The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-08-20
o PROHIBITION.
a Vigorous Defence for Mr.. Murphy
Rev. Mr.. Smith Comes Back

a Vigorous Defence for Mr.. Murphy
Rev. Mr.. Smith, Comes Back.
EDITOR INDEPENDENT: l have read with q
good deal of interest, and not O little regret,
the discussion now going on In your paper
as regards temperance work and method y.
l have also read tho somewhat sensational
and rather highly oolored article that up
psared In the New Issue after the editor had
given q weeks notice that II was coming.
Unlike my prohibitionist friends whose
articles appeared In THE INDEPENDENT Of
the 18th inst. / think tho criticism by tho
editor Of the New Issue, OF Mr.. Murphy and
his work, was importune and uncalled for.
The temperance loving people OF Helena
through their representatives., the daily
papers of this CITY, called Francis Murphy
and his good wife to thu great work that no
has lately accomplished. That the
work has been successful beyond
the most sanguine. expectations cannot
DO denied. His success has been Infested
by the Sunday closing of at least one saloon
and many others may follow. More than
ness and love where a month ago relgned
Drunkenness and sorrow. Three thousand
workers in the cause now wear the blue
ribbon, a majority Of them. at least. as a
result Of his work. With the knowledge of
all this a correspondent in Yesterdays
Ell DENlo VOt IA ~ ~ VI " go
hibitionist," pronounces the Murphy meet
ings "a dismal failure" and alludes to his
supposed real love for mankind" and even
mentioned the name of Francis Murphy's
wife in his criticism. Have a care, brother
prohibitionist, that YOU seek to tear down
what you cannot build up! Mr.. Murphy
perhaps took too much notice of the article
which appeared in the NEW Issue" but
coming as it did from ono to whom he
might we'll look for support and sympathy
instead of criticism and encouragement, he
can we'll be excused for resenting the critl-
long article IA did Brother Smith in discus
sion of the prohibition question. / will not
attempt to answer his argument. but as one
who lived many years in Iowa my observa-
ton has been that the strong temperance
sentiment prevalent among the people OF
that state "a sentiment that dates further
back than the date of prohibition) and to
their ~law-abidine and home-loving dis
position ia due the temperate con-
dition of society more than to any prohib-
tory amendment. Nearly my first vote was
cast for the prohibitory law in South Da-
kota, and ! hope it may prove an effective
Measure, though l am not certain that it
will. Being accustomed to hear temper
ancs workers of every faith and opinion,
and being accustomed to observe their
work, your correspondent is reminded that
there are " classes of workers in this
cause. First comes the 1OllOW6rS OF tAt
first Great Apostle of Temperance" whose
life and LAHORE show out like g great beaoor
light over two centuries and two CONT.
nents-none other but the renowned
Father Matthew. Among the other
class of so-oalled temperance workers are
those who seek political preferment o.
prominence, and many Of whom care M
more for the drunkard thar the saloor
keeper. Among them are also men whose
narrow bigoted minds are warped by theil
own imaginary s~anotity and virtue. Thit
out of the fashionable churches of oul
great cities and this element is and always
the greatest foe to true Christian pro
gress. l cannot but contrast this class
Of work and workers with the first class
that l have mentioned among the foremost
Of which now stands Francis Murphy. Ge
on thou good and noble worker and MAY
God bless and preserve you and your gooc
wife. HARRY CANNON.