St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-09-11
THE ANTI-SALOONISTS.
A Mourners' Convention at Minneapolis
What Must We Do to Be
Saved?
Willie Window Thinks Saloons are Awful,
and Deacon Nettleton Agrees
With Him.
Resolutions Passed and Delegates
Named-- The G. q. II. In a
Bad Fix.
agatnstthe Saloons.

Inc anti saloon kepuOllcan convention,
so called, that met at the West hotel yes
terday was composed of gentlemen whose
churchly appearance would command at
tention. if not respect. Those who were
present, with but few exceptions, cOnsti-
tuted personnel that would have been ex-
pected at any church or temperance meet
ing. 1t has been noticeable character
iStic that temperance leaders are all orators,
and yesterdays convention was no cXcep-
ton to the rule. In fact it was seriously
feared that the supply OF cheap talk would
overwhelm the meeting and prevent the
transaction of the business for which the con-
ference had been called. The meeting was
called to order at 1880 O'Clock. Hon. Will
lam Window was made chairman by &C.
clamation, and Thomas Cochran, of st.
Paul. secretary. After an explanation OF
the purpose of the meeting letters of regret
were read by the secretary from Rev. MEG.
Dana, of St Paul, Gov. w. r. Marshall
and others. The letter of d. G. Bell Sug-
gested as policy that the conference should
recommend that no more open or secret
alliance should be made with the rum
sellers. He urged that there should be
persistent restriction Of the liquor traffic
through a res0lute enforcement of the eX-
listing laws.
THE LETTER OF BISHOP IRELAND
was greeted with warm applause. After
expressing regret that an important bust
ness engagement prevented his presence.
the writer said:
would have earnestly desired to be pres
cnt at the meeting of members of the Repub-
lican party who are anxious that the influence
and prestige of the party be thrown against
the aggressiveness of the liquor men. ap-
pear IN the political arena only when high
moral questions are NJ stake. This is the case
to-day. The liquor interest," IN the bolduess of
its attitude, in its expressed determination to
respect no law aud TO make all other interests
subSerVient to itself,is q most serious menace
against all that we hold dear and sacred. II
is time indeed that the thoughtful American
citizen should take heed aud see whence
salvation may come. The Republican party
has it in its power 10 avert the danger by es-
! pouSing openly the cause Of temperance and
OF the supremacy of law. In no more eEec-
tive way can it prove to the country that the
truest and wiseSt patriotism is found within
the ranks and beneath the fesis OF its pr1nc1-
! pies. May its leaders understand the Oppor-
tuuity of the hour.
AS A STARTER.
Gen LIE Due offered the following resolu-
lions for adoption, which, however, were
withdrawn later:
Resolved, That we indorse the anti saloon
movement.
Resolved, That committee of three be ap-
| pointed to name delegates from each congress
sional district to the convention to meet in
Chicago.
Gen. A. B. Nettleton, who can be re-
garded as the progenltor of the movement
that caused the calling of the meeting, was
the first speaker. For man who is known
to hold ultra views of an exceedingly pu-
| rit nioal n aturp no modo q vary pnnCQrVati
address that occupied the attention of his
listeners for about twenty minutes.
| He took the ground that the saloon infu-
ence should be recognized factor in the pol
itics OF the country. 1t presented itself before
the Republicans with all the bluntness and
obstiuacy of stone wall. The party had three
| courses to pursue. 1t could call for an alll-
ance with liquor in sections where the saloon
influence is strong, with temperance people
where temperance sentiment prevails or it
could come out and make decided stand one
way or the other. The liquor traffic had changed
in its character and now has the services
of 2, 600. 900 men in the United States. 1t had
gone outside of supplying a moderate de-
mand for stimulants, and to-day was an az
gresSive and a far-reachiug influence for the
creation of drunkardS by placing before
the poor and overworked the temptation of
drinking. 1t sought to become dominant
| party, and to-day we stood face to face with
Ii pronunciamento to the effect that no man
shall go into the Minnesota legislature mimi
cal to it's interests. The liquor men are Or
gained law-breakers. Saloon-keepers not
only failed to observe the ordinances and
laws of the state, but they were encouraged
to do so by the wholesale dealers. Saloons
had become the recognized rendezvous of the
criminal classes The anti-saloon movement
was plainly expedient without regard to the
moral principles involved. The Republican
party sincluded the majority of law-abiding
off tho 1sriu Shn hot
attention should be paid to their demands
1t should take stand now, or clearly ignore
an issue that is as plain as the sun in the
| heavens.
OTHER OPINIONS.
Rev. W. NJ. Montgomery rose to remind
the convention that no party can stand that
is not sustained by some moral issue.
Thousands, he said are drifting away from
the grand old party because it has no prin
ciple that awakenS enthusiasm,
Rev. Talkgjersen, of Minneapolis, spoke
for the Scandinavians, saying:
His nationality constituted one-half of the
votes of the Republican party in the state.
The Scandinavians had naturally become Re-
publicans. because that party was the loyal
party. All the old issues had passed away.
What issues existed between the Democratic
and Republican parties to-day? The Republi-
can partys protective policy had had the
but as the parties stood, the tariff question
was not an issue. Tue Republican party
should embrace the opportunity given it to
array itself on the side Of great principle of
right. Local option was too weak and IN
certain. Practical prohibition was what was
wanted.
C. w. Johnsons political sagacty led
him to make several pertinent suggestions
to the committee on resolutions. the princi-
pal point of which was that the personal
liberty of the citizen should not be infringed
upon.
John N. Murdoch, of Wabasha, was the
next speaker. He started Off by proclaim
ing his allegiance to the Republican party
for thirty years. The present position Of
the party he regarded as very much be-
tween the devil and the deep sea.
1t was impossible for it to
retain the saloOnkeepers and the earnest
temperance workers. If it Endorsed the
anti-salOon movement il would lose the
liquor men and the Germans If it did not.
it would lose large element that would go
into the Prohibition party. While the Re-
publicans might not be successful the first
year. success would ultimately crown their
efforts.
ELDER CHAFFEE
next arose and gave his experience. He
spoke of the Republican ship as leaking at
both ends. Liquor, like capital, is very
sensitive. Show the saloonkeepers even
indifference TO their interests, and they
will go. (Cries of let 'em go.'') Il want"
cried the elder as he warmed up to the inn
portance OF the occasion, that our action
to-day shall be something more than milk
and water. If we hadn't trimmed our sails
to catch the votes of all classes quite so
carefully we wouldn't be meeting as
mourners to-day over ignominious defeat"
DEACON RICHARD CHUTE
remarked that this was the anniversary of
Perrys victory on Lake Erica most ap-
propriate time for the commencement of
new reform. The living issue of the day
is: What can we do to stop poor, blind