Wichita eagle., 1890-02-22

ization, begun in 1926, was known as
1.-The American Temperance Union"
The most stirring and enthusiastic move
ment. however. was initiated in Balti-
more in 1S40 by party of six indi-
viduals-all old topers-who were in the
habit of associating together in one of
the popular haunts of the city. Three or
four of them had listened to temper
ance discourse by an eloquent clergy
man who was preaching in Baltimore at
the time, and, on reuniting over their
bottle, one of the number. impressed by
what he had heard, suddenly exclaimed:
''Ill tell you what, boys; let's form
society and make Bill Mitchell presi-
dent" Agreed" cried the rest, and
the more they talked over the idea the
better they were pleased with it. Right
then and there pledge was drawn and
the next morning, Monday, it was
signed.
The next point to be considered was
how to pay expenses and enlarge their
membership. 1t was finally agreed that
each man should bring a friend, every
one paying twenty-five cents on becom-
ing a member and twelve and half
cents monthly thereafter. Then they
were in dilemma as to name, but,
after long discussion, they selected that
of "Washington," in honor of the Father
of his Country. Before Christmas in
that year. 1910, thousands were enrolled
as members. The spirit of reformation
M
cities. Distinguished speakers focked
to the standard of the six projectors,
and the whole land seemed filed with
festivals, professions Of children's cold
water armies, banners, bands of music
and the songs of the ''Washingtonians."
In 1S49 additional impetus was given
to the washington" movement by the
arrival of Father Mathew. For ten
years previously he had labored as an
agitator and reformer in Ireland and
England. The famous temperance priest
was received with the highest honors,
entertained by the president of the
United States and distinguished senators,
and at the conclusion of his tour through
the country upwards of 100000 persons
had enrolled themselves under his BAN
ner of total abstinence.
The influence of the "Washingtoni-
ans was evidently felt in the army at
that time fighting our battles in Mexico,
for it is related Of Gen. Zachary Taylor
that traveller in the west one day en-
couhtered an emigrant journeying with
his family to the regions beyond the
Mississippi, all his worldly goods being
packed on wagons. On one load there
hung huge jug with the bottom gone
The emigrant was asked his reason for
carrying that with him. Why" he
said, ''that is my Taylor jug And
what is Taylor jug?' was asked.
why" said the emigrant. Il had son
with Gen. Taylor's army in Mexico. and
the old gentleman told him always to
carry his whisky jug with boie in the
bottom; and since then l have carried
my jug as you see it, and find it the
best invention l ever met with"
The following story is probably famil-
lar. but will bear repetition. The
night before going into the battle Of Mo-
bile Bay. one of his officers said to Ad-
miral Farragut, Admiral, won't Sou
consent 10 give Jack glass OF greg IN
the morning; not enough to make him
drunk. hut enough to make him fight
cheerfully?"
We'll" replied the admiral Il have
been tosea considerably and have seen a
battle or two. but | never found that
wanted rum to enable me 10 do my duty.
l will order two cups of coffee to each
man at O'Clock. and at s O'Clock | viii
pipe all hands 20 breakfast in Mobile
Bay" And he did give Jack the coffee;
then he went up to the masthead, and
the result Is known.