Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1873-11-14
status 81 the j. O. g. -. in srontan.

I'VE take pleasure in giving place 10 the
following letter OF Grand Worthy Secretasy
Massena Billiard. which was called forth b.
an item which appeared IN this paper las
week. We are grasiard to know til thu
Order is ia such a fourisiing condition In
our Territory. and trlss that il may continu.
to prosper. 1t Is the foundation Of GOO.
society. aud the cornerstone OF mora. and
enlightened civilization.-ED.1 a8
BozKMAN, M. H.. Nov. 10, 1873.
| Editor Arant Courier:
| Speaking Of the late session OF the Grand
Lodge. |. 0. G.. r.. in your issue OF the 9Th
inrtant you say that :. the inter
est exhibited in this great refornatory
cause in the Territory year or - past, we
regret to say, has manifestly abated. Twa
years ago the Good Templars welded no
insignificant power in Montana. but the
powerful and dangerously fascinating influ-
ence Of Kirg Alcohol has dccimated the
rank and file Of the institution wonderfully
since that time"
You are in error, allow me to say,
in these statements. and trust you will have
the Kindness 10 make the proper correction.
The interest in the temperance movement in
this Territory has not abated in the pas: two
years; and, although {. the powerful and
dangerously fascinating influence OF King
Alcohol has caused the fall Of many, yet |
am happy to inform you that it has not sue
ceedfd in "decimating the rank and file OF
the institution" to any considerable extent.
In my opinion, We are in better condition to-
day than zoe hare eser before been in Montana.
The statistics presented ut the late session of
our Grand Lodge showed an increase both
in lodges and membership during the past
year. whilst from various communities we
received assurances that lodges may be or
gained whenever persons with proper a,,-
thority are sent into the field; and such
measures were adopted by the body referred
70 as it is believed will ensure for this great
reform rapid adyascement during the cur
rent year. Lecturers were appointed and
districts assigned them, so.that temperance
truth will be proclaimed in every neighbour
hood; aud the columns OF The. Good Ten,pIar,
paper published at Fort Shaw, were secured
in tho interest Of our Oreaniza ton, so that
the potent influence OF the press will be
welded in our behalf. With these aids--so
tar superior TO any hitherto pos sssed by US
we expect ere the next annual session OF our
Grand Lodge. to have many times our pres-
emit number, and that temperance principles
shall WELD significant power III this fair
mountain home OF ours. and that men who
value sobriety in department and integrity
of character shall be heard as they have not
been heretofore, with reference to measures
calculated to enhance the material welfare Of
our people, and to construct foundation of
governmental policy. wheron may be reared
with safety the imposing fabric of q mighty
commonwealth. We expect the best and
truest men-the most enlightened and patri-
Otto citizcns--to join us in CARRYING forward
this noble work to a triumphant result.
For some months the branch OF our organ
ization working in Bozeman has. regret to
say, been surrounded by difficulties OF such
3 nature as at one time Threatened serious
consequences. but these difficulties haye now
happily been removed. and 1t is confidently
believed by those who have the matter in
hand that the temnerancn i"fn--.. s.. pono-
man Will, In the future. progress ut rapid
pace, ard will be, rs 1t has been, the means
OF accomplishing much good IN your CITY
and vielnity. Let Nil good people give il
their encouragement and support. and they
will he richly rewarded by the benz fetal ei-
fects which will accrue TO society by reason
OF she existence Iii their midst OF flourish
ing Lodge of Good Trmplars
You will please excuse mr for intrut!ine to
such an extent in your valuable columns.
but it seemed good tor me to say thus much
~ order TO prevent any misapprehension III
regard 70 the true condition and standing of
our Beloved and noble Order OF Goud Tenn
piars. Yours truly,
MASSENA BULL.iRD, q. w. S.