The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-02-09
LEFT HER HATCHET
But Mrs. Nation May Do Some
Smashing in Des MOines.

Des Moines. Ia, Feb. 9.-Mrs. Carrie
Nation, the Kansas saloon smasher re-
ceived an ovation all along the Rock Is
land railway this morning from Atlantic
to Des doines, where she via lecture to-
night and incidentally create. she de-
clares, a stirring up Of the dry bones"
At every little station where the train
stopped the depot platforms were crowd
ed with people who had braved the
weather and Waded through snow
drifts to catch a glimpse of her. She
was accompanied by A Q. Rankin. the
prohibition orator, and by Miss Made
line Southland of Topeka, Kan, the spec
ial friend and champion Of the crusader
Fully one thousand people were at toe
depot in Des MOines. In the crowd were
delegations from the local w c. T. u.
and from the state anti-saloon league.
The latter was headed by Superintenc
-ent II. H. Abrams who has declared his
purpose to secure Mrs. Nations services
in smashing certain drug stores in the
city which he claims are violating the
law.
Mrs. Nations contract with the local
secretary Of the Y. M. G. A. for her leo
ture contains the clause: "There is to
be no smashing of joints legally con-
Quoted"
Mrs. Nation interprets this to mean
that If there are any joints which are
rum ing without due process Of law, that
she is permitted to do her worst.
In an interview she said: I left my
hatchet at Topeka and II may be that
I will not do any smashing in Des
Moines but there is no certainty OF that,
for I do Just what God calls on me 10 DO.
/ shall remain in Des Moines over Sun
day. / shall certainly during the day
visit the saloons, peacefully I hope, but
If the threats of the keepers Of these
places to kill me are put into effect. the-z
am ready to die in Des Afoines"
At Casey, Ia, when the train bearing
the Kansas woman arrived, there was
a crowd of 500 at the depot and several
called for a speech. Mrs Nation step
ped out upon the platform and said.
My Dear Sisters and Brothers: L
hope that you each will take a rock and
throw it through the window Of any sa-
loon you may find in your town. This
crusade has only started and with
proper push IL will be a grand success
good ana crush the saloon.
At Anita. a little further on Mrs.
NATION spoke 70 anotner crowd ana re-
peated her admonition to throw stones
at the saloons, IL there were any there,
winding up her short address with God
give you courage, sisters. Be brave.
will be your reward"
At Dexter. Earlham and at Valley
Junction, Mrs. Nation made short ad-
dresses from the car platform. telling
each crowd to pick uD stones II they
could not find any hatchets and bump
the saloons on the head"
This afternoon hundreds Of people
gathered in front Of the Sa bin House
in this city and marched in file to shake
hands with the Kansas crusader.
In speaking Of her trip to Chicago.
she declared. Mayor Harrison had
better mind his own business. / shall
attend to what believe God has called
upon me to be my duty. Ny present
plan is not to smash any more saloons.
but to continue the crusade and arouse
sentiment for the temperance cause.
When I get to Chicago I shall deliver
my address as have agreed and while
there I shall call upon Mayor Harrison
and give him a few pointers how he
betrays the oath he took when he went
into Office. Oh, Harrison VIII have a
nice time, and I shall give him a piece
of my mind. Why, 1 think that Harri-
son is the biggest devil in the land"
Mrs Nation leaves on Monday for
Rduscatine, this state, and then goes to
Chicago.