Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-06-15
OXFORD, Miss, May 6, 1881.
Caroline B Buell.:

Caroline B Buell.:
BELOVED SISTER AND FRIEND,-It is no
trifling indication of that growth which we
hail with so mnch gratitude, that our
national temperance union of Christian
women, not yet seven years of age, should
be, for the second time, invited to take its
place beside the venerable organizations
whose exercises lend history to the New
York anniversary week" Coming mod
estly forward in response to this courteous
invitation, we must be prepared not only to
render reason for the hope that is within
US, but to give a cogent rGtson d'etre for
our special forms of organization and
methods of work This gracious endeavor
| am content to leave in your own COM
petent care, and in that of the noble-heart-
ed clergyman whom we have chosen to
represent US. 1t is indeed an omen Of that
catholicity of spirit which wish may ever
characterize our society, that, having been
so kindly welcomed to the pulpts and
platforms of our temperance brothers, we
as cordially return that welcome on an
occasion so distinguished as the present.
To be absent would be indeed disappoint-
ment, were | not confident that nay tenn
perance tour in the south-which can
hardly be completed earlier than the lirst
of June-gives promise of results that
would warrant far greater sacrifice. The
plan had proposed WAS TO visit the lead
ing towns and cities in every southern
state, presenting our plans and securing
so far as practicable, the cooperation OF
the ladies, the clergy and the press, and
following up this Introductory work next
year by more detailed efforts in which
many of our most experienced workers
should bear part My valued associate,
Mrs. Georgia Hulse Mcleod of Baltimore,
a southern lady by by birth and education,
has most intelligently seconded this under
taking Having wide acquaintance
among the religious and cultivated classes,
Mrs. Mcleod opened the way for me with
tact and devotion which could not fail Of
accomplishing the object so near TO the
hearts of us both. From the united pray
ers, gifts and sympathy of earnest men
and women both north and south, added
TO our own inadequate but sincere efforts,
| il has came about that this tour will bring
the knowledge of the w. g. I. u. to
almost every prominent town in the four
teen southern states, not to speak of the
Indian Territory. | need hardly say that
the welcome we have received has been
most cordial, proverbial as is the hospital
its of those to whom we came. The press
has also been more than courteous, even
exceeding in its helpfulncss that of the
"~.th- n~c" ni7o'i"ns have been formed in
almost every community visited, anu OuIls-
tian womanhood has gently responded to
the call for quiet, systematic, educational
temperance work to be entered upon "for
God and home and native land" The tai
ent, influence and devotion of the ladies
who have embarked in this new line of
philanthropic effort will be a reinforce.
ment of ncalcuable value to our national
union; but most of all, we thank God for
the sacred ties of ssterly affection which
have resulted from this alliance against our
common foe. and which will multiply in
he busy, happy years to come. "Blest be
the tie that binds our hearts in Christian
love" is the temperance woman's favorite
hymn. May its blessed meaning be real
ized in your anniversary meeting, is the
prayer of Yours for humanity,
FRANCES WILLARD.