The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1910-11-03
THE MAINE W. c. T. U. CONVENTION.


The recent convention of the State
Woman's Christian Temperance Union,
in Portland was notable for the spirit of
earnestness shown by the speakers and
delegates; purpose to work, SO that IF
resubmission is thrust upon us by the in
coming Legislature we will be ready for
it," as Mrs. Stevens declared. Maine
has had Prohibition so long that many Of
her people have never thought that con-
'ditions might be changed, and for the
worse. The licensed saloon is so entirely
unknown in the State that people have
no conception of what it would mean,
should it really be allowed. State pride
should lead her citizens to retain the law
that for SO many years has caused the
entire country to look to Maine as a lead
err in the temperance battle. And now,
when so many States, south and west,
are trying for State wide prohibition, it
would be backward s,ssstep indeed for
Maine to vote resubmission-a step to be
ashamed Of.
Ex-Gov. Glenn of North Carolina,
Christian MAMA southern Democrat,
spoke one evening to large audience,
proving veritable "cyclone." He has
been through the campaign in his own
State, and spoke most emphatically for
prohibition, saying that he would rather
see his town dead than run bys license
fees.
Great interest was shown in the L. I.
l.. and Young Peoples Branch sThe
young people and the children are pow
erful allies in the fight for a clear brain,
and each union should try, by all means,
to enlist at least some of the children
under the white banner. One evening
some twenty children, dressed in the cos
tunes of as many countries, illustrated
our work around the world with a word
of explanation for each from Miss Anna
Gordon. This very fittingly followed an
address by Miss Ellen Stone, who spoke
of the hardships endured by herself and
companion, during their captivity.
For several years, the question Of rails
ing the amount of the State dues has come
up in some form at State convention.
This year the time seemed favorable
for making the change, and the conven-
ton voted to amend the State constitu-
ton to the end that for every member
forty cents should hereafter be paid to
the State, through the county treasurer.
The unions can place the local dues at any
amount desired. In this crucial year
money will be needed, and it is believed
that it will be freely given rather than
even run the risk of losing our prohibi-
tory law
Among the speakers were several of
Portland's prominent men. ]. R. Lib
hey, leading dry-goods dealer, pledged
himself to help, promising to respond to
calls to speak.
A feature of great interest, was the
auto ride through the city Half hun
dred touring cars were placed at the dis
posal of the delegates. One car was fill
ed with White Ribbon recruits and their
mothers, one with representatives. of the
L. I. L. All carried motto banners, and
white pennants and were frequently
cheered by the school children.
The old officers were reelected: also
Vice-President The convention con-
frmed Mrs. Stevens choice of Mrs. AL
thea G. Quimby of Turner, wife of Sena-
tor-elect Frank Quimby AS this left
the office of Assistant Recording Secre-
tary vacant, Mrs. Sarah Lord Cram,
President of York county, was chosen by
Miss Farwell to be her assistant.
Among the delegates nominated to at
tend the National convention in Balti-
more were Miss S. A. Mansur of Monroe
and Mrs. Alive Cannon of Belfast.-E.
F. M.