Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1860-12-19

The public meeting under the auspices of
the Worcester Temperance League, was held
at the City Hall, last evening, the president
OF the League, Mayor Rice presiding. There
was large attendance. In his opening speech
the Mayor stated the object of the organization
to be, the creation of a public sentiment, favor
able to the execution of the law prohibiting
the traffic in intoxicating liquors. This was
more needed to effect cure for the evils OF
intemperanee, than mere municipal nomina
tions Of elections. He said the great impedi-
ment TO the execution of the law in this city
during the past year, arose from the action of
officers Of the county, who had attached the
liquors stored in the depots and deposited
them in tine grog shops where they were in.
tended to be delivered by their owners for
sale. He counseled persistent and determined
action in behalf of the cause, by he creation
of a right public sentiment throughout the
community, as i'll the end to overcome all OBJ
stacles to the thorough execution of the tenn
perance law.
Rev. Mr.. Twombly, chairman of the execu
tive committee, explained the cause of the
absence of the singing club intended to favor
the meeting with music, but said they would
be present at future meetings.
Rev Mr.. James made some statements re-
spectng the preliminary steps resulting in the
organization of the league, at public meet
ing in Washburn Hail. on the evening of No.
vember 18th last. He said this was the first
of a series of monthly public meetings. which
it was proposed TO hold, under the auspices OF
the league, for the promotion of the cause. 1t
was the object, by speeches. the circulation of
tracts, &c, to create healthy public senti,
ment on this question, strengthen the moral
sentiment of the city, and take possession of
it.
Rev. Mr.. Moss of the First Baptist church
was then introduced and spoke eoquenty and
ably. He said it was his first public tenn
perance speech before an audience He
pledged his whole heart, hand, and voice, cord
tally in aid of the cause. But there could be
no legislation or execution of the law in ad-
vance OF the average public conscience of any
community, and for this reason high toned
public sentiment on this question was neces.
sary The creation Of this public sentiment,
should be our aim, by every means, by. our
own example, and otherwise. lie went on
to speak Of intenperance as threefod crime
against ourselves, against those around US,
and against God, and closed with a fervent
appeal for renewed and persistent and deter
mined effort by all to aid in arresting this
great evil His speech was illustrated with
many anecdotes, told with effect.
Rev. Mr.. Richardson was the last speaker,
and he spoke in his usual forcible and vigorous
strain, showing that the material wealth of
any community was dependent upon its moral
character. He made an urgent appeal not to
weary in well doing in lurtherance of this no.
| bic cause.
a committee, chosen for the purpose, circu.
lated the pledge among The audience and nm.
wards OF two hundred signed their name, a.
members OF the League.
The meeting adjourned to assemble again at
the call OF tue executive committee.