Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-06-28
EVENING MEETING
In the Big Tent at the Park-An I'M
mense Gathering and Two Splendid
Addresses.


Addresses
The evening meeting was the most
successful held during the convention
1t was held in the big tent and it was
not large enough for the crowd. The
sides Of the tent were elevated, afford
ing standing room for those who were
unable to secure seats, and at the same
time rendering the atmosphere as cool
as if the meeting was held in the open
air. The interior was decorated with
Epworth League emblems and Colors,
and lighted by electricity.
The exercises opened with a song SER
vice, which started at 1880 o'clock and
continued for about a half hour. 1t
was under the direction of Prof Black
The first address, and one of the very
best Of the convention, was made by
George e. Reed. His subject was
Good Citizenship" and by means of
his polished sentences, brilliant
thoughts and splendid oratory, he held
the undivided attention of his audience,
while his address was punctuated with
applause.
GOOD CITIZENSHIP.
Mr.. Reeds principal thought was
that citizens do not manifest sufficient
interests in politics. Many are not
pleased with the manner in which pub
lie affairs are conducted and are not
pleased with public officials. Those
who complain most bitterly about laxity
in enforcement of the laws upon the
statute books and of corruption in high
places unfortunately are a class who
do not avail themselves Of the oppor-
tunity to put an end to these evils.
Christian citizens are themselves in
a measure responsible for the evils of
which they complain. The remedy is
within their grasp. 1t is possible for
them to dictate party policies and to
name party candidates. The speaker
urged them to bring about a betterment
in the existing condition Of affairs by
attending the party caucuses and the
party primaries.
Passing to a discussion of the pres
emit war with Spain the speaker wrought
the audience up TO high pitch of en-
thusiasm by his patriotic sentiments.
He spoke of the oppression and mis-
rule of the people of fair Cuba and of
their long struggle for freedom. He
referred to the intervention of the
Pope and charged that it was made on
behalf of the oppressors and not to as
sist the oppressed After three years
Cuba's vail of anguish was heard in
the United States, and a patriotic Pres
ident, backed up by a patriotic Con-
gress, took action.
The struggle in Cuba will not cease
until the people are free, as they of
right ought to be- The speaker belev-
ed that the United States, when the war
is ended, should assert her right over
the territory wrested from the Span
iards This sentiment was enthusiast
tically applauded The speaker added
that the United States should retain
possession at least until the oppression
CT the Catholic church is ended, and
school houses and churches are erected
on the Island. After that he did not
care what flag foated over the coun-
try. He expa,iated at length upon the
good which will be accomplished in
Cuba through the agency of the Bible
and the school house
ANTI-SALOON ADDRESS.
After the applause which followed
Mr.. Reeds preoration had subsidized, the
audience Joined in singing My Country
'Tis Of Thee"