The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-05-11

| The time had been when the mothers and wives
of this city had shut their doors upon him, the
drunkard. Now they invited him to their
homes that he might influence their husbands
and sons to become temperance workers. Twen-
ty months ago he gave his word and sacred
honor that he would not touch the intoxicating
cup, and he had kept his pledge. 1t was be-
hind bolts and bars that he had signed the
| pledge Many think they will not pledge away
their liberty and become slaves but these very
men are slaves to drink. He then gave touch
| ing accounts of his experience as common
sailor, to which condition he fell by reason of
his habits, and the agony and suffering of a
winter night he spent in New York after re-
turning from voyage to Cuba. 1t is not only
the misery we suffer ourselves, but the misery
others suffer for US that should stimulate us to
urge this glorious cause.
MI. A. T, Hillman of the Auburn Club was
| next introduced, and he gave an eloquent and
stirring appeal in behalf of temperance. After
bitter experience with the destinations of the
cup he stood before the audience thoroughly
reformed man. There was no lack of early
training or influence in his CASE But he had
not regarded it, and had reaped Its inevitable
results. When the cry comes "Hod the tenn.
perance fort" let the cry 60 back "By Thy
grace we will"
President Pearson then introduced Mr.. Geo
Facey of the Portland Club Although he
could neither read nor write, he knew the
meaning of the word temperance. After So
years of drinking, he had at last established
himself upon the rock of salvation-the pledge.
1t does not matter whether the man be of high
or low degree whenever be lifts up his voice
God will hear and aid him. He illustrated his
remarks by apt stories and was listened to with
close attention.
Charles Wilmington of the Buckfeld Club.
followed Mr.. Facey, and spoke well and to the
point 1t is not expected that reformers can
speak in public. We come from our farms and
workshops simply to tell our experience and
urge others to profit thereby. We are reform
ed through and through, or else we would not
do this We want to stop the sources of drink
ing, the rum shops, or else we cannot reform
men. Social drinking is the great evil, for here
it is young men begin. We are not working
for ourselves alone, generations yet to come are
to reap the benefits. Let the mothers and sis
tiers come forward and sign the pledge, and not
allow drop of liquor in the house.
MI. T. A. Eastman, President of the Lewis.
ton Club, was next called upon. He gave an
instructive account of the progress of the Lew
iston Club, and was very interesting. Where
ever he is he makes it point to speak word
for temperance. The Lewiston Club numbers
about 700 members on the iron-clad and 1000 on
the general pledge. He had never drunk much
liquor, but enough to become reformer. He
was glad to see such interest manifested in
Portland. He hoped the ladies would take the
matter in hand and make reform in Portland
success. In connection with the Lewiston Club
there is Woman's Aid Society, and Boys
Reform Club. The latter contains $50 members
between the ages of and IS years. The City
Government had allowed them tie free use of
the City Hall in which to hold their Sunday
meetings, and this had been crowded Sunday
after Sunday. They have now rented hall
and their yearly expenses are about $1,000, the
most of which is raised by entertainments, and
what is lacking is easily raised among the
friends of the cause.
Mr.. Fl. M. Bryant next gave the most power
full and rousing address of the evening" He
said, L am engaged in the work of temperance
because hate rum and runs doings. have
never found anything favorable to say of it, A
familiarity with it has bred contempt. 1t were
better the smallpox than cargo of rum should
come into your harbor. Space forbids longer
account of his stirring exhortation. He was
listened to with the closest attention, and his
remarks were greeted with frequent applause.
Mr. w. A. Langley of the Bangor Club, and
Mr.. Hinckley of the Auburn Club, related ex-
perences that called forth the warmest sympa-
thy of the audience. The enthusiasm was sus-
tanned throughout the evening, and the excel
lent music of Chambers Band added much to
the pleasure of the occasion. President S. T.
Pearson of the Portland Club, presided with
credit, and his remarks were opportune and to
the point. The result of this convention can
not bat be an awakening of the people of Port.
land to increased exertlons against the evils of
intemperance. At the close of the meeting 191
names were added to the pledge.
There will be praise meeting tomorrow fore
noon in City Hall, to commence at $50. In
the afternoon Mrs. Clark will add to the inter-
est of the meeting by singing.