The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-11-14

sideration OF 50 important matter in every part Of
the city. notice accordingly inserted in all the
papers, calling general meeting at Temperance
Hall on Monday, May 80, 1853
In pursuance Of this call a large and enthusiastic
meeting asseipbled--and after discussion, passed
unaatmousty, the following resolution--yiz:
lsI HeSos0ed, That we rejoice in the opportunity
which VIII be given TO the voters of this city on Mon
day next under the sanction Of the corporation
authorities, toexpress their opinions and wishes on
subject involving the best interests Of this comu-
nifty.
3D. Resoloed, That whileswe cherish the kindest
feelings personally, to those engaged in the traffic in
Intoxicating drinks, and whilst we are not disposed to
indulge IN the language Of reproach towards them,
we are thoroughly convinced that, as members of a
common community with them and interested in
everything which affects the welfare of individuals
of families, and the public at large, we have right
TO be heard upon this subject, and to express our
unquatcd dsapprobation of practice which entails
upon community, TO greater extent than anything
else pauperlsm, crime, and wretchedness and their
corresponding burdens.
Sd. hesolsed, That we will attend the polls on
Monday next, and viii not only cast our individual
votes in favor of "no license" but will all our
influence with our fellow citizens to induce them to
vote in the same manner.
4h. Resolpod, that mass meetings be held as fol-
| lows, viz:
lst. On this Monday evening at the south front of
I'd. On Tuesday evening, at the West Market
House. f.agAt
Sd, On Wednesday evening, at Centre Market.
4th. On Thursday evening, at Engine House, Navy
Yard, and at West Market House. sys
9Th. On Friday evening, at Island Hall
9th. On Saturday evening at East Capitol street.
9Th. Resol0ed, That the reverend clergy OF the
city be- and they are, here6 requested to bring the
subject To the notice of the several congregations
Sabbath next, if not inconsistent with their other
engagements.
eth. ResoIoed, That a committee be appointed to
prepare and cause to be published an address to the
vote Of he iii he uue Of 0r
ono license"
In pursuance Of these resolutions the following
committees were appointed, viz:
Committee to prepare Ind publish an address to
the voters Rev. DR.. Peek, Rev. DR.. .unkin, Rev.
=. .. Reese, A. F. Cunningham, A. Rothwe, and
ID. Radcliffe Esq.
General Committee: Peter Force, N Callan, Rev.
U. Ward, Rev, G. A. Davis, S. d, Finnell, w. H.
Fitzhugh, Robert Ricketts, NJ. II. Miller George Saw
age. Edward Myers, A. Rothwe Charles II. Lane,
4. +; Cunningham +. Inge, J. A. TAFT w. Mogl,
DR.. McKeon, DR.. Cole, Charles ii. Gordon, Rev. j.
Henry. +. M. Pearson, and p. b. Davis.
The foregoing proceedings were published in all
the newspapers, and an able address was prepared
presenting the question clearly, ably, and forcibly;
il was signed by the above Committee, and published
in hand-b form, and also in the newspapers, and
circulated abundanty all over the city
The public meetings were all also held as resolved
upon--all OF which were numerously attended and
our ablest purest, and most eloquent men discussed
the matter as great moral question should be dis
cussed. They called upon the friends of the license
system to come forward and defend their cause; but
they everywhere shraDk from 1t. No man could be
found bold enough to risk his reputation and stand
ing in the community by publicly standing up in
defence of such cause. Many of them attended
the meetings, but were silent, sulen, logged They
ground their teeth and vented their spleen by curses
on Savage" asJhe stirer up of the fuss, &C., &c.
On the "no license" side the discussion was en-
Enthusiastically, CALAMITY maintained The writer of
this attended nearly all the meetings and never can
forget the spirit and bearing which were displayed
throughout. There was nothing of political railing
or sectarian rant. 1t was discussed purely as a
matter in which every individual had vital interest
The sole purpose was to break down great moral
evil, which was fixed upon us by law, and was filing
the city with pauperism, crime and wretchedness
This was the burden and aim of every speech
spoken, and every essay written during the canvass
And with these purposes in their hearts, the voters
Of the city went to the polls the memorable 9Th of
June, 1853, and the following is the official announce
ment Of the result:
RRGIsTRRs OFFICE, JUNE Z, 1853.
"Thc Commissioners of Election in the several
wards of this city make the following returns of the
voter, taken at the election held on the 9Th instant
ON the license and no license question: