Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-03-25
Saturday Evening Meeting of the Reform Club.

That the public are in full sympathy with
the glorious work being accomplished by the
Washingtonian movement in our midst, is
shown by the fact that Meonian Hall was filled
on Saturday evening nearly an hour before
the announced time for the meeting. The
ladies are so much interested that they COM
prise at least two-thirds of the audiences at
these meetings. They propose, we under
stand, to form help-meet society. as an adj
junct to the club, like that organized at Gar
diner.
On Saturday evening, after some fine music
by the Augusta Band, which played several
pieces during the evening, the services were
opened with prayer by Rev. Mr.. Upjohn.
Capt. Wyman, the President, said that it
was with renewed confidence and hope that he
called to order this the third meeting of the
club. AS we meet men on the street We find
them inquiring about the club and eager to
sign the pledge, and we are beginning to real.
ize that there is way to reform men without
t lie aid of law or prison bolts. He entreated
his brethren to have firm reliance in the
guiding hand of Providence.
Rev. Mr.. Penney, chairman of the COM
draft of the constitution and bylaws for the
government of the organization. The report
was accepted, and the constitution and by
laws adopted. These are in the same form as
those adopted by similar bodies, and provide
the working machinery of the club.
A letter was received from Franklin Div,
s. of T., enclosing resolutions of sympathy
and donation of $50 for the benefit of the
club. sabattus Lodge of Gosd Templars also
sent encouraging congratulatory resolutions.
Mr.. Francis Murphy of Portland, the re-
formed drunkard and rumseler, was then ill.,
troduced and addressed the club at length,
avowing that it was the grace of God that
made him what he was. We are here in the
interests of everything that is good and noble.
He spoke of the almost dstracting care and
anxiety felt by parents for their children, to
whom they are looking as the stay and props
of their old age, surrounded as they are by
| ten thousand temptations spoke in high terms
| of Mr.. Nve's efforts to save the children in
| this city, depicted the character of the terri
| BILE monster, Intemperance, which he COM
pared in its devastating work to the Chicago
| fire; said that fashionable Misunderstanding
| out wine from the side board by men and wo-
| men of culture and position-made many
drunkards. The most successful way to stop
rum selling is to stop rum drinking. He gave
| so me NlNIu pictures VI tuc PoNSl VI StiohE
drink when the appetite for it is once acquired
Acknowledged the power of true christian
friendship and influence in leading the erring
one back to the paths of sobrety and out from
the grasp of the tyrant; and told of the an
guish of his il generation within prison walls.
In conclusion, he urged the members of the
club to be true to themselves and do their full
duty in the rescue of their fallen brothers.
| The President then announced that the
books were open and all who desired were
earnestly invited to come and sign the pledge.
A large number promptly responded, re-
cciving the applause of the audience.
Rev. Mr. Martin said that he was always
ready to respond to any call to aid the tenn
perance cause to the fullest extent of his
ability.
Hon. J. w. Bradbury entreated the men,
bers of the club not to stand to mark time,
but to forward march! 1t was too late in the
day to talk about the dangers of intemper-
ance they were apparent on every hand. He
heartily approved OF the special work of the
Cold Water Temple.
Mr.. Walter Mathews, an old man, recently
reforme |, said he had signed the pledge, and
wanted every honest man to do the same
Mr.. Curtis Higgins, also recently re-
formed, said a few weeks ago he used to go
home and the house appeared to him to be
made in all kinds of shapes; his sleep was