Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1871-11-01
Apple Juice in High Chaneery.
A eRANp IopaE pEc1s1oN.

/ cisl0n OF the Grand Lodge OF Good
Templars confirming the decree passed
upon the two suddenly immortalized
young men of Conneaut, o., who threat
ened the cause of Temperance with de-
~struction because they had the audacity
to squeeze the juice of an apple into
q tumbler and then imbibe, has caused
a fire Of ridicule, in the shape Of small
newspaper squibs, TO be showered upon
that body of well-meaning men and
] women.
This, of itself, Of course is harmless
and is only IN exposition of the well
known fact that all are proper game for
the sharp-shooting ~propensities Of quill
drivers, and that no man has a right,
when raised above the common level Of
humanity, to expect exemption from
this usual and often useful rule.
But in this case there is something OF
a deserved rebuke and censure which
the newspaper world could not well
overlook (f deserved to be noticed at
ALI conveyed to this well meaning and
often too enthusiastic order in their tax
ing Of time and talent, which might
better be expended in other directions
and for better purpose, to discuss and
gravely consider such childish and use
less squabbles, originating in subor-
dinate lodges which too often are con-
trolled and directed by the petty qusrrels
which are so common in country vii
lagos.
We have looked with much concern
upon the rise and progress of temper
ance societies in our State, hoping they
would endeavor to base themselves upon
the principles OF good common ems
aud direct their efforts in some practical
direction, but are compelled to admit
that, in a great measure they have failed
.-lamentably failed-of producing re-
suits in any degree commensurate with
the Importance of the work and the
/ extent Of the field in which they labor.
We have also been forced &c the con
clusion that secret societies, as connected
with social reforms, are of no good and
are held together no more by the bonds
of Fellowship, of which so much is heard,
than if each worked with zeal and open
power before the face of the world.
Wherein then has been the failure?
1t is here, and in these expressions we
desire to convey no personal reproaches
to n one, but from observation are
led to this Judgment, that the lack of
success lies in the lack of judgment and
good solid sense in the leaders and pro-
minent members Of this organization.
Mostly composed Of men who are good
and are really in earnest in their desire
to stay the curse Of u country in its
work Of ruin, yet their results have been
so abortive, of so little use, that we feel
assured that the mistake lies rather in
the head than In the heart.
Take any Lodge Of Good Templars.
from any part Of the country you will,
and see if you do not find them con-
by party feeling (the spirit Of
neighborly love grown sour by long
iarring); by q selfish desire Of each to
make the longest speech; each to hold
the highest office; each to promise will
to give way when convinced of
but sworn inHardly Rever 10 be
,oRUineed and each desiring rather,
that the success Of it all should go by the
board than that he should lose a point Of
order, or yield his place to another. We
say advisedly, and know whereof we
speak, in the assertion, that this spirit is
more prominent, more powerful in the
Temperance societies, than in any other
organization that bases itself upon a
public effort that good may ensue. And
Why? Because the mass of them are
snatical, holding the most extreme and
views upon all subjects and
that they should 90 hungering
rather than accept the half loaf offs COM
promise with those who hold more
liberal and practical views; because so
much time and mental effort is expend-
ID in the discussion of rules of order
and ethical distinctions in the meaning
Of words or phrases; because so much
importance is often given to the
cut of a regalis Of order OF procedure
IN a procession thar is given to the Pc
,uniary condition of an orphan or widow
Of one who has gone down in the whirl-
pool Of intemperance. We would not
be understood to claim that no good
has been done. There has been much,
and there are many men and women
who have labored faithfully, and whose
.sbors have been crowned with blessed
success, who have gained unto them
selves honors that are fadeless and that
shall be worn long after time is past
put We refer to the majority of lodges,
md do claim that little good has been
accomplished when compared to the
expense and time given. Especially
he Grand Lodge, which absorbs much
If the money received by the subordi-
Innate lodges, and gives them in return
,ueh childish and ridiculous decisions,
deserves to be censured and held up to
,andid consideration as a body of men
in the main, NEAR well, but whose
Efforts are not equal to their intentions.
Let the cause OF temperance go on, say
as far as mortal power can carry it,
1ut let a more wise management be
shown. If We annot have it a crime to
make and sell liquor, let US at least hold
N 70, and make effective, the laws that
i've civil dsmages-if we cannot have a
day, do not let US mourn the
hadoWs above us. but 60 out and make
Use of what little light there is.
But do not let us allow the Temperance
fort to sink in such ridiculous folly
nd idle gossip as the Grand Lodges and
many inferior ones in our State seem ]
,ound TO lower it by dogberry decisions, {
oud talking, singing of songs, universal
Iand-shaking and filming Of country I
iouths who take their apples in a liquid
tate. TEMPERANCE. 1
About Advertising. d.
You can't eat enough in . week 10 last .
II