Woman's chronicle. (Little Rock, Ark.) 1888-1???, 1890-11-01

temperance, and the evil consequences OF all bad
habits; also lessons Of thrift and carefulness.
I believe it is about three years since the organ
ization was started by that most estimable lady
and noble philanthropist Mrs. Coy, who brought
the idea from the East where these bands are
quite numerous and very popular. The use OF the
Congregational church was requested and cheer
fully given for the purpose. Only few gathered
at first, but the lady never disappointed them. She
met them with an instructive lesson, so thoroughly
taught that they will never be forgotten, and, at
the close Of each lesson, each child received
penny. Not so much as reward as to teach them
lesson of thrift in practical way, for five pen
MES could be exchanged for nickel and that de-
posted in the bank of thrift, where 10 per cent
interest was added to it, teaching also lesson Of
the value and power in small things used right
But with the multitude of other duties in which
this noble lady was engaged she soon found the
work too much for her single-handed, and so called
to her aid Capt H. S. Taber, of the United States
engineer coaps, so well known in this city for his
untiring energy, perseverance and success along
every line of Christian and benevolent work with
which he is connected. Already apparently over
crowded with similar duties, he entered upon this
new work as cheerfully as though he had nothing
else on hand and of course he was just the man
for the place, with his knowledge Of military tao
tics and discipline, his ability to organize, divide
and sub-divide and drill, he imbued the organiza-
ton with new life and it began to grow apace.
And anon its first leader was laid aside by sickness
and the entire charge and support fell upon the
captain The growth has been continuous, almost
marvellous, it appears to those who know nothing
of these bands, but they are always successful
when conducted as this one is. Finally the church
became too small, and faint murmur was heard
coming from one or two persons Jealous of good
being done), of damage being done to the church,
and the captain knew he must seek for more COM
modious quarters. 1t was the voice of the Master
bidding him ego forward"
have read somewhere that Mr.. Sturgeon has
never asked any one for money for the support OF
his students College," but that when funds are
low he takes the matter to Him who "holdeth the
wealth Of the world in His hands," and the means
flows in as needed And doubt not that this is
the source which the captain seeks. Any way
am told that need of more room was no sooner
felt than commodous hall was proffered and ac-
cepted, at the corner of Fifth and Main streets.
And it was thither we wendell our way on Sunday
to look in once more upon this work. 1t was an
off day, we were told Dark clouds and the
rumble of thunder portended a storm, and natural
ly mothers Of children living at a distance kept the
children at home, nevertheless we counted nearly
200 present, and no one could look upon that hap
Ply throng, note the perfect order and listen to the
volume Of song and instructive lessons, without
wishing the "Band Of Hope" and its gallant lead
er "God speed" We learned that about 700
members are enrolled, and who can ask "What
shall the harvest be?''
Asking the question recently of venerable
friend at the birthplace Of these orders, 'Do you
think the Bands of Hope have accomplished any
good in your country?" was pointed for answer
to the vast throng of workmen, who recently met
in one Of the London parks-50O,000 l believe,
all we'll dressed sober and orderly-and was asked
il l thought such would have been possible TWEEN
ty-fve years since? And then was told that,
thanks to the Bands of Hone (which coud reach