Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-08-31
New York Letter.

| Mr. Editor The crusade for teetotalsm is be-
| ing felt in New York. The Herald has taken up
cudgels in its favor But seriously, it is small
matter where the two leading dailies of this city
are compelled to recognize the growing sentiment
in favor of total abstinence-one OF them, some
time since, turning out thriving saloon from its
newspaper building to make room for another
business at greatly reduced rent; the other
arguing edtorially for cold water as against alco
hol Of every sort A live teetotal editorial APP
peared in the Ecening Telegram, practically the
evening edition of the Herald The Herald edi-
torial referred to growing custom among the
little office boys of taking a great schooner Of
lager beer before their first morning cigarette. 1t
reckoned this and the increase OF beer-drinking
among the alarming signs Of the times.
The society for the promotion of moderate
drinking is doing something to help the cause.
One measure is circular letter to all our brew
ers making inquiries as to the components and
quality Of their beer Doubtless the results will
diminish somewhat the vast number of beer
drinkers. The answers are not promptly given.
Some brewers are wroth others are surly. Chem
ical analyses will be made. The end is not yet
The same society putting up ice-water fountains
in diff erent part, of the city one being near the
|
two miles north. They consist of great refriger-
ator set three feet from the ground close by the
pavement. not unornamental they are decidedly
useful, as the hurrying, hot mutitudes throngng
them three or four deep almost continuously can
testify. Excepting lemonade and soda-water,
there are no accessible drinks for the public but
such as contain alchohol, excepting ice-water for
which one must go to the hotel bar. Therefore
these fountains are blessing. The society has
recently given up its total abstainers' pledge
Do not suppose, however, that the metropolis or
its press has been converted to cold water prin-
ciples. Such an event is Of the future, and this
vicinity will hold out longer than any this side of
Baltimore and Cincinnati against the cold water
army. The neighboring cities and towns are feel
ing the effects of temperance work. Connecticut
western Massachusetts, New York state, and es-
pecially New Jersey. But the liquor party is strong
in money, numbers and social position. The bat
tie will be long and fierce. The hopeful sign to-
day is that the great, busy, Indifferent public
hereabouts has at last learned that there is bat
tle Hitherto, though fought bravely and not
fruitlessy for fifty years, the leaders have ignored
it, and the multitude was almost ignorant of it,
called last week upon a MANNED sufferer at
rant sign caught my eye-"New York Bible and
Fruit Mission Coffee House" Underneath was
short list of different articles of food beginning
" milk four cents per glass, coffee and tea five
cents per cup, beefsteak eight cents" Soups,
meat stews and roasts were added to the list also
at low prices On inquiry 1t appeared that this
restaurant was established exactly two years
since by the mission. liquor saloon had been
placed opposite the hospital entrance gate, and the
ladies OF the Bible and Fruit Mission had solicited
funds OF the generous people who abound here,
and put up their building on the next lot so that
the coffee might compete with whskey, being
next door neighbor. During the first sixteen
months one hundred and six thousand nine hun
dred sixty-three meals were served at the
coffee house, making an average OF two hundred
and forty-three per day. The accommodations
are spacious, and the arrangements systematic
so that little confusion discomfort is ex-
perienced at even the busiest times. Besides the |
coffee room, which occupies the lower floor, the |
third and fourth floors bring an income from |
dodgers. The second floor is taken up with a |
reading-room, library and chapel, used by medi- I
cal students, and others. Religious services are
held here regularly during the Sabbath, and ON |
one other day of every week. The building is |
plain, substantial and commodious. Among the |
contributors were William ii. Vanderbilt, 81 900 |
Cornelius Vanderbilt, 81, 900; James Talcott 81 200
John Jacob Aston, $4,000. But this il not giving |
an account OF 1.-THE OF what Is done by the men, |
beers Of this most worthy mission, all OF them |
ladies. For nearly six years its members have |
been going forth ministering to the sick and the
needy Of every nationality and creed, the ilotsam
Of tha mai lilo md of slA
ing immigration wave. Although the visiting
ladies represent the different Protestant churches
from this city, and some churches from
neighboring towns, they are entirely nom
sectarian. Indeed, the majority of those who
receive their bounty are Roman Catholics They
do not proselyte. They simply strive to bless and
save. They bear in their hands, not sword and
trowel, but fruits, flowers and the gospel In
their own words, they provide the patients in
our public hospitals with fruit and other light
nourshment conducive to comfort and restoration,
and distribute these by lady visitors who shall at
the same time lovingly present to them the con-
ISOLATION of the gospel of Christ" The articles
distributed are miscellaneous including fruits,
whether fresh, canned, dried preserved or made
into sauces also, maple sugar, eggs, flowers,
plants etc. WIN not some who read this letter
be glad to prepare, pack, and send of something
for the use Of the kind ladies Of the mission. 1t
is not right that so much should go TO waste In
the country when 1t is so much needed and will
be so carefully bestowed. "Nourishment is only
given under sanction OF the physician" in charge.
All letters for information should be addressed to
Mrs. p NJ Clapp, corresponding secretary, 4l6
Fast TweLty-sxth street. New York city. All
articles sent should be addressed "Bible and
Fruit Mission to Hospitals" with the same street
and number. Many Of the express companies
carry the gifts free OF charge. Clergymen, bust
ness men, city officials and physicians unite in
commencing this work, both Protestant and
Roman Catholics. The workers are from among
the best members OF the churches their labors
are notable for great discretion, tact and loving
self-forgetfulness. BAKER !