The Portland daily press., 1874-05-19

! The usual temperance prayer meeting was
held at the Managers room of the Young Men
Christian Association, yesterday morning, the
| president in the chair.
| Mr.. Hart from the District Committee in
Ward reported that very enthusiastic meet
ing was held at the West End Congregations
chapel Sunday evening. Heartfelt speeches
were made and a large number signed the
pledge of the association. Messrs. Burgess
from Ward /. and Whitney from Ward 5, re.
ported that they had just received the printed
pledges and that the work of canvassing would
commence Immediately. There were no reports
offered from Wards 2, 3, 4 and6
A discussion then took place as to whom
should be asked to sign the pledge. Some
thought that only men should be invited, but
the majority were in favor of all the signatures
possible, regardless of sex. Rev. B. F. Leavitt
thought that they should be very careful not to
give the impression that the movement was .
political one, as that would kill it at once.
The laymen of the several churches were in
vited to ask their pastors to help the movement
by givins it their aid. The pastors, seeing that
the church is in favor of the movement, will
not be far behind.
1t was moved and seconded that the presi
dent prepare resolution, to be presented at
the next meeting, thanking the city editors of
the several daily papers of the city for the can
dor and impartiality with which they had
reported the proceedings from the beginning.
The president here desired to state that in
Boston-from whence he had lately returned
the remark was frequently made to him that it
was matter of astonishment the fairness with
which the movement had been treated by the
press of Portland.
After prayer the meeting adjourned.
Tie ladies held their regular meeting at
Chestnut street vestry at 3 o'clock in the after
noon. There was rather small attendance.
After season of prayer, the president spoke
of her feelings regarding the work. She
thought that they had no reason to be dis
couraged that they had only to do their duty
and leave the result with God. Several others
spoke of feeling the same in regard to the
matter. The president then called for the re-
ports of the committees,
The spokeswoman of the first committee
reported that she had called upon several deal
ers in liquors and the general cry was that they
did not touch the importers or brewers. They
thought that that was the place to begin.
Another committee reported that they had
been to see landlord of one of our principal
hotels and he had signed the pledge and given
them an introduction to the bartender, who
said he would leave the business if they would
purchase his stock of liquors. He told them
that they could pray in the room if they wished,
but they did not
AT this point some one thought that the tenn
perance men of the city ought to raise money
and buy this stock of liquors, that We might
have one temperance hotel.
Another committee said that a complaint
was made where she went that the law was not
enforced; that if the law was properly en-
forced there would be no need of the ladies
going around
One or two committees were unable to report
any progress OF account of sickness. They
were expecting to be able to work soon.
A discussion then took place upon the lack of
interest in the cause which should be first and
foremost in the mind of every praying woman
in the city. Different reasons were assigned,
but none appeared to satisfy the meeting. The
president thongh ht that they should continue to
work in the most quiet manner possible, and
thus get the good will of a majority of the
Christian ladies. The meeting closed with
prayer, and then the ladies started on their
visits