New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-04-30
SOCIAL HELPS TO REFORMATION.
HOW TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN TEMPERANCE
CLUBs-A SUGGESTION TO WEALTHY FRIENDS OF
TUE CAUSE

CLUBS-A SUGGESTION TO WEALTHY FRIENDS OF
THE CAUSE.
To the EdftOr Of The Tribune
SIR: | have read with interest the many
letters you have published relative to the temperance
cause and. in my opinion. your correspondent T. G."
has hit the nail the head at last and given us the
only consistent intelligent solution the problem,
How to decrease the evils OF intemperance" The
formation of temperance clubs is a pan that Ihaye
thought for time and II had the means,
| would carry out. My plan would be to rent house
next or As possible, TO thriving liquor saloon
The basement Of this house would it up "a gymna-
stun; the first floor restaurant and lunch-room,
after the manner OF the Holly Tree Inns the second
as parlors chess checkers, domnoes cards,
etc. could be played; and the third floor billiard
room. To this club should be admitted both sexes, for
as T. G." very truly remarks, two virtuous women 10
room will do more to preserve order than dozen
policemen" An initiation fee should be charged for adj
mttance and regular weekly dues from the members,
or perhaps It would DO better to conduct it upon the
European plan" am convinced that not only would
such an institution be seisupportng but that it would
be source OF great profit TO the person who starts it,
Young will frequent liquor saloons to play billiards,
d0minoes cards, etc. until you provide them better
place in which to lind amusement and feel that,
il temperance club started In close proximity TO
liquor saloon in less than months the liquor FALCON
moneyed temperance men In TINS city, let them show
their love to the cause by establishing temperance
club, and give it fair trial. good plan would be to
organize a stock company, with capital OF $4,000;
place shares at low figure say 80 each, so that the
clerks OF this cItythe class who would be most bene
fted-coud invest them II the press and the pulpit
would advocate this practical mode OF decreasing the
evils intemperance the end would soon be attained
The province church should be to provide
ments of pure nature for the people; and until 1T
provides for their social well spiritual enjoyment,
the moral tone of society will not be very greatly ele
waited. ~-.,yrss sa---s
We have YOubs non CHRISTIAN Association in this
city which is usesnl but until the Y. NJ. c. a. provide
more amusements their usefulness will be limited. Why
are billiards, dominoes, and cards excluded from such
places Is IL wrong To play these games IN respectable
places, with Christian ass0ciatest say organize tenn
perance clubs make them attractive; I'LL them with
legitimate amusemens, and compete with the rumseler
for the souls of young men. They resort TO liquor
saloons where they play billiards, domnoes cards
and bowlingaleys. Give them these amusements in
respectable place free from the fumes Of stale beer
and tobacco smoke aud that they Will frequent them In
preference 20 the vile dens at present in existence ia
natural conclusion for young who speaks from
experience, to arrive at. RICHARD GEO WOODBRIDGE,
Aee- York, April IS, 1874