The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-12-09

sidetation of so important matter in every part Of
the city. notice was accordingly inserted in AL the
papers, calling a general meeting at Temperance
Hall on Monday, May 80, 1862 III 500 III
In pursuance Of this call large and enthusiastic
meeting assembled land after discussion, passed
unanimously, the following resolution-viz;
LIST. Resol0ed, That we rejoice in the opportunity
which viii be given TO the voters Of this city Mon
day next, under the sanction of the corporation
authorities, TO express their opinions and wishes
subject involving the best interests Of this comnu-
nifty.
Cd. Reso1ped, That while we cherish the kindest
feelings personally, TO those engaged in the traffic In
intoxicating drinks and whilstwe not disposed to
indulge in the language of reproach towards them,
we are thoroughly convinced, that, as-members Of q
common community with them, and Interested in
everything which affects tbs welfare OF individuals,
Of families, and the public at large we have right
to be heard npon this subject, and to express our
upon community, toagrcater extent than anything
else, panperism, crime and wretchedness, and their
corresponding burdens.
sd. Reso1ued, That we will attend the polls on
Monday next, and will not only cast our individual
votes in favor Of "no license" but vii use all our
influence with our fellow citizens to induce them to
vote in the same mtnner.
4th. Resoloek that mass meetings be held as fol-
lows, viz: t4 s
LIST. On this Monday evening at the south front Of
the Patent Office a -.
Cd. On Tuesday evening, at the West Market
House. S
3d. On Wednesday evening at Centre Market
4th. On Thursday evening, at Engine House. Navy
Yard, and at West Market House
9Th. On Friday evening, at Island Hall.
9th. On Saturday evening, at East Capitol street
9th. Rtsot0ed, That the reverend clergy OF the
city be, and they are, hereby, requested to bring the
subject to the notice Of the several congregations on
Sabbath next If not inconsistent with their other
engagements. s9
9th, Resoloed, That a committee be appointed to
prepare and canse to be published an address to the
a ia q
"no license" y;
In pursuance of these resolutions the following
committees were appointed, viz:
Committee to prepare and publish address to
the voters: Rev. Dr.. Peck, Rev DR.. Junku, Rev.
.. =. Reese, A. +. Cunningham, A. Rothwell, and
ID. Radcliffe Esq.
General Committee: Peter Force, n. CaIlan, Rev.
u Ward. Rev. G. A. Davis, 8. b. Fmnell W. IL.
Fitzhugh Robert Ricketts,, NJ II. Miller, George Saw
age, Edward Myers, A. Rothwe,l, Charles 81. Lane,
+. Cunningham, ]. +. Ingle, j. A. TAFT w. Magill,
DR.. McKeon, DIR. Cole, Charles II. Gordon, Rev. j.
Henry. p. 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 forciby
it was signed by the above Committee and published
in hand-bill form, and also in the newspapers and
circulated abundantly all over the city.
The public meetings were all also held as resolved
upon-aH of which were numerously attended and
our ablest pnrest and most eloquent men discussed
the matter as great moral question ehould be dis
system to come forward and defend their cause but
they everywhere shrank from it. 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 q cause. Many of them attended
the meetings but We're silent sullen, logged. They
ground their teeth and vented their spleen by curses
on Savage" as the stirer up of the fuss, &C., &C.
On the mo license" side the discussion was en-
Enthusiastically, gailanfly 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. II was discussed purely as o
matter in which every individual had vital interest
The sole purpose was to break down great moral
evil, which was fixed upon 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 1858, and the following is the official announce
ment of the result:
"REGIsTER's OFFIcE, JUNE Z, 1858.
'The 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:"