The Portland daily press., 1888-10-30
WoMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPER
ANCE UNION.
Hurtful Effect Of the Introduction OF
Politics.
CARIBOU Me-. Oct. n.

CARIBOU Me-, Oct. ~.
To the Editor of the Press
The National w. c. 7. U. has just closed
its fifteenth annual session at the Metropoli-
tan Opera House, New York city, and has
caused much discussion in all circles because
Of the political questions before that body.
The interest centered in the Iowa Memo
rial, and the right Of the convention to dis
cuss political resolutions. The bylaw pro-
hibiting the discussion Of all resolutions
relating to politics, was not, as some sup
pose. TO keep politics out Of the convention I;
it was the suppression Of the will of the
minority who were opposed to any resolu-
tions whatever. promising influence or sup
port TO the socalled Prohibition party
Such resolutions have been passed each year
since 1884 and, last year bylaw was adopt
ed whereby the political resolution that is
sure to be introduced and carried by large
majority could not be discussed. Thus the
minority were voiceless on the question.
After some discussion this arbitrary and
outrageous bylaw was repealed, and limit
of three minutes allowed to each speaker
upon the pending resolution.
The convention did not reach the resolu-
tion concerning political parties until ten
o'clock on Tuesday evening. the last day Of
the convention, and at midnight tired, dis
gusted set Of women were still wrestling
with the question. The resolution was car
ried by large majority, as it was sure to be,
but the struggle for principle the minority
believed to be right was bravely made.
During the session Mrs. Campbell OF Penn
sylvania gave notice that at the next annual
meeting an amendment to the constitution
would be offered, making the organization
nOn-sectarian and non-partisan. In accord
with this proposed amendment a meeting
was called at the Broadway Tabernacle par
lors at o'clock for fair discussion of the
question. AT that meeting the chairman
who presided was a woman who was
"third party" adherent but who did not
believe in the affiliation of the w. c. T. u. as
an organization with that party. The sec
ond speaker upon the question was also
third party" woman but holding the same
views as the chairman. The third speaker
was myself, and because of garbled accounts
made by ladies sent down to report the meet
ing l wish to make a personal state
ment relating especially to the Maine
w. C. T. u. The question under dis
cussion was whether it would be wise to
bring the question of the amendment before
local unions. Speaking in favor of such
action said in substance If not In exact
words that
am glad of this opportunity to voice the senti-
ments Of an unrepresented minority Year after
wear our Maine delegation to the National is a
unit for the thiro party yet minority does exist;
but partSanship Is fast lesSening that number for
many noble cultured, Christian women prefer to
drop out rather than to create dissension and
strife by standing true to individual convictions of
duty. | believe in a discussion of the proposed
amendment during the year because policy
that involves the welfare of an organization
should be ready to receive the criticism of its
members. The question is too important an one
to be kept in the background until the time of our
annual sessions. Delegates should go from the
local to the state and from the State to the Nat
ional with an intelligent understanding of this
policy; for one who stands as a representative
without any idea of its political Affiliations cannot
do Justice to either faction. This Is an imnortant
crisis in our history and thousands are anxionslv
watching and waiting the result.
Now in the substitution of the word "alI'
for many" before cultured, noble, Christian
women, the spirit Of the clause is misrepre-
sented and different construction placed
upon it, al have not gone for many re-
main but the condition in Maine does not
differ widely from other States. Many who
helped to lay the foundation of the w. C. L.
U. nave left or are nominal members. The
iaet that the ranks are kept filled and the