The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-01-10
The Biddeford Temperance Association


existence now one year. 1t was organized
under favorable auspices, and was supported
by many of the best citizens Of our place,
but like many other good enterprises, 1t has
eked out miserable existence lin ono scnsc)
for the want Of that support which Its first
meetings gave evidence that It would have.
The oil absorbing question OF the day, the
state ofour country and the peril that sur
rounds IL, has of course been q drawback to
tho success Of the society, but this would not
have retarded its progress much, If 1t could
have had the sympathy and aid of its first
supporters through the past year, but they
ran we'll for season, and then, when their
aid was most needed, deserted. We con-
fidently expected to have had tho hearty CO.
operation Of all the christian people of our
place, but even here we were mistaken, and
have had to work along without many whom
we naturally expected would be with us in
every good word and work. The most Of the
clergy have been with us heart and hand,
and to them Is tho credit due, that the in
stituticn still lives. 1t isstill asked by many
'what has the society done?" We answer
that it has not done anything in comparison
to what it might have done, il We could have
had the aid OF those who stand aloof and ask
the question. 1t is no proof to the dispar-
agement of the association that it has not
done much to decrease the number Of rum
shops, and intemperance in our midst, but
on the other hand itshould induce every good
citizen to lend q helping hand. Our govern
ment has not caused rebellion to hide its
hideous heal, althou ugh one year has elapsed.
Yet this is no argument against the righteous
ness of our cause, or the stability of our
government, but it should cause more do
termined effort to sustain our institutions
and overthrow tyranny and oppression.
Through the medium Of the association
petition was presented to our city authorities
last spring, praying for tho enforcement Of
the law to suppress grog shops, but this was
a failure and the committee to whom was
referred the petition, reported adversely upon
it but few weeks since. Aid. Adams,
chairman of that committee, at one of the
temperance meetings short timo since,
stated the reasons of its failure. but We will
refrain from remarking upon that ut present.
Mr.. Adams said, however, that he had nj
doubt that the city authorities would enforce
the law provided they were backed up by
the citizens Of our place. We were some
what surprised at the statement, inasmuch as
they thought it not advisable to enforce the
law, when the petition presented to them
was signed by large portion OF the best and
most influential citizens OF our city. We
naturally supposed that they would read the
petition, and the names upon 1t have noticed,
but by the remarks of Mr.. Adams, VIC con-
cludo that they have not had time to look at
tnc names, Dut ~ tuo hios oPPoAsuny We
course they will, and therefore our good
citizens may expect shortly 1--WE trust before
this year cxpircs) that some II not oil Of the
tipping houses in our place will DO shut up,
We wait patiently, therefore, that happy
day. AT the last meeting spirited dis
cuSion arose between b. +. Hamilton, ESD,
and Rev. Mr.. Stevens. Ed. Stevens in
the manner that he handled the subject gave
evidence that he would make good lawyer.
and Hamilton in the position he took o
model minister. The Temperance Gem" Is
the naine Of u paper sustained by the ladies
Of the society, it is filed with original matter
and Of such tone rs Is calculated to arouse
the public action in the Temperance cause.
The last one was "Gem" indeed, the
articles were Of no ordinary character, and
some of them reflect credit upon the authors.
| Its editorial management Is under the hands