Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1907-06-19
u. q. q. u.
COUNTY CONVENTION.
Response to Greetings, by Mrs. J. NJ.
Mason, of Southwest Harbor.
2reaidspf pod Es~:nr.s.

nespohse TO Greet1ngs, by Mrs. j. NJ.
| Mason, of Southwest Harbor.
President aud Friends:
Such cordial welcome greetings as have
been accorded the white ribbon delegates
assembled IN convention, should in the
fitness OF things receive grateful re-
Spouse voiced by silver-tongued orator,
but though l may lack the ability to
ciothe the thanks OF the convention in
suitable dress, can utter heartfelt words
OF appreciation for the kind reception of
| the representatives OF the world wide
organization, the Woman's Christian
Temperance Union, and for the privilege
OF holding this annua! county council in
this church. so beautifully decorated for
the occasion.
| Ellsworth, the shire-town, or rather
city, OF our county, deserves whole
chapter OF praise by itself-the home or
birthplace Of so many brilliant sons and
daughters, noted, too, for the beauty OF its
| panoramic views as seen from its suburbs,
and Tor its clean, tree shaded streets, also
for the spirit OF progress animating its
citizens.
| One OF the most enjoyable memories OF
my youth was the long anticipated de-
light Of attending the annual fair at the
old fair grounds, now called Wyman park,
and the well-handled event was certainly
worth setting down in the book OF re-
membrance. In later years my happiest
days were spent within the precincts OF
Ellsworth and its sister town Surry, so /
feel like claiming kinship with all meet
upon your streets.
Through the invitation OF our county
president, who, through many difficulties
and tribulations, has made it possible to
hold the convention here, we come to
council together over the many depart
, ments OF reform work undertaken in the
name OF humanity by the W. c. T. Y. for
the protection OF the home; not in boast
full spirit, for we realize our weakness, but
looking to the All-wise Ruler of the
Universe for guidance, we do hope to add
our mite toward the upiift OF the tempted
| and tried.
The national and State w. c. T. U. has
more than forty departments OF work, and
nearly half Of these are taken up by
county and local unions, so il we have not
done full duty in the suppression of the
liquor traffic, We still hope all the lines OF
service under their respective superin-
| tendents have been faithfully looked after,
and that the efforts in these departments
may result in great good.
We have much to be thankful for. First
and foremost we should remember with
thanksgiving the fact that no backward
step has been taken in the temperance
| cause, though the enemy boasts that
| large increase has been made in the ranks
for resubmission-that by continuing to
press home strict enforcement all voters
! not pledged to total abstinence will dur
ing the next two years come over to the
help OF the party fighting for license and
thus secure resubmission-but / am sure
the friends OF the prohibitory law are
| willing to take the risk and will still adj
vocate strong enforcement.
Our good governor has been tried and
not found wanting. All honor to the manly
courage he has shown. The grand for
ward movement which has been recently
taken in Portland Is one of!the best signs
OF the times. mean the new temperance
organization, nom partizan and non-sec-
tartan, whose members are pledged by
precept and example to use their best in
fiuence to promote total abstinence. II
the work of this society is pushed with
vigor, who can estimate its lbenefcent
power.
Another debt OF gratitude we owe to
God " no raised up to take the place OF our
sainted leader Frances K. Willard, that
noble, true-hearted woman, L. NJ. n.
Stevens, our State and national president.
Let us reverently thank Him for her con-
tinued health and for the wonderful
power and executive ability possessed by
her, only accounted for by the direct in
spiration of the Holy Spirit.
When we feel that we are making sacri-
fees for the cause and consider our duty a
burden, let us compare our worklwith that
of the band of consecrated women who
made up the Worlds union in Boston last
October, many coming from the uttermost
parts OF the earth to bear testimony to the
international success of the principles of
the w. c. I. U.
Sisters, as we stand on the threshold OF
the day made sacred by its solemn charge
to keep green the memory OF our loyal
boys in blue, as we strew their flag
decked graves with flowers, let US remem-
Der that the demon strong drink yearly
claims more victims than war, pestiience
or famine, then ask ourselves this ques-
ton: Are we measuring up to the stand
ard our Lord and master enjoined upon
us when he said, glove thy neighbor as
thyself?n Put on the little knot of white
ribbon, emblem of purity, and lend your
Home and Every Land. What power
for good or evil is welded by "a Woman's
Hand.
Dimpled and fair, with many gem,
1t held her silken garments hem.
How could a loving mother tell
'Twould drag her boy to the brink OF hell
That little hand, SO soft and pink,
1t poured the wine for him to drink,