The Mineral argus., 1884-08-28
Catholic Total Abstinence Union O,
America.

Inc fourteenth annual convention Of the
Oa'hohc Total Abstinence Union Of America
began at Central Music hall Chicago. ON the
Oth, at which Rev. Father James Cleary Of
Wisconsin, president of the union, called the
delegates to order and led in prayer.
resident Cleary presented his annual report
Hiser c~ongratulating the union on its
prosperous condition, Father Cleazy recon-
mended that a large campaign fund be col
ieeted Tor the purpose of spreading temperance
nterature and keeping Interests alive by send
4ng lecturers through the country. The secre.
tafy's report showed there are twenty-fouI
subordinate and twenty-six detached unions.
with BIZ societies in all, and a total member
ship OF 39,4O, a gain of LAS during the year.
minnesota has 80 Societies with 2, 700 members.
A letter was read from Cardinal McCloskey
BISHOP Feehan and Archbishop Elder
made brief addresses, in the cause
blshop Ireland was introduced and was re.
celyed with tumultuous applause by a vast
audience. He laid down the general principle
mat legislation ON the subject should 90 inst AZ
Iar as the salvation Of the people demanded
The liquor traffic was doing the cause Of tenn
perance much good by its very recklessness
and lawlessness. The Catholic people should
De freed from the denomination Of the saloon
element Teach them how to vote. Rev. Arch
bishop Elder Of Cincinnati, was introduced. He
iel. nlled with courage and joy to know that
they were all doing 80 much. The nation de-
pended upon the individuals of the country.
Laws would not be enforced unless the public
sentiment OF the people stood behind the law,
and backed up those who enforce the law.
The second day the treasurer pre-
sented his financial report, which showed
the total receipts to been $1,573.7 70
and the disbursements $1,26O.35, leaving
a balance in the treasury of $313. A.
After some discussion, II was resolved That the
convention should meet next year in New
Haven, Conn, on the first Wednesday in
August. Bishops Spalding and Ireland en-
tered the hall AS the reverend prelates passed
to the platform, the convention rose en- masse
and received them standing. When the amend
ments to the constitution were disposed of, the
rules were suspended by unanimous consent.
in order that Bishops Ireland
and spalding might address the
elegantly. A resolution, in which prohibitory
legislation was Endorsed, was offered by Father
Mccoy. A prolonged debate followed, and
when voted upon, the resolution was lost.
The sentiment of the convention is that moral
suasion is the only way in which to advance
the cause of temperance. The election of
officers was then proceeded with. Father
James +. Cleary Of Wisconsin, was elected
president, Rev. James F. Meatie of Brooklyn,
n. T., vice president; Rev. J. b. Bowles, of
ONO, treasurer; Philip A Nolan was reelected
The report of the committee on the resolu-
tons characterizes those who cause crime and
misery by selling intoxicating liquors as crimi-
nails; holds that moral suasion alone cannot
prevail against intemperance; that the law
must be invoked, and that it is dire calamity
to trust the management of public affairs to
those who hold office at the good will of liquor
dealers. 1t continues, ''While we recognize
moral suasion as the basis Of temperance work,
nevertheless declare our confidence in legal
restriction of the liquor traffic as a means of
the Advancement of that work. Such r~estric-
ton may go to whatever extent seems best to
us in our capacity Of Catholic temperance citi-
zens. We emphasize the fact, however, that
we cannot countenance or in any way encour-
age the liquor interest. Much less vote for it."