The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1899-04-06
w. c. T. U. Anniversary.

The Belfast w OMAN ohAiotidu Temper.
ance Union celebrated the twenty fifth an
niversary of the formation of the national
organization by supper and appropriate
exercises at the home of Miss Ellen P. Froth-
ingham, No. % High street, Thursday even.
ing, March 30th.
The business meeting Of the local union
was held in the afternoon, when the report
of the Secretary, Mrs. S. u. Bicknell, was
read and accepted. The report showed that
there has been one death IN the union dur
the past year, Mrs. Frances Elwell of North
port The union has held 40 meetings, with
an average attendance of IL members. Six
Thursdays were so stormy that few members
were present and the meetings were not cal
led to order. In May last committee was
appointed to confer with the mayor and
other officials in regard to the better enforce
ment of the liquor law. The officers said
that there was less liquor sold than at any
previous time that several who had former
ly been in the business had gone out on
account of the fines and the small amount
of business. The officers We're also tryin g
to prevent gambling and to have Sunday
better observed In June a successful
county convention was held in Winterport
Miss Crippen of Ohio, student in the Cor
don training school for missionaries, was at
several of the meetings of the local union
and spoke Interestingly on mission work.
From july IA to Sept !, the union took a
vacation, Ehe only one in "a years, with the
exception of one month in 1897 But while
it was vacation from the weekly meetings
it was not a vacation from work. A very
interesting midsummer meeting was held at
Northport, bringing together large nun Der
of workers from all parts of the State.
Literature has been sent into the country
and on board vessels and petitions have been
circulated in regard to purifying our fair
grounds from obscene and questionable side
shows. A good sum was realized from the
annual supper and sale. held Nov. 3d. In
December the treasurer, Mrs. Mary Beckett
moved to Boston. She has been greatly mis-
sed, as she was always at her post. The
union gave up its rooms on Main street in
January and has since met at the homes of
the members. A commemorative service to
Frances E. Willard was held Feb Goth. The
Belfast pastors and others spoke of Miss
Willard as leader, an educator, Chris
tian, patriot and philanthropist. Miss
Millett, missionary who has spent several
years in India has been at the meetings and
given much information in regard to that
degraded people. The union has held devo-
tional meetings the rst Thursday of each
month, and mothers meetings the last
Thursday. These have been we'll attended,
interesting and helpful. More than 500 arti-
cles have been given in charity work. The
secretary named several instances of the
charity work of the union, and gave credit
for help received from friends.
Tables We're spread in three large rooms
and excellent supper was served. 1t was
prepared and served in styl7 which reflect
ed much credit upon the b ,stess. Prayer
was offered by Miss Mllett. After the sup
per the guests assembled in .ae parlors for
the evenings entertainment. All the pas
tors of the city Were present, but owing to
engagements at their respective churches it
being the week before Easter, they We're oblig-
ed to retire early, except Rev j. NJ Leigh
ton. The evening exercises were opened by
Miss Emily F. Miller, county president, who
read a letter from Mrs. L, NJ n Stevens
the State and national president, reviewing
the work of the year and offering advice and
encouragement for the future, The follow
ing program was given
Recitation, Mrs. + n Savery
Song, Miss Ethel Savery
Recitation, Mrs. Alexander
Recitation, Miss Myrtle E. Mitchell
Recitation, Miss Frederca Cook
A letter from the Devil to rum-seller W as
read by Miss 4. A. Hicks, An interesting
letter from Mrs. G. A. Beckett, giving an
account OF the work in Boston, was read by
Mrs. A. E. Clark.
Remarks on the progress OF the work for
the past quarter of century, and the hope
full outlook for the future, were made by
Rev. j. M. Leighton, Harry Miller, j. s.
Fernald, Capt A, E. Clark. Miss Hicks,
Mrs Clark, Miss Miller and Mrs Bicknel.
A vote of thanks was given to Miss Froth-
ingham for her generous and pleasant hos
pitality.
The company broke up at about 8 O'Clock,
one and all pronouncing it very pleasant
occasion.
y,xya