Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-08-07
The Worlds White. Ribbon Leader.

Lady Henry Somerset, whose birthday
Is SCI apart IN our white ribbon calendar
as fresh --ir Mission day. has realized
he IocqucNiile's words that life is
helther u pleasure nor a pain; il Is a Sc
rlous business TO be entered upon with
courage ana in a spirit OF SeIf-sacrince"
The signing Of the total abstinence
pledge was 70 her not a thing to be light
~ done, II was the breaking OF the bread
81 truth TO seeking ones. an act Of con-
secrati At Easnor Castle, among the
beautiful Malvern hills. In the earlier
years OF her married life, alone with her
young son, she took her place in the
den bearers,
Had Lady IIenrys nature and char
atter been less broad and spritual. she
might have at this time turned away
from the SORROWS of humanity and lived
only for self. From those whom she had
every right to expect truth she met d.
ceit from those who had pledged fidelity
and loyalty. she met broken vows basest
treach"ry. out Of this sore trial rose the
true woman. with deep purpose in her
heart which has been faithfully kept all
these years.
From her study window in the castle
turret she looked out upon Malvern
height. from which twelve counties can
be seen. IL was over these hills down
INTO the farmh3usts and cottages " hcr
tcnantry that she went through snow AMI
rain ana taught the people the eternal
truths. Later II was 10 the miners In
South Wales and the slate quarrvmen in
cious presence. In these meetings hun
dreds of men signed the pledge and were
brought to know Christ.
Each year made her more useful
worker In the southwest part Of London
where she has large tcnantry. she pu,
forth every effort Ia give them comfort
able, well ventilated dwellings. with
Walking down E.uston road. one Of the
crowded streets OF London, she said to
friend, There Is not house in these
many blocks which | have not visited.
l y ana down these stairs she had gone,
helpful friend, visiting the sick. com
PORTING the fricndless- lifting the uutcast
IN m adjoining street u 4 mission hall
she built ana named after her father.
Earl Somers. Here at her own cxpeus"
she kept a stan Of workers. The good
housing and care OF her rcnantrY has al
ways claimed her speciai attention. and
in that part of London whore she owns
large areas. she has compelled the own
crs of unsaniiary buildings found tn b.
on leased land belonging To her 10 be
pulled down, and IN many instances has
expense.
From this hive Of busy humanity many
children have been taken for an outing
in the country during the summer wealth.
er. Relays of them 20 with the mothers
10 breathe fresh air ana romp In tn"
meadows. studies IN Black and White.
4 charming book written by Lady Henry.
gives in a most realistic way, an aCCuunt
uf some Of these fresh air missions.
These years filled with earnest cffor,
gave Lady Henry experience. so that 1t
was no novice, but rather a trained lead
or. who was elected in 1870 president Of
the British Women'S Temperance AsSo-
citation. To her it was a solemn obliga
ton. which found its utterance in her
first annual address: These are days
when everywhere women are raising ~
triumphant song of praise for the glorl-
GUS work that Godihas given unto their
hands. | would ask God to lead US GU.
To take wider view of our position. to
understand more deeply that the world
has need of women who have caught the
spirit OF Gods divine revelation To this
age.
With the purpose of meeting Miss VIII
lard. and OF becoming better acquainted
with w. {. I. L. methods. Lady Henry
came 10 America in 1891 1t was in the
six months residence in this country
that the sweet, strong comradeship was
English leader-two royal-hearted friends.
who could say each to the other, in the
words Of the sweet singer. The foun-
tains of my hidden life are through thy
Lady Henrys return to England
marked n new departure in the work OF
the British Women's Temperance Asso.
citation. Its platform was enlarged. and
many departments added The broader
plan was met by bitter opposition from
those who did not believe in the do ev-
erything policy" But Lady Henry was
supported by the majority OF the earn
est women of Great Britain. and great
meetings were held everywhere IN the IN
terests of the work. One marvels at the
amount of platform work which she did.
attending at the same time to the great
business interests connected with her
large estates. The culture, the earnest
ness. the wondrous 'eloquence, the deep
spiritual power of the gifted leader. made
stronger the great reform, and temper
ance workers, not in her own country
alone but in France, Germany and otn-
er countries craved her presence amonE
them.
The Industrial Farm Colony for Inc
briate women at DuNhurst, Reigate. Is
one of the practical results of Lady Hen
was started in 1885, is ably set forth by
Mr. Edward Page Gaston. in an article
on another page. y years stay in the
colony is thought best for complete
cure. In its beautiful little church ser
vices are held regularly each Sunday, and
one night in the week a gospel temper
ance address is given.
There is no institution like Duxhurst
Colony in Europe, and its workings will
be watched with keen interest ana earn
est prayer by good men and women ev-
erywhere.
Lady Henry understands human nature
from court to cottage. She believes IN
the solidarity of humanity, and Ii Ike here
friend and comrade beloved, who mas
gone "ahead only little time" she be-
lieves that "only the golden rule Of
Christ can bring the golden age of men,
and is faithfully using her great gifts OF
wealth and talent in Fastening its COM
ing.