Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-06-18
A COmmendable Movement.

We can not forbear calling attention to
an earnest movement on the part of leading
citizens Of the city Of Burlington to check
the alarming ravages Of intenperance. A
public meeting was held on Friday even.
ing last, one Of the most influential and eff.
fcctivc ever convened in the city, and pre-
sided over by his honor, Mayor Dodge. A
committee, consisting Of Mial Davis, ex-
Mayor Wales, Rov. G. b. Sniford j, A.
Arthur, aud II. p Hickock, reported the
following preamble aud resolutions, which,
after full discussion, were adopted
Whereas, the illegal sale Of intoxicating
liquors in this city is inncting great injury,
In the obstruction Of business, IN the increase
Of pauperism and crime, in the burdensome
increase of taxation, and in endangering the
peace Of our families, and the character Of our
young men and
Whereas. Such injury to our best interest
involves gross violation Of our rights there
fore
Rcsolred, That we will appoint persons to
serve rs Citizens Committee for the purpose
Of securing the better enforcement Of the exist
Ing liquor law for our protection.
Rcsolucd, That this committee he instructed
10 adopt such measures, and employ such
agencies, rs may be in their judgment most
c1Fectual for the purpose.
Resolved, That we proceed to secure a sub
scription of not less than 50 900. To cover the
necessary legal or other expenses Of such com
mittce.
Resoired, That this committee be instructed
to present monthly report Of their work to a
public meeting called by them Tor The purpose
RCSOircd, That this committee shall receive
our individual sympathy and support in the
work assigned them.
The citizens committee, called for in the
first resolution, was raised as blows-F.
NJ, Van Sicklin, William Mead, b. s.
Nichols, j. II. Gates, Henry LOOMS, II.
p. Hckock, Daniel Roberts.
The sum of 1920 was raised on the
spot, which the Free Press announced
would reach IS 900 before shutdown of that
day, to meet the necessary legal and other
expenses Of the committee.
OF this meeting and movement the Free
Press speaks thus oncouragingy;
at being meeting for action rather than
talk, not great deal Of talking was done
The speeches were few, brief, and to the point
Mr. Davis took up the preamble. and showed
the truth of each declaration in il. Mr.. ii
p llckock spoke Of various crises in the his.
tory of the temperance movement. Henry
LOoms spoke heartily, rs usual. Mr. Var
Sicklcn hit the nail on the head, as he is APT
to do when he says anything, and drove il
home with a few earnest, sledge- hammer
words. Mr.. Huntington declared the liquoi
law to be as easy to enforce ns the law agains
stealing, if men would only be as ready L
complain against the men who make drunk
ards of their sons. as of men who steal thei
horses Tn,
committee Is composed of citizens whose vel
known character and standing lorbds the sup
position that there is to he any tritling in TN
business they have taken in hand They ar
men who have no personal grudges To CRAFTY
il this matter. and who do what they are doing
under the strongest sense Of duty. Their mo
tive i to remove temptation from our yQunl
men, and from men who have become the slave
E Of rum; to check the greatest source OF Grim
and pauper~m among US; to close, if possible
the dram shops in which hundreds of me
worse than waste the money they ought to b
, spending in SHOES for their barefoot childre
aud clothing for their ragged wives to save i
some measure the good name of our city as
place of residence. now sadly in jeopardy
from the increase OF the liquor traffic anon
US. Can there be better motive, OF bette
, work.