Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-02-14
lime since club formed; free public reading

these men. Hoped there would be temper
ance prayer meeting during the session of thu
convention.
Mr. Hunter took the same view.
Religious services were appointed to b,
held between half past six and half past sew
en- in the evening.
Mr.. Osgood called the attention of the con
vention to the necessity Of more organized
effort among the schools; also to the matter
of public lectures. Said he had not been a.
useful as he ought, because he could not ge
the money to pay his expenses. He bad
spent money in the work which ought to have
used in paying his debts. If he had not hat
help from Massachusetts it would have beer
impossible for him to prosecute his work
Thought some steps should be taken to re
lieve the workers in the field from financial
embarrassment.
The convention then adjourned to evening.
EVENING Session.
A social religious meeting of deep interest
led by Rev. John Allen, preceded the speak.
ing. A fine audience assembled in the hall
at the opening, the hall being we'll filed. The
Presidents of reform clubs took seats on the
platform.
The audience joined in singing,
"All hail the great Immanuers name,7
Rev. Mr.. Randall offered prayer.
Mr.. Osgood in retiring from the presidency
Of the State Reform Club said he was rejoiced
at the results Of the work that has been &C.
complished Twenty thousand persons in
our State are rejoicing that these clubs were
formed and that they placed their names on
the total abstinence pledge. The work has
also extended to Massachusetts,. The only
obsticle that has been met with is the lack o.
funds. He drew picture from personal ex-
perience of the power of rum TO draw man
away from duty, from family and friends.
We rejoice in the helps that we have had
the best men of the country sympathize with
the movement.
The new President, Dr. Geo. L. Brickett,
was introduced and thanked his brethren for
the honor Of the position, and would simply
say that the object Of the reform club is to
save the fallen, and to prevent from falling.
We want two things of the legislaturc-we
want every one to sign the pledge, and then
vote to give tile reform club $4,000. We have
no money in the treasury to pay our legitimate
expenses, and are crippled in our work. We
greatly need material aid.
Hon. J. J. Eveleth was then introduced as
the presiding officer of the evening. Looked
upon the principle Of total abstinence as sure
ard improbable ground for work. These
reform clubs are necessary to the safety Of
the members themselves; and associated in
duence upon others, in this noble cause, is
powerful. Great things are in store for US if
we are but true to the cause.
He then presented Gov. Perham, who said
he had some diffidence in speaking, because
he saw upon the platform men who had felt
the sting of intemperance, and who could
more e6ectually appeal to the heart than he.
And then again, he had been talking temper
ance ali bis life, and had said about all he
knew upon the subject. But he was glad to
be present. He then revived the memories
of his hearers in regard to the great changes
that had come over the face of society within
few years, on tie subject of temperance.
He felt proud of Names position in conse-
Quenee Of her attitude on the temperance
question. The temperance army has been
augmented by this great reform element, and
ali should rejoice. He believed in prohlbi-
tory law, but he knew that you cannot en-
force the principle except it be based upon
the moral element. The effects of the re-
form 10 shown in the lessenipg Of costs in
criminal cases, and diminution Of crime, as
will be shown by the records Of all the cities
in the State. Alluded to the noble work of
the childrens organizations of Cold Water
Temples. Thought that one Of the most
prominent Obstacles to the work of reform
was social drinking in what isknown as thigh
hfe,"-where liquor 10 kept in houses and
dealt out to the family and guests, and where
It 10 not considered in the least wrong to
drink.
DR.. Brickett from the committee on reso-
buttons, reported.
The resolutions recognize the guiding and
directing hand OF Providence in the success Of
the past lin the grand reformatory movement |;
invite all good men, without distinction of
party or religion, place or power, to cooper
ate with the club and stand upon the platform
Of total abstinence; thst as the object of the
government is to protect the rights and pro-
mote the welfare of the people, the resolutions
ask the legislature for an appropriation for
the purpose OF aiding the organization in their
work, by means of lectures, tracts, and NOR
al reform association. Adopted.
Rodney L. Fogg was called upon. He car
ried the audience back to the time when this
grand reform movement had its birth; Ian
guage 10 q failure when it is sought to unfold
the work that has been done. Could we
summon before us the long procession of
those who have been raised from degradation
to happiness, it would form picture that
might well inspire vi. with hope for the future
When we think of the misery that was their
portion and the happiness in which they now
rejoice, we may realize something Of what
has been accomplished. He said that they
owed their salvation to the power and influ-
ence of love and kindness. He did not deem
it necessary to arraign intemperance as the
monster of all evil-we all know it-know it
to be the vile king of all enormities. We
claim to have aroused the sluggish friends Of
temperance and of prohibition TO their duty.
1t has given new success to the prohibitory
law, and he rejoced in this. Had not word
to say against the law-but bid God speed to
all those who engage in its enforcement.
Thought, however, that personal reform was
the most effectual. Referred in touching
terms to his own rescue, and attributed it to
the reform movement. He had been sharply
stung, and be owed the monster eternal war
fare, and should use the most efectual weapons
that come to hand for his determination. In
closing, he urged his hearers to give their
support to the work Of the reform club. Mr.
Fogy occupied about an hour in an earnest
and eloquent app, al for the cause.
Hon. Nelson Dingley, Jr., Of Lewiston,
was the next speaker, and referred partcu-
larly to the last speaker. 1t is only when we
see our near and dear ones borne down by
the curse that it is brought home to our doors.
The general effects Of the evil we are ready