New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-02-27
MAKING READY IN DAYTON.

THE MOVEMENT TO BE TESTED ~ CITY on Imkry-
FIVE THOUSAND PEoPLE-A PREPARATORY mErr-
GNG-EARNEsT AND HOPEFUL SPEECHES tY IBE
woMEN-TIDTNGs FROM XESIA.
FROM THE SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT or me rEiruss
CIScINNAII, Feb. 20.-The question, whether tho
Womens Temperance Movement can be successful
in large town, is likely TO have fair chance ~
solution in the case of Dayton. That city has nearly
5000 inhabitants, and the Temperance people say
that it is sadded with many as 53l rum shops. 10
cannot be alleged that in this instance the work has
been begun without due deberation, nor yet that
the conditions prescribed by the originator of tho
movement have not been so far, strictly observed.
Dayton has made q good deal Of money out OF
whisky and the liquor interest Is represented in the
highest as well the lowest social circles bat there
is good nucleus for Temperance party and IN no
city have l seen more interest manifested at u
meeting preparatory to putting the Praying
Plan into operation. These women have
for weeks given the subject prayerful consideration.
They have sought the advice of experienced preach
ers whenever advice was desired; they have held
private and public prayer-meetings day after day;
they have observed seasons of fasting and bnmiIs-
ton; they have studied the working Of the move
ment elsewhere and, lastly, they have had Dio
Lewis himself to set them to worK. Under such
favorable circumstances, the progress of the move
ment in Dayton will be watched with more than
ordinary interest by its many friends who wish to
see it fairly tried elsewhere than 10 Nilago aud
comparatively small towns.
THE WOMEN FULL OF COURAGE AND Phirn.
The preparatory meeting was held this moaning
in the First United Brethren Church. The room
was not very large but 1t was crowded with people
who were evidently moved by religions impulses
and deeply in earnest Noisy applause war forbid
deu but enthusiasm nevertheless apparent In
every stage Of the proceedings. Mrs Weakly, wife
of Methodist minister, first placed her vIcws on
record. She had received an anonymous letter adj
yising her "to attend to domestic duties, ~ that
yould be more becoming in a woman" she hoped
she knew her duty and would do it regardless Of
such insinuatons. Her heart and soul were IN the
cause. Mr.. Weakly present and seemed Ia sp-
prove of his wife's course. Mrs. Hurr, wiie 81
another minister her husband also beng
present, avowed her interest in the movement and
was willing to be led by the Spirit of God to tho
time and manner of proceeding in the great work.
Mrs. T. n Sewers, in a voice full OF emotion, sand
she had examined her heart as to whether sho
could love the rum-seller sufficiently to approach
him in his saloon and pray TOR his salvation, and she
believed she could do 80 for the sake of jesus and the
glory of God. A lady who was very much ~ earDest
remarked that she did MT like the idea of calling this
war; nor the talk of conquering the saloon keepers
She never had been conquered by anybody,
and never expected to be- She had never
even tried to conquer her children And lns N ale
did not wish that word applied to her, she djdn't
wish 10 use il in reference TO anybody else. Her
faith was in the law of love- Mrs. Theobald thought
there we're many kind hearted gentlemen engaged
IN the liquor business. We should exercise charity
toward them remembering that their education has
been very different from ours. Such men could by
PRAYER and persuasion be induced to abandon their
dsreputable calling. Mrs. Davis had not easily
made up her mind to engage in this work. But
when sister from Franklin had touched her
heart with the story of what had been done there,
she coald no longer resist the pleadngs Of tho spirit
with her SOUL But she and her husband had always
before agreed about everything. and she feared TO
ask his consent But Gods grace was at work upon
his heart too and he gave his consent before sbo
asked it, Already she felt better for her determine
ton. She did not feel she had in ordinary revi-
walls Of religion when she had longed for the
sion Of this and that dear relative friend In ,oh
a spirit there was perhaps some selfshness but now
she ged only for the glory Of God and the good Of
her fellow men.
THE WORK TO BEGIN WITHOUT DELAY.
Mrs. Harry Thomas suggested that God was nov
in His own good tms answering the prayers that
had during years past bcen offered 10 midnight
hours BY those who had suffered from this terrible
traffic long before the present good work began.
Mrs Creager was wlingto enter on the work tn the
spirit Of tho blessed Master With love FOR the poor
saloon keepers aud having no fear about entering
their saloons and praying With them.
Mrs. Mercer had already boon talking with The
liquor men, and had found them spproacbabIs and
not ill-disposed She anxious 10 continue in tAe
work. aud believed II must result In good
Miss Maggie Cox would not consult her present
feelings in this matter, but willing to work for
the glory of God in any way that might be pointed
out.
At this juncture the Secretary, Lady, read tele-
gram from Xenia in these words:
Throe surrenders Liquor poured ont N ne
streets Ladies' on the street full force 6ress sae-
cess attends their efforts. Como.
The audience thereupon arose, and led BY do
Lewis sang with great enthusiasm the chorus Of Tie
Battle Hymn of the Republic:
GLORY. glory halelutsh,
Our God 10 marching op"
Somebody exclaimed Let Us sing 1t sgaiai'
and it was sung again with fine effect hrs hars
now arose. and in the voice of one adapted to lead