Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-03-21
Grand Temperance Ralty !

held Reform Club. At the appointed hour
County Attorney Bisbee called the meet.
ing to order aud announced that the
Buckfeld Club had not arrived. He there
fore nominated Ii. c. Davis, Esq, az
chairman for the evening.
Mr.. Davis, on taking the chair, expressed
the regret which all felt, at being thus
disappointed, but hoped good meeting
would be sustained. He then called on
Mr.. Bsbee for some remarks.
Mr.. Bisbee responded by expressing
his interest in The temperance cause and
by giving brief history OF the Bucklield
Reform Club He closed by calling on
Mr.. Patch, President of the Lockes Mills
Club.
Mr.. Patch was enthusiastically applaud.
ed. and responded by giving a brief
account of his life. His remarks, and
the earnestness with which he spoke.
produced deep impression on the audi
ence, who frequently interrupted him
with demonstrs tons OF satisfaction.
Hon. Euoch Foster, Jr gave history
OF tho movement which has recently
assumed such huge proportions in Bethel.
Mr.. Foster was full of animation, and his
remarks served to lx and strengthen The
impression made by Mr.. Patch.
Hon John j. Perry related some Incl
dents which had come under bis obselya.
ton, and Hon. +. G.. Harlow told "a
funny little story" Mr.. Hutchinson OF
the Canton club told the audience what u
great work was being accomplished in
his vicinity. Mr.. Hersey of Buckield
responded TO q call with briet anu appro.
pirate remarks.
While Mr.. Hersey was speaking, Mr.
Harlow and Mr. Foster were engaged 10
drawing up the pledge which is usually
circulated at reform meetings Mr. Foster
read The pledge, invited all to sign, and
hoped the citizens of Paris Hill would
not allow this opportunity to pass without
organizing reform club.
j S Wright, Esq, promptly stepped
forward, sigued the pledge, called on
Others to follow his example, and pro-
ceeied with stirring appeal log the
cause.
At first Signers came forward slowly,
bu: as those who had been TO the from.
returned among their companions. urging
them to seize thi; opportunity o! enrolling
themselves upon the side OF temperance,
there seemed to bc u thAwing out, and
the aisles were soon filed with those who
desired TO reach the Secreiary's desk
Daring the signing several speakers
were upon the il1oi. amoag whom were
j S Wright of Paris. Nc Hutchinson OF
Canton aud The Presdon; OF Brownfeld
Reform Club. The speakers were ire
queutly interrupted by applause, as par.
ties started from the audience to sign the
pledge.
al was shortly announced that there
were over forty names on the pledge
then the cal. was TO bring it up to fifty.
Those interested redOubled their efforts.
and before meeting closed over ninety
had signed. Most OF these siguerS were
c.,iLsus OF Paris Hi. and vicinity. Some
OF them had been addicted 10 the use OF
liquor all their lives. and more than one
had drunk sufficient to bring them prom
inently before the public.
Al one time when there was luIl, Mr.
Holland OF Canton, a member OF the
Grand Jury, said he would like 10 sign
this pledge. He had intended 10 wait
until Saturday night and then sign al
Canton; but he lelt there was no time
like the present. This created strong
leeling and again started the ball roll.
ing"
We doubt il anytbiaS like hi, meeting
was ever seen in Paris,-such deep
interest, aud so much earnest Wo,k being
done for the cause OF temperance. Much
credit is due the members OF Oxford Bar
for their interest in this matter, aad
particularly 10 County Attorney Bisbes.
he made all the arrangements for this
meeting, land, notwithstanding the absence
OF his club. determined TO push it 10
successful issue. 1t is to be regretted
that the Buckheld club WAS not present,
for they might have added to their other
ttiumphs that oil red, emiDg Paris Hill.
There will be q second meeting this
Tuesday evening. at the Court House.
Members OF clubs 10 this vicinity are
invited 10 be present. and it is hoped
they will bring their song cards with
them that the exercises may be enligened
BY music. No doub, there will be an
immense gathering on this occasion, and
all should come determined TO enroll
themselves under the banner OF Total
Abstinence. A Reform Club will also be
formed at the same time.
We learn from the Secretary of the
Good Teipplars, Geo. <. Bracket OF
Belfast. that the annual session of the
Grand Lodge of Maine will be held at
Bath, April IL and ~. Half fare 10
members of the Order over the p.iucipa.