The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-02-17

and vigor a militancy of righteousness.
A mild sensation, the only thing
which sent the least bit of imitation of
a ripple of excitement through the
meetings of the convention took place
/ yesterday afternoon when Rev. H. E.
Thayer, missionary superintendent for
the Congregational church in Kansas,
| objected to the viewpoint that the
| preacher should look after the political
end of the reform movement. He con
| sidered that the idea of duty as devolv-
| ing upon the minister of the gospel ex-
pressed in political activity against the
saloon and jointist. as not well taken.
Mr.. Thayer was placed on the pro-
gramme as one of those who were to
discuss The Preacher as a Leader
What Should be His Attitude Toward
Thayer was not present when the dis
| cussion was opened but arrived later.
Though the discussion had been prac-
tically closed and the general opinion
arrived at that 1t was the proper thing
for the minister to engage in political
activity in order to suppress the liquor
traffic. Rev. Mr.. Thayer was asked to
states his views on the subject. At
first it appeared that the speakers
views agreed with those that had gone
before but this opinion was soon re-
moved when he said. Il am in hearty
sympathy with the work of the State
Temperance union but in regard to
what the preachers attitude toward the
enforcement of law should be. I must
say that the place for the preacher is
in his pulpit and not in politics. He can
accomplish vastly more good there by
teaching his doctrine to the people than
he can by going out and gathering evil
dence against the law breakers and
playing the part of a detective. The
part of the detective should be left to
detectives. I know from personal ex-
perience that this is true"
During the expression OF, the latter
sentiment, expressions OF disagreement
were manifest over the house and one
woman member OF the audience arose
and violently motioned the speaker to
desist from his remarks and leave the
platform. AS soon as Mr.. Thayer had
taken his seat at the conclusion of his
remarks speakers jumped up from over
the various parts of the house and piled
questions to which Mr.. Thayer was
forced to answer. He reiterated his
views though his questioners endeavor-
ed to show him the error OF his way.
Chas. W. Worral, a minister from Wav-
erly Kan, led in the discussion. The
whole excitement following the start
ling speech occupied over an hour but
finally subsidized amicably.
Following are the resolutions adopted
as the sentiment of the union at-its
annual conventions:
Whereas, The Hepburn-Dolliver, bill, |
now before congress, will materially
assist the states in enforcing the pro-
hibitory laws,
Therefore, Be it resolved by this |
convention that we urge that congress |
gives inme diate consideration to this
bill.
United States senate has by a vote of
SIS to 20 amended the Hamilton
statehood bill that statutory prohfbi- |
ton is assured for the new state of
Oklahoma for a period of Fl years |
and thereafter until the state shall |
otherwise enact, and this convention |
urges the house of representatives to |
concur in the senate amendment.
> b 81
the officers of the union in the ex-
tension of the Civic league and we
commend to the people this form of I
organization as an effective method /
of securing the enforcement of the |
prohibitory law.
Believing that the position of total /
abstinence from the use of intoxicat-
ing liquor as a beverage is the only /
safe ground for the individual to as
sumo toward the drink evil, we heart
lily commend a revival of temperance
evangelism and pledge-signing as an
efficient factor in the conflict with the
liquor traffic.
Inasmuch as the win of God is re-
vealed for the guidance of men in all /
relations of life we believe the divorce
ment of religion and politics to be
traught with the graveSt dangers to
state and nation; that patriotism calls
today for the infusion of Christian
principles into political life, and the
citizen in his individual capacity and /
the state as a social organism should
conform to the requirements of the law
of Christ, who as the governor among
the nations, has blessed our land with
prosperity and holds the destiny of
men and nations in His hands.
Resolved, That the State Temper
ance union is deeply indebted to F.
D. Coburn for his very faithful and
efficient service as president of the
union for the past three years; that
his labor in this Office had added much
to the effectiveness of the unions eff
forts; that the temperance work as
a whole in the state has been decidedly
advanced through his influence; and
that this convention gladly voices its
sentiment of gratitude for his good
work. a sentiment which we believe is
shared by the temperance people in
general in Kansas.