Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-26
AIRING THEIR Grievances
Reasons for the Uprising in the W.
C. t. L. Ranks.
Political Policy of the Union Wrong in
Principal.
The Work of the Cause Stands Above
Any Party.

NNOCl LII AtCAlAVCIS dAtti ICoOClS VI lit
National W. c. T. e., which eliminated
at the last convention in the withdrawal
OF those delegates opposed to an alliance
with the prohibition party are discussed
at length. The document says: Harmony
seems impossible; redress of grievances
was denied. Only one resource was left.
and that was to form a new organization
for the following reasons:
First-We believe that the political
policy of the national Woman's Christian
Temperance Union is wrong In principle,
contrary to the letter and spirit of the
original constitution, illogical In its rea-
sonings, inconsistent in its conclusions.
and exceedingly detrimental to the cause
of temperance.
Second-We believe that the work of
Christian temperance stands above and
beyond the lines of party or sect, and we
cannot follow the lead of the national as
ISOLATION In pledging u influence to n
party. We must be free to call ON the
best men of all parties for the aid we need,
and we must have their help to make
our work a success. We must have the
influence of the press of the nation so far
as that influence is on the side of God and
humanity irrespective of party lines. We
must range under u banners Christian
temperance women of all sections of our
nation, which cannot be done by ~organiza-
ton, whose sympathies and support ar
pledged to the party.
Third-An increasingly large number of
women who have contributed money, in
fuence and years of hard labor to build up
the national w. C. T. U. feel their useful
ness is crippled and their consistency ques-
toned, 10y the e%quivocal policy of the ma
tional union, whichby avows its allegiance
and boldly champions the cause of a poll
teal party. while at the same time it de-
MES partisanship.
Fourth-The refusal of the National
Union, by an overwhelming majority, to
adopt the non-partisan amendment to the
constitution makes it imperative for hon
est nOn-partlsan women to let the world
understand that they will no longer remain
In this anomalous condition, being COM
mitted by resolutions and so-called tests of
loyalty to partisan action in the national
union while disavowing the same in The field,
and since the old organization will not
right the wrongs that have resulted from
an unwise and unjust policy, but
show a discrimination to stamp
out all honest doubts in
the minds of women In the ranks and
treat with unveiled contempt all who differ
from the majority In regard to the methods
of work, dissenters must quietly yield or
withdraw In company with those of like
faith and pursue the course that seems
right and wise.
Fifth-The demand is also growing for
a national temperance society less complex
in its aims and more simple in its govern
ment which will work In its organized
capacity.
Sixth The unchristian treatment &C
corded to Christian women from year to
year, who dare to utter sentiments in these
national assemblies not in harmony with
their chosen policy, emphasizes the need
of another organization.
Seventh-The increasing impossibility
of working h~armonlOusly with the national
w. G. 7. e.. without the sacrificing of
honest convictions and self respect or the
alternative of leaving the work altogether,
which many cannot do because their COM
mission is from a higher source than the
national union, demands a new organlza-
tions through which thousands of
women, who will not be compromised by
the partisan attitude of the national w.
G.. T. q. as well as the thousands who
have not yet enlisted, may combine their
efforts, and in the unity of spirit and
bonds of peace, labor for the overthrow of
the drink traffic.
The ~lamentable loss Of the moral power
that has resulted from the partisan attitude
of the national w. G. T. U. may be in a
measure retrieved by the society keeping
itself free from all party entanglements;
so free that no political v~ultures will eyer
hover over its conventions, hoping to
bear away any influence that will help
them to a place of power.
We desire to organize on a basis so
broad that prayer may be made for Us III all
churches without fear of ~otfense. The
consideration of the public is asked, it's
advise is sought, and its cooperation is
greatly desired. We seek prayerful aid
from pastors of churches, superin-
tendents of Sunday schools, and Christian
workers In all fields. We do not propose
to build our work ON the ruins of the old,
but we do hope to profit by the experience
of the past. We invite correspondence.
Let all who are interested III this
national movement respond without
delay. If any are ready to enlist under the
non-partisan banner, let them say so at
once. If any have a God speed for us, let
them mail it as so many have done, that
we may know whose hearts thrill with a
new hope because of this new rallying
call.
December %, the anniversary of the cru
SADIE, we entreat our women torenew their
vows before God, and solemnly pledge be-
fore Him who knows our hearts that hand
to hand, with simple trust In our Divine
Leader and courage that overcomes diff
culties 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 with
desolation, nor will we know rest till God
calls home or gives us the desire of our
hearts-make the land free from the do
minion of the drink traffic.
To this end we invite all In sympathy
with our principles and methods to meet
with US at Music hall, Cleveland, O., on or
about Jan. 22-to then and there take ac-
ton on the questions herein set forth af-
fecting a permanent national organization.
The call is signed by the provisional COM
mittee, Mrs. Ellen j. Phinney, of Cleve-
land, chairman.
SUSTAINED THE DEMURRER.