Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-02-28

TEMPERANCE IN CoSGRBss.-On Sun
day evening the Congressional Temper
ance Society held its first meeting in the
Hall of the House of Representatives
The hall was density crowded, many being
unable to obtain even standing room.
Senator Wilson Of Massachusetts, pre-
sided. In opening the meeting he said
Several Senators and Representatives
mindful of the numerous evils and sor-
rows of intemperance, had formed So
clety in which they had pledged each TO
the other and all to the country to put
away from them forever the intoxicat-
ing cup, and to commit themselves and
all they were to the holy cause Of tenn
perance. He spoke at some length in
furtherance of the object, remarking that
they humbly trusted that in the provi-
dence Of Almighty God they might con-
tribute to arrest the evils of intemper.
ance which were sweeping over our land
and nation.
We cannot refrain from giving sam
mary of the admirable speech OF Senator
Yates of Illinois, who the President in
troduced in complimentary terms. His
appearance was heartily greeted by the
audience.
He said he had signed the pledge for
good, and had made his covenant with
God some two months ago. The able,
eloquent and noble Senator from Massa-
chusetts, in the kindness and goodness
- &C. l.; 70 hin, AND
Governor, l want you to sign call for
q temperance meeting" with all my
heart" said Yates but the temperance
meeting did not take place. Yates then
said to Wilson he was tired OF waiting.
when his friend furnished him with the
! pledge. He read it carefully, and when
| ne signed it he raised himself to his full
height, for he was free. lApplause. He
took no pride for having been addicted
| to ardent spirits. [Laughter.I Although
| he had considered himself moderate
drinker, it was published throughout the
! land that he was a drunkard. There
| was some truth and error too In this. He
| had falling when drunk Of letting
everybody know it. His speeches were
not frequent, but long and loud. Laugh
teri The prairie did not furnish room
! enough for him when he made for
ward movement. Renewed laughter.l
The great Commonwealth Of Illinois had
for twenty-five years honored him in au
| public positions, and he had now prom
| ised that State and all who loved him,
! Katy and the children, that he would
| never more touch, taste, or handle the
unclean thing. He intended to fight 1t
| out on that line to the last hour OF his
existence. He would to- night as soon
think Of drinking fire IS whiskey, for the
| latter was hell and damnation. He was
A. proud Of having taken the pledge as
| he was Of his wife and children, and
this was the strongest expression he
could make IS TO his sincerity. He spoke
! of the evils oil intempersnce, and ia con-
clusion read q cheering and Joyous let
| ter from his wife in response 70 the good
news that he had signed the pledge.
! which moved many In the audience TO
tears. When he WAS about to leave ths
stand, basket of flowers was presented
to him by friend. Senator Yates WAS
applauded as he returned to his seat.
Representatives Woodbridge OF Yer
mont, Dodge OF New York, Price and
Grinnell OF Iowa, Mckee of Kentucky.
Speaker Colfax, and Patterson Of New
Hampshire, addressed the meeting and
their remarks were welcomed with sp-
plause.
The following IL list Of Senators
and Representatives who have signed
the pledge:
Messrs. Wilson OF Massachusetts,
Yates, Wiley, Pomeroy, Boss OF Kansas
Morrill, of Maine, Cragin, Colfax, Price.
Plants, Perham, Grinnell, Hashonrn OF
Massachusetts,, Ferry, WINDOW, Cook.
Delsno, Patterson Of New Hampshire,
Holmes, ,wentwor,h, Wilson Of Penn
| sylvanis, Newell, Mckee, Hubbard,
| Lynch, Rice OF Maine, Lawrence Of Ohio,
Henderson of Oregon, Dawes, Julian,
Barker, Van Aerpam, Hubbard OF Con
nectieut, Alley, Cobb, Sawyer, WOOD
bridge, Epson, HSby, Acaaer, Anes