The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1888-11-03
TEMPERANCE READING.
THE PROGRESS MADE.


Temperance Reform Movement - The
Great Work of the w. G. T. U
The State Convention of the Wo-
mans Christian Temperance Union,
held in this city last week, is plain
indication of the progress which the
temperance reform is making. A few
years ago such a meeting would have
been impossible. Though women have
always been the greatest sufferers from
the evils of intemperance, and though
they have been more ready than men
to express their minds on the subject,
yet organized effort among them is of
comparatively recent date. Their
Temperance Union, with its divided
and systematized work, its efficient Of
ticers and its large membership, is not
only manifestation of progress but a
prophecy of success. 1t may be years
yet before the end aimed at is accom-.
plished, but it is evident to every
thoughtful observer that deliverance
from the liquor curse is nearer than
when the Woman's Christian Temper
.ance Union was formed.
1t would be too much to expect that
this organization would make no mis-
takes 1t is unfortunate that in the
first years of every reform movement,
many impracticable persons, who de-
sire to~force their peculiar notions on
the public, are brought into promi-
nence. 1t was so in the early days of
the anti-slavery agitation. That cause
made many strange bed-fellows;"
earnest Christians labOred side by side
with pronounced free-thinkers. There
were times when it seemed as if all
hope of success was destroyed by the
schemes of unbalanced enthusiasts;
but history tells us that wise counsels
at last prevailed, and the ''sum of all
vlllainies became a thing of the past.
The voice of the "impracticables"
is sometimes heard in the Temperance
reform. Side issues, of comparatively
little Importance, are now and then
grated upon the central doctrine in
which all are agreed, and these side is
sues are given such prominent place
that the more sober-minded are
grieved. But through the ferment of
excitement this evil will remedy itself
The main issue will after awhile
stand out clearly. When this is done,
the final victory will not be far distant.
The friends of the Temperance cause
should not weaken in their love, or
give over their efforts, because there
may be some measures and methods
advocated which they can not approve,
or because some supporters of this re-
form are wild on other subjects. Pa
tient waiting and wise working will
make the right so plain that all will
be able "to see eye to eye"
But in spite of differences on minor
points between workers in the same
cause, such an organization as the Wo-
mans Christian Temperance Union,
and such convention as the one held
last week, with its six hundred dele
gates, are indications of decided prog
ress. Nor are these the only encour-
aging signs. Such societies and meet
ings are not confined to one locality or
one State. Church courts have taken
emphatic action. The secular press is
beginning to speak with no uncertain
voice. Public sentiment is setting
strongly against the sale and use of in
toxlcating liquors. The time is easily
within the reach of the memory of
those who have not lived their three
score years and ten" when the traffic
in liquors was regarded as honorable
as any other traffic, and when it was
counted tritling matter to become in
toXicated. It's different to-day; man
who uses or sells alcoholic drinks for
feits the respect of large part of his
fellow-men.
Much yet remains to be done. The
monster evil is unwilling to let 90 his
grasp. But if the workers in the Tenn
perance cause are in danger of becom-
ing discouraged, they have only to re-
call the past and compare it with the
present The progress made in the
last twenty-five years promises success
at no very distant day United Pres