The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-12
Before Current Topics Club of North
Indianapolis He Advocates sys-
tenn of Dispensaries.
CHALLENGED BY CLUB MEMBERS
MOST OF THEM DISAGREE WITH HIS
EXPRESSED VIEWS.
Harrison Ogborn Adds to the Fun by
Reading n Lengthy POem-Mr.
Tippy Explains

The members of the Current Topics Club,
of North indianapolis, entertained their
friends last night with an open meeting in
St Paurs NJ z. Church, corner Eugene
and RAIDER streets. The principal feature
Of the evenings entertainment was an adj
dress by Worth NJ. Tippy. pastor of Broad
way NJ. +. Church. Mr.. Tippy took for his
subject Norway and Sweden Liquor
Laws. or the Municipal Control of Sa-
looms" Mr. Tippy in his remarks said that
he wished TO take stand for the ultimate
prohibition of the liquor traffic: to sup
press beyond any living semblance all the
liquor business. But to do this. he con-
tinued. it would be necessary for temper
ance people to organize and overthrow that
strong element called the saloon element,
which has the power of money behind it.
Also TO take into consideration that multi
tudes of people who occasionally take a
drink. but do not use liquor to excess, who
are Indifferent as TO whether their fellow
men drink and who say they believe In
every mans liberty. 1T is this Indifferent
class" said Mr. Tippy. that We must get
hold of and enroll with the Prohibition
party" Mr. Tippy further SAID that as
there were powerful influences at work
which the Prohibition party could not over
come he advocated the establishment in
this State of a system of dispensaries sim
liar TO that of Norway and Sweden and
in our own country in some Southern
States. Lay aside all political problems
concerning this liquor traffic. he said. and
give TO the people of this State the ques-
ton when they go to the polls. "Prohibi-
ton or disPensary2 and you Will find
that three-fOurths OF the people Will vote
for the abolition of the liquor traffic.
SYSTEM OF DISPENSARIES.
Mr.. Tippy strongly advocated during his
remarks, the establishment in this State
of a system of dispensaries so that they
may act as a safety valve for those who
cannot refrain from drinking.
At the close of Mr. Tippys address there
were a number of five-minute talks by
members of the club for the purpose of
discussing Mr.. Tippy's words. The first
speaker, Mr.. Thomas Hazelrigg, after a
few apologetical remarks, said that he was
scarcely in favor of Mr.. Tippy's ideas OF
temperance reform and wished the speaker
to answer under what kind of management
were the dispensaries TO be operated
Harrison Ogborn, d member of the club,
strobe TO the front of the rostrum when
his name was called, and before reading a
poem which he held startled the congre-
CATION by exclaiming in a loud tone and
with a sweeping gesture that he held in
disfavOr the views OF the Rev. Mr.. Tippy.
Mr.. Ogborn then proceeded TO read a
lengthy poem touching on the liquor ques-
ton.
Further remarks from members of the
club ceased and +. T. McWhirter was
called upon for a few remarks concerning
the feasibility of Mr.. Tippys suggestions.
Mr.. McWhirter said he was strongly OPP
posed to the dispensary system and said
his whole life work was for the prohibition
of the liquor traffic; that he would not
want his son nor would Mr.. Tippy allow
his son, If he had one, TO issue liquor
through these agencies called dispensaries.
Mr.. McWhirter said he thought the ques-
ton should be taken seriously by the par
ents and children should be brought up
as total abstainers. At the close Of Mr..
McWhirters remarks Mrs. c. V. Houser.
wife of one of the club members, rushed to
the front of the room and said that she APP
proved of what he had said Let this
matter take root in the homes" she de-
clared.
The few remaining minutes allowed the
speakers used by Mr.. Tippy in ex-
planning TO his friends what he meant bv
his suggestions. In his final remarks he
fully convinced his auditors that his sug-
tons were made from a careful study;
that the liquor question must be handled
in a vigorous manner.
There are 5SS saloons in this city he
said, land IL would be better for six or
seven mothers sons who are temperance
men to have control of the dispensaries
than the 5SS men who now control the sa-
looms" Mr.. Tippy's closing remarks were
received with cheers.