The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-12-21
THE WAR OF THE WOMEN
The Ellen Foster Branch of the W
{. T. U. Secedes From the
National Body.
The Minority Tired Of Being Ruled
BY the Majority, Start a
New Order.


Women OF the Nation.
CLEVELAND Dec. @.-The provisional
committee of the Nom Partisan Women's
Christian Temperance union to-day issued
an address TO the public. The trouble be-
tween the members Of the National W. G.
T. T., which eliminated at the last conven-
tion in the withdrawal OF those delegates
opposed to nm allinnce with the prohibition
party, is discussed at length. The docu-
mont says harmony seemed impossible; a
redress of grievances was denied, and only
one resource was left and that was to form
new organization. for the following rea-
sons First, We believe the political policy
of the National women's Christian Tenn
pcrunce union is wrong in principle, con
trary 10 the letter and spirit of the original
constitution, illogical in lis reasoning, in
consistent in its conclusions and exceedingly
detrimental to the cause Of temperance.
Second. We believe the work of Christian
temperance stands above aud beyond the
lines of party OF sect, and we cannot fol-
ing our influence to any party. We must
be free 10 call on the best men of all parties
Tor the aid We need, aud must have help to
make our work success. We must have
the influence Of the press Of the nation, 40
far ns that influence is on the side of God
aud humanity, irrespective of party lines.
We must range under our banner the tenn
peranoc women of all sections of our nation,
which cannot bc done by an organization
.Nu lfa "A art t.l.l
to n party.
THIRD. An increasingly largcr number of
women who have contributed their infu-
cnce and years of hard. self-denying labor
to build up the national W. G. T. q. feel
their usefulness Is crippled and their con-
stltueney questioned by the equiyocal poll
icy of the national body, which avows its
allegiance 10 aud boldly champions the
cause ot political party, while Mt the same
time II denies partisanship
Fourth. The refusal of the national union
by nn overwhelming minority 10 adopt a
non partisan amendment to the constitu-
ton makes II imperative for honest non
partisan women 60 lot the world
know they will no longer re-
main ln this anomalous position, being
committed 10y resolutions and so-called tests
ul luyRlty 10 partisan action IN the national
body, while ,dslyOwing the same in the
HELD, and since the old organization will not
right the wrongs that have resulted from
tins unwise aud unjust policy, but show IA
disposition Ia Htamp out all honest doubts
in The minds of women IN the ranks and file
with unveiled contempt, and all who differ
tfpu IN" majority IN regard to the methods Of
work, the dissentefs must quietly yield or
withdraw ia company with those oi like
tnith aud pursue the course TINT seems right
aud WISE
Fifth -' The demand is growing for n
national temperance society, no less COM
pick III It's aims and uiutv simple in it's
government. which would work IN It's organ
lied capacity lor such objects only M haya
direct bearing upon temperance reform.
Sixth The uuChtlstlm treatment nc
corded 10 Christian women from year 10
year, who dare Ia utter sentiments in these
national assemblies not in harmony with
thelr chosen policy, emphasizes the need of
another organization.
ooyenth-lhe increasing impossibility OF
working harmoniOusly with the W. G.
n. l.. without the sacrifice of honest
convictions and self-respect, or the
alternative of having "A work
many cannot do because their commission
u from u higher source tnan the national
union, demands a new organization, through
which thousands OF women who will not be
compromised 10y the partisan attitude of
the National W. G. Il. L., as we'll AZ thous.
aHds who have not yet enlisted may COM
binc their efforts and M unity of spirit aud
bonds of pence. labor for the overthrow of
the drink traffic. The loss of moral power
that has resulted from the partisan attitude
of the National W. G. 4. u. may be in "A
measure retrieved by the society keeping IL
self free from NIL party entanglements
80 far that NO political yultures will
ever hover over It's conventions hoping
20 bear away influence that
will help them to plnces of power. We de-
sire 10 organize on a basis SO broad that
prayer may be made for us in all churches
without fear of oficnse. Consideration of
the public is asked its advice is sought, and
It's cooperation is greatly desired. We seek
the pruyerful aid 0t pastors of churches, su.
perintendents of Sunday schools, and
Christian workers In all fields. We do not
propose 10 build our work ON the ruin of the
old year, but We do hope to profit by the ex.
perience of past.
We invite correspondence. Let all who
are interested III this national movement
respond without delay. Ifnny are ready 10
enlist under the non partisan banner let
them say 10 at once. III nny have Godspeed
Tor US, let them mail it, az 80 many have
done, that we nlny know whose hearts they
fill with new hope because Of this rallying
call. December q Is the Anniversary Of
this crusade. We entreat our women 10 re-
new their VOWS before God, and solemnly
pledge before him who knows our hearts.
that hand 10 hand with a simple trust in
our divine leader, and courage that over
comes difficulties and knows no defeat. we
will seek 10 stay this deadly ppstilence
which cuts down the great and gifted as
well as the low and degraded, and makes
the finest spots on earth datkened with des-
ulation, nor will we know rest till God calls
us home, or gives US the desire of our hearts
IA land free from the dominion of the drink
traffic, To this end we invite all i'm sympn-
thy with our principles and methods 10
meet with us Ht Music hall, Cleveland
Ohio, ON or about June 22 to then and there
take action on the questions herein set
forth, eifecting permanent national or
ganlzatlon. The call Is signed by TIE pro-
committee. Mrs. Ellen ]. pbiuuev.
Of Cleveland, chairman.