Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1902-03-06


paper, l. il not without some hesifa-
ton and . feeling Of deIicacy ap-
pr0Ach 80 important . subject, APP
prehensive lest fail 70 do il justice.
4 Our president in her annual adj
dress has conveyed some idea Of
what our Union has accomplished
throughout the past year; and en-
deavored 10 impress upon the minds
OF the members how absolutely es-
sensial II ~ that we double our efforts
to make this year even more sue
cessful than the preceding year.
Our leader sets AN example for rs
which is highly commendable and
worthy Of imitation. When we con
slider how profound is her interest,
how untiring her efforts aud with
what diligence and patience she
pursues this work. we cannot do
otherwise than love and admire herl
Only short part Of this year has
passed, and We still have sufficient
time TO accomplish great deal be-
fore another year shall have passed
into Oblivion. There remains much
to be done and let US hope there will
be many willing minds and hands to
labor for a cause so wholly and en-
tirely unselfish, and so universally
beneficial.
Notwithstanding the many un-
sympathetic people, and other draw
backs to which our work is subject
ed, we infer from the reports made
at the last annual convention, that
our Union is progressing. rather
slowly perhaps but surely aud firmly.
We can, in measure, account for
the slow progress first, all things
for good begin slowly, working on
and on, gradually acquiring more
and more strength and influence,
eventually exciting the respect and
admiration of every one.
So it is with this work, while IL is
doubtless criticised and rebuked by
many, it tolls on, regardless of them
striving to do only that which is
just and right Then it must be
borne in mind that our Union is very
young and the members SO mex
perienced. II everybody would on
~ throw of their preiudices they
might help rather than hinder the
cause OF temperance.
In lecture, on Temperance, by
Bishop Coleman, of Delaware, he
said that while intemperance is de-
creasing among men it is increasing
among women. Is not this a start
ling statement, and when we reflect
seriously upon it, it is really APP
palling to know that women thought
lessly and shamelessly allow their
lips 10 be polluted by such foul and
impure stuff as wbiskey or any other
intoxicant. We expect something
better of them and are bitterly and
deeply disappointed when we learn
of such things and hang our heads
in shame for them, thinking it is
time something was being done to
suppress this Indebtedness.
| We must be more self-denying,
more fearless and more aggressive
than ever before in our work, and
although we are only small band
we can do our part in the extermina-
ton of an evil which has blighted
innumerable lives, and wrecked so
many, many homes.
The seventeenth of this month is
the Heavenly birthday OF Miss Fran
ces +. Willard, the worlds greatest
temperance worker. Miss Willard
has done more for the suppression
Of intemperance than any one else,
her entire life being consecrated to
this cause, and this, her Heavenly
birthday, will be commemorated by
every temperance society through
out the world. A special program
has been made out for this day and
il rightly carried out cannot fail TO
be beautiful and impressive
How sweet, how noble. how nm
selfish and devoted was the life OF
the greatest Worlds White Rib
boner I" The memory of her great
and successful life inspires US with
a longing to be like her, and to emu
late her life.
. How magniticently she went
through this life. always cheering
and in otherwise helping those
whom she thought sad or depressed,
inspiring many who had lost all in
terest in life with new hopes and
brighter anticipations, and aiding
in thousands Of other ways.
Words fail toexpress her sincerity
and devotion to the cause of temper
ance. Her memory win never,
never pass into oblivion, and her
name will live forever in the memory
OF those whom she has left here for
the continuation and extension OF
the work begun by her.
With rofaranca ~ haY. aha f,lfs.r~;,,.,