The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-12-26
ALMOST IN SIGHT
w. G. T. u. of South Carolina Tells of
It's Work for Eradication of LiUuOr


Its Work for Eradication of Liquor.
Editor of The Sumter tenn
In view of the agitation for State
wide prohibition in South Carolina.
am asking space in your columns for
a statement from the Woman's Chris
tian Temperance Union. the largest
and most efficient organization of wo-
men in the world, active not only in
the United States, but also in over SO
TO- aign nations. From the very be-
of it's existence AZ years ago
till this good day, the Woman's Chris
tian Temperance Union has stood un-
swervingly for total abstinence for
the individual and the prohibition of
the liquor traffic in the State, the ma
ton and the world.
Beginning with less than 100 mem
bers, and only a few States represent
ed at the first Convention, the Wo-
mans Christian Temperance Union at
it's recent National Annual Convention
held in AtlanCa, Ga, November 13-
10, reported gain of 3O,S7S new paid
up members in the past year, making
a total paid up membership of nearly
100000 in the United States alone.
Every State in the Union including
Alaska, was represented in the 1000
delegates and visitors at this 41st An
nual Convention. Five States had
been added to the list Of dry states,
making IA States which have State
wide prohibition. There is a bill now
pending in congress asking for an
amendment to the constitution of the
United Stats prohibiting the "sale,
manufacture for sale; transportation,
expectation, and importation for sale
of alcoholic liquors for beverage pur-
poses," and we believe that nation
wide prohibition is in sight.
1T has been a long way to prohibition
1t has been a long way to go,
1t has been a long, long way to pro-
hibition
In the fairest land we know;
So 1t is goodbye local option,
High license we'll not spare;
1t has been O. long, long way to pro-
hibition
But We are almost there!'
This. adapted from the popular
marching sons of the British troops in
the war over the seas, us is long
way to Tipperary" and sung at our
convention. expresses the feelings of
the white-ribbon army which is
marching with such steady tread
against that arch enemy of mankind
the legalized liquor traffic. 1t must
be "Good-bys to Local Option"
High License must not be spared
1t has been 6. long. long way to pro-
hibition," but in truth, I'VE are al
most there!'
hibition in South Carolina. The w. C.
T. U. heartily endorses the Move
ment for Statewide Prohibition"
launched in Columbia, October 22, and
the plans outlined by Mr.. j. K. Breed
in, Secretary. and we pledge our CO.
operation. We believe that it is
question which should be decided by
the voters of the State, rather than by
legislative enactment. We believe
that 1t Is wise to settle this great NOR
al and economical question on its mer-
its, and not mix it up with any can
didate therefore the best time to vote
on 1t is during an off-year in politics.
IL Is the people who are asking that
the legislature give them a chance to
express themselves on this question
whatever the several candidates may
or may not have promised last sum-
mer so far as each was personally
concerned, the people certainly made
no promise to let this live question
lie low" Our governor elect is an
honorable Christian gentleman and
though he may, personally, be of the
opinion that local option is the best
solution Of the liquor problem, if the
voters Of South Carolina declare for
Statewide prohibition he will respect
their wishes and enforce the law.
Very respectfully,
Mrs. Joseph Sprott.
President South Carolina w. c. r. y.
NVGHVN VRvnVcDC ADDICrNu>D