The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-07-11
THE NON-PARTISAN MOVE
MENT.
Paper Read by Mrs. A. Z. Jewell
Before the Quarterly Con.
vention of Cecil County
w. G. r. u. at Elkton.

The question OF discussion that has
arisen in the ranks Of the w. G. T. U.
is one that involves careful thought to
fully comprehend the situation. but
when the circumstances which led to
the dissension are carefully reviewed
and thoroughly understood we venture
to say that but few if any of our earn
est christian temperance workers would
be deeply moved to take issue with the
National W. G. 7. U. in expressing
opinions concerning ways, means and
methods Of temperance work; thus we
believe that the disseuters are composld
chiefly Of women who have worldly in
terests stronger than their temperance
principles, these become leaders in the
movement, and those who have been
e misinformed upon the subject. deluded
by the arguments brought forth by
these leaders and the public press, hav.
ing such an influence brought to bear
upon them as to make them feel un.
welcome in the ranks of the W. G. T.
u, if their individual convictions con-
corning the questions of the day do not
agree with the leaders of the W. G. T.
U. The arguments are false, delu-
sive, and unprincipled and arc brought
forth for no other reason than to push
their interests in political matters, and
to break the ranks of the w. G. T. U.
fearing its influence for Prohibition
will strike too deeply into political
thought, and have tendency to
divide political forces on the temper
ance question. And so deeming
the grand mission of the W. G. T.U. Of
SO much less importance than the party
of their choice they have chosen to use
every effort to break its ranks, that its
influence might be lessened in the rapid
speed toward the goal of Prohibition,
thus bringing forth shouts of joy and
commentator on the part Of saloon men
and such politicians as have for their
object worldly lusts, and selfish ambi-
tions. In order to make clear state
ment Of the causes that have led to such
a dissension it will be necessary to 90
back to the year 1882 when at the
Louisville Convention of the National
w. G. L. U. a resolution was introduced
containing these words: 1--WE r,joice
in the day that gives recognition to our
prohibition principles by political par
tisans and We will endeavor to influence
the best men in all communities to com.
nit themselves to that party by what
ever name called that shall give to
them the best embodiment of Prohibi-
tion principles and will most surely
protect our homes"
Upon this committee were Mrs.
Phinney and Mrs Miller now the Pres
and Sec of the socalled nor partisan
movement, who with other now leading
dissenters supported the resolution
The next year, 1888, at Detroit the
same resolution was passed unanimously
with Mrs. Foster and MIS-. Phinney
included in the committee that brought
in the report. The anne Mrs. Foster
while not an officer Of the non partisan
movement is its instigator and power
behind the throne that year she made
a report as Supt. of Legislative work
and after commencing the action of the
party that stood by the Prohibition
amendment Of Kan. and Iowa, spoke
these words: Every temperance
woman has right to oppose by voice
and influence the action of any party,
in which it ignores, or refuses to
submit this question to the votes
of the people, she ought also to
support the action of any party
wherein it commands its representatives
to thus aid the people in the expression
of their will, in some instances this
will lead women contrary to their other.
wise political preferences, but since we
believe the prohibition of the liquor
traffic to be the subject of paramount
Importance We are justified in so
doing" closing her report with these
words: "God forbid that any temper
ance woman should with doubt or dis
cord weaken the strain or cause the
time to drag" Under the spur OF her
burning eloquence the women of that
convention We're made to see their duty
clearly and responded in their hearts
so help me God l will.
At this convention it was unani-
mously ordered that memorial should
be prepared and presented to all of the
National political conventions of 1884,