Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-06-19
LIVELY DEBATE.
Congregational Convention Con-
siders Resolutions on Tenn
perance.
OPPOSES LICENSE SYSTEM
to Vermont-Substitute Resolutions
Offered by Rev. j. l.. Sewall De-
feated-Next Meeting to Be
Held in st. Adams,

Springfield, June 12.-The closing session
of the 10th annual meeting of the general
convention Of Congregational ministers
and churches of Vermont opened this
morning at $50 with devotional service
led by the Rev q. Glenn Atkins of Bur
liugton.
The first matter of business was the read
ing of the report by the Rev. X. r. Davies
of NerS"nneS, relating to the incorporation
of the churches. The report was acceptod
and vote passed thanking Mir. Davies for
the scholarly work done in the prcpara-
ton of the report A committee was APP
pointed to carry the provisions Of the re-
port into effect of which Mr.. Davies was
chosen chairman.
Inc business committee presented n re-
port which embodied resolutions thanking
the people of Springfield for the generous
hospitality extended to the delegates
a resolution endorsing the present pro-
hibitory law elected "A spirited discussion
the preamble and resolutions were as fol-
lows: Whereas, Our prohbitory law is be-
ing forcibly arraigned at the present time.
ana in some cases grossly msreprcsent.d
and
Whereas. An attempt is being made to
introduce tho licensed drinking saloon into
the protected business of the State, there
fore,
Resolved. That we are as formerly op-
posed to the license system.
Resolved, That we hold the licensed
saloon to be one of the greatest obstacles
to the moral, social and industrial well
fare of the public which the church is eyer
bound to safeguard. While we recognize
the impcrfoctions of the existing me thud-
OF control We are convinced that the prn-
clplo OF our prohibitory law is best suited
to the existing conditions of our State
and would urge active maintenance and
effective enforcement.
The following substitute was offered by
the Rev. J. l.. Scwall of st. Adams:
While renewing all past uttorances of
loyalty to the underlying principles Of our
prohibitorN law. VIC view with regret ccr-
tain practical dihicultios encountered in
Its operation. and commend to the candid
consideration of our churches any meas
lncs which give promise or relief. Until
however, some substitute other than the
legalizcd saloon is offered for our adop-
ton, We urge the maintenance of the pres
ent statute and all possible efforts for the
removal of defects which have alcnated
the SNmpathics Of many of our citizens.
This substitute was voted down and also
the preamble to the original resolutions
The resolutions thomsc Ives were adopted
A resolution WAS also passed with ref
erence to the erection of memorial
church odiice in memory OF tho founders
and defenders of the churches Of our or
der in the United States by tho Church Of
the Pilgrimage in Plymouth. Mass, the
building to be completed in 1905 the Booth
anniversary of the organization of the
church i'm Scroobin England.
Another resolution was passed that the
churches believe in the purpose of God tC
send us religious revival and that We
the representative hereby instruct the
nominating committee TO appoint a com
mitteo of i've to promote and arrange an
eVangelistic campaign of the principal cit-
les of the state. In connection with this 4
further resolution was passed that com
mittee with the Rev H. r. Miles Of Brat
tlnboro as chairman be appointed by tn,
nominating committee and be directed t.
arrange for concerted action seeking re.
lSious revival in the State.
The next meeting will be held in St Al
bans and the following committee was APP
pointed to make the necessary prepare
tons The Rev. j. H. Sewall of st. Adams
the Roy. q. Glenn Atkins Of Burlington
and the Rev H. r. Bond of Middlebury.