The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-10-06

"
Made Ringing speech-Pleas for
Organization Of Minors.
The death knell of the Oct. 10 par
ades of the Father Mathew societies of
the Catholic Total Abstinence union of
the diocese of Scranton was sounded at
Yesterdays convention of the First dis
trict held at Forest City. 1t was ex-
planned that the Delaware and Hudson
company has refused to give low rate
ticket in future and allow a commits
sion on the sale of tickets as in the
past.
From s4OO to 5000 was realized on
this excursion each year, and this prac-
tically paid the expense of the union.
Diocesan Secretary Timothy Burke
of this city. said the railroads
are discriminating against the Faith
er Mathew societies and the Oc-
tober 10 parades are now a thing
of the past. due entirely to the fact as
is alleged, that the Delaware and Hud-
son company refused absolutely TO
allow any rebate on excursion tickets.
Tickets could be sold at reduced rates,
but not at any compensation to the
diocesan union. The circumstances IN
connection with the Delaware ana
Hudson company and the refusal of
rebate would be made known, he said,
in a letter now in preparation by Kew.
p. j. McManus, pastor Of ST. Paufs
church, Green Ridge, and president OF
the union.
William r. Gilroy, of Archibald, first
president. increased the flavor or
spice contributed by Mr.. Burke to the
somewhat dry routine Of the conven-
tion. He was called upon by President
Grant to address the delegates
CAN'T UNDERSTAND.
81 don't understand.' he said in his
opening. How the coal operators or
the coal carrying railroads should dis
criminate above all others against to-
tai abstainers. We want to see the
miners union win," he said further,
I'VE must take to heart the gospel of
that noble leader. John Mitchell, and
keep the peace The man who breaks
the law is the unions worst enemy.
Let us be temperate in our feeling as
we'll as our appetite. We must not only
discourage the intemperance of others.
but also curb ourselves. There has
been little drunkenness and little vio-
lence, despite the sensational reports
sent broadcast. Intemperance and
violence go hand in hand. The labor
leaders knew this we'll when they
counselled the miners to be temperate.
The parting shot at the coal opera
tors and coal carrying road presidents
was fired by Michael S. Lavelle, of
West Scranton. second vice president
of the Scranton Diocesan union.
There was discussion as to the pay
ment of the $40 by each society, as sug-
gested by the board of government to
make up the deficit of s40O. Mr.. La
vclle participated in the debate, un-
loOsenng himself after a bit as fol-
lows:
You will hear from Father McMan-
Us, himself. in the letter he will send
out, about how he humbled himself be-
fore the railroad and was then snubbed.
This man, Burdick said in his letter
that the last excursion, that is last
years, was the end of excursions for
the total abstaners with rebate al
lowed. Our secretary, Mr. Burke,
however. happened to preserve this
letter and when it was re-read. there
wasn't word in it about no more
rebates being allowed; there was no
Sucn agreement III H. tuiIIh tiidt' ttS
all through the strike this shows how
the people are at the corporations
mercy and how they are being choked
by them"
THE NEW PRESIDENT.
The business that the convention
transacted was almost nothing The
address of John w. Grant, of Jermyn
the new president, who presided for the
first time, was one of the features of
the session.
President Grant discharged his new
duties with becoming grace and etlic-
iency, and it might be said without dis
paragement, established a precedent of
despatch in the conduct of a quarterly
Catholic Total Abstinence union con-
vention. His interesting and eloquent
address, which stirred the delegates
and the several hundred spectators
present to enthusiastic applause, fol-
lows. He said, in part:
Brother Delegates and Gentlemen: Be
fore proceeding tn the business of the
convention, l desire to express my graft
tudC. and trust that YOU Will not take 1t
amiss for me to make profession of
faith as it were. to give an account of
the faith that is in me. as one of the
great army of total abstaincrs. | count
it one of the best acts of my life to have
become a member of the Father Mathew
society, as well for myself, as for all
whom I am able, by my example to in
iluence to go and do likewise, ! have al
ways admired the good work done by the
total abstinence movement in the church,
and l could find only words of praise for
the spirit of sclf-denial for example sake,
of many who for years have borne
aloft, and proudly, the banner of Father
Mathew, with its power of inspiration
and of courage to resolve and to do And
every year | felt myself attracted more
and more to the grand organization that
has accomplished SO much for our race
and through our people has done so much
for religion and for God: and influence
better ctizens-and now, through the
prayers of Father Mathew, his blessing,
for | believe his blessing is upon this
work
The most sacred relations and posses
sions men have In this world are the
home, religion and citizenship and from
them result the most important duties
and the most binding obligations. A mo-
ments serious reflection will show that
the victim of drink is by reason of his
eXcesses, rendered unfit to value only
Only Very Few Published.
1t is not possible for the propretors
20 publish more than very few of the
numerous letters received in praise of