PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.
I gather the facts of work in this city from statements by Mrs. J. S.
Collins and Mrs. W. M. Gormly.
After meeting in Alliance Hall several times, for consultation and
prayer, a mass-meeting was held in the Third Presbyterian Church,
February 26th, 1874.
On the 2d of March an organization was effected, and Mrs. J. S. Collins
elected President, and other officers chosen.
The next meeting was held in the United Presbyterian Church. The large
edifice was densely packed. The principal address was made by John B.
Gough. In closing, he wished the women of Pittsburgh God speed in their
efforts to overthrow the liquor traffic.
Soon after, one hundred women, headed by the officers, marched, two and
two, to the office of the Mayor of Pittsburgh, to ask him to enforce
the Sunday closing law. After a brief interview, and prayer, the mayor
promised, in the most solemn manner, to see to it that all saloons
should be closed on the Sabbath.
They then waited on the Mayor of Allegheny, to make the same request,
which was acceded to. For two or three Sabbaths there was a marked
improvement, no places being visibly open for the sale of liquors. But
very soon it was apparent that the mayor did not care to enforce the
law, even when cases were reported to him.
During all this time much discussion had taken place as to methods
of work, and, on the 8th of April, 1874, the street work began. Mrs.
Gormly says:
All along the route the crowd increased, until we reached the Scotch
Hill House, corner Fourth avenue and Ross street, kept by John
McFadden. Permission was asked to hold services inside, which was
gruffly refused. The Crusade was opened on the pavement by singing
‘All hail the power of Jesus’ name,’ the band kneeling. Mrs. Youngson
offered a fervent appeal to the throne of grace. Amid all these
exercises a howling mob, with oaths and blasphemous curses, were
calling for beer and whiskey. The proprietor and a boy were taxed to
their utmost capacity to supply the demand. It now became necessary
to send for aid. The acting mayor sent a detail of police. The scene
here beggared description. Beer wagons drove up and were soon filled
by the rabble, as were all the trees and tree-boxes adjacent, and high
carnival was held in the devil’s cause.
The next place visited was the wholesale house of Dillinger &
Stevenson, on First avenue. Here the ladies were admitted, and knelt
and prayed between rows of l liquor barrels. The proprietors were urged
to sign the pledge, which they refused. We then withdrew.
On Wood street, on passing a liquor house, the crowd had attained large
proportions. We were treated with taunts and jeers until we arrived at
our rooms. After lunch and devotional exercises, the line of march was
again resumed. The first place visited was the Monongahela House. Mr.
Crossan courteously received us, and tendered us the use of one of his
parlors, in which we held our exercises--a large and orderly gathering
being present, many signing the pledge. The acting mayor gave a detail
of police, which accompanied us.
We next visited the La Belle House, directly opposite the Monongahela
House. Here the crowd was immense. Mr. Bailey, the proprietor, had sent
an invitation to us to visit his house, and had made ample preparation,
so far as his room permitted. Mr. Bailey and the police did everything
in their power, under the circumstances, to keep order. Although
demonstrative, the crowd was not insulting. “We’ll wait till Jesus
calls” was sung, the proprietor joining heartily with us.
Our next visit was at the Alden House, on Wood street, where we were
cordially welcomed by the proprietor. The crowd was most respectful,
evidently being of a better class. They all joined us in singing “We
praise Thee, O God.” While we knelt in prayer, being led by Mrs.
Youngson, a canary bird, hanging in a cage near a window, commenced to
sing, and at every pathetic appeal, he sent forth his beautiful notes,
making the event particularly impressive.
April the 9th we visited the Lion Hotel, where we were admitted,
and courtesy extended, the proprietor closing up the bar, suffering
no liquor to be sold during our stay. As we were leaving this place
Chief-of-Police Irwin presented an appearance, and announced that we
were no longer to continue in our Crusade, as it was the orders from
the police committee. We returned to our rooms for consultation.
It soon became known that no order had been issued by the mayor. We
obtained legal advice from the United States District Attorney, David
Reed. He informed us we could not be arrested unless a proclamation
was issued by the mayor. The sick-chamber of the mayor was invaded
by prominent wholesale liquor men, and the coveted proclamation was
obtained, forbidding us, under penalty of arrest, to hold services on
the streets in the future. Wishing to test which was in power in the
city of Pittsburgh--God or the devil--we continued our Crusade in the
afternoon, visiting the wholesale houses of Anderson & Gamble, Mr.
Hamberger, and Littell & Mechling. The members of the last-named firm
became greatly enraged at our appearance, Mr. Mechling skipping over
rows of barrels, calling lustily for the police to save them, in their
legalized traffic, from the women, while Mr. Littell, in an outrageous
manner, stood heaping vile epithets on us, and as one of our number was
engaged in prayer on his behalf, his hands were over her face as if
ready to tear her to pieces. His excited and angry talk had attracted a
very large crowd, and his insulting words had aroused the indignation
of the bystanders, and a riot was imminent.
The Crusade was continued for several weeks, without any interference
from the authorities, the ladies enduring every indignity; dogs were
set on us, but, to the credit of the noble animals, they refused to
attack us; barrels of liquor were rolled toward us; beer wagons were
driven against us; and we were drenched by the hose of hydrants, turned
upon us.
May 21st, while holding services at a wholesale liquor house,
Lieutenant Hager, with two officers, appeared on the scene, requesting
an onward move. The request was not heeded. A loud command rang out:
“Policemen, keep the pavement clear.” At this time some high words took
place between Lieutenant Hager and Mr. Andrew Brice, who said, “Before
I would do such dirty work, I would tramp my uniform in the gutter.”
The lieutenant replied: “If you don’t keep quiet I will arrest you and
every person on the pavement.” Approaching us he said: “I shall have to
obey my orders and arrest you all.” The president replied: “We will not
go until we see the proper warrant.”
After asking the ladies if they refused to consider themselves under
arrest, Hager helped himself to a pledge, and on the back of it
proceeded to write the names as far as he could succeed in getting
them. Armed with this list he proceeded to the mayor’s office, and
warrants were filled out for our arrest, which were immediately
executed. The procession then proceeded to the mayor’s office. In the
meantime the acting mayor and clerk were actively engaged in filling
up information against the band for disorderly conduct, the members
thereof freely giving their names.
During the interim, religious exercises were held, and tracts and
pledges were distributed to the spectators, reporters, acting mayor and
his clerk. Upon the arrival of the complainants and our counsel--for
whom we had a tedious wait--the case was opened, the burthen of the
liquor men’s complaint being interruption of business. The evidence
being of a sickly nature, we were discharged with a reprimand.
The mayor said that he was a friend of the ladies as long as they
obeyed the law, but if they did wrong, he would be compelled to enforce
the law to the letter. Accordingly, he dismissed the case, bidding us
“go and sin no more.” The magistrate had scarcely concluded, when we
commenced singing, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,” and
continued to sing until the spectators were cleared from outside the
bar. Thus ended the first arrest.
On the following day the Crusade was resumed. While holding services at
Hostetter & Smith’s Stomach Bitter house, one of the mayor’s police,
Lieutenant Gordon, stepped up and asked for the names of the members
of the band. They declined to accommodate him, but by some means he
obtained the name of Mr. Watt Black, who always accompanied his mother,
and proceeded at once to the mayor’s office to obtain a warrant for the
arrest of Mr. Black and the Crusading Band.
While holding services at the La Belle House, on Smithfield street,
Detective Wilmot presented a warrant. After the arrest, the band,
headed by the detective and other officers, marched up Smithfield
street, singing as they proceeded, and, to our surprise, as well as
the hundreds of spectators who were following us, we were led to the
lock-up in Diamond alley. As soon as those under arrest filed in, the
doors were closed and a strong guard placed to keep them from being
forced open. To make it as uncomfortable as possible, the windows were
tightly closed, and remained so until one of the band, being overcome,
fainted, when they were compelled to open them.
As the deputy mayor was somewhat tardy in presenting himself, religious
services were conducted for some time. On being notified, our counsel,
W. K. Jennings, Esq., promptly appeared. Immediately after, the acting
mayor took his seat and commenced the hearing. The information only
contained the names of three of our number, viz.: Watt Black, Esq.,
his mother and Mrs. Vanhorn. The officer, in testifying, stated that
those three obstructed the sidewalk, by singing and praying. On
cross-examination he stated there were whiskey-barrels obstructing the
sidewalk, which he neither ordered to move on, nor arrested. After
arguments by counsel, the mayor’s decision was a fine of one hundred
dollars on Mr. Black; Mrs. Black and Mrs. Vanhorn, twenty-five dollars
each--which was greeted with hisses. Mrs. Black arose and indignantly
protested against paying one cent of the fines, saying they would go
to the work-house or jail. The mayor here stated that the ladies must
be treated as other prisoners, and if they wished to take an appeal,
the fines must be paid. At this juncture, W. D. Moore, Esq., believed
to be in the employ of the liquor league, stepped forward and gave
his check for the amount of the fines, which was strongly protested
against by the defendants. The mayor having received the money, we were
discharged, and withdrew from the lock-up singing, “Am I a Soldier of
the Cross.”
Saturday, May 23d, we met in our room at 2 P. M., engaged in devotional
exercises, invoking the aid of the Master. We then took up the line of
march, visiting the establishment of Dillinger & Stevenson, on First
avenue. We were interrupted by the police--they leaving to procure
warrants for our arrest. We proceeded to the store of Weiler & Brother,
on the same avenue, near Smithfield street. On commencing our exercises
a scene most disgraceful ensued. As soon as the voice of prayer was
heard, a German copper shop immediately opposite brought their stills
and kettles to the front, and all hands commenced pounding and making a
deafening noise. The friends of alcohol everywhere seemed to be about
us, yelling at the top of their voices; and to complete the effort of
the hour, ten policemen, who were detailed to arrest us, made their
appearance, and informed us we were under arrest. The warrant being
presented, we surrendered and accompanied the officers to the lock-up,
an immense crowd accompanying us. As we entered, the iron gate was
thrown open that the culprits might pass into their cells. Paul and
Silas like, we prayed, and sang praises to God. No doubt, like the
keepers of old, they trembled, but did not spring in to ask what they
must do to be saved. This created a great stir among the people. Had
they known that we were locked behind the bars with the vagrants, the
building would have been torn to pieces in a very short time.
The case being opened, the usual questioning and cross-questioning was
gone through with, and was concluded by the mayor imposing a fine of
thirty dollars upon each; but subsequently finding he was not likely
to get rid of us, he reduced it to ten dollars. A gentleman stepped
forward and filled a check for three hundred and thirty dollars, and we
were immediately discharged.
Acting Mayor McMasters said: “T am very happy to announce to the ladies
and the public here assembled, that I received this morning a writ of
_certiorari_ directing that the record in the case disposed of Thursday
last should be transmitted to the Court of Common Pleas. The questions
of law involved will thus be explicitly laid down by a tribunal whose
purity and integrity has never been called in question. The citizens,
and the ladies in particular, and I will, I am confident, abide the
decision of that tribunal. In view of an early hearing, I have decided
to defer further action in the cases now under consideration, until the
court shall have rendered a decision in the case pending before it.
I have instructed the clerk to hand back the money deposited for the
appearance of the ladies.”
No sooner had we emerged from the lock-up than a tremendous burst of
applause arose from the vast multitude. The mayor, police, and our
accusers were greeted with groans and hisses. As we moved away to the
Alliance rooms, the crowd increased at every step, the men who were
standing along the curbstones respectfully raising their hats. Before
we reached our head-quarters they were densely packed by an excited
crowd, expecting to hear addresses of approbation. The halls and
stairways were crowded, as were the streets also, so as to make egress
or ingress almost impossible. As soon as order could be had, Hon. B.
C. Christy was called upon, who arose and made a few congratulatory
remarks, complimenting us on the patience and fortitude with which we
had undergone our trials. He believed that we were actuated by motives
true and pure as heaven.
We then adjourned to Duquesne Way, on the Allegheny river, in front of
Rhodes’ brewery, making use of one of his wagons from which to denounce
their infamous traffic. Several enthusiastic addresses were made. It
being late on Saturday evening, we then adjourned.
On Sabbath, several sermons were preached, denouncing the evil, and
encouraging us in the work.
Thursday, May 27th, we met at our rooms, which were densely crowded.
After devotional exercises, we formed in line and proceeded to the
court-house; and because of the publicity the papers had given the
case, the streets were filled with an immense throng. When we arrived
at the court-house, the yard and building were so packed that the
officers had great difficulty in opening up a passage for us to enter.
Promptly at ten A. M., Judges Sterritt, Stowe, and Collier entered and
took their seats on the bench. After proclamation by the crier, the
case was opened. The attorneys stated their pleas to the judges, who,
upon consultation, delivered their opinions as follows: Judge Stowe
stated, “Singing and praying upon the public streets is not disorderly
conduct.” Further, the learned judge informed Mr. Coyle, the acting
mayor’s counsel, that his argument partook of shallowness of pretext
more than anything else. Concurred in by the other judges. Judge Stowe
gave the following decision: “The decision of the acting mayor should
be set aside; restitution awarded; fines and costs returned; the city
pay the costs;” and we were discharged from custody much to the chagrin
of the acting mayor, who was present, his countenance indicating great
discomfiture. As we emerged from the court-house, it was plain to be
seen on which side the sympathy was. Cheer after cheer greeted us. We
took up our line of march for the Smithfield Street M. E. Church. On
our entering, the large auditorium was immediately packed. Order being
restored, we engaged in singing, prayer, and thanksgiving to Almighty
God for deliverance.
The following are the names of the thirty-three arrested and
imprisoned: Mrs. J. S. Collins, Mr. A. Watt Black, Miss McClung,
Mrs. Van Horn, Mrs. Sarah Moffett, Mrs. S. C. Matchett, Mrs. W. W.
Morris, Mrs. Alice Gillchrist, Mrs. Macken, Miss E. B. Carmichael,
Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. M. Gray, Mrs. ----, Mrs. J. I. Logan, Mrs. Grace
Hopeful, Mrs. M. E. Tutell, Mrs. A. W. Black, Mrs. A. Hill, Miss A.
A. Starr, Miss Pearl Starr, Miss Lee A. Starr, Mrs. Youngson, Mrs.
M. B. Reese, of Alliance, O., Mrs. John Foster, Mrs. Mary Caldwell,
Mrs. Samuel Allinder, Mrs. W. M. Gormly, Miss E. Beeson, Mrs. D. N.
Courtney, Mrs. Jane Nelson, Mrs. Martha Woods, Miss E. J. Foster, Miss
Bessie Black.
The Crusade continued. “Many devices were resorted to by the
liquor-dealers to drive us away. For instance, the scattering of
cayenne pepper, burning brimstone in the vault under the pavement. This
ruse they soon abandoned, as we caused it to recoil on them by covering
the grating, thereby turning the fumes into their houses.”
I have recently learned that Blackmore was Mayor of Pittsburgh during
the Crusade, and Samuel McMasters acting mayor, Blackmore being an
invalid. McMasters did as he pleased, and it is generally believed that
the liquor-sellers paid him (McMasters) to prosecute the ladies, and
bring them into disgrace, if possible, and thus stop the Crusade.
The true character of McMasters, the acting mayor, who caused their
arrest, and by whom they were tried and convicted, has recently been
brought to light, _he being convicted and sentenced to seven years in
the penitentiary, for the double crime of adultery and abortion_, which
resulted in the death of mother and child. The victim, a young girl,
accompanied McMasters to the Centennial, and he effected her ruin; and
to conceal the black crime, he committed another, even blacker.
So this official ruffian stands out before the public in his true
light. Others who were active in opposing the Crusade have fallen into
disgrace, or have been forced to fly to escape justice.
The howling mob that struck terror to the hearts of the people of
Pittsburgh during the riot of July, 1877, and made its streets red
with human blood, was composed largely of _the very same class_ of
drunkards, tramps, and hoodlums that gathered at the call of the
saloon-keepers to insult and howl down respectable Christian women, who
dared publicly to protest against the liquor traffic by song and prayer.
If the whole moral influence of the city had been brought to bear at
that time on the liquor traffic, and the saloons had been closed and
the business overthrown, the riot of 1877 would not have been possible.
But the people sustained the rum power rather than the Crusade. And
adown the very same streets, where the bands of women had marched, in
the spirit of love, and with the songs of Zion on their lips, to win
men from sin by prayers and tears, an angry, howling mob, with oaths
and torches, with knives and pistols, surged and yelled, and rioted,
with hellish hate and murderous intent. The city had “sown to the
wind,” and she “reaped the whirlwind.”
We all know now, as we never could have known without the bitter,
costly lesson of the riot of 1877, how much the women of this land
risked in the Crusade, and how wondrously _God shielded every one of
them_, as, going forth in His name, they walked through these very same
mobs, _unharmed_.
ALLEGHENY, PENNSYLVANIA.
The Allegheny City Temperance Society, known as “Mrs. Swift’s Band,”
was organized as a branch of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, of
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 25th, 1874. The preparation for
the great work differed in nowise from that of similar organizations
in other places. Daily prayer-meetings were held, and faint hearts
grew courageous, and weak hands strong to undertake what so appalled
sensitive natures. On the morning of April 4th, 1874, after an
unusually solemn prayer-meeting, the band started from Rev. Dr. Swift’s
church, to make the first visit to saloons. The succeeding three months
this method of working was faithfully adhered to, and one hundred and
sixteen saloons were visited; forty of this number received two visits
each, and a few even three. In addition to the saloons, some of the
mills and work-shops, as well as a large number of families, were
visited. In the case of families, the ladies went in committees of
two or three. Many persons signed the pledge, and while some have not
had strength to keep it, we rejoice that others, whose first serious
impressions were received from the saloon and curbstone exercises
of the “praying women,” are now leading sober and useful lives. The
churches opened their doors for our prayer-meetings, and two each day
were sustained. A general meeting in the morning, and in the afternoon
for ladies only. We were greatly encouraged by the interest manifested
by the clergymen of the city. Their prayers, their words of counsel
and of sympathy, nerved the shrinking women to go on with a work so
fraught with disheartening and revolting details. Carrying the meetings
from church to church was attended with many disadvantages, and several
of our earnest supporters conceived the idea of providing us with a
“local habitation and a name.” A very elegant building had been erected
in a fashionable quarter for the purpose of establishing a “drinking
palace.” Before its completion, the owner became involved, and it was
offered for sale. It was purchased by the Reformed Presbyterians for
a Theological Seminary. They did not require the whole building, and
rented for our use a large, handsome room. This very building, which
was designed to destroy men, body and soul, was occupied by those whose
every effort was to “establish, strengthen, and save them.” Our friends
furnished the room with great comfort and taste, and on Monday evening,
July 6th, 1874, Crusade Hall was formally dedicated to the service of
God and the temperance cause.
Many friends now suggested to us the propriety of becoming an
independent organization, as Allegheny City and Pittsburgh are
distinct municipalities. Considering the matter from every point
of view, we decided that our best interests would be subserved by
severing our connection with the Central Union of Pittsburgh, which
was done, July 25th, 1874. As the summer advanced, our numbers rapidly
diminished, leaving us too weak to pursue the work as heretofore. Our
prayer-meetings were reduced to one afternoon and one evening meeting
weekly.
But the disastrous flood by which our city was visited, in July, 1874,
loudly called for help from willing hands. Immediately, our temperance
band offered its services to the relief committee, and the quiet room,
where the gentle voices of women had ascended in prayer and praise,
grew vocal with the hum of sewing machines, and Crusade Hall became
one of the most important relief head-quarters. Immense quantities of
material were converted into substantial clothing, and distributed
with the utmost system and despatch. Numbers of families were visited,
receiving not only material aid, but the priceless boon of a sympathy
which thought it no toil to brave the horrors of the desolated district
and see the victims of the disaster in the ruins of their once peaceful
homes. The grand object we had in view was not lost sight of in these
trying days. We had access to many homes where intemperance was no
stranger, and where hearts were softened by great suffering seed was
sown which we can hope has borne fruit.
After the necessity of this work had passed but little was done, beyond
the sustaining of the two prayer-meetings.
As our members returned in the autumn, we again began to consider what
we should do. It was thought that no further good could be accomplished
by crusading in bands, yet we did not wish the enemy to congratulate
itself that we were discouraged or wearied. So it was decided to
visit the saloons in committees of twos and threes. The ladies were
courteously received, and their arguments listened to with civility,
but apparently little impression was made.
Again we seemed to pause, and a second time our work was sent to us.
For some time our Friday evening meetings had been disturbed by a
number of boys of the lowest class. Whence they came no one could tell.
Whether curiosity, or a deliberate design to disturb the Crusaders,
brought them, we could not conjecture. The disagreeable fact of their
presence was all we knew about them. No one felt like assuming the
responsibility of dismissing them, and a few earnest hearts resolved
to make a special effort in their behalf. One evening each week during
the winter and spring was devoted to their instruction. No encouraging
results were apparent, but the pleasing reflection is ours, that a
great desire to do them good actuated the ladies, who endured their
rudeness with unwavering faith and courage. The endeavor to improve the
boys suggested similar work for the girls of the same class. A most
flourishing industrial school was established, and sustained throughout
two winters. Cottage prayer-meetings formed an important feature of
our work. It was the desire to hold the meetings, if possible, in
homes which had felt the horrors of intemperance. This was not always
practicable, but localities were chosen where the degraded of both
sexes congregated, and where religious instruction was not given. Very
soon an interest was manifested in the simple services, and many have
anxiously inquired the “way of life.”
We still have unabated interest in the work, and would gladly be
more actively engaged. Our Tuesday afternoon meeting has never been
interrupted, but we now feel ourselves “a feeble folk,” and can do
little else than pray. The most perfect harmony has characterized our
band, and the only change of officers we have made has been occasioned
by the removal from the city of one lady, and the enforced absence, by
serious illness, of another.
WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA.
I am indebted to Mrs. Mussina for the following facts: “Before our
Crusade commenced, there were thirty liquor-saloons within a stone’s
throw of the court-house.
“One of our first meetings was held in a large hotel. The house was
full, and the street was full--there was a multitude all around us.
We bowed before the Lord and offered up a petition in behalf of the
proprietor.
“The people said: ‘We thought those women were going to find fault
with us, but they have come to do us good.’ From that time we felt an
earnest desire to visit all the liquor-dealers.
“The father of the landlord of one of the largest hotels sent us word
to go and hold meetings in that house, and his son would be saved. Our
street meetings were owned and blessed of God in the salvation of many.
We have often been thanked by strangers, for holding these meetings.
“We had a number of mass-meetings; and the liquor-dealers had _one_.
Many of the temperance people thought we ought to have attended it in a
body; but we only sent a delegation and the rest of us remained in the
church, and prayed to a covenant-keeping God to confound our enemies.”
Mrs. Dr. Kemble, who was appointed to visit Harrisburg to help save the
Local Option law, furnishes the following incident of her escape the
night before she started:
“Wishing to arise early, I told the young lady (who was staying with
me) that we would leave the blinds up, that we might see the daylight
at an early hour. About midnight we heard a crash which awoke us both,
and upon looking up, we discovered that the window had been broken
in; and upon further search we found that a brickbat had been thrown
through the window, and lay between us on the bed; but by the blessing
of God neither of us were hurt. This did not deter us in the least. We
prayed and worked with more determination than ever.”
The most signal manifestation of God’s hand in the work, is the swift
judgment that has overtaken almost every one who opposed them, as will
be shown from the following facts sent me by E. L. Nice, who writes:
“The first meeting was called February, 1874. The ladies organized
twenty-five strong, and commenced the saloon visiting and picket work
soon after. A coffee-house also was opened, in a concert saloon room,
situated in the midst of the liquor-selling business. This room had
been previously occupied as a saloon; but the keeper had skipped away
without paying his rent, and thus we got it; but kept it only a short
time, because the man of whom we rented (then the mayor of the city)
grew afraid of the liquor men, when he saw our coffee-house hurt their
‘lunch-rooms,’ and would let us have it no longer. This man has since
gone into disgrace as a _dishonest_ bankrupt, even losing his friends
among the liquor men, who suffered from his failure.
“The man who was the most insulting to us has since shot himself while
in jail, during a fit of delirium tremens, and died a miserable death.
Two others have found a home in the insane asylum.
“Many have been sold out by the sheriff, and reduced to poverty. One
who did all he could slyly, to discourage and injure us, now goes about
a cripple, almost helpless with paralysis, and his family is reduced to
abject poverty.
“Our District Attorney, G. C. Hinman, who boldly advocated the repeal
of the Local Option law, and denounced the work of the Crusade, left
here last year in disgrace; ran away just in time to escape the
penitentiary.
“The man who was counsel for the liquor men has been twice at death’s
door, and in fearful agony in the belief that he was lost. The first
time, he turned to the Lord, and commenced a new life, but was brought
back to his habit of sin, by his physician insisting upon strengthening
him by alcoholic stimulants. So Satan still holds him, and he is still
the drunkard-maker’s friend.
“On the other hand, those who aided us in the work have been generally
prospered.”
We are furnished the following facts and incidents by Mrs. Olmstead:
March 2d, 1874, about two hundred of us went to the Herdic House; we
held our meeting in the long hall, and were followed by a large crowd
who pressed in at the door to hear.
The next day we visited the Hepburn House. An _immense_ crowd was
around. We feared a riot, but God was there, and it became to them a
solemn place.
The proprietor, who had threatened many things if we came, wept like a
child.
We next went to the Crawford House, and then to the Henry House.
We afterwards divided into four bands, and visited Fricker’s,
Gerlach’s, United States, and the American.
On March 7th, 1874, five saloons were visited, and the proprietors were
much affected.
About a week after, seven of us were at Fricker’s saloon, from
half-past two until half-past six. This place seemed to me like the
very door of hell.
The sights and sounds there have laid the burden of this war upon me
more heavily than ever.
One poor, half-drunken man was very insulting to us--a plan of others
to drive us away.
We were relieved by others, who stayed until late in the evening.
One saloon-keeper we visited was as furious as an angry caged lion. We
had a pleasant talk with him and his wife, and left feeling that God’s
will had been done.
One of the saloons, where a most powerful meeting was held, was kept
by a Frenchman, an unbeliever. He was very polite to us, and he soon
gave up his business and went away, saying he should never sell liquor
again.
Some of the ladies visited George Koch’s saloon, March 7th.
There Mrs. C. prayed that her husband, who was old and a drunkard,
might not be allowed to take another drink at that place. It was
a powerful meeting, though small, and that prayer was one to be
remembered; that husband _never drank_ AGAIN, _anywhere_, and soon
became a Christian.
We had some remarkable instances of bad men being reclaimed and
converted at that time, who are now in the church, and working in the
temperance cause.
One blessed feature of our Crusade was, that we never stopped to ask or
think to what denomination we belonged.
The court-house pavement became a Bethel to us, where Christ seems a
little nearer than in His temple made with hands.
At the commencement of our Crusade, one good Presbyterian pastor,
who was with us heart and hand, expressed his sorrow that the women
of his church were wholly unprepared for such public work, and said
the Baptist and Methodist sisters would have it all to do. In about
three weeks from that time he might have heard ladies of his own flock
praying on the street, and exhorting the crowds on the pavement in
front of the court-house. So wondrously had God poured out His Spirit
upon them, and prepared them for His work.
BLOSSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.
The society reports the following:
When the thrilling news came to us, that Christian women were carrying
the gospel into the haunts of intemperance, and thus meeting the enemy
face to face, our hearts were stirred in sympathy with the effort.
Those unacquainted with mining regions may not know that in such
communities intemperance gains a strong foothold, because of the
influences brought to bear in early childhood as well as in mature life
upon those who comprise the majority of its population. To contend with
life-long prejudices requires courage. Having within the limits of our
village some thirty places where liquor could be obtained, it seemed
a grave question whether we should begin the warfare. The conviction
deepened in some hearts that “now” was the time to work; and in the
month of June, 1874, the first meeting was called by Rev. C. G. Lowell,
and a ladies’ prayer-meeting appointed.
At the first of these meetings a Ladies’ Temperance Union was
organized. General meeting was held alternately in the several
churches. We did not visit the saloons, but all our dealers were
invited to sign the pledge. In every instance we were refused, they
giving us frankly their reasons, viz.: that their money was in the
business, and they preferred to run the risks of prosecutions for
breaking the law, rather than leave off selling. After counting the
cost of their displeasure, and the weight of public opinion, we decided
to complain to the authorities in the name of the Commonwealth, of
all who were guilty of violating the Local Option law. This step
brought us much unpleasant work, such as we would gladly have avoided,
those engaged in the traffic giving us the full benefit of all the
influence afforded them in points of law, to retard our progress.
Those who frequented these places for drink were in danger of being
used as witnesses, therefore we gained their displeasure. We continued
to complain for nearly two years at each term of court, sometimes
successfully, and sometimes failing to secure truthful witnesses. Some
complaints were made after the repeal of the Local Option law. At
the second application of our dealers for license, we remonstrated,
being opposed in this by Christian men, who were certain we should
be defeated. The number of applicants were ten, three of which were
refused. At this point we did not see fit to make further resistance.
Many of the dealers, during the time spent by us in opposing the
traffic, abandoned its pursuit, leaving at present less than one-third
as many places for drink as we had three years ago.
WARREN, PENNSYLVANIA.
I am indebted to Mrs. Annie C. Wetmore, Treasurer of the State Union,
for the following facts:
“The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union at this place was organized in
December, 1874, this being several months before the State organization
was effected. The membership was large. The temperance women were
impressed with the feeling that the time had come for action, but as
none were ready to visit the saloons, as the women of Ohio and other
States were doing, they hardly knew what to do, but concluded to do
all in their power to build up a better public sentiment.
“They applied to the editors of the two weekly papers, and obtained
a part of a column in each paper, and appointed editors to fill this
space with original notes, or selections on temperance. They held
their Union meetings weekly, and mass-meetings as often as possible.
Temperance papers were subscribed for and placed in the reading-room.
Remonstrances were circulated against the repeal of local option, and
February, 1874, the first prosecution under the Local Option law was
made by the women. The liquor men were aroused, but the women carried
the suit and convicted one man, and the community received its first
temperance lesson; and as success always commands respect, those who
had ridiculed the idea of woman’s work in this way, began to respect
them, and tremble before the power that was in their hands.
“It was decided in April to appoint committees to go to the different
towns in the county and organize unions, and as a result five towns
were visited, and unions formed, and in May a county convention was
called, and a county organization formed, which has continued to this
day.
“In May, 1875, after the repeal of the Local Option law, the women
circulated resolutions against the giving of license to such persons as
had violated the Local Option law.
“The Union purchased and circulated a great number of temperance
tracts in the county; and an effort was made, by the appointment of a
committee for each Sunday-school, to introduce temperance work among
the children, which was attended with some degree of success.
“In March, 1876, a juvenile temperance society was organized, which
was called the Centennial Temperance Society. Each member was provided
with a badge of red, white, and blue ribbon; each ribbon representing a
pledge. The meetings have been kept up regularly.
“There being no town pump where a thirsty man, free of expense, could
relieve his thirst, the W. C. T. U. had a well dug, and a pump set up
at the corner of the principal street, so that thirst can now be slaked
‘without money and without price.’
“On New Year’s days, 1876 and 1877, the Union opened a Holly Tree Inn,
where they received visitors, inviting all to come and partake freely.
In the evening speeches were made and many signed the pledge.
“During the years 1876 and 1877 a number of prosecutions were made by
the Union with various degrees of success.
“The liquor party have been made to feel that law is not to be trampled
under foot with impunity, and that the license law should be enforced
as other laws.
“September, 1876, a committee of two were appointed to visit the
county superintendent of public schools during the annual teachers’
institute, and obtain a few minutes during one of the sessions to talk
on temperance. The time was cheerfully granted, and the teachers were
generally enlisted. We asked them to make the subject a specialty at
least once a month, and supplied them with tracts and catechisms on
alcohol. Most of them have been faithful to their duty in this respect.”
An incident _not reported_ by Mrs. Wetmore, which occurred during
the prosecutions of dealers in court, will show the animus of the
liquor-dealers in Warren.
One of the ladies very active in the work wore a velvet cloak. A lady
from a neighboring town being there on a visit, went to the court-house
to attend the trial. She, too, had on a very costly velvet cloak; the
velvet had cost $25 a yard. Both these ladies, while in the court-room,
or when they were leaving, had _vitriol_ thrown on their cloaks which
utterly ruined them. The purpose, of course, was to ruin the cloak of
the active temperance woman, but when the agent of the liquor-dealers’
revenge saw two cloaks so near alike he made sure work by destroying
both.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
The first meeting in this city was called through the public press on
February 27th, 1874. The place of meeting was the Fiftieth Baptist
Church, a small frame mission chapel in the northern part of the city.
The little chapel was well filled with grave, earnest women, and every
heart was stirred during the first prayer. “What wilt thou have me
do?” was pressed upon every conscience. The object of the meeting was
explained, and stirring appeals were made.
One lady said on a corner near this chapel was a drinking-saloon of the
worst character, and asked if anything could be done. Another lady,
who lived next door to the saloon, said she would throw open her house
at once for a prayer-meeting, that this place might be closed. The
leader then proposed that those who felt willing should follow her to
the lady’s house, and hold a prayer-meeting. About half of the women
followed her, while the others remained in the church to pray. As the
band marched down the street they were followed by a great crowd. As
the house would not hold half the people that gathered, the leader
stood on the doorstep, and addressed the multitude. There was not the
least disturbance, but all listened with breathless attention to her
earnest and touching appeals.
When they started from the chapel, the cry was raised by the crowd
outside: “The Crusaders are coming!” The rum-seller on the corner
hastened to close his windows and bar his door.
March 1st, 1874 (Sunday), mass-meetings were held afternoon and
evening in Wood’s Museum, which was crowded to its utmost capacity,
and hundreds went away unable to gain admittance. The proprietor had
received several notices that there would be a mob, and that the museum
would be burned down if he attempted to hold such a meeting. But he was
a staunch temperance man, and determined that the meeting should come
off at any hazard. There was no mob and no disturbance.
March 2d, a business meeting was held, and a Woman’s Union Temperance
Praying Band organized, and the usual officers elected.
Meetings were held in various churches, the pledge circulated, and
hundreds came forward to sign their names to the pledge.
On Monday, March 9th, the liquor-dealers becoming alarmed, held a
secret meeting to consider what they could do to check the temperance
work. What they decided on was never known.
On the 9th of April a general meeting was called, and held in one of
the rooms in the Horticultural Hall. There was a large attendance.
The officers reported that 112 meetings had been held; 24,870 names
enrolled on the pledge-books, of whom 1,613 had been drunkards, 61
barkeepers, and a number saloon-keepers. Also, that 38 church members,
who owned property which was rented for saloons, had been visited, and
pledged not to rent their houses for such a purpose in the future.
During the month of April ninety-four meetings were held. Several being
held on the same night, it was necessary for the president and other
members of the band to drive from church to church, and speak several
times each evening. At these meetings many requests for prayer were
sent in: some of them were from drunkards’ wives and brought tears to
many eyes.
A temporary home was established for reformed men who were homeless and
without work. It was soon filled, and a larger building was secured,
which was afterward turned over to the ladies in Frankford, it being in
that part of the city, and another started at the corner of Seventeenth
and Francis streets; also an Old Woman’s Home in West Philadelphia was
opened by one of the managers.
During the summer, meetings were held in a tent. At one of these
meetings a report came that a man was dying on a vacant lot adjoining.
He was taken charge of, nourishment given him, and he soon revived. He
said he was a castaway, his friends had disowned him, and drunkenness
had brought him to destitution, and almost to death. He was induced to
sign the pledge, was converted, and afterwards became a worker in the
cause, and, in course of time, he was restored to his friends, clothed
and in his right mind.
Mrs. Eleanor Crew, the Secretary of the band, who was earnest and
capable, and most abundant in good works, giving her life freely for
the salvation of others, fell at her post, September 4th, 1875, it is
believed from mental strain and overwork, but the beautiful example of
a life devoted to Christianity and temperance is still an inspiration
to many.
In the meantime, another organization had been formed, and efficient
work was done for God and humanity by other earnest workers. This
society held mass-meetings, and did other important work. But the
President of the National Union induced the two bodies to unite, and a
meeting was held for that purpose, January 26th, 1875, in Dr. McCook’s
church. The meeting was enthusiastic, and the reorganization effected.
Many of the members feeling unprepared for the work, a meeting was
appointed for prayer and consecration. At the very first meeting a poor
man presented himself and desired to sign the pledge. They were quite
unprepared for this, had no pledges ready, but they soon learned that
the most effectual way to consecrate one’s self is to go to work. The
man and his family were in a wretched condition, and temporary relief
was necessary. He was soon afterwards converted, and became a church
member. His former employer, hearing of his reformation, sent for him
and gave him employment, and a year afterwards he was known to be
faithful and doing well.
Cottage prayer-meetings were held, which resulted in great good. The
ladies would secure the use of a house for meetings, and throw the
doors and windows open, and commence singing. A large crowd was soon
attracted, who would stand for an hour to listen to the gospel as it
was proclaimed from the doorstep by one or more of the ladies. On such
occasions an invitation was always extended to all who wished, to come
inside to a prayer-meeting, which was accepted by many. The doors and
windows were then closed, and the crowd, with tracts in their hands,
which had been freely distributed, slowly dispersed, but usually the
room was filled with those who remained for prayer, and many were saved.
Public meetings were held, some saloons visited, much temperance
literature distributed, and a home opened for inebriate women,
especially for those who felt themselves to be slaves of the drink
habit, but because of their social position and the stigma attending,
would not enter public reformatory institutions. Many have found
shelter there, and some have given evidence that these labors have not
been in vain. This has since been detached from the work, and is under
separate management.
Two of the members fitted up in good style a comfortable lodging-house,
where men, reformed through the efforts of the society, and others, at
a low price, could have a tidy, cheerful home. This house accommodates
about fifty, and has a reading-room, and is cheerful, well-lighted,
and warm, the price ranging from twenty to thirty cents per night,
or one dollar, or one dollar and a half per week. Not a profane or
obscene word is allowed, and those who have never made a profession of
Christianity feel the influence that is quietly and steadily exerted.
This work is also under outside management, but contributes to the
success of the society.
March, 1877, daily meetings were established, which have been largely
attended. These meetings, though led by ladies, are open to all, and
are attended by men of all classes, often more than three-fourths of
the audience being men.
Quietly and reverently they wait before God, and the influence of the
Spirit is so manifestly present that all hearts are solemnized.
The hall is well filled daily, and over six hundred have been brought
to a saving knowledge of Christ in the forgiveness of their sins. Some
of these were gentlemen who came out of curiosity; others were prodigal
sons, far away from home and God. Gamblers, barkeepers, infidels,
drunkards, criminals fresh from the jail, and homeless tramps, have
here found salvation. Some even of the most degraded, are educated
men, who have had the advantages of a college course; others are
business or professional men, who have come down from the highest
circles of society to poverty and rags, through drink.
It is touching to see these men, scarred and marred by sin, sitting
with reverent faces, listening, for the first time in years, to the
sweet story of Jesus and his love, or rising to ask prayers for
themselves, with streaming eyes. Oh, the sad stories the searching
spirit wrings out of these penitent hearts! “For with the heart man
believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made
unto salvation.”
Some of these men were in utter despair, and were arrested when about
to commit suicide; others had not prayed since they left their mother’s
knee, and had not been in a church for ten, fifteen, or twenty years.
But Jesus is mighty to save, and all his salvation may know, and he
has revealed himself as the Saviour of sinners; and such mighty saving
power I have never seen before. Gamblers have thrown away their cards,
and pressing the Bible to their hearts, have said, with tears, “I take
this book, instead of my pack of cards, for a companion and guide.”
Families, broken up and scattered, have been reunited, and gathered
about an altar of prayer; the ragged have been clothed, the hungry fed,
the unbelieving convinced, and the broken-hearted comforted. Letters
bearing the glad tidings across seas and continents, of prodigals
saved, have winged their way to distant friends, and hundreds of homes
have been made glad because of these afternoon meetings.
One young man who arose to ask prayers, said, “I am the son of praying
parents. I had every advantage that wealth and social position could
give me. I was educated at Yale College, but was expelled before I
graduated. I shall never forget the humiliation of that morning when I
was dismissed and sent home on account of drunkenness. I tried for a
time to do better, and was sent away to medical college, where in due
time I graduated in medicine--and drunkenness. While attending college,
I would write home for money to buy books, and then spend it for rum.
After I got my diploma I went home, but it was not long till I was
brought, at a late hour of the night, from the saloon to my father’s
door, helplessly drunk. When my condition became known to the members
of the family, there was sorrow and weeping all over the house. The
next day my father talked very seriously to me as to the consequences
of the drink habit, if I continued in such a course. I promised to
amend, but in a short time was brought home again dead-drunk.
“My father turned me out of doors, for I had broken my mother’s heart.
But one of my brothers came after me very soon, to say:
“‘Come home, Harry, you have broken our mother’s heart; come home and
see her die.’
“I followed him, going like a criminal. My dying mother was surrounded
by her family and friends, but she reached out her hands to me and
said, ‘Oh, Harry, you have broken my heart, but if you will promise me
that you will never drink another drop as long as you live, I will die
happy.’
“I dropped on my knees at her bedside, and promised her that I would
never touch the accursed stuff again. I thought then that I never
would, and as I followed her to the grave and heard the earth fall upon
her coffin, I swore in my heart that I would keep my vow. I went to a
distant western town and entered upon the practice of medicine. I was
prospered in every way. I soon had a large and lucrative practice and
moved in the best of society. I bought a house and was fitting up a
home for a lovely woman who had promised to become my wife. During a
New Year’s holiday-time I visited my old home, and on New Year’s day
started out to call upon my friends. The third house I entered the lady
offered me wine. I refused, but she insisted, and once the glass in my
hand I drank it off and rushed from the house to the nearest saloon.
That night I was carried to a hotel dead-drunk. My descent was rapid. I
soon lost all my money and friends, and was wandering over the country
a miserable, drunken tramp. I begged a ticket to cross the Delaware
river to reach this city, and have begged my bread here from door to
door. I have been called a _tramp_ to my face since I have been in your
city. But if God can save a _tramp_, I want Him to SAVE me.” When he
sat down there was not a dry eye in the house.
Immediately another young man arose, and said, “I was a class-mate of
that young man’s in Yale. I well remember the day he was expelled. I
had not met him in all these years till at these meetings. I, too,
since leaving college, have become a drunkard; but I have been saved
by God’s mighty power in these meetings, and the appetite for rum has
been taken away, and what God has done for me, He can do for you,
Harry.”
There was united prayer for that young man, and he was saved that very
day. Or, as he puts it, “The ladies held on to me till I found Christ,
and had the appetite for rum and tobacco taken away.”
There are scores of cases equally interesting.
A MARVELLOUS ANSWER TO PRAYER.
One day two young men came into the meeting, and took seats near the
door. They were very irreverent, and inclined to be disorderly. The
lesson that day was on the forgiveness of sin and the witness of
the Spirit; and those testifying spoke with great clearness of the
cleansing power of the blood, and the witness of the Spirit to their
acceptance. The meeting was very solemn, many were moved to tears; all
sat in awe before the Lord, but these two young men. I led the meeting
that day, and, as I was about to close, I spoke of the two young men
who had been indifferent and irreverent, as eternity-bound, walking,
may be, on the brink of destruction, and yet unsaved and unconcerned.
We knelt to pray, and while I prayed, those two young men came up
before me, and with earnest pleadings I asked God to _save_ their
souls--in some way or other to reach them--if He could not win them
by His love, to reach and save them by His judgments--any way, only
save their souls alive. The next day I was sent for by a young man in
the inquiry room, after the meeting. The tears were running over his
face. Grasping my hand, he said, “Oh, do pray for me that no judgments
may come upon me. I am one of the young men who behaved badly in the
meeting yesterday.” “Where is the other man?” “When you prayed I felt
awful bad; it was just like a knife going to my heart. As soon as the
meeting closed we left. My friend said, ‘Let’s get out of here.’ When
we reached the street I told him I was afraid some judgment would come
upon us. He laughed, and said he wasn’t afraid of the judgments of God.
We walked on together up to Broad street, where he fell with a stroke
of paralysis, and was carried off to St. Mary’s hospital. We are both
Catholics. I did not think God was with you. But when I saw that man
fall so soon after your prayer, I knew it was a judgment. I did not
sleep any last night, and to-day as I walked the streets I could not
help crying. A lady met me on the street, and seeing me weeping, she
said, ‘Young man, you seem to be in great trouble; what is the matter?’
I undertook to tell her, but I broke down utterly. She invited me to
her house; there I met her husband, and when I told my story he seemed
much moved. He told me he was a saloon-keeper; that he kept a saloon
in Camden, N. J., but he was going to give up the business and open a
feed store, and that he would give me work and allow me to go to these
meetings.”
I bowed with the young man, and prayed earnestly that God would
be merciful and save him. The next day he was gloriously saved.
He immediately went to the hospital, to look after his friend. He
found that he had recovered consciousness soon after reaching the
hospital. The lessons of the day pressed upon his heart and conscience;
especially those awful words, “I’m not afraid of the judgment of God.”
He felt sure he would die, and he set himself to gain what he had heard
spoken of in the meeting--a knowledge of sins forgiven, the witness of
the Spirit. And the Lord revealed Himself to that man right there in
the Catholic hospital, so that when the friend came to him he found
him rejoicing in a knowledge of his sins forgiven and his acceptance
with God. They took sweet counsel together, and the dying man sent this
message back to the meeting:
“Tell that lady who prayed for me that her prayers are answered, and I
am saved. She will find me in heaven when she comes, for I am _saved by
the judgment of God_.” A few hours after this he died. Only a few weeks
passed till the other young man was sent to the Blockley Alms House
Hospital, with dropsy. But he was joyously happy--ready for anything.
Ten doctors one day gathered about his bed for consultation: the
decision was that they could do nothing for him. With a triumphant
smile he looked up at them and said:
“It’s all right, doctors; I am ready to die.”
The doctor who attended his case afterwards came and knelt by his cot,
and wept and prayed.
A young man lying in the next cot to his was very irreverent. Charles
wanted to read the Bible to him, for he preaches the gospel to all,
but he said: “No, I don’t want to hear it; I’ve got a novel--I like
that better.” But after a while Charles induced him to read, as an act
of kindness. The truth took hold of his heart, and one night he got
up out of his bed and knelt beside the cot of Charles, and was saved.
The novel-reading young man has since died in the full triumphs of
faith. Charles D. still lingers to preach Christ in the ward, and his
influence is blessed. A priest visited him one day.
“Have you confessed?” he inquired. “Yes.” “Who to?” “The Lord Jesus
Christ; and I have been forgiven, and I am ready to depart and be with
my Lord.”
The priest insisted on leaving a rosary, which the sick young man,
having no need of such helps in prayer, gave to one of the ladies of
the meeting who visited him very often.
Who can doubt that God in _answer to prayer_ took the best, and perhaps
the only way, to save these two souls!
It is better that a man should be dealt with in judgment than that he
should lose his soul.
The meetings still go on with power, and the general work with
increasing interest.
In 1875 a State Union was formed, the convention meeting in
Philadelphia. One hundred ladies went from that meeting to Harrisburg,
to protest against the repeal of the Local Option law, which was
threatened. A mass-meeting was held in the State House in the evening,
the legislative hall being well filled, and most of the members of
the Senate and House being present. The meeting, which was addressed
by prominent ladies and gentlemen of the State, was enthusiastic. The
next day about two hundred marched in a body to the Capitol, and held a
meeting, and had an interview with the committee having the matter in
charge, and then called upon the Governor to urge him, if the law was
repealed, to veto it.
It fell to the lot of the writer of these pages to head that procession
and make the speech to the Governor.
If the question pending had not been so grave, the scene would have
been ludicrous. Governor Hartranft, although he had won honor as an
officer in the recent civil war, was as pale as a ghost, and stood
bracing himself against the mantel-piece, with his lips firmly set, as
though he was afraid to open his mouth lest he should betray his party.
The appeal was made in the presence of a hundred or more people, and
despite his efforts at self-command he was deeply moved.
He responded very respectfully, but his guarded words foreshadowed his
future action, and we knew he would follow the dictates of his party,
whatever that might be. But it was a privilege to be able, fearlessly
and plainly, to tell him a few facts, and let him know in just so many
words, “that no matter what party went up, or went down, the women of
the commonwealth intended that the rum power should go down, and would
bend all their energies to that end.”
MONTROSE, PENNSYLVANIA.
A praying band was organized in this town at the beginning of the
Crusade. Petitions and pledges have been circulated, and prayer and
mass-meetings held.
The saloon-keepers have been visited and urged to sign the pledge.
The children have been gathered together and taught, and a society
organized. The jails have been regularly visited.
Mrs. Post and Mrs. Sayer are among the active workers who have pushed
the cause in this town and in the county.
SUSQUEHANNA, PENNSYLVANIA.
The ladies of this town organized early in 1874; mass-meetings were
held, saloons visited, and pledges circulated.
Under the Local Option law, which had carried in this place, it was
unlawful to sell liquors. And as the saloon-keepers did not yield to
tears and prayers, the ladies brought the law to bear upon them with
good success.
The devotion of the women was shown in their self-denial in matters of
dress, that they might have money to carry on the temperance work.
TROY, PENNSYLVANIA.
The women of Troy organized for work in May, 1874. I had the privilege
of visiting the drinking-houses with some of these earnest workers. We
went to the hotel. The bar-room was filled with a crowd of rough men.
The fumes of tobacco and whiskey were stifling. The landlord turned
pale when he saw us, but withstood all our entreaties, although he had
been trained in a Christian home and had a praying mother.
We appealed to him to stop the business for the sake of his own boy.
He had a beautiful little boy. Though deeply moved, he would not allow
us to pray in his house. As we were leaving, I said: “My brother, the
Lord will answer the prayers of your mother. He is now trying to win
you by love; if you reject Him, He may bring you to the truth by His
judgments. He may take the boy you love so much. Don’t wait for the
judgments of God.” The words seemed to be prophetic: in a month from
that time the boy was dead, and he was brought to see so clearly that
God was dealing with him that he closed out the bar. One of the drug
stores was really an open saloon, the worst in the town. The work went
on for a while with enthusiasm. But some of these methods, especially
the prosecution of saloon-keepers, displeased the ministers, and they
drew up a paper asking them to desist, and confine themselves to
prayer-meetings, etc. The result was an entire abandonment of the work,
at a time when it promised the largest success.
ASHLEY, PENNSYLVANIA.
The women organized in this town in the spring of 1874. Prayer and
mass-meetings were held; a Juvenile Union formed; the saloons visited
again and again, and a friendly inn and lunch-room founded, mainly
through the efforts of Miss N. M. Wells. Good results have followed.
The work there and throughout the State is increasing in interest and
enthusiasm.
Nearly all the towns of Pennsylvania have carried on the temperance
work with more or less success.
A good work has also been done in Great Bend, the home of Mrs. F.
D. B. Chase, President of the State Union; also in Sharon, Chester,
New Milford, Towanda, Canton, Tunkahannock, Carbondale, Kingston,
Wellsburg, Norristown, Rochester, Meadville, New Castle, Honesdale, and
Milton.
NEW YORK.