Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-07-24

Rev. Wilbur + Crafts, FIJI. D.. of
Washington. d. c., International Su-
perintendent OF the Reform Bureau,
passed a strenuous day in this city
Sunday, delivering three prohibition
addresses which were eagerly listened
to by large audiences. His first ad-
dress was before united congregations
in the First Baptist church in the
morning, when he delivered valua BILE
remarks relative to the coming Sep
TENDER election. Al and As p NJ.
he delivered addresses at the City
Opera house. both of which were we'll
attended.
Rev Mr.. Crafts has given up many
important engagements in other coun-
tries for the purpose of being on the
real lighting ground ard participat-
ing in what ne terms the most i'm
portant battle in the world" The
greet Napoleon t. conquer the
Wmskey Trust IS greater than any
other trust in the world
At the morning service Rev. Mr.
Crafts. who has travelled the world
over, was able II give to the congre=
cations true presentmerts concerning
the condition of affairs in all coan-
tries, especially in those in the dark
lands that are coming into civiliza
ton. The realization by the foreign
powers that something must be done
t. prohibit the importing of liquor and
opium TO the natives has aroused al
most universal interest and the
world powers are taking action which
will restrict and possibly prohibit the
sale. This has become necessary
through the agitation of the people.
Agitation. according to DIR. Crafts. IS
the right hand Of government and This
agitation or popular government is
fast spreading over all countries.
Germany. the country in which the
inha bitarts use wines and beers to
a great extent are beginning II real
izze their commercial position relative
to that of Great Britain and United
States Their commercial ability as
a nation is decreasing and according
to the Emperor must be Weakened or
the entire nation will ole. To win the
industrial battle in the world the in
h4bitantA must not be hampered by
drugged brains and muscles
The French argument against even
moderate drinking also has not only
been personal but national and inter-
national The French statistics show
ing in recent years more deaths than
births has caused alarm and action
is being tken by the government
Warnings against alcoholism defined
are being displayed in all public
places.
Great Britain has come to feel that
from the effects OF alcoholism. race
degeneracy has resulted. and was
proven at the time of the Boer war.
when a large number of men were
unfit for service on account Of this
drug
Ia closing DIR. Crafts spoke Of he
great neeo of immediate action on
the part OF the pr0hibitory forces: the
need IF publicity in the form of edi-
torials and posters the latter which
should be displayed in every CON
venient spot. He roughly outlined he
intended campaign which will BE- made
over the state and asked in this city
that the owners of automobiles would
aid greatly in the work If they would
donate their services to convey speak
ers to the rural communities in which
places speeches will be given Lit
reture will be presented. A eoilee-
ton was taken and pledges were made
for the support of this movement and
liberal subscriptions were made.
The attendance at the evening ser
viee at the city Opera house vas
large. all the churches participating.
DR.. Crafts, who again spoke on the
prohibitory question, furnished more
proofs VIII Maine should remain in
the prohibition column.
Mr.. Crafts is a son of Maine. born,
al he says. twin of the Maine law.
the same year. in the same State. and
to almost the same father. His work
has required him to travel widely, six
beds a week, three fourths of the