Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-11-04
NATIONAL w. c. r. U.

NATIONAL W. c. T. U.
This letter was intended for last weeks
paper but being necessarily late IN reaching the
Office, was Unayoitaoly deferTed-
The 29th annual convention of the
National Woman Christian Temperance
Union was held in jefferson Theatre,
Portland, Oct. Il 70 %.
There was large attendance, several
states sending large number OF dele
gates. Many OF the Maine White Rib
b0ners also attended, making large
audiences at each session.
Many brilliant capable women were
present from the various states, and the
state presidents, national organizers and
lecturers. and department superintend-
entS. represent galaxy OF bright
consecrated Christian women OF which
all NAV Justly feel proud. But none were
more loved and honored than our own
Mrs. Stevens. for she was unanimously
elected 70 again ill the office Of National
President.
The morning and afternoon sessions
were principally devoted 70 reports OF
department SuperintendentS. introduce
ton Of visitors, and the necessary bust
ness attending such great convention.
During each day there were also many
department conferences, conducted by
the various national superintendent.
which cannot fail 20 be of great value to
those who attended; and this conven-
ton. pronounced 20 be a good If not the
best OF anv held since the institution OF
the W. c. T. l.. will have great influence
and educational value, especially IN the
Eastern States.
The special feature of the opening
Friday morning was the annual address
of the National President, Mrs. L. NJ. y.
stevens of Portland The address was
carefully prepared at some length, was
widely reported in the newspapers, and
printed in pamphlet form for diStrlou-
ton. This address was filled with wise
counsel and able recommendations which
we have not space TO enumerate.
quote these words from an editorial
in the Lewiston Journal of Friday, oct.
Il: We read with profound interest and
pride the able annual address of Mrs.
Stevens, and heartily concur in all she
says Of the benefit to this state of the
laws prohibiting the manufacture and
sale ot Intoxicating liquors.
Friday evening was welcome night,
with cordial speeches of welcome from
Mayor Boothby and others, and an able
address by Judge BOnney. Songs were
sung by l.. T. l.. of our State Reform
School.
Saturday evening was in charge of the
l.. T. l.. and Y. branch. There was a
chorus of 200 children from the Portland
Sunday schools, and an address by Miss
Christina Timing of Manchester, Eng
land.
Sunday afternoon was given most
helpful and inspiring annual sermon by
Miss Elizabeth W. Greenwood, New
York.
Sunday evening the meeting was held
in city hall, which was literally packed
70 the doors, hundreds being turned
away, Lady Henry Somerset of Eng
land, worlds W. c. I. L, president, was
given a great ovation, and the addresses
by Lady Somerset and Rev. Henry ;.
Sanders of London were listened to with
profound interest and attention.
Monday evening was Demonstration
Night by the National Superintendent
of Departments and was of great inter
est.
Tuesday evening was Platform Night,
Subject, Does Prohibition Prohibit?
Sheriff Dunn Of Portland gave an adj
dress of much interest To the audience.
At request of the delegates he sent to
the convention the next afternoon
Deputy SheritfS SkillingS and Bisbee to
exhibit many of the traps and devices
captured from the liquor sellers by the
late Sheriff Pearson.
The next address was by Miss Anna
II. Shaw of Pennsylvania and by many
was considered the most brilliant of the
whole convention. 1t was an able argu-
ment in favor of prohibitOry law. Lady
Somerset and Rev. Mr.. Sanders then
babe farewell to the convention.
Wednesday evening was State Jubilee
Night in charge of those states who had
during the past year made a gain of 500
or more members over and above all
losses. The following states were repre-
scented on the platform: Maine, New
York, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Ohio,
Illinois, Massachusetts,. To Maine was
accorded the first demonstration, and
great enthusiasm was aroused from the
audience by the gathering of about 200
Maine White RibbonerS upon the plat
form and the singing of state song,
especially written for the occasion by
Miss Anna Gordon. Pine branches were
waved during the chorus.
The other states furnished very
interesting program, then there was the
presentation of several handsome prize
banners.
Among those introduced to the con-
ventiOn were several prominent workers
from Canada; Miss Tami Imai, Toxic,
Japan; N. lie Tour of Paris, France,
sent as special ambassador from his
country to study American methods of
public school education and temperance
instruction; and Madam Barakat, a
native of Syria.
On Saturday, at ) p. NJ, Miss Cornelia
N. Dow held an informal reception at
the Gen. Neal Dow residence, and a
throng of interested visitors filled the
rooms. The hospitality Of President
Stevens home was also extended TO dele
gates and visitors during the convention.
Viewed from every standpoint this
convention was a great success, and it
cannot fail 70 have mighty influence,
and be an uplifting inspiration to all
who were there. God speed the day
when the teachings and principles Of
this great organization shall SO permeate
and educate all classes of society as to
permanently bless and uplift all hui
mainly. j. NJ. b.
West Paris.
HERE AND THERE.