The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-08-21
SCIENTIFIC TEMPERANCE INSTRUCTION.
Letter to the Ministers of the State of Ohio.

Letter to the Ministers of the State of Ohio.
During the past three or four years no
line of temperance effort has received
more heartily the appreciation of the peo-
pie at large than the department known
as Scientific Temperance Instruction.
Differences of opinion may exist re-
garding the action of political parties in
their relation to the liquor traffic, but the
people seem to be of one mind when the
education of the children is in question.
AS proof of this, eighteen States have
already written upon their statute books
law requiring the effects of stimulants
and narcotics on the human system, to
be taught in all schools under public
control, or supported by public money.
a similar law passed by Congress re-
Gently provides this instruction for pupils
in the public schools of the Territories
and the District of Columbia; in the mil
itary and naval academies; in the Indian
and colored schools of the Territories of
the United States.
Two attempts have been made to es-
tablish the same for Ohio, but without
success
Making effort to secure compulsory
temperance education law, will be the
leading line of work of the Ohio Woman's
Christian Temperance Union for the COM
ing fall and winter.
We have aimed during the past two
years to prepare the way for successful
legislative effort, by creating sentiment in
favor of this instruction; and there is rea-
son to believe that the time is at hand for
accomplishing our purpose, if the proper
effort is put forth-which can only mean
faithful, persistent work on the part Of
all interested. Experience has taught us
that tenacity Of purpose-unf1inching to
the very ends absolutely necessary,
even in SO popular movement as pro-
viding compulsory temperance education
for our youth.
To the ministry we have always looked
for assistance since the time, twelve years
ago, that God called woman into this
great field of labor-and we can testify
that this assistance has been freely and
abundantly given.
In facing the conflict that doubtless
awaits us at this hour, to the ministry we
again turn for help, believing that the
pulpit will prove the faithful right arm
of this great undertaking in behalf OF the
rising generation. The only hope Of
gaining a successful hearing at the doors
of the Legislature, is through the people;
and the people, to fully appreciate this
work must be informed.
To bring the people up to the point of
fully understanding the necessity for this
temperance instruction, will need the
combined effort of all forces that can in
any way be utilized. Will you not, then,
help us to bring this matter properly and
forcibly before the people.
The 300 Woman's Christian Temper
ance Unions of Ohio are ready for the
effort Will you not stay up their hands 2
How grandly this organization of con-
secrated women can work was fully
demonstrated during that memorable
Amendment Campaign. What amount
of means was necessary to push through
such campaign, was, also, fully set
forth in that undertaking.
The debt that has hung over our or
ganization in consequence of that effort
has led us to plan carefully and thought
fully before deciding to enter the present
work. We believe the people are ready
to give of their means for this purpose.
In order to enable us to press, efficient
ly, plans that have been matured, and
without leaving us, in the end, embar-
raised by debt, will you not, on or near
the last Sabbath in September, present
to your respective congregations this sub
ject Of Scientific Temperance Education,
setting forth the duty OF the State to for
tify its children, through systematic ed
ucation, against the prevailing tempta-
tons of the day, and, at the close of this
presentation of the subject, ask, in behalf
of this Temperance Education Depart
ment, a collection for prosecuting this
work, forwarding the same to the Super
intendent? A contribution from each
church will materially aid.
The great agonizing cry of the mother
heart of this nation is, "Give us anything,
everything, that will in any degree, pro-
tect the home against the demands of
this merciless liquor oligarehy." So we
stand on the threshold of this systematic
effort to throw around our children the
protection of compulsory temperance ed
ucation, and plead for the voice and in
Auence of the pulpit, that the hearts and
consciences of the Christian people of the
State of Ohio may become enlisted in
this movement which is, in reality, the
very foundation of true temperance re-
form.
God commanded his ancient people.