Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-10-16

Michigan ........1 Rhode Island. . II
Kansas 5000. .3 New York. 49,. 1S
New Brunswick. "A Ohio. ..... II
Minnesota a....,3 New Jersey. .1e
Iowa. .. .........S Pennsylvania. . .27
The following Clergymen were present:
Rev. James McDewitt, Of Washington,
D. G. --.-..-.
Rev. Patrick Byrne, Of Camden, N. j.
Rev. NJ. A. Seaman, of Akron, Ohio.
Rev. Patrick Hennessy, of Jersey City,
n. j.
Rev. Lawrence Walsh, of Hartford,
Conn.
Rev. Henry Volz, of Baltimore, Md.
Rev. G. G. Prendergast, of Savannah,
Ga.
Rev. T. j. Conlan, of Cleveland, Ohio.
Rev. j. F. Gallagher, of Newburgh,
Ohio.
Rev. E. Mesrs, Cleveland, Ohio.
Rev. T. n. Smith, Cleveland, Ohio.
Rev. G. L. Willard, of Waupun, Wis
consin.
Rev. John O'Brien, Of Brockville, Ca
NADIA.
The report was received, when the Con
vention adjourned an hour and half for
Cole, Of Maryland, was appointed Secre-
tary, pro tenn, and committees were ap-
pointed on Resolutions, Constitutional
Amendments, Finance, Addresses to the
clergy and to the lAity, on Newspapers, etc.
The Committee on Newspapers recon-
mended the establishment of an organ for
the Union, but in consequence of the
hearty cooperation and extreme generosity
of the Press throughout the country, the
proposition was rejected by an almost un-
animous vote.
After supper, kilograms were read from
prominent clergymen and officers of Socie
ties, in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mime
sota,lNew York, Louisiana, ETC., etc.
Rules of order were adopted, and sundry
resolutions read and disposed of, when the
Committee on Constitutional Amendments
reported, recommending various amend
ments to the Constitution and Bylaws.
The report was received and the considera-
ton deferred until Friday morning.
The Convention then adjourned until
$50 A. II.
SECOND DAYS PROCEEDINGS.
At the time appointed, the President
called the Convention TO order, and called
for the reading of the proposed amend
ments to the constitution, all of which were
adopted. The first consolidated the duties
of the three Secretaries into one, and abol-
ished the other two, giving the President
the power to appoint and remove at will.
Vacancies in other offices to be filed by
nomination by the President, and confirm
alton by the Executive Council. The pro-
posed amendments to Art. TX and the ad-
ditional section, were laid on the table.
Art. x, on admission fees, was 50 amended
that State Union Societies pay S. admission
and per capita tax of 8 cents; Societies In
States where no Unions exist, SIS admis-
sion and per capita tax of five cents; So
cieties where State Union exists, SIS and
per capita tax of ten cents. Sundry other
amendments were made, when the Consti-
tuition was adopted as whole.
The amendments to the Bylaws con-
sisted mainly in making them to conform
with the provisions of the new Constitu-
ton.
Mr.. Benedict J. O'Driscoll, Of Washing
ton City, Chairman of the Committee on
Address to the Laity, read the following,
which was adopted:
-a ADDRESS. 90
To the Catholics Of America: H
In pursuance of the time-honored custom
of large deliberative bodies issuing an an
nual address, the Catholic Total Abstin-
ence Union of America, in convention as
sembled, undertake the task with more
than ordinary feeling Of pride and gratifca-
tion-pride in pointing to the noble array
of societies united in one magnificent
whole, and qualification in being able to as
sert that within the space of eight short
months the expectations Of its founders
have been more than realized. 1t was not
the intention, neither was it our wish, that
the incipient stages of our progress should
be marked with anything bearing on the
feverish or exciting, but rather in conform
ity with the long established usages OF
bodies under the Jurisdiction of Holy
Church, more cautiously and calmly, salts
fed that by pursuing such a course we
would best command the interests and sup
port of all thoughtful advocates of total abb
stinence, as well as the admiration and
respect of the entire Catholic community.
So marked has been our success under
this judicious system that not one
voice among the Catholic Hierarchy
of America can be found to say
aught but praise of this noble movement.
Hence we are prepared to-day to invite into
our ranks, with every degree of confidence,
all Catholic Total Abstinence Societies in
America which up to the present time have
failed to unite with US. Cordially and
earnestly do we now extend this invitation,
fully assured that in majesty of ssociation,
kindred sympathy, active and earnest CO
operation we can more successfully prose
cute our glorious mission than by isolated
and independent efforts. ...-.
There is no word in the English language
to-day, the significance Of which is better
understood, than that of "Union," and the
question naturally presents itself is there
anything in the temperance question which
renders it an exception TO the rule that in
union there is strength? We think not,
and thus thinking, are in duty bound to
avail ourselves of every facility to become
as effective as possible. Association is the
distinguishing feature of the age. 1t is
really the great fulcrlm of all powerful
movements. All MISREPRESENTATION,
moral, or mercenary--adopt this potent
principle, and without it none expect ex-
tended or permanent success.
The time has come when our associa-
tions should arise to the necessity OF The
hour, and see that the course SO dear to
our Catholic hearts should not suffer
through supineness orineglect to take advan-
tage Of that principle which the church her
self is the most shining example. Harmo-
NOUS organization and concert of action
viii speedily raise US to degree of efficien-
cy commensurate with the vast Importance
Of our calling. With minds as great and
purposes as honorable as any, we need but
to be understood to. be appreciated. We
come before you then, fellow Catholics, in