West Virginia freeman. (Parkersburg, W. Va.) 1881-1886, 1885-11-11
NATIONAL w. C. T. g.
st. Louis Resolutions Reaffirmed
By a Vote of 243 to 20.

"Ihe National Woman's Chrls-
tian Temperance Union decided
yesterday, by a vote of 243 to 20, to
continue to belong to the Prohibi-
ton party, in spite of the argu-
ments strongly advanced that, as
matter of policy, it would be better
to follow in different states which
ever political organization favored
temperance locally. This is con-
sidered the most important ques-
ton that the Convention has yet
discussed.
Mrs. Annie Wittenmeyer, chair
man of the Committee on Resolu-
tions, read the result of the COM
mittee's work. After declaring the
best methods to fight intemperance
the resolution favored the enfran-
chisement of women. Then came
the declaration:
We reafirm the position taken
at the st. Louis Convention in 1884
pledging our influence to the party
that will furnish the best embodi-
ment of Prohibition, that we will
continue to lend our influence to the
party that declares for Prohibition
and home protection.
Mrs. Woods, OF Iowa; Mrs. M. P.
Moore, Of Vermont, and Miss E. A.
Fowler, of West Virginia, members
of the Committee on Resolutions,
presented minority report on the
political position to be assumed by
the Union. 1t was to the effect
that, while the body is unreserv-
eddy and unalterably committed to
securing prohibition in the State
and nation, it is advisable to have
harmony among the members and
cooperation of temperance men of
other parties. In view Of this, it is
unwise to pledge the influence of
the Union to any political party
whatever"
Mrs. Foster moved the adoption
OF the minority report. Before be-
ginning to consider the question
the Convention was led in prayer
with a view of obtaining Divine
guidance on what action to take.
Mrs. Griffith of Kansas, wanted
the discussion, which promised to
be long one, postponed until ev-
ening.
eve have a programe already
laid out for tonight" replied Miss
Willard, land we are women who
don't mind losing our suppers so
much as we do breaking an engage
ment with the public" So the
matter was proceeded with.
II am in favor of the minority
report" said Mrs. Aldrich, of Iowa.
The question is one likely to dis
turb the harmony of the Union.
We need the cooperation of men
of both parties badly enough, and
we can not successfully ask for it
if We pledge ourselves elsewhere.
We are non-sectarian in religion
let us be so in politics."
DEFEATING THE MINORITY REPORT.
81 would like to ask" put in
Mrs. Perkins, of Ohio, whether it
is not more important to do right
than to preserve harmony? Christ
was crucifed and principle was
sacrificed for harmony's sake" At
this there was loud applause.
"The ladies who favor harmony"
Miss Willard explained, "think
themselves as much in the
right as the others. 1t is not a
question of sacrificing principles
at ALL"
Il am against the minority re-
port on this question:" Mrs,Goug-
er, of Indiana remarked. "1t seems
to me we should have to change our
politics in every state. The Iowa
and Kansas Republicans are anti
whisky, the Democrats of Georgia,
Mississippi and Tennessee take the
same stand. In Indiana and Ohio
we have to rely on the third party.
Let US merely reafirm the St. Louis
resolutions"
"By the way" interrupted Miss
Willard, 81 feel inclined to give
prize to the lady who will address
me properly. l am called Mrs.
President and Madam President.