The Portland daily press., 1877-10-27

Temperance Mass Meeting at Congress
Hall.
In compliance with the call published in the
papers Thursday morning, very many gathered
at Congress Hall last evening to take part in
the citizens mass temperance meeting. 1t was
noticeable that the audience was composed
largely of aged and influential citizens. The
platform was occupied by very large number
OF veteran temperance worthless.
Hon. Benz. Kingsbury called the meeting to
order, and introduced Rev. Charles A. Lord to
conduct devotional services
Mr. Kingsbury then announced the following
gentlemen as officers of the meeting:
President-HQn. w. W. Thomas.
Vice Presidebts-T. G. Hersey, w. 5. Dana,
j. 81. Drummonnd, Issac Jackson, Henry A.
Jones, j. B. Filebrown, James =. Haseltine,
Prentss Lorng Oliver Gerrish, j. b. Mathews,
John I. Walton. Dr. FL. n. Small, George W.
Woodman, w. Fl. Hobbs, d. B. Kicker. Fl. II.
Burgess, Howard Soule, George l.. Klmeal',
Fl. HI. Kicker, S. w. IIarrabbee.
Secretaries-F. G. Rich and Leach
Mr.. Thomas on accepting the chair made
brief but affecting address. calling up many
old "reminiscences of the early work in the tenn
perance refsrm. He read from the Constitution
ouu leup6 DUUh VI tu0 AEob U0mpOLduCo SOCi6-
ty organized in Portland, fifty years ago last
week, giving the names of some of the first
signers to the pledge, and related many in
teresting incidents in connection with the for
nation of this ancient society.
Letters were read expressing an interest in
the meeting from Hon. Lot M. Morrill, and Rev.
Edw. Y. Hincks.
The following resolutions were presented by
the Secretary and unanimously adopted:
Whereas the present aspect of the temper
ance reform affords Just cause for encouragement
end congratulation among its friends and as
the success achieved in the past is due to a very
great extent to the persistent efforts of those
who have occupied the platform in its advoca-
cy, to the public press, to the church and to the
clergy, and to the various temperance societies
and Reform Clubs that in organized effort have
helped to multiply its advocates, therefore,
ReSotUed, That acknowledging the favor of
God in the good work, we also feel that the
thanks of every lover of humanity are due to
these various acknowledgements societies,
reform clubs, the church and the clergy-for
the success thus far obtained In the temperance
reform.
Resolved, That in order to maintain our pres
ent position, and to advance to still greater
triumphs, it is desirable that public meetings
be held throughout the city as often as possi-
BILE, and at such meetings the pledge be made a
PlOmiAOAt lcdtUI6, anu every tuOTb mdlo W st.
cure signatures to the same-to the end that
the young men may be educated in the princi-
Piles OF temperance and warned against the
evils and misery its use entails upon the indi-
vidual and upon the community, and that
those already addicted to drinking habits may
be redeemed and made useful and honorable
citizens
The old veteran John T. Walton was then
introduced and made one of his charac terstc
speeches, speaking particularly of the good
work done by the sWashingtonans thirty and
forty years ago.
Hon. Benjamin Kingsbury was introduced
as the next speaker, and spoke in his happiest
vein, making an earnest appeal for continued
efforts in behalf of the cause, suggesting the
importance of frequent temperance meetings
during the coming winter He closed with a
motion that committee be appointed to NOM
mate committee to carry forward series of
public temperance meetings during the coming
winter.
The motion was adopted and the following
gentlemen were appointed to name said COM
mittee: Benjamin1 Kingsbury. F. G. Rich and
j. j. Perry.
Ex-Governor Perh am was pext introduced |
with enthusiastic applause, and spoke elo- |
quently of the great progress of temperance
sentiment in Maine, !and in relating many in |
stances of We olden times, contrasted the con-
dition of affairs in temperance matters at the |
present day. Mr.. Perham also heartily Sec
onded the proposition to hold series of tenn
perance meetings during the coming winter,
Mr.. KiDgsbury, of the committee to nominate |
committee. to take charge charge of series |
of citizens temperance meetings, reported the |
following names: F. G. Rich, j. Fl. Whitney,
@. j. Walker, E. A. Sawyer, j. 7. Sanford,
Rufus d. Means, E. Leach, 1. Mcdonald II. s.
Melcher. Geo. Knights, Geo. E. Taylor, W. II.
Phillips, r. 81. Murphy, G. D. Starbrd, Nath-
anfel RedloD, Geo. Sawyer. Edward Nixon and
Rufus Deering.
The following gentlemen were elected to act
brown, M. G. Palmer, Albion Little, Geo. G.
Littlefeld and 81. p. White.
Mr.. Thomas made liberal donation to the
committee to assist in the temperance work, as
did many others present.
Interesting remarks were also made by
Messrs. Oliver Gerrish. J. B. Coyle, Rev. DR..
Warren of the Mirror, Chas. A. Lord, Geo. 81.
Lttlefeld and others.
Nearly $100 was subscribed towards carry
ing forward a series of public temperance
meetings
The meeting closed by singing "Praise God
from Whom all blessings fow.'
The meeting was the most interesting and
harmonious ever held in the city, and will
have good influence upon the future success
of the cause.