Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-08-13
TEMPERANCE MASS MEETING.
A wINDHAM COUNTY LADY wRITKs OF THE LEADING
FEATURES THE GREAT GATHERING AT QUEEN
PARK LAST wEEE.

PARK LAST
QUEEN CRY PARK,
Burlington, VT, Aug, ., 1880 J
Eiitor Phanir: The Temperance Mass Meeting
held here August 80, 4h and 5th has been complete
First Of ALL lacked nothingi in the way Of
numbers. Crowds poured in from every direction
and accommodations sufficient for ALL Hundreds
Of little army tents pitched, ready for those who
wished to combine the pleasure Of camping with work
in the temperance cause. commodious tent, known
Pavilion Hotel, was very convenient furnishing
warm meals three times day; and a mammoth tent,
capable Of seating ever $500, served as audencoroom
An Estey organ stood the platform, and played
by one Of Vermonts best organists, accompanied by
cornet and picooo played by musicians eminent in
their profession while eciont choir Of temperance
people occupied the platform, together with speakers
and ofncers Of the Reformed Mems Association. We
who Travelled from Windham county missed the eNer-
cises Of the first afternoon, but were all ready for
evening The grounds Illuminated with ocomo-
tive headlights, also the large tent, and IL
was truly inspiring to many Of Vermonts sons
and daughters gathering in such a noble cause.
The first half hour spent in singing, after
which prayer offered by Rev. Geo. II. Vibbert Of
Boston, earnest Temperance worker and stror for
prohibition, evinced by his speech Thursday fore
noon and when he asked whether there had been as
much liquor sold since the prohibitory law took effect
as there had been during the five years previous,
swers came from all directions Of mo-" mo-" "not
a few OF the good words spoken Tuesday night by
Prof, Geo f. Foster Of New Brunswick, who made a
plea for the introduction Of temperance text books
into our public schools He made It plain that the
four great educaorsvz., the family the pulpit the
platform aud the press-are unable to reach all the
children, and that no way be efficient than
to teach them in the school, He concluded by asking,
"Who would it harm IL Temperance lessons should be
introduced7 Surely not the individual, not society,
not the nation but the trdGc only-the very hingw
wish to harm" This sentiment was received with
such cheers told that the listeners stood on the
right side.
Wednesday forenoon Prof Foster was greeted with
enthusiasm by the audience, which constantly in
creasng, notwithstanding the steady rain His words
were encouraging as he briefly reviewed the past and
told us how much had been accomplished in Great
Britain. One feature Of the British law seemed to
many especially commendable, which this that,
in case Of prosecution the liquor seller is required to
teeiiy, and is the first witness called The benefit is
that IL he denies selling, possibly perjury may be
proved against him. If he admits the TRUTH there is
nothing more to be said, thus doing away with much
trouble Prof Foster maintained that this method of
dealing is simply like father dealing with reirac
tory son. During the latter part Of the forenoon the
Woman's Temperance Union had charge Of the meet
ing, and Mrs. Mary II. Hunt Of Boston told many
plain truths. when she urged the voters to put such
men in office could not be bought, the enthusiasm
OF the audience ran high. As remedy for some Of
the evils mentioned Mrs. Hunt earnestly recommend
ed the use Of DR.. Richardson's Temperance Lessons
in public schools, which certainly does seem to be
good plan, for Mr. Cough told In the afternoon that
drunkenness would be swept out Of this land in less
titan thirty years, II drunkards were made
We had Just little foretaste Of Mr.. Cough Wsdnes-
day afternoon when he prevailed npon to appear
few minutes to crafty those who desired to see and
hear him but could not remain until Thursday This
toretAste good As the feast. So stirring and
|
heard to say MANY, many times have drank be-
fore my son; III not do 1t again" God grant he may
keep his resolution. The well known J. X. Osgood
who the life Of the loye-feasts held before each
regular session. used moot apt illustration when he
said that liquor dealers like the dies which good
housewife drives out Of her kitchen, but If sheis not
careful very soon they oil back again. A. s.
Draper, @. W. c. T., young lawyer from Albany, N.
y %ho never drank glass Of liquor in his life, adj
vocated both moral and legal suAsion, and met the
appreciation Of the people.
In the evening Rev. W. J. johnson Of Derby said
he had lived under three phases Of the Temperance
question, viz free license in Massachusetts local op-
ton in Canada, and prohibition in Vermont and
without hesitation pronounced in favor Of the latter
much to the satisfaction Of the crowd judging rom
the demonstration. The last forenoon, Col. Mead
told us how each could do something in the Temperance
cause by setting total abstinence example and dealt
few hard blows at cider, which met with hearty re-
Spouse from the oldest workers.
One noticeable feature during the three days was
that every speaker for prohibition though many
confessed that when they hrft gave attention TO this
matter they were opposed to it; but experience has
taught them better. Thursday afternoon was the
time appointed for John b. Cough, and the crowd,
which was large before, became a mighty throng
Small armies came marching into the park from the
noon trains and steamboats, and but few Of the new
corners could obtain seats, while greater number
could md no entrance whatever, but gathered close
to the tent. Many could not even get within hearing
Mr. Cough denounced the liquor traffic in no uncer-
tain er ms, and CLEARLY pointed out the i'll effects Of
beer rinkDg in words that must have carried con-
yictioD to many nnuds. His address was full Of in
cidens, both humorous and pathetic, and his parting
advice was: Each do your little, and leave the rest
with the Master" good religious influence was felt
ring the whole session. and many ferveut prayers
were offered for Gods blessing on the work. How
ever should think to stand idle for faith with
out works is dead.
More such meetings may serve to educate the peo-
pie up to the right standard glad Mr.. Editor,
that in two weeks another glorious time may be ex-
pected in Mortified, and the Hon. Neal Dow, Mrs.
Moloy, and other eminent speakers to be there.
Hoping much good may be done, and many laborers
inspired to more earnest action, am, yours respect
n