Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-07-07
THE coop rgMpLARs.
oPrrsus Of she Tempsrssee sirssimss- Al
dress of nsjer fleldca.


dress q Mailer flsIdes.
The Independent Order Of Good
Templars now numbers seventy-cight
grand and over six thousand subordi-
nate lodges, with about three hundred
thousand members. Twenty-six grand
lodges are in Europe. Asia, and Aus
trslia. II is probably the largest tenn
perance organization in the world. In
the State OF Virginia there are about two
hundred subordinate lodges. with
membership Of upwards of eight thou
sand.
Major NJ. I. Holden, the " Irish
Temperance Orator. and State Lee
turer Of the Grand Lodge Of Virginia,
who has been engaged by the Good
Templars of Richmond to conduct Sc
ries Of temperance meetings for the
coming two weeks, arrived in the city
yesterday afternoon, and held his first
meeting last night at the pine-Street
Baptist church.
At 5 o'clock the members Of Sidney
Lodge met at their hall and, accompa-
MED by Trinity and Jefferson Lodges in
full regalia, proceeded to the church.
Here a large audience had assembled.
The members Of the order were assigned
reserved seats in the centre OF the
church, which were soon filed. The
large number present gladdened the
hearts of the temperance workers, and
they were much encouraged at this
suspicious opening Of the meetings.
The meeting was called to order by
Mr. &. W. Hawxhurst, g. w. Secre-
tary Of the order in Virginia. and an
appropriate piece was rendered by Sid
ney choir. Prayer was offered by Rev.
Mr.. Butler, after which Major Holden
was introduced. He is a gentleman Of
about fortytwo years of age and a
fluent speaker. He had spoken but
few minutes before his auditors were
convinced that he is workman
in the cause that need not be
ashamed. His sentiments are noble;
his descriptive powers pleasing
his humor spontaneous, and his anec-
dotes pointed, and always instruct as
well as amuse. The tone Of his efforts
is kindness. lie has no harsh words
for any one. He has the faculty OF
winning and holding the attention Of
his hearers. His appeals to young men
to beware of moderate drinking are
not likely to he forgotten by those who
heard them. His sharp logic, inter-
spersed with telling, pointed anec-
dotes, was often met with loud APP
plause.
The listener was fully convinced that
the speaker had thoroughly studied his
subject in all its phases. and had I'M
bounded faith in the final triumph Of
the temperance cause. His illusions
to mothers love, and his warnings to
the boys not to break their mothers
hearts by preierring the gilded saloon
to the sweet influence of home, were
touching. He ridiculed the argument
that strong drink Injuries only those
who NEEDLE with it. On the other
hand. it is the wives. the mothers. and
the children that suffer most the terri
bic results Of drunkenness.
lie closed with an appeal to members
Of the order which was truly eloquent
and powerful. He urged them to re-
newed efforts in the great and good
ca use.
Tn" several beautiful pieces rendered
by the choir, led by Mr.. James Calder,
were spoken Of in terms Of praise.
After the adjournment Of the meet
ing a session Of Sidney Lodge was held
and a number Of names received for
membership.
Another meeting will be held to-
night Tuesday at the same place, and
tomorrow Nv ednesday) night at Denny
Street Methodist church, Rockets.