Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-03-31
THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT.
An Appeal from the Catholic Societies
What is Being Done in the Church

An Appeal from the Catholic Societies
What is Being Done in the Church.
At no period since the days of Father
Mathew has there been manifested so
much interest in the question Of temper
ance among Catholics as exists at the
present time. There is vast amount Of
quiet, systematic work going on in favor
Of temperance under the fostering care
and direction of the Catholic Church,
such as never comes before the public
eve: more, perhaps, than can be found IN
any other distinctly Christian oTganlza-
ton. 1t may appear startling to an
nounce that there is and ever has been
more Of temperance as regards the use Of
alcoholic liquors among the heather re-
lgions than in Christianity. The
national sin Of Christian nations
is intemperancc; but drunkenness
was almost wholly unknown
among the followers Of COnfucius and
Buddba. as it is to-day with the MOham-
medans and Brahmins, except where in
trOduced by Christians. These religions
are all strong in their condemnation Of
the use of spirituous liquors. But Cath
Olics, both lay and clerical, are doing
valiant service throughout ChristendOm
for the suppression of intemperance, so
much so that the public are beginning TO
call these labOTs "CathOlic temperance
movement" In Europe, Cardinal Man.
ming is one of the most prominent figures
before the public in the temperance
work. while there are numbers
Of other church dignitaries ably sec
Onding his efforts and with marked sue
cess. In America may be seen equal
activity. The noted Tammany Chieftaln,
Hon. John Kelly, has been hitting the
saloon element of New York city some
very telling blows of late, and from ms
relation to Cardinal McCl0sky it is be-
lieYed his fight has the approval, II not
the direct encouragement, OF TINS dls-
tinguished prelate. There is color for
this belief in the fact that Cardinal Nc
ClOsky has recently given his written IN
dOrsement of the work being done by
Catholic total abstinence societies,
which letter has been published and
widely distributed by the Catholic Total
Abstinence Union Of America, with their
platform Of principles. In the west,
Bishop Ireland, Of st. Paul, Minnesota.
has received the name of the ''Father
Mathew Of America" from his labOrs
for temperance. His lectures are among
the ablest contributions to temperance
literature extant. Within the present
month he delivered an address in Buffalo,
Y. Y, before the largest audience, 1t is
claimed, that ever assembled IN TINS
country to hear this question discussed
under similar circumstances. There is
in fact a widespread and growing inter-
tmanifesting itself among the Catholic
clergy and laity in all sections OF our
land, so one may indeed feel there is
Catholic movement" on this question.
The diocese of Savannah is not behind
others in the work. During the past year
much has been accomplished in this city
towards healthier and stronger senti-
ment among Catholics favorable to tenn
perance. The Right Reverend Bishop
and others OF the clergy have addressed
public temperance meetings here, While
the growth Of society work has been al
most phenomenal. The societies compos-
ing diocesan Union of Savannah, are
flOurishing. yet they do not seem to be
willing to ''let up" any in their efforts to
advance the good work. The following
appeal has just been issued by them:
cT.A.U. DIOCESE OF SAVANNAH, Ga.
Please Read AMI Consider he Foll010iug AD-
peal:
IntemperaHce is the gigantic ..crime of
crimes in our land. Religion. Patriotism
and Humanity, cry out increasingly against
it. Christianity Is scandallzed by II. our
country is grieYOuslv burdened on account Of
it. Mankind suffers wrongs and ahlctlons
from it. such as angels might well weep over,
and yet thousands Of good people neglect TO
aid in remedying il. SHALL this state Of things
continue: The remedy is simple, its appllca-
ton easy. and the result CERTAIN. TOTAL
ABSTINENCE is that remedy; and, as So
ciety is at present constituted and enYlrOned,
THERE Is NONE OTHER.
1t is our mission and aim to bring this
remedy into practical application. Please
aid us. Untold blessings will follow your
action. Our societies need members to
strengthen them in this conflict. The church
encourages, while every high and holy in
terest demands relief at your hands. Con-
slder your own responsibility in this matter.
and may God and His holy angels influence
You to cast your lot on the side Of temperance.
societies composing Diocesan Union:
st. John the Baptist 4. A. b. Society.
St. Mary's Ladies' L. 4. Society.
St John the Baptist I. A. Cadets.
This appeal will certainly be the means
of gaining members to these societies, as
it brings the question so directly to bear
upon those high and holy motives by
which mankind has ever been Influenced.
CATHOLIC.