The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1875-06-10
THE TEMPERANCE CONVENTION

The National Temperance Convention
which met last week in Chicago, was, ac-
cording TO the Times and Tribune, the most
disorderIv that has been held for some
time.
The scenes which have been the out
growth OF the discussions OF these temper
ance men and women are not exceeded at
our political conventions, where the par
Elephants are rendered noisy by more exhil-
Grating influences. Thc National Conyen-
ton has been = striking proof Of the fact
that il is no: necessary TO fire the brains OF
delegates with alcohol in order 10 render
them disorderly, discourteous, and uncon-
trolable. They were all three, and many
of them had never tasted strong drink,
whilst those WHO had INDUCED had not
tasted it for years. At least, they said 50.
The principal feature oil the last days
proceedings was the speech CT Miss Anna
Dickinson. She was received with great
applause. The Tribune reporter speaking
Of Miss Dickinson's speech, says:
She began by beating around the bush in
stereotype feminine fashion, but, as she pro-
ceeded, her ideas become more definite, and
her expressions more masculine. What
had experience taught all parties? she
asked. That reform could only be accom-
plished by political action, not by prayer.
Applause and some sensation. What
were they laboring for? For Temperance
reform, by political action. Then anything
that would tend TO aid in procuring that
reform, was proper 10 introduce, and, if
right, was fitted 10 that platform. APP
plause and some disapprobation.l They
might pray-all the women of the
Iand-until the crack Of doom: but there
would hardly be drunkard the less. They
might invoke the throne of God-they
might do all that religion could DO in sub
lunarv matters, brit she would tell them
that God never interiered in the affairs Of
this world except by human agency. Great
applause, cries OF Oh" and some confu-
sion. Last night, when they considered
the subject Of prohibition, they voted TO
send prohibitory men into Office. They did
not vote TO storm the drunkord's
stronghold by the instrnmen;ality Of prayer,
but by the operation of the ballot. Re-
newed cheering That, then, was con-
fession of their faith that this movement
must be worked out by mortal means, and
women were mortal, and could vote, ii men
would let them. Great laughter, cheering
and applause When women had the bal
lot, Temperance reform would surely come.
Ii 4 woman's husband were threatening
her life or his own, she could enioin the
-b.. .s,.fi.- Iall.,,c,
deadly weapon. WHY should she not have
the privilege Of voting TO enjoin saloon
keepers from selling 10 men a weapon more
deadly than rifle, sword, knife or bludgeon.
| Applause and confusion. Therefore wo-
man should have the. ballot, as a measure
of seii-deien-e, as well a. Of reform Miss
Dickinson concluded by saving that women
loved men better than themselves, and
knew what was good for them. Cheers and
laughter.
AT this juncture a lady, OF uncertain age,
dressed in gray, uttered feminine war
whooP and rushed wildly to the front. She
was shocked, terrified and horror-stricken
at the idea Of Miss Dickinson ridicrling
PRAYER. \ Mr.. Burt, OF New York, then
arose, and PRAYED that God would soften
the heart of the wicked and cynical Anna.
This brought Miss Dickinson 10 her feet,
who said that she had no idea Of deriding
PRAYER, bat simply protested against leav-
ing those who did net pray ont in the cold.
Miss Willard moved that I vote OF thanks
be rendered TO Miss Anna, which was car
rTa.t l,,- 81
sorry that Professed temperance PEOPLE
should have behaved 50 foolishly. They
were not consistent, and therefore provoked
ridicule. They went for 4 good object, but
we fear they hurt the cause more than they
benefited it.