Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-01-13

in others, and imprisonment even, has
been adiudged in some cases. for the third
offense while in large number Of towns
the brand Of infamy has been so plainly
stamped on the traffic as to drive it into
holes and secret hiding places.
Politically too, we have gained greatly.
While our friends in sister States are
struggling to retain their prohibitory
laws, and for limited prohibition in towns
and counties, Vermont nobly adheres to
prohibition. Seventeen years OF contin.
ued trial has not only convinced her OF
it's importance, but led to step in ad-
vance that must cause thrill OF pleas
ure in the bosom of every friend OF tenn
perance and love of justice. | refer to
the law passed at the last session of the
legislature, which makes the illegal seller
of any part of the liquor liable in DANA
ges for the unlawful acts of his drunken
victim The speaker of the House who
presided over its deliberations, the chair
man of the committee who reported the
bill, and many who voted for it are mem
bers of our noble order of good templars.
And it affords me great pleasure in say
ing this law passed the Senate, and be-
lieve the House too, bp unanimous vote.
Let the friends of temperance see to 1t
that this righteous law inures to the bene-
fit of our cause in teaching the rum-seller
by what slender tenure hangs his ill-got-
ten wealth.
And now, brothers and sisters, as we
enter on another year, 1t seems proper
that we consider we'll who we are, what
use our aims, and how we propose to ae-
complish them.
We are thoroughly organized society
comprising thirty-five Grand Lodges, over
six thousand Subordinate Lodges and about
five hundred thousand members working
together for the suppression OF the curse
intemperance. We seek to reform the So
cial habit of society that generates the
moderate drinkers, who continually gray
itate towards and finally enter the vast
army of six hundred and fifty thousand
inebriates, who fill our land with crime
and misery, and seventy thousand drunk
ards graves annually. And for the more
speedy and sure accomplishment of this,
we are pledged to prohibition of the man
ufacture, importation, sale and use OF in
toxicants as beverage.
How shall this be effected By enlist
ing public opinion and educating the peo-
pie up to our high moral standard. All
that my predecessors have recommended
under this head is as urgent and import
ant now as heretofore. The experience OF
States and communities where the great
est attention to lecturing has been paid,
seems to show conclusively that this is one
of the most important means at our COM
mand. Indeed our experience in this
IL. he aat 1aSt
while Bro. Gushing has been lecturing,
demonstrates its advantages. We are be-
ginning to realize this in the rapid in
crease of our members and otherwise.
Temperance books, tracts, papers and
literature generally cannot be too highly
recommended. knowledge is power in a
certain sense, and we need all of both
attainable. Many of the most
scientific and learned memo the age are
devoting their time and talents to the
promotion of our interests, and giving
the results through the temperance press.
The National Temperance Publication
Society, have large number of very val
liable works, suitable for all classes and
the National Temperance Advocate, pub
lished monthly by that society, at only
one dollar year, should be read and cir
culated by every friend of temperance in
the country.
But our own monthly, The Good Tenn
plars' Advocate, claims our earnest atten-
ton, and should receive our hoarty sup
port. 1t is doing great good, and is capa-
BILE of doing much more by more gem
.eral circulation. | would recommend ex-
ira efforts by lodges and members at once
to this end.
Another important means of education
is judicious system of literary exercises
in our lodge meeting. They tend to in
crease the interest of the meetings, and
strengthen us in various ways.
County organizations holding conven-
tions with lectures and discussions, shave
been of great advantage, and / recon-
mend such organizations in every county
in the State.
Many other means might be suggested,
and will occur to you, but after all what
we must chiefly rely ON for ultimate sue
cess under God, is work, persevering, self
sacrificing work.
In conclusion, l tender to you, and all
officers and members of our order, most
sincere thanks for the uniform kindness
extended to me. Our third degree, chart
ty, has been fully demonstrated towards
me- May it ever continue to be an active
principal in our order.
And now, brothers and sisters, | com
mend you to the God of all wisdom for
His aid in your deliberations. He alone,
can give US the victory, and crown our
labors with success.
A committee consisting of one member
from each county represented, was appoint
cd, aud ordered to report at 10 O'Clock to-
morrow.
A committee Of five was appointed to
draft and present resolutions relative to
the deaths of G. w. G. 7. Pliny FL. White
and G. w c. Henry X. Cobb After the
transaction of further business, the Grand
Lodga adjourned to Z o'clock p III
EVENING.
The Grand Lodge NIT at O'clock,
Grand Tomplar Orne in the chair.
The committee reported favoring a
semi-annual Session, which WAS adopted
A committee was appointed on place of
holding the next session.
Hon A. B. Halbert of Essex presnted
the following preamble and resolutions
which were adopted:
VheaeaS, The prohibitory law of the
State contemplates the sale aud use OF
alcoholic liquors for medicinal purposes,
and whereas, it has become notorious that
the liquors offered for sale for such pur-
poses are mauy, if not most OF them com
pounds, poisonous compounds, and there
fore destructive to health and life of the
sick. Therefore,
ReSoEUed, That the Grand Lodge Of the
Independent Order of Good 8emplars of
Vermont does most cordially endorse the
action of the Vermont State Medical So
ciety in proposing to ask the next Legis-
lature of fine State to enact law requir-
ing all liquors offered for sale as medicine
to be analysed by a competent person APP
pointed for that purpose, without whose
certificate of purity no liquors shall be
allowed to be sold under the law.
A committee was appointed to mernori-
alize the Legislature in accordance with
4 I. l,xA.