The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1884-08-29
CATHOLIC TEMPERANCE CON-
VENTTON.

The fourteenth annual convention OF
the Catholic National Temperance
Union, which was held in Chicago on
the 9th and 9TH inst, was the largest and
most enthusiastic convention ever held by
that body. At the High Mass at the
Cathedral on the first day Father Elliott,
who is well known to our citizens, preach
ed an.eloquent sermon.
CORRESPONDING at the hall in the after
noon Father Cleary, President of the
Union, delivered an address, which will
be found below. While delivering his
address Father Cleary was frequently
interrupted by loud and long-continued
applause.
The reports from the subordinate
unions showed an increase Of member
ship, the increase in Chicago for the last
year having been over 1920.
On Wednesday evening, the 9th, de-
monstration under the auspices Of the
Catholic Total Abstinence Union of
America was given in Central Music
Hall. Long before the hour announced
for the opening every seat was occupied,
and it is estimated that over one thous-
and people were turned away, as even
standing room could not be obtained.
Addresses were delivered by Arch
bishop Feehan, of Chicago Bishop Ire
land, of st. Paul Archbishop Elder, of
Cincinnati; Bishop Spalding, Of Peoria
Bishop Watterson, of Columbus, O.
Mr.. John III. Campbell, President of the
Philadelphia Total Abstinence Society /;
Rev. Father Mackey, of Cincinnati +; and
Mr.. N. F. Thompson, President of the
Catholic Total Abstinence Union of
Savannah.
The demonstration was grand affair
On Thursday routine business was
transacted, resolutions passed, officers
elected, and New Haven, Conn.,, decided
upon as the place for holding the next
meeting.
The PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.
To the Delegates assembled at the -Four
teenth annual Convention of the
ClahoEc Total abstinence Union of
america.
GENTLEMEN A body of men so earn
est as you, so DISTINGUISHED in purpose,
and SO thoroughly aroused to the i'm
portance of the great cause we espouse,
asks but few words from me, who may
voice your honest sentiments, to cheer
you in your work, to confirm your noble
resolves, and to reveal to the most criti-
cal eye the designs, the methods and the
fruits of our labors.
Many of you have been lifelong
workers in this labor of religion and
humanity have toiled with no view to
selfish ends, and too often when the
way before you seemed cherries and
dreary. More among you, thank God,
are welded to this glorious task, as
long as God may give you life and
strength to do this work Of winning weak
and foolish men from physical wretched-
ness and moral slavery to the freedom
which God desires His creatures should
enjoy.
The tireless worker in just and hu |
name cause-by kind dispensation
Providence-seldom is called to much |
needed rest from .oft-discouraging toll, |
before he sees some richest blessing |
crown his patient perseverance. Wei
have much to feel deeply grateful for in |
the rich harvest of blessings we can
gather up for those who have persevered |
long as total abstainers. We must feel |
encouraged as the benedictions of res
cued men, the cry of thankfulness from
hearts, now made happy, reach |
our ears and inspire anew our fond am
bition.
Men no longer regard total abstain |
ers as a class of pardonable fanatics, |
whose enthusiasm is harmless but |
every man, even the most helpless slave |
in alcohoPs power, blesses In his heart |
the honest total abstainer as benefactor |
of his kind. There is no protest so loud
and strong against the giant curse of
our time as this protest of entire abstin- |
ence from alcohol against the sin Of |
drunkenness and the complex evil that
its attendant misfortunes infict on civil |
lied society, and on christian homes. |
Our protest is not condemnation of
individuals, is not denouncing men of
good intentions and honest purposes i
butt is an unqualified condemnation of |
the liquor traffic and the liquor interest |
as upheld and supported to-day, no |
matter who may be its friend. Our
needs no apologist and asks |
no defense. We are favored with the
blessing oft Church and we have a |
right to the gratitude of men. We con
denim repulsive abuses. We are led by |
the teaching of the Church and inau- |
enced by her spirit, and we yield to none
in loyalty to her guidance. We cannot, |
therefore, censure what is lawful, and |
we will not condemn what is not sinful
or dangerous. We are friendly to every |
good influence that lessons intemper-
ance we are the enemies only of evil, |
and we expect no token of friendship
from those enlisted in alcohops service.
We deplore the fact that the timidity |
or indifference of those who desire to be !