The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1907-10-04

Surely the temperance movement Is
like the mustard seed of Christ's para
BILE which was the smallest of all
seeds, but grew to be a great tree.
The temperance movement was the
tiny seed in 1903 when DR.. Billy James
Clark formed the first temperance So
ciety in history at Moreau, Saratoga
county, New York, and now 1t has
become the great temperance tree
whose branches have spread through
out the land and all the world to bear
their blessed fruit of reformation, and
provide the leaves of healing for the
cruel and deadly wounds which King
Alcohol have inflicted.
Temperance as a principle was
minus quantity century ago and or
ganized temperance effort was thing
unknown, but to-day we find the or
gained forces of temperance every
where at work warning people of the
evil effects of alcoholic beverages,
seeking to alleviate the suffering
caused by drink and to rescue those
addicted to intemperance, and COM
batting the evil forces which are at
work promoting the liquor interests.
In recognition of the small begin
ming and the amazing growth which
the temperance movement has made
during the past century, the temper
ance forces of the world are planning
to hold a temperance congress next
year in June at Saratoga Springs, N.
Y, not far from the place where the
first temperance society was formed
under the inspiration and leadership
of BILLY Clark. Little did he realize
as lie organized the first society for
with the help of Rev. L. Armstrong,
Gardner Storr and James Mott, that
century was to rally to his temper
ance banner multitudes of societies
and millions of earnest followers
Little did he and the others associated
with him realize that that quiet, in
significant meeting which was held
in his home at Moreau on April 80,
1908, was to provide the inspiration
for great worldwide temperance
congress, and that at his home and
at his grave there would gather null
titudes pledged to the same work who
would there find new inspiration and
new courage for pressing the battle
against the forces of intemperance.
But such is to be the fact, and how
fitting it seems that the society which
Billy Clark organized and which is
still in existence, should be in charge
of the preliminary arrangements for
the coming centennial celebration.
Such initial steps have already been
taken and a contract secured for the
great convention hall at Saratoga
Springs. This splendid auditorium
will seat 5000 people, and there is
every likelihood that it's utmost
capacity will be taxed, and that over
flow meetings will have to be held in
the various churches of the place, the
pastors all having agreed to recon-
mend to their official boards the plac-
ing of their edifices, free of charge, at
the disposal of such temperance So
cieties as may f1ttingly occupy them.
All temperance societies, of what
ever name or nature, throughout the
entire world, have been most cordially
invited to participate in this unique
celebration. Each organization so par
ticipating will be law unto itself,
making its own program and RESPONSE
BILE for it's own utterances. Upon APP
plication, there will be assigned to
each organization a day or days, as
they may elect, the great hall or some
church, as they may choose, and hotel
accommodations secured, if desired.
The various nations of the world
will be invited to send national reple-
sentatives to this congress. Medical
associations and historical societies
will also be asked to fraternize in the
work. Churches of all denominations
will be invited to participate. The
president of the United States and
the governor of New York will be in
vited to be present or to be represent
ed by some official of the American
nation and of the state government
of New York.
The history Of this century of tenn
perance reform will be divided into
five periods, of 20 years each, and
the progress Oh temperance senti-
ment during each of these periods will
be shown by the increase in public
sentiment, the organization of tenn
perance societies, the attitude of the
Christian churches. and the passage
of prohibitory laws by the various
governments. A paper will be given
by DR.. Charles Ingraham, on 1.-The
Birth of the Temperance Reform at
Moreau," giving a history of DR.. Billy
James Clark and tae temperance So
eiety organized by him and his associ-