The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1882-07-07

recently nclu at Nassau ~. IL, arc
gathered from the independent
Statesman" published at Concord.
The convention was called in the
interest Of the prohibitory law. and
to organize a State Association.
Two hundred delegates were present
at the opening session, many Hons
and Rev's among them also many
women. Gov. Bell gave an open
ing address. He was also chairman
o fthe committee on plan of organiza-
ton. Mayor Fletcher, of Nassau
gave the address of welcome, he
favored moral s~uasion, said the
Nassau Reform Club had 800 active
members and had received 5000 sig
nitures to the pledge since its organi-
cation; the club had avoided prosecu-
tons. Speeches, discussion oftopics,
music etc., filled up the first days
session. In the evening Mrs. Knox,
President of the state w. c. T. u,
spoke of the work which the Union
has in charge, and made an appeal
for the ballot for m Mrs. T.
M. Perkins followed with extempora-
neous remarks on the various phases
of the temperance question. She
spoke Of popular laws, for the pro-
lection of fish and fowl, and said it
was a shame to America, that a pro-
hibition law, in the interest of women
and children could not become popu-
lar.
The second day was devoted to
the new organization which is named
"The State Temperance Union"
Its object, "To promote the cause of
temperance, both by moral and
legal means; to secure unity and
vigor of action. among the bodies
engaged in promoting this cause, and
to aid in diffusing useful information
on the subject by lectures and in
print"
The following declaration of prin-
ciples was unanimously adopted by
a rising vote.
First. We believe that there is no
reform calling for greater exertion
and sacrifice than that which seeks
to help men to break away from the
bondage of strong drink.
Second. We believe there is no
cause more just and commanding
than that which is the source of nine
tenths of all poverty, misery, and
crime.
Third. The prohibitory law of
this State, now on trial for twenty.
five years, while partially imperative
from lack of enforcement in many
places, has exerted a wholesome and
restraining influence, and its eff
cheney has been abundantly proved
wherever and whenever enforced.
Fourth. The time has come in
the history of this reform to declare
our firm and ~unalterable conviction
hat the duty of enforcing all laws,
the %prohibitory law included, is in
cumbent on the police and Solicitors,
and on the Selectmen, and Mayor,
and Aldermen Of cities and towns,
and the same diligence and impair
TALLY are due from them that the
courts have employed in unfolding
the prohibitory law among the
statutes of the State.
Fifth. The reform clubs, temper
ance unions, and all other organiza-
tons that aim to carry out the practi-
cal work of the temperance cause,
both by moral and legal suasion,
should receive the approval and
support Of all good citizens.
Sixth. That the lavish and cor
rupt use of money in procuring the
nomination and election of civil
officers is an alarming and growing
evil; is a reproach to the State, turn
ing our politics into a school of
corruption, and threatening, unless
checked, to undermine popular cleo
tons and overwhelm republican
government itself; and we call upon
the people to rebuke the practice
and wipe u the reproach in every
effective way.
Seventh. To secure the enforce
ment and strengthening of the pro-
Isfsa-- IL - - - IL