Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1882-04-07
Local option.

AN ORGANIZATION EFFECTED WAITE
AND CoLORED CITIZENS ON THE ROLL.
On Tuesday night. according TO an
nouncement, the friends of this movements
held meeting at Temperance Hail. over
Wayt & Bros drug store. Though az ths
hour of meeting the prospect for Iuii
gathering was poor, half an hour later all
the seats were occupied. Among the au-
dlence was a sprinkling of colored cltl-
zens who seemed to be as much Interested
| in the cause as the whites. MI A. M
Simpson was chosen President, Mr.. q. b.
Somerville, Treasurer, and Prof Jonh
Murray. Secretary.
Rev. WE. Baker explained the obJecI
| of the organization. He said for himself
| it was his purpose to do all in his power TO
promote the cause of Temperance, cause
which was right, moral and holy, upheld
by the laws of God and man. That was
| his individual purpose and if none would
follow him lie would 60 ahead by himself
He had interviewed many of our best Cit
iAchSs 1uo LOU OCCd oUl PtloON w AAN
lamentably ignorant on-the subject OF ths
destructive results OF intemperanee aud
the benefits of local option, and one OBJECT
Of this organization will be to diffuse more
generally information on this subject
Two years ago similar meeting had been
held herr. The Mayor, Commemorative
| Attorney and many other prominent cltl-
zens were present and willing to support
the cause of temperance, but the laws
against intemperance were too lenient and
nothing could be effected. What we want
il more stringent laws, that can be and
will be enforced. Turning to the color
ed men, Mr.. Baker said that it was NOT
alone to the ccunsels Of the wise that we
must always appeal for assistance, but the
masses, and he earnestly hoped that all
citizens would unite on common platform
to fight the great evil of intemperance. an
evil that was destructive to both races
Mr.. Baker moved that an Executive Com
mittee of seven, including the officers al
ready elected be appointed.
Mr.. James M. Carter, (col) said in be-
half of the colored sentiment that he was
more than glad that white and colored men
could stand together upon common plat
form and battle for the rescue of their
persbing brethren. He promised all his
efforts and influence to the good Of the or
ganization. He moved, in carrying out
the idea that Mr.. Baker had suggested,
that Mr.. Benjamin Davenport, colored,
now in charge Of colored school at La1-
rel Hill, and who had come seven miles to
attend this meeting, be made member OF
the Executive Committee. The motion
was seconded and Mr.. Davenport was
elected.
President A. M. Simpson gave his views
as to how the organization ought to be
conducted, and how local option had been
successful ia other localities, asking If
others succeeded why not wep He in
stenced back county in Georgia where
that the laws we're disregaIded and respec-
table men would not live in the county.
A temperance organization was formed
and after seven years of persistent effort
had so improved the condition of affairs
that it is now one of the most fiourishing
counties Of the State and inhabited by
some of the most wealthy and influential
citizens of Georgia. Mr.. s. said he bad
sent on to Nashville for supply of tracts
to be distributed here.
Rev. J. l. Miller assured the organiza-
tion of his hearty support in their efforts.
He said that if we wanted to succeed we
must be conservative in our views and
opinions and not take issue with any polit-
ical party or drive off supporters by our
inmoderate zeal or violent denunciation of.
those who differ with u.s.
Before adjourning, an opportunity was
given the audience to hand in their names
as members and many, both white and col
ored did SO. A considerable voluntary Of
fering was made to the Treasurer to de-
fray the expense of the hall, printing,
books, &c.
On motion of Mr.. Baker the nesting
adjourned to assemble at the call of the.
Executive Committee. AS soon as suit
able hall can be procured it IS the purpose
of the organization to hold public meet
ings monthly.
After adjournment the Executive Com
mittee held meeting and elected as mem
bers of it Henry E. Summerson, Geo. P
Baker and Frank Poindextsr, thus com.
pleting the required seven.
On Sunday night next Rev. W. E. Baker
will preach ON "Legislation against In
temperance.