The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-02-22

optlUileIn ~ All tNldtDSe un every
hand, and issues will be joined In the
great campaign Of 1911 with the forces
of temperance united, aggressive and
chock full Of enthusiasm.
The greatest convention in the his
tory Of the Virginia Ant-Saloon
League is now in full SWING, having
opend at 1850 O'Clock TUESDAY nisnt
in the First IT esbyterian church for a
three-day session.
The opening session was largely at
tenued, the bulk OF the delegates hav-
ing reached the city on the e. enins
train Tuesday.
Mar Atkins Presides.
President n. Il. Atkins presided over
the meeting with his accustomed
grace.
Carnations were distributed among
the delegates at the opening in place
of badges, after which the conVen-
ton Joined in singing stand Up for
Jesus'
Rev. w. G. Starr, D. D., pastor of
Trinity Methodist church, then read
the 46th Fsslm, after which he led
in prayer. playing fervently for the
success of the temperance cause in
the Commonwealth and for the guild
ance of Gods Spirit in the great work.
Onward. Christian Soldiers was
thch sung win d VIM ny the ueIe-
gates, after which Rev. f. 7. Well
ford. y. D., pastor of the church In
which the convention is being held,
made short preliminary address,
making the visiting delegates feel at
home. and welcoming the men who
are setting the pace Of empire" In
Virginia. DR.. Wexford said that he
was hearing on every side that the
time-honored policy Of the Democratic
party was local option, and that any
thing else was heresy. He predicted
that In less than Ave years time its
policy will be prohibition. lie then In
troduced Hon. Marquis Jones, mayor
Of Newport News, who. in a graceful
speech, EXTENDED the citys welcome to
the convention, saying that the time
horored hospitality of old Virginia
would be extended the visiting dele
gates.
DIR. Light Responds.
Rev. ]. IL. Light, ID. D.. responded
in fitting fashion. on behalf OF the
body, to the gracious words of Mayor
Jones. lie said that the temperance
workers had turned their hearts and
steps in this direction to make good
saucy boast printed at the head OF
the program, Virginia Dry" Telling
the story OF the good man who said
he was sanctigffed in spots, he said
Virginia was dry in spots, but that
she was coins on unto perfection. and
would eventually be wholly clean.
Many were asking said the speak
| err. how Virginia could be made dry.
some have suggested, said he that"'we
are little slow
| However this isaour business. We
VIII take our time and do it our own
way, when we get good and ready,
and will not be hurried by any harsh
criticism" he declared.
I'VE Will push the fight at every
point. We will gain every foot we can
and We will fight to hold that which
we have" he continued, indicating
that pending a Statewide vote he be-
lieved In actively pushing local OPP
ton campaigns,
| The speaker commented with vigor
upon the number OF recent accessions
to the ranss OF those believing in To-
cal option. He told a story of an old
negro who, being well-niEh capsized
| by fierce wintry blast, turned and
shook his fist at the wind and said:
| "Whah was you this time las Au-
gust" Where" said the speaker
were many of the advocates of local
option in recent local option cleo
lions" they had been found tooth
and toe nail against giving the people
| wen lhG EiiiplC blRN ltSe VI FctlIlE Oh
| the question.
Statewide prohibition was a neces-
sity. The saloons did not respect the
dry" territory, but flooded 1t with
whiskey. There was but one solution
which was War 70 the finish against
the saloon in Virginia."
Presidents Address.
Rev. Fl. p. Atkins, the retiring presi-
dent OF the League, then read his adj
4 dress. which was iiberaIiy ~appfaGded.
A feature of his address was his flat
footed statement that. when the Strobe
bill was before the Assembly, the voice
of Governor Mann had not been heard
in aid Of the measure. The address
was given close attention. bud"
| Hon. John @. Wooley was then in
troduced. He took as basis of his
remarks the text II beseech you there
fore hrethDeEa by tbs n,arcies .aof God.
that we present your bodies living
sacrifice unto God. which Is your rea
sonable service"
He wished more people could get
the II beseech YOU spirit of the great
apostle-that they might get q bap
tism of charity for one another and do
more straight from the shoulder fight
| ing against the enerny.
There had been much difference in
the ranks OF temperance workers in
| tlIhtS past TIC lidu DeSIi ii VI
solder himself. he said, but he had
absolutely quit critisizing temperance
people. II don't ever intend going
back to the old yinegary way Of earlier
days"
MANY people have no patience with
drinking or with a drunken man. but
there is q good deal OF nonsense about
that. The main difference between
| getting drunk and other sins, is that
drunkenness Ia such snowy thing. 1t
advertises itself by red noses and fat
| pocket books"
| Look here" said the speaker, Sup
pose avarice. and usury. and not shaw
! ing. unclean living and unclean poll
tics should show up like drink does"
ut is not in our mouths to be very
critical of the finished product Of the
saloon In this country"
The speaker pointed out that as was
| not much, If any worse to sell liquor
| than to sell licenses to sell liquor, or
| to vote to authorize the selling OF IL
censes to sell liquor closing with a
powerful appeal for the brotherhood
OF man.
Among the "elinchers" that MIR. Woo
ley charmed his audience with in the
course of his address are the following;
"The voice of God Almighty Ia cry
ing through this State and Nation TO
srnite the liquor traffic-and do 1t
now"
I'VE have tried 70 sing the liquor
traffic out of business. but 1t stands
a lot of music