Connecticut western news., 1874-03-20
The Temperance Crusade.
A Campaign Begun in. PhiIade delphin-.-
 Several Saloons Visited.

A Campaign Begun in. n.PhiIadelphia--- Several Saloons Visited.
 The temperance crusade has begun in Philadelphia. In closing an address to temperance meeting, Mrs. French, the leader of the women, called for volunteers to accompany her upon a visit to the saloons in the vicinity. This unexpected turn of affairs fell like a thund clap upon the audience, re- port says, but, after the astonishment had in some degree subsided, about fifty women arose from their seats and expressed their willingness to join her in the crusade. The utmost excitement prevailed at this action, but not in the least deterred, Mrs. French walked down the aisle and was joined by the women who had enlisted for the war fare. The band then marched down Susquehanna avenue about two squares and stopped in front of a notorious saloon at Fifth street, kept by woman. By this time, however, the news of the novel movement had spread like 8 whirlwind throughout the whole neigh borhood, and a crowd composed of many hundred people collected around the praying band. Included in it were many roughs and disreputable charac- ters, who jeered and blasphemed the women, and several parties threw snow balls into the ranks of the crusaders, one of which struck Mrs. French. Not in the least demoralized or discouraged, the band assembled around the door of the saloon and sang hymn, after which several earnest prayers were made, and the leader took the opportunity to say @ few words about the ravages of strong drink.
 The scene inside the saloon, while
 he beseigers stood upon the pavement in the front, was one of excitement and confusion. The proprietress, who had no intention of succumbing to the cru saders, was put to her wits end for an expedient to baf1e them. After the band had continued their exercises about half an hour without any success, the shutters and doors of the saloon were closed, and the women abandoned the situation and moved down the street, singing as they went. They were followed by the rabble, who hooted at them, mingling their shouts with curses and criee of derision.
 Several saloons were visited, but upon the approach of the praying band, were promptly closed. At the lager beer saloon of German, who keeps boarding. house in connection with his saloon, the women wanted to enter the bar room to sing and pray, but the proprietor, who was very indienant at the whole proceeding. refused to allow them to do so, assigning as 8 reason that so much noise would disturb his boarders. Mrs. French inquired if he sold liquor, and he said he did. She then talked with him, and appealed to him to abandon his trade, and so elo- quently did she appeal to him that he was melted to tears, and declared that he would do so. AS no pledge was offered to him, he did not sign any promise, but expressed his determina- tion to quit the business.
 This was the first victory gained by the band, and so elated were they that the air rang with their shouts and songs. The band proceeded up Sus- quehanna avenue to beer saloon at the corner of Susquehanna avenue and Thomson street. The crowd at this point was very great, and the excite ment growing every moment stronger. Mrs. French, from the steps to the private door of the saloon, delivered a strong temperance speech, exhorting the crowd to discontinue the disorderly proceedings, and her band to carry on their exercises. At this point Q number of men came out of the soloon and de- nounced the women in strong terms, and finally the proprietor himself ap- pealed to @ policeman who stood upon the opposite corner to clear them away, but this he refused to do, stating as his reason that he had no authority. One of the bystanders said to the keep CT that the ladies could enter his place and he could not oppose them, and to this he angrily exclaimed, "Then l shall shoot them" This action some- what dampened the spirits of the ladies, and it was concluded that it would be best to adjourn the crusade until next day.
 The band then went back to the church and reported the result of the invasion. The audience received the report with great enthusiasm, and it was decided to continue the campaign.