The San Francisco call., 1908-07-13
VIC. SPEAKER
LAUDSPROSECUTlON
Duty of Citizens to Support
Leaders in Fight for Right,
Says Rev. Williams
Stirring Plea for Civic Virtue
Closes Big Assembly in
Pacific Grove
spEcI4L DISPATCH TO THE CALL

PACIFIC GROVE, July. 12.-The Cali
fornia Womeps Christian temperance
union closed its educational assembly
today with two earnest discourses.
Rev. James H. N. Williams preached in
the morning on the obligations of
OPTIMISM He said in part:
Are the cities of the present day menace to
the worst that human nature has yet developed;
and the worst has the largest chance for the
astounds and confounds us is the corruption Of
modern city government. 1t is-a fostering sore
that so far has had only its edges cauterlzed.
And 1t is marvellous what a don't care and in
different spirit is manifested by thousands. while
the conformation of the moral obliquities evi-
'deneed in some quarters is enough to make
angels weep
As San francisco is our chief California city
we are the more interested In the great struggle
that is going on there. 1t is a state question.
Does optimism see new San Francisco, not
merely one OF stone and steel and concrete. but
one clean IN its civic life and morally worthy in
It's goyernmentf Then 1t is not enough TO re-
joce in anticipation Of the coming glory
Whether In the city or out of the city, 1t is
the obligation of optimism to give to those who
are leaders in the battle every support within
our power And we have recently had the
worthest precedent and the noblest example OF
this kind OF support given TO Mr.. Spreckels and
TO Mr.. Heney by no less man than our great
presldent-Theodore Roosevelt.
His letter. so thoroughly characteristic OF him.
to Mr.. Spreckels will strengthen the moral fiber
OF every enemy of graft. while at the same time
II indicates that from the highest office in the
land the moral movement is on And may 1t get
such momentum of power will sweep before
IL the enemies Of Christian civilization who
fatten on vice and grow rich on corruption
That the prosecution in San Francisco Will do
everything accurately and perfectly Is not TO be
expected. But they entitled TO the states
confidence and support while they are so yigor-
ously trying to bring to justice and 10 punish
ment the arch offenders against civilization IT.
self. And i say shame any persons agen-
cies that seek to obstruct them in their work or
cause justice to miscarry.
That the grafters not in the peniten-
tiaries where they ought to be is certainly no
fault Of the man whose duty 1t is to prosecute
public offenders. They have been dilligent night
and day. working In the face of interference and
opposition where and when there ought TO be
sympathy and cooperation. And IL is ours now
10 send word of cheer to these men that they
may know there are thousands In the state who
with them in heart and moral purpose wish
ing them godspeed, IL this large congregation
agrees with me, say amen. In truly Methods
tic fashion the amens came from all over the
house.
The San Francisco Call and the Bulletin. too.
deserve credit and praise and support for their
continuous efforts to assist the office of the dis
trict attorney in the prolonged battle
At night Rev. B. c. H Washburn
spoke on the cause and probable out
come of the rpohibitive movement. He
declared alcohol was debauching the
social and governmental life.