The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-05-26
PIONEER TEMPERANCE
WOMAN IN CITY
Comrade Of Frances Willard Visits
Rchmond-Mrs. NJ. V. Newton, a
Founder of the state
w. c. r. u.

Mrs NJ. V. Newton, one of the rev.
cred pioneer tenn perance women of
Virginia, and who was an intimate
friend and worker of Frances VII
lard and a founder of the W. c. r. L.
In this state, ia stopping In the city
a few days on visit to friends. Mrs.
Newton has recently returned from
Florida. where she has been at work
in her capa city as one of the National
White Ribbon organizers, and reports
the prohibition cause Is progressing
finely in the Southland. She took in
the Billy Sunday meetings in Ralti-
more, and agrees with the popular es-
innate OF the evangelst's wonderful
power for good. The only criticism
she has of Billy" is. that he hasn't
forgotten his baseball maneuvers suf-
ficiently to free himself from these
physical gyrations on the platform"
Mrs Newton says that. the out
standing great fact OF the temperance
tidal wave is the Importance of edu-
eating and training the young. "A
fruitful harvest comes from the SOW
ing OF good seed in good soil and
properly tending the growth. The
present worldwide anti-liQuor attitude
is not sporadic or spasmodic. but the
result of conviction from education.
our chief danger lies in the dlsposi-
ton on the part of a contingent Of
the temperance army to regard the
battle as forever won, whereas II lie
necessary TO keep up the fight until
every child In the world Is indoctri-
mated in the truth. that alcohol is
neither food nor a stimulant. but a
subtle and deadly poison. But we
will jealousy guard against this
danger"
TN the train Mrs. Newton was re-
Gently approached by a lady who was
the pioneers hostess IN Fayette Coun-
IT, West Virginia, over fifteen years
ago, And do you remember the lit
tie -year-old boy who wanted to
sign the " G. r t. pledge when
did >" why | distinctly recall the
pretty incident =" replied Mrs Newton
II pnt pencil in his little hand and
guided 1t to sign his name. and gave
him n white ribbon badge! And
recall that you put the pledge In a
pretty frame and hung II on the wall "
Well, replied the mother of the
little pledge signer, he is grown
man now and an active worker In the
temperance cause. He has never
missed attending a meeting OF his
W. G. r. T., and has consistently
worn the white ribbon. 1t will also
town. which was overwhelmingly
wet when you crazy temperance wo-
men came there with your seed SOW
ing, gave a substantial majority for
Statewide prohibition when our state
rolled UP that 80 900 ajority for pro-
hibition."
Praise the Lord" reioined Mrs
Newton. that's the prediction l voiced
to the whisk ey- seller who jeered at
me"
Yes, and | want say TO you. Mrs
Newton. that you and your organiza-
ton started the fire which swept our
atate OF the great enemy OF the
church. home and school
Mrs Newton's work is largely de-
voted to instructing children in the
she takes great delight. And one OF
the valuable compensations for her
life of service IN the cause is the fire.
quent greetings of grown-up children
who thank her for valuable advice
which they needed. II Ia an inspira-
ton to converse with her. and the in
teresting incidents which she relates
are told in a manner far removed
from any desire for self-praise or pub
lie commentator, She is thorough
ly@s conVersant with the entire tenn
peranCe question. and the history OF
the organ ized efforts in behalf OF the
cause. and holds high place in the
affections Of all temperance workers,
and especially OF the White Ribbon
Army.
Mrs Newton has accepted an invi-
tation 10 address the Bi-County Con
vention OF the W. G. r. T., which
meets in Central Methodist Church,
South Richmond on June Z