Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1912-03-22
An Historical Sketch OF The Anti.
Saloon League.

have been requested by the President
to state in writing what know in an his.
torical way of the early history of the
League, since have been connected with
it, and especially with reference to the at
titude of ex-Judge Henderson toward the
League and of the enforcement of our Local
Option Law. From what shall say, dc
not wish to be understood as delivering
any eulogy or memorial on ex-Judge Hen
derson, but rather carrying flowers of praise
to him whilst living than laying them on
his casket at his funeral, for can assure
you that Judge Henderson is at present a
very live man.
But what | wish most to emphasize is
that if what shall say hereafter may seem
personal and appear flattering, they are,
nevertheless, facts of history, and so con-
nected and interviewer with the life of our
League that am sure you will pardon
their repetition.
| first became interested in League work
at meeting held in Gaithersburs in the
year 1897 or 1898, just don't remember
which, but remember that our Brother
Miller was President and the Rev. Mr..
Branch, who was connected with the old
Maryland State Temperance Alliance, made
an address.
On January 9th, 1900. at the annual
meeting always held in Rockville. under
provision of the constitution, up to about
four years ago. since when it has been held at
Washington Grove) Brother Warren Choate
was elected President j. H. Gassaway.
Treasurer, and Frank Higgins, Secretary.
In 1901 the same officers were reelected.
In 1902 Mr.. Choate was elected President,
Mr.. j. H, Gassaway was elected Vice.
President at large. and Mr.. Montgomery.
Treasurer, and Frank Higgins, Secretary.
In 1908 Mr.. Choate was again re elected
President and Immediately resigned, and
Mr.. Asa M Stabler was elected in his place ;
M B. Montgomery, Treasurer, and Francis
Snowden, Secretary. have been its Sec
rotary for three years and its attorney for
nine years, and member of the Committee
on Law Enforcement practically since its
organization.
The following extract is taken from the
county papers report of the annual meet
ing of 1900:
THE annual meeting of the Montgomery
County Anti-Saloon League, held in Rock
vile, on Saturday, January 9th, 1900. was
of unusual interest. The representative
character of those present gave evidence
that the work in hand does appeal to the best
type of manhood and womanhood. Fifty
two persons responded to the roll-call, rep
resenting various churches. schools, W. C.
T. Unions and other philanthropic organi-
cations throughout the county. Much re-
gret was felt at the absence Of Rev. L. l..
Lloyd, former active member, and of Mr..
S. E. Nicholson. State Superintendent of
the League. The unanimous reelection
of Messrs. Warren Choate for President.
Frank Higgins for Secretary and John H.
Gassaway for Treasurer was received with
enthusiasm, and the remainder of the bu-
siness was carried on with no abatement
of interest.
THE President report was supplemented
by brief paper from Mrs. Sarah T. Miller,
President of the County W. C. T. u, urging
all, both women and men. to consider their
individual responsibility in this matter.
The cooperation of the W. C. T. U. during
ha full onLn laAd tad
by the League and its continued help So
licited. The President report then follows.
1t was headed The Fourth Annual
Report, and starts with the following -
1t is with pleasure that the Executive Com
mittee and officers of the League meet
with members for the fourth time in this
Town Hall at Rockville for annual meeting
to elect officers and to begin a year of CO.
operative labors in behalf of the righteous
cause which binds us together" etc.
Extract from papers in the year 1902.
June 18th. A. d. 1902, Sheriff j. W.
Collier and two deputies raided the River
View Turf Club on the Conduit Road. yes
Anti-Saloon League began the investiga-
ton of the club. they employed Detective
Louis Wien. of Baltimore city, who obtained
the information upon which the warrants
were sworn out before Justice of the Peace
Joseph Reading at this place. by Mr.. Frank
Higgins, Attorney for the Anti-Saloon
League. This was the result of repeated
consultations and meetings on behalf Of
the prosecuting committee of the League
(of which were DIR. W. r. Andrews, War
rem Choate and Frank Higeins). Mr.. Maui
rice Talbot was the States Attorney at
that time and performed his duty well. One
of the cases was against George W. Sulli-
van, the proprietor Of the club. for running
a gambling house and three other warrants
charging him with violation Of the Local
Option Law. 1t was in the trial of George
Sullivan at the following November term
in which Judge Henderson used such Wig
| orous language. The people Of this county,
it is stated, have tried in vain to rid them
selves of law-breakers, but without COM
plete success until the Anti-Saloon League
took the matter up a short time ago and,
independently of the constabulary of the
county, started a crusade that has already
brought results. Judge Henderson took
this position. The policy Of the court to
convict was announced by Justice James
B. Henderson in sentencing George W. Sui
livan to pay fine of $500 each in three
cases. Judge Henderson severely araigned
the sheriff and his deputies for not enforc-
ing the law and bringing its offenders to
justice, saying The argument resolves
itself into this. that no good man would 90
to any Of these places for the purpose Of
making case against any one Of the pro-
prietors, and no bad man, who may have
been there and secured the evidence nee
essary to convict is to be believed But II