Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-01-19
local anD State Mems.
state Temperance Convention.

day morning ut half-past nine o'clock, by
Hon. Nelson Dingley. Prayer was Offered
by Rev. Mr.. Martin. -
On motion of Mr.. Randall the nth resolu
ton was recommitted to the Committee or
Resolutions, with instructions TO report in a
new draft.
The sixth resolution relating to r temper
ance convention of the religious societies
was reported and discussed.
Rev. Mr.. Martin said that he was in favor
of the passage Of the resolution, provided a
community can be found willing to have such
convention. Extensive correspondence
was had last year, but no one seemed to wan,
the convention. If the religious community
is ready to hold such convention. then he
would say Amea, and not have a resolution
that was dead letter.
Mr.. Dingley, in behalf of the city of Lew
iston, remarked that when the proposition was
made to hold the convention there, there was
an entire misunderstanding Of what was de-
manded. He felt authorized to say that should
it be decided to hold such a convention in
Lewiston they would be cordially welcomed.
Mr.. Martin explained in behalf of Augusta.
that in the year 1870 the people were surteited
with conventions, and for fear that the meet
ing should prove failure it was thought it
best not to call it.
Mai. Shaw said it was one of the saddest
commentaries on the state of temperance that
there was not cordial cooperation on the
part of the christian church.
Mr.. Dingley said that there was not pulpit
in Lewiston that is silent the subject of
temperance, and the pastors are well sus-
tanned by the people.
Several members of the convention here
dashed the clergymen unsparingly for not TAX
ing a more active part in the cause.
Rev. Mr.. Boyd, State Temperance lectur-
nt IN ttu fhaf ha
church is not doing an aggressive work. In
his visits he had found the doors and hearts
of pastor and people open.
Mr.. Nye was in favor Of the resolution if it
could be put in force, but he had not much
faith in it. The religious conventions had been
urged last year to take the matter in hand,
and had appointed an advisory committees. 1t
was thought best to hold the convention in
Granite church in this city; the use of the
church was applied for, but one member of
the church committee refused to give his con-
seat. and the doors were closed Thought it
best to go out of the cities into the country
towns where there is greater interest and
where we may be always sure OF good con-
gregation. He had not for months heard one
word for temperance in sermon.
Mr.. Merrill of Portland, thought that the
churches ought either ''to fish or cut bait"
Mr. Randall launched another broadside of
chain lighting and grape shot into the sleepy
christians, and was sustained partially by Maj.
Shaw.
Friend Jones Of China said it wa. breath
and strength expended for naught to talk up
the duty of those who are away from the con-
yention. Rather of the opinion that the min
aster is just what the people makes him
finished after the pattern which they block
out. The membership should keep them
selves all right. lie, the churches be quick
ened by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost,
and they will work in this cause.
Mr.. Stickney of Presque Isle was pleased
with the course the discussion had taken.
He had long regarded the Indifference of re-
iigious men one of the real reasons why
the cause does not progress. Thought it the
province of the pastor to lead in the matter;
guided by the divine Spirit, he should awak-
en- his congregation to high and holy aspira
tons. For two years he had not heard
sermon preached on the subject of temper
ance.
The fifth resolution was reported in re-
vised form from the committee and finally
adopted. 1t reads as follows:
kesolred, That we have little sympathy with the
Often expressed opinion that 1--WE h Jaw enough
nov Nlssn this subject, if these laws were only
.ecuted;" but on the contrary, while the present
law is in many respect good one vet, in several
of Its essential provisions il is defective and in 9th
'ers contradictory, lacking other provisions which
abs ouey necessary, and thereby fails To carry
out the often expressed opinion of the people in IA
vor of prohibition, and until this end is accomplish
Al oh laws shall shut up every grOg shop, and TO
make such provisions for an executive force, re,
spopsible to the Governor, as viii eAectually and
imparially execute such laws.
The sixth resolution was adopted, and the
seventh and last called up, but afterwards
laid on the table.
On the reading of the resolution General
Boynton added word of Godspeed TO the
labors OF Mr.. Nye among the children of the
Cold Water Temple.
Judge 0. G. Hall Of Rockand, chairman
of the committee Oh temperance legislation,
made the following reports
AUGUSTA, January Is, 1872.
To the State Temperance Contention;
Your Committee on Temperance Legisa-
ton, having given the important subject what
consideration they conld in the briet time at
their command, have agreed unanimously to
the following report
Believing firmly in the wisdom and efficacy
of prohibitory laws Us applied to the traffic in
intoxicating liquors, and believing that the
present liquor law of the State, although
good one, and in it's general scope may be so
amended as to become much more ehectual
than it is, we recommend that the Legislature
now in session be requested to amend it as
follows:
First. Section OF chapter - OF the ne
vised Statutes, which embodies what is known
as the Prohibitory Law, should be so amend
cd as to include in the form of the bond pre-
scribed in said section, to be given by inn
holders and victualcrs, clause binding the
party licensed TO the observance of all laws
of the State relating to intoxicating liquors.
Second. The clause Of section % of said
CHAPTER, which exempts cider and wine made
from fruit grown in this State from the oper-
atoms of The law, should be repealed as ilog-
ical and absurd, great hindrance to the en-
.sorcement of the law and a scandal to legal
temperance reform; and the section relating
to this subject in the law Of 1898 substituted
therefor.
Third Section 32 of said chapter, which
holds the seller responsible for injuries COM
mit,ed by persons intoxicated, should be so
amended as to make the owner of the building
in which the liquors were sold equally liable
with the seller for such injuries, when it APP
pears that such owner has knowledge that in
foxicating liquors are being sold in said build
ing in violation of law, and the remedy as
nov existing should be made nore effective.
We would respectfully call the attention OF
the Legislature to the Michigan law on the