Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 October 1885 — A New Temperance Society. [ARTICLE]

A New Temperance Society.

Tuesday evening, October 20, a party of young ladies met at the parlors of Mrs, R. S. P wiggins, for the purpose ol organizing a Y. W. C. T. U.7M$. D wiggins occupied the chair, by consent; and, after discussing the question, it was decided to organize a Youtig Peoples’ Temperance Union, admitting Young gentlemen to equal privilege with the ladies. A fee of 10 cents Was carried by vote. Constitution, with pledge against the use as alcoholic drinks, adopted and signed by those present. Proper officers were elected, viz: Lucy Healy, President; Mattie Moore, Vice President; Hattie Flyn, Secretary; Ida Milligan, Treasurer; a committee on program appointed, also one for the solicitation of membership, and Miss Alice Havens Superintendent of all. Let us hope that this organization is not cast upon the troubled waves of Rensselaer society, to flourish for a season, and then die out for want of proper care. Let every mother who steps out upon our street the saloons we have; why, whenever she protests against the same, is answered by the words “High license, high license 1 ’ hurled at her, with such force and venom, that reverberation ceases only with forgetfulness. JuSt as if the powu- of whiskey to ruin and destroy, was governed by the price paid for the privilege of selling it. Absurd! Let every mother, who is faced by these facts, make this young society her especial charge, opening her doors to it, and giying it her best influence. Let every Christian breathe a prayer in its behalf: thinking only of the boys, the blessed boys, in whose hands tne fate of the Nation, a few years hence, will he. How dare we, as men and women, as responsible creatures before God, tolerate a saloon? I never pass one without catching my breath, and wondering if God will hold me responsible for it. The answer comes, always in conviction, if you have any share it it, if you countenance it, support it, do not denounce it, you are responsible. “You are your brother’s keeper,” and have no right to .tempt him. I bow my head to this decree, from which there is no escape. Whea the last great “Grand Jury” sits, there will be no running away. I lift up my voice, ■ turn the labor of my hands, my influence, all 1 have and am, against it; calleng upon every mother to stand by my side. And may the great ‘-All leather” guard and save us from the

enemy.

CARRIE CLARK.