The Portland daily press., 1884-09-10
RECEPTION To MIR. FINCH
BY Prominent Temperance Workers o
the State.


The hall of the young Mems Christian Asso-
citation was we'll filled last evening" the occa
sion being reception extended to Mr.. Finch,
Right Worthy Grand Templar of the Right
Worthy Grand Lodge of Good Tempars. AS
expected the general theme of remark was the
great victory won by the Prohibition party last
Monday, and the ladies whose efforts so largely
contributed to its success were present in full
force. The alcoye back of the speakers desk
was tastefully draped with flags. Previous to
the meeting an informal gathering was held in
the reading room.
Past Grand Templar Chase introduced Rev
Fl. G. Munson, Grand Worthy Chief Templar
of Maine, as chairman of the meeting Mr.
Munson stated the object of the meeting, and
gave brief history of the campaign. 1t was
Christian movement, not political one The
churches and the Temperance organizations of
the State were the great workers in this cause.
In the discussions which have ensued every
where through the State over this question,
the public mind has been educated. Now that
the people have voted for the law the next
thing for them to do isto secure its enforce
ment. II after what has been done and after
the great efforts made here, we fail to enforce
our law, we shall become the laughing stock of
the world. This can be done if we only keep
the Temperance spirit alive among the people,
and educate the children to our ideas.
Ex-Governor Perham was next introduced to
the audience. He said that the first thought
that came to him was one OF congratulation for
the victory won. 1t was victory, the full ex-
tent of which could not be appreciated for
years. OF the twenty-six amendments to the
constitution OF our State not one has ever had
such an overwhelming majority. He had
doubted at first the wisdom of this movement,
but the result has shown him that his fears
were groundless. liz his opinion, its success
was due largely to the Good Templars and
other Temperance societies of the State, and as
much II not more TO the Woman's Christian
Temperance Union. He finished with glow
ing tribute to Mr.. Finch for the work he had
done for the Temperance movement during
| the campaign.
Mr.. Finch was the next speaker, and was
| greeted with applause as he stepped to the
desk. 1t was pleasure to him, he said, to
be there tonight, because he knew that it
was the association that he represented and
not himself that was honored. The battle for
prohibition in Maine was the battle for prohi.
bitlon all over the world. The temperance
people OF the West have been watching with
great anxiety the results of this struggle and
1t would greatly encourage them. He con-
graduated not only the people of Maine but
the whole United States on this great victory.
to realize it, and shouldn't for years to come.
Other States will soon fall in line with YOU
and help you bear the brunt of the battle Pro-
hloltlon Ideas are growing rapidly, especially
among the younger portion of the people. 1t
had already captured three States and would
have the whole of them in fifty Years He
| gave short description OF the liquor campaign
in Kansas, Iowa and Ohio. Ia behalf OF the
Good Templars whom he represented he
| thanked the temperance people of Maine for
| the O0O0 fioht fhaU bod da
ed them Oh the result. The last twenty years
have witnessed q remarkable growth in tenn
peFance feeling. 1t is not now, as then, a fight
between individuals and the liquor element
D g9t ofgsnized Dands were arrayed against it.
Then, II leading temperance man should die,
1t was difficult to find one to fill his place.
Now, If all of them should be taken away their
places would be as ably filled within twenty
four hours. Let every man and woman work
for this cause. The best way to do this is to
JOIN some temperance organization and work
with them. Join whichever one suits you. If
you don't ind one to suit you, get one up on
your own account. We want to drive LIQUOR
out OF the State, and we must have a law to
accomplish this end. But back of the law must
De an aggressive temperance spirit, and If this
is wanting the law will soon become q dead
letter.
At the close of Mr.. Finch's address, the
audience rose and joined in singing "Ameri-
Ca" after which short stirring speeches were
made by Mr. Jordan from York county, Mrs
Emily Pitt Stevens, of California, Mrs. Pear
son of England, and several others.
Owing to some misunderstanding, the music
which was expected did not make its appear
ance.
After the reception few friends went to
the State Temperance Headquarters where ice
cream and cake were served. Valuable gifts
were presented to Mr.. and Mrs. Finch by A.
J.Chase in behalf of the friends gathered. Mrs.
Finch gave several readings which captured
all present In closing all joined in singing
'The Sweet Bye and Bye"