Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-02-23

u0R Oot the Wt0esC0ps
Yes, it has come at last. Not the millen-
mum exactly but something almost as sweet
new era has dawned upon the Pine Tree
State and burst upon the vision like flaming
meteor. That terrible monster Intemperance,
which has fastened its yenomous fangs upon
our people trembled with fear yesterday.
The rumseller stood at his post, his
hand on the dump string, and his face
blanched with terror, as he contem-
plated the winding up of his inglorio Us
career. The Augusta police officer
did not neglect his duty but,
stationed at his favorite telephone waited the
woeful news to his allies throughout the city.
There was hurrying to and fro. There was
pathetic absence of business at the police
court and Marshal White could not be found.
Parents weeping for the derelictions of their
wine-drugged children wiped away their
tears. 1t was from Union Hall that this
wave of trouble rolled across the breast
of King Alcohol. 1t was a scene of
JOY intermingled with shade of pathos.
The hall was admirably fitted for the occa-
sion and its storied walls never held a more
illstrious assemblage. Something of spirit
ual, ETHEREAL nature seemed to hang about the
place and the February sunshine struggled
through the windows with demonacal fitful-
ness. 1t was the Kennebec County Prohibi-
ton Home Protection Convention that was at
the bottom of all this commotion, and which
was held in the hall yesterday. The name,
by the way. is a jaw breaker, and of agreeable
conformity to its mighty objects. The old
guard was there from Augusta. In all there
was the the momeDtous number of fifteen
persons who stood up and acknowledged them
selves members of the convention. Look at
the illustrious names. Augusta had the hon.
OF of being represented by II. II Harvey. H.
W. Gould. F. NJ. Robinson, H. N. Leighton,
VIM. Hodges, Andrew Folsom, Fl. Humph-
rey, II. NJ. Laughton, f. Gould; Gardiner, j.
NJ Robinson, David Potter,A. S. Robinson !;
Hallowell. G. A. Norcress; Winthrop, j. II.
Marrow and 4. II. Norcross. None of the
other towns in the county had representa-
tive. Among others present were Charles
Diplock, F. Lancaster and +. Wood
bury. One by one they struggled in. Will
liam Hodges, Esq, occupied front seat.
Amid breathless silence II. H. Harvey called
the meeting to order.
Prayer was offered.
Mr. Harvey stated that he had the honor of
calling the meeting to order. We have met
here in the interest of prohibition and have
come together for the first time in Kennebec
as the Prohibi.ory party. The speaker said
that he could see in the faces of his hearers
motives tor this action. Mr. Harvey read
the call for the meeting.
l.. Bangs was made chairman and said
on assuming the chair that the honor con-
ferred upon him came entirely unexpected.
Mr.. f. X. Pierce was nominated for secre-
tary but could not possibly attend to the
duties. After many destinations, Mr.. Curtis
finally accepted the arduous position.
Following this event another impressive
silence prevailed which was broken by sing
ing.
+. II. Norcross, Winthrop; J. NJ. Robinson,
Gardiner; H. Ii. Harvey. Augusta, were con-
stituted committee on credentials.
Much difficulty was met with in selecting
committee on permanent organization
nearly all declined. II. H.. Harvey, J H..
Marrow of Winthrop, AMI David Potter of
Gardiner, finally secured that honor.
The committee on credentials retired to
the ante room. Their task was not an ardu-
Gus one. however, and they returned after
three minutes.
Mr. Woodbury. of Auburn, gave n talk on
the Prohibitory party and its objects. He
said that both under the republicans aud dem
ocrats the liquor traffic is licensed
in all the States and Territories. No man
can cast his vote tor either of the old parties
without virtually voting for liquor. | never
voted the dem cratic ticket and have no sym
pathv with the democratic party. u. :.
Grant was a drinking man and at the end of
the war was very properly nominated for the
presidency. Mr.. Woodbury. retired amid
loud applause.
The committee on credentials reported that
this being the first prohibitory convention
ever held III Maine, there were no credentials
passed in.
II. ii. Harvey of Augusta j. II. Marrow Uf
Winthrop, and J NJ Robinson of Gardiner,
were made a committee on resolutions.
Adjourned until afternoon.
AFTERNOON.