The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-11-03

the terrible curse of rum.
One night in dunken brawl. Willie
committed crime that sent him to prison
for six years.
You ask, chow could his mother bear
it,"
answer, only by the sustaining grace OF
God. For years she had been dwelling in
the secret place of the Most High. Now He
was hiding her under the shadow of His
wings. She found him IA blessed refuge.
During Willes imprisonment a stir was
made all over the county on the subject OF
temperance Men and women too said,
1--WE are tired of rum. 1t shall be hanshed
from our midst. we do not want our boys
to grow up under its terrible influence"
They were thoroughly aroused on the sub
ject. and as Il result, it was given the voters
of Cecil county to say whether we should
have license or no license. The struggle
began at once, the struggle of right against
wrong Meetings were held everywhere,
and every argument used to persuade men
to cast their vote only on the side of right
eousness and humanity. On election day,
while true earnest men worked faithfully
at the polls true earnest women were on
their knees at home. God honored their faith
and their works, and right prevailed.
Christian people reioiced with exceeding
great JOY, when it was heralded though the
country, that Cecil county was free from
the debasing and degrading curse of rum.
WhenWillie was released from prison. he
found the saloons closed, and rejoiced that
it was 50, for he did not want to 90 back
to his old life again Occasionally he
would come in contact with evil men, who
detied the law, and secretly obtained
whiskev. and furnished it to all who would
drink it, There he would fall again, but
this was not often, for he stunned such
men aS he would shun a poisonous reptile.
When it was seen how he was struggling
for victory. he did not lack encouragement
and help. Friends gathered about him.
with loving sympathy But Willie rea-
lied how helpless he was, how utterly
powcrlcss in his own strength to overcome
this worst of all foes. He knew that he
must have power from above.
During the revival meetings held the
following winter he made his way to the
altar. Night after night he came seeking
help and strength to overcome the appetite
that was pursuing him like Il demon.
Finally the victory came and he was able
to 90 forth a new creature. Great was the
rejoicing of that little town when it
was known that Willie Raymond was CON
ver;ed. Loving hearts kept earnest watch
over the rescued one. Gradually the deep
lines of dissipation, that showed so plainly
what his life had been, gave way toa noble
expression and people began to notice with
wonder what handsome man he could be
when free from his debasing habits. They
were proud of him, of his talents and of his
wonderful reform. His mothers JOY was
beyond expression
He became an honored member of
society, an active earnest worker in the
church. and strong influence for good
among the young men. Noticeable in his
wonderful change, was the difference in his
social companions. Those who were for
merlv his chosen friends We're never seen
Young ladies as one of their chief workers
in the temperance cause, and when the
Epworth League was organized he became
one of its charter members. No one could
be more devoted to church work than he.
Every service found him in his place, an
intelligent nearer of the word of God. His
prospects for the future were bright and
promising, and life became to him what he
had once thought it never could be.
But alas, not long can the demon be
chained. Men became restless under the
restraint of our local option law and petit
toned the Legislature to have the question
again submitted to the voters of the county,
pleading as an excuse that the revenue
derived from licenses would be of such
great benefit to the county. Bartering
the souls of men for few thousand
dollars. 1t was hoped that no one would
be found to present the petition, but in
this we were mistaken, it was presented,
passed and again voted upon. As the cleo
ton day drew near, the temperance people
ovcr-contidcnt of success. feeling sure OF
victory in favor Of local option-faled to
do their duty, some even staying away
from the polls, saying-''there will be an
Overwhelming majority, without my vote,
it cannot be otherwise, there is no cause for
fear" Not so with the advocates of high
license They were relentless in their
efforts working day and night steadily,
though quietly for the accomplishment of
their purpose. Consequently on the morn
ing after the election the temperance pco-
pie were filed with dismay to find. that
Cecil county was again to be in the power
of the rum traffic. How they regretted then
their lack of interest, their failure of duty.
But it was too late. Their opportunity
was past and for four years at least Cecil
county must be cursed with the open
saloon. and who can estimate the vast