Morning journal and courier., 1886-02-01
THE GOOD sAmARIrANs.

Sign the Pledgc-The Literary and
 Musical Exercises.
 A very large audience gathered at the Good Samaritans' meeting last evening in Carlls Opera House. While it may be true that few persons go to these meetings to while away a pleasant hour and with no
 ble fact at this meeting that the audience was made up principally of earnest, thought full men and women who had apparently gathered there for the sole purpose of giving that aid and influence which their presence would, as matter of course, lend from this relationship to the earnest workers of the society.
 After the usual opening exercises Presi- dent Luddington introduced ex-Judge Blydenburgh, who delivered most earn est and eloquent address. In his opening remarks the speaker said: It almost seems to me, and perhaps to you also, that the din and clamor of the nineteenth century has almost stifed the voice of the philosopher and philanthropist. Men die, but principles live on. The men who appear upon this platform from time to time are perhaps of
 but little consequence. They may be good
 men and true and the work they do may be
 thought of but little consequence by some, and the great truths inculeated here may Shine but little on the world at large, but their principles live on. We are so busy with the every day cares of life that 4Re don't give the time and thought to this great subject that we ought. It may be hard for me or anyone else to interest you on this subject might, but hope that I may hold the attention of some present and that you will look upon the subject as do. Could we bring from the suow-covered graves of the dead those who have died from the terrible effects of strong drink, think you not that they would urge to forever forsake that which brought them to worse than prema- ture gravesl Could we bring men here from the prison walls they would tell you in their remorse that their hopes have been blighted forever by the wine cup. Look at that moth CT anxiously waiting by her lonely fireside for the return of perhaps her only son. Ask her why this anxiety of mind and ill the an guish of her heart she will tell you that that once innocent boy, upon whom she had placed her fondest hopes and who is now budding into manhood, had become addicted to this terrible habit of indulgence in strong drink. All over the world we find men and women who suffer from this curse. Have We no reason why we should appeal to the people. of this city and every other city to abstain sick you send for physician. but how little men and women do to stay this pestilence. A pestilence that benumbs the limbs, weak CHS the intellect and leaves visions of the most damnable hell. There is a remedy for this disease that may be taken without money and without price. Let me ask you men and women if you have done all you can to help along this cause. If we see fellow being suffering from this habit let us extend to him a helping hand. If each one within the sound of my voice will speak to one person, will reach out their hand and try to help them, they will be surprised at the good results. If you have never tried it, try it for your own good and you will find ample recompense ill your own conscience.
 In closing the judge made an earnest ap- peal to those present to sign the pledge: In his appeal to the young men he said: Young men who have bright hopes of the future, re- member that if you have contracted this habit of drink that it is better to leave it off now. No man can reach the goal of human srccess which he hopes for if he continues to indulge in intoxicating drink. You have a will within you, and the only question is whether your will is sufficient to sign the pledge. If you delay will you grow stronger? If your forces are well dis ciplined and your will is your commander, then sign the pledge tonight. If you will, you are capable of doing that that will bring happiness and joy, and there will be glorious victories for you in the future. For the sake of yourselves, for the sake of the example, for the sake of others, come forward tonight and sign the pledge and help on this noble work.
 The address of Judge Blydenburgh, of which only brief abstract is given, was lis tened to with deep attention by the large au- dence.
 MT. J. H. Moore followed Judge Blyden- burgh in 0 briec but earnest address, filled with practical thoughts the temperance question and showing the good results that followed from the work of the Good Samari- tans.
 President Luddington followed with brief appeal to those present to come forward and sign the pledge and while the invitation hymn was sung several responded.
 The literary entertainment which followed consisted of Il recitation by Mrs. George L. Sanford. Her selection was temperance poem, which was well rendered and well re- ceved. A very pretty violin solo followed by Miss Cora Luinb, who showed much skill In handling her favorite instrument Mir. fieorge Hessel, of McNish Johnson & Sla- wins minstrels, then sang n selection in prnno voice that so thoroughly pleased the nudience that hc was obliged to respond to n continued encore, and although but just re- covering from n severe Illness he again sang to the great satisfaction of the audience.
 President Luddington said that the society gave mp the opera house with much pleasure on next Sunday night to their co-laborers in temperance work, the St. Aloysius society, who would be addressed by the eloquent temperance orator, Rev. Father J. w. Cotter of Minnesota.