New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-10-25
rzr Wol,FNrS CONVENTION.

The National Convention OF the w onai
Christian Temperance Union, which has been
in session in this city, has been an interesting
gathering. 1t has drawn together large num-
Der of representative women from all parts OIL
the Union 1t has demonstrated an encourage
ing degree of progress in many fields OF social
reform. in which women are now eXertlng a
powerful influence. 1t exhibited power OF
organized eff ort with which women would hard
" have been credited generation ago. 1t was
fresh proof that this organization is beneli-
cent one, and that if its influence is not de-
stroyed by unwise guidance, it may do vast
deal of good in the future.
But a careful consideration Of the proceed
ings Of this convention suggests some curious
reflections One Is of surprise that this body
of Christian women, united in moral crusade
and undoubtedly animated by spirit OF good
will and charity, should exhibit so much In
tolerance in dealing with some of their own
number. For example it has been the ruie'
which was only repealed at this convention
that all resolutions relating to the ATTITUDE vi
the Union toward political parties should DC
decided by vote without discussion" Inc
object of this regulation was presumably that
the minority, who are opposed to the alliance
Of the Union with the third party Prohibition
lists should not be able even to express their
views in the convention. Why should gag
law like this be enforced in such body No
nollicaI convention of men would submit to 1t,
and Christian women should be as ready TO
grant free speech to their associates as poll
tcians are. The repeal of this regulation was
step in the right direction.
1t is a pity the convention did not emphat-
icallv repudate also the resolution put forward
by the committee practically forbiddIng any
member of the Union to speak upon the public
nlatform in opposition to the Prohibition party
and denouncing any such member as as
loyal.n The Union has not been understood
to be a political organization. 1t concerns IT,
self not only with temperance, but with inc
social evil education, hygiene dress, and
hundred other subjects in which women are
interested. One element, and one only, in its
nrooramme is its support Of the Prohibition
Marty. For the organization to declare that
mo member shall he at liberty TO say Ill
public that in this respect the Union
is making mistake is a groteSque use OF
despotic power, especially as at least nlne-
ten,hs Of the sincere temperance people OF the
country think the Prohibition party is the worst
sfumbling-block they have in their way. The
convention ought to have trampled upon THIS
idea in the name Of free speech, instead OF
handing the question over to committee An
other surprising regulation was that which for
babe even members of the convention to as
tribute documents in the hall unless they had
been approved by committee. No one would
ever dare to propose regulation like this IN
a political convention of men. Evidently the
women of this body have something yet to
learn in the way of broader liberation OF
differences of opinion.
The vital mistake Of the Union is its ALL
ancc with the third-party ProhibtioniSts. The
Prohibition party is responsible for consider
able part of the drunkenness, misery and crime
that exist in this land to-day. Take the state
Of New-York. for example If the Prohibition
lists had voted for Ira Davenport instead Of
helping to elect David Is. Hill three years ago
q High License law would already have been
in operation at least year, and probably hall
the saloons in the State would have been
closed Many of them are doing their best even
this wear to re-elect Hill. If they succeed the
saloon doors will stand open three years more
If is the ProhibitionistS who keep them open
II is a pity the good women Of the Christian
Temperance Union should abet this wicked
folly.