Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1879-07-11
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The F0urth.-Despite the dust and in
tense heat o. last Friday the basket picnic,
under the auspices of the Maryland State Tenn
perance Alliance, at the Fair Grounds, was a
a very agreeable occasion. The attendance,
though good and Numbering between FIVE and
seven hundred people, was not as large as ex-
pected, many being unavoidably prevented
from being present on account Of farm work.
The speakers stand presented very pretty
appearance, large bouquets and pyramids of
flowers and evergreens and notices composing
the decorations. The meeting was called TO
order at 10 o'clock and Coronation" was
sung by the Buel family, the company joining
in the chorus. blessing was invoked by
the Rev. R. S. White, of this town, following
which the President Of the meeting A. B.
Davis, Esq, made the opening address. Mr.
Davis claimed to be the pioneer in the Local
Option cause, dating the beginning Of his ef-
forts in this direction about forty-six years
back. He referred to the impro vement of the
localities 10 the county where Local Option
to some extent already exists, and here read
an extract from the SENTINEL of few issues
back, complimentary of the material progress
Of the neighborhood Of Brookevile. He de-
fined Local Option to be the right of the
people, and claimed that /, was strictly in ac-
cordance with the present Democratic teaching
asd principles, avowing at the same time that
this meeting was in no wise political move.
"By the help of God" was at this stage rem
dsred by. the Buel quartette. Miss Minnie
Mosher displayed remarkable talent as an &C.
complished elocutionist by the recitation of
poem entitled Little Maud" the story being
pathetic one Of the sad consequences Of in
temperance. The recitation received marked
and deserved applause. The address of the
occasion was delivered by DR.. C. O. Biting,
of Baltimore, and we have no hesitation in
pronouncing it the finest effort of its character
delivered in this county for many years. It's
tone was kind and fair, its eloquence touching,
and its logic strong and clear. The orator
disclaimed that he was present as parlizan,
though having party preferences, he asserted
his right to vote from the dictates Of his con-
science, and made strong appeal to all can
didates 10 meet this great issue fairly, honestly
and squarely, and cease the lodging that has
been 80 much employed TO curry favor with
Temperance elements. He suggested that the
proper mode of procedure in the absorbing
cause was not abuse or persecution, but plain
statement Of tho case with the proofs Of its
benefits. The address was interspersed with
amusing and per.laent anecdotes, and re-
ceived the most interested attention during its
delivery and applause at its close. After
another temperance hymn, Mr.. Moshcr rccited
an amusing story and WAS followed by DR..
Pollard, Of Baltimore, in mos: minute treat
ment of the question before the meeting. AT
this juncture the dinner hour was announced
and that hospitality for which Montgomery
Ia SO justly noted WAS dispensed.
The evening sessions exercises we're opened
by an original recitation by Miss Mosher, en-
titled "Modern Cain." Mr.. n. D. Morrison,
Of the Baltimore bar, was next introduced,
and Ia q lengthy discourse give important
statistics and legal opinions all bearing upon
LEGAL Option. Judge Bouic was pext called
upon and gave some interesting experience
gathered from his long public ;ife and his
service upon the bench. lie cited several very
interesting instances Of the effects OF intern
perancs, aud though allowed every man the
privilege and claiming for himself the right TO
drink when he pleased, he urged Local Option
as an institution that would be Of benefit TO
the county inasmuch as il closed up the rum
shops and destroyed their demoralizing effects
upon the happiness of the people Mr.. W.
Daniel, President of tho Alliance, was next
introduced. His speech covered a large field,
but was not as interesting or as able ID those
which preceded it. Mr.. Jas. S. Ilalowell
was called upon, but declined addressing the
meeting, so after q vote OF thanks TO all who
had contributed TO the days enjoyment, the
exercises of the day we're concluded by the stir
ring rendition Of the patriotic air, 1.-THE Star
Spangled Banner" the Buel family, hero as
elsewhere, sustaining their high reputation,
and merting for themselves very great por-
tion OF the vote Of thanks just before passed.