, 1889-12-26
DISAFFECTED WOMEN.
They Condemn the Methods
of the w. @. T. u,
A GENERAL CALL TO WORKERS.
An Open Letter to tho Christian
Women of tho Land
Prayers Asked.

CLEVELAND, Ohio, Dec 20.-The pro-
visional committee of non partisan
women of tho Christian Temperance
Union to-day issued an address to the
public. The trouble between the men,
bers of the National w. q. T. u, which
eliminated at the last convention In the
withdrawal of those delegates opposed
to an alliance with the prohibition party,
Is discussed at length.
The document says: Harmony
seemed impossible. Redress of griev-
ances was denied and 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 Tenn
perance Union is wrong in principle,
contrary to the letter and spirit of the
national constitution, Illogical In its
| reasoning, inconsistent in its conclu-
sions and exceedingly detrimentalto to the
cause of temperance.
"Second believe the work of
Christian temperance stands above and
beyond the lines of any party, or sect,
and we can not follow the lead of the
national body, in pledging our influence
to any party. We must be free to call
on the beet men of all parties for the aid
we need, and must have help to make
our work O 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 our BAN
ners the temperance women of oil Sec
tions of our nation, which can not be
done by an organization whose sympa-
thies and support are pledged to party.
"Third-An increasingly larger num-
ber of women who have contributed
much influence and years of hard, self
denying labor to build up the national
w. q. 4. U., feel that their usefulness is
crippled and their constancy questioned
by the equivocal policy of the National
w. G. 7. u, which avows its allegiance
to and boldly champions the cause of
political party, while at the same time
1t denies partisanship.
"Fourth- The refusal of the National
Union by an overwhelming majority to
adopt non-partisan amendment to the
constitution makes It imperative for
honest non partisan women to let the
world know that they will no
longer remain in the anomalous
position, being committed by resolu-
tions and so-called tests of loyalty to
partisan action in the national conven-
ton, while disavowing the same in the
field and since the old organization will
not right the wrongs that have resulted
from an unwiso and unjust policy, but
show a disposition to stamp. out all
honest doubts in the minds of women
in the rank and file, and exhibit un-
veiled contempt toward all who dilcr
from the majority in regard to methods
of work, the dissenters must quietly
Weld or withdraw in company with
those of a like faith, and pursue tho
course that seems right and wise.
"Fifth--Demand is growing for ma
tional temperance society, less complex
in its aims and more simple in its gov
eminent, which would work in its or
ganized capacity for such objects only us
have direct bearing upon temperance
reform.
"Sixth-The unchristian treatment
accorded to Christian women from year
to year who dare to utter sentiments in
these national assemblies not in har-
mony with their chosen policy empha-
sises the need of another organization.
Seventh-The impossibility of working
tremendously with the w. C.. Il. U.
without sacrifice of honest convictions
and self-rcspect, demands new organi-
cation, through which thousands of
women, who will not be compromised
by the partisan attitude Of the National
W. G. r. u, as we'll as thousands who
have not yet enlisted, may combine
their efforts. and in unity of
spirit and the 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 w. &. T. U. may be in a
measure retridved by the society keeping
itself free from all party 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 desiie to organize ON q basis SO
broad that prayers may be made for US
in all churches without fear of offense.
The consideration of the public is asked,
its advice is sought, and its ,So-opera-
the prayerful aid of the pastors
of churches, the superintendents of
Sunday schools, and Christian workers
in all fields. We do not propose to
build our work on the ruins OF the old
year, but we do hope to pTroit by the ex-
rcspondence, Let all who are interested
in this national movement respond
without delay. If any are ready to en-
list under q 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 new hope be-
cause of this rallying call.
On December %, the anniversary of
the crusade, we entreat our women to
renew their vows before God, and SOL
emnly pledge before him who knows our
hearts that, hand to hand, with simple
trust in our divine leader, and courage
that overcomes doubtful ties and knows
no defeat, we will seek to stay
this deadly pestilence, which cuts
down the great and gifted as
we'll as the low and degraded,
and makes the finest spots on earth
darkened with desolation. Nor will We
know rest till God calls us home, or gives
us the desire of our hearts--a land free
from the dominion OF the drink traffic.
TO this end, we invite all sympathizcrs
with our principles and methods TO meet
with us at the Music hall in Clevclald.
Ohio, ON or about January % to then
and there take action on the questions
herein set forth affecting q permanent
national organization"
The call is signed by the provisional
committee, Mrs. Ellen j. Phinney OF
Cleyeland chairman.