Year: 1878

blcd. The weather was pcrfcct-no better could
have been wished for--and ample preparation
had been made by the energetic and hard work
ing ladies and several gentlemen managers, for
a big time. They expected large crowd, made
every provision to feed II large crowd and they
were not disappointed The affair was Il perfect
success from beginning to end, and this crafty
ing result we do not hesitate to say is mainly due
to the ladies, and too much praise cannot be CIV
en- them. The grounds were admirably fitted up
for the occasion for the comfort, convenience and
pleasure of those who attended; and the utmost
order and quiet prevailed throughout the day.


About half past 10 o'clock, after music by the
Silver Cornct Band, who were in attendance, the
assembagc was called to order by W. +. Bow
man, president Of the Red Ribbon Club, of Otta-
wa and the exercises of the day begun by an
eloquent and fervent prayer by Re" Strobridge,


After some excellent music by the band the
president of the day, W. f. Bowman, delivered
the address of welcome as follows:


Lad,s and Gentlemen and Members Of tie Rel
Ribbon CLUBS Of La Salle County-For more than
one hundred years past every American heart
has beat doube.quck at the approach Of the glo-
riors fourth of July Shady groves have been
sought, music and songs have echoed through
the air, the blessing Of Deity has been invoked,
and the immortal document, Declaration of In
dependence, has been read, patriotic speeches
have been made--a general feeling of admiration
and praise has been expressed for the great and
good iify-siX signers Of that noble declaration OF
principles of 1716.


We are not here to-day to celebrate any great
national event of day.


The true object of our gathering in this shady
grove and minglng in these exercises and these
festivities is to extend our acquaintance to pro-
mote mutual social improvement, to exchange
fratcrnal greetings, to foster friendship, to in
crease sobriety, prosperity, indepcnce and gener-
III happiness in the community


While we would not attempt to undcrrate the
successful efforts Of Thomas! Jefferson in prepar-
ing the declaration of our American lndepen-
dencc or the successful execution of the Emanci-
patton of Slavery in our land ut the hands OF the
great and good Abraham LincOln,-yet, we do
feel that in the course of human events it is
peculiarly fitting at these times and on these oc-
casons, that the better to free ourselves from the
clutches Of the most damnabc Of all kings, and
the most CALLING fetters that bind SO many OF
our fellowmcn in such hcllish slavery, it has


become necessary for the safety, prosperity, and
happiness of the millions of men, women and
children Of this broad land, in this the nineteenth
century to cali to the rescue such public benefac-
tors rs the fathers of the Washingtonian move
mcnt," Father Matthew, John b. Cough, Miss
Francis Willard Francis Murphy, DR.. Reynolds,





the wide world and secure signers to our little
combined declaration of independence, and
emancipation from tho slavery of appetite and
habit which now take pleasure in reading in
your hearing


For our own good, ard for the good of others,
we do hereby promise with the help OF Almighty
God, to abstain from buying, selling or using al
coholic or malt beverages, wine and cider includ-
cd.n


This Of itself il a small document but the loss
tl.,,, tl.., Of
signers of whom more than 20 thousand are resi-
dents of La Sale county, large number of whom
see before me, and member Of the Ottawa
Red Ribbon Clah it affords me great pleasure
and satisfaction TO welcome you one and all TO
this, our first Red Ribbon Picnic, hoping and
believing that the new acquaintanccs formed
here to-day will be mutually pleasant and proht-
able ana finally rebound to the good of the
cause in which We are enlisted until victory over
the last foe is attained and the great temperance
reform chariot shall pass trumphantly over the
putrd dead remains Of Old King Alcohol, and
every dwelling in this broad land shall have a
etotal abstinence alter erected therein and every
heart find genial happy home thereat. Again,
Ladies, Gentlemen, and Friends OF the cause, al
low me to extend to you individually and collec-
lively Il fraternal greeting and hearty welcome, -
Sincerely believing as ! now do,


'rhere is nothing 10 Esd for you."


At the close of the address, and after music by



ard of La Sale, who made a short, but eloquen,
and entertaining address in support of the good
cause. He got upon the rail Of the stand in or
der, as he said to show the whole of himself, as
his clothes were pretty good, and would show of
to good advantage il he wasn't quite as good
looking some Of the other speakers. He
thought he had better speak before dinner as he
was a pretty big cater and he had heard that a
man could not speak SO well after eating hearty
dinner. He praised the grove and the affair gen
orally and in telling manner compared It and
the people with beer garden gatherings, at the
the same timo denouncing the latter as great
evils in the community. He had never drank
! liquor and did not speak ~ reformed man, and
didn't consider himself as good as some who
twere. Had tried 10 DO all he could for the cause
in an humble way, and intended To 90 on and give
his whole energies to the promotion of the good


work, and in trying 10 get at the root Of this
great evil Of intempcrancc. He was reared
in sobricty and taught temperance in his child
hood Spoke of his mothers influence over him


and said that she used 10 call his two brother:
and himself to her, and, pointing her finger


hoavenward, say; "Boys, remember that
Nuuu Tdlllcl STU Npu Er'i tlIull w u''H' Ai'pN'
Of the influence Of youny ladies over young men


and urged them as they valued happiness in lif,
not to countenance drinking by young men Will
whom they associated. He likened moderat,
drinking to deadly upas tree in our mids


which was not noticed and cut down until many


were poisoned by lis subtle influence. Thought


that churches were too indifferent and blind tC
| the great evil aud the sin of intsmpcrancC, and


that many who proiessed to be working against
| il, were only striking around the ou.siGc whcr


they should strike directly at the root. said thai
tniue.tsnth. of the PauPcrisrn and onchalf Of III,
lunacy VI the country was caused 10y strong
drink Pictured insanity from drunkenness a
horrible beyond comprehension and the insane


as hell. Spoke Of tie good effect OF temper


ancc upon business men, and said that it was
| policy for mar in any business TO be q temper
lnncc man. Did not think il necessary 10 drink