The Portland daily press., 1883-04-18
W. G. T. U.
conducted by Temperance Women of Portland.

"For God, and Home, and Nahee land"
The letters at the head of this article often
in connection with temperance, meet the eye
OF the newspaper-reading public, and short
sketch of the origin and growth Of the society
which they represent may not be uninteresting
to the readers Of this paper, in the columns of
whieh We have been kindly given place,
In the summer of 1874 few ladies who had
met to attend the Sunday School assembly at
Chautauqua Lake, having drawn inspiration
from the Ohio crusade of the previous winter,
were conversing on the Importance of united
action of tho Christian women of the land in
the temperance work. The question was rails
cd why not form society here and now? The
suggestion was carried out, DIR. Vincent giving
notice that meeting of those interested would
be held at the close of the afternoon assembly,
preceded by prayer meeting, to ask Gods
blessing upon the contemplated undertaking.
Such meeting was held, an organization Of
fected. The Woman's National Christian
Temperance Union sprang into life, and at the
first national convention held in Cleveland
Ohio, the following November, sixten States
were represented.
In the years that have interviewed since that
time this organization has grown rapidly both
in strength and numbers. True there have been
some discouragements some failures, but the
failures have been made seepping stones to fu-
ture successes; the discouragements have often
proved only the receding waves that served to
bring the next higher upon the shore, and the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union stands
forth today, under its strong, true-hearted
leader, Miss Frances E. Willard Of Illinois, q
mighty power for good in the land, with an in
huence constantly broadening and deepening,
felt not only in onr own midst, but extending
to other lands and to the islands of the sea. In
place OF representatives from sixteen States,
now come those from "A states and territories
having 5000 auxiliaries and 80 departments of
worz. The largest society controlled entirely
by women in the world.
Maine has not been behind her sister States
in this good canse. Inall Of the cities and
many of the larger towns, unions have been
formed, bands Of brave, earnest Christian
women; with a State president who as has
been truthfully said, combines wide expert
ence and sound practical sense, with devo-
tion to the work above personal ambition, a
courage and patience adequate to every emer-
gency, and tender humanity that reaches
down to the lowest and most defiled.n
But our ranks are not yet full. Temperance
women Of Portland come and join hands with
US, while we strive to do what We can to put
away this terrible evil, that is casting its
blight upon so many otherwise happy homes
Come and add your strength to ours while,
firmly resting upon the Rock of Ages, we labor
with loving hearts and tireless hands and CON
secrated purpose, For God and Home and
Native Land"
NOTES.
What ought to be done about the liquor
traffic is not to be decided hastily or without
due regard for the rights of all classes Of citi-
zens. But the time has gone by in this coun-
try when a serious discussion of question that
involves such vast expense to the nation can
be prevented By bullying, intolerance, inso-
lence or ridicule. This very practical people,
having began to think about the matter in
earnest, percefves that it is much too important
to be put aside at the dictation Of saloon-keep-
ers. 1t is certain that the entire savings OF the
people and all additions to their wealth are
not twice as much as the sum expended for
liquor and because of the abuse of liquor.-N
I. Tribune.
Here are some startling statistics recently
given by temperance lecturer in London:
The annual average amount spent for intox-
icatng liquors IN the last ten years is el44 000,
600. This gives an expenditure Of e12, ,OO0, 600
a month, or e3, 600 a week, or IS every
second, night and day. There are 3,50S, $50
letters in the Bible, and if forty-one govereigns
were placed on every letter, this would repre-
sent the annual expenditure. The grain con-
sumed by the brewers and distillers is sufficient
TO provide four loaves per week TO every
family in the United Kingdom. Union Signal.
Our honored guest must not feel that turn
down my glass from any motives of dis
courtesy" said President Hobbs Of the Chicago
Board OF Trade at the banquet given in that
city to General Diaz. ''Ah noin responded
the Mexican General, through hisi interpreter.
II perfectly recognize the value OF the total
abstinence principle and example, and myself
drink very little, believing that no man OF
affairs can do either himself or his cause justice
unless he keeps clear brain. Union Signal
Srurgeon says Let me advise you to wear
no armor for your backs when you have de-
termined TO follow the track Of truth. Bow to
no customs If they be evil. Yield to no
established rules II they involve lie. DO not
evil though good should come Of it,"