Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1869-12-24
State Temperance Convention.

The 4lst annual meeting of the Yer
mont State Temperance Society, was held
at Norwich, Dec 10Th and 10Th, 1869
DIR. l.. Sheldon of Rutland, was elected
chairman pro TEN. Prayer was offered
by Rev. N. Bishop of Windsor Rev.
Nj. Spencer of Franklin, DIR. L. Tucker
of Hartford and j. G. Stimson eff Nor
wich, were appointed committee on
business. Reports were made of the pro-
gress of the cause in different counties,
by delegates present.
| The following resolutions were dis
cussed and adopted:
| Whereas, Total abstinence from the
use of alcoholic drinks, whether ferment-
ed or distilled, is the basis of all true
temperance action. Therefore,
Resolved, That all associations organ
lied for the purpose Of aiding aud pro-
tecting those who are pledged or are will
ling to p edge themselves to total absti-
nence from the use of alcoholic drinks,
should be encouraged and susta ined.
Resolved, That although the use of
unfermented cider as beverage may be
harmless in itself, yet it is the opinion of
this convention that it is of dangerous
tendency, as it is liable to lead to the use
of fermented cider, and the formation of
an appetite for other alcoholic drinks.
Resolved, That DIR. E. E. Phelps of
Windsor, who has published some excel
lent articles on the danger of moderate
drinking, be requested to resume the Sc
ries, TO be published.
Resolved, That one of the first duties
OF the friends of temperance is to Undue
the minds of the young with the impor-
lance of total abstinence from all intox-
icating drinks.
Resolved, That it is the duty of all
ministers of the gospel to preach plainly
against the sinfulness and danger of
drinking alcoholic beverages, and the
great evil of the common liquor traffic.
and to urge the people to suppress such
traffic.
Resolved, That we express our high
degree of satisfaction in reference to the
position assumed by our State I.egisla-
ture in years past, in adopting and re-
tanning strong laws against the traffic in
Intoxicating drinks-and in aid of our
cause-and especially in view of the
just laws passed on this subject at the
last session.
The question Of separate political ac-
ton was called up, which is now aeitat.
ing the country, and it was the opinion
of the convention, that while our State
Legislature occupies the same favorable
ground as in years past, it is not expedi.
ent to organize distinct political tenn.
peranee party in the State; but the fol-
lowing was adopted and recommended
as rule of action, especially for towns
and counties
Resolved, That we regard it as the
important duty Of temperance men to
attend political caucuses and conventions
called in the usual manner, and to seek
to assure the nomination of candidates
favorable to our cause; and when they
fail to secure such nominations in these
conventions, we recommend that indie
pendent caucuses, or conventions of the
friends of our cause, be called to nomi-
nate men for whom they can honestly
and conscientiously vote.
On Thursday evening addresses were
delivered by Rev. w. w. Atwater of
Brandon, Rev. ID A. Mack of Royalton,
and Others. The report of the Execu-
tive Committee was read and adopted.
The meeting was enliyened with excel.
lent temperance music.
The following officers were elected for
the ensuing year:
President-Ex-Gov. John B. Page Of
Rutland.
Vice Presidents-Ex-Gov. Paul Dill.
lingham of Waterbury, F. Keyes of New
bury, Jocob Estey of BrattleboIo, G.
w. Grandey of Vergennes.
Cor. and Rec. Secretary-W. w. At.
water of Brandon.
Treasurer-Jas. Barrett of Rutland.
Auditor-N. Weeks of Rutland.
Executive COMMUNICATION. C. M
Willard Of Casleton, H. d. Kitchell. d
d. of Middlebury, DIR. L. Sheldon, DIR.
&c. Woodhouse and w. A. Burnett OF
Rutland, ]. S. Cilley of Brandon, and
Mial Davis of Burlington.
The place for the next annual meeting
was left to be fixed by the Executive
Committee