The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-07-11

Convention In 1889 the same discus
sions were led by Mrs Foster and pro-
test signed by 30 out of 245 delegates.
At Minneapolis in 1886 the same oppo
sition and discussion was followed by
Mrs. Fosters protest. The discussion
interfered so mrch with the business of
the Convention that the vote was
ordered to he taken without further
discussion, and the protest again defeat.
ed by large majority. At the National
Convention in 1887 it only received the
signatures of IA members all from
Iowa and Penna. At the New York
convention in 1888 the proposed
amendment to the Constitution by the
minority, to insert the word non parti-
san, re opened the discussion. The
Constitution had never contained the
word partisan nor anything else touch.
ing political thought, thus at the
Chicago Convention in 1889 by large
majority vote it was decided to keep
the Constitution untrammeled by any
political feeling and to stand upon the
same broad liberal basis it had stood
since first organized and thus the
minority being defeated in their pur-
pose Of changing the constitution with.
drew from the convention. Thus in
spite and anger was born the so, called
Non Partisan W. C. T. U.
| mike this brief statement that all
may understand the causes that have
led to the division referred to. We
are not fearful that such movement
will seriously injure the w. G. L. U,
and its influence, but We are anxious
tina; those who have in the years past
stood frnly by US should not be de-
ceived and allured by false arguments
from the ranks of the W. G. I. U. to
join the band Of seceders. Our state
ment has shown clearly that the Con-
stitution has never been changed, and
is just the same as when our County
was first organized. Our obligations
are no more or no less, notwithstand.
ing the seceders lay such stress upon
our departing from the original Consti
tuition and perhaps many of them have
been made to believe that it has been
changed, but this gives evidence that
they are accepting the teachings o:
such leaders without any thought or
research upon the que ton. 1t is for
this reason that the w G. 7. U. wants
to be heard in its own defence, to cor
rect the many mis- leading things said
concerning it. We believe there are
those who tn INK tile National Coustitu
ton partisan and have made no distinc
ton between constitution and a
resolution that simply expresses a sen
timent, and can in nowise bind indi-
viduals whose convictions are otherwise.
The only rtquir, ment of the w G. T..
u is the signing Of the Constitution
and the pledge, therefore the greatest
individual freedom is given as to indi
vidual opinions. Does any organization
Expect to always agree in opinions flat
may be expressed by m>jo.i;y votes?
They must agree upon their Constitu-
ton, but expressions in the form of a
resolution relative to the questions of
the day does not men that all mem
bers are under obligation to think and
feel alike concerning them For in
stance, many of the conferences, espec
tally in the Methodist Church, are
passing resolutions strongly expressing
their political feelings concerning the
the temperance question, but doe, this
mean to compel their ministers to think
alike upon the subject? What would
We think of ministers seeding because
OF such an expression in their confer
ence? You may ask what is the use
then Of such resolution. 1t simply
shows how majority of the body stand
IN thought upon the question. But
not unless the general conference sees
fit to embody it in their constitution,
Will any minister feel under obligations
to such an expression if contrary to his
conviction. And so when members OF
the W. G. T. U. have no positive con-
victions concerning the matter there is
no disposition to ob!igate them to think
as their leaders think and express them,
selves in convention assembled. On
the contrary have they right to sup
press the convictions Ct others when
they desire to give expression to them!
II one liberty of opinion be accorded
on one side why not on the other?
Can those who have not given much
time or thouoht 70 opoo+'o,s or .,F,