Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-02-16
MASS CONVENTION
Of the State Woman's Christian Union
Large Attendance and an Eloquent Adj
dress by Mrs. J. Ellen Foster

dress by Mrs. j. Ellen fOsteE
The large auditorium of the First Baptist
church was we'll filled on Tuesday morning,
bv an enthus astic and earnest assemblage OF
delegates from nearly every Union IN the
State. and quite a number of local workers
and sympathisers i'll the cause.
The Convention was called to order at 10
O'Clock by Mrs Crocker OF Portland, who
conducted brief religious exercise, partici-
pated in by Mrs. II. W. Jones of Winthrop,
and others.
Singing.
The President of the State Union. Mrs. L..
Mn. Stevens of Stroudwater, took the chair
at III o'clock.
On motion. Mrs. Palmer of Ban gor was
cleo ted Recording Secretary.
Mrs. C. NJ Williams of Augusta. then all
dressed the Convention, welcoming the State
Union to the capital city in behalf Of the
Ladies' Union OF Augusta. Mrs. Williams
expressed a hope that the presence OF the
members of the State organization would
give new impetus to the work, that shall
carry it forward to success. Her remarks
were received with applause.
Mrs. W. II. Stickney Of East Brownield,
representing the State Union. briefly re-
sponded Mrs. Stickney commented upon
the position which woman occupies socially,
and the influence which she uncOnsciously
exerts in the shaping of Legislation. She
said, sYonder halls are not open to women,
but how often in the days that are past, has
woman been there unseen, and moved the
arm which voted for the right. Women are
looked upon as the weak class, but when we
come here in the interest Of humanity. and
trusting in God, we are strong
The President then addressed the Conven-
ton at considerable length. making an earnest
appeal for school suffrage for women and
counselling women that it they ever attain to
the privilege in this State to vote for
those men and those men only. who will insist
upon the introduction of scientific Temperance
text books into our schools. The President
stated that sos had been contributed by men,
bers OF the Union to the Mrs. Hayes Testi-
monial fund.- and closed her address by very
concisely illustrating the Ileredity of Appetite
and the Evils consequent upon it.
On motion, the chair appointed the follow
ing committees.
Credentias-Mrs. Williams of Augusta.
Miss Porter of Lewiston, Mrs. WAY of
Portland.
Re.olutions-Mrs. Jones of Winthrop.
Mrs. Rowell of Hallowell, Mrs. Sargent of
Augusta, Mrs. Crossman of Bangor, and
Mrs. Cove of Biddeford.
On motion, adjourned until o'clock, T. NJ.
AFTERNOON.
The convention was called to order at p
NJ. by Mrs. w. G. Sargent of Augusta, who
after conducting a brief religious service,
participated in by Mrs. Jones of Winthrop
and others proceeded to address the ladies of
:he Union upon the subject of Parental + iuca-
ton of the youth. Her remarks were very in
teresting, and the sentiment in them contained
was warmly endorsed by nearly every lady
present.
= The President resumed the chair at 3
o'clock.
The record of the IN orning meeting was
read and approved.
Mrs. Williams of Augusta, from the Com
mittee on Credentials, reported present a
large number of delegates from the different
Unions in the State, but as all credentials
had not at the time been presented. was I'M
able to state the exact number of delegates.
On motion. the Convention voted to add to the
list of delegates the names of several who
had been duly elected to represent their local
Unions, but had neglected to provide them
selves with credentials
On motion the following ladies were elect
ed to represent their several counties in the
convention as Vice Presidents pro TEN, the
regularly elected officers not being present.
Androscogyin-Miss Porter.
Hancock-Mrs. Hartman
kennebec-Mrs. Jones.
Waldo-Mrs. Patterson.
York-Mrs. Cove.
The Corresponding Secretary read a conf
munication from Mrs. W. b. King, of Saga
dahoc county. expressive of her regret at
har tpah lttv h.. LII
pathy with the work and objects of the or
ganization.
The chair called for the reports of the
Vice Presidents of the Union. relative to
the condition and progress of the work in
their several counties.
Miss Porter of Androscoggin reported the
work progressing in that county.
Mrs. johnson of Aroostook, reported a
large county and large amount of work vet
undone; hopes in the future to see marked
development in that section. There is but
one Union IN the county as vet
Mrs. Crocker of Cumberland reported the
establishment of several new Unions
Mrs. Hartman of Hancock, reported
great number OF temperance organizations,
but large field for labor still unoccupied.
Mrs. Jones Of kennebec, reported that
profitable work is being performed in different
sections of the county.
Mrs. Stickney of Oxford. reported that
there has been one Unio- established in
Oxford during the past year. She feels tina,
the cause is advancing and not going back in
her county.
Mrs. Crossman of Penobscet, reported that
not much practical work is being done in this
county. Suppoees that all know
Penobscot as a rum cursed" section. 1t is
hard battle to fight. The old established
temperance organizations are fast diving ont.
yet in some localities much is being accom-.
lished, although the general condition of the
county is decidedly unsatisfactory.
Mr.. Berry of PittSton, Chairman of the
Executive Committee, of the Kennebec Val.
ley Temperance Campmeeting Association, in
oenaif of the Association extended an invita-
ton to the W. c. T. L. to occupy the third
day Of the next temperance Campmeeting at
Richmond.
On motion the invitation vas accented
with thanks.
The President introduced the ven-