Norwich bulletin., 1911-04-10

feur, and he related briefly the history Of the society from it's organization, through the efforts Of Rev. J. J. Smith Tn 1899, until the present time. Ill speaking of the purpose of the society he said:
 The chief objects of this society are to spread tine cause of temperance, to cleanse and purify the home, to relieve our sick and distressed brathren, to wage war against the saloon, and by our voice and vote curtaiI the evils re- sufting from intoxicating liquors; to stand ready at all times to assist those engaged in spreading the propaganda of temperance: to redeem and reclaim the drunkard and make him a more loving and dutifu1 parent and a son or brother to be admired.
 On account of illness Rev. J. J. Smith, chaplain of the society, was unable to be present. A pleasing solo was rendered by Miss Eleanor Dono- van, and President Bellefeur introduc- ed the speaker of the evening. Mau- rice J. Fitzgerald of New London past county director of the c. T. A. U., who held the closest attention of the audi ence for nearly an hour. He said, in part:
 This society is organized for the pur- pose of redeeming the drunkard and the abolishment of the use and sale of intoxicating liquors. Liquor is the
 great curse of mankind. A few years ago one of the leading members of the
 temperance society in New London was fine looking young man, a smart,
 popular fellow, with bright prospects
 ahead of him. For some reason he left
 the temperance society and took to
 drink, and gradually sank tho the low
 est level met him on the street a
 short time ago. His clothes were shab-
 by, his face swollen, and he looked as
 though he had not had a good dinner
 in month. I asked him why he. did
 not go back to the temperance society
 and be a man again. He wanted to go
 back, but did not have the strength
 and ambition. Why did he leave the
 society and take to sdrink? Would he
 have done so if some one had not in-
 f1uenced him?
 Every man in the community exerts
 an influence for good or evil. The
 drunkard is an example for some one as is the upright, honest citizen. Does
 the curse fall upon the boy who was
 let astray or upon the one who caused his downfall. There are hundreds oi
 cases similar to that of this unfortu- nate boy.
 A few years ago there was a young man, a travelling salesman, who useG to ride with me through the country at times. He was a fine, jolly fellow but he drank little. About three months ago he died-a pauper. His death was due to alcoholism. The boy who stands up to the bar and takes 2 dring is blind. He does not see the end of the road on which he has sci out He thinks he is man; but he i. fooling himself Don't try to be a mar too soon. If every boy here tonigh never takes a drink for 25 years, h. will never be drunkard. When any one tells you to drink, you can be z man by saying No.
 On the conclusion of MT. Fitzgerald! address, a recitation, The Bridgekeep CTS Story, was given by Miss Nellie McMahon, and brought forth the ap splause of all. Horace Corning gave Z pleasing solo, In the Vale of Dreams and a recitation, The Lifeboat, wal delivered by John Crawford. A solo All That I Ask is Love, was sung b. Nicholas J. Spellman in a pleasing manner, and was followed by a recita l ton, The Wreck of the Hesperus, b, | Miss H. Sullivan. The evenings pro gramme was concluded with selections | by the orchestra Miss Elizabeth Sul | 1ivan presided at the piano for the so 10 numbers
 The usncrs were John J. Shea, Jo seph 4. Donnelly and Edward Belle 1 feur.
 The entertainment committee, wh' prepared the excellent programme fo 1 the occasion, was composed of Josepl | A. DonnelIy. Patrick Barry, John J l Shea, Frank Harrington, Simon J. Fa hey. Edward Belleheur, Matthew Sul | livan and Joseph Bellefeur.
 I The members of the society's orches I tra are Nicholas Spellman, Horac l Corning and A. l.. Belleffeur.