Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-11-25
DIR. McARTHUR.s ELECTION BET.
He Wagered the Decorations OF His Churcl,
| on Harrison.

DECORATIONS
on Harrison.
The Calvary B aptist Church. on West 57th
street, New York. was bare of decorations oil
any kind yesterday morning for the first time
since it was built.
1t was on account Of an cleo lion bet made be
tween the pastor, Rev. DIR. Macarthur, and
prominent member of his congregation Dr.
Macarthur believed firmly that Harrison would
be reelected. By the terms Of the bet in the
event of q republican victory the prominent
member was to furnish at his own expense tn,
Thanksgiving day decorations for the church
1t was agreed that the decorations should sur
pass anything ever before attempted by tn,
church. Eleven hundred fags were to be used
among other things.
If Cleveland was elected the reverend doctor
was to do without decorations. To his surp rise
the bet went against him.
Last Sunday DR.. Macarthur appealed to hi,
congregation to come forward and decorate the
church. The story of the bet had become
known. There was quiet laugh and no one
responded. That was why the only decorations
in the church at the THANKSGIVING service
Yesterday morning were the yellow and BLACK
Princeton colors worn in the lapels Of the
ushers coats.
DR.. Macarthur briefly referred to the absence
OF the decorations at the beginning Of his ser
mon, apologizing for the departure from the
course of previous wears py saving that the
decorations had depended upon tho result OF
recent political contest, which result had
turned ont adversely to the decorations He
complained somewhat plaintively that other
members of the congregation would come for
ward and provide the decorations.
The preacher said that while during the
campaign he had given utterances to no parti-
san feeling he felt that on the present occasion
he should be allowed little more liberty. The
campaign was over and the day was not the
Lords day.
After referring very briefly to cause for
Thanksgiving in the general prosperity of tho
country. he proceeded to give reasons why he
thought this thanksgiving should not be unmixed.
II find, he said, Every grave cause for solicit
tude, for questioning. for earnest considera-
ton. find, a. never before that the saloon.
the rum power, is threatening, is dangerous, is
determined. am not referring to personal in
diligence in strong drink, to the duty of total
abstinence or to anything of that kind. bu. to
the saloon as an organized .power-a political
force.
'lhe saloon is blasting homes and breaking
hearts all over the country. The saloons of the
United States, if placed in line, would reach
from New York to Chicago. The saloon power
controls 100000 votes in New York state. 1t
controls from 75.0 900 to so 900 votes in this CITY,
That is a low estimate. There are 10, 900 saloons
in this city and surely every one of them con-
uois AT ieast ten votes IL is tremendous force
Ised against all that is good and godly and for
everything that is bad and satanic
eff God would intrust us with His thunder
bolts we would wipe them all out before IL
O'Clock today. Applause. Think of less
money being spent on these beautiful churches
that dot this city than on the breathing holes
of hell they call saloons and blush for the honor
of your land. IAppIause.l l shall lift up my
voice and use my pen as long as God Almighty
gives me voice and pen. tApplause.l l have
spoken much about the school question. ard
recently have received very many letters of
appreciation for my stand on the subject.
Look at this. The United States spends on the
saloon ten times much as it does on the
schools. God in heaven, forgive u.s."