the proprietor brought to justice; she appearing to testify
+in the court-room, after he had sworn falsely. This place is closed.
+Others are being watched, and the dealers will be brought to justice
+before long.
+
+We have now about fifty or sixty members of our organization, but
+only few that have time or inclination for outside work; but when
+we remember how feeble we were in the beginning, and how coldly
+Christians, generally, have looked upon our efforts, we feel like
+thanking God and taking courage.
+
+Mrs. Allen Butler, President of the State Union, gives the following
+summary of work accomplished in these three years:
+
+Nearly all the cities and large towns, and very many of the smaller
+ones, have active Woman’s Temperance Unions. Three counties, Herkimer,
+Ontario, and Onondaga, are thoroughly organized, having a Woman’s
+Temperance Union in nearly, if not all, the villages and hamlets.
+Many of the towns are being swept thoroughly by the tidal wave that
+is rolling over the land. Some of the villages are driving the entire
+traffic, with its attendant evils--licentiousness and crime--from
+their midst. Some of the dealers are taking the pledge, and giving
+their stock of liquors to be consumed by the midnight fire kindled for
+the purpose; while the ringing of bells, and shouts of praise to God,
+attest the joy of the people.
+
+Petitions have been circulated, and thousands of signatures obtained
+and sent to Congress and the State Legislature, imploring their
+interposition in behalf of our suffering people.
+
+New Unions are being formed, Friendly Inns established, and Juvenile
+Societies organized. Reform Clubs and Bands of Christian Brotherhood
+have been formed in some places, and are doing a good work in securing
+the enforcement of the laws against selling intoxicating liquors
+without license, and at such times, and to such persons, as are
+forbidden. Many places have been closed entirely, especially in the
+cities of New York and Brooklyn, where both men and women have labored
+untiringly since the commencement of the Crusade, with wonderful
+results; more regular saloon visiting having been done there than in
+any other part of the State; yet some of this has been done in most of
+the cities, and in many of the villages. There are towns in our State
+that have had “no license” for years. One has had none for thirty
+years, another for seventeen years.
+
+Different bodies have been visited with very encouraging results,
+especially medical societies, some of which have pledged themselves as
+a whole not to use alcoholic liquors in their practice at all, having
+found substitutes that are safe and entirely sufficient.
+
+The press and the pulpit are giving their aid as never before. The
+children of the Sabbath and public schools are being reached; and,
+altogether, the work is most successful and promising.
+
+
+
+
+VERMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND RHODE ISLAND.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+VERMONT.
+
+As this State had a strong prohibitory law, there was not the demand
+for temperance work as there was in most of the other States.
+
+There were no open saloons to visit, and the jails were comparatively
+empty, and the moral atmosphere healthy.
+
+I have travelled extensively over Vermont, but have never seen an open
+saloon, or a drunken man, or a squalid home.
+
+In the spring of 1875 I visited Montpelier, the capital of the State.
+At that time the jail was empty, there was no almshouse, and I could
+hear of but one poor family who needed aid.
+
+A few years ago, the county of which St. Johnsbury is the county-seat
+had twenty-three distilleries. Now there is not a distillery or a
+saloon in the county.
+
+Mr. Hepworth Dixon, an English gentleman of repute, who travelled
+and lectured extensively in this country in 1874, and who was not an
+abstainer, paid a beautiful tribute to the Vermont prohibitory law,
+after visiting St. Johnsbury and other parts of the State:
+
+“Not a public house exists in all St. Johnsbury, nor can a mug of beer
+or a glass of wine be purchased openly by a guest to whom wine and
+beer are portions of his daily food. No citizen is allowed to vend
+intoxicating drinks on any pretext, or to any person. In the village
+we have two guest houses for the entertainment of such as come and go
+our way. We avoid such words as tavern and hotel, as too much savoring
+of the past old times, when every man might drink himself into a
+mad-house, and his children into a jail.
+
+“Our tavern is a house. No bar, no dram shop, no saloon defiles the
+place, nor is there, I am told, a single gambling-hell or house of
+ill-repute.
+
+“Intoxicating drinks are classed with poisons, such as laudanum and
+arsenic; but as poisons may be needed in a civilized country, under a
+scientific system of medicine, laudanum and arsenic are permitted to be
+sold in every civilized State. Such is here the case with brandy, beer
+and wine. A public officer is appointed by public vote. The town lays
+in its stock of brandy, beer and wine, which is carefully registered
+in books, and kept under lock and key. These poisons are doled out at
+the discretion of this officer in small quantities, very much as deadly
+night-shade and nux vomica are doled out by a London druggist.
+
+“In going through Fairbanks’ Scale Manufactory, I noticed the several
+classes of artisans. Five hundred men are toiling in the various rooms.
+
+“The work is mostly hard; in some departments, very hard. The heat
+is very great. From seven o’clock till twelve, from one o’clock till
+six--ten hours each day--these men are at their posts. Yet the men
+engaged in these manufactories are said to drink no beer, or whiskey,
+or gin. Drinking and smoking are not allowed on the premises. I am told
+that these five hundred workmen really never taste a drop of either
+beer or gin. Their drink is water, their delight is tea. Yet every
+one assures me they work well, enjoy good health, and live as long
+as persons of their class employed on farms. As year and year goes
+by, more persons come to see the benefits of our rule. Said Colonel
+Fairbanks: ‘The men who formerly drank most are now the staunchest
+friends of reform. The men who used to dress in rags are now growing
+rich. Many of them live in their own houses. They attend their
+churches, and their children go to school.’”
+
+Mrs. J. M. Haven, President of the W. C. T. Union of Vermont, gives the
+following facts in connection with their work:
+
+When the mighty wave of the Women’s Temperance Crusade came sweeping
+over our land, our band of six hundred organized temperance women heard
+more emphatically than ever before the Master’s call to the women of
+America--yea, his trumpet call so loud and shrill that many who had
+been comparatively deaf to His earlier calls were aroused.
+
+When the Women’s Convention was called in Cleveland, in November, 1874,
+which resulted in the formation of a National Union, Vermont responded,
+and a full delegation from that State was present.
+
+A State organization was effected February 17th, 1875.
+
+We are working slowly, but I believe surely. We are a wonder unto many,
+it being so unusual here for women to get up anything that looks like
+thinking and acting for themselves. We met the greatest opposition from
+our own sex.
+
+Several juvenile societies have been organized.
+
+The Reform Club movement, which is accredited to the women, is doing a
+great work for inebriates and their families.
+
+We were aroused to feel the importance of throwing our influence more
+positively on the side of temperance, because of the violation and
+disregard of the prohibitory law, which a wise Legislature had given
+our State.
+
+Though there is still a disposition to evade the law, there is not
+one-eighth of the amount of liquor used there was twelve months ago;
+indeed, some say, the reduction covers twice that time.
+
+There is a hue and cry that “prohibition does not prohibit.” But I am
+sure it does in a good degree: the sale is not openly and freely made.
+
+I know some who have been obliged to abandon the traffic. One man
+in Rutland, who had quite a capital in liquors, has gone out of the
+business entirely, and goes to church every Sabbath. His partner has
+also given up selling lager beer. I have heard that he says the women
+killed him.
+
+Numberless dodges have been resorted to by those who are determined to
+sell.
+
+One man had a tin can fitted to his body, in which he could carry a
+quantity of liquor, supplying his customers (by a tube carried in his
+pocket, connecting with the can) as he chanced to meet them.
+
+Great secrecy is practised and brains are racked to the utmost, to
+devise ingenious methods of concealment. A sink is an indispensable
+piece of furniture in every saleroom, where the bottle, jug, or pitcher
+can be emptied at a wink from some interested devotee, from without or
+within; maybe by the prosecuting officer himself. Mind you, the vile
+stuff is not lost after all--a pipe conveys it into an underground
+cistern or tank, and it is dug out again in due time, just as pure and
+palatable as ever.
+
+At the last session of our Legislature a nuisance law was granted in
+addition, but our people are unable to determine whether dens foul with
+everything that would be perfectly revolting to any clean heart or
+hand, can truthfully be pronounced a nuisance. It would be decided in a
+moment by any sane man if money were not involved.
+
+But I think Vermont will come out all right, on the Lord’s side, which
+of course will be on the side of prohibition and total abstinence.
+
+
+ST. ALBANS, VERMONT.
+
+In the year 1873 the ladies of St. Albans, Vermont, formed an
+association called “The St. Albans Woman’s Association for the
+Promotion of Temperance.”
+
+They appointed a committee to ascertain the number, locality, and
+ownership of all places where intoxicating liquors were sold--to
+converse with the owners, and urge them not to let their premises for
+such purposes; also to ascertain the number of families suffering from
+the use of intoxicants.
+
+There were one hundred and sixty signed, as being in sympathy with the
+movement.
+
+Three hundred ladies signed a pledge, neither to use, buy, nor sell
+intoxicating liquor, and that they would do all in their power to
+banish its use from their land.
+
+A company of fifty ladies called upon the proprietor of the “Welden
+House,” a first-class and beautiful hotel. They spent some time in the
+house, conversing with him. They then proceeded to one of the worst
+saloons, and stayed until the keeper promised to shut up his saloon,
+which he did immediately, and went into another business, which he
+followed about a year; but it proved more laborious and less lucrative
+than rum-selling.
+
+His wife complained that she could not now keep a piano, or indulge in
+other luxuries. So he opened another saloon, which brought him once
+more into prosperity.
+
+But at the present writing his prosperity is past. The man has deserted
+his family, and his debts and dishonesty have made him worthy of the
+prison.
+
+After this the ladies divided into small parties, and visited various
+other places, conversing earnestly with rum-sellers, and with drinkers.
+
+A better moral sentiment prevails, the law is being enforced, and the
+friends of temperance hold the fort.
+
+
+NEW HAMPSHIRE.
+
+The laws of this State are favorable to temperance, but many whose duty
+it is to enforce the law are in sympathy with the law-breakers, as in
+other States, and in defiance of public sentiment intoxicating liquors
+are secretly and sometimes publicly sold.
+
+There has, however, recently been a great change in public sentiment,
+and thousands of drinking men have been gathered into Reformed Clubs.
+
+
+CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
+
+The following interesting report of the long continued work of the
+women of Concord, New Hampshire, is from the Corresponding Secretary,
+Alma Jane Herbert:
+
+The Concord, New Hampshire, Temperance Society for many years held its
+annual meeting, presenting some popular speakers on the afternoon of
+Fast Day, in the old North Church.
+
+On one occasion not far from 1840, if not prior to that date, the
+ladies were invited to repair, at the close of the service, to the
+“Brick school-house” near by. The room was closely packed, and then and
+there they organized a Woman’s Temperance Society. I have consulted
+the lady then chosen secretary, who perfectly remembers the fact, but
+nothing of the phase of the work that came before them, nor how long
+the organization was maintained.
+
+On the 4th of July, 1837, all the Sunday-schools united in a
+celebration and collation. For thirty years the use of wines and
+liquors at parties, calls and on the dinner table was almost unknown,
+so thoroughly was the early work done. There were always a few
+exceptions, and the number is not largely increased at the present time.
+
+Our Women’s Temperance Union was organized February 24th, 1873. So
+far as I personally know, very little of what the Western women call
+Crusade work was done in New Hampshire. But I can report only from
+Concord.
+
+The great tidal wave awoke new interest in the cause, at a time when
+all seemed dark and discouraging. Owing to the differing circumstances
+our most earnest women felt such methods to be less hopeful here, and
+also less hopeful in the larger towns, where liquor-dealers are unknown
+and trouble is more likely to gather than in the smaller villages.
+
+We organized in February, 1873; and in March a committee of five or six
+ladies were sent to visit the apothecaries from whose soda fountain
+respectable young men too often take a step beyond and downward. All
+declined to sign a temperance pledge, or a pledge to cease selling,
+though one did for a little time. All were courteous, as were the
+liquor-dealers, to whom at the next meeting of the committee was sent
+with the same result, though they did not visit some low “bush dens.”
+
+They left with proprietors a printed order the mayor had granted them
+directing all illegal places of sale to be closed.
+
+Meanwhile the city government had been petitioned to enforce the
+law, and consult and advise with us upon the subject; and, in course
+of time, one of the members found leisure to attend and speak. As the
+signatures of very many citizens, who favored such enforcement, were
+secured, various conferences with the citizens were held.
+
+Several complaints were entered and warrants taken out, and the
+committee of ladies patiently endured the martyrdom of the police
+court, surrounded by a crowd of vile men, set on by liquor-dealers to
+create disorder and make rude comments. In September two dealers were
+reported as under $200 bonds for the next term of court, when a court
+ruling and the difficulty of procuring proper witnesses closed this
+avenue. However, much prayer and varied efforts had charged the whole
+atmosphere with germs of life-thought. And as the most thrifty plants
+sometimes grow outside the cultured garden bed, we accept our noble
+Reformed Club, numbering between two and three thousand, as the wave
+sheaf-offering of the coming harvest, since J. O. Osgood, of Maine,
+first came to Concord, accredited to our Woman’s League. We have a
+Juvenile Temple of Honor, numbering several hundred.
+
+Between two and three hundred names are attached to our pledge;
+honorary members, lifted above giving and doing it is to be supposed,
+since the earnest-working members scarcely count thirty.
+
+
+PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
+
+The Woman’s Temperance League, of Portsmouth, N. H., was organized
+February 3d, 1875. During the early winter of that year, Mr. B. F.
+Thorndike conceived a plan for arousing an interest among the citizens
+in behalf of temperance. His idea was to hold a protracted temperance
+meeting, to continue eight successive evenings, and employ the best
+speakers that could be obtained. He submitted his plan to several well
+known friends of the cause, who all admitted that if such a series of
+meetings could be held, much good might result therefrom; but one and
+all declared it an impossibility to raise sufficient funds to sustain
+such an unheard-of scheme.
+
+But Mr. Thorndike determined that the meetings should be held, and
+_unaided and alone_, he has the honor of being the first to inaugurate
+such gatherings. In addition to employing the best temperance orators
+that could be obtained, he secured the services of Mr. S. B. Spinning,
+the celebrated Rhode Island vocalist, to sing. Mr. Thorndike also
+arranged for two afternoon meetings: one to be a children’s meeting,
+the other a meeting for the ladies of the city, with a view to organize
+a society for practical temperance work. All the meetings were largely
+attended, and such an interest awakened in behalf of temperance, that
+its influence will be felt for many years to come.
+
+Thursday afternoon, January 28th, 1875, was the time set apart for the
+meeting of the ladies. Mrs. B. F. Thorndike entered heartily into the
+work; and, on that Thursday afternoon, the Temple was well filled with
+ladies and gentlemen, including several clergymen. The meeting was
+addressed by Rev. Messrs. Goss and Hebbard, and Mrs. White, of Concord.
+
+February 3d, a society was formed, called the Woman’s Temperance League
+of Portsmouth.
+
+From that humble beginning, the League has grown to be a very efficient
+and influential body of workers. They have been foremost in every
+effort that has been made to ameliorate the condition of suffering
+humanity.
+
+The League had the wise forethought to see that, if they would
+successfully carry forward any good work, the society must be placed on
+a correct financial basis; and, to this end, their laws stipulate that
+each member shall pay a certain sum weekly.
+
+One of the first acts of the League was to divide the city into
+districts, and send committees to visit every house, for signatures
+to the total abstinence pledge. In this mission they were very
+successful. They also united with the Seaman’s Aid Society in
+establishing a Seaman’s Home, which includes reading-room, restaurant,
+and lodging-room. The Home has been of great practical benefit to
+seamen, and to many others, by furnishing meals at a low rate; and many
+laborers on the wharves and in the vicinity have taken coffee, when
+heretofore they had indulged in intoxicating drinks.
+
+The League soon became interested in the reform movement, which was
+accomplishing such wonders in other places.
+
+With a view to interesting the citizens of Portsmouth in this great
+undertaking, the League invited the Dover (N. H.) Reform Club to visit
+this city and hold a meeting. About three hundred, mostly reformed men,
+came. They were met at the depot by a band of music, escorted around
+the city, furnished with a collation, and proceeded to the largest hall
+in the city, where an enthusiastic meeting was held, the reformed men
+of Dover relating their thrilling experiences with the drink demon. At
+that meeting many names were added to the pledge. The League paid all
+the bills, even the chartering of the train.
+
+So persistent and earnest in their work were the ladies of the League,
+that ere long they were instrumental in forming a Temperance Reform
+Club in Portsmouth, which soon gathered in a large number of the
+intemperate of both sexes, and at the expiration of a year the roll
+of the club numbered over 2,500 names, about one-fourth of the whole
+population.
+
+Portsmouth being a seaport city, quite a number of men are engaged
+in deep sea-fishing; and to awaken an interest among this class of
+persons, and to create a generous rivalry, the League advertised to
+present a large temperance flag to the fishing crew of not less than
+eight men, who first came forward in a body and signed the pledge. At a
+large and enthusiastic public meeting of the club, two crews presented
+themselves at the same time, and amid cheers and rejoicings, signed
+their names to the total abstinence pledge. One flag was presented
+the same evening, the other at a meeting one week after. Mrs. B. F.
+Thorndike, President of the League, presented them with well-timed
+and earnest remarks, with the request that at every port visited, the
+temperance flag should wave at mast-head. So highly did the fishermen
+prize the gifts, that each crew, at a subsequent meeting, presented the
+League with choice tokens of their esteem.
+
+Very great service was rendered by the League in fitting up and
+decorating a hall for the Reform Club head-quarters; and in presenting
+the club with a library of more than 200 volumes of the choicest
+temperance literature; also, aid has been given to the families of
+destitute reformed men; clothing, provisions, and fuel having been
+judiciously distributed; and in this benevolent work they find much to
+claim their attention.
+
+The Woman’s Temperance League is composed of ladies belonging to all
+religious denominations, and although their name is not “Union,” yet
+they live in union and harmony together, letting their _works_ bear
+evidence of their Christian unity.
+
+
+RHODE ISLAND.
+
+Early in March, 1874, a few Christian women of Providence, whose hearts
+had been deeply moved by reading the accounts of the great uprising of
+their sisters in the West against the rum traffic, called a meeting,
+inviting all ladies interested in the cause of temperance to come
+together and prayerfully consider their duty in regard to the work
+to which God had so clearly called the women of this land. A large
+number of ladies from the various churches in the city were present. A
+most profound solemnity prevailed throughout the meeting. Many fervent
+prayers were offered. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit was
+manifest, and all felt that God was calling to action. A meeting was
+appointed for the following day, and from this the interest increased,
+and large meetings were held daily for several weeks. Requests
+for prayer were sent in by wives, mothers, and children for their
+intemperate husbands, sons, and brothers. Never before had we so keenly
+felt that our help must come from the Almighty arm.
+
+The traffic was legalized in our State to a fearful extent. Its
+emissaries were plying their vocation on every corner of our streets.
+In no way could we turn to avoid the sickening spectacle of misery and
+woe that followed in their train. The community were indifferent, or
+hardened to it. Ministers, discouraged, had left it to politicians,
+and a general apathy prevailed. Intemperance was fearfully increasing,
+dragging down to certain destruction many of our noble men. What were
+we to do? In the language of Jehoshaphat, we cried, “O, our God,
+wilt _Thou_ not judge them? for we have no might against this great
+company that cometh against us. Neither know we what to do, but our
+eyes are upon Thee.” Prostrate before the throne, we besought Him,
+with strong crying and tears, to interpose in our behalf. Intemperate
+men came to our meetings, asked for our prayers, and signed the
+pledge. Rum-sellers were made especial subjects for prayer. This was
+known to them, and they looked for our appearance on the streets. But
+the Crusade, as conducted by our sisters in the West, was not deemed
+advisable in so large a city as ours. A few ladies, however, went
+forth in a quiet, unobtrusive way, without attracting attention on the
+streets, and visited a large number of saloons, distributing tracts,
+exhorting and remonstrating with rum-sellers, and their customers,
+sometimes praying with them.
+
+We were generally respectfully received, and attentively listened to.
+One lady, nearly eighty years of age, went alone into every saloon in
+Pawtucket, a town of twelve thousand inhabitants, that licensed a very
+large number of places for the sale of liquors. A man recently arrested
+for selling liquor without a license was visited by one of our ladies
+while he was awaiting his trial in prison, when he told her he was one
+of the rum-sellers visited by the ladies in his saloon, and the face
+of that aged lady, and the words she uttered, had come up before him
+ever since, and that he often had resolved to give up the business,
+but he knew not what else to do; he repeated her exhortation, and said
+he should never take up the business again. One of our ladies who said
+she would do anything for the cause but visit saloons, hesitated no
+longer when appealed to by an almost broken-hearted mother (the widow
+of a Congregationalist clergyman), who had just learned that her son,
+her sole dependence, was drinking in saloons. “Go,” she said, “I beg
+of you, and ask them not to sell liquor to my _boy_. Something must
+be done: I cannot bear it.” God gave the message, and her appeals in
+behalf of suffering wives and mothers brought tears to eyes unused to
+weeping and some promised that they would not sell liquor to young men
+without first remonstrating with them. One rum-seller said that on no
+account would he let his boys drink what he was selling to other men’s
+boys. Prayer-meetings were also held in the police court-room, and the
+poor victims of rum awaiting their trial in the station, and the roughs
+who were loitering about, were invited in and brought under gospel
+influence. The pledge was circulated among them, and some signatures
+obtained; but the good done by these and the saloon visiting, eternity
+alone shall reveal. Though we are not without evidence that some from
+that time have walked in newness of life. Near the commencement of our
+work, we districted the city, appointing committees in each district to
+carry the pledge to every house, asking that intoxicating beverages be
+discarded for culinary and social purposes, A good many signatures were
+obtained. A property-holders’, physicians’, and druggists’ pledge were
+also circulated.
+
+It was suggested by our friends that it would be well for us to
+memorialize our Legislature, which was then in session, asking for a
+restriction to be put upon the sale of intoxicating liquors in our
+State, as a means of promoting the cause for which we prayed. We
+learned that they were to adjourn the next day. There was but little
+time for action. We went out from our meeting, and during the evening
+secured the names of five hundred women to our petition.
+
+After a short service of prayer, in the morning, about fifty ladies
+slowly and silently marched, two by two, to the State House. The
+importance of our mission, and the uncertainty of success, overwhelmed
+us with sadness. The burden of that hour we shall never forget. It
+seemed like a funeral march to the graves of thousands of rum’s
+victims, while the wailing cry of suffering wives and more than
+orphaned children were ringing in our ears. We were a band of retiring
+women, unaccustomed to publicity, and we timidly shrunk from the
+seeming boldness of the step we were taking; but believing that we
+were in the path of duty we went on, sustained by a power not our own,
+and presented our request. We were kindly received by the honorable
+gentlemen, and a hearing granted us.
+
+A mass-meeting of women was held, the 13th of April, and a City
+Women’s Temperance Union was organized. Expecting that our petition
+for prohibitory law would be considered at the May session of the
+Legislature, we secured the names of ten thousand women of the
+State, and, at a day appointed for a hearing, twenty-three ladies of
+Providence went to Newport, carrying the names, and listened with
+prayerful attention to the discussion. It was long and fierce. The rum
+power had rallied all their forces to defeat the bill. They had left
+no stone unturned to win their cause. It was kept along, day after
+day, and, as a last resort, they moved to carry it over to the January
+session, which would effectually kill it. The vote was taken on the
+movement, and announced a tie. Immediately all eyes were anxiously
+fixed upon the President of the Senate, whose vote should decide
+the question. Rum’s advocates looked triumphant, for they felt quite
+sure the vote would be in their favor. We committed our cause to Him
+“who doeth all things well,” and calmly watched and waited. ’Twas but
+a moment. Of that moment, and God’s purposes in it, you will better
+understand, as we have, by the following quotation from a speech
+recently delivered by the _then_ President of the Senate, _now_ his
+Excellency, Governor Vanzant, of Rhode Island, before a temperance
+convention held in this State. He says--I quote his words:
+
+“I sat in your Senate chamber, as its temporary presiding officer,
+when the so-called prohibitory law was before it for its action.
+The question was upon the postponement of the law until the January
+session. The clerk of the Senate handed the roll to me, for which I
+was utterly unprepared, and announced a tie vote. The whole thing then
+rested marvellously, magically, and wondrously on me. By education
+and association, I was conservative--I doubted the influence of the
+so-called sumptuary legislation, because I had been brought up in that
+school. But, my friends, in one _moment_--for it came upon me in a
+moment--it came upon me just as the face of nature is revealed to the
+gazing eyes of a looker-on, in the darkness of the night, when the sky
+is black, and there is a flash of lightning exceedingly luminous, and
+he sees new dangers that he was before unaware of. My mind moved with
+inconceivable rapidity, and a train of thoughts, something like this,
+passed before me, like a weird panorama: I looked back to the days of
+my youth, and I saw those who started out with life full of bloom
+and happiness fallen at my side, the victims of this great Moloch. I
+saw society disorganized, deranged. I saw men who honestly and with
+Christian faithfulness lifted their hearts and aspirations to God, and
+they were dragged down into the mud, and slime, and filth of corruption
+and degradation by this same power. I saw the fairest happiness of
+woman soiled and ruined. I saw little children degraded and ignorant.
+And I read in the faces of the little band of _earnest women_, who so
+intently watched and waited my action, the hope of a triumph of right
+over wrong. I made up my mind to cast my vote against the postponement
+of that law. I did so, and have never regretted it. By that vote,
+ladies and gentlemen, I stand or fall. This,” he said, “is the first
+opportunity I have had to stand before an audience of temperance men
+and women, and thank them for what they have done for me.”
+
+In January, 1875, the Women’s State Temperance Union was organized and
+made auxiliary to the National Union.
+
+In the spring the rum power was again dominant. And the prohibitory
+law was repealed, and a license law enacted in its stead. This was
+discouraging to us, and some were ready to abandon the field to the
+enemy. But a _few_, who believed that God had called them to the work,
+kept the ball moving. Quietly and silently they went about visiting
+the intemperate in their homes and in prisons, circulating temperance
+literature, and in many ways endeavoring to cultivate temperance
+sentiment among the people. The number who rallied to the work in
+the fall, after the summer vacation, was very small. Many felt that
+they had spent their strength for nought, and surely had no might
+against so great an enemy. Scarcely enough came together at the weekly
+prayer-meeting to claim the promise, that “where two or three are
+gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
+
+The propriety of disbanding was discussed. A meeting was called to
+consider it. Only three or four felt interest enough to come. A great
+burden was laid upon us; and, although the enemy had the field, we
+resolved not to retreat.
+
+We kept on praying, until God appeared for us. After about three months
+persistent effort, Dr. Reynolds consented to give us two days from his
+time in Massachusetts. The day previous to his coming was observed as
+a day of prayer for God’s blessing on his work. Meetings were held all
+day. A large hall was filled with the earnest workers of the city, and
+the meeting was one of great power and interest.
+
+The right chord had been struck. Men who had been reformed took hold
+of the work in earnest, and carried it on with wonderful success. The
+largest hall in the city was soon too small to hold the crowd that
+came to the meetings. Large numbers signed the pledge, including many
+talented and influential men, some of whom had long been slaves to
+intemperance. The old Providence club was resuscitated, and rallied to
+the work, going over the State telling the story of their redemption.
+
+There are now twenty-seven Reform Clubs in the State, with an
+aggregate membership of 8,500. More than 23,000 adults have signed the
+pledge, besides a large number of children. The work has overflowed
+into adjoining States, and nearly 6,000 pledges have been taken in
+border towns by our workers.
+
+The whole State seems to be aroused, and the prospect is encouraging
+beyond precedent. The fear that some of our ladies entertained, that we
+made a mistake in appealing to law, is entirely dispelled, since it is
+so clear that, though our prohibitory law was repealed, God was fitting
+a noble man to honor Him and His cause in the highest office of the
+State.
+
+Our Union is efficiently organized, and the women of the State seem
+to be waking up to more earnest work. Though we can write thus
+encouragingly, still there are hard battles to be fought before the
+right shall triumph. The harvest is great, and the laborers few;
+yet when we look back to the commencement of the so-called woman’s
+movement, we can but exclaim: “Behold what great things our God hath
+wrought!”
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. S. Clough, Corresponding Secretary of the State
+Union, for the above facts.
+
+
+
+
+MASSACHUSETTS.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. L. B. Barrett, Corresponding Secretary of the
+State Union, for the following report of the work in Massachusetts:
+
+The temperance reform of the present decade, undertaken by the women of
+the West, quickly awakened a kindred spirit in the minds of the women
+in the East; manifesting itself in the winter of 1873 and 1874, in
+frequent meetings for consultation and prayer. As the result of which,
+twelve organizations were effected in March and April of the latter
+year, Worcester taking the lead, followed immediately by South and East
+Boston. In the month of May, Mrs. M. A. Livermore, of Massachusetts,
+just returned from her lecturing tour in the West, on the invitation of
+Rev. J. T. Beckley, of the First Baptist Church in Boston, addressed
+the ladies of the city. Her thrilling description of the wonderful
+scenes of which she had been an eye-witness resulted in the appointment
+of a temperance prayer-meeting in Warren Avenue Baptist Church,
+followed by daily prayer-meetings for weeks, and continued by weekly
+meetings during the summer months. In the early fall so much interest
+was manifested that it was deemed advisable to call a meeting for
+concerted action. Such a meeting was called at Worcester in October,
+being the first Woman’s Temperance Convention held in Massachusetts.
+Mrs. Susan A. Gifford presided. The unanimous opinion of the ladies
+convened was that a State Union should be formed. Accordingly a call
+was issued urging the women of Massachusetts, who were known to be
+foremost in all great moral reforms, to be mindful of the wonderful
+temperance movement already begun in the land, and to help lift up
+the standard against the enemy. Three hundred delegates responded,
+representing fifty-four towns. Thus was formed, out of the twelve
+existing organizations of the State, the Woman’s Christian Temperance
+Union of Massachusetts, with Mrs. S. A. Gifford as President.
+
+The first year of work will be remembered as a year of preparation. The
+women of Massachusetts were anxious for the safety of their homes and
+their loved ones, yet so strong was the force of habit and education
+that they shrunk from the publicity this work involved. It was a time
+of prayer and consecration. The ruling desire was to know the Divine
+will. The question was ever in thought as to the methods which should
+be employed to make the State organization successful and permanent. In
+looking back over achieved results, we can see that these seasons of
+prayer and conference were not in vain.
+
+The State Union has followed the general plan submitted by the
+committee at its first annual meeting. An agent was put into the field
+for the purpose of organizing Unions in every town and village where
+Christian women could be gathered for that purpose. Vice-Presidents
+were appointed in every county to have the charge of the work of their
+counties, to interest the community by means of public lectures,
+mass-meetings and conventions, and to report at the quarterly meetings
+of the board. This board of officers, consisting of our present
+President, Mrs. M. A. Livermore, together with the Secretary, Treasurer
+and an executive committee of seven ladies, form a working force for
+active service whenever requested.
+
+Through this systematic effort the report of the year ending October,
+1876, was as follows: Eighty Local Unions, with a membership of more
+than eight thousand; thirty-one Juvenile Unions, with eight thousand
+members; seventy Reform Clubs, composed entirely of men who were
+previously moderate or immoderate drinkers, having an aggregate
+membership of more than thirty thousand. Eleven county conventions were
+held during the year, and over $19,000 were raised and expended.
+
+Most of the Unions held weekly prayer-meetings of their own, and many
+sustained three and four gospel meetings weekly.
+
+We have had an increase of forty-three Unions this year, making
+our present number _one hundred and twenty-three_. We have held
+twenty-three county conventions, opened several friendly inns and
+coffee rooms, the largest one in Boston having forty lodgers. Gospel
+temperance meetings have been successfully maintained in connection
+with Reform Clubs in two-thirds of our Unions, and very many
+conversions have been reported. The Local Union of Boston makes a
+specialty of these gospel prayer-meetings, holding nine a week.
+
+In this report of our work a few points are worthy of special mention.
+Before the Centennial celebration of the battle of Bunker Hill, a
+committee of ladies visited the Mayor of Boston and requested that the
+liquor-saloons should be closed, which request was granted, and the
+day was noticeably free from the disgrace of drunkenness. A hearing
+was granted the W. C. T. U. of Boston before the Legislature during
+the session of 1877. The visit of President Hayes to Boston and the
+“interview with Mayor Prince,” requesting him not to provide wine at
+the city banquet, is known throughout the nation. We deem it one of
+our most successful attacks upon the enemy. It would take too much
+space to enter into the details of our work, abundant as they are
+in interest. Perhaps a recital of the manner in which the work was
+carried on in one town will serve to illustrate the spirit of zeal in
+our State. One woman, after attending a county convention and becoming
+deeply interested, returned to her home, gathered Christian women about
+her, organized a Union, drew the inebriates into a Reform Club, and
+the young lads into a Boys’ Union. She also formed a Juvenile Union.
+All these different Unions held weekly prayer-meetings. Finding the
+Reform Club subjected to strong temptations through the saloons, she,
+with others, circulated a petition for the appointment of a special
+policeman to enforce the law. Nearly one thousand signatures were
+obtained. It was presented to the town authorities, and by persistent
+effort the request was granted, and in the space of six months all
+liquor-saloons were closed in the town.
+
+The most noticeable feature of our work, however, and the most
+promising for the future, is its deep religious character. If, as in
+the past, we rest upon Divine support, the future will be rewarded with
+success.
+
+
+WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.
+
+Mrs. S. A. Gifford, Vice-President of the National Woman’s Christian
+Temperance Union of Massachusetts, adds the following items of the work
+in Worcester:
+
+“I called a woman’s meeting at Friends’ Meeting-house, February 27th,
+1874. It was attended by about three hundred women. This was the first
+meeting called in Massachusetts after the news of the great work in the
+West had reached us. It was a most blessed meeting. The hearts of the
+women were touched as never before. Another meeting was held on the 2d
+of March, which resulted in the organization of a society of which Mrs.
+Gifford was elected President. Since that time a Young Woman’s Union
+has been formed, which numbers about one hundred members, and a Reform
+Club, numbering fourteen hundred; also a large Juvenile Union.” Mrs.
+Gifford is still the President, and is pushing the work.
+
+
+PROTEST AGAINST WINE-DRINKING AT PUBLIC DINNERS.
+
+The visit of President Hayes to Boston offered an opportunity to the
+city of Boston to honor him by a public banquet, arranged by Mayor
+Prince as the chief executive of the city. Knowing the prevailing
+custom of furnishing intoxicating liquors on such occasions, a
+committee of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, consisting of
+Mrs. Livermore, Mrs. Barrett, Mrs. McCoy, and Mrs. Richards, waited
+upon the mayor on Friday, June 22d, to ask him that no liquor be
+furnished at the public expense. The following extract, from the Boston
+_Journal_, contains the memorial presented, and the conversation which
+followed between Mayor Prince and Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, President
+of the Union. It will be noticed that the memorial made no reference
+to prohibition, and that the digression which led to a discussion of
+that question was made by the mayor, who seemed unwilling to discuss
+the custom of social drinking, but finally avowed himself a moderate
+drinker, and defended the habit.
+
+
+THE INTERVIEW.
+
+Mrs. Livermore began the interview by saying:
+
+We come, Mr. Prince, as the delegation from the Woman’s Christian
+Temperance Union of this State, an organization composed of 12,000
+women of the State, largely representing the religious sentiment of
+the community; and at a meeting of the executive committee of this
+Temperance Union, which has been held this week, we were chosen a
+committee charged to present to you the following memorial, which I was
+instructed to read as it has been printed.
+
+Mayor Prince--Thank you. I shall be happy to hear you.
+
+
+THE MEMORIAL.
+
+ _To his Honor the Mayor of Boston_:
+
+ DEAR SIR--At a meeting of the executive committee of the Woman’s
+ Christian Temperance Union of Massachusetts, we, the undersigned,
+ were chosen a committee to wait upon you with the following petition:
+
+ In behalf of the Christian women of the city and of the State, we
+ ask you, respectfully but earnestly, to direct that no intoxicating
+ liquors shall be furnished at the expense of the city when the
+ banquet is given by the city of Boston in honor of the President of
+ the United States.
+
+ The painful assumption that there is need of this petition is based
+ upon the fact that upon similar occasions in the past, liquors have
+ been thus furnished. We believe the time has come for a change in
+ this custom. All over the land there has been, during the past
+ few years, a great revival and increased growth of sentiment in
+ favor of total abstinence. The work of reclaiming the drunkard has
+ been entered upon by men and women in whom a holy ambition for the
+ uplifting of humanity has been the inspiring incentive, and the
+ blessing of Him “who came to seek and save that which was lost” has
+ crowned their efforts with grand success.
+
+ But the satisfaction which has attended these efforts to rescue the
+ perishing has been marred by the consciousness that others were
+ steadily drifting down into the same degradation. Much as we may
+ desire it, it is impossible to stop the intemperate use of liquor
+ by the masses while moderate drinking is fashionable in the best
+ society. There will be whiskey-drinking in the slums of the city
+ so long as there is wine-drinking in its palatial residences. The
+ pernicious social drinking customs of the day, which are ruinous to
+ so many of the sons of the Commonwealth, are not wholly the outcome
+ of the appetites and habits of their victims--the fashions of the
+ best society are largely responsible for them.
+
+ An occasion of this kind affords an opportunity for exerting an
+ influence for good or evil, such as is rarely offered. This banquet
+ is to be given by the city of Boston in honor of the chief magistrate
+ of the nation. _Can_ he be _honored_ by the observance of custom
+ which is closely linked with debauchery and disgrace, and which has
+ led so many of our best citizens into shame and dishonor? How can
+ we urge total abstinence upon the masses, to whom it is the only
+ safeguard, if the city of Boston gives respectability to social
+ drinking customs by sanctioning them on this august occasion?
+
+ Allow us, clear sir, respectfully to remind you that the authority
+ given you to provide for the entertainment of distinguished visitors
+ to our city, carries with it great responsibility. The drinking
+ customs of society will be strengthened or weakened, as you refuse or
+ grant them your official sanction on this occasion, and the virtue
+ of our homes--the greatest interest of any city--will be helped or
+ hindered by your decision in this matter.
+
+ In presenting this memorial, we are certain that we utter the
+ Christian sentiment of the city--the wishes of those who have
+ labored most heartily to rid society of the curse of intemperance.
+ We give voice to the desire of tens of thousands of the women
+ of Massachusetts--wives and mothers--who launch their sons with
+ trembling anxiety upon the temptations of the great city, and who
+ faint with fear as they trust their daughters to the young husbands
+ they have chosen, knowing how drinking habits can blight the most
+ promising future.
+
+ And because the usual custom of furnishing liquors on great public
+ occasions shocks the moral sense, not only of a majority of the
+ women of the Commonwealth, but of a large proportion of its men, we
+ pray you to take such action that this banquet may be undefiled by a
+ social custom which is the relic of an age of sensuality, when the
+ civilization was ruder and less noble in its moral tone than that of
+ our time.
+
+ So shall the city of Boston establish a distinguished precedent for
+ all similar occasions everywhere, and the chief magistrate of our
+ nation be truly honored, by an observance of that righteousness which
+ exalteth a people.
+
+ MRS. MARY A. LIVERMORE,
+ ” ELLEN M. RICHARDS,
+ MRS. L. B. BARRETT,
+ ” E. MCCOY.
+
+ Committee of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of Massachusetts.
+
+ BOSTON, _June 22d, 1877_.
+
+
+RESPONSE OF THE MAYOR.
+
+I merely would say at this moment in response, that whilst I agree
+with you ladies and those you represent in respect to the horrors of
+intemperance, and I do not believe there are any words in the English
+language sufficiently adequate to describe those horrors, I differ
+entirely with you and those you represent with reference to what you
+say in respect to total abstinence. In the first place it is the part
+of wisdom to regulate what you cannot eradicate. We have tried two
+prohibitory laws and found they have not succeeded in accomplishing
+their objects, and I may say in this connection that I myself thirty
+years ago, or nearly thirty years ago, was in the Legislature when
+the Maine liquor law first came up, and voted for it for the purpose
+of trying it, and it proved an utter failure. I can understand how
+enthusiasts expect to make angels of men and women, when we are told we
+are somewhat lower than the angels, in their earnestness to effect good
+objects, and want very much indeed to prevent the people from drinking
+any intoxicating beverage. The motive is honorable to them, but in my
+humble judgment, and I say it respectfully, it shows utter ignorance of
+human nature and the laws that rule human conduct. We shall never have
+an era of total abstinence, in my judgment.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--We admit what you say in reference to the prohibitory
+liquor law.
+
+Mayor Prince.--It is not true that the great people of this
+Commonwealth, as urged here, are in favor of prohibitory legislation,
+as shown by the issue at the polls; and these prohibitory people seem
+to be “growing smaller by degrees and beautifully less.”
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--We are not advocating a prohibitory liquor law in this
+memorial.
+
+Mayor Prince.--But you say total abstinence.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--The inability to enforce the prohibitory liquor law
+arose from the absence of public sentiment behind it to compel its
+enforcement.
+
+Mayor Prince.--I differ from you there.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--Is not a law always enforced when there is a public
+sentiment behind it?
+
+Mayor Prince.--Yes.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--Then the reason this was not enforced is because there
+was not the necessary public sentiment behind it.
+
+Mayor Prince.--You cannot create that public sentiment.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--That is what we are trying to do.
+
+Mayor Prince.--And your motives are honorable and trustworthy. I have
+been thinking for thirty years how to manage this question.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--We have been thinking of it also for thirty years, as
+we are not young women.
+
+Mayor Prince.--I understand that. If you can satisfy me that the
+great desideratum can be accomplished you will find me on your side,
+as I think there is no language adequate to express the horrors of
+intemperance. You cannot accomplish your object because it is not right
+it should be accomplished. I believe in temperance in all things. I
+believe wine was made to be enjoyed by man, and the fact that he abuses
+this thing is no argument against its use.
+
+Mrs. Richards.--Is it not moderation you mean?
+
+Mayor Prince.--Yes. Most of our people do use, and moderately use,
+wine. Take all the wealthier classes of Boston, they use wine; are they
+drunkards?
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--No, sir. But I think they are responsible for any
+actual drunkenness.
+
+Mayor Prince.--Hasn’t there been a great change come over the community
+in regard to drinking? Formerly, a party could be seen tipsy and not
+lose the esteem of his acquaintances, but now if a man is seen drunk
+his character is ruined.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--The fact that there has been this change is an
+argument for a greater change. While we are working among the lower
+classes throughout the State in our reform clubs, we are perpetually
+met by the objection from both men and women, “Why should we give up
+our whiskey any more than those persons of the higher society should
+give up their wine?”
+
+Mayor Prince.--That is no argument.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--But they are on a lower plane, and we are accustomed
+to copy the manners and customs of those above us. I believe the time
+will come when it is possible for those who wish to drink wine to say,
+“We take our stand on the basis of Christianity, which demands of us
+that for the sake of others we should forego the pleasures and delights
+which are innocent to us in themselves, but which are so injurious to
+others.”
+
+Mayor Prince.--In my judgment, the Prohibitionists have set back the
+temperance movement by their action.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--We are in favor of total abstinence, and are not
+discussing prohibition.
+
+Mayor Prince.--That is bringing metaphysics into this, which I did not
+expect. To go back to the point from which we diverged, in respect to
+the President’s entertainment: the city of Boston desires that every
+honor should be paid to the President because he is our President.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--We share that feeling.
+
+Mayor Prince.--And I am determined that nothing shall be left undone
+which can contribute to that result. Now, to give the President a
+dinner without giving him what is usual--
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--He never drinks wine; he has never taken a drop of it
+in his life.
+
+Mayor Prince.--That may or may not be.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--That is the statement of his wife.
+
+Mayor Prince.--He is to be permitted to do just as he pleases, but
+there are other gentlemen who will be with him, members of his cabinet
+and others, and they ought to receive what they have a right to expect
+to receive, and it is customary on such occasions to give wine, and I
+propose to give it, and I think it my duty to give it. I represent the
+citizens, and my personal character is sunk in my official position,
+and whatever my constituents expect me to do on that occasion I
+shall do--whatever is fit and proper to be done. I may say in this
+connection, that if I were to give a dinner in my own house I should
+give wine.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--That is a different affair, and we could not
+interfere; but it is because you are acting in an official capacity,
+and because the city has made you responsible.
+
+Mayor Prince.--Don’t you agree with me in this proposition, that I
+ought to do what the citizens expect?
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--Whom do you mean by citizens--men and women?
+
+Mayor Prince.--I mean the people who live in the city of Boston; that
+is my notion.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--If you should do what the people in Boston, the men
+and women, require you to do, you would not give wine.
+
+Mayor Prince.--You make that assertion. What is the evidence that the
+people of Boston don’t wish me to give wine? Satisfy me upon that point
+and then I may take a different view of it.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--That is our opinion.
+
+Mayor Prince.--What is it based on?
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--We have attended the meetings that have been held
+during the winter.
+
+Mayor Prince.--The fact is, that wine is generally used in the city of
+Boston.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--By a small proportion of the citizens.
+
+Mayor Prince.--I beg your pardon. I think I am conversant with the
+habits of the people of Boston; I have lived here nearly sixty years of
+my life.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--But the majority have not the means to purchase wine.
+
+Mayor Prince.--You ladies are enthusiasts. I am glad to say it, because
+all orders are benefited by the enthusiasts. You would not accomplish
+anything if you did not go into it with zeal and spirit, and if you
+don’t get all you propose to get, such enthusiasm will enable you to
+get half a loaf if you cannot get a whole loaf. You have done a great
+deal of good, and will do more, but you will never accomplish total
+abstinence, never in the world; I don’t think you ought to. I give you
+my opinion. I have five children, and have wine on my table every day
+of my life.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--I hope you will never rue it.
+
+Mayor Prince.--But none of my children will drink it. I think, however,
+if I told them they could not drink it they would try to drink it.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--When six hundred of the market people last year
+sat down to dinner, to the surprise of everybody they abjured all
+intoxicating liquor, wine and everything else, and it was strictly a
+total abstinence festival.
+
+Mayor Prince.--I am invited to a great many entertainments and dinners,
+and am almost tired out by attending them, yet I have never seen one
+without wine.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--When the boot and shoe men were here three weeks
+ago they went down the harbor, and wine was furnished freely all
+through the entertainment, and there are little stories circulating in
+reference to excessive drinking on that occasion.
+
+Mayor Prince (emphatically).--I take this occasion to brand that
+statement as wholly untrue. I was present, I caused the entertainment
+to be given, and when the bills were sent in for the wine I was
+perfectly astonished to see what a small amount of wine was drunk;
+and I take the occasion to say, that there was not a man on board that
+boat that was in any way affected by the wine he had taken; and if any
+citizen or any voter doubts it he can call at the auditor’s office and
+see the bills for the wine. People say these sort of things in the
+excitement of partisan feeling I suppose. Whilst, as I said before, I
+have great regard and respect for these parties who are endeavoring
+to reform the world, although I have very little faith they will
+accomplish all they expect to accomplish, yet until I am satisfied that
+the citizens of Boston do not want me to give wine I shall give it.
+Satisfy me of that and I shall be very glad not to give it, as I want
+to save all the money I can. Thanking you, ladies, for calling, and
+trusting I have not said anything in the excitement of the moment which
+can be construed as discourteous, I wish you good-morning.
+
+Mrs. Livermore.--We have nothing to complain of on the score of
+discourtesy, but are sorry you cannot see the matter in the light in
+which we view it. We stand on a moral platform.
+
+Mayor Prince.--That is the platform to stand on. Good-morning, ladies.
+
+Ladies.--Good-morning.
+
+The facts connected with this appeal were extensively published. The
+press and the people were generally in sympathy with the committee
+of ladies, and the course of the mayor, and some of his utterances,
+were severely criticized. The city council, a short time afterward,
+crystallized the aroused moral sentiment of the city into law,
+forbidding the expenditure of public revenue in wines and liquors for
+dinners and entertainments. So a substantial victory was won.
+
+
+MAINE.
+
+
+BANGOR, MAINE.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. C. V. Crossman and Miss Mary Crosby for the
+following facts:
+
+The Woman’s Temperance Crusade, of Bangor, has seen the same
+heart-breaking needs, the same appalling dangers, and the same
+impotence of human strength alone for the deliverance of our people,
+that have moved our sisters in other cities of the land. We have known
+no strength but the love of God, but we have faith to believe that He
+will at length deliver from the curse of alcoholic drink.
+
+The early messages that came of the wonderful work that was being done
+in the West, thrilled deeply the hearts that had suffered.
+
+In March, 1874, a little band of women and several clergymen of the
+city, and other sympathizing friends, met in a public prayer-meeting
+for strength and consecration. Successive meetings followed, the
+citizens joined in observing a day of public fasting and prayer; and in
+three weeks after the first call, an organization was effected, and a
+definite work was undertaken.
+
+The ladies divided into small companies; each band had their streets to
+visit, and thus the city was thoroughly canvassed.
+
+March 26th, a committee waited on the city council with the petition
+asking that the prohibitory law might be enforced.
+
+This law, which has stood upon our statute books for a score of years,
+has at no period been absolutely successful in preventing the sale of
+alcoholic drinks as a beverage in _all_ the communities over which its
+authority extends, but is, like the laws which prohibit swindling,
+burglary, and assault, broken.
+
+They were received by the council with every token of respect, and
+listened to with attention and deference. Mrs. Benj. Plummer made the
+opening address, which was responded to by the mayor, who assured them
+that the matter should receive the most careful attention of that
+body. He then invited the ladies to speak freely. Several responded in
+eloquent words that will long be remembered.
+
+Notwithstanding their kindly reception by the city council, however,
+their answer was delayed until April 14th, and when received, the
+expectations of the petitioners were greatly disappointed.
+
+Having petitioned the council, and canvassed the city, saloon visiting
+was commenced April 25th. Earnest and persuasive words were used, but
+not one of all the number visited was induced to give up his dreadful
+and unlawful traffic. Almost any body of women would have shrank from
+prosecuting further this Crusade against intemperance. But not so with
+these women; failing with the vender, and with the city government, to
+accomplish what they had undertaken, they commenced their work with the
+victims--those whose strength of mind had been destroyed by the too
+free use of ardent spirits, and who were in their own strength unable
+to cast off the shackles that bound them.
+
+And what more fitting place to begin than the police station and jail?
+With words of encouragement and sympathy, they carried hot coffee and
+food. No man was found inside the prison walls so low or degraded, but
+that he received a friendly shake of the hand, a “God help you.”
+
+This work was carried on at intervals for several years.
+
+Often through the heat of summer, and the cold of winter, one or more
+of these women might be seen going on their mission of mercy to the
+jail.
+
+So great were the temptations around them to lead them from their
+good resolutions, that the ladies determined to open a room for their
+accommodation and safety. And the “Bangor Reform Club Reading-Room,”
+the first of its kind established in the world, was opened. Its first
+motto was, “Malice toward none, charity for all.” And this is still the
+motto of many of the Reform Clubs of the State of Maine.
+
+The fitting up and the running expenses of this room for the first
+year were paid by the Crusaders. This reading-room is an honor and a
+blessing to the city.
+
+One of the ladies says: “Here, during the winter afternoons, the
+Crusaders meet to make and repair garments to protect the unfortunates
+from the bitter cold. Every Sunday evening we hold a prayer and promise
+meeting in these rooms; men come that you could not induce to enter a
+church, but it is not long before they are ready to join the church.”
+Thus the meeting becomes a stepping-stone to the church.
+
+“We find that men who have been rescued from intemperance and its
+kindred vices are not satisfied with their own redemption, but from the
+gratitude of their hearts become laborers in the vineyards, cast their
+nets, and become fishers of men.”
+
+This is the secret of the success of the Reform Clubs in Maine.
+
+Dr. Henry A. Reynolds was induced to sign the pledge at one of our
+public Crusade meetings. “Dare to do right,” was his motto. And the
+first work he did after signing the pledge was to persuade others to do
+the same.
+
+Men who have signed the pledge, when the old appetite for liquor is
+aroused, flee to this room and divert their minds from the desire for
+drink by reading and receiving good advice and encouragement from men
+and women who are always to be found there ready to help those who
+would, in all probability, fall in with bad associates, and eventually
+break their pledge.
+
+The Reform Club numbers four hundred and fifty, two hundred of whom
+are members of the Catholic society. Many of the members are away in
+different States, but are true to their pledge.
+
+Our members have gone out to other towns--Hampden, Newport, Oldtown,
+Ellsworth, and elsewhere--in some cases organizing societies, and
+giving aid and encouragement to societies already formed.
+
+It is not out of place here to mention the encouragement and support
+which we now have, in the greatly increased vigor and efficiency
+in the enforcement of the prohibitory law. This is done under the
+administration of the “Sheriff enforcement” act, so-called--an
+amendment to the law of a few years’ standing, which makes it the duty
+of the sheriff to seize liquors, upon complaint.
+
+The vigorous enforcement of the prohibitory law we may justly claim
+as one of the results of our movement, though brought about by no
+direct efforts of our own. The towns in the upper Penobscot valley have
+greatly felt the benefit of the legal as well as the moral movement.
+
+We have met with difficulties and failures, but in the retrospect they
+are as nothing to the successes, and we can but thank God and take
+courage.
+
+From a small spark a large fire has been kindled, and may it burn until
+there is not one drop of intoxicating liquor to be bought in our State;
+and not until then shall we give up the battle.
+
+
+AUGUSTA, MAINE.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. C. C. Hunt, Corresponding Secretary of the
+Woman’s Christian Temperance Union for the State, for the following
+report:
+
+Our organization was quietly effected, and every duty has been by its
+members as quietly discharged; and, after the lapse of one year and
+three-quarters in this conflict with rum, we feel that the work has but
+just commenced.
+
+We organized, through the appeal of Mrs. Sergeant, President of the
+State Union, January 25th, 1876.
+
+About this time a Reformed Club was organized. A soliciting committee,
+of ladies of different denominations, was appointed, to secure funds to
+meet the necessities of the work. A sufficient amount for furnishing a
+club-room, with an excellent library, a large number of magazines, and
+files of the latest papers, was secured.
+
+Out of this fund we also expended a considerable amount in relieving
+the sick of families made destitute by the great curse.
+
+A committee was appointed to call upon the saloon-keepers, and urge
+them to abandon their traffic.
+
+In this respect no success was achieved, and knowing that the open
+doors were in direct violation of the laws of the State, and desiring
+that the arm of the law might be stretched forth, the ladies were not
+slow to sign warrants against liquor-dealers.
+
+And, much to our satisfaction, in the month of August, 1876, _seven_
+of them were sent to the county jail. And still more was our
+rejoicing, when last winter the Legislature rendered the penalty for
+liquor-selling so severe that at the present time it is almost entirely
+abandoned.
+
+Our city marshal has rendered us great service, in searching out and
+bringing to justice these offenders. We look forward to the coming
+winter, when the petition of Neal Dow will, if received by the
+Legislature, declare the liquor traffic to be a _felony_, and to be
+subject to the same laws.
+
+We recognize the power of prayer, to which we attribute the real
+success which has come to us; we stand on the solid rock, with our
+sisters throughout the United States.
+
+Committees, consisting of four or five ladies, hold religious
+exercises, distribute temperance and religious tracts.
+
+At the beginning we did not fancy that the paths were all _flowery_,
+and that the strongholds would crumble at our approach; or that every
+woman in the city would consider it her highest glory to join us in
+this labor. Yet a goodly number have come up in the spirit of the
+Master, and rendered much service in the cause, so much needed at their
+hands.
+
+Our determination is firm to adhere with perseverance to the work we
+have undertaken; and, above all, to look to Him who has promised to
+direct the steps of those who put their trust in Him.
+
+
+STROUDWATER, MAINE.
+
+Mrs. L. M. N. Stevens furnishes the following facts:
+
+In regard to crusading in Maine, we being protected by a law, which,
+if we demanded its enforcement, would be sufficient, hardly felt the
+need of appealing to the rum-seller in the same way as though he was
+licensed or upheld by public favor or opinion. In our State the man who
+sells liquor is, and has been for years, considered a criminal.
+
+He does not do it thoughtlessly or ignorantly, hence the hope of
+converting him was very much less than in other places.
+
+Still there are a few instances in our State, where sellers have been
+made to see themselves, as good people see them, and have left the
+miserable business; but these cases are few, compared with those who
+have persisted in their evil course against prosecutions, fines, and
+imprisonments, until finally they have been _driven_ to yield to the
+law.
+
+It may not be uninteresting to tell what I have done in this line. In
+our quiet village, two and a half miles from Portland, there has been a
+rum hotel for thirty years--for the last fifteen years kept by the same
+man.
+
+Three years ago, when we women began to have our first public meetings
+here, I saw with pain that those people who had never been much
+troubled with this hotel, did not regard it as a nuisance.
+
+The proprietor was a good-natured fellow, _called_ kind by some.
+
+How should they be brought to look upon this man as I did? I said in
+a public meeting, referring to the place and the man, perhaps he is
+a good man, perhaps he is thoughtlessly doing this terrible thing.
+Suppose we visit him, and talk with him? Who will volunteer? One of our
+first ladies agreed to go with me. We went. He listened to us, promised
+to very soon give it up, came to our meetings occasionally, once arose
+and asked for the prayers of Christian people to help him, etc. We left
+nothing undone. He was daily visited by influential men and women, who
+talked and prayed with him, and if he sold at all at that time (and he
+probably did) it was done very slyly.
+
+Soon his wife, a woman of his own kind, sickened, and died after a
+week’s delirious sickness, during which she constantly begged for
+mercy, saying the officers were coming to search, begging of her
+husband to sell no more rum, etc., etc.
+
+Then we thought the work was done, but were still vigilant, day after
+day, not bringing him where we wanted to see him.
+
+We soon saw signs indicative of his base hypocrisy, and although he
+sells more slyly than ever, still the place is here and he is in it.
+
+You may ask why has not the law closed it before this?
+
+During the last two years, he has paid about $2,500 in fines, been once
+imprisoned and is now in bankruptcy, and no doubt will be indicted
+before the grand jury, which will effectually wind him up. Now here is
+the point: I do not feel that one visit or one prayer was lost that was
+made at that place.
+
+We carried the public along with us; those who never believed we could
+prevail on him to do better, were more indignant than ever; those who
+did believe in him at all were interested and at last disgusted and
+as indignant as their radical neighbors. The officers of the law felt
+that they were supported as never before, and worked better and more
+effectually.
+
+Our Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of this place was the first
+in the State, and has done a wonderful work. We hold weekly public
+temperance meetings throughout the year, save the month of August.
+
+The influence that goes out from us I know is powerful. Ministers,
+lawyers, and physicians do not refuse to come and help us from
+Portland, whenever invited, and we have been favored with many friends
+from abroad. Much has been done in our State, but much remains to
+be done. Many are indifferent, enjoying the dear blessings which
+prohibition brings, without realizing it. It is our mission we feel, to
+make them _realize_ it, as well as to lift up the fallen, of which we
+have many even in our State.
+
+On the road which goes through this place from Buxton to Portland,
+a distance of nineteen miles, there were, thirty years ago, sixteen
+tippling shops; now there is but one, and this the one I have written
+about.
+
+No stranger can get a drop there, or any one, unless known to be true
+to the rum cause, and then it is secreted sometimes in deep holes in
+the cellar, sometimes near the hog-pen, etc., etc.
+
+It is curious how they evade the law so long.
+
+No change has brought this about, save the “_Maine law_.”
+
+It is impossible to buy a glass of liquor. And in our cities they have
+to sell so secretly, and under such trying circumstances, that their
+very faces speak, “The way of the transgressor is hard.” I thank God,
+that this is so. My courage was never better than to-day, and I intend
+always to go on in this work for the Master.
+
+
+PORTLAND, MAINE.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. George E. Taylor for the following statement of
+work:
+
+What with the conventional restraint of the women of New England, and
+the work so zealously accomplished in the interest of prohibition
+here, time had to be taken to consider by what means we should be
+marshalled into any line of appeal and action. Two or three upon whom
+flashed the revelation of the divine purpose, which supported the women
+of the West in their novel protest and venture, waited upon God, and
+proved, in quiet personal efforts, that in answer to prayer the lowest
+and most unfortunate might be redeemed; and they speedily dedicated
+themselves to a more public declaration and service in the line of
+mission work; and none of it, we believe, has come to the ground. The
+most impregnable and insolent haunt of vice was broken up, and the
+leader and head of the house at last saved, and the whole thing buried
+out of sight.
+
+Greater freedom of evangelistic effort was soon accorded here, as
+elsewhere, to woman, in the sudden revolution of public opinion, and
+these visited the jail, and one came to lead a social Sunday service
+there on alternate weeks for a year, and most interesting were the
+results. At that time the prisoners had no work, and this service was
+followed up by their weekly visitations, and many were brought to the
+knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. Some are living respectable
+lives among us; others are meekly serving out their term at the State
+prison; while one, whose mind opened wonderfully to the truth, and was
+strangely ennobled by it, not seeming to belong to his old self and his
+kindred, has been translated to the kingdom, the sceptre of which is a
+right sceptre, and its throne forever and ever.
+
+Waiting and watching our opportunity, the time came for a call to the
+ladies of this city to what proves to be an independent local work.
+With an organization of five hundred members, and its various projects
+supported by every church here, the “Woman’s Temperance Society” of
+Portland, on the 4th of July of the Centennial year, initiated its
+coffee-house work, serving for the day the multitudes who flocked
+from the country to the celebration, and realized its first favor and
+encouragement to a permanent work.
+
+Though a very much lectured people on the subject of temperance, it
+has not been from a woman’s standpoint; and they believed that our
+fastidious, and of course intelligent community, would bear a little
+more of the right sort, and some very superior lectures added to our
+fund and character as an organization. On the 1st of January, 1877, we
+opened a coffee-house. We have sought from the beginning to make an
+impression upon refined as well as other circles here, and prevent for
+another generation any revival of the social drinking customs of polite
+life, to protect our own young men, clerks, etc., from the temptation
+of “tonic beer” and stronger drinks served slyly, or in other fashion,
+at our eating-houses, as well as to recover those who had fallen into
+this vice. The prosperity of that coffee-house it would take time to
+record. Its pecuniary exhibit is wonderful, for in these nine months,
+what with favor of one sort and another, the generous service of the
+ladies, and donations, we have in the bank about fifteen hundred
+dollars, with which to open, as we contemplate, a _Friendly Inn_.
+
+The work has been embellished with a _Flower Mission_, under the care
+of young ladies, who make up, with special interest, bouquets; now with
+the most carefully selected fragrant flowers for the blind; and then
+the brilliant and beautiful for the hospitals, asylums, jail, etc.,
+along with the street distribution of loose flowers to children and
+others who rarely see or handle any.
+
+We have also here a _Diet Mission_, with head-quarters at the
+coffee-house, served by ladies devoted to it, who prepare, at their own
+homes, nourishing food and delicacies for the sick, answering the call
+of physicians, clergymen, or other responsible parties in behalf of the
+sick and unfortunate.
+
+This society also supports a mission at the city station-house,
+employing a woman to look for those of her own sex who are committed
+there through fault of drunkenness, or vice of other sort, or accident.
+
+The story of this whole work of the Woman’s Temperance Society of
+Portland would fill many chapters of a book. There are most interesting
+incidents connected with every branch of it; and to a good many the
+coffee-house has been a place of decision and reform; the poor and
+distressed, and the helpless victim of his own weakness and folly, have
+been comforted by it; and with its elegant appointments it appeals
+to the patronage of everybody, and has carried us leagues ahead in
+the controversy of this principle of total abstinence, and laid the
+foundation, we believe, of a good work for a generation.
+
+
+OLD ORCHARD BEACH.
+
+The first temperance camp-meeting, as far as is known, ever held in
+the world, was on this beautiful camp-ground. The workers of the
+Woman’s Temperance Union have been there, and helped to make that first
+meeting, and all subsequent ones, successful. The Governor of the
+State, accompanied by other State dignitaries, is always present to
+speak at the opening meeting. Neal Dow, the sturdy temperance champion,
+who has done more than perhaps any other man to make the liquor traffic
+unlawful and disreputable, attends these meetings, and his temperance
+trumpet gives no uncertain sound. All classes are represented, from the
+highest officials of the State to the lowest drunkards of Portland, a
+seaport town, where, even against law, liquors can be smuggled in and
+sold secretly. The reformed men of the State come to these gatherings
+in crowds, and take a prominent part in the services.
+
+
+
+
+MICHIGAN.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+The facts in regard to the work in Michigan are gathered from their
+Centennial volume.
+
+The book is very voluminous, and contains a complete record of the
+work, and is beautifully gotten up on uniform paper, and embellished
+with pictures.
+
+This volume, which was prepared for the Centennial, and is to go into
+the State Historical Society, has been kindly sent that I may gather
+the most important facts connected with the history of their work for
+this book.
+
+Michigan had a prohibitory law, but public sentiment was not
+sufficiently aroused to enforce it, and the liquor-dealers of the State
+pursued their traffic, in defiance of the law, openly. The Woman’s
+Temperance Crusade, and the more recent labors of Dr. Reynolds and his
+coadjutors, have entirely changed the aspect of affairs; the entire
+liquor business seems to have been effectually broken down.
+
+
+ADRIAN, MICHIGAN.
+
+After holding prayer-meetings for some time, and canvassing the city
+for signatures to the pledge, a mass-meeting was held in the Opera
+House, March 9th, 1874. This proved one of the largest and most
+enthusiastic meetings ever held in the city. The immense building
+was insufficient to contain the crowd, and the Presbyterian Church,
+which was opened for an overflow meeting, was filled in a few moments.
+These meetings were addressed by the leading men and women of the
+city. Work was at once entered upon; after some discussion the ladies
+commenced their visits to the saloons, under the leadership of Mrs.
+Daniel Benedict, Mrs. William Benson, and Mrs. Norman Geddes. Two
+hundred women in solemn procession filed slowly out of the house of God
+into the streets, and into the saloons. All business for the time was
+suspended. Women crowded to the windows; men gathered in masses in the
+street, all gazing silently as the band proceeded on their mission. The
+saloon-keepers, who did not expect them, looked on with confusion and
+alarm; the hotels and some of the saloons were visited, the proprietors
+receiving them with respect and deference, and at all these places
+religious services were held.
+
+Public sentiment in favor of temperance seemed to be rapidly
+increasing, and words of encouragement came to them from the
+surrounding country, and delegations were sent out to the neighboring
+villages to organize the work. Many women, who for years had in silence
+borne the curse of strong drink in their own homes, were led to hope
+for better days, and came timidly forward to urge them on.
+
+On the 17th March, the band visited Towl’s saloon. Mrs. L. R. Damon and
+T. P. Thompson, the leaders, were admitted, and the door immediately
+locked. The band which remained on the street became alarmed for
+their safety, thinking they were forcibly detained. Great excitement
+prevailed throughout the city; business was suspended, and an excited
+multitude gathered about the saloon, filling all the adjacent streets.
+The women inside, unaware of the excitement in the city, continued
+their prayers and pleadings with the proprietor until eleven o’clock at
+night. As the band still remained at the saloon, the proprietor wanted
+to know what he had done, and what the women wanted of him: immediately
+the band sang, “Dare to do right, dare to be true.” Again he came to
+the door, and exclaimed, “I’m tired of this! yes, I’m tired of this!”
+Immediately the ladies responded in song, “There is rest for the
+weary.” At last he could endure it no longer, and fled from the place.
+A few days afterwards the saloon was closed.
+
+The next morning, Tuesday, March 18th, pickets were stationed at every
+place where it was known that intoxicating liquors were sold. This was
+very destructive to the business of the saloon-keepers, as under the
+public sentiment then existing, but few had the hardihood to frequent
+these places. The success of the work began to be most cheering. North
+Main street, almost entirely abandoned to liquor shops, and at night
+ablaze with the light of its saloons, was now in darkness. Other parts
+of the city showed like results. On the 20th March, the doors of nearly
+every saloon in the city apparently were closed, and the open sale of
+intoxicating liquors had nearly ceased; some of the dealers had signed
+the pledge.
+
+The annual city election occurring the 6th of April, an all-day
+prayer-meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church, and a mass-meeting
+held in the evening at the same place. Every saloon was picketed. The
+result was a quiet, orderly election. Women, who had learned to look
+on election days with dread and terror, reported to us with gratitude,
+that their husbands had returned to their homes sober, for the first
+time in many years.
+
+The picket system was discontinued, and vigilance committees appointed
+to gather up evidence with a view of prosecuting the violators of
+law. The State law was prohibitory, but a city ordinance provided
+for license. A petition was presented to the city council requesting
+them to make the sale of intoxicating liquors in violation of law a
+forfeiture of their license, but the council declined to act in the
+matter, and all efforts were of no avail.
+
+On the 2d of June a band of ladies visiting a saloon on north Main
+street had scarcely entered, when the wife of the saloon-keeper angrily
+ordered them to depart, and before they could leave the place, hastily
+locked them in. Here the ladies were detained, thirteen of them,
+from five o’clock in the afternoon until eleven o’clock at night.
+At a signal from the woman a motley and excited crowd of saloon and
+barkeepers, and their associates and companions, besieged the building,
+filling all the street, and keeping away all who would approach to
+assist or even to communicate with the imprisoned ladies, and there
+they remained, surging about with oaths, and jeering and threatening
+demonstrations lest the ladies should escape. Within the rear room
+of the saloon, and separated from the band only by a half partition,
+was another crowd of barkeepers, a German Catholic priest, an alderman
+and others, half-inebriated, singing, drinking, and shouting with
+boisterous profanity, influencing and inciting the proprietor and his
+infuriated wife against the band, and filling all the room where the
+ladies were with suffocating clouds of smoke. And so the band was kept
+most of the time in darkness, all communication with their friends cut
+off, no ventilation of the foul atmosphere permitted, while resort was
+had to every means, short of personal violence, to harass, annoy, and
+intimidate these imprisoned women, until by the interposition of the
+mayor they were released.
+
+This was the answer of the saloon-keepers to the prayerful, tearful
+appeals of the best Christian women of the city in behalf of temperance.
+
+Early in the progress of the movement it became evident that many of
+the saloon-keepers could not be reached by moral suasion, and that law
+must be resorted to for the suppression of the traffic. A large number
+of suits were commenced, the business men of the city backing up the
+movement by a subscription of $3,000. Delegations of ladies from the
+Union attended nearly all these public trials. The anti-temperance
+people became very bitter and vindictive, and openly manifested their
+hostility. Several of the ladies attending these trials had their
+dresses cut and despoiled by persons in the crowd, and one gentleman, a
+Mr. Brown, who assisted in the suits, was murderously assaulted with a
+knife in the hands of a woman.
+
+The ladies finding it impossible to secure the services of officers
+who would perform their duty under the law for the suppression of the
+traffic, finally abandoned this branch of the work.
+
+There were three hundred and two members of the band, and two hundred
+and thirteen meetings were held during the first year, and $693.43
+expended in the work.
+
+The number of licensed saloons in the city when the Union first sent
+out its praying bands was fifty-two; in less than ten days from that
+time all these were virtually closed, and remained so for more than
+six weeks. The result was, that our jails soon became empty for the
+first time in the history of our county, with one exception only, which
+occurred in the early settlement of the State. The average jail and
+criminal expenses of the county previous to the temperance movement was
+$1,000 per month, _but during the time the saloons were closed these
+expenses were only $50 per month_--a saving per month of $950.
+
+The women now saw the importance of organized and persistent work, and
+prepared for a long conflict. A reading-room was opened, a juvenile
+society was organized, and by systematic work the business is gradually
+being overthrown.
+
+More recently a reform movement, under the leadership of Dr. Reynolds,
+has drawn tens of thousands of drinking men away from the saloons. This
+has crippled the saloon-keepers hopelessly. Many of the leading men of
+the State and politicians have signed the pledge, and now give their
+moral support to the Woman’s Temperance Union and the Reform Club; so
+victory is assured. One of the Vice-Presidents of the National Union,
+Mrs. Jane M. Geddes, is one of the prominent and efficient workers of
+the society.
+
+
+LANSING, MICHIGAN.
+
+On the 24th March, 1874, the first public meeting was called; about
+sixty women were present. On the following Sunday, a union service was
+held in the Opera Hall, which was tendered free of charge. The hall
+was crowded, and the meeting enthusiastic. The town was canvassed with
+a view of securing the co-operation of business men for the immediate
+suppression of the traffic. Seven hundred dollars were subscribed to
+aid the women to carry out legal measures. The saloons were visited,
+but the proprietors refused to sign the dealers’ pledge. In reference
+to the opinion which the dealers themselves held in regard to their
+occupation, but one dealer was found in the length and breadth of the
+city who said he considered his calling honorable.
+
+The Rev. David Crosby, of the first Baptist Church, by his own personal
+efforts, raised and placed in the hands of the Union $1,200.
+
+The work was continued by mass-meetings, saloon visiting, personal
+appeals, and tract distribution, until May 5th, 1874, when the legal
+work was commenced. The women attended the trials, which were held
+before Justice Green. The stairway leading to the court was dark, the
+room illy ventilated, and furnished with wooden benches. Yet not one
+case out of the twenty-eight was tried between May 5th, and September
+24th, that the women were not present. Undismayed and unflinchingly
+they sat in the court-room with its repulsive surroundings, in the
+summer afternoons, with the sun beating in at uncurtained windows,
+though the thought of cool parlors at home tempted them. The following
+summary will show the general line of work and the results up to
+September 24th, 1874:
+
+Summons issued, forty-four; trials had, twenty-eight; withdrawn, by
+pledge to quit, three; convictions, twenty-three; acquittals, two;
+disagreement of the jury, three; no trial on account of justice
+being sick, four; suits on docket for trial, twenty-three. Results:
+convictions of men, twenty; convictions of women, three; saloons closed
+up to date, six; saloons remaining in the city, twenty-eight; fines
+imposed, $750; fines paid, $175; cost imposed, including attorneys’
+fees, $419.63; costs collected, $109.48.
+
+The legal work aroused a spirit of anger. It was reported that one
+saloon-keeper said that there was nothing to fear as long as the women
+remained in the church to pray. Under the heavy blows of the Woman’s
+Union the saloons in Lansing decreased in six months from forty-one
+to twenty-eight, and the traffic remained crippled, until the State
+Legislature repealed a prohibitory law, and enacted a tax law; under
+this fostering care of the State authorities, the hope and business of
+liquor-dealers revived.
+
+But the women are not discouraged or defeated. A Reform Club and
+a Young People’s Society have been organized, and a reading-room
+established; and by systematic and persistent work, they are pushing
+the battle and expect the victory.
+
+
+JACKSON, MICHIGAN.
+
+In the month of February, 1874, Rev. J. H. McCarty, D. D., pastor of
+the first M. E. Church, issued a call for a union temperance meeting,
+to be held in the Methodist Church. Responsive to this call, the
+pastors of nearly all of the orthodox churches came together, with
+their working members.
+
+There was a very enthusiastic meeting, and for several days such
+meetings were held. Finally, the ladies were encouraged to organize
+and begin Crusade work. The pastors promised their hearty support and
+encouragement. The ladies organized a society known as “The Ladies’
+Temperance Union,” of Jackson.
+
+The ladies visited some saloons, but without any perceptible results.
+The saloon-keepers knew that they had the support of the majority of
+the business men of the place, and so were coolly defiant.
+
+A large and enthusiastic meeting was held, March 12th, in the Opera
+House, and the clergy committed themselves unreservedly to the work.
+The exercises consisted of speeches and songs, and Mrs. L. E. Allen,
+President of the Union, read the following original poem, in which is
+embodied the experience of a lady living in Jackson:
+
+ “Pale were the lips which uttered this story, not long ago,
+ And the eyes were dim with a sorrow which cometh from human woe;
+ And the words came low and broken from the torn and bleeding heart,
+ Where years on years had rankled the pain of a poisoned dart.
+
+ “’Twas a fearful night in the winter, the winter of sixty-four,
+ When round my lowly dwelling the wild winds beat and tore;
+ The rain which in daylight had fallen had turned to a frozen sleet,
+ And lay like a sheet of silver adown the desolate street.
+ ’Twas long and long after midnight, I waited and waited alone--
+ None, none but my God to be near me, and list to my desolate moan.
+ My light shone out in the darkness, my fire was burning bright,
+ For my husband, my erring husband, was out in the fearful night.
+
+ “And colder I grew in my terror--I had waited so long, so long
+ (For my heart to the wreck of my idol still hopefully, tenderly
+ clung).
+ Then I thought I heard his footsteps come staggering on through the
+ gloom,
+ And they sent a chill to my heartstrings like the threat of a
+ terrible doom.
+ And nearer they came, and nearer, and paused by the outer door,
+ And I heard a voice and footstep I had never heard before.
+ I opened the door affrighted, and saw but a stranger face,
+ Where the flush of the fatal wine cup had crimsoned and left its
+ trace.
+
+ “‘Come, hasten!’ he said, ‘good woman, your husband is dead with
+ drink,
+ And the man who sold him the poison has a heart as black as ink,
+ And he swears he will turn him helpless out into the storm to lie,
+ When he knows that out in the tempest alone he would perish and die.
+ Perhaps if you went to his rescue, and whispered a word in his ear,
+ He might waken from out his stupor and hearken the message to hear.
+ You never need fear to trust me, for I am my own worst foe;
+ But I hated to see him lying all dead and cold in the snow.’
+
+ “So I wrapped my garments about me, to shield me as best I might,
+ And went, with a drunken stranger, out into the pitiless night--
+ Down through the streets of the city, down to the haunts beneath,
+ Where the soul is chained to a monster that clingeth and clingeth
+ till death.
+
+ “Oh! the sight that darkened my vision, may you never witness,
+ I pray,
+ For there lay the one I had promised to honor, and love, and obey.
+ He opened his eyes in wonder as he heard the unwonted sound
+ Of my voice in that den of terror, and dizzily looked around.
+
+ “Then the little of manhood in him came out in a flush on his face;
+ And, upheld by myself and the stranger, he staggering left the
+ place.
+ Fiercely the storm king assailed us, and pierced us through like a
+ knife;
+ But we thought not of storm or tempest, for we fought for a human
+ life.
+
+ “Home where the lamplight waited, home to a living death
+ (For life in the soul is not cherished by giving or taking of
+ breath),
+ And I sat in my helpless sorrow and pleaded and prayed to die,
+ For death were a hundred-fold sweeter than the living agony.
+
+ “So many a night have I sought him, ’twixt midnight and break of
+ day,
+ And out of that place of torment have led him reeling away.
+ Oh! those fearful walks in the darkness, I can never, no, never,
+ forget;
+ And the glimmer of starlight splendor sends a shudder over me yet.
+
+ “Then he went to his country’s rescue, himself but a tyrant’s
+ slave--
+ And the wreck of his noble manhood now sleeps in a nameless grave.
+ While my heart was crushed and bleeding, my cry was, day by day:
+ ‘How long shall the wicked triumph? how long shall Thy people
+ pray?’
+
+ “So the plaintive story ended, so the pale lips paused to say:
+ ‘Say to the women of Jackson there is need for them to pray.’
+ Ah! need, for the cry is ringing from city, and hamlet, and plain,
+ While we feel the silent pleadings of the millions that are slain.
+ Need! for the fight grows fiercer, and madly the red wine flows;
+ And the record is growing longer--the record of human woes.
+
+ “How long, O Lord, shall Thy children sit idle, and fearful, and
+ dumb,
+ While thousands are falling around us, all ruined and wrecked by
+ rum.
+ Let the bondage of self be broken, and set all Thy people free,
+ Till the world shall be rid of this evil, and brought to a knowledge
+ of Thee.”
+
+The Hurd House saloon was among the first visited. The clerk received
+them politely, but the crowd on the street were disposed to be abusive.
+A saloon-keeper made a mock prayer, which was so vulgar that he was
+afterwards arrested for the offence. A total abstinence pledge was
+circulated, but very few of the prominent business men, or church
+members would sign it. So low was the temperance sentiment that nearly
+all of the drug stores sold liquor by the glass, to whoever wanted it,
+regardless of law or order.
+
+The law which required the saloons to be closed on Sunday was openly
+defied and scoffed at. The ladies sent a petition to the common
+council, requesting the enforcement of the Sunday law; but it was laid
+upon the table, no attention whatever being paid to it.
+
+A vigilance committee was appointed, and a number of saloon-keepers
+were arrested for breaking the Sunday law. They were tried before the
+courts, and, although abundant and reliable proof was produced, yet
+judge and jury conspired to render a verdict of acquittal.
+
+Outdoor meetings were held during the spring and summer, under the
+supervision of Mrs. Mary T. Lathrop and Mrs. A. H. Brown, both of them
+indefatigable workers in the temperance cause.
+
+The daily meetings were continued for about three months, after which
+they were held weekly. These continued for a while; but the churches
+were so indifferent, and public sentiment so opposed, that after a
+while the meetings were abandoned entirely.
+
+But of late there is a new interest being awakened on the temperance
+question, and may God speed the day when this nation shall put this
+great enemy of intemperance under her feet, and shall stand before the
+world purified and saved.
+
+
+GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN.
+
+A Woman’s Prohibition Society was organized in this town in 1872. The
+circumstance leading to this action was the wrongs and sufferings of a
+woman of intelligence and culture, whose husband was a victim of the
+drink habit. The existence of this society was maintained up to the
+Crusade. The heroic little band, with fresh hope and courage, renewed
+their work. One public house turned out its bar, one wholesale grocery
+gave up the liquor trade, a few small retail saloons were shut up;
+sixteen out of eighteen signed the druggists’ pledge.
+
+Many who professed Christianity withheld their aid and sympathy: none
+were quicker to see this than the saloon-keepers, and taking advantage
+of this indecision, the liquor ring sent out its messengers, with the
+threat that business and political patronage would be withheld from all
+who had anything to do with the temperance cause. Covert threats were
+also sent out, warning persons of danger to their property; and men of
+wealth and influence, some of them pillars in the church and society,
+sold their principles, allowed their convictions to be silenced, and
+even went so far as to desire their wives to discontinue their open
+connection with the Woman’s Temperance Union. There were honorable
+exceptions, however--men who stood by their principles.
+
+Noble and influential women of the city, who had formerly been active
+in the Woman’s Prohibition Society, stood aloof, having no faith in the
+present movement.
+
+In all these discouragements, the earnest women engaged in the work
+only saw the valley of humiliation through which they must pass before
+they ascend to the mount of victory.
+
+Mrs. M. L. Bois is the President, and Mrs. E. S. Eggleston,
+Corresponding Secretary.
+
+
+COLD WATER, MICHIGAN.
+
+After several preliminary meetings for prayer and conference, a
+mass-meeting was held, April 16th, 1874, at the M. E. Church. Twelve
+ladies passed through the audience and secured 177 names as workers,
+which was soon augmented to 200.
+
+The men said they were ashamed to have the women do the work, and
+formed a committee for the purpose of doing the work themselves. The
+women waited patiently, then sent a committee to inquire as to their
+success. They told the ladies to keep quiet, that they were doing all
+they could, but it took time to accomplish such a great work. What
+the men really did was to give the liquor-dealers thirty days time
+to quit the business, or in other words, to give them that much time
+to perfect their arrangements to sell secretly. Not a single saloon
+was closed, and now they tell the women tauntingly, that they did not
+intend to close the saloons, but took this means to prevent the women
+from working. But amid all these discouragements, the women are pushing
+their work, trusting in God for the victory.
+
+ Mrs. Dr. GEO. FERGUSON, Secretary.
+
+
+EATON RAPIDS, MICHIGAN.
+
+The work began in this town in March, 1874; the first visit to the
+saloons was by a committee of six ladies; soon afterwards they went
+in a body. One of their visits was to a first-class hotel, where they
+asked the privilege of prayer; the landlord objected, said he would
+have no noise or excitement in his house, as his wife was very sick,
+but all the time he was making a great noise himself. “Very well,”
+said the leader, “we will have a season of silent prayer,” to which he
+replied, “Pray away, that’s your privilege,” and turning, walked to
+the other side of the room; at a wave from the leader’s hand, they all
+knelt on the office floor; the rustle of their dresses attracted his
+attention; he turned and came to them like an enraged tiger. A lady
+(her husband at that time was drinking terribly), whose countenance was
+indicative of a broken heart, was kneeling in front of the others. The
+enraged proprietor caught this pale, trembling, heart-broken Christian
+lady, and hurled her with violence against the rest, saying: “Get out!
+I won’t have it: get out, get out.” Rising as quietly as possible the
+ladies passed out, the proprietor busying himself pushing and scolding
+those in the rear. The ladies were sad, but not disappointed. The next
+day double the number convened for action.
+
+Not many months passed till that beautiful house lay a mass of charred
+ruins. The next day the leader of the band, the marshal of the village
+by her side, visited the Spring House; after singing and prayer, the
+mother-in-law of the bartender, who stood beside the proprietor, opened
+her mouth, and the Lord filled it with a stream of eloquence most
+touching, most pathetic. Fifteen minutes after they left the room the
+proprietor closed out his bar, saying, while the tears ran down his
+face, “No one need ever tell me again there is no power in prayer.” The
+whole community seemed aroused, by seeing the procession of ladies;
+others could not bear to look at them; men who did not consider
+themselves temperance men declared they could think of nothing else
+night or day; ministers who had lacked interest became radical. At
+length it was thought wise to petition the village board: accordingly
+a committee of eight ladies presented a petition. Their prayer was
+granted, and the marshal instructed to order the bars closed the next
+morning. From that time until the change in the law, liquor was not
+sold openly and defiantly. During the first week of the license, or tax
+law, there were more drunkards on the streets than in the six months
+previous.
+
+ Mrs. IRA TURNEY, President.
+
+ Mrs. J. E. SWEEZEY, Secretary.
+
+
+NEW BOSTON, MICHIGAN.
+
+The following incident led to the commencement of the work in this
+place. A lady died in Ohio, who had formerly lived in New Boston, and
+whose son was still living there, on the ancestral farm, but he had
+learned to love the fatal cup, and his career had given his mother much
+sorrow. She was in the Crusade of Ohio, and it was her purpose to go to
+New Boston and inaugurate a Crusade to save her son. But God called her
+home, and her husband brought her body to be buried there, and told the
+story. A deep interest was aroused, and the Christian women felt called
+to take up this work that the mother had laid down.
+
+There were, at that time, two saloons and one tavern in successful
+operation in the village. Two of them did more business on the Sabbath
+than on any other day of the week; gambling was constantly practised
+in all; and the minister, as he passed to his church, could count
+more men and boys about the tavern doors than he could in the church.
+The women commenced by ascertaining how many in the village and
+vicinity were willing to give their aid and influence. All professed
+themselves more than willing. A committee was appointed to visit the
+saloon-keepers, and talk kindly with them, and urge them to give up a
+business that was ruining themselves as well as their unhappy victims.
+Two agreed to close their doors if all would; the third, a German, who
+kept a den that for vileness could hardly be surpassed, was determined
+to sell in spite of them.
+
+It was ascertained that less than $75 would purchase all the liquors in
+the place and close out the saloons, but the temperance men objected
+to it, and the women abandoned that project. Mass-meetings and saloon
+visiting continued, and such enthusiasm was aroused, that two of the
+saloonists moved away, leaving only the defiant, law-breaking German
+in the business. He was backed up by a man of considerable influence,
+who received from the government a large salary, as a sort of pseudo
+revenue officer. The ladies went _en masse_ to the saloon of this
+German. He received them with considerable trepidation, and would have
+run away, but for the loungers in the bar-room, who detained him; but
+his wife, an ignorant and depraved woman, soon appeared on the scene,
+and commenced like Saul of Tarsus to breathe out threatenings and
+slaughter. When this man’s courage would falter, under the earnest
+appeals of wives and mothers, the bar-room loungers would jeer and
+offer insult, to break the force of their words. They found there not
+only opposition, but an atmosphere of corruption and vice, and real
+danger, but they did not falter. On visiting the place again, they
+found two gray-headed old men, both of whom had held the highest office
+in the gift of their fellow-townsmen, one of them the pseudo revenue
+officer before mentioned. They were just in the act of drinking at
+the bar as they entered. No words can do justice to the scene. They
+knew that the women were on the alert for evidence to convict the
+liquor-seller, and they might be used to convict the man they were
+laboring so hard to sustain. They tried to hide themselves behind each
+other, or behind the stove, or anything that promised to protect them
+from view, the little band of determined women being between them and
+the door.
+
+Having secured sufficient evidence they determined to prosecute the
+German dealer. They called upon the temperance men to subscribe each
+a small amount, but with one accord they all began to make excuse,
+except two; the merchant pleaded that he had no shutters to his store
+front; the doctor thought it would hurt his practice; the politician
+feared loss of votes; the farmer dreaded a girdled orchard, and it was
+only after long marching and much pleading that $10 was secured to fee
+an able lawyer, who undertook this case for that. The day of trial
+arrived. They went in force to an adjoining town, where the case was to
+be tried before an honorable temperance justice of the peace.
+
+Their witnesses nearly all disappointed them; some, they had reason
+to believe, perjured themselves. The jury retired at nine P. M. One,
+two, three hours passed away, and no verdict. But just as the hands of
+the clock in the county school-house, where the trial took place on
+this Saturday night, pointed five minutes to twelve, the jury appeared
+and announced, amid the most solemn stillness, the verdict, “Guilty.”
+The justice, with an eye on the clock, pronounced the sentence--a
+fine, or imprisonment till the fine was paid. With happy hearts they
+started for their homes, feeling that victory was about to crown their
+efforts. But the authorities did not enforce the collection of the
+fine, and the drinking, gambling, and Sunday desecration continued.
+Again they arrested him for keeping his saloon open on the Sabbath. He
+was tried before a resident justice, a professing Christian. The man
+pleaded guilty, and was fined only five dollars. He was delighted, and
+exultingly paid his fine. Again they arrested him for allowing minors
+to gamble in his house. He was tried before another justice, a man
+who had said he would sacrifice five hundred dollars, and move away,
+if that very house was not closed. The dealer pleaded guilty, and was
+fined three dollars. The man laughingly declared he could well afford
+that, as the previous Sunday he had made from his gaming table thirty
+dollars.
+
+The women were now thoroughly convinced that the men who had so
+loudly talked temperance could not be depended upon. The town board
+had promised to stand by the ladies in their efforts to suppress the
+illegal traffic; but in the first case the fine was not collected, and
+in the other two they were too small to be felt, although imposed
+for grave offences. The next Sabbath the passers-by, on their way to
+church, were pained, as usual, by the open doors, sounds of dice,
+card-playing, and swearing, as though it were all perfectly legitimate.
+As the traffic was sustained by the officers of the law, the ladies
+deemed it unwise to continue the legal work.
+
+During all this time the vile spirit of rum manifested itself in
+lawlessness and deeds of violence. One of the workers was the wife of
+a merchant, who was moving his building from one lot to another. The
+whiskey party gathered near the place; rum flowed as free as water, and
+a fight occurred that beggars description. Infuriated with the vile
+stuff, they seized sticks and clubs, and struck friend and foe alike.
+Women and children rushed to the rescue, and then fled in terror from
+the scene. One mother, who recognized her son among the combatants,
+was with difficulty restrained from going to his rescue. His young
+wife, regardless of the fast-falling blows, rushed to his aid, and the
+poor, beaten wretch, unworthy of so much womanly sympathy, was finally
+saved from what might have been a fearful death. The merchant received
+friendly warning that his building was in danger of being fired. On the
+night of the 3d of July, the whiskey party placed three anvils within
+eight feet of the glass front of this man’s store, and loaded them
+with gunpowder, and fired them, knowing at the time that the husband
+was absent, and that the wife, with her three little children, one an
+infant, was in the house alone. The yell of disappointed rage that
+broke from them as the smoke cleared away, and they found that not
+one of the large lights was broken, made night hideous. About an hour
+later, one man, more noisy than discreet, shouted, in drunken tones,
+“Let’s fire the blind man’s store!” The object of their fiendish malice
+was totally blind, and had been brought up amongst them from childhood,
+and was every way worthy of their respect, his only fault being earnest
+devotion to the cause of temperance. Failing to otherwise injure his
+building, they defaced it by writing, during the night, offensive
+epithets in large letters. On one occasion they bought a keg of beer,
+and built a bonfire in front of his house, and with orgies that would
+have graced pandemonium, drank it to the dregs.
+
+A large stone was thrown through the window of a sleeping-room in the
+house of another member of the Union with such force as to break the
+plastering on the opposite side of the room, and greatly endanger the
+sleepers. Two of these disturbers of the peace reaped their reward
+within a short time. Leaving the tavern intoxicated one dark night,
+one journeyed north, the other south, on the railroad track. One fell
+through the bridge into the dark river below, and his body lay there a
+week before it was known what had become of him. The other was found
+the next morning in a culvert, a mangled corpse, by his own daughter,
+who had been sent by the anxious wife and mother, after a night of
+sleepless anxiety, to search for him.
+
+And still the wives and mothers weep, and watch, and pray, for still
+the fearful work of ruin goes on. The ladies attribute their failure
+to the cowardice and instability of the temperance men, who have made
+their village a reproach and a by-word in the land.
+
+
+PORTLAND, MICHIGAN.
+
+On March 30th, 1874, a citizens’ temperance convention was held at
+Bower’s Hall, presided over by Dr. M. B. Beers. At this meeting Rev.
+A. March, Presbyterian, suggested that the ladies should assist in
+forwarding the cause of temperance. They needed no second invitation.
+A meeting was held the next morning, and the town districted and
+canvassed for names to the several pledges.
+
+April 2d, 1874, a lawsuit against a saloonist for unlawful sale of
+liquors was instituted by the village board. The ladies attended the
+trial. Defendant was convicted and fined $25. When the decision was
+announced, the ladies sang “Glory Hallelujah,” and the criminal joined
+in the chorus. The saloons, hotels, drug stores, and all places where
+liquors were sold, were visited. The front doors of the saloons were
+locked, dealers absent, business seemed to be closed. The man, who was
+tried and fined $25, afterwards gave up the business and signed the
+pledge.
+
+April 14th, 1874, out of a population of fifteen hundred, eight hundred
+had enrolled their names on the pledge. The five saloons in active
+operation at the beginning of the Crusade were all closed; hard cider
+banished from the restaurants, and the druggists pledged to sell only
+for mechanical and medicinal purposes. The women thanked God and took
+courage. Liquors were reshipped or sold by the sheriff. Only one of
+all the saloonists visited talked defiantly and insultingly. He was
+promptly arrested and dragged before Justice A. J. Southard, there to
+answer for his misdemeanor. All his courage forsook him, and under the
+pretence of seeking a witness in the hall, he left the court-room,
+dashed down the steps, and away, and was lost to the court and the
+town. The next day two of the ladies, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Showman, took
+the train in which he was making good his escape. In great terror, he
+thought of jumping from the cars, but was restrained by a friend. He is
+now honestly laboring in an adjoining town for a livelihood.
+
+The effect, however, of the tax law was to revive the hopes of the
+liquor party, and make it more difficult to resist the tide of evil.
+But these noble women are holding the fort, and hopefully persevering
+in their labors for universal sobriety.
+
+ HATTIE E. S. COLE,
+ Chairman of Committee on History of Woman’s
+ Temperance Crusade.
+
+
+HOWELL, MICHIGAN.
+
+A society was organized at this place, April, 1874. Saloon visitations
+followed. At first every door was closed against the women, and
+meetings were held on the sidewalks. No indignities were offered to
+the ladies except at the hotel of Mr. Johnson, but he was arrested
+and taken to prison. After this, the saloon doors were opened, and we
+held meetings in the saloons for ten days, when all the saloon-keepers
+agreed to close. The ladies were bound to believe these promises, but
+every art that wicked men could devise was resorted to, to carry on
+the traffic secretly. When interrogated in regard to the reports, they
+would invariably deny that they were selling. A committee was appointed
+to obtain evidence, and at the session of the grand jury, June, 1874,
+over one hundred witnesses were sworn, and testified to having drank at
+the saloons after the promise was given to the ladies to quit selling.
+Every saloon-keeper in the village was indicted. They were required
+to give bail, and there it ended. A number of suits for violation of
+the law were held before a justice of the peace, E. B. Gregory. All
+were lost by the disagreement of the jury, except one. The board of
+supervisors withheld the fees of Squire Gregory, because he was a
+temperance man.
+
+All hopes of accomplishing anything in this direction were cut off.
+The ladies, though defeated in human courts, were as determined as
+ever. Tracts were written and printed, and distributed throughout the
+town and county. Temperance prayer-meetings and mass-meetings were
+held, a children’s organization was formed, and petitions and pledges
+circulated, and still they work on and pray on, and victory is crowning
+their efforts.
+
+ Mrs. R. V. HUNTINGTON,
+ Mrs. H. G. W. FRY,
+ Mrs. S. T. LYON.
+
+
+ALLEGAN, MICHIGAN.
+
+The ladies began in this town, February 19th, 1874, by sending a
+postal card to each of the saloon proprietors, urging them in the
+name of law and order to cease their illegal traffic, assuring them
+that if they did not do so, more decided measures would be taken. The
+town was canvassed for workers, and on Wednesday morning, March 4th,
+a consecration meeting was held at the Presbyterian Church. From the
+church they marched to Cook’s saloon, and finding the door closed, they
+held their prayer-meeting in the street, singing as their battle-song,
+“We’re listed in the holy war, battling for the Lord;” and, “I’m glad
+I’m in this army.” From thence the band proceeded to H. S. Strong’s
+saloon. Above the door was a black placard bearing the words, “Closed
+for Prayers.” The ladies were admitted, and treated with deference.
+All the saloons were visited. At the close of the week there were two
+less saloons. Another man returned his stock of liquors, and engaged in
+other business. The proprietor of the City Hotel, being notified by the
+owner of the building to cease the sale of liquors, stated that he had
+decided to keep a temperance house. A German saloon-keeper was visited:
+he was very uncivil and abusive, and went on with the sale of liquor
+in their presence. The ladies entered complaint before Justice Babbit,
+and by his own admission he was convicted as a common seller, and fined
+fifty dollars and costs. Other suits followed, seven of them damage
+suits for large amounts. In the meantime the Crusade band continued to
+visit saloons, and hold religious exercises, and by the fourth week the
+saloons were virtually closed. A petition was presented to the common
+council for a prohibitory law, but the council dallied, deferring
+action from week to week; a committee of ladies waited upon them
+with a petition, signed by two hundred of the best citizens, urging
+prompt action, but when action was taken, it was adverse. This gave
+great encouragement to the liquor-dealers. Strong, who had temporarily
+abandoned the business, rented a building, and flaunted from an upper
+window the American flag dishonored by the black token of defiance.
+The ladies visited him, but as he expressed a determination to go on
+with his business, they purchased some of his liquors, and held him to
+trial before Judge Babbit, but being defeated they carried it up to
+the Circuit Court. Strong paid his fine without trial. In a short time
+twelve other dealers reopened their saloons. They were so cautious in
+the beginning, that it was difficult to obtain evidence; but in a short
+time the ladies commenced suit against all in the business; some were
+gained, others lost, or the jury disagreed.
+
+Through all the discouraging circumstances they still maintain their
+work, and pray and wait for victory.
+
+M. T. McMartin, Secretary, prepared the report from which I have
+gleaned this.
+
+
+IONIA, MICHIGAN.
+
+A meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church, the 15th March. At
+this meeting it was affirmed that there were one hundred men ready
+to sustain the cause, but when their zeal was put to a test it was
+found there was scarcely one who was true. The ladies organized and
+visited the saloons; some of the saloon-keepers were moved to tears,
+and expressed a regret that they were in the business. One dealer,
+when they asked the privilege of praying in his saloon, said: “If
+there is any of you without sin, let her pray.” The ladies, feeling
+that they were in the right, did not hesitate to offer prayer. One
+prominent wholesale dealer said, that if there were thirty business
+men in the city who desired that he should close his saloon, he would
+comply; others made the same promise; _the thirty men, however, could
+not be found_. The ladies then petitioned the common council: _their
+petition was laid on the table_. Undismayed the ladies then went out
+into the saloons, and forbade the sale of liquor after the 1st of May,
+which so intimidated the dealers, that no liquor was sold publicly for
+several weeks. During the time, agents from liquor-houses visited the
+city, but were unable to sell a single barrel for three months. One of
+these agents offered a prominent lawyer $1,000 if he would desert the
+cause of the ladies, and come out in favor of the saloonists, which,
+be it said to his honor, he steadily refused to do. While liquors
+were not sold publicly, the ladies were confident that it was sold
+with closed doors. They decided to employ a detective; Mr. Willlngton
+C. Page offered his home as head-quarters of this official, and when
+suits were brought against the saloonists, such an excitement was
+created, that Mr. Page was obliged almost to risk his life in behalf
+of the detective. The detective proved to be a failure, which greatly
+discouraged the ladies in their active work; yet their prayer-meetings
+and efforts are kept up, and the subject is kept before the people.
+Three of the saloon-keepers have gone to try the realities of another
+world; two have sold out, and two have abandoned the business.
+
+
+HUDSON, MICHIGAN.
+
+During the excitement caused by the Crusade in Ohio, the women of
+Hudson became interested in the temperance movement, and some time
+in February, 1874, formed a society known as “The Ladies’ Temperance
+Union.”
+
+The object of this society was to develop a better public sentiment,
+and by directing attention to the great evils of intemperance to
+promote the cause of temperance.
+
+About one hundred ladies joined the Union, and worked ardently.
+
+The pastors of the different churches gave their support, and did all
+in their power to help on the good cause. It was soon discovered,
+however, that there was an element of conservatism manifesting itself,
+and many of the workers were influenced by it, and fell away. But there
+was a faithful few, who, believing that this work was not of _man_, but
+of God, worked right on.
+
+The town was canvassed for signers to the pledge. They met with much
+opposition; but about seven hundred signers were secured.
+
+On election day the ladies visited the saloon-keepers, and urged them
+to close their saloons. Some of them did as the ladies requested; but
+when they refused, pickets were left on watch, so that if any did
+drink they would have to do so in the presence of the ladies. At one
+place they were ordered by the proprietor to leave, who gave them just
+three minutes in which to do so. But one little woman, with a good
+stock of moral courage, refused to leave, maintaining that it was a
+place of public resort, and that if her husband and brothers could come
+and stay there, so could she, and she would do so.
+
+Several saloons closed; but one place where they promised to close,
+but did not, the ladies went on picket duty. The proprietor sent out
+for a lot of rowdies, and offered segars free to all who would smoke.
+They smoked until the people outside thought the place was on fire. The
+ladies were asked to leave, but declined to do so unless the saloon was
+closed. Finally, when the men could stand it no longer, the saloon was
+closed.
+
+The ladies entered suit against a saloon-keeper for selling to a
+young man contrary to the prohibition law, and won the suit; the
+saloon-keeper having to pay the fine and costs.
+
+The ladies did not do much saloon visiting, but have quietly worked on
+in whatever way they felt that the Lord called them.
+
+Nearly all owners of real estate signed a pledge not to rent their
+property to be used for the purpose of selling intoxicating liquors.
+One saloon-keeper, on going to pay his rent, and renew his lease, to
+his disgust, found that his landlord had signed the woman’s pledge, and
+could not let him have it. A lawsuit ensued, but the saloon-keeper was
+ejected, and the room thoroughly cleaned and repainted, and the first
+use made of it was for a strawberry festival given by the ladies of the
+Union.
+
+There is a better temperance sentiment here than when the Union was
+organized. The temperance workers are watching and praying for a day
+when the friends of temperance can praise the Lord who giveth the
+victory to those who trust in His almighty power.
+
+
+MORENCI, MICHIGAN.
+
+March 18th, 1874, the ladies organized a Woman’s Temperance Union,
+with their membership numbering thirty-seven, which was subsequently
+increased to over one hundred. After some preliminary work, they began
+to visit the saloons, but the proprietors all refused to sign the
+pledge. These visits to the saloons continued till March 28th, when
+three of the principal dealers signed the dealers’ pledge. There was
+great joy and thanksgiving over this. The next day being Sabbath,
+a praise meeting was held. In the midst of the praise meeting, a
+gentleman arose and said that he had been informed, that in violation
+of their pledges, in less than ten minutes after they left, the
+dealers were selling. One of them was present, and was appealed to.
+He personally denied it, and said that he would rather beg than sell
+intoxicating drink; but afterwards they proved this man guilty of
+selling in violation of his pledge.
+
+The dealers were prosecuted, but the work was greatly hindered by
+unfaithful officers. The women are looking to God, and with strong
+cries and tears are pleading for the overthrow of this traffic.
+
+ Mrs. E. G. DAY.
+
+
+FLINT, MICHIGAN.
+
+A young lady in this city who had consecrated herself to the Foreign
+Missionary work, and was very much beloved for the purity of her life
+and her Christian zeal, coming out of the church one night, just before
+she left for heathen lands, a man addicted to drink accosted her
+and gave her ten dollars. She with others commenced praying for his
+conversion, and shortly afterwards he went to the pastor of one of the
+churches, and with deep emotion asked, “What shall I do to be saved?”
+He was saved, and the church was stirred with interest for others.
+Still no one thought of organizing for the work, until the proprietor
+of the City Hotel sent an invitation for a prayer-meeting to be held in
+his sitting-room. This was regarded as a very peculiar request coming
+from him; the house was considered the lowest place in town--a whiskey
+den. His wife was a Roman Catholic. A lady volunteered to go and see
+if he was in earnest; she found that the invitation was given in good
+faith, and that the wife concurred; an appointment was made for the
+next morning, but when the ladies went to hold the meeting, none but
+ladies were there, and the proprietor could not be persuaded to enter
+the room. Out of this movement grew the Crusade.
+
+A meeting was called, a society organized, and the ladies held a series
+of mass-meetings in the Presbyterian Church for about a week; but on
+Saturday night following these gospel mass-meetings, the church was
+fired by the hand of an incendiary. The people were astonished and
+indignant; they decided at once to commence the Crusade. Their first
+visit was to the saloon where they had held the prayer-meeting, but
+they were not admitted. They went from saloon to saloon day after day,
+until whiskey-selling and whiskey-drinking were exceedingly unpopular
+in Flint. Mrs. C. Morrison bought the stock of liquors of one man who
+was willing to sell out, breaking the first bottle herself. As the
+liquors were emptied into the gutter, a poor, bloated wretch, scooping
+the dirty stuff in his hands, drank it, utterly regardless of the filth
+it had passed through. Some one told Mrs. Morrison she had “paid too
+much for that liquor.” Looking him earnestly in the face, she replied,
+with great composure, “I know that, sir; I should have been cheated if
+I had only paid twenty-five cents.”
+
+One dealer turned his saloon into a temperance restaurant, but was
+still greatly influenced by the liquor-dealers. Prosecutions were
+commenced, but efforts in that direction were found to be useless. The
+ladies are praying and waiting, hopefully, patiently, for the coming
+victory.
+
+ Mrs. E. CLARK, Secretary.
+
+
+LESLIE, MICHIGAN.
+
+The women of this town, aided and encouraged by the pastors of the
+several churches, organized April 1st, 1874. A canvass of the town was
+made for pledges. A petition, largely signed by the citizens, asking
+for a prohibitory ordinance, was presented to the city council by a
+committee of eighteen ladies. It was graciously received, but never
+acted upon.
+
+April 23d, the ladies commenced saloon visitations. Their first visit
+was to Daniel Mitchell’s, who refused admittance, but conducted them
+to his hotel; so their first meeting was held in the Allen House.
+Other saloons were visited during the day. On the 25th, they went
+from the prayer-meeting with the purpose to visit every saloon. At
+the Metropolitan saloon, Mr. Mitchell himself rudely helped each lady
+out of his saloon, but they continued in prayer on the pavement,
+unconscious of the jeering, mocking crowd gathered about them. To
+the eye of faith, to-day, as in Joshua’s time, giants become as
+grasshoppers. At the second saloon, they were reluctantly admitted, and
+allowed to hold their services without violence.
+
+At one hotel, McDaniels, the proprietor, ordered the ladies from his
+waiting-room into the parlor, and did not hesitate to push them over
+some who were already kneeling in prayer. At a drug store where liquor
+was sold in all quantities, the ladies were refused the privilege of
+prayer. Of course the devil was very much insulted, and raged and
+foamed, because his business was interfered with; but the grace of God
+was sufficient for His workers. That evening Mr. Brown, the proprietor
+of the best hotel in the town, sent in a notice, to be read in the
+church, that he had closed his bar. The large audience arose and sang,
+with the Spirit,
+
+ “All hail the power of Jesus’ name.”
+On Monday evening, April 27th, every bar was closed, and
+with joyful hearts the workers gave to their God all the glory; for
+the same power that stopped the mouths of lions closed these gates of
+death. But in the midst of victory and thanksgiving, one of our leaders
+and counsellors suddenly became fearful, and full of sympathy for the
+rum-sellers. He feared a mistake had been made on the part of the women
+in not waiting for the rum-sellers to become converted. So he began to
+prophesy that the work would not last, which comforted and encouraged
+the enemy, and brought sorrow and trouble to the friends of temperance.
+But only one saloon continues to sell, and they are laboring and
+praying for its overthrow, and they expect that saloon will be closed,
+if not through the mercies, by the judgments, of God.
+
+ Mrs. HENRIETTA TAYLOR, President.
+ Mrs. PHEBE EARL, Secretary.
+
+
+DOWAGIAC, MICHIGAN.
+
+The work began in this town in the spring of 1874. An organization
+was effected April 24th of the same year. Mass-meetings were held in
+several churches alternately; liquor-dealers were visited, and urged to
+abandon their disreputable business, but with no results. Finally the
+prosecution of liquor-dealers under the prohibitory law was determined
+upon. Ninety-eight temperance men came forward and pledged their
+influence in the movement. A committee of gentlemen was appointed to
+assist the ladies in securing information to convict the law-breakers.
+The prosecuting committee worked with great zeal, but were constantly
+embarrassed, and often thwarted, their persons and property being in
+danger from the cowardly and malicious attacks from the rum-seller and
+the band of ruffians and robbers who stood ready to do his bidding. As
+vigilant and zealous as were these prosecutors, they were more than
+matched by the whiskey-sellers. A rumor was started that the taxes of
+the county would be largely increased by these trials, with a view of
+alarming tax-payers. The following figures from the official records
+will show how baseless this assertion was. The fines and collections
+secured through the Crusade were $803.85; while the costs to the county
+were only $148.02; leaving a balance, $655.83. Thus it will be seen
+that the experiment of enforcing the prohibitory law was not a failure.
+No less than five of those who were selling, when the work began, had
+been effectually closed up, while the others were forced to transfer
+their business to prevent action that would take them to the county
+jail.
+
+The passage of the tax law, which was equivalent to the repeal of
+the prohibitory law, again gave the rum-sellers hope, and once more
+the front doors were thrown open, and the work of death carried on
+publicly. But the women are earnest and hopeful, and are longing and
+waiting for the time when a great people in their wrath shall decree
+the overthrow of rum.
+
+ Mrs. SARAH M. FARR, Secretary.
+
+
+COLON, MICHIGAN.
+
+The ladies of this place went into the Crusade work with heart and
+hope, being well backed up by the men, who promised to furnish money
+for prosecutions, and to protect them from insult.
+
+One instance is worthy of notice. It was town-meeting day, and three
+ladies were sent to the hotel to try to get signatures to the pledge,
+and to persuade those who came in not to drink. Their presence very
+much incensed the proprietor, who sent out for segars and offered
+them free to all who would smoke with him. A number of half-drunken,
+low fellows, complied with his request, and soon the room was dense
+with smoke, but the ladies paid no attention to it. Cayenne pepper
+was then put upon the stove, and, finally, asafœtida. The men coughed
+and sneezed, and had to rush out in self-defence, but strange to say,
+not one lady either coughed or sneezed the whole five hours they were
+confined in the room.
+
+They have succeeded in elevating public sentiment, and know that they
+have effected permanent good in their town.
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+The work of the Crusade was carried forward with more or less success
+in the following towns: Tecumseh, Rockford, Rollin, Clinton, Ann Arbor,
+Hillsdale, Olivet, Mason, White Pigeon, Whitehall, Big Rapids, and Hart.
+
+During the year 1877 Dr. Reynolds labored in Michigan. The work began
+at Adrian, the home of Mrs. Geddes, Vice-President of the National
+Union, who aided greatly in securing its success. Tens of thousands of
+men of all classes signed the pledge and donned the red ribbon. Reform
+Clubs were organized in nearly every town, and such was the enthusiasm
+that followed, and so thoroughly aroused were the masses of the people,
+that the Legislature of the State passed a concurrent resolution, by a
+unanimous vote, thanking Dr. Reynolds for the services he had rendered
+the State, in emptying the jails and almshouses, and in lessening crime
+and disorder. Many of the men who fought against the Crusade, and
+helped to sustain the liquor-dealers, are now pledged temperance men.
+
+Mrs. J. M. Geddes reports nearly two hundred Reform Clubs, with a
+constituency of a hundred thousand; public sentiment strongly on the
+side of temperance; pulpit and press favorable; churches and ministers
+co-operating; unfermented wine almost universally in use; temperance
+societies in a flourishing condition; and reading-rooms connected with
+most of the Reform Clubs.
+
+
+
+
+WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+WISCONSIN.
+
+MRS. S. J. STEELE, Vice-President of the National Union, says:
+
+By the persistent aid of the women of our societies in some localities,
+the voters have been able to elect non-license boards, and there is a
+growing sentiment throughout the State in favor of such legislation.
+The cause has been presented before the State S. S. Convention,
+Congregational Association and State Christian Assembly at Geneva Lake.
+The tone of the press is improving, and churches are more pronounced in
+their advocacy of active temperance work. Five temperance reading-rooms
+are connected with as many Unions, and at Racine a self-supporting
+lunch-room is added; and a boys’ reading-room, which is well patronized
+by the class for whom it is designed.
+
+
+RIPON, WISCONSIN.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. C. B. Woodward, and the Ripon papers, for the
+following facts:
+
+Ripon is a bright little city of about four thousand inhabitants.
+Being the seat of Ripon College, many cultured families had settled
+here to avail themselves of the unsurpassed educational facilities
+afforded by this institution, which, in addition to the usual
+endowments, has an observatory, a fine telescope, and an astronomical
+clock. Like other Western cities, there is a large German element. In
+common with other towns, the blight of the liquor traffic is found here.
+
+Feeling the bitterness of this curse, Christian women had watched the
+progress of the Ohio Crusade with mingled emotions of fear and hope,
+and while it gathered volume and strength, felt that they could never
+engage in a work so unwomanly. Yet conscience whispered, “If God makes
+that work your duty, you will not refuse.”
+
+The ladies responded to a call for a meeting, and preliminary steps
+were taken for the formation of a society. Other meetings resulted
+in the organization of the Ripon Woman’s Temperance League, Mrs. E.
+H. Merrill, of Ripon College, being President. At one of the first
+meetings an invitation from a saloonist was received, for the ladies to
+hold a meeting in his saloon. Volunteers were called for. All honor to
+those who first stepped into the then untried waters, namely, Mesdames
+Harris, Strong, Wirt, Sherman, Jones, Cunningham, and Miss McAssey and
+Miss Chittenden. They went out, as they go who offer sacrifice, and
+those who remained knelt in solemn awe and implored God to protect and
+bless these their sisters. The meeting was successful, for surely the
+presence of the Lord was with us.
+
+Invitations from other saloons were responded to, and the praying
+band increased in numbers, until it counted forty, seventy-five, and
+one hundred. Mrs. Wirt, Mrs. Merrill, and Mrs. Smith were appointed
+leaders. A room on the street was provided, from which, after an hour
+of prayer, the band would issue, two and two, receiving the salutations
+of the brethren who had assembled to pray during their absence,
+and await their return, bringing with them a multitude that always
+followed. Then an hour or more would be spent in singing, prayer, and
+appeal, mostly by the women, who soon found that upon them God had laid
+this work.
+
+Often, the very women who had declared that they could not go to the
+saloons would be seen marching with the band, and kneeling in a saloon.
+Women who had never even tried to speak or pray outside of their own
+homes were moving rough men to tears with words of tender eloquence.
+Every afternoon the city was thronged by eager, wondering crowds; and
+many wept as the consecrated ones passed by, with calm purpose and
+measured tread.
+
+A report for a Milwaukie paper says, March 30th:
+
+“Ripon seems likely to vindicate a claim to be the leader in the
+temperance war in Wisconsin, being the theatre of the first organized
+effort in this State to quell intemperance by what is known as ‘the
+woman’s movement.’ Besides the eagerness everywhere apparent to read
+the latest published accounts, private letters are received from all
+quarters, asking for information on all points.
+
+“It is but justice to the ladies to say, that no woman has violated
+any propriety, on account of which she need, on mature reflection, to
+be ashamed. The saloons, during the meetings, have been crowded with
+rough and unfortunate men, but the ladies have uniformly commanded
+their attention, the larger part of the meetings being given to little
+temperance addresses. During these appeals the attention has been
+absolute, the stillness profound, and eyes that rarely weep have been
+filled with tears.
+
+“A band of ladies kneeling on the street, praying Heaven that the
+venders of liquor would quit their business, while not more than a
+hundred feet from them, on the other side of the street, a crowd of
+excited men are ‘devising ways of baffling the traffic at the polls,’
+is a sight, the like of which few have seen.
+
+“To see these same women enter an underground room, filled with men of
+low desires and aspirations, and with song, prayer, and pleading, in a
+few minutes reduce them to the state of teachable children, standing
+waiting for orders, with their hats under their arms, is a lesson well
+worth the learning. These things are seen here, and a hundred others,
+that no one can tell with the force they carry to the eye. To some,
+these things wear the aspect of sublimity; to others, of fanaticism and
+bigotry. This gentleness and persuasiveness of appeal has re-enacted a
+scene memorable of old: ‘The poor have the gospel preached to them.’
+This one result has probably paid for all the cost thus far. The most
+persuasive and gentle preaching has reached the rudest ears, and if
+some are not reformed, it is safe to say that others will be better
+men for the rest of their lives.”
+
+But some have been reformed, and some converted.
+
+“Another patent result is the effect on public sentiment. Men are
+taking sides in a way to suggest the force of the old Washingtonian
+revival; and many that were before half-and-half on the subject, now
+chivalrously and openly declare for the cause of the ladies. And this
+avowed sentiment is now focussed on the saloons and their incorrigible
+supporters, in such a way as to deal most stinging rebuke. It is known
+that the sample gentlemen are deeply troubled, some of them ashamed,
+and would doubtless quit the business, if they did not hope this storm
+would soon blow over.”
+
+Many young men, and old ones too, feared to enter a saloon, lest two or
+three ladies might call and find them there; and one evening a rumor
+that the ladies were going to make the rounds, was sufficient to empty
+every saloon in the city.
+
+“Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Graham expressed ‘a firm determination to trust
+in God and go forward, even if arrested,’ as was then threatened and
+expected. Gentlemen were in full sympathy, ‘and in a few minutes
+pledged $1,080, and any further amount that might be needed to protect
+and defend the sisters.’
+
+“An enormous mass-meeting was held, which, perhaps, was the most
+extraordinary ever held in this section of the State. Addressed by Mrs.
+Tracy, Mrs. Haire, Mrs. Woodward, and Mrs. Cook. President Merriman, of
+Ripon College, dealt out facts and arguments, right and left, with a
+closing appeal to voters, which will not soon be forgotten.”
+
+A petition to the liquor-dealers, signed by nearly six hundred names,
+was presented to them, but in vain. Pledges for business men were
+signed by many. An intemperate man, “who must stop or die,” signed
+this pledge and was saved. Personal pledges were circulated, and young
+ladies fell into line with their pledges. As the city election drew
+near, the excitement increased. Being shut out of the saloons, on the
+plea “that the ladies were ruining the business,” the Crusaders knelt
+on the pavement, using great care about obstructing the way.
+
+One day a German, with consternation depicted on his pale face, and
+with drooping figure, muttered, while a lady was praying before his
+saloon: “What sall I do? If dese vomans keeps comin’ here I must go
+away!” A druggist, who sold liquor covertly, was literally prayed
+out of the city, and retreated in confusion, selling his stock, for
+“those Amazons had ruined his trade, by making him so conspicuous.”
+The meetings increased in interest and solemnity every day, while
+the streets were thronged with people and teams. The liquor traffic
+decreased seventy-five per cent. The mayor sympathized with the work,
+and insured order by the presence of a strong police force, while
+the band was out, although some of the saloonists encouraged men to
+disturb the meetings, and gave liquor to such as wished, without
+charge. One day, finding that a saloonist was encouraging men to jostle
+and incommode those who were kneeling, two ladies stepped into the
+doorway, at his side. “Sir, will you be kind enough to close your
+door?” He continued to open it, to let men in and out, by thrusting his
+hand behind the ladies. “Sir, shall we pass right in?” “No! No! Mein
+house is mein castle. You go not in. You go not too far!”
+
+“Then please keep your door shut.” He carefully obeyed. At another
+time a respectable (?) man urged his horse upon the band as they were
+marching.
+
+The animal broke the carriage in his frantic opposition to the oaths
+and lash of his master. It was said, “an angel” restrained the horse.
+And his owner declared that “those women would not scare ----!” Not a
+breath came quicker, not a foot faltered, or missed step, but on swept
+the consecrated ones, with placid brows, and gentle mien; and quietly
+the voice of singing and prayer was heard before a saloon underneath
+the hotel owned and occupied by this man’s son.
+
+On election day, April 7th, the Crusaders spent the hours of voting, in
+prayer at their room; and in quietly visiting voters and circulating
+tickets. Two of them called on an old man, sick, poor, and intemperate.
+
+They solicited his vote for temperance; a saloonist and satellite
+enters; one lady retires, and the new visitors speak in honeyed words
+to their victim; while engaged in convincing “Josh” of the importance
+of voting for his liberty and his cigar, a carriage appears at the
+door, and the ladies invite “Josh” to ride. The combat becomes warmer
+and warmer; soon another vehicle appears; this has no lady-driver.
+“Josh” must decide; “Josh” reflects; thinks of the life the saloon
+men have led him, and agrees to vote the temperance ticket. The lady
+and “Josh” ride; they arrive at the polls; the poor man is too weak to
+ascend the stairs; but the ballot-box can go down-stairs to “Josh,”
+which it does, and he deposits a temperance ticket; his last work. The
+Crusaders cared for his comfort a few weeks, then followed him to his
+burial.
+
+A large importation of voters defeated the temperance ticket, and
+whiskey was jubilant.
+
+The new council was visited, and addressed by Mesdames Smith, Wirt,
+Jones, Harris, and Haire, petitioning that body to use its power to
+lessen the liquor traffic in the city. Their pleading was in vain;
+inasmuch as the majority of the city fathers favored the use and abuse
+of intoxicants. Neither could the Crusaders hope for protection as
+heretofore.
+
+But undismayed the ladies continued the meetings before the saloons,
+although greeted with bells, gongs, etc., by the now exultant saloon
+men. Threats of arrests and of riots were frequent. An alderman said to
+one, “I don’t like to have you go where we can’t protect you.” “Sir,
+I call upon you as a city officer to protect me: I shall infringe no
+law.” He advocated license.
+
+The point long mooted of placing a watch on saloons was tested, three
+ladies volunteering to sit in one for fifteen minutes, which they did.
+The proprietor led them out one by one, taking the greatest care to do
+so in the most gentle manner.
+
+Patrols, consisting of ten ladies in each, of seven bands, were
+organized for street work. Many amusing incidents enlivened the work,
+which was continued as long as the heat of the summer permitted. Many
+men lost their morning bitters through vigilance of the early morning
+watch. Many baskets were carried, ostensibly for shavings or groceries,
+long before shop or grocery was open. Men who were out often apologized
+for being on the street so early, and saloonists were kept in a state
+of agony, at the loss of their morning trade, and watched the lady
+patrol from every corner. At one saloon a large dog was ordered to
+guard a piece of meat that was laid on the walk. When the two ladies
+walked close by him, he wagged his tail in recognition of the hand that
+caressed him at a saloon meeting; but he bit the next passer-by.
+
+Eggs were dropped from upper windows, but failed to hit. Dirty water
+and sprinklers were got ready, but failed in execution. Threats of
+pitfalls and broken limbs were heard, but no one was injured.
+
+Early in the work pledges of $10 were solicited from ladies, and about
+$700 was obtained, with which a room was rented and furnished for a
+free reading-room. Papers and good popular reading were provided, and
+the library of the Young Men’s Christian Association was loaned to the
+room.
+
+A gospel temperance meeting was instituted in the reading-room, in the
+winter of 1875, and with few interruptions has been continued with
+increased interest until the present time. An open meeting is held
+under the leadership of Mrs. Woodward, with Mrs. Sherman, singer. Young
+Christians who like to “_sing for Jesus_,” kindly assist in vocal and
+instrumental music, winning the attention and presence of many Sabbath
+loungers.
+
+During the last year, a record of requests for prayer, with their
+answers, has been kept. God has honored this record by answering
+seventy-five per cent. of the requests written there. On one occasion
+three men requested the leader to record their conversion, in answer
+to petitions placed there. Mention might be made of men reclaimed
+and converted, of saloons obliterated, and of noisy demonstrations
+silenced; but it is enough to say, that earnest Christians utter the
+prayer of faith, taking God’s promises just as they are given: and they
+find them “yea and amen.”
+
+A Band of Hope was organized in the spring of 1875, which soon numbered
+about 200 members, and is a pleasant and profitable meeting for the
+children.
+
+The Crusade is still moving on, though constantly changing in mode
+of work and action. The principle is active, and, like the woman’s
+“leaven,” will permeate the whole mass of human thought. The
+reading-rooms, the social organizations, the gospel meetings, and bands
+of hope, are all necessary branches of _one noble work_.
+
+Men and women of to-day can never stand where they did three years
+ago. Public sentiment has been and still is fast deepening and
+widening--each day receiving new additions of light and power. The
+growing and alarming necessity of _cleansing_ the fountain, of
+legislating on the great sin and curse of the times, is now freely
+acknowledged.
+
+“The evidences of the Crusade cannot be obliterated.” Its full results
+can never be estimated in earthly numbers, or sketched with mortal pen,
+but must be left to eternity to disclose.
+
+
+MINNESOTA.
+
+Mrs. M. J. Hackett, Vice-President State Woman’s Christian Temperance
+Union, reports:
+
+Local Option prevails in Minnesota. The tone of public sentiment and of
+the press is favorable to temperance.
+
+The Sons of Temperance and Good Templars have organizations in all
+towns of any considerable size. Reform Clubs have been organized during
+the past five months in all the large towns, and there are a few
+Juvenile Temples.
+
+The Woman’s Christian Temperance Unions in the State number 271;
+$1,009.35 have been raised by the local Unions; two temperance
+reading-rooms have been established, and three petitions circulated. In
+the Sunday-school 17,000 children have been pledged.
+
+The main work of the year 1877 has been done through Mr. Thomas N.
+Doutney, brought here by the Women’s Unions. Never before has there
+been such activity in the cause.
+
+In towns settled by Americans there is usually a public sentiment
+in favor of temperance, and in larger towns, since Mr. Doutney’s
+work began, the prevailing feeling inclines toward Prohibition. The
+Sunday-School Temperance League now numbers 17,000, having obtained
+7,000 pledges the past year.
+
+
+IOWA.
+
+Mrs. J. H. Stevens, Vice-President, reports:
+
+Seventy-five auxiliary Unions. The total membership is 2,000.
+
+Seven thousand four hundred and seventy-one have signed the pledge
+since 1876; thirty juvenile organizations have been formed, with over
+3,000 members.
+
+Over $2,000 have been raised by the Unions; $247 paid to the State, $38
+to the National Society. There are twenty Temperance Reading-Rooms, one
+Friendly Inn or Coffee-House.
+
+Mrs. M. J. Aldrich has been employed as State Organizer. The Reform
+Clubs are multiplying. These are doing a grand work--searching saloons
+and emptying whiskey-barrels. They know just where to find and how to
+deal with whiskey.
+
+Petitions have been prepared and circulated widely. Frequent
+conventions and mass-meetings have been held; public conventions by
+reformed men; temperance sermons by the clergy; weekly temperance
+prayer-meetings--all these efforts have been made not without success.
+
+The Conferences of the M. E. Church have been visited, also of the
+United Brethren, the Presbytery, the Congregational State Association,
+the State S. S. Assembly, the State Medical Society, and the State
+Agricultural Society, all with success and encouragement, save the
+last-named.
+
+As a rule, unfermented wine is used in the churches for communion
+purposes. The Good Templars are actively engaged in the work.
+
+Taken all in all, the cause of temperance in Iowa has gained
+twenty-five per cent. since 1876.
+
+The Secretary reports:
+
+A correct record of the results of the Crusade in Iowa must include its
+influence upon the legislation of the State.
+
+The law is nominally prohibitory, but beer and wine of home manufacture
+are exempted from this prohibition. Municipal corporations are,
+however, allowed to regulate or prohibit the sale of these liquors.
+In those sections of the State where the women have been most earnest
+and persistent, there the law has been the most clearly prohibitory,
+and its execution the most thorough. In some instances women in large
+numbers have gone to the courts during the process of suits brought
+under the liquor law. They have sat quiet listeners, while men who were
+sworn to defend the constitution and laws of the State of Iowa have,
+with oily tongue and plausible speech, “justified the wicked for a
+reward.” But judge and jury, by the presence of Christian women, have
+been reminded that they were responsible to the Higher Law, and that a
+day of final reckoning wilt come, in that court from which no appeals
+are taken.
+
+In one instance the women had been instrumental in the prosecution of a
+druggist who was known to sell to minors. They attended the trial in
+large numbers. In order to put them to inconvenience, and to obtain a
+trial before a justice more favorable to the liquor party, the druggist
+took a change of venue to a justice of the peace who held his court in
+a little farm-house some four miles from the county-seat.
+
+Thither, through rain and mud, the women went. During the progress of
+the trial, one witness, hardly more than a boy, denied ever having
+taken a drink at the place in question. A comrade who had drank with
+him, and was astounded at his wilful perjury, sprang to his feet, and
+with livid face and trembling lips exclaimed: “Oh, Charley, how can you
+lie so?”
+
+The scene in that little room, that was _supposed_ to be a court of
+justice, was mockery. Faces paled and hearts stood still, as the
+terrible lengths to which this iniquity will carry its allies appeared.
+But the scene changed in a moment: conscience was silenced--appetite
+and avarice regained the reins.
+
+“The wicked flee when no man pursueth.”
+
+In one little town, where a Woman’s Christian Temperance Union had been
+organized, and in much fear and trembling had held one meeting, the
+whiskey men had nominated an unprincipled man for mayor. Hearing of the
+women’s prayer-meeting, they withdrew the nomination, saying, “We never
+can elect that man if the women are going to work.”
+
+
+MANCHESTER, IOWA.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. J. H. Stevens for the following report of work:
+
+As we met for our monthly missionary meeting the first week in
+January, 1874, a lady presented a paper containing an account of a
+wonderful temperance work just commenced by the women in Hillsboro’,
+Ohio, remarking that she did not know as it would be appropriate for
+the occasion; to which the president replied, “It may aid us to do
+missionary work at home, perhaps as much needed as in heathen lands;”
+and her heart leaped for joy, as in memory she went back thirty years
+to a little hamlet among the Green mountains of Vermont, where she went
+out to solicit aid to clothe some poor children for the Sunday-school.
+Everywhere she met this response: “D., and G., and A. ought to be made
+to clothe them, for they take all the earnings of their fathers for
+_rum_.” In reply she said, “Let us tell them to their faces what we say
+behind their backs: it may do more good.”
+
+We wrote a petition, obtained the names of nearly every woman in the
+place, then carried it to the dealers, and with favorable results.
+
+Some twenty-five years later, she tried to do the same work in
+Manchester, Iowa, her new home; here her heart was pained at the havoc
+whiskey was making in society, especially among the young. She wrote
+petitions to the dealers entreating them to give up their deadly work;
+she asked aid in circulating them, but the ladies all said, “It will do
+_no good_,” and for want of faith the petitions had lain by for five
+years; yet she still trusted that God would, in his own time and way,
+open the way for effectual work to save the poor inebriates who were
+thronging our streets.
+
+And, now, most welcome was the intelligence that women in Ohio had
+dared to declare war with the monster intemperance. We read it with
+deep interest, and decided to present it next day at our Ladies’ Aid
+Society; we did so, and after consultation we agreed to meet in the
+parlors of the M. E. Church, to prepare for action. After organizing,
+one of our first resolutions was, that we would work as Providence
+opened the way, seven days in the week, and fifty-two weeks in the
+year, against this demon.
+
+We prepared a petition to the dealers, praying them to desist from
+their terrible work. A committee was appointed to canvass the town for
+signatures, but just here we were met by this difficulty: can we ask
+the dealers to give up their lucrative business, for which they have
+paid their money into the public treasury, when we are sharing the
+benefit of their ill-gotten gains? We wrote a second petition to the
+city council, imploring them to receive no more _license money_ into
+the public treasury, thereby making us responsible for the crimes we
+had aided them to commit. We obtained one hundred and thirty names
+to this petition, and went _en masse_, about fifty, to the council,
+then in session, and presented it. They were surprised, but treated us
+courteously, referred our petition to a committee, and there it rested.
+
+A committee of eight ladies was appointed about the 1st February, 1874,
+to carry the first petition, containing a long list of names, to the
+dealers, some ten or twelve in number, some of whom gave us hope of
+success and all treated us kindly.
+
+From this time we held daily and weekly prayer-meetings, and
+mass-meetings often, the clergy and most of the Christian men
+co-operating with us, which aroused an opposing element, and frequently
+the battle waxed warm; for while we petitioned, prayed, sung, and
+published in the press, we also prosecuted many for violating the law.
+
+Toward the last of April, 1874, encouraged by the success of others,
+we decided to go _en masse_ to the saloons, petition, sing and pray,
+which we did frequently, until about the middle of May, when nearly all
+of the dealers, who had not unconditionally surrendered, said if the
+suits pending could be withdrawn, or favorably settled, they would quit
+the business. Amicable arrangements were made, and the women sung the
+doxology over their conquests.
+
+But we soon learned that our foe was not to be conquered so easily;
+avarice, appetite and law united to give their power to this dragon.
+The liquor interests outvoted us.
+
+The council agreed to resuscitate the beast with deadly wound, and it
+was not long before it seemed invigorated afresh to plot and execute
+more hellish deeds than ever. This called for faith and patience on
+the part of the workers; some faltered, but a faithful few toiled on,
+believing that if we could not remove the difficulties, perchance we
+might undermine their defences; if we could not close the saloons or
+save the drunkard, we might save the children and youth. Our hearts and
+hands have often been strengthened and encouraged, as we have welcomed
+trophies from the ranks of the enemy.
+
+We have now a flourishing Band of Hope, a lodge of Good Templars, and
+last but not least, a Reform Club, numbering more than one hundred and
+sixty; for all these things we thank the Lord. But we have learned
+by past experience that it is not safe to _stop_ to rejoice over
+victories, while the enemy is still in the field, lest while _we wait,
+they work_, and by-and-by we have no victories to rejoice over.
+
+May we each and all so fully share the Divine anointing, that, through
+our instrumentality, many may yet be saved, and the enemy be forced
+from his last hiding-place, the protection of law.
+
+
+WILTON JUNCTION, IOWA.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. S. B. Rider for the following facts:
+
+When the Crusade movement reached us, a mass-meeting was called, and a
+committee of six ladies appointed as leaders to canvass the town, which
+was under whiskey rule. The town had about 1,600 inhabitants, with five
+saloons in _good running order_.
+
+The question of a petition for an ordinance of prohibition was warmly
+discussed. Public opinion was for license, as far as could be discerned
+by human eye, and having had some experience a year or two previous
+in trying to get a petition before the council, we thought to wait on
+the mayor and other members of the council, asking them if they would
+support such a measure. They finally assured us that if we could get a
+majority of _legal voters within the city limits_, to sign a petition,
+asking that the license ordinance be repealed, a prohibition ordinance
+should be granted.
+
+Resting on the honor (?) of the honorable board, our committee
+thoroughly and carefully canvassed the city, and much to our surprise,
+and greatly to our joy, we found, on comparing the list of the number
+of voters enrolled, that we had a large majority, and these names, in
+nearly every case, had been cheerfully given to the petition.
+
+We carried with us a pledge, which we also presented with the petition,
+receiving many signatures. We visited the saloon-keepers, presenting
+both petition and pledges, which were refused. We asked them if they
+could be induced to give up the business. Some of them promised to
+consider the question, others told us to go home and get dinner for our
+husbands.
+
+When the time arrived for presenting the petition to the mayor and
+council, a party of forty ladies marched double-file to the council
+chamber, followed and supported by a number of our best citizens, as
+well as by many others. We were courteously received by this honorable
+body, and Mrs. I. K. Terry addressed them, presenting the petition
+signed by the voters. Much to their chagrin the council found, after
+investigating every name, a large majority in favor of prohibition.
+“_Sold_,” was plainly depicted on every face, for they had pinned the
+committee down to the small point of legal voters inside the city
+limits, not thinking we would succeed. However, they promised to grant
+the petitions, voting on it while we were present, and then the ladies
+retired.
+
+A few months must yet pass before the licenses already granted would
+expire. So we prayed, worked, and hoped on, only to be insulted by
+three of the licenses being granted the 1st of August.
+
+When we inquired what it meant, the mayor said he could never get
+a quorum when they wanted (?) to discuss the subject. Albeit, the
+recorder, who was the only one who stood by his word, wrote the
+ordinance, signed it, but the mayor always had something else on hand
+when it was presented. An indignation meeting was held, and the board
+were loudly denounced, even by members of their own party, for all the
+voters knew of the promise given to the ladies.
+
+Our vigilance committee was on the alert during the summer, and one of
+our druggists was indicted for selling liquors to minors, but we failed
+to do anything with him.
+
+Hoping to secure a temperance council in the spring of 1875, our ladies
+met in caucus with the gentlemen, nominating such men as we thought
+would work for the welfare of the community.
+
+On election day five brave women held a prayer-meeting in a room above
+the ballot-room, then adjourned to the street to work for their ticket,
+which they did faithfully all day, others joining them. But at night
+the license party had a majority of _one_, and that was afterwards
+confessed to be illegal. But our temperance men did not take interest
+enough to contest the election, so it went by default, and so until
+last spring (1877) we were under whiskey rule.
+
+I must not forget to tell you of an amusing incident that occurred on
+that election day. The leaders of the license party were making every
+effort, buying votes in every imaginable way, while I must say, to the
+disgrace of the temperance men, the women worked _alone_. A wealthy,
+drinking, license man, not knowing the ladies were at the polls,
+undertook to support by his arm, a poor, bruised, and degraded Irishman
+to the polls, walking slowly and confidingly by his side, until within
+a few steps of the window where they cast ballots, when, to his dismay,
+he discovered the ladies in groups, with hands full of tickets,
+handing them out to the voters. He stared in amazement, and all at
+once comprehending the situation of affairs, he dropped the poor man’s
+arm, and suddenly disappeared around a corner, leaving the Irishman
+bewildered on the walk, with not a friend to explain, and with a mind
+too much muddled by drink to carry his ticket to the box. Suffice it to
+say, neither were seen at the polls that day. Quiet reigned about the
+polls all day, and we were treated with the utmost respect.
+
+Last March the license party divided, and so we have a temperance board
+now.
+
+
+VILLISCA, IOWA.
+
+Early in January, 1876, the ladies secured the services of Brother
+Murphy. About five hundred signed the pledge; a Reform Club was
+organized; and, on January 5th, a Woman’s Christian Temperance Union,
+with forty-four members.
+
+We secured a building that had formerly been a saloon, adjoining
+another one; and what had once been the house of midnight revelry was
+now a house of prayer; and over the _same counter_ coffee and lunch
+were given by temperance women, the ladies taking turns in keeping the
+room open evenings.
+
+We remained there until the saloon-keeper’s license had run out, and he
+could not renew, as we had a no license board. Then we secured a more
+eligible place, on the public square.
+
+There was a man led to sign the pledge through the instrumentality of
+our Union, who would not go to hear Mr. Murphy. A few of us went to
+his house, held a little prayer-meeting, after which he and his family
+signed the pledge, and he has kept it; and now the home that was once
+so desolate has many comforts.
+
+We secured the passage of an ordinance removing screens from saloon
+doors and windows; and when that was done the billiard saloon left,
+that had been selling sweet cider.
+
+Our Reform Club is a healthy one, the Woman’s Christian Temperance
+Union and Juvenile Society acting in concert. We have now one thousand
+names to the pledge. Although this year we have a license board
+(secured by illegal votes), yet we hold our ground.
+
+We have one hundred and twelve volumes in the library.
+
+We have raised in money, since organization, near $250. We hope we have
+sown seed that in after years may spring up and bear an hundred-fold.
+Reported by the society.
+
+
+VINTON, IOWA.
+
+I am indebted to M. E. Gaston for the following report of work:
+
+The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized April 17th, 1874.
+The attendance was good, and much interest was manifested for several
+months.
+
+We did not crusade any, but called on persons to desist from renting
+buildings for saloons, and persuaded venders to quit the business.
+
+We canvassed the town with the pledge, and secured many names. There
+were ten saloons in full blast. The prayers offered by our Christian
+men and women were fervent, but still the traffic was carried on in
+defiance of the temperance sentiment.
+
+Our society thought prayers and works combined might mitigate the evils
+surrounding us.
+
+By this time the enthusiasm of the majority had died out, and a small
+number of praying women resolved to enforce the liquor law of our State.
+
+At one drug store the liquor was emptied in the street. Two others we
+prosecuted, but found it impossible to find witnesses or lawyers to
+crown our efforts with success.
+
+The temperance sentiment was gaining ground, and the city council
+ordered a vote to be taken, and by a small majority it was decided not
+to license saloons. One saloon-keeper moved outside the city limits,
+and the balance quit the business. But Satan always finds workers: beer
+clubs were formed to evade the law. We employed counsel to close the
+beer traffic.
+
+At the expiration of the first year, another vote was taken, and
+a large majority again decided against license. Our town of three
+thousand inhabitants had gained a reputation for sobriety and morality
+over any other county-seat in eastern Iowa.
+
+In the meantime, a new city council, after three months of power,
+ordered another vote to be taken, and a majority decided to raise the
+city revenue by licensing the soul-destroying evil to curse us again.
+We all felt this to be unjust, but what could we do?
+
+Three saloons were opened.
+
+We have raised $800 for the prosecution of our work. We have had a
+reading-room open for one year, hoping to save the young men from the
+evil associations of the saloon, and create a higher standard of morals
+in our vicinity.
+
+Our organization still exists, with about twelve earnest, praying
+women, who, with the eye of faith, still look to God and hope for good
+results. God’s promises are sure.
+
+
+CLINTON, IOWA.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. M. B. Young for the following facts:
+
+In the month of October, 1873, the women of Clinton were moved in
+spirit to organize a temperance society, with Mrs. J. E. Foster as
+President, and named it the Woman’s Aid Society for the suppression of
+intemperance.
+
+Our city was cursed by the illegitimate sale of intoxicating drinks,
+and the women thought they could--better than the men, who had their
+business interests--pursue these saloon-keepers with the lash of the
+law. We met weekly, and prayed much, as well as discussed matters
+connected with the work we had taken in hand. During this year, and
+in 1874, we brought charges against several saloon-keepers, and got
+judgment against them. We also held mass-meetings to stir the people,
+and create a temperance sentiment. We attended court while poor,
+distressed wives were trying to get damages out of saloon-keepers for
+selling whiskey contrary to law to their drunken husbands, and in
+nearly every case the saloon-keepers were punished.
+
+About this time we had a committee wait upon the judge, expressing
+desires that the full extent of the law should be meted out to
+offenders. The same committee waited upon the district attorney, urging
+upon him the necessity of seeing that the papers were promptly served
+upon these criminals. Of course all this had the effect of enraging
+saloon-keepers and their sympathizers, who threatened desperate things.
+And indeed about this time our President, Mrs. J. E. Foster, who is a
+lawyer, and was engaged in several of the prosecutions, had her home
+burned down in the night, and she, with her husband and children,
+escaped only with their lives. It was supposed to have been the work of
+an incendiary.
+
+We circulated a petition, which was largely signed by our citizens,
+asking our city council to repeal the license on beer and wines; and
+although our petition was not answered, still it got a respectable
+hearing, and they doubled the license. This was a questionable
+improvement, but it showed that sentiment was rising, and they must
+consider it.
+
+In 1875, our meetings were not so well attended, and our society
+relaxed effort, a good many of the members getting discouraged at not
+making more manifest progress; but a few held on, and in the fall of
+that year they concluded to send for Mr. Murphy. The ladies rallied,
+canvassed the city, carried bills to every house, urging people to
+come out and hear this temperance apostle. The result was, the largest
+hall was filled to overflowing, and hundreds could not get in. He gave
+three lectures, and a wonderful awakening followed. After paying all
+expenses, we had a fund left, with which we opened a reading-room, on
+the 1st of January, 1876. We received donations of books, pictures, and
+some furniture, as well as journals and papers from citizens. During
+winter, we kept it open all day and evening; in the summer, evenings
+only.
+
+In February of this year (1876) we adopted the constitution of the
+Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, and also its name, since which time
+we have been auxiliary to the State Union.
+
+Our system of raising money was by districting the city, and appointing
+collectors to solicit monthly subscriptions for the support of the
+reading-room. This, with an occasional public meeting for its benefit,
+has been sufficient for all purposes.
+
+Mrs. Foster found it necessary, on account of having to be much out of
+town, to resign her position, and Mrs. Brindell took her place.
+
+We keep a pledge-book in the reading-room, in which over 600 names have
+been signed. Some have broken and renewed their pledge, but very many
+have been reclaimed, who prove steadfast.
+
+We have not done much saloon visiting, but we have distributed tracts
+through the saloons, as well as through the city. We also got our Iowa
+temperance law printed, and distributed it, to enlighten the people as
+to what power they already possessed to hold in check the saloon-keeper
+in his heartless work of selling drink to minors and drunkards.
+
+The ministers have greatly encouraged us, by frequently preaching
+temperance from the pulpit, especially before elections. Religious
+service is held every Sabbath in the reading-room. Since we opened the
+reading-room, January, 1876, until August, 1877, we have received in
+money $658.91.
+
+We still meet once a week for prayer and consultation, and once a
+month for business. With all our labor, saloons still thrive, and men
+go down to drunkards’ graves, while “moderate drinkers” hurry in to
+fill the gaps. We intend to labor on, and as the years roll by, the
+temperance public shall learn more and more how to utilize this power,
+and every hand, as well as every heart, shall help to turn the current
+of sentiment in favor of total abstinence. But until then we must watch
+and wait, labor and pray.
+
+
+MISSOURI.
+
+Mrs. Mary M. Clardy, Vice-President, W. N. C. T., reports:
+
+The law of the State is for license, and the press is anti-temperance.
+The attitude of the political parties is also opposed to prohibition
+and temperance legislation.
+
+The churches and clergy seem lukewarm, in their advocacy of active
+work, though during the past few weeks, owing to the presentation of
+the interests of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union before several
+religious bodies, the outlook is more hopeful. In Missouri, as in
+all Southern States, public sentiment is strongly against the public
+work of women, and this is an embarrassing feature in the effort to
+establish Unions throughout the State. During a recent Sunday-School
+Convention, one gentleman having a large supervision of Sunday-school
+interests, laid down the law of the land, that a woman might be allowed
+to teach an infant class in the Sunday-school, but must not speak or
+pray in public.
+
+Still, temperance women are not utterly cast down, but promise hard
+work for God and temperance.
+
+Two friendly inns at St. Louis, not under the care of the Woman’s
+Christian Temperance Union, are well sustained, and prayer-meetings are
+kept up at these places with good attendance and results. Thus far,
+individual effort, alone, has thrown its tiny pebble at the giant,
+Intemperance, but organization is sure to be the outcome.
+
+[Illustration: MRS. MARY C. JOHNSON,
+
+First Recording Secretary Woman’s National Christian Temperance Union.]
+
+
+CARTHAGE, MISSOURI.
+
+The Crusade in Carthage was a success. The rage of the saloon-keepers,
+and the results, moral and political, all indicated it.
+
+For more than ten weeks the good women of that little city, led by
+Mrs. H. R. Miller, wife of the Methodist pastor, carried the battle
+to the enemy’s gate. Almost every evening they held meetings at the
+saloons, singing, praying, reading the Scriptures, sometimes addressing
+the crowds themselves and sometimes securing the services of ministers
+to preach.
+
+They suffered nameless and almost innumerable indignities. At their
+first appearance they were assaulted with tin horns blown in their
+faces, _which horns were bought and paid for by the mayor of the city
+for that purpose_. A saloon-keeper caused fiddling and dancing by
+roughs, while the women sang and prayed before his saloon. Another
+with a force-pump and hose threw water by the barrel on them, while
+they sang and prayed in the street before his establishment. The
+women protected each other as well as they could, some standing over
+the praying woman, and taking the water while she prayed. The storm
+was braved heroically, and they, undismayed, retired. They were also
+assaulted with stones, good and bad eggs, but still they persevered,
+and success attended their work. As they could not be suppressed with
+violence, the mayor and council undertook the work by law. They enacted
+an ordinance forbidding them to pray on the sidewalks, and requiring
+them to go ten feet from the sidewalk into the street. They obeyed;
+sang and kneeled in the mud in the street. But the indignation of the
+citizens at the action of the council caused them to meet together the
+next morning and repeal the ordinance.
+
+Three weeks more passed, and such was the success of the work of
+the women that the council met and passed an ordinance forbidding
+singing, praying and preaching on the street, on any week-day or
+night, without consent of the mayor, under penalty of from twenty to
+one hundred dollars fine for each offence. This the women regarded
+as an act striking down their dearest liberties, and they raised the
+standard of revolt. The same evening of the passage of the ordinance,
+fourteen ladies, accompanied by Revs. Miller, of the M. E. Church, and
+Pendleton, of the Baptist Church, moved to a saloon and sang, after
+which Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Dr. Wilson prayed. They were then arrested
+and marched to the police judge’s office, whither they went, singing:
+
+ “All hail the power of Jesus’ name.”
+
+Their names were taken, and all released to appear next morning for
+trial. They proceeded to the street, moved in front of a saloon,
+commenced singing again, and were immediately arrested. The ladies were
+then tried, but released on a technicality, which also bore on the case
+of the ministers, but was overruled. The indignation of the masses was
+aroused at the base treatment of the women, and the authorities dared
+not fine them in consequence, as they declared their intention to go
+to jail rather than pay a fine. They continued to sing and pray on the
+street. The council repealed the ordinance, and the good work went on.
+It was thought that the county, on a direct issue, could be carried for
+temperance. A powerful temperance sentiment was created by the work of
+these women.
+
+
+
+
+CALIFORNIA
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+The friends of temperance in this State, after a long and earnest
+conflict, secured the passage of a Local Option law by a decided
+majority.
+
+This law provided that on the call of a certain number of voters a
+special election should be held and a vote of the town be taken, for,
+or against license. At several points signal victories had been gained;
+the temperance women of the State giving active aid and sympathy to
+the cause. Sallie Hart, a young lady of San Francisco, of unusual
+ability and irreproachable character, was very active and efficient
+at the temperance meetings and at the polls. Her life was threatened,
+and she was warned to desist or suffer the consequences. But she was
+too heroic to quail before the enemies of her country and her race,
+and in the conflict that followed she came near losing her life. The
+very same class that has for years committed outrages on the Chinese
+would have torn her to pieces if it had not been for the courage and
+untiring efforts of the police, and a brave band of temperance men and
+order-loving citizens.
+
+The first great victory was at Oakland. This city is one of the most
+beautiful places in California. It is situated just across the bay from
+San Francisco, and is embowered in flowers, and shaded with live oaks.
+These beautiful trees are always fresh and green. It had become a city
+of elegant residences, but the beer-trade was ruining it, property was
+depreciating, and the property-owners were almost unanimous in the
+desire to banish the drinking-saloons.
+
+Oakland was the third city of the State. After doing all they could do
+preparatory for the contest, the women went to the polls and worked all
+day. Their methods were novel and taking. They had a large tent, where
+a free lunch was spread. Tea, coffee, and everything that was elegant
+and inviting were provided. Barrels of ice-water were at hand, so that
+no man should have an excuse to go to the drinking-saloon to quench his
+thirst.
+
+Bushels of bouquets were in readiness, and ballots “_Against License_”
+in hand, and all who would accept the ballot got a bouquet and a
+pleasant “Thank you.”
+
+The liquor men were confident that they would have a _large_ majority,
+but the ladies turned the tide, and a victory for temperance was gained.
+
+A grand mass-meeting was held in their tent in the evening, and the
+temperance people and the property-owners of Oakland were jubilant. The
+Saturday following, the ladies went in force to Brooklyn, a neighboring
+town, and aided in gaining another victory. The work went on gloriously
+throughout the State.
+
+Dr. Jewell, of Howard Street M. E. Church, San Francisco, preached a
+stirring sermon from the text: “Rise up, ye women that are at ease,
+hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear to my speech.” Isa.
+xxxii. 9; with a view to arouse the women for work in that city.
+
+On the 2d of July, 1874, an election, under the provisions of the
+Local Option law, was held in the proverbially quiet town of Alameda,
+California.
+
+I gather the following facts from well-authenticated accounts:
+
+“During the day of the election, the place was invaded by an army of
+men from San Francisco, organized in the interests of liquor, who, by
+mob-violence, took possession of the streets and avenues to the polls,
+and committed the most outrageous insults to American citizenship, both
+to men and women, that have ever yet been known in all the history of
+the State.
+
+“From the course pursued by the organized liquor interest in San
+Francisco, under whose auspices the outrages at Alameda seem to have
+been committed, it is evident that the liquor interests of our whole
+country have combined to resist _all_ law, social, moral, and civil,
+whenever and wherever such law interferes with their degrading business.
+
+“The _facts_ of the Alameda outrages ought to be made known to every
+citizen of the State and the country. They show, as nothing else has
+ever shown, the animus and purpose of the ‘whiskey interest.’ Sensible,
+sober people, want to know the truth.”
+
+The _Evening Post_ dared to publish the facts. It has exposed the
+falsehoods so widely circulated, and has denounced the outrage and the
+perpetrators in leading editorials of great force and merit.
+
+
+THE REIGN OF TERROR INAUGURATED.
+
+ _The scene as described in the Chronicle and Post next day._
+
+“Not far from the middle of the day, the train from San Francisco
+arrived and deposited upon the street one hundred and fifty members
+of the San Francisco German Saloon-Keepers’ Society, headed by the
+United States Fourth Artillery Band. Instantly it was seen that there
+was trouble ahead. The delegation was composed mostly of young and
+irresponsible men.
+
+“They at once formed in line, and being joined by as many more already
+in the street, they started for the polling-place to the music of the
+band. When the procession dispersed, a large throng at once crowded
+on the corner near the polling-place. ‘Down with Sallie Hart!’ they
+shouted, and at the same time pressed in around her. Fortunately
+several powerful gentlemen happened to be near her, or she would
+inevitably have been crushed in the excited mass.
+
+“‘Go home, you little red-head!’ ‘Get out of this, and go home!’ was
+the cry. The crowd pressed, and swore, and hooted, and yelled, and
+shrieked. ‘Down with her!’ ‘Drive her off the street!’ ‘Give her a
+kiss; that’s what she wants!’ ‘Don’t let her speak!’ In vain did the
+poor girl cry, ‘For shame, gentlemen!’ In vain did her few friends
+surge, and squeeze, and try to force an opening for retreat. In vain
+did the police shout and brandish their clubs. The crowd only hooted
+and howled their insults all the more. Finally, a narrow passage was
+made, and through it the girl was half-dragged into an adjoining store.”
+
+Thence, after a few moments, she was escorted by a strong cordon of
+police and temperance men to the ladies’ tent. The crowd caught sight
+of her as she left the store, and at once surged and pressed around,
+their yells and gestures increasing each moment in violence. Slowly the
+young lady and her escorts made their way to the tent, unable to resent
+or stop the torrent of vile epithets which assailed them. Once inside,
+Sallie sat down almost exhausted, but the crowd were not satisfied.
+They yelled fiercely, “Take Sallie Hart home or we’ll tear down the
+tent!” “She shan’t stay here!” “Say, you old Gibson; take her home,
+do you mind, or we’ll kill her.” With these remarks, the vast throng
+shook their fists and swore they wouldn’t quit the spot until Sallie
+Hart and every other woman had promised that they would not again show
+their faces. The temperance men, headed by Dr. W. R. Gibbons, Dr.
+Densmore, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Hurlburt, and others, at once took measures
+to protect the tent and the ladies in it from violence. A strong force
+of police was instantly summoned, who drew a rope around the entrance
+and endeavored to keep the excited crowd outside.
+
+One old lady of at least sixty years, with silver-gray hair, splendid
+black eyes, and a commanding figure, ventured out in the belief that
+her age and appearance would command an outward show of respect. She
+took a bundle of No License tickets and a small bouquet, and got as
+far as the street, near the polling-place. The hooting crowd made for
+her and she was surrounded in a twinkling. “Go home, old woman,” they
+shouted; “go home and mend your husband’s breeches!” Then followed a
+series of yells and groans and cat-calls, interspersed with cries of
+“Sour kraut,” “Limberger,” and “Go it, old granny!”
+
+Whenever the old lady would open her lips to speak, she would be
+instantly set upon, and her voice completely drowned. But she held out
+bravely. Mounting a piazza, her great black eyes flashing with the rage
+of a pythoness, she hurled defiance at the jeering crowd and tried to
+shame it into decency. One man filled his cheeks with tobacco-smoke and
+blew it into her face. Another spat on her dress; a third trod on her
+feet, and all pushed and jostled her in a most unmanly way. Finally,
+when some one in the crowd hurled an atrociously obscene epithet at
+her, the old lady burst into tears and shrank away in disgust.
+
+About half-past two o’clock a litter was rigged behind a building,
+a five-gallon demijohn placed on it, and alongside the demijohn was
+laid an effigy of Sallie Hart, dressed in black. In the mouth of the
+demijohn was stuck a stick, from which flew a black flag. The litter
+was lifted to the shoulders of a crowd of men with evergreens in
+their hats. An immense procession was formed, and preceded by the
+band playing the “Dead March in Saul,” it marched back and forth in
+front of the temperance tent, amid the hooting and jeering of the
+multitude. An effort was made at this time to drown the din by singing
+the Hallelujah chorus, but the effort was a lamentable failure. The
+funeral procession marched to a pile of sand near the tent, where, amid
+the waving of hats and hoarse cheers of the throng, the “body” of Miss
+Hart was prepared for interment. The litter was lowered to the ground,
+a hole dug, and then, strict silence being enjoined, Louis Kehlmeyer
+intoned _a burlesque of the Catholic burial “service.”_
+
+The _Evening Post_, on the day after election, contained the following:
+
+The brutal outrages perpetrated by German whiskey men, who went over
+to Alameda yesterday, and insulted, mobbed, and drove off ladies
+who had as much right there as themselves, will arouse a feeling of
+indignation in the heart of every right-thinking American citizen.
+California has always been noted for her chivalry to women, and every
+Californian’s face must burn that such an outrage has been perpetrated
+in a California town. Things have come to a pretty pass when a lot of
+vile brutes who have no respect for womanhood themselves, can publicly
+insult ladies in the grossest manner; compel them, under threats of
+violence, to get out of their way, and openly burlesque the most solemn
+ceremony of a Christian church.
+
+Our laws, and the American sentiment, which is deeper than all laws,
+guarantee to every woman who conducts herself in an orderly and decent
+manner, immunity from insult and outrage. To the American mind there is
+in womanhood a sacred right and essential privilege, recognized even by
+the lowest and most brutal, which gives to every woman exemption from
+insult and outrage. This sentiment the brutal wretches who insulted
+and drove off the ladies at Alameda, yesterday, appeared to have
+defied with deliberate intention. How far the general association of
+liquor-dealers may have been responsible for it we do not know; but the
+German Liquor-Dealers’ Association, which went to Alameda in a body,
+and their fellows on the ground seem to have deliberately made up their
+minds to drive off the ladies by whatever stretch of brutality was
+necessary. One of the Germans had a double-barrelled gun, with which he
+marched in the procession, and several of them had pistols. One lady
+said that a man in the crowd spit upon her, and another that she had
+liquor thrown in her face. Another lady was seated in a buggy when the
+whiskey men marched past her with the black flag, which they placed
+over the grave that held Sallie Hart’s effigy; and one of them shook
+the flag in her face and said, “Death to temperance!”
+
+Judge J. Russell said he had been in California, and had travelled a
+good deal in it, having roamed over the coast in early days, from this
+city to the mouth of the Columbia river, and visited many of the mining
+camps. He had never seen so rough a crowd as was present at Alameda.
+Mr. N. A. Hillyer said the obscenity was frightful.
+
+“I took an old lady by force from the crowd, and put her into the
+barber’s shop for protection. I saw men poke sticks under the old
+lady’s dress and raise her clothes as she stood on a tea-box before the
+mob. I also saw the mob bury Sallie Hart in effigy, and the black flag
+rising above the grave. I heard profanity and obscenity from the mob.
+I have been in all kinds of society, in Catholic and Protestant lands,
+but I never heard anything like the profanity used on that occasion. A
+pistol was drawn on me for remonstrating against license.”
+
+
+STATEMENT OF REV. O. GIBSON, OF SAN FRANCISCO.
+
+At the Alameda election, from morning till night, the air was
+filled with profanity, obscenity, and the most outrageous insults
+to pure American womanhood--not by citizens of Alameda, but by the
+representatives of the “German Liquor-Dealers’ Association,” of San
+Francisco.
+
+From twelve o’clock to three P. M. I remained in front of the
+temperance tent, aiding the friends in efforts to defend the women
+in the tent from being overrun and outraged by the howling mob which
+surrounded and threatened them. At three o’clock I passed, quietly
+and alone, to the office to send a telegram. On coming out of the
+office, I was at once surrounded by a large crowd, who seemed to be
+waiting to take the cars. My presence was the signal for howls, curses,
+and threats, such as: “Gibson, the old rooster, send him home.” “Go
+home, d--n you.” “You don’t vote right.” “We don’t want you here.”
+“We Germans be the most intelligence peoples.” “You Yankees be d--d
+fanatics,” and so on. I did not undertake to discuss the question with
+such a crowd. But they pressed upon me--one man from behind kicked
+me, another struck me, and then an effort was made to push me down. At
+last, the police succeeded in opening the crowd, and I passed out.
+
+The crowd followed, howling, for the distance of one whole block; then
+the police succeeded in getting me into a store, and I passed through
+and escaped out of their hands.
+
+On returning to San Francisco, per four o’clock boat from Oakland,
+attended by five other persons, some of whom had only been to Oakland
+on business, a party of the Alameda rioters followed us in the streets
+of this city, up as far as the post-office, with jeers and cat-calls,
+making such a demonstration as to call many people to the shop doors to
+see what was going on.
+
+Mr. J. N. Webster, in the _Post_, of July 9th, says:
+
+Mr. John Gunn, one of our best and most respected citizens, had his
+coat torn off his back because he dared to advocate the right.
+
+Sallie Hart remained on the field, doing all the good she could, until
+there were _certain signs_ that they intended to kill her, when she was
+taken away.
+
+William F. Kellett, in the _Post_, of July 12th, tells us:
+
+At Alameda, on last Thursday, scenes were enacted which are absolutely
+unparalleled in the history of our elections, and with which the
+opinions of the parties therein had nothing whatever to do. Yet in some
+of the papers not a single word of censure has been uttered, while some
+have actually justified them. That murder was not committed was because
+the threatened did not dare to lift a hand, while other things were
+done which would almost have justified the death of the offender on
+the spot, and which I cannot name, however remotely.
+
+
+AFFIDAVIT OF OFFICER KRAUTH.
+
+I told the reporter about the crowd hooting and yelling, and trying
+to get into the ladies’ tent, and endeavoring to create a disturbance
+all the time, and trying to pick quarrels with the people and police.
+I told him that the rope around the tent was cut seven times, and gave
+him other information of a similar character. From the time the San
+Francisco crowd arrived, there was one continuous scene of disgraceful
+riot, until they left, late in the afternoon. I believe there were two
+trains of cars, with eight cars each, all filled with people, who came
+from San Francisco and Oakland; and we had but fifteen officers to try
+and preserve order. It was impossible to arrest anybody, owing to the
+crowd, and all that we could do was to prevent fighting. I have read
+the report of the occurrences at Alameda on the day of the local option
+election, as published in the _Post_, and it is substantially correct.
+
+ F. K. KRAUTH, JR.
+
+Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 13th day of July, 1874.
+
+ SAMUEL S. MURFEY, Notary Public.
+
+These outrages passed unpunished, and the whole liquor force rallied
+against the Local Option law. They were not willing that majorities
+should rule, but determined to force drink, against the express will
+of the people, upon them, and compel the protesting legal voters and
+tax-payers to submit to a depreciation of the value of their property,
+and support the paupers and criminals, the result of their traffic.
+
+They therefore carried a case to the courts, and obtained a decision,
+that _the Local Option law was unconstitutional_. A wide-spread opinion
+prevailed at the time that the court was corrupted; but there was no
+redress. Nothing was left but to work, and pray, and wait, till the
+public sentiment was strong enough to master the rowdyism of society,
+and hurl from power the officials that truckle to the base demands of
+the liquor oligarchy.
+
+
+OREGON.
+
+I gather the following thrilling facts from a published account by Mrs.
+F. F. Victor:
+
+A meeting was called at the Baptist Church, Tuesday, March 10th, to
+consider the methods used in the Crusade movement. From this time
+on, meetings were held daily, morning, noon, and night. The subject
+of temperance was discussed from every possible standpoint, and,
+after much thoughtfulness and prayer, the ladies decided to visit the
+saloons. The gentlemen organized a society to assist the ladies.
+
+On the 17th of March, a printed appeal was sent to the liquor-dealers,
+copies of which, in large type, were posted around the city. The
+ministers of the town, Revs. Medbury, Baptist, Atkinson and Izer,
+Methodist, and Eaton, Congregationalist, by frequent and stirring
+addresses, and in every possible way, assisted the ladies.
+
+The first visit to saloons was made in small companies, two and two,
+going quietly. In most of the places they were politely treated, Mr.
+Moffett being the exception. Two elderly ladies, mothers in Israel,
+called at his door to leave the dealers’ pledge, when the brutalizing
+influence of the liquor business upon those who sell was conspicuously
+exhibited. When they entered, Mr. Moffett, on the alert, without giving
+them time to announce their errand, seized them each rudely by an arm,
+and thrust them into the street, exclaiming, “Get out of this. I keep a
+respectable house, and don’t want any d--d wh--s here.”
+
+Long and earnest prayers had given these women a preparation which Mr.
+Moffett had not calculated on. Mrs. Reed, one of the two thus insulted,
+turned and looked up over the door to ascertain what sort of a place,
+kept by what sort of a man, this might be, and the name struck her with
+horror.
+
+“Walter Moffett!” she exclaimed. “Can this be Walter Moffett? Why,
+Walter Moffett, I used to know you; and I prayed with your wife for
+your safety, when you were at sea years ago!”
+
+“I don’t want any of your d--d prayers; I want you to get out of this,
+and stay out. That’s all I want of you. I don’t keep a wh--e house.”
+
+If any suppose it does not require an utter consecration to prepare
+pure-minded ladies to encounter such base and ruffianly assaults as
+these, they are in error; for the most patient and persistent laborers
+in this field are meek and quiet Christian women, who have seldom or
+never spoken aloud in their own churches; humble women who have never
+essayed to lead in anything, not even the fashions.
+
+After this quiet canvass, the ladies visited the saloons in force.
+Often the saloons were closed against them, and they were compelled to
+hold their services on the street. This only brought them the larger
+audiences. Often, too, they were assailed by abusive language, and even
+roughly handled. This, too, opened the eyes of many to the brutalizing
+effects of drink, and led them to declare, that if that was what
+whiskey brought men to, they would never drink another drop.
+
+At the Oregon Exchange very often, when a visit from the ladies was
+anticipated, some ridiculous or scandalous performance was gotten
+up, to divert them from their purpose; such as a man fantastically
+dressed, _a la_ negro minstrels, dancing, drinking from a bottle, etc.
+One of the worst places visited was kept by two women. With these the
+ladies felt they must succeed. On their second visit, as the ladies
+approached, one of the women flew in a rage to close the door; the
+other woman objected, and they were admitted. One of them was penitent,
+and listened tearfully to their words, and promised to lead a different
+life.
+
+At one German saloon the proprietor rushed out when he saw the ladies
+coming, and swinging his arms and shaking his fists in the most excited
+manner, exclaimed: “Vot you vant here? You shust go vay! Get off mine
+sidevalk! Vat you come here so mooch, braying and singing, and making
+my license so pig? You shust go vay! I vill not haf it! Vat you vant?
+You make a church of mine house! Ruin mine pizness! No, no, you can do
+dat; you moost come here no more. You shust come here vonce more, you
+vill see vat I vill do mit you! My Piple says you moost not bray on de
+street corners, but you moost bray at home. You go home to bray.”
+
+The band commenced singing a hymn, and the irate German retreated
+into his saloon. As they were passing on, he gazed after them as if
+horror-stricken:
+
+“Vell if dere is not a burty young girl mit dose vimmen! Vot a shame!”
+Probably, he thought, a hurdy-gurdy house a better place for a “burty
+young girl” than “mit dose vimmen.”
+
+At the more respectable houses they were treated with civility, and
+were allowed to hold services in the saloons and the billiard rooms,
+and no drinks were sold during their stay. But from the beginning of
+the Crusade, the opposition of the liquor-dealers, both wholesale and
+retail, was steady and united. Secret meetings were held from time to
+time to consider the most effectual means of combating the growing
+temperance sentiment. The loss of money and the loss of reputation
+was the burden of their complaint. What transpired in these secret
+sessions can only be judged by the plans they adopted publicly. It
+seemed to fall to Mr. Moffett’s share to try the effect of fire,
+water, and noise, in “abating the nuisance of prayer and singing.”
+On one occasion, when the ladies visited the Web Foot saloon, Mr.
+Moffett made such demonstrations as drew about them a great crowd of
+people and obstructed travel. This was just what he desired, as it
+gave him an excuse for calling in the police, who were ordered to
+disperse the crowd, meaning the women. One of the officers, acting on
+the instructions given him, began not only to order away the women,
+but laid violent hands on them, and, without respect to the gray hairs
+of some, pushed them rudely about, bruising the shoulder of one lady
+against the post of the awning.
+
+As they were compelled to yield to force, without a word of
+remonstrance they started back toward the church. But one lady put her
+arm through the officer’s arm, and told him with much firmness, that if
+_she_ went, _he_ should go too! to which he was constrained to submit.
+The occasion was improved to the edification of that officer, who was
+met at the church and confronted, not with Crusaders only, but a goodly
+number of indignant friends.
+
+The next day they were out as usual, and were arrested before the Web
+Foot saloon, and taken to the city jail, where they spent a couple of
+hours in prayer and song, to their own refreshment, and the delight of
+the other prisoners. Counsel was not lacking who volunteered to defend
+them. A special session of the court was called, Messrs. C. W. Parish
+and H. Y. Thompson appearing for the accused. After a hearing of the
+complaint, Judge Denny decided that there was no ordinance under which
+they could be held, saying, in substance, that had there been such an
+ordinance it would have been illegal, as the Constitution of the State
+of Oregon and of the United States permitted every person to worship
+God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
+
+The arrest of the ladies created, of course, a strong feeling of
+indignation in the community among their friends, and rejoicing among
+their enemies.
+
+On the afternoon of the 16th of April, 1874, the Crusaders, sixteen
+in number, paid another visit to the Web Foot saloon. But no sooner
+had they appeared in front of his place, and asked permission to pray
+and sing there, than Mr. Moffett blew his policeman’s whistle, and
+by means of gongs, drums, hand-organs, etc., collected a large crowd
+which soon entirely surrounded them; in this situation they maintained
+their calmness and endeavored to carry on their devotional exercises.
+The noise of gongs and drums, tin cans and hand-organs, together with
+the murmurings and shoutings of the mob, was so great that they were
+not heard even by themselves. But still they sang and knelt in prayer,
+keeping a serene and joyous trust in God.
+
+The scene which was then and there enacted rivalled pandemonium. Many
+of the friends of the ladies anxious for their safety hurried to the
+place, augmenting the crowd already collected, thereby increasing
+the apparent danger. A large proportion of those present were street
+idlers, some of them roughs and blackguards; but even the roughest,
+if not intoxicated, felt the course Mr. Moffett was taking to be
+uncalled-for and outrageous, and were disposed to fight in behalf of
+the women.
+
+The ladies, on their part, could not be heard, even in remonstrance.
+To escape from the crowd would have been nearly impossible, if they
+had made the effort. But they did not make the effort. Their faith in
+the protection of God, and His very presence with them, never wavered.
+Although they could not communicate with each other, because of the
+roar and clamor of the mob, each one of them felt so firmly impressed
+with the sense of security in Divine assistance, that not one of them
+betrayed or felt any fear. Pistols and knives were drawn, furniture
+thrown about, and windows broken. One lady was struck by a tumbler
+thrown out of the saloon, and another had a pistol held at her head by
+Mr. Moffett himself.
+
+This strange scene was prolonged from half-past two o’clock in the
+afternoon until six in the evening--until the gong-beaters, drummers,
+and organ-grinders had become exhausted, and the mob was weary of
+its own riotousness. When the way was cleared, the ladies took their
+leave, having endured for three and a half hours such things as would
+commonly have driven them mad with fright, or caused them to faint or
+go into convulsions. If there are those who do not believe in Divine
+interposition in certain cases, here is a problem for them to solve.
+
+More than one man that day was convinced of his sins; and quite a
+number of drinking men declared themselves converted to temperance,
+simply by witnessing the depths of degradation to which the habit of
+selling liquor could bring a man.
+
+The wife of an Irish drayman said to a friend of the Crusaders, “My
+husband is a drinking man, and many is the dollar he has spent at
+Moffett’s, but he says he will never buy another glass at that place.”
+
+Among the children whom Mr. Moffett was trying to press into his
+service was a little son of one of the Crusaders. Being told to beat
+a drum, he took the sticks and threw them among the crowd. On being
+threatened with punishment if he did not recover them, he ran in among
+the crowd as if to look for the lost sticks, but instead made his way
+to his mother, who was kneeling in prayer, and remained by her side
+until she left the place.
+
+It may be asked, what were the police doing all this time?
+
+On the previous occasion Judge Denny had dismissed the complaint, so it
+seemed of little use to arrest the ladies, and they allowed Mr. Moffett
+to conduct his riot in his own fashion.
+
+On the following morning they visited the saloons, and in due time
+appeared before Mr. Moffett’s; immediately a crowd was attracted to
+the spot in expectation that the scenes of the day before would be
+repeated. But they were disappointed. Mrs. Moffett was there with one
+of her children, and no disturbance was raised. She appealed to the
+ladies to leave her husband to his own ways; but was met by an eloquent
+counter-appeal by one of the band, whose father had perished by drink,
+and whose son, though carefully reared, was on the road to ruin from
+the same cause.
+
+At half-past eleven, Chief-of-Police Lappens appeared, bearing a
+warrant, which, upon being shown to the ladies, they obeyed by
+accompanying him to the jail. An immense crowd followed to the very
+entrance of the building, to which the Crusaders gave no heed, but
+entered, singing,
+
+ “All hail the power of Jesus’ name.”
+
+At one o’clock P. M., the court convened. The usual dock was filled
+with ladies as well as half the usual audience-room outside the bar.
+The charges against them were made by Mr. Moffett, for “wilfully and
+unlawfully conducting themselves in a disorderly and violent manner, by
+making a loud noise, and creating a disturbance whereby the peace and
+quiet of the said city was disturbed.” _Mr. Cronin_ was Mr. Moffett’s
+counsel, and Messrs. Parish, Northrop, and Shoup defended the ladies.
+This, as will be seen, was a charge made by Mr. Moffett himself, who
+had prepared for and conducted the riot himself, while the ladies stood
+as silent witnesses of the scene. Mr. Cronin opened the case. Mr. Gibbs
+responded. He said processions had marched through the town, blockading
+the streets; the gospel had been preached to listening crowds at the
+street corners; Chinamen had come out on the public thoroughfares,
+beating gongs, exploding fire-crackers, and making hideous noises; and
+for all this there never had been an arrest. It would be shown that if
+the peace and quiet of the city were disturbed, that they did not do
+it; that they broke nobody’s window, harmed no man, woman, or child,
+and that they were not responsible for the beating of gongs, or the
+sounding of trumpets, and the hooting and howling of disorderly men.
+
+Moffett was the first witness. I can only give a part of his testimony.
+Being cross-examined, he said:
+
+“There was a great crowd, probably a thousand persons, two or three
+fights took place, and a man was stabbed. At the time the disturbance
+was going on, the women sung very loud.”
+
+“But did you see the defendants do anything?”
+
+“They would not move when I asked them.”
+
+“What were you doing?”
+
+“Trying to keep the peace.” (Laughter.)
+
+“Did you have a pistol to keep the peace with?”
+
+“No, sir.”
+
+“Now I ask you if you did not have a pistol in your hand at the time
+this occurrence took place?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“Then when you stated a while ago that you did not have a pistol, you
+did not state what was true?”
+
+“I did not have it to keep the peace with, but for protection; they
+were stealing my property.”
+
+This is a sample of Moffett’s testimony.
+
+Allen Griffith testified for the defence, to having seen Moffett’s
+barkeeper, Good, throw water, by means of a hose, on the sidewalk, at
+the saloon, while the ladies were present; also saw Good in a row--saw
+him close to the ladies.
+
+Mr. Shoup.--What was he doing at that time?
+
+Witness.--One of the times when he was particularly near to them he was
+holding a gong within a few inches of a lady’s ear, and beating it very
+loudly. I saw him lift her veil at one time.
+
+C. H. Williams spoke of having been attracted to Moffett’s saloon,
+April 16th, by the noise of gongs and drum-beating.
+
+Mr. Cronin (Moffett’s attorney).--Was your wife among the ladies that
+day?
+
+Witness.--She was not; I only wish she had been.
+
+Mr. Cronin asked Thomas A. Royal, of the Portland Academy, another
+witness, if he had counselled the women not to go to Moffett’s saloon.
+
+He answered: “I have not, but I have asked my wife to go.”
+
+This, though a small part of the testimony, will show the drift of the
+trial, which lasted four days. The testimony was clear as to the pure
+moral character and good behavior of the women; the speeches for the
+defence of the women were able. The case was one of the clearest that
+ever went before an American jury.
+
+Judge Denny briefly charged the jury, reminding them that all they were
+called upon to decide, from the evidence, was, whether the defendants
+were guilty, as charged in the complaint, of wilfully and unlawfully
+making a loud noise, whereby the peace and quiet of the city was
+disturbed. They were also advised that it would be their duty to give
+the prisoners the benefit of any reasonable doubt. The jury was out
+several hours, but returned with a verdict of “guilty,” but recommended
+to the merciful consideration of the court. Upon the request of Mr.
+Parrish, the judge consented to stay sentence till the next morning, to
+give defendants time to file a motion to arrest judgment. The motion
+to arrest judgment being overruled, the ladies presented the following
+protest:
+
+“_Your Honor_: We do protest against any sentence being passed upon us,
+for the following reasons:
+
+“1. That the verdict was contrary to the testimony, and to the charge
+of your honor, in that the testimony clearly shows, by numerous
+witnesses, that we were quiet and orderly in the midst of disorder and
+confusion. To such an extent did some of us preserve quiet, that we did
+not so much as open our mouths, either in song or in prayer, as your
+honor will observe by referring to the testimony.
+
+“2. We, as temperance women, do earnestly protest against being
+sentenced on the finding of a jury composed in part of liquor-dealers,
+who, according to the words of their oath, had already prejudged us.
+
+“If we may be allowed to mention the work in which we are engaged, we
+should like to do so. The crime being supposed to be in the intent, we
+would remind your honor that the husbands and fathers of the land are
+being stricken down on every side by this vile traffic against which
+we wage war, and that the sons of the land are so beset by temptation
+that very many of them fall early into a drunkard’s grave, and many
+more who live on, but live to disappoint the fond hopes which are
+centred in them, and which, but for this fell destroyer, they might
+fulfil. These evils, your honor, are not in far-off lands, but at our
+own doors, as that wife can testify, who a few months since went to a
+prominent saloon in this city and plead with the proprietor to sell her
+husband no more liquor, as her life was in danger whenever that husband
+came home under its influence, and she was coldly told: ‘O, well, if
+I do not sell him liquor some one else will.’ Of that other wife whose
+twenty years’ experience has deprived her of everything the heart holds
+dear, ‘but her trust in God,’ whose husband can go and keep the books
+at this same saloon, and Saturday night take his pay in this cursed
+fire-water, and go to his home to make it such a hell upon earth that
+the children must be sent from the house and the wife remain in terror
+of her life. Such instances are not rare; and it is in behalf of these
+suffering sisters that we act. We have not power to amend the laws; but
+since the day when woman was first at the sepulchre, it has been her
+conceded right to pray, and this right we claim as inalienably ours.
+
+“The jury have kindly recommended us to mercy; we ask no mercy--we
+demand JUSTICE.”
+
+
+THE LOGICAL CONCLUSION.
+
+The judge, with evident embarrassment, replied that the jury had been
+fairly and “impartially selected in accordance with law.” He also took
+occasion to advise the ladies not to attempt to overcome the evil they
+were warring against by such means as they had been using, but to go to
+the “fountain head.”
+
+The penalty was five dollars fine each, or one day’s imprisonment. The
+ladies refused to pay the fine or allow the gentlemen present to pay
+it for them, electing to go to prison. They were shown to their common
+apartment in the jail, and gave up their only weapon, their Bibles.
+There was an indignation meeting in one of the churches that night, and
+between eight and nine o’clock, fearing the people, an officer came to
+the jail and rudely ordered them to leave. The ladies hesitated about
+going out into the darkness alone, expressing a preference to remain,
+to which he replied, “I’m boss here; you leave.” Thus thrust out, they
+made their way to the church. The first intimation the audience had
+of the release of the ladies was their presence in the church. Such
+enthusiastic cheering took place as had never been heard within those
+walls. When the tumult had subsided, some of the ladies made short
+addresses, in which they recounted the circumstances of their dismissal
+and their hesitating flight.
+
+The Crusade work continued without any abatement of zeal. The
+liquor-dealers held meetings to devise means to protect their rights.
+Their doors were closed, and the women met with universal coldness
+and hardness. Mr. Moffett persisted in his open insults, treating the
+ladies with great personal indignity. At last forbearance gave way,
+and Mr. Moffett was arraigned for insulting conduct toward Mrs. H.
+B. Stitzel. The case was tried before Justice Ryan, with a jury of
+liquor-men. Mr. Moffett was discharged. Another complaint was entered
+by Mrs. Alice Fain, for assault, by making her ill by burning some
+poisonous substance in her face. In both these cases Mr. Moffett was
+defended by E. A. Cronin, who seemed to be inspired by the spirit of
+his employer, and grossly insulted the ladies by telling them, in his
+speech, that he believed they were as base and corrupt in heart “_as
+any woman in this town, no matter what her calling or character_.” The
+jury in this case, which was tried before Justice Crich, consisted of
+four liquor-men and two Germans. Moffett was again discharged.
+
+An enthusiastic meeting of ladies was held, and able speeches
+were made, and published. The better class of citizens, and the
+Congregational Church, in council, gave the Crusaders their formal
+indorsement. In the meantime the usual work of visiting the saloons
+went on; petitions were circulated; and public sentiment thoroughly
+aroused.
+
+On the 18th June, the mayor approved an ordinance, which had been
+secured mainly through their influence, raising the license from $50 to
+$100 per quarter, and requiring $1,000 bonds to keep orderly houses,
+with some other restrictions. This aroused the liquor-men to still
+greater opposition. One gentleman, whose wife was connected with the
+Crusade, was notified to take his wife off the street or suffer the
+loss of his business, through the enmity of the liquor association.
+“Very well,” he replied, “it took a higher power than I to place her on
+the street, and it will require a higher power to remove her. If you
+want to ruin my business, you can try it. I will certainly fight yours
+as long as I live.”
+
+But they had many kind words, and much to encourage them in their
+difficult work. Mrs. A. C. Gibbs arose in a ladies’ meeting one day,
+and told the Crusaders, for their encouragement, that during a visit
+to Puget Sound, from which she had just returned, she had learned,
+to her surprise, that the temperance movement had produced the best
+effects over there. In a conversation between the captain of a Sound
+steamer, and other gentlemen, it was asserted that the liquor traffic
+had fallen off one-third; that he knew it by the less amount he carried
+on his boat. Also, that whereas all the men on his vessel used to take
+their grog, none of them did so now; and that a drinking-stand, kept on
+one of the wharves for the express convenience of this class of men,
+which used to make a profit of twenty-seven dollars a day, dwindled
+in its receipts to three dollars, and finally closed. Such a fact was
+certainly encouraging, as a result of four months of labor, no matter
+how arduous.
+
+
+MURDER IN A SALOON.
+
+On the Saturday evening immediately preceding the city election, at
+nine o’clock, a certain lady was reciting to the audience at the church
+an incident that came under her notice four years previous, of a
+woman’s shooting a man in a Portland saloon because he failed to vote
+as he was instructed, after having been furnished free drinks for a
+month at her place.
+
+Almost at that very moment, a murder was being perpetrated in a place
+of similar character, but under somewhat different circumstances. In
+this case the woman had only given the murderer drugged liquor enough
+to make him either stupid or crazy. Unfortunately it had the latter
+effect, and to save herself from his pistol she had called on the
+police, and officer Schoppe entering at the moment when the deadly
+instrument was raised, was instantly shot fatally, and fell.
+
+Here was a pointed example, if such were wanting, of the criminality
+of the saloon business. It _might_ be made use of to influence the
+election on Monday. But it was not; because it happened late Saturday
+evening, and on Sunday, at one o’clock, the man was buried out of sight!
+
+
+THE ORDINANCE AGAIN.
+
+When the new councilmen came in they found the ordinance increasing
+liquor licenses signed by the mayor, and ready to go into effect with
+the commencement of the quarter beginning July 1st. An effort was
+immediately made to get an ordinance passed reducing licenses to their
+former rates; but this was prevented by the mayor, two of the old
+councilmen and one of the new.
+
+Then followed a petition from fifty-six liquor-sellers and eighty-seven
+others, to have licenses reduced to fifty dollars per quarter, and
+such pressure brought to bear upon the council that the mayor notified
+the temperance people that unless they sent in a counter-petition, the
+council might not be able to withstand it.
+
+Accordingly a counter-petition was circulated, and one hundred and
+thirty names obtained, of the heaviest tax-payers in the city, who were
+_not_ liquor-dealers. Both petitions went before the council. That same
+evening an ordinance was passed and approved by the mayor, reducing
+licenses to fifty dollars! It contained, it is true, some provision for
+bonds being given; but how soon may we look to see even that repealed?
+
+What is this power of whiskey that makes men disregard everything else?
+
+An attempt was made to pass a law against singing and praying in the
+street, but it was not successful. The council did, however, ordain
+that no drinking-houses should be kept by women. I add the names of the
+noble women of Portland, who consecrated themselves to this work, and
+pursued it so successfully, notwithstanding the apathy of the masses,
+the corruption of the courts, and the ruffianism of the saloon-keepers:
+
+Mrs. M. A. Mitchell; Mrs. Helen Sparrow; Mrs. J. H. Reid; Mrs. Jane
+Pierpont; Mrs. J. S. Briggs; Mrs. Josephine Ritter; Mrs. A. R. Medbury;
+Mrs. Catherine Sparks; Mrs. Mary C. Holman; Mrs. M. Quackenbush; Mrs.
+G. Shindler; Mrs. Maggie Wilson; Mrs. Charlotte Jean; Mrs. S. D.
+Francis; Mrs. H. V. Stitzel; Mrs. Rachel Clark; Mrs. L. F. Turner;
+Mrs. M. E. Sutherland; Mrs. E. C. Hall; Mrs. E. Watkins; Mrs. W. B.
+Fain; Mrs. E. O. Corson; Mrs. N. S. Swafford; Mrs. Dr. Atkinson; Mrs.
+G. W. Izer; Mrs. J. Smith; Mrs. T. F. Royal; Mrs. Lucy Patton; Mrs. J.
+F. Jones; Mrs. W. P. Jones; Mrs. E. Richards; Mrs. Kimberline; Mrs.
+Lillie; Mrs. J. R. Robb; Mrs. M. M. Smith; Mrs. Emma Morgan; Mrs.
+Murray; Mrs. Connell; Mrs. J. A. Robb; Mrs. L. L. Bond; Mrs. Lizzie
+Fletcher; Mrs. J. F. DeVore; Mrs. O. B. Gibson; Mrs. Dr. Sawtelle; Mrs.
+Wm. Roberts; Mrs. Benj. Thomas; Mrs. L. Blackstone; Mrs. A. Allen;
+Mrs. F. Pierce; Mrs. J. Stitzel; Mrs. A. Hurgren; Mrs. G. W. Traver;
+Mrs. Morris; Miss J. Pumphrey; Miss L. A. Mitchell; Miss Mary DeVore;
+Miss Orra Sparks; Miss Sarah Sparks; Miss Olive Padget; Miss Mary
+Harrington; Miss Mell Cranston; Miss Marion Francis; Miss Ida Francis;
+Miss Helena Holman; Miss Mary Test; Miss Eliza Richards; Miss Edith
+Sutherland.
+
+
+NEW JERSEY.
+
+The work in this State began in the city of Newark, April 16th, 1874.
+
+Newark was the largest town in the State, and a stronghold of the
+liquor traffic. But the fire kindled there has spread from town to
+town, till the whole State rings with the watchword of the Woman’s
+Temperance Union--“_New Jersey for Christ and Temperance_.”
+
+
+NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.
+
+The call that brought the ladies together was anonymous; but though
+thus unexpectedly called to face the responsibility of the temperance
+work in a great, wicked city, they were too loyal to God and the cause
+to hesitate.
+
+They prepared themselves for the work by a special and entire
+consecration, and waited before God for an open door, and the voice of
+command.
+
+The work came to them in a most unexpected manner. At the close of
+one of their meetings, a forlorn, miserable-looking sort of a man
+came dragging his feet along just within the door, and tumbled into
+the chair that was near, being then somewhat under the influence of
+liquor. After sitting a few moments, he arose with some difficulty
+to his feet, and commenced speaking quite indistinctly, as if rather
+talking to himself. The first words that could be understood were, “I
+am a poor, miserable, lost, wretched and drunken engineer, and I am
+drunk now; do you think that I can be saved?” He then went on to tell
+of his dreadful life, how for over twenty years he had been drinking,
+ruining himself and family till he had become a worthless vagabond,
+and was lost and ruined both soul and body forever. While standing in
+a half-bent attitude describing himself and his wretched condition,
+in most piteous tones, the heart of every individual who had remained
+there was melted in sympathy. He said he did not know why he came into
+that room, or how he came there, but that a conviction of his guilt
+and ruin came over him the moment that he entered it, and while thus
+speaking, he commenced to sob and weep aloud, saying: “Will you pray
+for me?” Trembling and excited he got on his knees, and in the agony of
+despair he prayed that God would save him. Those who were there to pray
+were bowed low in the dust, as never before, conscious of the power and
+presence of the Holy Spirit, all remaining on their knees in prayer,
+till he yielded his heart to Jesus in penitence and tears, when he,
+a saved and sober man, testified to the riches of Divine grace which
+could reach and rescue even a great sinner like himself. And on that
+morning of the 8th of May, 1874, he left the hall, which he entered in
+such darkness and misery, with the light and peace in his soul which
+Jesus only can give. To His dear name be all the glory!
+
+This small band, who continued to wait on the Lord, were enabled on
+that May morning to erect a signal of praise over this first marked
+and wonderful display of the marvellous power of God to save, and His
+readiness to hear and to grant an immediate answer to prayer.
+
+Some of the very worst-looking men would most strangely find their
+way into that meeting without knowing how or why they came. Almost as
+soon as they entered and heard the voice of prayer, they would rise
+and ask to be prayed for as poor lost sinners, and continue in prayer
+till they found the Saviour. Others were invited or led in, even when
+intoxicated, and were eventually saved.
+
+As the work progressed, evening meetings, cottage-meetings, and Tuesday
+afternoon services were established in different places at the houses
+of inebriates and reformed men, which were well attended, and were
+successful and blessed in their results.
+
+The number of workers was small, and the difficulties great, but God
+was with them.
+
+I take the following from a report of the work:
+
+On the second Sunday in January, 1875, Mr. John Garrabrant (who had
+been an instrument in God’s hand of great assistance to us) invited
+Mr. William Souter (who was called the drunken tailor) to come to
+our meeting. He came, forlorn and helpless as if about giving up; he
+thought and felt himself, that there was no use in trying. He was
+induced to get on his knees with us, and was told to sign himself to
+Jesus. The Holy Spirit then and there commenced the work in his heart,
+and from that moment he began a new life, and broke off entirely from
+his evil habits, and became a changed man, giving his heart to the
+Saviour. Oh, what a glorious day for him! Our rejoicing for a good
+while over him was with trembling; but oh, how we have blessed God for
+such a triumph of grace, ever since! A new beacon of hope and light was
+erected, and what an encouragement it was for perseverance in earnest
+and united prayer for that class of men! New ones found their way
+into these meetings, which awakened a greater degree of interest and
+earnestness in the work.
+
+Among the first of these special cases was the coming in of a man,
+rather small, but with such a black and wicked sort of expression of
+countenance as one would instinctively shrink from. He seemed in every
+way strangely repulsive, but my eyes were riveted to him as he took a
+low seat just back of the door, holding his head down as if to hide
+himself in his soiled and shabby garments. He came invited by the Bible
+reader, who met him in the morning. He was cold, and as he said thought
+he could get warm in there, but thought of nothing more.
+
+Very soon, as I watched him, he became very uneasy, moved about until
+he arose to his feet and began talking of his miserable life, and of
+the terribly wicked and abandoned condition that he was in. He said
+that he had been drinking, and was drunk when he came in there; but
+said he, I will never drink again, no, never; while I live I’ll never
+touch another drop. Is there any mercy for such a vile wretch as I
+am? And then dropping to his knees he began to pray for himself, and
+cry to God for mercy. He was truly and deeply convicted of his guilt
+as a sinner, and sought earnestly to know the way to a better course
+of life, and to give his heart to Jesus. Prayer was offered for him,
+and the meeting closed; but as he still remained I was unusually
+impressed to speak to him. But as I approached him, he was so forlorn
+and disagreeable from being steeped with rum and tobacco, that the
+first thing I asked him was, if he would give up his tobacco as well
+as strong drink. Laying my hand on his shoulder, I said, “Will you, my
+poor brother, give up everything and make a full surrender of yourself
+to Jesus, and become pure and clean, and not offensive and repugnant as
+you are now?”
+
+“I will give up the drink, but can’t say I will tobacco, for I don’t
+think I could.”
+
+I urged the point; he demurred, but finally said he would try.
+
+“No use in trying: you _must_ do it; say you _will_,” I still urged.
+
+“But it would not do for me to give up all at once when I have been
+chewing two papers every day, and often a good deal more, besides
+smoking: it would make me sick to break right off.”
+
+“Not if Jesus helps you,” I said, “and He _will_. In your own strength
+you can never do it; in either case in His strength you can. Now
+promise me you will.”
+
+“If I promise you,” he said, “I _shall_ do it, for bad as I am I never
+tell a lie.”
+
+“Then promise me, quickly,” I still urged; and never shall I forget
+the look he gave me, as for a moment he bowed his head, and then, as he
+raised it in trembling earnestness,
+
+“Give me your hand,” said he, seizing it as with a grasp of
+desperation. “Now I promise you, God helping me, that never from this
+time will I touch tobacco or drink again. Now I have promised, I shall
+keep it.”
+
+Earnest prayer was offered, and from that moment our brother, William
+N. Clark, became a sober, renewed, and changed man.
+
+What human power could have annihilated in an instant the appetite and
+all desire for strong drink or tobacco in any form, where it had been
+almost a life-long habit, indulged in without restraint day and night,
+obtained at any and every sacrifice? Who can doubt that a will like
+his was at that time brought into and held in subjection by the will
+and strength of Omnipotence? He was enabled to surrender himself, soul
+and body, into the hands of Jesus, and he left the hall, never more to
+touch, taste, or handle those two accursed things. His former appetite
+and love for both from that moment was so turned into hatred of the
+sin and its evil results, that his voice was raised in denunciation
+wherever he went. His whole life, since that hour, has been given in
+efforts to bring others from the degradation and wretchedness of sin,
+and to win them to Jesus.
+
+So many young men were now interested that it was deemed advisable to
+organize a reform club, to bind them more strongly together. Such an
+organization, in connection with the Woman’s Temperance Union, was
+completed on the 4th of March, 1875. This club has now over 600 members.
+
+A Sunday-school was commenced, and is still in progress.
+
+The 4th of July occurring on Sunday, in 1875, there were rumors of
+preparations already in progress to celebrate it as on any secular
+day, in parades, processions, martial music, and other public
+demonstrations. Some of the ladies of the Union resolved, after taking
+it to God in prayer with great earnestness and humility, to take a bold
+stand, and go as a committee to the City Hall, and petition the mayor
+to interpose in behalf of a God-fearing people, and sustain the honor
+of His law, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” It was said by
+many, “It will do no good at all; matters have gone too far.” But it
+did do good. The suggestion was very kindly received, and Mr. Perry’s
+decided and prompt action not only entirely suppressed the threatened
+fearful desecration, but gave us one of the most peaceful and quiet
+Sabbaths that we have had in this city for many years.
+
+On the 8th of September, 1875, at the regular meetings of our Union,
+we set apart a little season, just at the hour of twelve, for united
+prayer to God. And this noon-day concert of private prayer has been
+observed by our Union since that day, when, by the uplifting of the
+right-hand, as requested, to signalize the sacred compact, it was thus
+ratified by every member present.
+
+Surely God, the Almighty God himself, has allied Himself to this
+cause, not only in the treasure of His grace, but in the treasury of
+His means also, to carry it on with; for it is a marvel how we have
+been supplied and carried through such heavy expenses as came upon us
+from time to time, and are able to-day to say joyfully, that we owe no
+man anything. Not unto us be any of the glory.
+
+An humble service, if the calling to it is of God, is a high, a holy
+calling. In the death of Judge Stanboro, December 5th, 1875, we lost
+one of our firmest friends. He was enabled, at the age of seventy-two,
+to give up entirely the use of tobacco in every form, although it had
+been a habit freely indulged in for sixty years. He kept quiet on the
+subject till he could say, after the experience of months, that he was
+a happier and better man without it.
+
+One of the reformed brothers who had received his special care and
+attention, and who had never seen a Christian die, watched with him
+till the hour of his departure, and caught these his last words, as
+they fell from his lips: “Oh, those blessed women--God bless them!”
+“Oh, precious Jesus!” and immediately expired.
+
+In the winter of 1876, a Juvenile Society and Bands of Hope were
+started, and have been well sustained. Several branches also have been
+formed auxiliary to the Union.
+
+Mrs. Bundage adds the following incidents:
+
+G---- A----, a young man having all the advantages necessary to
+place him in an honorable position, his friends giving him a liberal
+education, was a student of law. But rum, that great curse, laid him
+low many times, and finally he became a confirmed drunkard.
+
+One day a minister of this city brought him into our temperance
+meeting, suffering with delirium tremens. His blood-shot eye, bloated,
+purple face, trembling limbs, quivering body, and look of despair,
+showed that rum had almost finished its work. The hardest heart was
+moved to pity.
+
+One of the sisters of the Union seated herself by his side and talked
+with him. At last he said, “My God, cannot you do something for me?”
+The sweat stood in great drops on his brow. She told him just there to
+ask Jesus to help him, and He would; how He could cure his disease,
+and cleanse from all sin. As he became more quiet, he told of his
+wicked life; how his mother could not keep him any longer, as she kept
+boarders, and he would do anything to get a drink. Whenever she gave
+him a new suit of clothes, he would go to New York, exchange them for
+an old suit, and go home intoxicated. A young lady gave him a glass at
+a party, and urged him to drink. Till then he had never drank.
+
+Christian friends surrounded him, and pointed him to the Lamb of God.
+In pity, love, and faith, they bore him to the mercy-seat. They prayed
+for him as one prays for his own soul. The Mighty to Save heard, and
+cast out the demon rum, and he was saved from that hour.
+
+Kind friends watched with him that night, and he was restored to his
+widowed mother, whom he had often found at the midnight hour kneeling
+at his bedside, pleading with a covenant-keeping God for her only son.
+He has since shown, by his walk and conversation, that the work is
+genuine.
+
+Mr. H. had a wife and six children. Like many drunkards, he was often
+very abusive, and would take the little pittance his wife earned and
+spend it for rum, leaving the children crying for bread and shivering
+with cold.
+
+At one time he sent a man to tell his wife he was arrested, and she
+must get some money some way so he would not have to go to prison. She
+did so, and he spent it for rum with his accomplice. At times he was
+very wretched and in despair, and made attempts to hang himself, and
+was prevented only by the untiring care and watchfulness of his devoted
+wife. One night, coming home, he made up his mind, as they would not
+let him hang himself, he would cut his wife’s throat first, then the
+children’s, and lastly his own. Before going to bed he slipped a razor
+in his coat-sleeve. His wife saw him do it, and stealthily left the
+house with her young infant, walking half a mile in the cold wintry
+night, through the snow and sleet, with only a thin shawl wrapped round
+herself and babe, to the house of her father-in-law, where she stayed
+all night. The father-in-law asked her why she did not leave him; if
+she would do so he would take care of her and the children, and send
+her husband to an asylum. She answered: “I cannot leave him; he is my
+husband, and your son, the father of my children.”
+
+He said to her: “I fear you will all be murdered some day by his hand.”
+
+When the husband found all was still, he arose to accomplish the
+murderous task he had contemplated. He saw the children sleeping
+quietly together, and searched for the mother. Not finding her he
+concluded it was not best to kill the children, as she was gone. He
+says it makes him shudder now when he thinks what might have happened
+if the enemy had put it into his mind to kill the children first. When
+his wife came home in the morning he asked her why she did not stay
+home. She looked up, with tears streaming down her cheeks, and replied:
+“Father, I have no home any more.” This touched his heart.
+
+When one of his children lay a corpse he borrowed money to bury it, and
+stopped at a rum-shop to get a drink, and stayed until the money was
+all gone; and his child was buried by charity.
+
+The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union heard of this man, and one of
+their number visited his house every week for eighteen months, leaving
+tracts with the family. After a while he looked for the tracts and the
+visits. Suitable clothes were promised him if he would go to church.
+He was deeply convicted of sin, and sought the Saviour, whom he found
+able to save, even to the uttermost. He has since stood firm and
+unwavering. For six months he was chaplain of the first Reform Club of
+Newark, which office he filled very acceptably. He has been called to
+several places in this State and in New York, to tell of his wonderful
+deliverance from the appetite and curse of rum.
+
+September 8th, 1877, he buried another child; but what a contrast
+in the man’s family and home!--the home now pleasant and neatly
+furnished, the family happy even in their sorrow, and the body of the
+little one lying in a neat coffin with a wreath of flowers marked
+“baby;” the man loved and respected--a kind Christian husband and
+father.
+
+Surely gospel temperance pays well, even in this life.
+
+We might speak of our gospel temperance work in the jail: how the
+prisoners sought and found the Saviour, the Lord giving us a trophy the
+first meeting; of our bands of hope and young ladies’ league; cottage
+prayer-meetings, saloon visiting, etc. But time will not permit, and
+the half we do not know here. A true record of it is kept on high. It
+is a blessed work. Unto Him be all the praise and glory forever.
+
+
+ROSEVILLE, NEW JERSEY.
+
+The society in Roseville is an outgrowth of the Woman’s Crusade work.
+As the news came to us of the Temperance Crusade in the West, a woman
+of the Roseville Church heard God calling her to join this army. Then
+the cry went up to Him, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” The Lord
+answered, “What thy hands find to do, do with all thy might.” The next
+Sunday, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, temperance tracts were
+distributed among my Mission Sunday-school class, with a prayer to
+heaven that they might send conviction to some hearts in those seven
+families which this class represented. The next week these homes were
+visited. Upon entering one house, the mother remarked, “I am so glad
+you have come, for my husband wants to see you; he read the tract you
+sent on Sunday, and has been very thoughtful since then; says he would
+like to be a better man.” “Why,” said she, “he used to own two nice
+houses, and we all had plenty; but now we are living in these rented
+rooms. He has no work, and I do not know what is to become of us, for
+we are using up the last of our hard earnings. He will go with holes in
+his shoes, and just _any way_, and spend his last cent for rum; but he
+is such a good man when he is sober.”
+
+Just then the husband, Mr. Jones, entered the room. He was a
+fine-looking man, but the mark of the beast was on his brow.
+
+The conversation then commenced about his pretty children, and my
+desire to know more of them and their parents; he smiled sadly as he
+remarked, “They have a good mother, but I am not the father I ought to
+be.” Then we talked of the follies of a drunkard’s life, all of which
+he knew only too well; but how to break away from the habit that had
+chained him down with a death-like grip was the problem he could not
+solve.
+
+He listened with joy to the “good news” of redemption through Jesus’
+blood. How Jesus came to seek and save the lost; then he told me of a
+dear minister brother in heaven: how his last prayer on earth was for
+him (his wayward brother); then of a praying mother who had gone home
+to glory; then of an aged praying father and a gentle loving sister
+whose constant prayers were for him. “Yes,” he said, “I seem to be
+wading through prayer, knee-deep, to hell.” God was working upon his
+heart. There was a hushed feeling in all that room. We felt God’s
+presence there, and when the invitation was given to kneel in prayer,
+there seemed to be a responsive echo in each heart; even the little
+two-year-old girl, knelt in a frightened sort of way, by her father’s
+side, and as the petition went up before the Throne, one could imagine
+the angels tuning their harps a little higher. Yes, there was rejoicing
+among the white-robed throng over one poor sinner, who had turned from
+his evil ways, and was learning the new song, “To Him who loved us, and
+washed us from our sins in His own blood.”
+
+We then walked together to our pastor’s study, and there he promised,
+with God’s help, never to touch intoxicating drinks, but to serve
+the Lord all the remainder of his life. Two years have rolled away
+since that memorable 3d day of September, and he is one of our most
+consistent Christian men, a good citizen, and an earnest temperance
+worker. Many poor, rum-blinded souls have been brought to the feet of
+Jesus through his faithful efforts, and in his home you will find peace
+and plenty.
+
+Mr. Jones’ conversion was soon noised about. Women told their neighbors
+of the wonderful change that had come over him, and many a sad-hearted
+wife wished that somebody would talk to her husband; and somebody did
+carry the wonderful news, “That Jesus is mighty to save,” until ten men
+had become converted.
+
+They and their wives were banded together into what is now called the
+“Gospel Total Abstinence Society.” Socials were held at their homes
+once a week, until they became so large we were forced to hold the
+meetings in the Mission Chapel. Two years have elapsed since this
+society was organized and in God’s hands. It is founded on “The Rock
+of Ages,” and has been greatly prospered. We now number about three
+hundred and fifty members. Fifty-four have been converted to Christ.
+
+Among our prominent workers are three ex-beer-saloon-keepers; also one
+who was confined at the prison for drunkenness, while we were holding
+our usual prayer-meeting at that place. He was a miserable, bloated
+German, who came, after his release, to the meetings, as he lived in
+close proximity to our work.
+
+The kind, tender words of the women, and a tract called the
+“Bird-Charmer,” set him to thinking. How he entreated us, in our little
+Friday evening meeting, to pray for him; and we surrounded him after
+the meeting and never gave him up until we saw him standing with us on
+the “Rock of Ages.”
+
+One year has elapsed since his conversion, and instead of the once
+wretched home, he is living in quite a large house, all neatly
+furnished, and his family of eight children are all walking in the
+narrow way. Through his effort two men, who had been very hard
+drinkers, were converted. They were won by his consistent life at the
+work-bench. Now they all sing together all day long, in that Catholic
+hat shop, the Moody and Sankey hymns. These three men are consistent
+members of our Roseville church.
+
+Our organization is situated in the upper part of Newark. It is
+supported entirely by the Roseville Presbyterian Church, and is one of
+the revolving wheels in the church machinery for saving souls. It has
+filled a great many otherwise empty pews.
+
+The above facts are reported by Mrs. F. T. Wiggins.
+
+
+LAMBERTVILLE, NEW JERSEY.
+
+The women arose _en masse_ in this town, and with a petition, signed
+by a large majority of the citizens of the place, went to the council
+chamber and urged that the saloons be at once closed. The demand was so
+well backed up by influential names on the petition, and the presence
+of prominent citizens, that it was acceded to at once, and rum was
+banished.
+
+Many of the young men reformed, and some of them were saved and brought
+into the church.
+
+But the dealers who had been driven out established themselves on the
+Pennsylvania side of the river, and as there was a connecting bridge,
+the point was accessible and convenient, and they went on with their
+deadly work. The people of the little village protested, and held mass
+indignation meetings; but the intruders, lost to shame, defied public
+sentiment.
+
+At the next election for city officers there was a hard contest, but
+the temperance people held their own, and kept rum out. They still
+watch and pray, and hold the fort.
+
+
+RAHWAY, NEW JERSEY.
+
+A good work was accomplished in Rahway. Sixty-five women signed the
+“iron-clad pledge,” which solemnly bound them not to use alcohol in any
+way, not even as a medicine, and not to patronize any hotel or grocery
+where it was sold.
+
+The result of this action was that some of the grocers disposed of
+their liquor at once, and invited the patronage of temperance people.
+
+Six meetings are held weekly, the ministers attending in a body the
+Thursday evening meetings, to which they have been specially invited.
+
+In the outskirts of the city, at Bloodgood Mills, a branch Union was
+started, and a reading-room established, with good results. There is
+also a temperance work among the colored people.
+
+Many have, through the labors of the faithful workers, thus been
+brought to Christ.
+
+The Reform Club numbers seventy-seven, most of whom are “steadfast,
+immovable, abounding in the work of the Lord.”
+
+I glean the following facts from the annual report:
+
+
+JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY.
+
+Meetings are held in Jersey City, Bergen, Hudson City, and Greenville,
+all within the city limits.
+
+The grocers have all been visited, and urged to give up the sale of
+liquors. One man, who is a member of church, was found, who sold liquor
+by the bottle, in his grocery. When remonstrated with he insisted that
+he was doing right, and refused to give up that part of his business.
+One grocer gave up the sale of liquors, and the ladies now have a
+temperance grocery, which they feel in honor bound to sustain.
+
+
+MOUNT HOLLY, NEW JERSEY.
+
+Mass-meetings are held every Sabbath afternoon, beside evening meetings
+during the week.
+
+Appeals have been made, both personally and in writing, to the judges
+of the court, by whom licenses are issued. By this means one man who
+applied for license to open a beer saloon was prevented.
+
+There is a growing interest, and an improved public sentiment in this
+place.
+
+
+NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY.
+
+The work, which began in this town through the influence of one woman,
+lacks neither earnestness nor perseverance.
+
+Meetings are held regularly, and from the converts a Reform Club has
+been started.
+
+
+HACKETTSTOWN, NEW JERSEY.
+
+The saloons are all closed, but the ladies continue their meetings, and
+are vigilant lest the enemy should obtain entrance.
+
+At the seminary in that town, ninety young ladies and gentlemen were
+induced to sign the pledge.
+
+Trenton, Elizabeth, Burlington, Beverly, Washington, Millstone,
+Madison, Cedarville, Long Branch and a score of other towns are holding
+the fort against fearful odds, and some of them are gaining substantial
+victories.
+
+Mrs. M. C. Noble, who has travelled much over the State, and has with
+Mrs. M. R. Denman, the President of the State Union, been abundant in
+labors, adds the following:
+
+Early in the fall of 1876, there was a vigorous campaign opened
+against intemperance in the lower part of the State of New Jersey,
+and prosecuted through the counties of Atlantic, Salem, Cumberland
+and Monmouth, with great success, arousing Christian people of all
+denominations to active labor. God blessed the labor of His servants
+most wonderfully, and we feel confident that in answer to fervent
+prayers and persistent effort to rescue the perishing and lift up the
+fallen this great awakening over our State has come. To God be all the
+glory.
+
+To show the spirit of this work let me give one or two instances. It
+was wonderful to see the hearts of Christians so stirred up to work
+in all ways, and by all means, “so that some might be saved.” One
+afternoon there came into Temperance Hall at Trenton, during the great
+revival there early in the winter of 1877, a poor out-cast, a woman,
+who in consequence of evil ways had been imprisoned, but who now
+was drawn to the hall by some unknown influence. She came again and
+again, and finally signed the pledge and said she kept it. I can never
+forget a scene which occurred at the close of one of our meetings. A
+pure-spirited girl, one of Trenton’s fairest daughters, whose heart
+was full of the constraining love of Christ, approached this woman and
+in low tones began to talk with her in regard to her soul’s salvation.
+After a few moments we saw the two, one pure as the blood of Christ
+alone can make, and the other covered with sin and shame, move to a
+remote corner of the room, and bowing together so their faces nearly
+touched, we saw the one earnestly pleading with God for His pardon for
+this poor erring sister. Oh, what a sight! Angels must have stopped in
+their flight to witness a scene like this. We passed noiselessly away
+and left them alone with God and the angels.
+
+Another: There was a man who had been a hard drinker most of his life,
+and was bringing his aged mother to her grave in sorrow. All efforts
+to save him had failed, and it seemed to all who knew him that he
+must fill a drunkard’s grave. A Christian lady anxious to work for
+the blessed Master, and to save this man if possible, thought of this
+plan. She would write him a letter praying that God would touch his
+heart. She did so, addressing him as “brother,” and signing herself his
+friend. She invited him to the Temperance Hall that night. The word
+“_brother_” arrested his attention. He said, “Is it possible that there
+is one who cares enough for me to call me ‘brother,’ and that one, a
+lady? I will go to the hall.” He did so, signed the pledge and became
+an earnest worker in the cause of temperance.
+
+Others of similar character were brought into our meetings and were
+saved; broken down family altars were rebuilt, and many new ones set
+up, we trust never to be abandoned.
+
+It was blessed to bow with these saved men at their altars of prayer,
+where in many cases children had fled from their drunken fathers in
+terror. Now they would sit upon their knee while God’s word was read,
+and all bow together in humble prayer.
+
+Through the influence of these gospel temperance meetings many saloons
+have been closed; cider mills abandoned; and thousands of precious
+souls have been saved, thereby turning aside the streams of death which
+bear down to ruin so many of our fellow-beings.
+
+God very signally owned and blessed the work at Elizabeth City, N. J.,
+and though not so many signed the pledge as in other places, yet the
+work was carried into the churches, and pastors and people united in
+the great work of saving souls, and all felt when the meeting closed
+that some had been brought to the saving knowledge of Christ.
+
+
+MARYLAND.
+
+Years ago, when a war-cry rang out in the land, thousands of womanly
+hearts thrilled responsive to the call for sympathy, for aid, and
+prayer. And when, not long after, another battle-cry pealed out in
+thunder-tones, when the voice of the Crusade, as the voice of many
+waters, came surging from the West, our hearts answered to the call,
+and everywhere throughout “our Maryland,” woman’s lips caught up the
+battle-cry, “For God, and home, and native land!”
+
+Fired by the enthusiasm of the noble women of Ohio, touched by the
+spirit of sacrifice which nerved them to deeds of heroism unsurpassed
+by any on historic page, we, of Maryland, saw, as never before, our
+responsibility as Christians, realized that “we were our brothers’
+keepers,” and, listening to the Spirit’s call, resolved to do whatever
+(God blessing our efforts) we might towards helping “the bound-in
+chains” to be free!
+
+Never before had we seemed to hear as in our very midst, all round
+about us, the wail from breaking hearts, women weeping over the
+degradation of their first-born, their poor misguided Absaloms. We saw
+our own darlings in our sheltered homes, shielded, loved, and blest,
+and, as never before, felt that it was required of us to seek out
+in their wretchedness the drunkard’s children--little children who
+scarcely knew what childhood was, looking out upon life with scared and
+wondering faces, crouching to earth, or hiding away at footsteps on a
+stair--uncertain, stumbling footsteps, heralds of night hours of vigil,
+of abuse and desolation.
+
+Women suffering a living death, in degradation, poverty and woe,
+struggling, toiling far into the night, to earn their children bread;
+these seemed to look to us with pitiful, tear-stained faces, for help,
+for sympathy, for prayer.
+
+Thus moved by the example of our sisters of the West, awakened by the
+voice of the Holy Spirit, we began to ask, “What is _our_ duty? What
+can _we_ do? Shall we stand idly looking on, while souls die that we
+might help to save? Shall we dream away our lives, fold our arms in
+peace, and give thanks that none of our beloved ones are in that army
+marching down to death?” The answer came back, “No! a thousand times
+no, no!”
+
+“What, then, should we do?” Wait for protection from our lawgivers,
+help that might never come!
+
+Nay, to the mighty Lawgiver, the Judge of all the earth, we resolved to
+carry our cause; to the mighty in battle we would fly for deliverance;
+taking courage when we remembered that “Greater is He who is for us,
+than all they who are against us.”
+
+Day after day we met for solemn consecration, for prayer, seeking
+wisdom from on high, that, led by the Holy Spirit, we might put into
+active form our yearning pity for the victims of intemperance, their
+sorrowing families, and desolated homes.
+
+In the spring of 1874, a band of Christian women under the direction
+of Mrs. Francis A. Crook, and Mrs. Dr. J. Carey Thomas, of Baltimore,
+associated themselves together under the name of “The Woman’s Christian
+Temperance Union.”
+
+During the spring and winter, prayer-meetings were held two and three
+days in the week in the different churches of the city; for in this
+work Christian women of all denominations met and worked, wept, and
+prayed together “one in Christ.”
+
+Cottage meetings were held in the suburbs of the city, in private
+houses, and even in houses of shame; dens of infamy where our pure
+women went, as the disciples of old, two and two, in little companies,
+quietly, lovingly, earnestly bearing the Master’s message of salvation,
+binding the “whosoevers and the whatsoevers” into a staff to bear up
+and on the poor sinning, sad, despairing souls, that heard them with
+new hope. God wonderfully blessed these efforts. Souls were reclaimed,
+and more than one lifted up by Christian women’s loving hands. These,
+their fallen sisters, were led to Him who saveth to the uttermost
+whosoever will come.
+
+Responding to a call issued by the President of the Baltimore Union,
+the women of the city and State met in convention, November 9th and
+10th, 1875, in this city, to plan for the future extension of the work.
+
+The result of this gathering was the organization of “The Woman’s
+Christian Temperance Union,” of Maryland, auxiliary to “The Woman’s
+National Christian Temperance Union.”
+
+The following officers were elected, and at each succeeding annual
+convention, unanimously re-elected:
+
+President, Mrs. Frances A. Crook, Baltimore; Vice-Presidents, Mrs.
+Simon Parkhurst, Baltimore county; Mrs. Dr. James Carey Thomas,
+Baltimore, Congressional District; Mrs. L. H. Cochren, Frederick
+county; Recording Secretary, Mrs. E. B. Murdock, Baltimore;
+Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Georgia Hulse McLeod, Baltimore;
+Treasurer, Mrs. Alice Brooks, Baltimore.
+
+Through the years of 1875-76, the Union has pressed forward, overcoming
+many obstacles, but quietly and persistently commanding attention and
+respect, creating a still increasing sentiment in favor of temperance.
+
+We can chronicle no grand victory, rejoice over no signal success, but
+we are glad to know that from meetings held week after week, month
+after month, often through great discouragement, good has resulted.
+In public halls, in churches, in private houses, in cities, towns,
+and villages, seed has been sown which God has blessed. Some souls
+have been saved, some fallen ones reclaimed, a few bars and rum shops
+closed. Into every open door of opportunity our sisters have gone with
+their sweet message of love. Among the seamen--the old weather-beaten
+tars, the young just starting out on first voyages--on the deck of
+a man-of-war they have sung, and talked, and prayed. The memory of
+a meeting thus held, one Sabbath afternoon, will, by some, be long
+remembered. The first to sign the pledge, and place his name upon
+the prayer-roll, was an English boy, whose heart some spoken word of
+mother-love had touched.
+
+That was his last Sabbath upon earth. A fall from the yard-arm resulted
+in almost instant death. Held high in esteem by officers and mates, he
+was buried with naval honors. Tributes of respect, fragrant flowers,
+were heaped upon his coffin. A record of these tokens of friendship the
+boy had won, and a lock of soft brown hair were sent to his mother far
+away, and are all that is left now to comfort her.
+
+His life voyage was early ended, and we believe his ship is safe in
+port, where the storms never come.
+
+Temperance literature, papers, tracts, books, and leaflets were
+frequently distributed. Articles bearing on the interests of the cause
+were, from time to time, inserted in local journals. Letters were
+written to those who could be reached in no other way.
+
+From our city pulpits each year were read appeals from the Woman’s
+Christian Temperance Union, urging their sisters to banish from
+Christmas and New Year’s festivals, and social gatherings, wines and
+other intoxicating drinks. These appeals were not altogether vain.
+Every Christmas tide the song of the Angel of Peace sounds louder and
+clearer. Christmas is a joy to some homes, where its gladness had been
+long unknown, and fewer hearts are saddened by long, weary watches, at
+that joyous time, for reeling forms, tottering steps, blaspheming tones.
+
+Auxiliary Unions have been formed in Baltimore and Howard counties. In
+a village in the last-named county, by the earnest, persevering efforts
+of one true Christian woman, the sale of liquor has been abandoned by
+the shopkeepers, to whom it had always been a profitable investment.
+
+In Glencoe, Baltimore county, a juvenile auxiliary has been formed,
+which promises to be a valuable acquisition.
+
+Pledges have been taken to some extent, but in this form of our work we
+meet with much opposition.
+
+Several hundred signatures have been obtained to petitions ready for
+the approaching session of our State Legislature.
+
+Delegates were appointed to the National and International Conventions.
+The latter was attended by the President, Vice-President, and
+Corresponding Secretary of the State, and by the Treasurer of the
+Baltimore Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.
+
+A public meeting, with appropriate farewell services, was held in
+honor of Mrs. Margaret Parker, President of the Woman’s International
+Temperance Union, and addressed by her on the eve of her departure for
+Scotland.
+
+In April and May daily meetings for reformed men were presided over by
+members of the Baltimore Union during the Temperance Revival Meetings,
+under the direction of Colonel Hoy, and some of the men then rescued
+from ruin have been encouraged and assisted in their every effort
+towards a maintenance for themselves and families, to whom they had
+been almost lost.
+
+This is Maryland’s brief record, far more brief than we could wish,
+but “We have done what we could.” Still hoping, praying, working,
+watching for the brighter day we know must come, when four thousand
+liquor-saloons shall no longer be a blot on the beauty of our city,
+when not one shall be found in our State from its eastern to its
+western shores, and when we shall rejoice in the fulfilment of the
+promise: “The way of the wicked He turneth upside down.”
+
+We have still much to regret, much which grieves and saddens us, but we
+have much for which to give thanks.
+
+We are still an undivided band. The Angel of Death has spared our
+ranks; the Angel of the Covenant has led, blessed, and strengthened us.
+We reconsecrate ourselves to the work, looking forward, not backward;
+up, not down.
+
+Only the smallest of the polished stones have we to bring, far outshone
+by sister States, yet may we find in the glad by-and-by, that in the
+hand of the great Master-Builder, we have found a place, and aided in
+the completion of the whole, the perfect mosaic formed of millions of
+gems, trophies won for the Master by those who love His name, and watch
+for His salvation.
+
+
+THE TRYST OF MARYLAND.
+
+ IN THE TWILIGHT.
+
+ At the hour when God’s Beloved
+ Sought the lonely mountain side,
+ Breathing out His supplications
+ In the calm, still eventide,
+ Let us bow in every home,
+ Praying, in faith, “Thy kingdom come!”
+
+ Thus spake one who loved the Saviour,
+ Weeping over sin and woe;
+ Hearts and lips a hundred answered,
+ “Thou say’st well, it shall be so.”
+ To Him who hears, we’ll always say
+ That prayer at dying of the day.
+
+ So, each twilight, they are praying,
+ Matron, maiden, wife, and child;
+ Father, in great mercy, hear us,
+ Stay this torrent fierce and wild;
+ Like a flood ’twill overwhelm,
+ If Thou dost not take the helm.
+
+ Stay the torrent in Thine clasping
+ Hands, that seek the cup to drain;
+ Show them Death is in it lurking,
+ Bring them to the light again--
+ Bring the wanderers home once more,
+ The Lord our Shepherd, we implore!
+
+ Stay the torrent, whisper now
+ To each ruler in the land,
+ Man, where is thy brother?--where?
+ God will ask him at thy hand!
+ Rouse each conscience! oh, awake
+ Souls that sleep, their peace to make!
+
+ Send a voice unto the dreamers,
+ Sleeping upon beds of down,
+ Bought with tears of wives and mothers--
+ With the price of many a home;
+ Loud be it as a trumpet’s tone,
+ Prepare to meet thy Judge--alone!
+
+ Let Thy kingdom come, our Father;
+ Save the souls so far from Thee;
+ Cleanse the earth from this pollution;
+ Set the bound-in spirit free.
+ Thy kingdom come! Thy kingdom come!
+ Hear our prayer in heaven Thy home.
+
+ Courage! ye wives, who toil and keep
+ Watch with night, so sad and lone,
+ Courage! ’tis very dark and drear;
+ But with morning, light shall come.
+ Kind hearts grieve with you to-day,
+ And for you God’s children pray.
+
+ Mothers, they who were your pride
+ Almost break your hearts to-night.
+ They have wandered far from home,
+ Far from you, from God, from right.
+ But comfort you; God sees and hears;
+ His hand shall wipe away your tears.
+
+ Little children, sad and weary,
+ Knowing less of joy than tears,
+ Do you think, amid the shadows,
+ No one heeds your griefs and fears?
+ God your Father, little ones,
+ Loves you, and His kingdom comes!
+
+ Christians, pray for rescue, pleading
+ As if hours were moments left--
+ Pray as you would pray in dying,
+ That from earth this curse be swept.
+ Pray in the twilight--yea, alway--
+ Lips, heart, and soul, oh, Christians, pray!
+
+Reported by Mrs. Georgia Hulse McLeod, Corresponding Secretary.
+
+
+CONNECTICUT.
+
+
+NEW MILFORD, CONNECTICUT.
+
+I gather the following facts from reports and letters sent me by Mrs.
+M. A. Stone, the efficient President of this local organization, and
+of the State organization, and Vice-President of the Woman’s National
+Christian Temperance Union:
+
+The ladies of this place, hearing rumors of the strange work in the
+West, began to question in their minds whether something ought not to
+be done here.
+
+We had men here who were selling without license, keeping their houses
+open on the Sabbath, and selling to minors, contrary to the law
+regulating liquor traffic. Finally, two of the ladies, after consulting
+the leading men of the place, decided to call a meeting.
+
+The meeting was held in the Congregational chapel, March 17th, 1874.
+Other meetings followed, and a petition was prepared and circulated for
+signatures, requesting the liquor-dealers to give up their business.
+Over a thousand signatures were obtained. A committee of ladies
+presented the petition to every saloon-keeper, urging them to give
+up their vile traffic; but in vain. The petition and signatures were
+published, and the ministers of the town invited to preach sermons on
+the subject, the following Sabbath, which some of them did.
+
+The subject was agitated so thoroughly that the liquor-dealers, knowing
+they were defying the law, called a town-meeting, and asked the town
+to give them license. The ladies held a prayer-meeting, in a chapel
+close by the place where they were voting, and with prayers and tears
+besought God not to permit them to have license. None who were there
+can ever forget that meeting. While they were still praying and crying
+to God, a kind brother came, and, opening the door gently, said, “We
+have a majority of sixty-nine votes against license,” and closing the
+door left us to ourselves. A thrill of joy ran through every heart.
+It would be quite impossible to describe the scene--some cried for
+joy, some thanked God for answered prayer, and all realized, as never
+before, that God was on their side. The ladies continued their meeting
+with great enthusiasm.
+
+The liquor-dealers stopped selling for a time, and then called another
+town-meeting; and the ladies called another special meeting at the
+same time and place as before. Their meeting resulted in _no license_
+again--the ladies meeting in joy and thanksgiving to God, who had again
+given them the victory.
+
+Some time elapsed before the liquor-dealers rallied for another
+conflict. This time they applied to the County Commissioners for
+license. The ladies sent a committee to the County Commissioners, to
+protest against it, on the ground that they were not fit persons to be
+intrusted with license, as they had, for more than a year, been selling
+contrary to law. Petitions from citizens were also sent in, and the
+liquor-dealers were again defeated.
+
+For some time they kept quiet; but as they continued to sell, the men
+decided to prosecute them, and in due time they were all convicted but
+one, who claimed that he had not violated his promise to the ladies,
+and had only sold for medicine (he kept a drug store). The suit against
+him was withdrawn, the rest paid their fines. Finding themselves
+thwarted on every side, they appealed to the Legislature, and by the
+cunning devices of scheming politicians secured the Local Option law,
+which was made so strong in their favor that the County Commissioners
+had no longer power to use their own discretion in granting license to
+those who might apply, when the petitioner had complied with the terms
+provided by law. At the next election the town voted license. But the
+women continued to work, and in 1876 the town again voted _no license_.
+
+A young people’s meeting was organized: D. W. Ives, President; A.
+S. Beecher, Secretary. The society increased in numbers rapidly,
+and there are now more than two hundred members. A Colored People’s
+Temperance Union was formed, which soon numbered over eighty members;
+and, last and best, a Temperance Band of Hope, with sixty-two members,
+twenty-four of whom have signed the triple pledge, to use no tobacco,
+no intoxicating drinks, and no profane language. A citizens’ club
+sprung up spontaneously, as it were, without any action on the part of
+the ladies, and many who were considered almost past reformation joined
+it. They were assisted by the citizens in procuring a reading-room.
+Books, papers and pictures were furnished, and $150, to aid in the work.
+
+In 1877, the town voted license again; but public sentiment is
+improving. All the societies are in active operation, and they are
+looking forward to the time when God shall give the victory.
+
+
+EASTFORD, CONNECTICUT.
+
+In the autumn of 1873, a mother was walking with her four children
+along one of the pleasant roads of Eastford. Much engaged and
+interested in their conversation, she failed to notice an object by
+the roadside, of which she would have gladly spared them the sight.
+Suddenly the boy clutched her dress with one hand, and pointing with
+the other to the prostrate figure, exclaimed, “Oh, mother, is he dead?”
+Looking in the direction he pointed, she saw a man, well dressed, about
+thirty years of age, lying flat upon the ground in the uneasy sleep of
+intoxication. His hat had fallen from his head, and the hot sun beat
+mercilessly upon his dusty face. “The man is not dead, but drunk,” she
+said, in answer to his question. The boy drew nearer to his mother, and
+in a low voice said, “But he will die, won’t he?” “Yes, some time; and
+after death is the judgment,” she added.
+
+They wended their way homeward. The beauty of the scene was destroyed
+by the sight they had witnessed. A new feeling of responsibility was
+awakened by that afternoon walk. What could be done to protect the
+young, and rescue the old, from the ravages of intemperance? was the
+question constantly recurring to her mind.
+
+During the following winter, the idea of a Woman’s Temperance Union
+came to her mind; and feeling sure of the beneficial results of such
+an organization, she did not rest until one was formed, in May, 1874.
+The first meeting was held in a private parlor. About forty ladies were
+present; and after a season of earnest prayer, they banded themselves
+together, under the name of the “Woman’s Temperance Union of Eastford.”
+
+The usual officers were chosen, and a committee appointed to
+canvass the town, and particularly to visit every woman, and get
+her co-operation and her name signed to the pledge. This committee
+performed their work faithfully; and at a meeting held in the vestry,
+June 17th, made their report, that none were left unvisited; they had
+met a cordial welcome at nearly every house, and had obtained _one
+hundred and eighty-two_ names. It was voted to continue to circulate
+this pledge; also to organize a Band of Hope. This was done July 17th.
+
+A public meeting was held in the Congregational Church, August 3d,
+which was crowded. The exercises were conducted entirely by women
+and children, and consisted of original addresses by the ladies, and
+singing and recitations by the “Band of Hope.” After the exercises
+were concluded, a pledge was presented to the gentlemen for their
+signatures, and received a majority of the names of those present.
+
+Temperance tracts and almanacs were bought and distributed in the
+families; subscriptions were made to various temperance papers, both
+for children and adults; every means was taken to interest the public
+in temperance.
+
+It was thought best to make an appeal to the men upon the importance
+of voting no license. This was done at a public meeting, held October
+4th. At this meeting it was manifest that there had been a great change
+in public feeling upon the temperance question. The landlord of the
+village hotel had been visited, but he was protected by both town and
+government license, and for a time he remained unmoved. But temperance
+sentiment increased, and he was forced out, and the hotel became a
+temperance house.
+
+At the next election, the town again voted license, and the hotel
+passed into the possession of a rum-seller. But it is no longer
+respectable in Eastford to sell rum, and, after the lapse of three
+years, there has been but two or three violations of the pledge.
+
+The same officers still continue in the Union. The prayer-meeting is
+held monthly, and we are waiting God’s time, feeling sure that the day
+will come when right shall be might in the strength of the Lord.
+
+
+PLAINVILLE, CONNECTICUT.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. G. A. Moody for the following facts:
+
+During the summer and fall of 1874, after the ever-memorable Crusade of
+our Western sisters, the Master seemed to be calling upon the Christian
+women of our State, saying, “Go, work in my vineyard.”
+
+Meetings for prayer sprang up in various sections, almost
+simultaneously.
+
+In Plainville, a small town of only fifteen hundred inhabitants, the
+minds of some of the sisters were thoroughly exercised in this matter.
+Some eighteen or twenty earnest Christian women held a meeting, and
+much interest was manifested.
+
+Meetings were continued for several weeks, without any organization or
+much new effort. Earnest prayer was constantly offered: “Lord, what
+wilt Thou have us to do?”
+
+Immediately after the formation of our State Union, in March of 1875,
+we organized at Plainville as a Woman’s Christian Temperance Union,
+auxiliary to the State and National Unions.
+
+About this time our first work was given us.
+
+The husband of one of our dear sisters owned a hotel, and rented it.
+This house seemed given to us to pray and labor for, that it might be
+redeemed from the curse of liquor-selling, and made pure.
+
+It was built for a liquor-saloon or hotel, and for thirty years or more
+a constant stream of death and destruction had issued therefrom.
+
+It seemed much to expect, but we knew that with our God all things were
+possible, and only being instruments in His hand victory was sure.
+
+We had felt at first that we could never visit saloons, as our dear
+sisters in New York and the West had done, but we were led into this
+saloon almost unconsciously. We conversed earnestly with the proprietor
+and his wife; with the young men we found there; labored with the
+owner, and looked to our great Captain for success. It was but a little
+while that we were called to wait: gloriously did the way open.
+
+One of our Christian men, in a good business, bought out the hotel,
+and having completely renovated it from cellar to attic, opened a
+temperance hotel and boarding-house, which is constantly a source of
+comfort and pride to our town.
+
+The first Sabbath after the house was thus opened a meeting for praise
+and thanksgiving was held in it, by the Women’s Christian Temperance
+Union; and when we saw the place which had been occupied by the bar
+used as a platform--saw some three or four young men who had drank at
+that bar enroll their names, and heard the songs of praise, the prayers
+and testimonies for Christ in those rooms where the bacchanalian
+song had so long resounded, we could only say, “Behold what God hath
+wrought.”
+
+In giving in his testimony at that time, the new proprietor said he
+felt something almost like a hand upon his shoulder, touching him, and
+a voice telling him to buy the building.
+
+We had none of us said anything to him about it, and did not know
+that he had any thought of such a thing, until we heard that he was
+bargaining for the property.
+
+Since that we have many times visited saloons, sometimes to converse
+with the proprietors, sometimes to help a wife to rescue her dear
+husband.
+
+God has also given us souls rescued from the power of rum--washed
+and made clean in Jesus’ blood. And just as I write, our hearts are
+rejoicing over a new work: the formation of a Temperance Corps (or
+Reform Club), by Mr. Warren.
+
+It was one of the most earnest temperance meetings ever held in
+our town. Many who were never before pledged came forward--some,
+hard-drinking men. Seven such Unions have been formed in Hartford
+county.
+
+In Bristol the dear sisters visited the saloons and conversed with the
+keepers. One of them was soon taken sick. He spoke of their visit, on
+his sick-bed, and said he should never keep a saloon again; but he was
+not spared to test his good resolution. They continue to visit saloons,
+as they feel they are led.
+
+In Southington the women have held two prayer-meetings in one of their
+saloons.
+
+I was privileged to be present at one of these meetings. Soon after it
+commenced the men came in from other saloons, until fifty or sixty men
+and boys were standing listening with earnest attention to the words
+of Scripture, songs, and prayers. Exhortations and personal appeals
+followed. The tears trickled from many eyes, and we expect results from
+that meeting.
+
+And so the work goes on. It has been said by some that the Crusade was
+over, but in “the land of steady habits” we feel it has but just begun.
+
+We, perhaps, move rather slowly, but now that we are started we intend
+to hold on in this work till every rum-shop is closed, every drunkard
+saved, and all our children are safe in the fold. In Plainville we have
+a Children’s Temperance Union, numbering seventy members. We have also
+presented a neat little pledge to each teacher in our Sabbath-school;
+these are triple pledges, including tobacco and profanity, as well
+as intoxicating drinks. For we feel, that while we labor to reform
+men, it is very necessary that we keep our children from forming
+these dreadful habits. And so we labor on as the dear Lord leads, one
+hand lifted to the throne, the other linked in with the thousands of
+Christian sisters, forming a band that encircles the world.
+
+And we shall never cease, while life shall last, to labor for Christ
+and humanity.
+
+
+NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.
+
+A meeting was called, July, 1874, by Mrs. Rebecca A. Morrill. Only four
+ladies responded to that call. Other meetings were held in the Centre
+Congregational Church, and in the First M. E. Church. Of one of these
+meetings a lady says: “As I stepped into the church, eight were bowed
+in prayer in a room where a thousand people could have been seated.
+Only eight souls responded to the call for prayer for the success of
+the temperance cause, and I said, ‘Here am I, Lord: send me.’” But the
+meetings continued, and the work went on, and these women baptized by
+the Holy Spirit went out into the lanes and alleys of the city, into
+the homes of the drunken and the sinful, to tell the old, old story of
+Jesus and his love.
+
+After some months spent in labor, a society was organized, and saloon
+visiting undertaken. While some of the women remained in the rooms
+to pray, others would go out into the saloons to invite men to the
+prayer-room. Each Saturday evening especially, this work was pressed
+with zeal. They were generally treated with respect, but sometimes
+forbidden to sing, and asked not to remain long. In other places
+singing and prayer were allowed, and men stood with uncovered heads,
+and a profound stillness was observed during the religious exercise.
+
+Most of the dealers admitted that they were doing wrong, and the
+drinkers that they were on the downward course, especially if they have
+become confirmed drunkards. There is, however, a large class of young
+men who see no danger. Sometimes they found fifty or sixty men in the
+saloons under thirty years of age. Many followed these women from the
+saloon to the prayer-room, and were saved by the power of grace, and
+are now in the church of Christ.
+
+At Fair Haven, a beautiful suburban village, a wonderful work of grace
+was wrought. Very many too poor to ride in the street cars would walk
+two or three miles in the cold December and January evenings to be
+present at the place of prayer. Scores of these were converted, and a
+Union was formed at Fair Haven.
+
+A glorious work was commenced among the children, and hundreds of
+children and youth were enrolled on their pledge-books. Neighborhood
+meetings were held, hundreds of families visited, and the interest
+of the people kept up by frequent mass-meetings. The membership now
+numbers about ninety.
+
+
+STAFFORD, CONNECTICUT.
+
+An earnest, persistent temperance work has been carried on in this
+town; Revs. J. H. James and N. D. Parsons taking the lead in the
+outdoor work. Prior to the election of 1875, women circulated the
+following appeal to voters: “We, your sisters, wives and mothers,
+earnestly pray you, our brothers, husbands and sons, and legal
+protectors, to defend our hearts and homes from the desolation of
+rum, by voting _no license_.” This petition was widely circulated in
+the village, and only three women out of 333 refused to sign it. The
+majority for license the year before had been 100, but the effect of
+this petition and their influence was to secure a no license majority
+of 124.
+
+During the month of August, 1875, while an outdoor public mass-meeting
+was being held, a party of roughs and drunkards, who had been attending
+a horse-race near a bush tavern, came to the meeting-place and stoned
+the speakers, Revs. J. H. James and N. D. Parsons. But they went
+forward with the work, for the people of Stafford were aroused that
+such an indignity and outrage should be perpetrated in their midst.
+
+One dealer in Stafford was a man of a great deal of influence. He
+persisted in following the business, notwithstanding the vote, and he
+had such influence over his customers, and used his money so freely,
+that it was difficult to get evidence; but the women prayed, and the
+men labored, and in due time he was in the clutches of the law, and the
+State fine was $300, and the United States fine $700, which ruined him
+financially and socially.
+
+
+BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT.
+
+A Woman’s Temperance Union was organized February 26th, 1875, only a
+few taking an interest; the society beginning with fifteen members;
+but the few continued in prayer and work till the fall of 1876, when
+they secured the services of Dr. Reynolds. During his stay a Reform
+Club of forty members was organized. A room was opened for the Reform
+Club, in which the ladies also held their meetings. In connection with
+this a reading-room was opened, and a Sabbath-school organized for
+the reformed men and their children. Saturday evening prayer-meetings
+and Sabbath afternoon meetings have been held regularly and largely
+attended. Many of the men have been brought to feel their need of a
+higher power to help them resist temptations. The ladies have visited
+the saloons to some extent; some are visited every week. One man so
+visited gave up the business, and sent in a request for prayer. Men
+are brought from the saloons to the meeting; one man who had in this
+way been induced to attend the prayer-meetings afterwards got drunk,
+and was sent to jail, where he had time to think on the kind words of
+instruction given, and to give his heart to Christ. When released from
+jail, he went to the rooms, signed the pledge, and gave testimony of
+the power of God to save to the uttermost. He says that before his
+conversion, he had taken an oath on the Bible to stop drinking, and
+yet such was the power of appetite over him, that he would be drunk
+before night, but now the appetite has been taken away from him, and
+he hates the smell of drink. One man, sixty years old, who had been a
+saloon-keeper, and for many years a drunkard, was strangely drawn to
+their rooms, and was led to give up drink and tobacco in every form,
+and to consecrate himself to Christ. And still the good work goes on,
+and the interest is increasing.
+
+
+HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.
+
+During the winter of 1875-76, a few of the Christian women of Hartford,
+Connecticut, feeling distressed in regard to the extent of the use of
+intoxicating liquors in their city, felt it their imperative duty as
+followers of Him who came to rescue man from degradation and sin, to do
+all in their power to arrest the progress of this terrible evil.
+
+Accordingly, an association was formed in January, 1876.
+
+In the summer two places were opened by the Union for the free gift of
+cold water to the passer-by. So that the old excuse of men for drinking
+beer, or something stronger, because they could not find a place where
+they could get a good drink of ice-water in the city, might be removed.
+
+In one of these rooms a young woman was employed, for a small
+compensation, to dispense the water, and temperance papers and tracts
+were also given to all who would receive them.
+
+As the summer passed away and the colder days came, coffee was
+substituted for ice-water, and the small sum of five cents was charged
+for a cup of coffee with a roll; the ladies feeling that even the poor
+would have more self-respect if they paid for what they received. This
+little room was so well patronized, that the ladies were urged to add
+to their bill of fare, so that a cheap dinner might be furnished to
+people of small means. Soup and baked beans were added, and many poor
+laboring men were thus aided. A pledge-book was kept in the room, and
+temperance papers were placed upon the tables. On Monday evening
+of each week a temperance praise and prayer-meeting was held in the
+coffee-room, which, during the past winter, was very fully attended;
+sometimes there being sixty or seventy present.
+
+A small melodeon was hired, and the music drew in many from the street.
+A large number signed the pledge after these meetings, and some cases
+of wonderful reformation have occurred. Most of those who promise to
+give up the use of liquors do it with the determination to lead a life
+of prayer and trust in God.
+
+A small library of temperance books and stories is in one corner of the
+room, and young men and boys are invited in, evenings, to read; but as
+they have no room except the eating-room, they have not been able to
+carry out this part of the work as successfully as they hope to do at
+some future time.
+
+Early in the work of the Union a committee was appointed to visit
+the jail, and the startling fact was ascertained that _more_ than
+three-fourths of the prisoners, including male and female, were
+brought there through the influence of alcoholic drinks. The ladies
+were allowed to converse with the female prisoners, and good books and
+papers were left with them to read.
+
+Another coffee-room, with lodgings connected, was opened in February,
+1877, under the care of an earnest Christian man, who was to watch over
+and guard such reformed men as were permitted to board there. Owing to
+the _low_ state of the treasury, only a small building could be hired,
+which accommodated but six or eight lodgers.
+
+But want of means obliged the Temperance Union to give up this
+“Friendly Inn” in July last, much to their regret, for they felt it to
+be a centre of great good. The part of the city where it was located
+was filled with drinking-saloons. A temperance prayer-meeting was held
+in the room every Friday eve, and the crowds who gathered in the room
+and about the door showed their interest in it. These meetings have
+been continued since the coffee-room was closed. Many have signed the
+pledge, and some hope they have commenced a Christian life through the
+influence of the meetings. Wall-pockets, with tracts and papers, have
+been placed by the Temperance Union in many of the fire-engine houses
+in the city, and also in the State hospital.
+
+Slowly, but it is hoped surely, the little work goes on; clouds often
+gather over the pathway of those who are leading as well as those who
+are being led, but the humble work done in the name of the Master is
+laid with earnest prayer at His feet.
+
+The ladies of the following towns have engaged in the work with more or
+less success, often battling against fearful discouragements:
+
+East Hampton, Essex, Bethany, Deep River, Willimantic, Jewett City,
+West Haven, Danbury, and South Norwalk.
+
+
+DELAWARE.
+
+A good work has been done in Delaware during the last three years.
+Immense mass-meetings have been held in Wilmington from time to
+time, and petitions to the Legislature been extensively circulated.
+On Tuesday, February 16th, 1875, the Woman’s Temperance Union of
+Wilmington, joined by temperance women from other parts of the State,
+paid a visit to the State Legislature. It was my privilege to accompany
+the delegation and aid in the services. A special train was chartered,
+and two or three hundred went down from Wilmington, and the number was
+augmented at every station on the route. The excitement in Dover was
+intense; as notice of this visit had been given, people from towns and
+neighborhoods within a circle of twenty miles crowded into Dover. The
+citizens of the town met and welcomed the Woman’s Temperance Union, and
+provided entertainment.
+
+At three o’clock, by previous arrangement, they proceeded in a body
+to the State House. The building was already filled to its utmost
+capacity, but the sergeant-at-arms cleared the way for the visitors.
+The members of both houses were in waiting, and received their lady
+visitors in a cordial and gentlemanly manner. As soon as the speaker
+called the house to order, Mrs. Stevens stepped in front and knelt in
+prayer. It was a solemn moment. Every head was bowed, and every heart
+throbbed under the searching power of the Divine Spirit, and many
+eyes were wet with tears, while she prayed to Almighty God for the
+deliverance of her State from the thraldom of the liquor traffic. The
+prayer was followed by the singing of two verses of
+
+ “Nearer, my God, to Thee.”
+
+Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Israel, of Wilmington, and the writer of
+these pages, were privileged to address the Legislature.
+
+A mass-meeting was held in the evening, which was attended by nearly
+every member of both houses. One senator said, grasping my hand, “The
+effect of this will not be lost. There were some of us who could join
+your Crusade song in the beginning, but there are others who have been
+won to-day.”
+
+
+“I MADE HIM WHAT HE WAS.”
+
+About this time a saloon-keeper in Dover, Delaware, who patronized
+his own bar very liberally, stepped into a back room where men were
+at work about a pump in a well. The covering had been removed, and
+he approached to look down, but being very drunk, pitched in, head
+foremost. He had become so much of a bloat by the use of strong drink,
+that it was impossible to extricate him in time to save his life.
+
+There was great excitement in the town. Men and women who had never
+been inside of his saloon before, were the first to rush to the
+rescue, and to offer sympathy to the bereaved family. As he was being
+dragged from the well, and stretched out dead upon the saloon floor, a
+wholesale liquor-dealer from Philadelphia stepped in. After the first
+shock at thus finding one of his good customers dead, he turned to a
+prominent lady, a Crusader, and said, pointing to the wrecked victim,
+“I made that man what he was. I lent him his first dollar, and set
+him up with his first stock of liquors, and he’s now worth $10,000 or
+$15,000.”
+
+Looking him full in the face, she responded:
+
+“You made that man what he was--a drunkard, a bloat, a stench in the
+nostrils of society, and sent him headlong into eternity, and to a
+drunkard’s hell. What is $15,000 weighed against a lost soul, a wasted
+life, a wife a widow, and children orphans?”
+
+He turned deadly pale, and without a word left the house.
+
+What is all the business and all the revenue to the millions whose
+homes are despoiled, whose children are beggared, and whose loved ones
+are sent headlong to a drunkard’s grave and a drunkard’s hell? Let us
+put ourselves in the place of that mother, whose son is pursued day and
+night by this demon, till the hairs of his head become serpents, and
+live coals burn into his flesh to the very bone, and, fighting devils,
+he leaps out into eternity, and then ask, Are my hands clean? Do I love
+my neighbor as myself? Am I doing _all_ I can to stay the tide that is
+bearing so many down, and may yet bear me down?
+
+During the spring and summer of 1877, immense daily mass-meetings
+were held in Wilmington, in the Opera House, and in a large tent. The
+meetings were crowded, and 15,000 signed the pledge. Taken as a whole,
+there has been a great advance in Delaware within the last few years.
+
+
+
+
+THE OUTLOOK AFTER THE CRUSADE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+The Crusade was an assault on the liquor traffic all along the lines,
+by heroic, determined women, whose motto was, “Victory or death!”
+
+Victory after victory was achieved, until the liquor oligarchy was
+driven from the open field into its strong defences. And then the women
+organized under the name of the Woman’s National Christian Temperance
+Union, and began a siege--a well-planned, determined siege, that has
+gone on with untiring zeal and energy for the last three years, and
+will go on till the last redoubt of the enemy is captured.
+
+One by one the strongholds of the foe have been weakened; one by one
+the towers of strength are being taken down, till only one unbroken
+line of defence is left--_governmental protection_. The press, that
+mighty engine of power, that with its thousands of bands and wheels
+moves the millions to thought and action, has been mainly won to this
+cause. More than 800 newspapers have already agreed to give a column
+weekly to the temperance cause, at the request of the besieging party.
+And the press may yet reach John Bowring’s high ideal:
+
+ “But mightiest of the mighty means
+ On which the arm of progress leans,
+ Man’s noblest mission to advance,
+ His woes assuage, his weal enhance,
+ His rights enforce, his wrongs redress,
+ Mightiest of mighty is the press.”
+
+_The Pulpit_ has turned its heavy guns against the enemy. Thousands of
+ministers, who before the Crusade were silent and indifferent, are now
+champions of the cause.
+
+_The Church_ has been greatly purified, and Christian unity has been
+promoted, and the moral forces consolidated.
+
+_Fermented wine_ has been banished from thousands of churches, because
+the women in the temperance work, many of them polished pillars in the
+church of Christ, could not conscientiously partake of the alcoholic
+cup, or invite the men redeemed through their efforts to do so.
+
+_The Sunday-Schools_ are being reached. Temperance lessons have
+been secured in many of them, and through this means and regularly
+organized societies, tens of thousands of children are being trained to
+temperance principles.
+
+_The Public Schools_ have been visited, and many of the colleges of
+learning, and the work has been greatly advanced. This will be felt at
+the polls, and in our legislative hall a few years hence.
+
+_Medical Bodies_ have been visited, and their co-operation secured.
+The International Medical Congress, which met in Philadelphia in 1876,
+the most influential body of medical men ever convened, numbering four
+hundred and eighty delegates, many of them the ablest writers and
+scientists in the profession, was visited by a delegation of ladies,
+and an official letter presented.
+
+Other communications had been received, and had been laid on the table.
+But the letter from the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was not only
+graciously received and referred to a committee, but carried all the
+other communications with it for a respectful hearing and response.
+
+The reading of the letter before the committee was followed by a round
+of applause, and the whole subject was carefully and scientifically
+considered. And I have heard nothing stronger on the temperance
+platform in opposition to the use of alcohol, than in that discussion.
+And the verdict against its use was unanimous, with the exception of
+_one_ vote given by a man who receives special honors from the beer
+congress because of his advocacy of the use of beer. And this action
+was afterwards approved by the congress unanimously.
+
+The following is the letter and reply:
+
+ _To the Chairman and Members of the International Medical Congress_:
+
+ HONORED SIRS:--I take the liberty, as a representative of the Woman’s
+ National Christian Temperance Union of the United States, to call
+ your attention to the relation of the medical use of alcohol to the
+ prevalence of that fearful scourge, _intemperance_.
+
+ The distinguished Dr. Mussey said, many years ago: “So long as
+ alcohol retains a place among sick patients, so long there will be
+ drunkards.”
+
+ Dr. Rush wrote strongly against its use as early as 1790. And at one
+ time the College of Physicians at Philadelphia memorialized Congress
+ in favor of restraining the use of distilled liquors, because,
+ as they claimed, they were “destructive of life, health, and the
+ faculties of the mind.”
+
+ “A Medical Declaration,” published in London, December, 1872, asserts
+ that “It is believed that the inconsiderate prescription of alcoholic
+ liquids by medical men for their patients has given rise in many
+ instances to the formation of intemperate habits.” This manifesto
+ was signed by over two hundred and fifty of the leading medical men
+ of the United Kingdom. When the nature and effects of alcohol were
+ little known, it was thought to be invaluable as a medicine. But in
+ the light of recent scientific investigations, its claims have been
+ challenged and its value denied.
+
+ We are aware that the question of the medical use of alcohol has not
+ been fully decided, and that there is a difference of opinion among
+ the ablest medical writers. But we notice that as the discussion and
+ investigation goes on, and new facts are brought out, its value as a
+ remedial agent is depreciated.
+
+ A great many claims have been brought forward in its favor, but one
+ by one they have gone down under the severe scrutiny of scientific
+ research, until only a few points are left in doubt. In view of this,
+ and the _startling fact_ that tens of thousands die annually from
+ its baneful effects, we earnestly urge you to give the subject a
+ careful examination.
+
+ You have made the study of the physical nature of man your life-work,
+ and you are the trusted advisers of the people in all matters
+ pertaining to the treatment of diseases, and the preservation of life
+ and health.
+
+ You are therefore in a position to instruct and warn the masses in
+ regard to its indiscriminate use, either as a medicine or a beverage.
+
+ We feel sure that, true to your professional honor, and the grave
+ responsibilities of your distinguished position, you will search out
+ and give us the facts, whatever they may be.
+
+ If you should appoint a standing committee from your own number, of
+ practical scientific men, who would give time and thought to this
+ question, it would be very gratifying to the _one hundred thousand_
+ women I represent, and most acceptable to the general public.
+
+ I am, with high considerations of respect,
+
+ Your obedient servant,
+ ANNIE WITTENMYER,
+
+ President Woman’s National Christian Temperance
+ Union, 1020 Arch street, Philadelphia.
+
+ _September 6th 1876._
+
+ INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CONGRESS,
+ PHILADELPHIA, _September 9th, 1876_.
+
+ DEAR MADAM:--I am instructed by the Section on Medicine,
+ International Medical Congress of 1876, to transmit to you, as the
+ action of the Section, the following conclusions adopted by it with
+ regard to the use of alcohol in medicine, the same being in reply to
+ the communication sent by the Woman’s National Christian Temperance
+ Union:
+
+ 1. Alcohol is not shown to have a definite food value by any of the
+ usual methods of chemical or physiological investigation.
+
+ 2. Its use as a medicine is chiefly that of a cardiac stimulant, and
+ often admits of substitution.
+
+ 3. As a medicine, it is not well fitted for self-prescription by
+ the laity, and the medical profession is not accountable for such
+ administration, or for the enormous evils resulting therefrom.
+
+ 4. The purity of alcoholic liquids is in general not so well assured
+ as that of articles used for medicine should be. The various
+ mixtures, when used as a medicine, should have definite and known
+ composition, and should not be interchanged promiscuously.
+
+ Very respectfully,
+
+ Your obedient servant,
+
+ J. EWING MEARS, M. D.,
+ Secretary of the Section of Medicine.
+
+ ANNIE WITTENMYER, President of the Woman’s National Christian
+ Temperance Union.
+
+The medicine-chest has been a stronghold of the liquor traffic, but
+this action rules it out of its long-cherished place.
+
+The medical associations in very many of the States have been visited,
+and urged to discontinue the use of alcoholic stimulants, and have
+pledged themselves to do so.
+
+The respectability of the drink traffic has been destroyed. No man who
+has any regard for his personal reputation would go into the business,
+or care to be seen coming out of a saloon.
+
+And to stigmatize a business is to ruin it.
+
+The State and National Legislatures have been appealed to, without any
+apparent result, further than to keep the enemy at bay, and secure a
+sharper rendering of the laws already on the statute books.
+
+Where prohibitory laws existed, they have been strengthened. The
+granting of licenses in some of the States has been prevented, and in
+most of the States the laws are better enforced.
+
+Liquors have been banished from the Presidential Mansion, and from the
+National Capitol building, and all over the land are less common at
+receptions and state dinners.
+
+Ladies have had a gracious hearing before many of the State
+Legislatures, and before the United States Senate Finance Committee.
+
+Hope has revived in the heart of many a weary wife and night-weeping
+mother.
+
+The great Reform movement among drinking men, under the able leadership
+of Murphy and Reynolds, was made possible and successful, under the
+enthusiasm of this new dispensation of Gospel Temperance. And God has
+honored faith and prayer, as a remedial agent for the salvation of men
+from sin and appetite, throughout the land, as never before. But the
+richest blessings have come to the women themselves. In the complete
+consecration, the utter abnegation of self, needed for the work,
+they have reached a higher plane of religious experience. They have
+gained “a faith that will not shrink when pressed by every foe”--a
+moral heroism that can stand serene in the presence of ridicule, and
+contumely, and mocking.
+
+Church doors have opened before them; the pulpit has welcomed them;
+the dumb have spoken with new tongues; and woman, rising to her grand
+possibility in the church, stands, to-day, centuries in advance of the
+position she occupied before the Crusade.
+
+And say what men will about the Crusade, it was the tidal wave
+that lifted the temperance question to a gospel plane; it was the
+Pentecostal baptism that sent the women of all denominations out to
+plead the cause of God and humanity, with tongues of fire; it was
+woman’s answer to the “prayer-test” of mocking scientists; it was the
+staggering blow that sent the rum power reeling towards its fall.
+And, under another name, it is honeycombing the entire drink system;
+undermining its heaviest fortifications; planting its magazines of
+power in every city and village; and the time will come when some hand
+of faith will touch the battery of heaven, and this iniquitous business
+will go down, socially, politically, and legally, to trouble the nation
+no more.
+
+But there will be many a hard-fought battle before the victory is won.
+
+I cannot close this volume without calling attention to the relation
+of the foreign emigration to the liquor traffic, and to crime and
+pauperism.
+
+Some of the best people in our land are foreigners, honored and
+trusted by all. So I want it clearly understood that no reference
+is made to that class of law-abiding Americanized citizens who came
+from across the seas to find a home with us, and who respect our
+institutions and obey our laws.
+
+But we may not conceal the fact that _more than two-thirds_ of the
+entire liquor business is in the hands of a low class of foreigners,
+although the entire foreign population of the country constitutes _less
+than one-sixth_.
+
+A band of men connected with one of the Reform Clubs of Philadelphia,
+investigating this matter, made a thorough canvass of this city in the
+beginning of 1876, our Centennial year.
+
+Many curious facts were brought to light by this private, quiet
+canvass, bearing on the criminality of the business and the persons
+engaged in it.
+
+They ascertained that there were, licensed and unlicensed, 8,034 places
+where intoxicating liquors were sold.
+
+The nationality of those engaged in the business in this city at that
+time was as follows:
+
+Chinamen, 2; Jews, 2; Italians, 18; Spaniards, 140; Welsh, 160;
+Americans, 205; Africans, 265; French, 285; Scotch, 497; English, 568;
+German, 2,179; Irish, 3,041; unknown, 672; total, 8,034.
+
+Of this number there were 3,782 which were directly or indirectly
+connected with houses of ill-fame. Of the 8,034 liquor-sellers, as
+nearly as could be ascertained, more than two-thirds had been inmates
+of prisons and station-houses.
+
+Of the 4,805 inmates received into the House of Correction,
+Philadelphia, during the year 1875, according to official report,
+2,234, nearly one-half, were foreign born, and 75 out of every 100 were
+drunkards.
+
+Of the 12,462 adults received into the almshouses of Pennsylvania, in
+1875, more than one-half, 6,847, were foreign born, and 5,422 were
+Irish and German; 77 unknown. We are slowly learning the fact that we
+are building jails and almshouses that ought to have been built in
+Germany and Ireland, and that America is rapidly becoming a sewer for
+the moral filth of Europe.
+
+The liquor traffic of New York city is mainly in the hands of
+foreigners, and an undue proportion of arrests are recorded.
+
+There were, as I learn by an official statement from the warden, 38,036
+imprisoned in the Tombs, New York, during the year ending 1876; of this
+number nearly two-thirds, 23,842, were foreign born, 14,194, native
+born.
+
+The work-house at Blackwell’s Island, New York, received, during 1876,
+22,845 prisoners, of whom 11,250 were men and 11,595 were women. Of
+these prisoners the commissioners say: “_Drunkenness was the immediate
+cause of the incarceration of three-quarters of the former and
+seven-eighths of the latter--the predisposing cause in the cases of all
+the rest._” This is official, emphatic testimony as to the effects of
+strong drink as a cause of crime.
+
+All the mobs that insulted the women engaged in the Crusade were made
+up largely of a criminal class of foreigners who were dealers or
+drinkers.
+
+The Alameda, California, outrage, which has no parallel in the history
+of civilized nations, was perpetrated by members of the “San Francisco
+German Saloon-Keepers’ Society.” One gentleman said, “It was simply
+hell let loose. It was a constant series of howlings, cursing and
+threats. I never witnessed such a scene of riot and confusion. The mob
+actually took possession of the town, and kept it all day, howling,
+yelling, and cursing, and evidently bent on inaugurating a reign of
+terrorism to keep temperance people away from the polls.”
+
+The sight of a lady was the signal for an outburst of obscenity and
+insult, and one lady, Sallie Hart, came near losing her life, because
+she had asserted her temperance principles. The mob were like a pack of
+hyenas; if they had succeeded in getting her into their clutches, they
+would have torn her limb from limb.
+
+The _San Francisco Post_ says: “What makes this outrage the more
+unendurable is, that all or nearly all of these women insulters and
+women mobbers seem to have been foreigners, who, welcomed here to equal
+privileges and the right to vote, presume to insult and mob American
+women, who choose in a peaceable and orderly manner to exert their
+influence in the settlement of a public question.”
+
+It makes every drop of patriotic blood in my veins boil to know that
+such things as are recorded in this book can be done under the flag,
+for which my great-grandfather fought in the Revolutionary war, and for
+which my grandfather fought in the war of 1812, and for which three of
+my brothers fought in the recent civil war, and for which I have risked
+life many times.
+
+I am for peace, but not when it means submission to the wrong--not when
+it means insult to the flag and the principles it symbolizes--not when
+it means the triumph of the mob element of society over honest worth,
+and the insult of virtuous American women. Then I am for war--war to
+the knife, and the knife to the hilt. Let the sword of justice come
+down like a surgeon’s knife, and cut away all this putrid mass that is
+eating like a canker into the heart of the nation.
+
+
+POLITICAL CORRUPTION.
+
+I pass to notice briefly the corrupting influence of this class on our
+political life.
+
+They have come to be a marketable commodity in politics.
+
+They make terms with party leaders, and always in the direction of
+their own interests, without regard to the welfare of the country.
+And as so large a number of them are engaged in the liquor business,
+and control the votes of their customers, they have become the most
+dangerous merchandise in which we deal--a very powder-magazine under
+the bulwarks of the nation.
+
+_The Liquor Men’s Advocate_, exhorting its whiskey cohorts to act
+unitedly under the leadership of the bartenders, says:
+
+“The good old German way of spending the Sabbath don’t suit their (the
+temperance men’s) sublime taste. Five hundred million dollars passed
+through the hands of dealers in liquors during the past year (1873).
+This shows a powerful element, which, if united, might bid good-bye to
+the fanatical prohibition laws. Every saloon averages eighty regular
+customers, and these eighty customers have eighty votes, and, if
+properly managed, every bartender might influence these eighty votes to
+a given point, decided by bartenders _en masse_.”
+
+The bartenders, then, are to decide the great moral and political
+questions of this country by marching up an army of habitual drunkards
+to the polls.
+
+This is not only the _plan_, but the _practice_. For proof of the truth
+of this, go to the polls on any general election day and see a hundred
+and fifty thousand men reel up to the polls and deposit their bleared,
+muddled ballots as the rum power dictates. Notice that the polling
+places are in or near saloons, and the moral atmosphere about them
+impregnated with tobacco, beer and whiskey.
+
+To rescue this mighty power, the ballot, from the hands of men who have
+given up their manhood, and have lost self-control, and are degraded
+and crazed by drink, is the first duty of the government.
+
+Let the privileges of the ballot be at once taken from all who can
+be shown on evidence to be habitual drunkards, until there is proof
+of thorough reformation. This will strip the liquor-dealers of their
+mightiest weapon in politics, and take out of our party contests the
+most combustible and dangerous element.
+
+And what reasonable person can object to this? No man whose brain is
+muddled by drink, who has brought himself down to the brute level,
+ought to be clothed with the power to decide the destiny of a great
+nation. If he is not capable of governing himself, he should not be
+intrusted with the duty of governing a great Republic like ours, where
+every man is a ruler.
+
+And just here is the hiding of the liquor-dealers’ power. Unmask this
+battery, and concentrate a mighty force that will capture it, and you
+take the enemy’s heaviest guns, and its main political and social
+stronghold.
+
+
+SABBATH DESECRATION.
+
+The proper observance of the Sabbath day is our “dead-line” as a
+nation. And yet this very class of dealers and drinkers are aiming
+their heaviest blows at the American Sabbath.
+
+In 1874, when this class came into power in Chicago, their first act
+was to repeal the Sunday law closing the saloons and beer-gardens on
+the Sabbath day, just as they have done in the other large cities where
+they have obtained power.
+
+But this case was the more conspicuous because of the gross indignities
+offered to Christian women by the filth-reeking, villanous mob gathered
+from the saloons to insult them. It is this element that is laying
+violent hands upon the Bible, to hurl it from the place accorded it by
+the pilgrim fathers:
+
+The Bible that came over in the Mayflower; the Bible whose teachings
+form the ground-work of English common law; the Bible which was read in
+our first Congress, and before which every officer of the government
+from that day to this has stood in awe, and sworn fidelity to the
+Constitution and to duty.
+
+George Washington, Daniel Webster, Judge Storrer, and other
+distinguished statesmen pronounce the public school, without the Bible,
+an absurdity and an outrage.
+
+President Hayes, on one occasion, made use of the following strong
+language in regard to the Bible:
+
+“To drive the Bible out of the school-house is a stigma and an insult.
+What is the witness-stand, the jury-room, or the judicial bench worth
+without the sanction of the Bible operating on the public? Degrade the
+book as unfit for our children to read in school, and its authority
+over the conscience is gone. This destroys the very foundations so
+carefully laid--the organic law. A single generation thus trained will
+be enough to accomplish that result.”
+
+These are brave, strong words in the presence of an aggressive foe.
+And we will do well to remember that the Bible is our magna charta of
+Liberty; our Public Schools the chief corner-stone of the Republic;
+and the sanctity of the Sabbath our strongest social bulwark. And that
+taking the Bible out of our public schools this generation, means
+bonfires of Bibles next generation; and the overthrow of our Public
+School system, the overthrow of the Republic a few years later, and
+the desecration of the Sabbath, the subversion of social virtue and
+good order, and the _degradation of woman_. In the presence of these
+facts is it not time for us to arouse ourselves, and take a firm stand
+for our American Institutions, while we are strong enough to cope with
+the power that threatens them? If those who come here to share the
+blessings of a republic founded on Christian principles, do not like
+our institutions, they are not obliged to stay. We can better afford
+to part with them than we can with our Sabbaths, our Bibles, and our
+Public Schools.
+
+
+PERSONAL LIBERTY.
+
+As a defence, this class has raised the cry of _personal liberty_.
+
+There is no such thing as personal liberty except among savages. In all
+civilized countries the dress, food, habits of life, and the business
+of the people are more or less the subjects of legislation.
+
+People are restrained by law from appearing on the public streets, at
+watering-places, and in public assemblies without suitable clothing to
+cover themselves with.
+
+Men may not wear women’s clothing, and women may not appear in men’s
+apparel. Some regard to common decency must be observed in public at
+least.
+
+In times of pestilence many things are ruled out of the market. Men
+may not sell diseased or decayed food. Even the fish and the birds are
+protected against the ravages of men at certain seasons.
+
+When a well or fountain is deemed unfit for use, the people are
+forbidden to drink of it, and a guard placed to secure obedience.
+
+A druggist may not sell poisonous drugs, such as laudanum or opium, at
+his discretion.
+
+In most of the States gambling is forbidden, and although a man may
+own the house in which the business is carried on, and the parties
+visiting the house may make no complaint, yet the officers of the
+law may step in, and the presence of the men and the appliances are
+sufficient proof of guilt, and they are taken to jail. The lottery
+business is forbidden in some States. Obscene books, and pictures,
+and papers may not be exhibited or sold. Places of low resort may not
+outrage common decency, unless it is done secretly and unlawfully, as
+is often the case. Prize-fighters may not beat and bruise each other. A
+man may not burn his own house, or barn, or beat his horse. He cannot
+have the small-pox just when and where he pleases; he may be taken
+from his own house forcibly and put in a pest-house, or he may be
+detained in quarantine against his will. A grocer was tried and fined
+in Philadelphia, not long ago, for keeping Limburger cheese, because
+the people who lived next door were annoyed thereby; he was therefore
+forced by law to discontinue that business. A man owning a lot in a
+city may prefer to build a frame-house, but the town authorities step
+in and stop the work, and he is forced to build of brick or stone. He
+may not open a slaughter-house, or establish a powder-magazine where
+he pleases. He may not mint his own money, although he may have any
+quantity of silver or gold. He may not charge excessive interest. He is
+taxed; is subject to military duty, and hedged about from the cradle to
+the grave by-laws. The common good demands it, and there is no safety
+for life or property without restrictive legislation.
+
+With equal justice and propriety, the government (State and national)
+has the same right to interfere with the liquor traffic. Every
+principle involved in all these restrictive laws underlies the demand
+for the abatement of liquor-saloons, and breweries, and distilleries.
+
+The Brewers’ Congress, in their effort to go down to the bed-rock--the
+basal principles of our Constitution--and rivet beer upon us, raised
+this cry of personal liberty.
+
+The people should not be deceived by it. There is no such thing as
+personal liberty outside of savagism, and the demand is not for
+personal liberty, but for a state of lawlessness.
+
+And now, in conclusion, giving God the glory for our past successes,
+and for the wonderful preservation of those who walked with the Master
+in the furnace of the Crusade, let us work, and pray, and wait with
+faith for the victory that will surely come.
+
+ “For though women’s hands are weak to fight,
+ Their voices are strong to pray;
+ And with fingers of faith they open the gates
+ To a brighter, better day.”
+
+
+
+
+SUPPLEMENT.
+
+
+NEW CASTLE, PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+The Women’s Temperance League of New Castle, Pa., was formed April 8th,
+1874. As our county was favored with the Local Option Law, our work
+differed from that in many other places. Instead of visiting saloons
+kept open by license, our only street work consisted in visiting the
+distilleries and stores of such of our druggists as would not sign
+our “Druggist’s Pledge.” Here we held prayer-meetings upon only four
+different occasions. This work was not begun, however, until the last
+of June, after having made a thorough canvass with our pledges.
+
+In May, “Mother Stewart” visited us, and insisted upon the formation of
+a “Band of Hope.” Feeling that if we could get the boys right, the men
+would be right, we undertook the work. This society has proved a marked
+success, comprising at present 900 members, while our league numbers
+800. The meetings of the band and of the league have been continued
+with little interruption and with great profit, until the present time,
+1877.
+
+In the winter of 1877-1878, we earnestly co-operated with the reformed
+men in their work, though separate meetings are still held by the
+ladies and children.
+
+ MARGARET L. AIKEN, ex-Sec.
+
+
+BUFFALO, N. Y.
+
+I am indebted to Mrs. L. M. Kenyon for the following facts:
+
+When the tidal wave of the Crusade reached Buffalo the people said,
+“What are we to do with this strange movement?” But God’s call was
+heard by his own children, and at His command who said, “Let there be
+light, and there was light,” the women went out into the highways and
+the hedges, bearing the glad tidings of salvation.
+
+The women of Fredonia had preceded us in the work, and their fire
+kindled our enthusiasm. A meeting was held at the First Presbyterian
+Church to consider the question, as to whether we should unite in the
+work of the Crusade and try to save our city.
+
+There had been formerly a ladies’ temperance society, but it had lain
+dormant for years. It was thought this might again be revived, and form
+a starting point for a new movement, but the president of that society
+did not feel that she could unite in the Crusade, and so an independent
+meeting was the result. God was with the women who engaged in the
+work, in a wonderful manner, from the very beginning. They went out
+into every part of the city two by two. In some sections churches were
+opened for their meetings. The saloons were visited, and the women sang
+and prayed, and read the Scriptures, and the power of God fell upon the
+people, and law-breakers and men hardened in transgression were seen to
+weep.
+
+No regular plan of attack was made in the beginning, but the women went
+as the Holy Spirit directed. In course of time a Woman’s Temperance
+Union was organized, auxiliary to the State Union, which has brought
+about a great change in public sentiment, although the opposition at
+times was very violent and often discouraging. But, sustained by an
+Almighty hand, they continued to push the work.
+
+A committee of three ladies was appointed to visit the Board of Excise,
+and ask them to withhold license. That body answered they had done all
+they could, so the argument did not prevail. The mayor of the city
+fixed a time when the ladies should meet the Excise Commission, but
+when the hour arrived he was absent. The interview was unsatisfactory,
+as there was a division of sentiment and a lack of courage. A long
+petition was then presented to the city council, signed by over three
+hundred of our prominent business men, several hundred prominent women,
+and men of various occupations to the number of three thousand. But all
+their efforts were of no avail. Though disappointed and discouraged,
+they were not utterly cast down, but felt that God was with them, and
+still prayed and worked on. There were not wanting those who opposed
+the Crusade movement, and advised the women to stay at their homes, and
+hinted that those who visited saloons were crazy or fanatical. Yet the
+work of saloon visiting went on.
+
+One incident in connection with this work was very touching: A
+saloon-keeper had a lovely daughter. She had heard of their visits to
+her father’s saloon, and upon the day she died, most eloquently did she
+plead with him to sell no more intoxicating liquor; never again to
+open his doors to sell, after they had carried her out to Forest Lawn.
+The father’s heart was touched, and he could not resist the pleadings
+of his dying child. He promised he would close, and he did not again
+open his saloon, but soon found respectable business.
+
+In one saloon there were about thirty men drinking and playing cards,
+and women were there in a state of intoxication. Permission to pray was
+asked, and granted; and the proprietor said, “Boys, take off your hats,
+while these ladies conduct their service!” And the audience was very
+attentive; sorrow seemed depicted upon their bloated faces, and their
+thoughts were no doubt lifted up for a time, at least.
+
+In one saloon a woman was very angry, and used insulting and indecent
+language. Said we were spoiling her man’s business, and we had better
+stay at home, and just mind our own business; while the husband treated
+us kindly, and seemed ashamed of his wife’s conduct, and asked us to
+come again. Since then the man has failed in his saloon business.
+
+The ladies held Gospel Temperance Meetings in the Friendly Inn of
+the Y. M. C. A. weekly, and one in Canterbury Varieties Theatre
+weekly. These meetings were productive of good. We had encouragement
+in our work from a man who was the owner of several saloons, and the
+proprietor of the Varieties Theatre. He gave us the use of the theatre,
+fire, light, and attention of the men attending to these things, and
+the thanks of the women are to-day given Mr. Humphreys for this favor.
+He opened his doors for the temperance women to hold meetings, and
+good impressions were made upon the minds of hundreds. Several public
+meetings were held, but the work has not been a decided success.
+
+No large contributions of money have ever been received. The little
+given has been distributed with care in aiding the families of
+drunkards.
+
+Election days have been days of prayer and fasting with them. “At one
+election, we believe,” says the writer, “one candidate was defeated
+because of our prayers.” He was a saloon-keeper. In the morning one
+of the women of our city said to him, “You will not be elected.” “Why
+not?” said the man. “Because the women of the praying band are in
+their rooms praying for your defeat.” “I’ll take the risk upon it, and
+you’ll see.” All day long we prayed and fasted; our room was full. In
+the afternoon a gentleman came in and said, “Keep on praying: there
+is confusion at the _polls_. Men are carrying their votes in their
+hands--have not yet voted: they are confused.” “Praise God, from whom
+all blessings flow” was then sung. Our meeting did not close till six
+o’clock. The saloon-keeper was not elected. During the day a _third_
+man had been put in and was elected. The saloon-keeper “cursed those
+women and their prayers.”
+
+We have had assistance from the Good Templars of our city. They have
+extended courtesy toward us, especially making it pleasant for the
+gathering of our State Union. They have always encouraged us in our
+work. A committee of ladies visited the Roman Catholic bishop for
+the purpose of getting the ladies of that church to co-operate in the
+putting down of the traffic in Buffalo. He advised us to call upon them
+ourselves, as he did not control the ladies of his churches--in fact
+they did not take part in such organizations; but he most cordially
+received the committee, and said he would do all in his power to aid
+the people here to put down this curse of the church and State.
+
+Voices cried unto us, saying: “When will deliverance come?” The reply
+was, “Wait patiently upon the Lord.”
+
+Ministers were visited, and requested to use unfermented wine at the
+Lord’s Supper. To this several responded favorably; others said: If a
+person is not so changed as to take his desire for strong drink away,
+he would fall just as quickly out of the church as in it.
+
+Sunday-schools were visited, and the children in these and day schools
+pledged.
+
+A Gospel Temperance meeting found many ready to listen. Said one man,
+“I have drank liquor for forty years: forty years of hell have I had.
+Why ask me to reform? I can’t!” Mothers said, “Pray for my son! Oh,
+save him, Lord! by the help of these women.”
+
+A man who was a noted gambler, jig-dancer, negro minstrel and
+drunkard, gave himself up to the service of the Master, and went about
+imploring men to reform. His own old mother, a depraved woman, he was
+instrumental in saving.
+
+The villages near us contributed their share of true Crusade fire, and
+in some cases the liquor-dealers were prosecuted, and injunctions put
+upon this accursed traffic. Angola, Eden, North Collins, Tonawanda,
+Buffalo, amid every discouragement, struck for a release from the
+license law, and, in a few cases, hotel and saloon-keepers did not
+renew their licenses.
+
+No effort was made to establish Friendly Inns, but in the ward meetings
+men signed the pledge, especially at the Friendly Inn of the Y. M. C. A.
+
+The wealthy women of the city were not generally enlisted, yet by the
+power of God many a young man was saved and many homes made happy. The
+Crusade fire is still burning, and only needs to be fanned to kindle a
+blaze of temperance enthusiasm.
+
+
+XENIA.
+
+During the second week of the Crusade, Friday was set apart as a
+day of fasting and prayer, services being held at the Presbyterian
+Church during the entire day. While this meeting was going forward,
+the ladies were on duty, and at nine o’clock the “Hole in the Wall,”
+in the rear of the Ewing House, kept by Manus O’Donnell, capitulated
+unconditionally, and in a few minutes, more than sixty gallons of bad
+whiskey went to wash the sin-defiled alley of Whiteman; O’Donnell
+himself, amid the cheers of a thousand spectators, and the band of
+praying women, knocking out the bungs to give it flow.
+
+It was a complete and unconditional surrender of a man of all his
+earthly possessions, acknowledging his wrong and throwing himself upon
+the public for support in some other calling. Still in the rear of
+this saloon was the “Den of Iniquity,” from out of which, while yet the
+rejoicing proceeded, Warwick, the colored proprietor, was seen emerging
+with a little dirty white rag on a broomstick, bearing it aloft as a
+token of his surrender. Cheer after cheer went up; the ladies filed
+into his den, and brought forth his bottles and kegs of whiskey, and
+emptied their contents into the gutter. The proprietor of another
+saloon consented to close. His wife was temporarily absent; she was a
+woman who had a very vile tongue, and when she returned she was very
+indignant that the saloon should be closed, and immediately reopened
+it. The ladies renewed their visits, and while they were praying before
+the saloon, and she was indulging in a blasphemous tirade, one of the
+women was led to pray _that the Lord would still her tongue_. The
+prayer was answered. She was afterward struck dumb, and remained so for
+two years, when she died.
+
+Mrs. M. C. Bristow adds the following: Mass-meetings were held every
+evening; union meetings in which all our ministers took part; also a
+morning meeting which was largely attended not only by our temperance
+women and ministers, but by many of our principal business men. A
+mass-meeting was held Sabbath afternoon by the women. All these
+meetings were well attended until the month of April, at which time
+our city election took place. We had looked forward to this event with
+much interest: the parties, instead of being as heretofore Republicans
+and Democrats, were Temperance and Anti-Temperance. For mayor, the
+most important office to be filled, the friends of temperance nominated
+one of the best men in the city--Captain McDowell; not only an earnest
+Christian temperance man, but a man whom everybody respected. The
+other candidate was not only opposed to the new temperance movement,
+but one who habitually used intoxicating liquors. To our sorrow and
+disappointment Captain McDowell was defeated, and we were obliged
+to accept for our highest city officer one whom we had every reason
+to believe would do all in his power to oppose the progress of the
+temperance movement.
+
+The women were out upon the streets that day in full force, and at one
+of our saloons a most shameful affair occurred. A middle-aged, highly
+respectable woman, a member of one of our bands, having become weary
+from long standing and frequent kneeling, seated herself upon the steps
+of the saloon of John Glassinger, a German, to rest for a few moments.
+She was immediately ordered by the proprietor to leave the premises,
+and failing to obey as quickly as he thought she ought to, he kicked
+her off the steps by main force, and afterwards gave her blows, which
+confined her to her bed and house for several weeks.
+
+The saloon-keeper was arrested, but being a man of means, gave bail,
+and when his case finally came up before the grand jury, they being
+entirely in sympathy with him, failed to find an indictment. And so for
+four years he has been permitted to pursue his unholy traffic, without
+let or hindrance. Times without number he has been arrested for
+selling to minors, and otherwise violating the letter of his license,
+but the judgment of our court has _always_ been lenient in his case.
+
+We read in the word “that, though joined hand in hand, the wicked
+shall not go unpunished.” And just now it really seems in the case
+of this man, who has so long openly defied the laws of God and man,
+the words of Holy Writ are about to be verified. A few weeks since,
+in opening a beer barrel, the bung flew out and hit him in the eye,
+entirely destroying the sight of that eye. The other out of sympathy is
+also seriously affected, and there is every reason to believe he will
+eventually lose the sight of both eyes. His first exclamation after the
+accident was: “Now dem vimins will say, ‘dis is a judgment from God for
+my selling liquor.’”
+
+The day after the election it was a serious question with our earnest
+Christian women whether they should go out upon the streets or not,
+but after due deliberation they decided to do so. We met as usual at
+eight o’clock in the morning for prayer, formed ourselves into bands,
+and separated, each going to our appointed field of duty. We were very
+sorrowful on that ever to be remembered morning: a deep solemnity and
+unwonted fervor was apparent in every prayer that was offered. In the
+language of the Psalmist, we were led to exclaim in our extremity,
+“Vain is the help of man; unto Thee, O Lord! we lift our waiting eyes.”
+
+Shortly after our city election an opposing band was organized,
+composed entirely of Germans. Of all the saloon-keepers in the town,
+only five were Americans--two white, and three black.
+
+This German “_Mocking band_” was organized for the purpose of
+disturbing and, if possible, breaking up the temperance bands. When
+we came upon the street and commenced our labors, they came also and
+commenced theirs; in derision they sang and prayed, and once in our
+presence took communion, in their mocking, profane way, using beer
+for wine. But these proceedings were kept up for only a brief period.
+Seeing that we were undaunted, and could not be driven from the field
+by this kind of persecution, they desisted, leaving us to go on with
+our services undisturbed.
+
+The full bands were out daily for nine weeks, including picket work;
+but it was not in the nature of things that our labors on the street
+should continue. Some had already been obliged to abandon the work on
+account of failing health, others had young families requiring their
+time and attention, and thus from various causes one and another
+dropped out of our ranks.
+
+During the month of July, the heat became so intense that it was deemed
+unsafe to go out in the day time, and meetings were held in the early
+part of the morning and evening.
+
+Mrs. M. A. Wilson adds: “About this time a committee of liquor men
+visited our business firms to ascertain who were in sympathy with this
+Crusade movement, as they fully intended to withdraw their patronage
+from all who were.
+
+“The number of workers at this time was reduced to about twenty-five.
+We held Gospel Temperance Meetings in various places on Saturday
+evenings, also on Sabbath afternoons. During the active work a Woman’s
+Temperance League was organized, with three hundred and twelve members,
+which has since been merged into the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.
+
+“The Sabbath four o’clock prayer-meetings have been held regularly
+since the Crusade. A meeting is also held Sabbath at three P. M. in
+the jail, where we have reason to believe very much good has been
+accomplished.”
+
+Among those who took part in the prayer-meetings and the work were Mrs.
+Lowe; Mrs. Allen; Mrs. Monroe; Mrs. Moore; Mrs. Barr; Mrs. Hartwell;
+Mrs. Bedell; Mrs. Turnbull; Mrs. Marley; Mrs. Wilson; Mrs. Drees;
+Mrs. Bristol; Mrs. Wilson; Mrs. Luce; Mrs. Farber; Mrs. Finley; Mrs.
+Meredith; Mrs. Shearer; Mrs. Watt; Mrs. Day; Mrs. Good; Mrs. Williams;
+Mrs. Merrick; Mrs. Connable; Mrs. Ralston; Mrs. Shipley; Mrs. Conwell;
+Mrs. Hutchinson; Mrs. Ormsby; Mrs. Barlow; Mrs. Trotter; Mrs. McMillan;
+Mrs. Jacoby; Mrs. McPherson; Miss Williams; Miss Keaggy; Miss Allen;
+Miss Lauman; Miss Allison.
+
+There were scores of others, whose names we were not able to secure.
+
+
+
+
+A GENERAL REVIEW.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+Organized Temperance Work is of recent date, and may justly be claimed,
+as one of the fruits of the Christian civilization of the Nineteenth
+century.
+
+The first society was formed in Moroe, Saratoga county, N. Y., in the
+beginning of the nineteenth century, by two earnest men--a Christian
+minister and a Christian physician.
+
+From this little beginning, a blessed tidal wave of influence has swept
+around the world, and Temperance organizations may now be found in
+every civilized and semi-civilized country on the globe.
+
+One of the most singular facts in the history of this reform is, that
+more than fifty years of earnest effort was put forth by men, before
+women began to take very much actual interest in the work. The Good
+Templars were the first to open their doors, and invite, and secure
+their co-operation. But it was not till that mighty Spiritual cyclone
+that we call “the Crusade” swept over the land, that any large number
+of women came aggressively into the work.
+
+With the power of this Pentecostal baptism upon them, and the heroism
+of a divine faith to sustain them, they were almost irresistible.
+
+Timid women, unused to missionary work, went out as flaming heralds
+of the Cross, carrying the gospel of the Son of God into the saloons,
+and down into the slums of vice. And these ministrations were attended
+with wonderful power and success. Whole towns were cleared of the
+liquor traffic in a few days; hundreds of men who had been in the trade
+for years, closed their saloons, and renounced the business forever;
+thousands signed the pledge; many who were going down rapidly to ruin,
+reformed, and became champions of the cause; women unschooled in
+oratory, spoke with tongues of fire, moving the masses by their burning
+words of eloquence, and stirring society to its very depths.
+
+As to what the result might have been, had the women continued on these
+lines of work, we dare not speculate. But this we do know, that just
+in proportion as they have had power with God, they have had power
+with men; and just to the extent that they have wandered away from the
+Divine source of strength, and “put their trust in princes and in the
+son of man, in whom there is no help,” to just that extent they have
+failed to secure unity and success.
+
+The brilliant dash of the Crusade, that so discomfited the enemy all
+along the lines, was followed by organization.
+
+The new society, which was called the Woman’s National Christian
+Temperance Union, was organized in Cleveland, Ohio, in November, 1874,
+by representatives from most of the Northern and some of the Southern
+States.
+
+The growth of the society was unprecedentedly large. Branch unions
+were formed in all the large towns and cities, and in many of the
+villages of the land.
+
+Soon the work extended beyond our own lines, and a Canadian Woman’s
+Temperance Union, and a British Woman’s Temperance Association were
+effected, which have extended the work to India, Africa and the Islands
+of the sea, so that wherever the English language is spoken, the names
+of these societies are a household word.
+
+In the early years of the work, there was entire unity in the plans of
+these societies, which was one of the marks of its Divine origin. They
+all worked after the pattern shown them on the mount of faith.
+
+Another evidence that the pattern was of Heavenly origin, is the fact
+that it was complete in outline, and that they were enabled to take
+such a wide view of the field, and grasp with such masterly hands, the
+instrumentalities to be used.
+
+
+WORK AMONG THE CHILDREN.
+
+In the very beginning, the importance of pledging and training the
+young was emphasized. This work has been pushed with great zeal and
+energy, till it has extended far beyond their own lines.
+
+The society has, perhaps, fewer children directly under its training,
+but they are more carefully taught.
+
+Regular training schools with every facility for scientific teaching,
+have taken the place of oral lessons and pledge signing, so common in
+the beginning when the children gathered by hundreds. And they have
+pushed the work beyond their own lines, out into the Sabbath schools,
+and into the Public schools and colleges.
+
+A wonderful impulse was given to this thorough, systematic training,
+by the publication of Dr. Richardson’s Lesson Book, and Julia Colman’s
+Alcohol and Hygiene, by the National Temperance Publishing Society of
+New York. So that in reviewing the past, it is safe to say that the
+general work has been greatly advanced.
+
+
+TEMPERANCE LITERATURE.
+
+As an important auxiliary in efforts to reach all classes, especially
+those who do not attend religious and Temperance meetings, the
+distribution of Temperance literature has been most helpful. The work
+from the very first has been pushed with zeal and persistence, and has
+gone steadily on, till the volume of literature produced and circulated
+gratuitously, is enormous. Instructive tracts and Temperance hand-bills
+are being distributed by _millions_.
+
+Many of them are of high order, and contain the most reliable
+scientific information. These tracts may be found at railroad stations,
+post-offices, and work-shops, and at other points where men congregate;
+and, like the leaven the woman hid in the meal, is rapidly leavening
+the whole lump.
+
+
+FRIENDLY INNS.
+
+The need of a safe place of resort for the thousands, who during the
+Crusade were led by Divine power to abandon their cups, was deeply
+felt, and many of the Unions undertook to meet the demand.
+
+They were well patronized by the classes for whom they were intended,
+and by others who felt an interest in such generous enterprises.
+But owing to the labor involved, and the responsibility incurred,
+many societies, after a few years, turned the work over to private
+parties, who assumed all risk, and gradually these Friendly Inns became
+Temperance Restaurants, and Hotels for the accommodation of the general
+public, and a more respectable class of customers. There are but few of
+these institutions now, directly under the control of the society which
+inaugurated the work in this country so grandly.
+
+
+THE PRESS.
+
+The change in the attitude of the Press has been most favorable.
+
+Before the Crusade, it was difficult to secure entrance for Temperance
+literature, into the secular newspapers of the country, and little
+was found in the religious journals. But the Crusade movement was so
+unusual and exciting, and the people were so anxious to secure the
+latest information, that correspondents were kept in the field, that
+the latest news might be furnished.
+
+That the Press has maintained a more independent attitude towards the
+liquor traffic since the Crusade than ever before, cannot be denied.
+The friends of Temperance have a fair field; the newspapers of the
+country are as accessible to them as to the friends of the trade, and
+their contributions more often appear. Large numbers of papers have
+conceded a column weekly to the local unions, and they are edited by
+members of the society, while the regular Temperance papers have been
+much better sustained.
+
+On the other hand, liquor-dealers have established their own organs,
+and the pen-fight, all along the lines, waxes fiercer and hotter as the
+years go by.
+
+The religious press is outspoken, and may be relied on in the coming
+contest, as a mighty power. The secular press, though divided, will
+grandly reinforce the work, as the question of the total prohibition of
+the liquor traffic comes more and more to the front.
+
+
+YOUNG WOMEN’S WORK.
+
+The organization of Young Women’s Unions has not been general. But
+large numbers have come into the work as co-laborers with their older
+sisters, and a more decided temperance sentiment has obtained among
+them.
+
+
+PRISON VISITATION.
+
+The sick, and those in prison, have been visited; and many in jails,
+for crimes committed under the influence of drink, have signed the
+pledge, and been redeemed inside prison walls.
+
+
+GOSPEL TEMPERANCE MEETINGS.
+
+During the early days of the Crusade, while the breath of a Divine
+inspiration was upon them, the women inaugurated Gospel Temperance
+Meetings.
+
+Their watch-fires, kindled in almost every village, glinted with light
+the darkest caverns of sin and degradation; and thousands, lost in the
+mazes of drunkenness, guided by their beacon fires, found their way to
+the cross of Christ, and to a new and redeemed life.
+
+In no work has God’s power been more clearly displayed than in these
+meetings held by the women in the early years of their work.
+
+These meetings had so much of Christ’s gospel in them, and were so
+effectual in saving the ungospeled masses, that the name of Gospel
+Temperance Meetings was given them--a name that has become a household
+word among all Temperance workers in all lands.
+
+The rude halls and mission chapels, where the workers held their
+meetings, seemed favored places of Heaven, where God let down His
+ladder, for the swift feet of the angels of mercy and forgiveness.
+Thousands were redeemed, not only from drunkenness, but from all their
+vile and sinful habits.
+
+If we could turn over the pages of the Book of Life, we would find
+opposite many a name unknown to fame, the words of Jesus, in letters
+of living light, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of
+these, ye have done it unto Me.”
+
+During the first three or four years of the work, these meetings for
+the reformation and salvation of the drinking classes, were most
+earnest and successful. During one year special reports showed that
+over _fifteen thousand_ had been saved through these Gospel Temperance
+Meetings.
+
+The Woman’s Temperance Union was born of prayer, and must be sustained
+by prayer. When we substitute any other agency for prayer we will be
+shorn of our strength, and fall apart. Nothing but the Divine grace
+that comes in answer to much prayer can cement, in strong, enduring
+bonds, human hearts for such work as this.
+
+As they gather about the cross to pray, they are drawn nearer to the
+Master, and nearer to each other. The reflex influence upon the workers
+themselves, has been a most blessed result.
+
+But as the years have gone by, the character of the work has somewhat
+changed. Gospel Temperance Meetings are still held, and drinking men
+brought in and saved; but the meetings are not so frequent, and are not
+so largely attended by crowds from the slums.
+
+Bible Readings, and Consecration meetings, have become more frequent,
+and the workers themselves are seeking teaching. At the seventh annual
+meeting of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, held at Washington,
+D. C., October, 1881, there were present 216 delegates, representing
+twenty-seven States, besides the District of Columbia and the Territory
+of Dakota.
+
+The Treasurer’s exhibit showed $2,557.69 received and disbursed; and
+the Corresponding Secretary’s report showed a vast amount of work
+accomplished.
+
+But, as large as the work may appear, we may not conceal from ourselves
+the fact that we have only touched the rim of the womanhood of this
+country, as yet. Millions of women are idle and indifferent, and
+thousands are under the power of the habit, or in the liquor business.
+
+Unity of plans by which these masses could be reached, would greatly
+advance the Temperance cause.
+
+One of the great needs of the country, and of this cause, is good,
+sober, intelligent mothers, who, with strong hands, would mould society
+in its beginnings.
+
+If we would have good government in the country, we must have good
+government in the homes where government begins.
+
+Women are the governors of the race for the first and best half of
+human life. They are the character builders for the future generations,
+and we shall have won a great victory for the cause when we may count
+the mothers of the land on the side of the Temperance host, and their
+home teaching backs up legal enactments.
+
+
+PROHIBITORY LEGISLATION.
+
+We can no longer admit of compromise measures in dealing with the
+liquor traffic. The whole iniquitous business is wrong; a sin against
+God, a cruel crime against society, that no amount of revenue can
+condone. To admit that crime legalized is no longer crime, is absurd.
+The moral code is written not only in the Book of God, but on human
+hearts. Every fibre of soul and body is under laws that, violated, must
+meet the penalty, no matter how men legislate. And there is not one
+sentence in the whole moral code that does not fall upon the liquor
+traffic and traffickers in heavy condemnation. We must adjudge this
+crime as we would other crimes.
+
+There is no ground to justify compromises. As well might we advocate a
+law making it _optional_ with the people whether crime such as theft,
+or murder, or arson, should be committed under protection of law.
+
+There is not a principle involved in English common law that is not
+violated by the emissaries of the liquor traffic. Human comfort and
+happiness, the safety of life and property, and the perpetuity of
+government, are involved.
+
+As Temperance sentiment has increased, the demand for Prohibitory
+legislation has become more and more imperative, and the most radical
+measures are brought forward.
+
+Prohibition by constitutional amendment has become the rallying cry in
+nearly every State. The people propose to take the matter into their
+own hands, and divest it of all political complications, and settle it
+on its own merits, by an exercise of their constitutional rights.
+
+This seems the easiest, quickest, and most permanent plan that has
+ever been brought forward, and is in perfect harmony with our American
+institutions.
+
+A decision by a majority of the legal voters of the State, in favor of
+putting Prohibition down in the bed-rock of State law, would carry the
+necessary public sentiment for the enforcement of the law.
+
+The example of President and Mrs. Hayes in banishing liquor from the
+White House during one Presidential term, was most praiseworthy. And
+the beautiful tribute of the Woman’s Temperance Union, was a suitable
+recognition of the heroic stand for Truth and Temperance, made by
+Mrs. Lucy W. Hayes. And the fact that during President Hayes’ term of
+office the unused wine glasses gathered dust in the cellar, while the
+Bible was in constant use in the parlor, will stand out as a gem in
+history, long after the liquor traffic of the Republic is overthrown,
+and _Prohibition written on the door-post of the White House, and over
+the portals of the Capitol buildings_.
+
+ “The crisis presses on us,
+ Face to face, with us it stands,
+ With lips of solemn question,
+ Like the Sphynx of Egypt’s sands;
+ To-day we fashion destiny--
+ The web of fate we spin,
+ To-day forever choose we,
+ Or holiness or sin.
+ By the future that’s before us--
+ By all the lights that cast
+ Their dim and flickering beams across
+ The darkness of the past,
+ And by the blessed thoughts of Him
+ Who for our ransom died;
+ Oh, my country! oh, my brothers!
+ Choose ye the righteous side.”
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[1] When the praying band went out for saloon visitation, the
+_brothers_ remained in the College building in prayer-meeting, and at
+the close of every prayer, the College-bell was tolled.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber note
+
+
+Spelling and punctuation errors have been corrected.
+
+Italic text has been enclosed in underscores.
+
+Smallcap text has been capitalised.
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77878 ***
generated by cgit v1.2.3 (git 2.25.1) at 2026-03-18 11:01:04 +0000