The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1883-08-01
MISS WILLARD.
4 Large and Enthusiastic Recep-
ton Given the DISTINGUISHED
Lady.
Letter Of Regret From Mayor
WhitfOrd.
Interesting Proceedings.

The reception Of Miss Francls II.
Willard, President of the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union, was
the occasion of very large and in
telligent audience in the Mountain
View M. E. Church last night. A
large choir, led by Re-. M. PEBBLES,
rendered beautiful music. The open
ing prayer was offered by Rev. Mr..
Russell. w. Egbert Smith read the
following letter from Mayor Whit
ford:
BUTTE. Msnt July 81, 1883.
To the Committee on Invitation to the
reception Of miss Francis E. W.T.
lard:
Respected ladies and gentlemen.
Thanking you for the honor conferred
upon nae, l regret sickness prevents
me from attending this 8 p. m.
NY heartfelt interest shall be with
you, however, in welcoming the dis
tinguished lady to our city; one
whom I believe is going to tell US
many truths relative to the intem-
perate condition Of the people of our
land; intemperance in the excessiv We
use and abuse of that alcoholic bever-
aye which has caused mere suffering
and h~eart-rending appeals for mercy
or power to stay the ~destroyer's hand
than all the cyclones, wars, petilence
or famines known. Hence again,
Miss Willard, we extend to you the
hand of welcome; believing much
good can be accomplished by and
through you for the people of III
city.
As years have advanced with US
example and imitation has become a
custom and gradually consolidated
into habit, so much that we have in
a measure yielded up u personal
freedom to the monarch of vices.
Imitation is for the most part so
unconscious, that its effects r al
most unheeded until we are ruined;
but its influence is not the less per
manent on that account, it is only
through weakness of purpose that we
become the slaves and servile imita-
tors of others. The sober do not
naturally associate with the drunken;
and if We will but listen to and ac-
cept thu advice about to be offered us
by our welcome and conn ,etent
friend, in the future we can steer
clear of the baneful influences so
prevalent in this western city of ours.
Miss Francis E.. Willard comes
among US as a reputable lecturer, ca
pable of doing much good and l
trust will receive the hearty support
and cordial cooperation Of all u
good citizens. .
Respectfully,
%. B. WHITFoRD.
Mr.. Smith added some very peril
nent remarks in which he declared
himself in favor of Temperance to
the extent Of legal prohibition, and
the franchis e with reference to sex"
His remarks were-heartily applauded.
Hon. J. F. Forbis, in behalf of the
legal fraternity, made a very neat
and eloquent address which gave
very general satisfaction.
DR.. Thompson spoke at some
length as a medical man, taking the
side of high licenee. The Doctor
also defended alcohol as a medicine.
Rev. MI. Clark spoke words of well
come in behalf of the church, which
evidently reflected the sentiments of
the audience. A beautiful and touch
ing song was sung by the choir,
after which Miss Willard made a
very eloquent address, Every citi-
zen should hear this truly eloquent
lady lecturer during her stay in the
city.
The convention meets this morn
ing at 9 o'clock in the Presbyterian
church and the ladies meeting at
the same place at 3 p. m. The mass
meeting will be held in the Granite
street Pavilion at 8 o'clock p. m.
ALI the citizens are most cordially in
vited to attend.