Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1905-08-10

FIRST SESSION

was given over to the gathering hosts |
of the Catholic Total Abstinence Un-
ion. With the opening of the day rep
bodies from nearly every |
branch in the country were present to
the business of the conven
tion. Nearly one thousand delegates
we're on hand.
It was almost II O'Clock when the
convention was called to order. Faith
or Ourran introduced. after paying
him many compliments. Mayor Fred
Kirkendall, who delivered the speech
of welcome. Among other things the
mayor said:
never believe in mixing religion
and politics, although most churches
and politicians do bother with one or
the other but | cannot help calling TO
mind the last time that | was privileR
ed to speak in this hall. and to com
pare the peaceful scenes of today with
the war whoops of the last occasion.
| officiated as chairman of Demo
cratic county convention, and if there
should happen TO be "one Of us"
among you, it will not be necessary
for me to go into the details of the
difference beween then and now.
Enough to know that my knees are
not cracking together so much and the
accident insurance company that car
ries my risk is feeling better today
than at the former time, so are we all
happy together at this joyful celebra-
tion.
AS look over this hall and see the
smiling faces of the robust manly Am
orleans, who are bound together for
the purpose of living temperate hon
est, and useful life, and thus exem-
plifying the advantages of happiness
and prosperity that such right living
makes possible, the pleasure of vel
coming you to our beautiful city is
particularly pleasing proposition.
1t is not often that a Mayor is call
ed upon to address convention that
has been instrumental in bringing so
many distinguished visitors to our
city, and it is positive proof of the ex-
cellence of your organization and what
great men and all citizens of this ma
tion think of you.
Our city is honored by having you
with us and doubly honored by the
success of your efforts in bringing to
our home that most distinguished Am
| erican Citizen. President Theodore
Roosevelt.
Your organization is a credit to our
country. The example you set for the
young men is doing more real good
than you have any idea of. The neces-
sity of temperance in everything is
what the youth of today needs drilled
| into them. These are strenuous times
and the tendency of the youth is to-
ward OVERRIDING. The o. Z. A. U. is
doing its part and doing it well.
Bishop Regis Oanevin. the presld ent
| of the national union, in reply of the
mayor said:
In the name of the Q. T. A. U. of
A. and all the subordinate societies,
thank you for your cordial welcome
and congratulate the city of Wilkes
barre in having as its chief executive
! man of so upright character and
such clean reputation and man who
can grasp the objects represented by
this association so WE'LL and express
them so clearly in words as you have
done.
There is a mingling of religion and
politics because for the true Christian,
for the mem bers of the @. T. A. q.
politics means the application of the
gospel of Christ and the relation OF
God and his holy works to public af
fairs and to the daily lives of men be
fore the public.
The law which obliges man to love
fundamental principle of our patriot
ism and good government. And tha
love of ones neighbor and of public
good before any selfish purpose is what
charaoteriZes the conduct and reputa
tion of the mayor of Wilkesbare at tin
present time.
Your honor, | thank you in the namu
of the G. T. A. u. of A.
Then came the lengthy annual re
port of Secretary Logue, which wa
followed by the splendid address o
Bishop Canevin, who concluded will
the following eloquent allusion to the
Apostolic benediction:
I'VE have yet another reason to re
joioe. and be grateful to God on thi
day. The Most Rev. Archbishop Ryal
writes that His Holiness Plus X, be
slows his apostolic benediction on thi
convention and renews for the mem
bers of the Catholic Total Abstinenc
Union of America all the indulgencies
spiritual favors, aEprovals and word
of encouragement which were granite
by his illustrious predecessors, Pop
Plus LX and Pope Leo KILL
The words and blessing of the Vica
of Christ have sustained this union i
its struggles 1t has had to meet ali
overcome habits of ease ana indulq
enoe social customs. political corruE
tiOn, and material interests it has Ina
to endure the mistrust of many goo
and earnest men the mischief done h
weak or indiscreet brethren the ridi
oule and coarse jibes of idlers an
trifiers; the Indifference of timid an
apathetic friends and the desertion {
some leaders who. after long and yea
Gus service, retired, wearied and di
. oouraged. "
Today the great convention will gree
Theodore Roosevelt. the President {