The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-04-15
AN COUNCIL.

TIE May council of the Women's
Christian Temperance Union promises
to be one Of the most interesting SEES
sions in the splendid history of that
great organization, since it is expected
to determine the most important issue
that has yet arisen in it's work Of re-
form. The question, briefly stated, is
whether the union will continue its
work on the temperance line alone, or
whether it will embrace other and i'm
portant subjects like women's suffrage,
social purity, the opium question, child
labor and, in a word, all kindred sub
jects relating to reform. Party lines
have been sharply drawn and the issue
in all its phases will doubtless draw
forth a discussion both interesting and
heated.
The international union now consti-
tutes two great branches. In this coun-
try there is the union of which Miss
Frances r. Willard is the head; in Eng
land, there is the British Woman's Tenn
perance Union under the presidency of
Lady Henry Somerset. These leaders
are very close friends and work together
in heartiest sympathy. Each is agrees
sive, u%nyielding and untiring. Lady
Somerset has lately become involved in
a conflict of authority with the trustees
Of the British union and a side issue to
DO determined is whether she will have
to step down from the presidency in
Difference to the will of q majority of
the trustees. Thus far she has shown
the real old British pluck in maintain
ing the fight and has received material
encouragement from Miss Willard, who,
on the other hand, has encountered de-
c!ded opposition in the American union.
The growth Of this organization has
been something wonderful. It's branches
have reached into every hamlet of two
countries where Christian women are
found, and the importance and magni-
tude of it's work have kept pace with the
growth in membership. 1t is a serious
question, however, whether a change in
methods in recent years has been wholly
beneficial. The union started originally
to devote its work to temperance on the
lines of moral suasion. Here 1T was sue
cessful beyond measure. Soon after
1880 when the prohibition party polled
only 10000 votes, the union, under the
vigorous leadership of Miss Willard, de-
cided to ally it's work with that of the
prohibitionists. In 1884 the party
polled more than 10000 votes, which
was seemingly an endorsement of this
change of policy. 1t resulted, however,
in the creation Of serious dissensIons in
the union. Many of the workers be.
lieved that the organization should be
kept out Of politics and this feeling was
was increased to a considerable degree
when Miss Willard attempted to make E
union with the peoples party, providing
the latter would adopt a prohibition
plank. This was refused and at the
prohibition convention, held later in thu
season, Miss Willard again came into 4;
conflict with the leaders Of that party
1t may properly be said, therefore, tina.
while a magnificent organizer, she SEEM
lacking in political tact.
1t would seem the proper policy TO-
the union to stick close to the origina
lines Of work. There can DO no dissen
j, sions in that field. On the other hand
the division of labor accorded to sucl
|, branches OF reform as are PROPOSED
would necessarily weaken Temperance
l work. These questions are OF q politicu
s as we'll as a predetermined nature. The
J have existed many years without settle
ment and are likely to 80 continue for
ternecine wal in the union is unfortu
I nate, it is well to have the issues settle
: for all time at the coming council.