Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-04-01
Correspondence Of tho watchnau.
WomenS' Temperance Movement
urru WEEK IN THE ONO CAMPAIGN.


Msssrs. Editors:-l am happy in being
able to report to you that the interest in our
wonderful temperance reform is widening
and deepening every day, and no bounds can
be set to our hopes in this regard
Early in the month, large delegation Of
girls aud boys from our Protestant schools
met at the Presbyterian church for the pur.
pose Of holding childreus' temperance
meeting. The wind blew a hurricane, but
the children, like their mothers, defed the
elements Inspiring anecdotes were told,
songs sung, and other exercises had which
warmed the hearts Of the fathers and moth
ers present as well as the children. On
leaving the church the children formed in
two large companies, and marched to the sa-
looms where their mothers and sisters were on
duty, relieving them for a time by singing
"say, Mr.. Bar.keeper, has Father been here"
and many similar pieces, which were sung
with such sweetness and melody as to draw
tears from the eyes of even the most hard
ened listener. The children looked, indeed,
like a band of white-robed angels sent to
earth to purge the streets Of our city from
the bitter curse of intemperanCe. The sight
will never be forgotten.
The women organize and recruit their
bands Immediately after the morning exer-
cises at the church, and march to their
different posts, singing as they go. The
crowds upon the streets are deeply impressed
by the spectacle, and perfect order prevails.
When the bands return at night they sing
One more days work for Jesus,
One less Of life for me-"
In this service there is a sweet plaintiveness
and pathos that reaches every heart, and
deep tide of sympathy flows out toward
those self-sacri6cing women who have toiled
for the Master SO faithfully and lovingly.
Band after band comes in, with faces beam
ing with more than earthly radiance to re-
port at the union meeting at five o'clock p.
NJ The relation of their experience is often
touching in the highest degree, and deeply
interesting to those who come to hear, both
citizens and strangers.
The young women are coming forward in
this good work, and are rapidly gathering
strength and power. Their testimony--aS
is that Of all in this ioork-is, that God
indeed finds chosen words for them to say.
The young men are also drinking in the
spirit Of the movement, and many have al
ready met with a change Of heart and pur-
pose. They have exchanged the saloon for
the church and prayer-meeting. The two last
Sabbaths the Young Mems prayer-meeting
was crowded, and many wept tears of joy.
The women hold prayer-meeting every
Sabbath, which is filed to overaowing
Nearly all take part in quick succession
The Methodist women now but little exec
the others in speaking and praying.
At meeting at City Hall, to nominate
mayor and city officers, complete unanimity
prevailed. The meeting opened with prayer
and closed with the benediction The wo
men met for prayer during the meeting
When the result was announced, they fel
e indeed that their prayers had been answered
and they broke out iu singing
''Prase God from whom all blessings aow."
q We have women whose prayers, tears anc
! entreaties touch the hardest hearts, as the,
= are suffering untold privations and agonie
a in consequence of intemperance. All fee
that they have right to be heard, and the.
do speak in thunder tones!
or ,eomea hare re.pledged Memselce,
on 5en9ed knees, neper TO cease their icor.
r until erery saloon is closed. When the re
:. naming saloon.keepers were notified Of thi
new resolve, death-like pallor appeare
p, in their faces, but they opened not thei
!. mouths, for they knew that their bushes
7 was doomed
e Union meetings are held every sabbat
= our churches all uniting. All our minis
y ters and their people have resolved to preac
!. and pray for the success Of this movemer
;, until a triumphant victory is ours, throug
God our leader.
. John b. Cough lectured here to a crowde
q house on the Goth. Though reported
n have been skeptical before, on arriving her
is and seeing the good work for himself,
d endorses il acith hearty good oiA, an
y ayows perfect faith in the ultimate succei
of work SO religiously conducted
A little girl was overheard, the other da,
of praying thus 90 Lord, bless the saloor
s. keepers The liquor-sellers' prayer is of
a different spirit" Die, o Lewis"
a On the 10Th came another children
t, temperance meetiug-the procession nun
Of bering from eight hundred to one thousan
Is The true Significance of such demonstration
\, is seen in the fact that they strike terror
ne the rum.seller, but bring joy unspeakab
to the parent.
Last evening brought another mass NEE
IL ing. We usually have four week. III
ul interest is still rising and deepening
IN The other day Mrs. D., who was {
ne picket duty, saw Mr.. H through Il
IN window of saloon. He was ber reati'
pc by marriage. lie heard her prayers al
n. came out he had taken bis dram, but n
n enough to affect his brain. He took h
I'D hand and kneeed with her, and as 81
IT. prayed his heart was melted. He said