The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1917-10-16
Forward Steps.

SAAS AAASG. p1SSIuSHI Term
the local option law passed in 1885
became effective and counties began
to vote "dry."
In 1886 Mrs. VIM. H. FELTON, of
Gainesville originated and presented
IN behalf of the W. C. T. u. a reso-
luton against the horrible convict
lease system which finally resulted
in its adjustment.
In 1889 the w. C. T. U. petitioned
through Mrs. M. L. McLendon of At
lanta for an industrial college for
girls, and later the Georgia Normal
and Industrial College at Milledge-
vile was established.
By invitation of the state legis-
lature the National w. C. T. u. met
in convention in Atlanta in 1890
Mrs. Jennie Hart Sibley, Union
Point, 19OO-19O5.
Mrs. Jennie Hart Sibley of Union
Point was made president at the sew
enteenth convention, in Augusta, on
April 25, 1900. This queenly daugh-
ter of the old South, of consecrated
ancestry, college-bred, travelled,
idealistic, gave generously of her
time and attainments to temperance
labors, and became an inspiration to
many.
The Importance of Scientific Tenn
peranco instruction.
Because the w. C. T. U. cloves
God and little children" and believes
that "the star Of temperance reform
stands over the school," tremendous
endeavors were put forth for the
passage of a scientific temperance
instruction measure, led by Mrs. Sib-
ley.
After a dozen years of continu-
Gus work by the w. C. T. U. the law
was enacted, Gov. Allen D. Gambler
signing it Dec. 18th, 1901. The law
requires chat the nature of alco-
holic drinks and narcotics and spe-
cial instruction as to their effect up
on the human system, in connection
with the several divisions of the sub
iect of physiology and hygiene, shall
be included in the branches of study
taught in common or public schools
in the State of Georgia, and shall be
studied and taught as thoroughly and
in the same manner as other like re-
quired branches are in said schools"
Georgia was the last of the forty
five to make this law. The w. C. T.
U. in each state took the initiative
and labored and prayed for these
laws.
Their wisdom is manifest, for
generation of voters with a knowl-
edge of what alcohol is and what it
does is outlawing it all over the land.
J Happenings of Interest.
Numerous local unions were form
ed. Upon Governor Gambler was be-
slowed the first life membership,
which have grown to IT'S today. In
expressing appreciation for the hon
or he said in part: II could not en-
joy a greater distinction than to have
been elected by this noble army of
Christian women to membership with
them"
Two vastly important occurrences
were the veto by Gov. Gambler of the
dispensary bill and the establishment
of the official organ, "The Georgia
w. C. 7. U. Bulletin"
Mrs. Mary Harris Armor, Eastman,
19O5-19O9.
At the oath convention in Ameri-
Gus, Oct. Is, 1905, Mrs. Mary Har-
ris Armor became president, The
w. C. T. U. grew in strength and
zeal and aggressiveness, every de-
partment was magnifed and new
forces added. County after county
had voted for prohibition, aided by
the w. C. T. u, until only seven out
of the 1877 licensed the saloon.
Such exhaustless resources, phys !
ically, mentally, spiritually, such
marvellous oratory, such undaunted
courage were vested in Mrs. Armor
that God commissioned her to lead
the temperance hosts in a triumph
ant march against the saloon. July
80, 1907, Georgia's statewide pro-
hibition law was passed, and soon
signed by Gov. Hoke Smith. Great
was the rejoicing in White Ribbon
ranks. The far-reaching extent of
the blessings can only be known in
the day of great revelations.
Memorial in Honor of Prohibition
Lawmakers.
A memorial volume, giving the his
tory of the first % years of the Geor-