The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-19

hored before the convention adjourned it would
express its opposition to the dives and the
Willingness to join hands with the fanatics in
an effort to get rid Of these weeds.
IF any means are held out to u.s."
he said. amidst prolonged applause, 1--WE will
join hands unit in the cause of reform, but
as to the abuse and Misrepresentation which
have been directed against US, we here, as
conservative element, to call a halt"
Routine business was then proceeded with and
committees on credentials, permanent organiza-
ton and resolutions were appointed the call
of the roll of States showed that all those pre-
yiously named were represented. A recess was
then taken
Upon reassembfing, metal badges bearing the
inscription IN A.P. national antiprohibi-
tionl Convention, 1885," were distributed among
the delegates. Henry 9. Pike of New York,
urged that the committee on permanent organi-
zation should secure the services of divine to
bless the gathering. More routine business was
transacted, and the convention adjourned to 4:30
Pm.
The afternoon session showed considerable
increase in the attendance. nearly four hundred
delegates being present. The committee on per-
manent organization reported the name of John
NJ. Atherton, of Kentucky, for president and
the following vice presidents: w. f. Cook, of
Indiana; N. J. Smith. of Virginia; John W. En-
right, of Illinois, n. Chapen, of Massachusetts:
P. j. Fitzgerald, of New York P. III. Rice, of
Illinois This was intended as giving
recognition to all branches of the trade,
but, at the instance of the convention, G. j.
Linck, of Ohio, was added as representative of
the native wine interest and j. w. Priuzle, of
New York, in benaf OF the importing wine
trade.
Chairman Atherton, on being escorted to the
platform, made ringing speech. He said that
the movement was imperatively demanded by
the necessities of the hour The liquor interest
was being attacked in every quarter of the
United States by organizations of the best in
g.. 4e
whose determination was to ultimately destroy
the business and to confscate the property in
vested under the laws of the country. That
business. however, was as legitimate as neces
sary, and could be made as honorable as any
business in this or any other cOur try.
1t was true that grave responsibilities rest upon
those connected with the liquor traffic. but they
were fully competent to meet them. The sacred
right of suffrage itself was cesspool of iniQuty,
''yet that grand right could not, in consequence,
be abridged, much less abolished. Why then,
should not the liquor business be reformed.
rather than abolished. The mistake which the
Prohibitionists had made was In not joining
hands with the liquor trade in eradicating the
existing evilso The speaker dwelt upon the
loss to the country in various ways which would
follow the abolition of the traffic, and urged the
temperance element to eliminate the evils and
then let the business alone. This policy might,
in time. effect not only publication of that
business, but of the people who abuse it. Mean
while the trade would take its stand upon
the constitutional doctrine of free agency
and individual accountability, which rested at
the very bottom of the Republic. But while
they would work hand in hand for the promotion
of every movement calculated to benefit the
United States and its people, it had become their
duty, at last to stand shoulder to shoulder in
resisting the attack made upon them as indi-
viduals and upon their trade
The address was loudly applauded. and at its
conclusion the convention gave ringing cheers
The roll of States was called for the appoint
ment of a committee platform and resolu-
tions, and the following were named:
Arkansas. j. McKufle; Connecticut, J. T.
Pratt; Illinois. j. Mckeough; Indiana. H. B.
Miller; Kentucky, j. NJ. Atherton; Massachu-
setts, J. Curey; Minnesota. N. Franklin; New
York Max Fisher; Ohio, j. N Holmes; Pennsyl-
vania. JOS II. Sennott; Tennessee, G.. S. Kin
ney; Texas, Chas. Sway; Virginia, N. ]. Smith;
Wisconsin, Aug. F. Mueller: New Jersey, G.. B.
Bayane; California, E. Heathlery; Iowa, A. De-
lahey; Mississippi, JOS Helm.
Max Selliger, of Kentucky, thought that the
committee was overloaded with brewers, and
Schroeder, of Chicago, wanted recognition for
the importing interest, but the convention al.
most unanimously declared the committee salts
factory.
A committee was also appointed to draft
scheme for permanent organization of the
trade, and at o'clock an adjournment was taken
until tomorrow morning.