The Monitor., 1885-09-25

Trenton Letter.

One Of the most eloquent lectures ever
delivered in this city in the interest oftem-
perance was that given III the Union
Library Hall. on Monday evening. Sept.
21, by the Rev John B. Finch, of Lincoln.
Nebraska. Mr.. Finch is lawyer by edu-
cation but is now a travelling lecturer
under tie auspices Of the Independent Order
of Good Templar>, and in his lectures advo-
Gates very strongly in behalf Of Prohibi-
tion, is i strong opponent to high license and
proves very clearly and logically the rights
Of the temperance cause and the response
bility OF the christian church
Mr. Finch had before him a large and
appIeciative audience. considering other
attractions Of tile evening throughout
the city. In his audience there were
seven clergymen. several business men,
members of the first families in the city.
and representatives of the several temper
ance organizations in and about the city.
He opened at once upon the issue Of the
day. The advertised topic OF his lecture
was Facts and Follies. We attended
thinking it would be literary treat, but
as soon as he opened his subject We were
appriSed Of a temperance discussion.
However. the speaker was honest about il.
for instead of pouncing upon his hearers or
conservative portion of his audience in an
indiscreet way. he drew upon the lines
carefully, cautiously and with that art
which captivated his audience before lie
was through.
One great error with many temperance
speakers IS that they make enemies by an
abrupt. unflnching and sometimes obsti-
nate presentation of the question, but with
Mr. Finch his motives were controlled by
what business men call common sense.
Mr. Finch is we'll adapted TO become a
leader, and under his leadership the cause
viii grow and develop as has been proved
by his past labors.
Every utterance of the speaker was en-
compasSed within the shade Of Teason-in-
disputable reason. 1t Is not TO be wonder
ed that any antagonist would fear to COM
bat with him. for his reasoning and logical
powers are above the average. and these
qualities alone would stitle the arguments
Of many well-known inrists of this state.
We have never before had the dangerous
and physical qualitie5 of alcoholic liquors
explained to Us so we'll and so clearly. We
have heard of its dangerous results based
ON scientific principles, but it remained for
this speaker TO settle our views as to its
dangers from 4 practical standpoint. We
are slow TO give a man credit in this diree-
ton, except driven By conviction. and if
conviction has anything to do in the chang
ing Of a mans views. ! think slight
effect had been produced while under the
influence of this mi Ms talk.
Only a stenographcr could do the orator
justice. An abridged account would be
but a brief synopsis OF his lecture. The
time is coming when the associated press
will lend every aid possible to the cireulat-
ing Of temperance sentiment. We are fast
changing people, as an American peo-
pie. As Mr.. Finch said our government
is too much under the control OF a people
who cannot speak the English language,
(mcaning the German element
Possibly it would be proper TO state
right here that your Trenton correspon-
dent is not a Prohibitionist. but conSer-
yative, not a third party man, but a Re
publican by vote, not strictly high license
advocate. but one who favors the restric-
ton Of liquors. We have POO saloons in
this city. We think 100 is enough: we
have 20 saloons in our ward we think 10
is enough. We think it impTaetieahle 10
slaughter the traffic at once. but think
gradual dminution viii culminate IN pro-
hbition in the end.
The same opinion that exists IN the mind
of the writer may Be found 10 agree with
tie views of the major part Of the ReIaib-
lican voters il this city The Democratic
party claim very few temperance followers
IN Trenton. while al good. sound temper
ancc gathering or demonstration nine
tenihs OF each assembly may be identified
with the Republican party. The warmest
friends TO the cause in this city are from
the Republican ranks, HhiIe the whisky
dealer looks for his protection from the
Democratic party
In conclusion allow rs to recommend
John B. Finch as being one OF the finest
and most accurate speakers OF tile age
He is well finished orator and IS needed
in New Jersey. His services would be
appreciated in our midst-in this state
He is not impulsiye and nervous, bnt cool
and intelligent thinker. lie IS worthy Of
national honor; a safe gnide for the Amer
lean youth, aud an advocate for moral
principle on which no man can dispute.
MERCER.