New-York tribune., 1878-03-04
MURpHYs TEMPERANCE WORK.


lBY TfItGEArH 10 THL THIBCNEl
WAsUISCToN, March 3.-Mr. Franc.o Murphy, The
Temperance refonner, who has been iaboIng IN his
city for the last five weeks mas closed hs work and
after few DAYS rest will leave for New-Enga and 10
begin temperance campaign IN that section.
lie has under consideration project TO organize
a national temperance movement, with a view 10
uniting the influence Of all the temperance working
societies in the country IN continuous efforts, both
through repression and moral suasion to extcrIniu-
ate the great national evil, IntemPcFancc.
Nh Murphy and his came to Washington on
January -, by invitation Of tie Young Mems
Christian Association Of this city, under whose
auspices his first meetings were heidi 4 temper
ance movement of promising proportions had been
in progress for sevcral months before Hr. MurpLys
advent and several thousand persons. large pro-
portion of whom were from the lab0ring and pre-
viously incorporate classes, had been induced 10
sign the pledge. Prominent among the earlier
workers were "Charlcy" Nye, son Of the late Som
ator Nye and j. B. Dunnng These young men.
who had both been prOdigas. worked in concert.
They held frequent public meetings IN the wOrs
portions OF Washington, and entered into the work
# saving their old associates from intcmporance
with heartiness which coon won for tllcm FOLLOW
ing sufficient 10 fill of the largest halls III the
city every Sunday night. Young Nye by inylt3iion
of the temperance societies of PaTkeroburS. Wost
Virginia. il now continuing the unon temperance
work in that city.
Probably Mr. Murphy never fell into the hands Of
a class of people who were richer III zeal for good
works OF poorer in ready cash and practical busi
ness TACT than his first Washington managers. His
meetings. from the start, were crowded TO over
flowing, and with the AID of local temperance work
ers about 1000 signatures to the pledge were oh
tanned as a result of his first fortnight's labor.
About this time, however the funds neccs-
sary to carry on the work gave out, and
the movement bade fair to end in dlsas-
ter and scandal. But the people had been
walked up and new organization WAS effected.
Five pastors of city churches with the Rev. DT.
Rankin as chairman, and Drs. Noble. Gray, Newman
and Domer as associates, were made the general
executive committee, while another committee com
posed Of twenty five laymcn was formed TO LOOK
after the finances. DR.. Newman threw open his
church nhe Metropolitan Methodist for the fist
week, and DR.. Rankin (CongregatiOnalisU did the
same with his for the second week. while overflow
meetings were held daily III the neighoOIlIg
Last Friday evening Mr.. Murphy and son were
given farewell testimonial meeting IN Pr' Kan
kin's church. The andience-room, which is the
largest in the city. was decorated with flags aud
flowers. The platform was filled will, city minis
tcrs and temperance workers. The Hon. VIM. T.
Frye was the first speaker. He SAID: The first
words | ever heard from Francls Murphys
lips when he was tired for ms hfe
in Portland and they were these" Not guilty"
Though the prosecuting attorney OF the state at
that time. and though in the heat of the
moment deemed it my dutynO seek his convection,
was soon satisfied and | believe before God to-
night that those words We're true" Among the
sneaker. who followed Mr.. Frye We're the Hon. Mr..
Ellsworth OF Michigan, and Captain Siurdcvant, the
gentleman who was instrumental i'll converting Mr..
Mnrphv, while the latter was confined III Jail Ill
Maine, under charge Of murder
Mrs Wilson, a sister Of the late Z. L. Blis7, who.
with her husband has been working III several cities
with Mr. Murphy. was present and sang Il number
songs. , r. ,,,
NJ. Murply's style is varied. lie displays good
natural abilities. both as a.. act0r ana an orator,
and The ready Irish wit with which ne often points
his remarks serves to prcgent his meetings from
ever becoming dull lie however, at nT%Tt tdM an
nected with faith in CHRIST The result OF his
work in Washington is about $4,000 names to the
Temperance pledge.