Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1881-11-01
ADDRESS OF
Grand Worthy CHIEF TempIar, A. ,.
ROriand.

further the organizing Of our forces tor
the conflict Your presence here is a suf-
ticient guarantee Of your determination to-
continue to battle for humanity and free
dom from the liquor traffic, as long as life
shall last, or till the rink-curse-civiliza-
tion's greatest enemy--is driven from our
land.
The present standing of the Coed Tenn
plars in our Territory is not what 1t should
be, not what we should like to see it. We
have many things to contend with that
older communities know nothing OF. The
sparcity OF our population, and the want
Of suitable buildings to meet in, is great
drawback to the work, yet believe that
| the day is not far distant when the indie
pendent Order of Good Templars will be
looked upon and regarded as one of the
permanent institutions of cur Territory.
It is a false assertion that we have out
/ lived our usefulness-nor are we ready to
give way and be supplanted by any other
known organized plan. Some have said,
in either Jealousy, ignorance or hatred,
that, because we have not ere this, cured
the appetite for stimulants, removed the
temptations from view, and suppressed the
sale, bv the enforcement OF law, that we
have failed to do our duty, and what we
had planned. But it is not So Great bat
ties are not fought in day, and he who
looks to the consummatlon OF the contest
with the LIQUOR traffic in q lifetime,
certainly must be strong in hope that an
l.enlightened civilization will not, as ii the
past, remain inactive, and see their insti-
tutions and Government undermined by
the agency Of strong drink, but Will rise
up in their might, bending every energy
| for overthrow and expulsion.
| The Good Templars of Idaho, it is true,
| have done but little, bur 1t is our privilege
| to do more, and for not doing, let US cheer
| fully submit to criticism, and at this an
nual gathering examine carefully the his
| tory of the Order in the Territory, to the
end that we may sail clear OF the shoals
and rocks on which We have so near
stranded. Lay down our chart, mark out
| our course, and build better and stronger
/ than ever before. for there is much to do.
And while the people are debating which
plan to adopt, moral suasion legal suasion
or educational, alcohol is silently spread
! ing ruin over the land and its advocates,
supported by the combined liquor interest
of The country, are industriously seeking
every opportunity, and working in any
way to neutralize every effort made iii the
! interest Of Temperance. Notwithstanding
the many embarrasoments which have i'm
pedcd our way, we stand today on advanc-
| ed ground; in better condition, taking
everything into consideration, than at our
| last session.
Let us not be deceived by the idea that
a good cause will sustain itself and pros
per without labor and attention. No
cause, be it ever 50 good, will live on its
own merits and silent petitions of the
righteous. We, as an organization, be
lieve in the efficacy of prayer, asking Di-
vine guidance and appreciation in our
work But it is not the Divine plan, in
my humble opinion, to do what man can
do.
Let US, who have so often gathered at
our annual sessions, join hands with those
who are with US, for the first time, and in
peace and harmony plan and legislate
with but one object in view, namely, the
success of Good Templars in Idaho.
Let our Grand Lodge gatherings be a
model OF good order; adherence TO rules
and regulations, that our example be in
keeping with the principles we represent,
and worthy of imitation by the Subordin-
ate Lodges of this jurisdiction.
| am of the opinion that our present
plan might be improved ST. as to be much
to our advantage, by adopting some sys-
TEN Of public lectures. Nearly every
Grand Lodge gives this branch of the
work prominence, and rely on it as one of
the best means to build up and extend the
Order hope you will give this subject
due attention, and devise some plan that
will prove advantageous.
The Importance of political action in
advancing the cause of Temperance, is
important The ballot is the medium
through which the people speak; it is a
mighty power, and the concentration OF
expressed public sentiment. The exercise
of the right OF elective franchise is high,
sacred and personal privilege; it is a de
liberate act, weighted with immeasurable
consequences Ii is the exercise of pre-.
rogative 20 which, when based upon ones
own conscientious judgment, 10 man has
a right to question. But our conscience
is subjet to change, and, therefore not al
ways true moral or political guide. We
may often conscientiously do foolish
thing, resulting in injury to ourselves,
and irreparable harm TO the cause we
cherish Yet urge that they who stand
aloof from all parties, under Il Govern
ment like ours, are mere cyphers; and
they who will not adopt all reasonable and
honorable methods to promote the interest
of the party to which they belong, man or
woman, Good Templar, Minister, or lay
man, ere Of but little consequence to soci-
ETY., and give no aid in securing better
condition of affairs in the community in
=.