The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-11

Correspondence the indianapolis Journal.
JEFFERsoNvILLE Feb. 9.-Never before in
the history of this city has such wave of tenn
perance sentiment swept it as now threat
ems to overwhelm the saloon and it's advocates.
The whole community is alive with excite
ment, and night after nighs, through rain and
snow. Drawing the cold weather and submitting
TO the discomforts of poorly ventilated hall,
crowded almost to suffocation, the people have
filed to overlooking the largest building the
town affords.
The young and fiery temperance orator, T. E.
Murphy. of blue-ribbon fame, has taken the
place by storm, and the old topers the young
tipplers and the steady going citizens of correct
habits have We'd with each other in their efforts
to secure reinforcements for the blue-ribbon
brigade. Already 1000 have signed the pledge.
and put on the badge of temperance reform.
Three times has the date been fixed for clos
ing the meetings. but the interest has been so
intense that the most influential citizens. m
connection with the W. C. 4. u, have prevailed
upon the speaker to continue the work and the
first announcement of one week has heightened
into three with the excitement still at fever
heat Mr. Murphy's success is phenomenal. By
his genial manner and great earnestness he dis
arms criticism. All classes fndorse his work
cept the saloon Keepers. and while it is recog
nized as distinctly non-partisan. he does not
hesitate to use the prohibition element to ad-
vance the cause. Among his most
are the three four prohibition pastors who
have frequently addressed the audience as well
as the editor of the News. the late candidate for
Congress on the Republican ticket Col. James
KeIgwin, the pastors of all the churches, and
even the ladies'
At the close Of Colonel Keigwin's remarks one
of the pioneers of this section. a gentleman high
ly respected in the community. but long addict
ed to the drink habit, came forward and signed
the pledge in obedience to promise made the
speaker; whether a result of his sudden absti-
hence or previous condition. few hours after
ward he dropped dead from heart disease The
incident has added wonderful interest to the
meetings and comes with peculiar emphasis just
at this time, showing the dangerous condition of
the system after years of indulgence in the
drink habit
In response to an invitation from the superin-
tendent, Mr. Murphy addressed the employees of
the Ohio Falls car-works on Tuesday, during the
intermission, and many of the men were
induced to join the movement
The effect upon the saloons is proving dis
astrous and many of them ara pract icaily de-
serted. The meetings will probably close to-
night. unless the committee prevail upon
Mr.. Murphy to remain few days longer He
is engaged for series of meetings at New AL
bany Immediately after leaving here, and such
is his popularity that many Of citizens will.
no doubt. attend his services there they have
here.
A daily prayer-meeting has been held here in
connection with the work, and IL is hoped that
the awakening will inure TO the benefit of the
churches, all of which will probably begin y
series of meetings at the close of the temper
ance revival E. S. H