The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-26

the STAGES OF temperance work in Virginia
cutie interesting and Informing. Lieutenant
Governor Ellyson carried US back to the days
when the liquor traffic ruled the state open
~ ted the Sunday closing law. and fought
local option infringement of personal
liberty It seemed Impossible that these very
same people who denounced local option in
lSs5-S6 should shout SO loudly for il in 1914
The small beginnings of the Anti-Saloon
League emphasized. when call revealed
the fact that, in this convention. composed of
so many of the leading temperance workers of
the State there were only nine present who
were present at the organization of the league
at the Second Baptist Church in Richmond in
1900.
The absence of Governor Mann and Speaker
BYRD and of Senator Walker was regretted but
Judge Williams and Senators Mapp Saunders
and West made strong statements from the
Legislative standpoint.
The decision to give the women of the state
q prominent place she program was shown
to be wise by the way in which they acquitted
themselves. National prohibition was discussed
with great ability by Mrs. Ellen Boole Major
Dan Morgan Smith. Rev. f. j. Richardson and
DR.. A. j. Barton. The closing speeches by DR..
George ". Mcdaniel and Attorney General Pol
lard eloquent and convincing and both
speakers warned the people against false Sc
curity as the creates. danger at the present
time.
DR.. II. VI. Pitt, President
The convention greatly regretted to be obliged
to give up Mr.. J, W. Hough president. but
the unwritten law limits the term of president
to two years. After much thought and consul
tation, DR.. r. II. Pitt was selected for president.
and after much hesitation on his part owing
TO heavy duties elsewhere. he finally agreed TO
accept the position. DR.. Pitt is the editor Of
the Religious Herald and has shown grea, ,n
terest in the work of the league although UP
to the present time he has served any
OF the committees. He has been a prudent
counsellor aud will be OF real service in shap-
ing the important legislative program to be pre-
scented to the General Assembly of 1915
Rev. y. :. Peters, Field Secretary.
The Executive Committee selected Rev ]. S.
Peters. pastor Of our church at Blackstone. to
he general field secretary OF the league Brother
Peters was exceedingly reluctant TO accept the
position. he is In the midst of very pleasant
and successful pastorate al Blackstone BUT
the needs OF the work were great. and his
adaptation for tho work so evident, that the
COMMITTEES pressed for favorable dcision, and
he finally consented provided the Blackstone
stewards Of that church met and while they
were exceedingly reluctant to lose Brother
Peters they did as they have been doing for
years--nade another contribution to the larger
good of Virginia.
Brother Peters has unusual qualifications for
the work 10 which he has been called, and will
doubtless make great record a regular
worker for the league. He gave several months
of his time last year 10 the Statewide campaign,
and secured great results.
The Debt.
The debt o. the league discussed, and an
offering taken Wednesday night. Or. W. A.
Christian presented tho matter very effectively.
and subscriptions amounting TO about - 600
were made by comaa ratively SINAI! number
of individuals and representatives OF churches
and counties. A plan has been formulated tn
care for the debt without interfering with tho
regular work Of the league, and II Is hoped
that it will be successful.
AUTHORIZATION League.
On the day the convention opened The Rich
mond Vrginia1. always on the alert 10 advance
the interests Of prohib'tion. unearthed and pub
nshed the facts as TO the organization of
"Anti-Proh otion League In Virginia The dec
laration platform OF these people is published
page eight. II is significant that Mr.. L. r.
cabe is the president OF this organization In
view OF Mr.. Cabelrs creat ACTIVITY IN the State
wide campaign last year, and OF the publication
and distribution in pamphlet form OF his mis-
representations of conditions in Kansas by the
National Home Rule Association and or this
new effort TO prevent the enactment of the will
OF the people of Virginia into law II is not
strange that many persons believe that Mr..
Cabeii is the representative In Virginia of the
national liquor interests and Is working uHder
their direction. Certainly the temperance peo-
pie should realize that the liquor interests Will
not be quiet but they Will do everything possible
10 defeat genuine prohibition in our State.
JAAI1S CANNON. JR.