Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-09-07

Address by vice President Thompson, of
the @. t. A. U. of A.


Vice President n. f. Thompson, OF the
G. t. A. U. of A. Of the Province of Balti-
more, has issued an address published by
the consent and approval Of the Arch
bishop of Baltimore, which is receiving a
wide circulation.
There has been a marked advance, says
Mr.. Thompson, in temperance sentiment
and labOrs among Catholics during the
past few years. Combining these IaDors
entirely within the sphere Of church IN
huence, the virtue of religion Is conse-
quently brought to the support OF the
movement, since temperance IS the hand-
maid of religion, and religiORalone is re-
lied on to give sOlidity to all Christian en-
lightenment and social purity. At con-
vention of temperance dele gates, held In
Chicago last month, great interest was
manifested by distinguished Catholics
throughout the country. At public
meeting, where 1t was estimated the au-
dience numbered 1000 persons, addresses
were delivered by two Archbishops and
three Bishops of the Catholic Church, all
warmly commencing the movement. Inc
address is as follows:
To al Catholics in the Pro0inee Of Bdltimore:
Authorized and empowered by the G. I. A:
Z. of A. 10 place the claims Of Catholic total
abstinence societies before all In this jurlsGlc-
ton. we would prayerfully submit the follow
ing for your consideration: Intemperance Is
an evil so widespread and pernIcIOus that the
statement OF this fact is all the apology deemed
necessary for thus appealing 10 you TO ald IN
organizing and maintaining such a society in
| your parish. We would add, however, the IN
formation, that these societies have received
the favor of, and have been granted special
lndulgences by our Holy Father, and they
rely for success only on the fostering care and
| guidance Of the church. Notwithstanding
| this, 1t Is apparent that apathy and lndlner-
ence exist where should be found sympathy
and encouragement. Brethren. gigantic
evil Is abroad in the land. 1t attacks all
1 classes and cndaDgers every sacred interest OF
sOciety-hOme, friends, loved ones, family,
country, religion-all feel its whitening blight.
The Catholic Church, from the nature of her
| holy mission, seeks to rescue all men from
! evil, as well the world at large as her imme-
/ diate followers. Wherein. then, can Christian
! IN which to array special energies than the
one entered by these total abstinence societlesg
| Distinguished prelates of our Holy Church
/ declare that the only efficient protest that can
and business calings which operate to pro-
! duce drunkenness is a Catholic total absti-
/ nenee society. If this be true, surely we
owe it to our fellow men, to our country, by
virtue Of the claims of our holy religion,
| to do all we can for the establishment
| and upbuilding Of these societies.. Good
and true men, self-sacrihclng and devoted
\ ladies will take up the work and push it for
ward to grand achievements, if their atten-
/ ton Is properly directed to its claims upon
them. To this end your Cooperation is earn
\ estlv requested. Where societies exist, see
! that theY do not wane ana die for want of
| your active assistance; and where none are
| found go to work, but always through your
pastor, and organize one, and the richest
/ blessings which earth or heaven can bestoW
| will crown your labOrs. DevOtedly yours for
| the church and temperance.
! n. f. THOMPSON, Vice President,
| G. I. A. U. of A., Province OF Baltimore.