The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1867-10-25
Temperance and Politicians.

Mr.. EDITOR nave recently read an account
Of the doings Of the Grand Lodge OF Good Temp
lars, which held It's seml. annual meeting 0 short
time since In this city, and which Is supposed TO
represent the subordinate Lodges throughout the
State. by this account, published In the journal
the editor of which 10 Grand Worthy Chief Temp
lar, and which 10 undoubtedly Official, 1t cannot
escape notice that the action OF the Grand Lodge
was almost wholly confined to political discus
sions. and resolutions suggesting amendments to
laws, Strengthening" the same, &c. The writer OF
this Is Good Templar, and member Of Grand
Lodge of the Order. and knowing something of The
objects OF the Order, aud the good work which It
the authority by which . body representing three
hundred Lodges and q membership Of upwards
OF $4,000 Good Templars, assumes to disregard
entirely tho question of Temperance reform and
the influence OF public sentiment In Its favor by
the power OF the pledge. The political leaders
In this Grand Lodge-the radical amendment"
men - seem to have had things oil their own
way They forgot entirely that they were sont
TO Saco, to take counsel together TO promote
the interests OF the Orderj but, instead, they
mot and resolved themselves into o committee Of
tho whole ON the state Of the amendment TO tho
prohibtory law, and In two days session they
have been devislng way and means whereby they
best could make tstlll more stringent, and most
efYsctuAlly pour out ansthsmss upon all who pre-
sumed TO regard It ~ damaging to the temperance
reform. As o temperance man from boyhood up,
both practically and otherwise, cannot but TO.
gard the last amendment to the liquor law - I'M
wise and damaging to the cause an honsst In
this beliefi could give my reasons for thus
thinking. and may at some other time. Ny expe.
Renee has also taught me, that II the Order Of
Good Templars would accomplish its work, and
promote the temperance reform, the less II has to
do with politics, as an Order, the better II will DO
for Il. As IN organization to promote temper
sncs, u has the respect OF the moral community,
Of men Of all parties. This undoubtedly the pro-
jectors Of tho Order had In view when II was arst
Instituted, and they took good care that nothing
was put Into the constitution or the rituals, or
other private work OF the 0rler, conflicting with
any mans political opinion 81 that rs long ~ .
member keeps his pledge inviolate, he has . per-
feet right to oppose, probition" even, or advocate
the repeal OF u cider or any injudc,ous clause In
prohibitory Law. If no thinks bost. and still re
tain his good standing In the Order. 1regard tia
unfortunate that the mass OF the members OF the
Order In Maine. should be compelled to be mlsrep-
resented by such sprinkling of impractical rad.
icals and inexperienced and irresponsible divinity
students, as made themselves conspicuous In the
arsnd Lodge which recently convened In saco.
regard 10 ~ unfortunate. becsuse do not he.
lisve they have done the sausc Of Temperance
any good. say misrepresented, because knov
that there 10 large class Of persons who are In