The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1874-03-10
The Praying Women In COlum.
bpS-.slOyv they Operate,


We give below somewhat detailed
account OF the proceedings of the pray
ing ladies OF Columbus, on the occa.
sion OF their first visit among the liq
nor sellers Of that city. This shows
the general plan of operations, and the
spirit in which this work is conducted:
At the American HOTEL r. j. Blount.
proprietor, signed the dealers pledge
Mr. Geltz, pronrintor of the bar, reru-
sed to sign. In the meantime a large
crowd assembled in front of the hotel,
eager eyed with curiosity. The pro
cession then moved to Mr.. Vests bill
liard-room, completely filing it, Three
ladies entered and saw West, the pro-
prietor, who welcomed them as a gen
tleman would his guests He refused
to sign the pledge, but said he would
willingly sell out, and promise to never
again engage in such business An
other asked if he was not sorry he was
in such business. West said he was,
Just now, particularly sorry He said
he had no objection to the ladies pray,
ing or singing in his place A fervent
prayer was offered and q HYMN sung,
after which the ladies thanked him for
his courtesy and withdrew, shaking his
hand and promising to pray for him =
As the procession was passing out. sew
eral German Jews made themselves
prominent by offering to treat, and call
ing for beer, but the bar -keepe. did not
pretend to hear them.
The next place visited was the most
fashionable drinking place in the city,
known to tibulous people all over the
country es "Amhose's.' The ladies'
parlors were taken possession of. when
"A. A. Stevenson, one OF the proprietors
of the place, appeared, and when asked
if he objected to prayer being offel ed.
no doubt supposing the women | ad
Come to sing and pray until he surren
dered, said he did not want his bust
ness interfered with AS his parlors
we're in use constantly, by regular boar
ders, he did not want any disturbance.
He however gave leave that several
prayers and one hymn should be said
and sung. Prayer was then offered, and
on the way out Stevenson was begged
to give up the business of liquor selling.
His attention was called to the fact that
he had children growing up who were
in danger as well as the children of
other citizens, but he answered that he
had living TO make for his family, and
did not want to be forced to giving a
final answer as to what he would do;
he would, however, consider the ques-
ton. Most of the ladies shook hands
with him and showered prayers and
good words on his head
The Neil House was then visited
Stephen Douthirt, clerk, informed them
that Mr.. Failing, the proprietor of the
house, could not he seen, as he was
watching at the bedside of dying
brother, Harry Failing Also that the
bar of the house had been closed for
four days. He said he did not object
to having prayer offered. PRAYER was
then offered and hymn sung. A beau
tiful and feeling prayer was also offered
for Harry Failing, the dying man. The
stairways and office were filled with
spectators. and as the ladies knelt in
prayer, all hats were removed and per
feet respect shown. The pledge was
handed around, but obtained only few
signatures.
At each place the ladies went to they
were treated courteously, aud promised
to call again. The procession then re
turned to the church, where they were
heartily welcomed and Congratulated
A letter was read from G. A. Wagner,
proprietor of a prominent restaurant,
stating he had stopped selling liquor
Also. letter from Mr. Gay, q brewer,
saying he would nevey brew another
keg of liquor. The ladies express
themselves as greatly encouraged. and
will renew the warfare tomorrow. The
talks and prayers, to day, were utterly
devoid Of any harsh words, and aboun
ded in kindly expressions for all engs
ged in the liquor traffic.