The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-20
"LETWELLENOUGHALONE"
WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE MOTTO
OF THE NATIONAL w. c. Il. u.
Action of the Convention on the
Liquor Question-Scope of ResoIu-
tfons-EIection Of Officers.

FORT WORTH, Tex, Nov. 19.-Three
prominent features marked the proceedings
of the national convention Of the w. c. T.
U. to-day, the last but one of the sessions,
namely, the election of officers, the final
deliverance of a platform of principles and
a decision in respect to political debate,
the extremists contending that as the con-
vention had declared in its resolutions for
Christian citizenship, constitutional
enactment concerning polygamy and
monogamistic marriage and the necessity
of prohibiting the manufacture, sale and
distribution of alcoholic liquor by law it
would only be consistent to cast its fortunes
with the political party pledged to all Of
these reforms The conservative portion
of the convention, however, held that as
the cause of opposition to the liquor traffic
had so far prospered through nonpartisan
action 'let well enough alone" should con-
tinue to be the motto. The latter view pre-
vailed. The election of Mrs. Stevens to the
presidency was foregone conclusion as
soon as Ii was known that she would serve.
The reelection OF other officers followed.
Besides the question of an alliance with
the Prohibition party and the consequent
entrance of the union into politics the
greatest source of concern was over the
attitude to be taken on the admission of
Oklahoma and Indian Territory to state
hood. The executive committee had re-
ported strongly against statehood. and last
night it looked if the convention would
follow it's recommendation, but to-day the
sentiment that prompted aloofness from po-
litical action suggested that the burden be
cast upon President Roosevelt by asking
him to refrain from recommending state
hood for the two Territories in his forth
coming message. Resolutions were adopted
as follows:
First-Advocating total abstinence as the
only safe rule for each man and woman's
habit of life.
Second-Upholding the great principle of
prohibition as the only righteous protec-
ton against the most unscrupulous and de-
moralizing traffic on earth
Understanding the statement that
"the American army is far better off with
out intoxicants of any kind, and indorsing
the anti-canteen law.
Fourth-Believing in a revival of Chris
tian citizenship founded on divine ideals Of
righteousness.
Fifth-Deploring the death of the late
President Mckinley at the hands of a cruel
assassin, and especially that he should
have fallen victim TO that intense hatred
of law or government which is represented
in anarchy.
Sixth-Favoring the peaceful solution of
labor troubles by arbitration and calling
on workmen to join in the battle against
the saloon.
Seventh-Calling for perfect equality of
men and women before the law.
Notwithstanding unqualifedly for a
white life. for pure manhood and protected
womanhood, demanding an amendment to
the Constitution defining marriage mon
ogamous and Furnishing plural marriages
by disqualification to vote or hold office, in
addition to severe penalties.
The election of officers resulted in the Sc
lection of the following: President, Mrs.
Lillian NJ Stevens; corresponding secre-
tary. Susanna NJ. ID. Fry; recording secre-
tary. Mrs. Clara c. Hoffman; treasurer,
Mrs. Helen Morton Barker; vice president
at large, Miss Anna a. Gordon.
At the afternoon session the following
memorial was ordered wired to President
Roosevelt: 'In behalf of the Indians Of
the Indian Territory the w. G. T. L.. in
convention assembled, representing 10000
women, earnestly entreat that you in your
forthcoming message to Congress recon-
mend that no measures be taken which can
imperl the existing prohibtory law or
property rights granted TO the Indians by
a solemn treaty of the United States gov
eminent.