The Portland daily press., 1890-03-19
The ministers Meeting-A correc-
ton.

ton.
The item in yesterdays PRESS which. I'M
der the caption "The Enforcement of the
Liquor Law" referred to what happened at
the Ministers meeting ON Monday, is con.
sidered misleading. c. Thornton Libby,
Esq, makes the following statement in re-
gard to it:
The movement was intendeded to be kept
out OF the papers, but probably the item in
your paper today makes it desirable to pub
lish fuller and accurate statement.
The plan contemplated Is the formation of
society, made up Of citizens of character
and influence who regard popular respect
for law as vitality important element In a
Republican or Democratic government, for
the purpose OF representing that sentiment
along such lines as the nature and dignity of
the society may suggest. An outline of a
constitution for the proposed society states
the objects as follows:
The objects of the society shall be to cultivate
respect for law and discountenance lawlessness
among the people; to discourage the elevation of
faithless persons to public offices; to sustain and
assist public officers in administering all laws in
force from time TO time; and, generally, to voice
that public sentiment which calls for the decent
submission OF all citizens TO existing laws $50 far
as these objects may be promoted without partic-
ipation 10 politics or embarrassing any member of
the society in his political Affiliations.
OF course the most difficult matter which
would engage the attention of such a society
at the present time is the non-enforcement Of
the prohibitory liquor laws, but the basis of
the society is altogether broader and deeper
than this. and permanent in its nature If |
know the temper OF the gentlemen who have
this matter in mind, the organization of a
movement to undertake an extreme enforce
ment of the liquor law, create a hubbub for
time, and then expire, Is as remote as pos.
sible from their contemplation. They want
no part in 1t unless 1t can be made a society
of gentlemen wishing to lend their influence
IN conservative and prudent manner in fa-
vor of the idea that all laws. while they ex-
ist, should be obeyed. 1t is not designed to
organize volunteer organization at a public
meeting, but rather to start with carefully
selected membership, so as to secure discre
tion. dignity and weight in the proceedings
1t is proposed to make the initiation fee and
annual dues larger than nominal, as furth
er safeguard against rash or irresponsible
membership.
The plan is to invite some of Portlands
citizens who would be expected to give infiu-
other at an early day, and take this project
into consideration. The request made at the
Ministers meeting was that the pastors of
the city each invite two or three members of
their several parishes to attend this meet
T lng ana TINS WI BE- done by most Of them
committee chosen to attend at the Minister'S
meeting, in accordance with an arrangement
with the leading members of the Ministerial
Association, consisted of two Republicans,
Mr.. Alfred Woodman and Mr.. Charles A.
Kennard, and two Prohibitionists, DIR. Carle-
ton Kimball and myself. The Democrats
would have been represented if there had
been any of them at hand. The formal ad-
lournment of the Ministers meeting before
hearing the committee was entirely accepts
BILE to us-indeed it was done at my sugges-
tior Co~S