The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1896-07-01

Mrs, Keith and Mrs Jones-The Prin-
ciples of the Organization Strongly Az
hrmed In Resolutions.
The fourteenth annual convention of
the Washington County Woman's
Christian Temperance Union was held
in the Congregational church at Plain
field, June 10 and 10. The decora-
tons consisted of ferns and flowers in
profusion, in the midst of which was
life.size portrait of our much-loved ma
tional president, Miss Frances E. Will
lard, LII. d.
After devotional exercises, conducted
by Mrs. Hidden, came the greeting by
Mrs. Ell. Colby and response by Mrs. D.
Wiswell. A paper, "How and Why We
Engage in Evangelistic Work." was
read by Mrs. E. B. Dwinell. 1t is a
system of moral reform; foundation
of permanent success; the agency
whereby we are to lift the world. This
was followed by discussion, ERE
SolUed, That home is a greater factor
than society in inducing inebriety," in
which instructive thoughts were
brought before us of home and street
education. Next, an essay, Dangers
for Vermont YOUTH" by Mrs. Mary
Bingham, giving us a glimpse of life in
the State Industrial School at Yer
gennes, where she is instructor. Par
lamentary drill, Mrs. Keith.
A vesper service was held Thursday
evening, with an address by Mrs. M.
l.. L. Hidden of Vancouver, Washing
ton. She spoke strongly in favor of
political and gospel temperance, the
necessity of Gods people gaining
power over Satan through politics, our
Legislators. None can estimate the
good that must result. The press, also,
is a prominent educator. There is a
great national conflict between good
and evil. Intelligence and righteous
ness must prevail, step by step, over
these enemies of Gods work, and he
will hold this nation responsible for the
suppression of the same.
Reports from the Unions indicated
much good has been accomplished in
the seventeen departments of our work.
An essay was read by Mrs. Dr..
Nichols entitled, What the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union Asks of
the Churches" also an original poem
by Mrs. Rev. w. R. Davenport. Both
essay and poem will be printed later.
The following subjects were con-
sidered: "The Laws We do Not En-
force;" "Present Conditions and
Future Plans;" Christianity as a
Factor in Temperance Reform; "
"The Federation of Hotel Keepers; "
"Hygiene and Ralston Health Treat
ment." An earnest appeal was made
in behalf OF the suffering Armenians.
Miss Bertha E. Chambellin, our
county president, presided over the
convention with becoming dignity, and
Friday evening the speakers from
abroad were seated with her upon the
platform.
The Rotations by Mrs. Alice M.
Richardson, Mrs. May Bingham and
Miss Rose Cooper were of superior
merit. All enjoyed fine exercise in
singing and marching by thirty children
also recitation by Master Clyde Bailey
followed by an address by Mrs. Ella
Keith, superintendent of railroad work
Worcester county, Mass. She said
that this special work is common sense
carried on by workers earnest in educa.
tional, social, religious and legal lines
affiliated interests and franchise; by
servants of progress who think only OF
serving the race. She related many
interesting anecdotes regarding her
hospital and home work among the
railroad employees in her district.
Rev. Effie X. Jones treated temper
ance from a practical and Theoretical
view of advancement from moral sua
sion that failed to do all that was ex
pected, and spoke of the license system
and prohibition. The profit of the
liquor traffic is a menace to our prog
ress. The rise of the Woman's Chris
tisn Temperance Union, with it's at
tendant influence, is yet unparalleled
The great armies of temperance work.
ers must unite and march forward
with no compromise, and follow their
banner of pure and holy life up the
hilltop of heaven, knowing no creed
party, nation or race; for humanity is
our family, and justice our guiding star
Music was furnished by local talent
Revs. A. L. Cooper, E. o. Grisbroob
and B. w. Jones assisted during the
convention.
The following preamble and resolu
tions were adopted: "This fourteenth
convention of the Washington County
Woman's Christian Temperance Union
wishes to declare and record its deer
feeling of gratitude to God for his low
ing guidance and protection during the
past year. RESOLVED, That we will con.
tinue our department work with re.
newed earnestness, taking up all new
work that calls for our sympathy and
aid, trusting God will give US strength
to bring about this most needed reform
Resolved, That we labor more zeal
ously for scientific temperance instruc.
ton in our public schools, and if we
find that such instruction is not con
scientiously given, we will use every
means in our power to secure the rein.