Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-12-21
NO PARTIsANsHIP
A woman's Christian Temperance Union
Movement.

A Woman's Christian Temperance Union
Movement.
CLEVELAND (Ohio), December 20th.-The
Provisional Committee of the Non-Parti-
san Woman's Christian Temperance Union
to-day issued an address to the public
The trouble between the members and
the leaders of the National Woman's Chris
tian Temperance Union, which eliminated
at the last Convention in the withdrawal of
delegates opposed to an alliance with the
Prohibition party, is discussed at length.
The document says:
Harmony seemed impossible. A redress OF
grievances was denied Only one resource was
left, and that was to form new organization,
for the following reasons:
First-We believe the political policy OF the
National Woman's Christian Temperance Union
wrong i'll principal, contrary to the letter and
spirit of the original Constitution, Illogical in its
reasoning, inconsistent in its conclusions and
exceedingly detrimental to the cause of temper
ance.
Second-We believe the work of Christian
temperance stands above and beyond the lines
of party or sect, and we cannot follow the lead
OF the National Convention in pledging our in
luence to any party We must be free TO call
on the best men of all parties for the aid we
need, and we must have help to make our work
a success. We must have the influence of the
press of the nation, so far that influence is on
the side of God and humanity, irrespective of
party lines. We must range under our banners
Christian temperance women of all sections of
our nation which cannot be done by an organi-
zation whose sympathies and support are
pledged to party.
Third : An increasingly large number of
women, who have contributed money, influence
and years of hard, self-denying labor to build up
the National Womens Christian Temperance
Union, feel that their usefulness is crippled and
their consistency questioned by the equivocal
policy of the National Committee which ayows
its allegiance to and boldly champions the
cause of a political party, while at the same
time it denies partisanship.
Fourth-The refusal of the National Union by
an overwhelming majority to adopt non-parti-
san amendment 10 the Constitution makes it
imperative for honest non-partissn women to
let the world understand that they will no
longer remain in this anomalous position, by
being committed to a resolution and so-called
tests OF loyalty to partisan action in
the National Convention while disavowing
the same in the field, and since the old organf-
zation will not right the wrongs that have re-
suited from the unwise, unjust policy, but
shows a determination to stamp out all honest
doubts in the minds of women of rank and
treat with unveiled contempt all who differ
from the msjority in regard to the methods of
work, the dissenters must quietly yield, or
withdraw in company of those of like faith and
pursue course that seems to them right and
wise.
Fifth-A demand is also growing for Ma
tional Temperance Society less complex in the
aims and more simple in its organized capacity
for such objects only as have direct bearing
upon temperance reform.
Sixth-The unchristian treatment accorded
to Christian women from year to year. who dare
to utter their sentiments in these National AS
semblies not in harmony with their chosen
policy, emphasizes the propriety of forming an
other organization.
Seventh-The increasing impossibility of
working harmoniously with the National
Women's Christian Temperance Union without
a sacrifice of honest convictions and selfrespect
or the alternative of leaving the work alto
rot har which mo do ~ +I,air
convictions, is from higher source than the
National Union, and demands new organiza-
ton, through which thousands of women, who
will not be compromised by the partisan atti-
tude of the National Women's Christian Tenn
perance Union, as well as thousands who have
not enlisted, may, by their combined ef-
forts and in unity of spirit and bonds
of peace labor for the overthrow of the drink
traffic. The lamentable loss of moral power
that has resulted from the partisan attitude of
the National Women's Christian Temperance
Union may be in measure retrieved by a soci-
ETY. keeping itself free from all entanglements.
SO free that no political vultures will ever hover
over its Conventions hoping to bear away any
influence that will help them to places of
power. We desire to organize on q basis so
broad that prayer may be made for us in all
churches without the fear OF Otfense.
The consideration OF the public is asked it's
advice is sought, and its 90 operation is greatly
desired. We seek the prayertul aid of pastors
of churches superintendents of sunday schools
and Christian workers in all fields. We do not
propose to build our work on the ruin of the
old, but we do hope to profit by the past. We
invite correspondence. Let all who are inter-
ested in this National movement respond with
out delay. If any are ready to enlist under the
non partisan banner, let them say so at once.
II any have 'God speed for us, let them mail
it, as so many have done, that we may know
whose hearts thrill with new hope because of
this rallying call.
On December 23d, the anniversary of the cru
sade, we entreat our women to renew their
VOWS before God. and solemnly pledge before
Him who knows our hearts, that hand to hand,
with simple trust in our divine leader, and
courage that overcomes ali difficulties and
knows no defeats we will seek to stay this
deadly pestilence, which cuts down the great
and gifted as well as the low and degraded, and
makes the fairest spots on earth darkened and
desolate. Nor will we know rest until God
calls us home, or gives US the desire of our
hearts, land free from the dominion of the
drink traffic.
To this end we invite ali in sympathy with
our principles and II ethods to unite with US at
Music Hall. in Cleveland, Ohio, on or about JAM
uary 22d, to then and there take action on the
questions herein set forth affecting permanent
organization.
The call is signed by the Provisional
Committee, Mrs. Ellen J. Phinney. of
Cleveland, Chairman.