The Press., 1886-05-20
TnE CHuRCH AND TaE sALOON.


 Rev. ". H. Conant, secretary of the R., l. Temperance Union, spoke as follows, at the late. Nj. F. conference at BfockSon, Mass. a.s aTos1 Fi3aG f ,ffaM T
 For more than 200 years in. New. Eng, land these two institutions have existed. They have come down to us as the heif- looms of 8 former century, It is safe to say that 100 years ago they occupied equally respectable positions in the oom- munity. If do not read hiatoSy incoF- rectly, there was about as much criticism of the church, as ran institution as upon the dram shop; possibly more. One thing is sure that in the days of Roger Williams the licensed liquor dealer was so respectable that he held the first license ever granted on the west shore of Narra- gansett bay, and it is related to his honor that he was the first man intrusted to sell fire-water to the Indians When first went to Rhode Island saw over the door of village saloon, in large letters, 'sRoger w Williams' Saloon, aud wondered why his bones didn't rattle in their coffin. And yet at that time even ministers engaged in the manufacture of spirituous liquor.
 During this century these two inetitu- tions have both been increasing in wealth and power. How do they stand to-day both socially and religiously? The church stands higher than ever before. Blot out the history and influence of the church to- day and what good things have you left in the world. Not hospital and not one of our eleemosynary institutions that has not been built up in some measure by the church. If the church has grown stronger and better, how about the saloon? We can stand by the noble Catholic priest in Worcester who protested against the issue xR 2o # NkAF who in Boston in 1884 pettioned the gen. ton of a saloon within 400 feet of any church. We can admire their plenary council who, with the sanction of the pope, issued proclamation declaring in essence that the liquor business is so low and dis reputable that no Catholic can, be decent and carry it on.
 The christian church today is almost q unit against the liquor traffic And the church is the stronger. It is a power for good stronger than the police protection that taxes on church property could pay for. This fact is recognized not only by church members but by outsiders who may have only selfish ends in view. One iu- vestor would not buy desirable. mill property even at one-eighth its cost be cause there was no church or Sunday -chool in it's vicinity. fts $- sR E"@ VI
 One thing is sure the church and the saloon cannot exist together because one stands against the other as disturbing element The church has grown to be respectable: the saloon to be detested. With the result of the 7th of April in view, I think that success is nearer in the future than we dare believe. The saloon, stands In the way of moral, religious, educational and commercial prosperity. The tiIneshas come when the church must wash its hands of this iniquity when it should not stand quitscent, but should overthrow and an nihilate the evil. Under the lead of pray ing women, who have wept from the porch to the altar, we, have won the victory Republicans and democrats united in the fight. An Irishman came to tha ballot box with an approve ballot in his hand. A rumseller caught him and asked what you've got to carry 8 dinner pail down town, same as do now" Another rum seller said he wouldnt put it in it would increase the taxes. "Faith, an don't be- lieve twill be any more than. two dollars and costs in the mornin'," retorted Pat.
 Knights of Labor, Catholic societies, re- publicans and democrats stood at the polls | and worked for the approval of the amend mont. I don't discredit the work done, but if it were not for the help of God there would be mourning where now is Feioirng. We want to realize that the responsibility for the saloons lies at the door of the church of God. What 8 pity it is that christian men will vote to license. The fight in Rhode Island is still incom- plete. Tuesday was our Vicksburg. Our Appomattox is wonder, and it iszinl the power of the church of God to win tue bat 1 file $'r- tH