The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-03-17
CITIZENS LEAGUE.


At 4 o'clock Saturday afternoon number of
ladies and gentlemen met in the hall of the
Young Mems Christian Association for the
purpose OF forming new temperance organ
ization.
The meeting was called to order by DR..
Carleton Kimball, who read the call. Rev.
Alexander McKeown, D. D., was chosen presi-
dent, and DR.. Kimball secretary Prayer was
offered by Rev. Mr.. Daniels.
In opening the meeting DIR. McKeown said
that as it was preliminary meeting, he did
not think further organization would be need
cd. He was heartily in sympathy with the
temperance cause and could always be counted
on to favor any measure looking to the sup
preston Of the liquor traffic. 1t should be
assumed that the chief magistrate of the city
intends to be true to his oath of office. There
ought to be the fullest understanding between
the city government and the leading citizens
and it should be expected that the city govern
ment will cooperate with us in this matter.
Gen. Neal Dow said he knew nothing about
this meeting until seeing the notice of it in the
paper. The temperance cause as it has pro-
gressed in Maine seems to have gone along
without help. We shall no doubt have the
sympathy OF the city government. The condi-
tion of things here In Portland is hindrance
to the cause all over the country. 1t is hardly
worth the time now to speak about the LIQUOR
traffic in Portland, save to say that there is a
great deal of liquor sold here. The crime of
liquor selling is the greatest of all crimes, and
yet, great as the crime is, it can be suppressed
As easy as the turning of the hand. The ques-
tion is being sgitsted in England, and all over
the world the people look to Maine. Members
of the police force tell me that they can sweep
out the whole of the rumshops in week If
they only had the word.
Rev. DIV. LIE Lacheur offered the following
resolution:
League In order to secure the better enforcement of
tho prohibitory law.
Remarks were then made by Rev. J. M.
Williams, Rev. /. P. Warren, D. D., and DR..
Kimball.
S. l.. Carleton, ESQ.,. moved to strike out the
word "betteI" from Mr. LIE Lacheur's resolu-
ton. Mr.. L. Lacheur accepted the amend
ment.
On motion of DR.. Warren, committee of
three was appointed to prepare constitution
Gen. Dow and Mr.. LIE Lacheur were appointed
the committee.
Rev. Mr.. Daniels was astonished to hear
that the police must depend upon getting the
word from the Marshal, and the latter from
the Mayor in order to have the liquor law en-
forced. He differed with Gen. Dow on one
point. The battle cannot be won In day
but only after many defeats. aud Rev. r. T.
Bsyley said the law must have strong public
sentiment behind it TO secure its enforce.
ment.
The committee on the constitution then
made the following report, which was &C.
cepted:
l. This organization shall be named the claw
and Orr er League of Portland
2.-Its object shall be to secure the enforcement
Of our prohbitory liquor laws
g. Membership in The League shall be constitut-
cd by signing the cons itulion, and all citizens
friendly 10 the purpose, both men and women are
invited thus to sign.
4. It's standing officers shall be president, vice
president secretary treasurer, who with seven
others, one from each ward, shalle constitute an
executive committee.
8. The executive committee shall conduct the
general affairs of the League collect funds for its
operations aud direct their expenditure call meet
tngs when advisable and do auy other business nee
essary to effect the purposes of the League.
Rev. Mr.. Hallock did not believe the law
could be easily enforced. There must be a
never-ceasing struggle. Mr.. Stephenson took
similar view. Mr.. Hallock wanted the
whole report referred back to a larger COM
mittee which should report at another meet
ng.
After further discl ssion, on motion of DIR,
Kimball, committee of seven was appointed
to report at meetiDg to be held on next Sat-
uEdsy list of officers for the League, and the
following gentlemen constitute this committee:
George L. Kimball, Rev. A. Dalton, A. f.
Coz, Rev. q. III. Daniels, Gen. Neal Dow,
Rev. II. l.. Hallock, Rev, j. M. Williams.