The Press., 1894-12-13
w. C. T. U. DEPARTMENT.
Echoes From The Convention.

w. N. U. MEN Echoes From The Convention.
 THE CHAIRMAN: Dear friends, you who have the program in your hands mo- tice that this is an anniversary occasion the twenty first anniversary of the cru sade that began in Ohio. I think the large majority of the people in this audi ence have known but little of the crusade. They can never estimate what it meant to the women of Ohio to go out of their speak and to pray, the majority of those women having never heard their own voices in prayer even in their own homes. think you can never understand how bitterly these women cried, "1f 1t be pos sible let this cup pass from me-" and yet, how sweetly they said finally, "Not as I will, but as Thou wilt," And so these women went out from their homes; they went out into the streets to kneel in the mud and the slush and the rain they went from the streets into saloons, and how nightly the gospel of love and mercy was presented none can know but those who heard them. These women spoke not of themselves, but as if they were moved by the Holy Spirit. They some times wondered if it were possible that they were really themselves, and they knew that the power that was upon them was the power of God. Many of these crusaders have passed away their num- bers are becoming less and less every year. The majority of them have passed over to the great majority, but we have a number of these ladies with us tonight, and it is my pleasure to present to you Mrs. Mary B. Ingham, who was one of the original movers for the calling of this great convention, and who invited the | first convention of the National w. c. T. | U. to Cleveland. She was also a crusader.
 MRS. INGHAM: The Temperance Cru sade, CrOis0de, or, bearing the Cross of Christ into saloons and other strongholds of the liquor traffic, has in it the invinci- ble, the immortal, for did not our Leader say during His incarnation, "And l, if l be lifted up, will draw all men unto mel"
 During March and April of 1874, in the city of Cleveland, 5000 women were leagued together to suppress imtemper- ance in our wards.
 For six weeks the city was shaken by the might of prayer, and the traffic tremb- led, groaned and writhed under the pow CT of God so manifest in our streets.
 Can the results of this upheaval within = I>< tod
 There have evolved ten distinct amaz- ing consequences.
 The crusade did more for the advance ment of woman's cause than all the con- she found an eloquent tongue, devising brain, ready hand.
 ls Personal visitation in the homes of the incorporate and evil resorts; also in po lice stations, jails and work houses.
 Reforms, generally, have been institu ted among the criminal classes. Bible readings in various centers and distribu. tion of temperance literature; indeed, all practical agencies for evangelization have been adopted bp volunteer missionaries in short, the masses are reached.
 Cooking schools for women, sewing and kitchen garden classes for girls, bands of hope and evening instruction for boys, temperance and Sabbath schools for both sexes; teaching to public school children the pernicious effects of alcohol upon the human system.
 Friendly inns, peoples tabernacles and chapels have been established with their gospel services, enthusiastic anniversa. ries, reformed mems and mothers meet ings, open doors, training schools, drink. ing fountains, reading rooms and lodging houses.
 ) The various lines of department work especially the organization of the l.. T
 Us, and the Y's.
 Isabella Thoburnand her brother James our own Bishop Thoburn, were the first beyond the seas to catch the inspiration of the crusade, and the streets of Calcutta in 1874 were eresounding with the songs ot Zion. A great church was founded as the'resuit, unions in India were formed by Mrs. Hauser, speedily all lands are girdled with the white ribbon of absti hence and purity.
 Constitutional amendment campaigns for prohibitory measures have followed and righteous legislation has been made } popular in several states and territories Agitation of most healthy character has given impetus to the establishment o , Christ's kingdom on earth.
 Kindred organizations are forming as 6 network over the whole of our beloved country, determined upon it's redemption The Cleveland Alliance, omnipartisan and nonseetarian, includes in it's members representatives of eighty-five different temperance sociesies, and presenting not long since an audience of 4,0O0 people tc listen to Woolley and Watterson. Anti saloon leagues and civic federations have their faces set toward abolition of the trade in human souls.
 Last of all, the old Catholic church is awakening from the sleep of ages aud k in the rear of the procession. When this communion shall be fully reused ano when all men and women join hands fol - better government, then shall the oper saloon be forever driven from our streets hat Leads You