SECOND DAY
[p. 14]
MORNING SITTING
The Convention met according to adjournment, the Hon. NEAL Dow in the Chair.
Prayer was offered by the Rev. THEODORE L. CUYLER, of New Jersey.
The minutes of September 6th, were read and approved.
The PRESIDENT announced the following Committees on Subjects, recommended by the business Committee.
1. On the duties Of Temperance men at the present time, at the
[p. 15]
Ballot-box:--Hon. SAMUEL F. CARY, Ohio; Dr. J. MILLER, New York; LEONARD JEWELL, Pennsylvania.II. On the political economy of the Maine Law, as seen in its operations and results:--Rev. E. W. JACKSON, Pennsylvania; W. H. BURLEIGH, Esq., New York; Rev. A. W. McCLURE, New Jersey.
III. On any peculiar difficulties that may lie in the way of progress: --Rev. GEORGE DUTFIELD, Jr., Pennsylvania; Rev. R. S. CRAMPTON, New York; C. B. LINES, Connecticut.
IV. To prepare and report an Address to all manufacturers and venders of intoxicating drinks:--CHRISTIAN KEENER, Esq., Maryland; Hon. J. B. O'NEAL, South Carolina; J. J. KNOX, New York.
V. To prepare and report an Address to all Christian Governments, for the protection of their subjects against the agents of intemperance: --Rev. RUFUS W. CLARK, Massachusetts; Hon. E. D. CULVER, New York; PRICE WILLIAMS, Esq., Alabama.
VI. To prepare and report an Address to all Ministers and Churches, as set to form the public conscience and the public heart, inviting them to active co-operation in our great work, and to seek earnestly the helping hand of heaven upon all our labors:--Rev. EDWARD BEECHER, D. D., of Massachusetts; I. LITTON, Tennessee; JAMES TUPPER, South Carolina.
VI. To prepare and report an Address to young men in every country, exhorting them to gird on the harness, and take the sword against all that corrupts and destroys:--Rev. THEODORE L. CUYLER, New York; R. M. FOUST, Penn.; WILLIAM RICHARDSON, New York.
The PRESIDENT also announced the following Committee on Permanent Organization:--
Rev. E. W. JACKSON, Penn.
HENRY SUMNER, S. C.
Rev. D. C. JACOKES, Mich.
-----VENRAGEN, Ohio.
Rev. R. M. HATFIELD, N. Y.
ROBERT ALLYN, R. I.
Rev. EDWABD BEECHER, D. D., Mass.
E. N. HARRIS, N. B.
JOHN LONG, Virginia.
CHRISTIAN KEENER, Md.
JARED PERKINS, New Hampshire
CHAS. WHITNEY, Dist. Col.
L. H. NORWOOD, N. C.
J. HALL, Indiana.
I. LITTON, Tennessee.
CYRUS BRIGGS, Wisconsin.
Rev. WM. SCOTT, Canada.
Rev. GEO. JEFFREYS, Scotland.
A. POULSON, Delaware.
ALVA HATCH, Conn.
[p. 16]
GEO. P. REX, New Jersey.
Rev. T. HILL, Maine.
M. M. NORTON, Georgia.
PRICE WILLIAMS, Ala.
GEO. W. NOYES, Vermont.
The Rev. Dr. PATTON read the following letters from distinguished gentlemen, who had not been able to attend the Convention:--
(1.)
From Moses Grant, Esq.
"BOSTON, Sept. 2, 1853.
"Dear Sir:--I have duly received the circular on the World's Temperance Convention, in which we all feel deeply interested, and pray for its success. I have not been in my usual health, and fear I shall not be present, unless stronger, and the weather cooler at the time. With much to encourage us to persevere,
"I subscribe myself,
"Your friend,
"M. GRANT."
To the Sec. of the Com. of Arrangements.
(2.)
From the British National Temperance Society.
"LONDON, August 23d, 1853.
"To the Committee of Arrangements for the World's
Temperance Convention, New York, Sept 6th.
"Gentlemen:--The Committee of the National Temperance Society have sincere pleasure in accrediting the bearer, JOHN CASSELL, Esq., of London, as their delegate and representative at the great Convention, now so near at hand, and in commending him to your fraternal confidence and regard.
"For a succession of years, Mr. CASSELL has energetically employed the power of the living voice, and yet greater power of the periodical press, to diffuse among the British people, the knowledge and practice of Temperance principles, and in this particular endeavor has enjoyed an encouraging measure of success. He is intimately acquainted with the history of the Temperance cause in this country, and also with the subject of total abstinence, in its diversified relations to all other subjects of great social and moral moment. But you will especially rejoice to learn, that he entirely sympathizes with the peculiar interest taken by the religious community of the United States, in the progress of the Temperance reform,
[p. 17]
as identified with the promotion of Christian objects, and the world-wide spread of 'pure and undefiled religion.'"We rely, upon Mr. CASSELL'S business experience, and ability, to furnish the Convention with acceptable assistance in the discharge of its important practical duties; and with earnest desire, that a fulness of Divine blessing may descend, and remain upon the conveners, conductors, and members of the forthcoming Convention, believe me to remain, in behalf of the Committee of the National Temperance Society,
"Your faithful friend and servant,
"DAWSON B. BURNS,
"Secretary."
(3.)
From the Glasgow Temperance League.
"GLASGOW, 19th August, 1853.
"Rev. JOHN MARSH, D.D.
"Rev. and Dear Sir:--The Directors of the Scottish Temperance League, desire me to inform you that they have appointed the Rev. GEO. JEFFREY, minister of the United Presbyterian Church, London Road, Glasgow, to represent the League at the World's Temperance Convention, to be held in the City of New York, on the 6th of September.
"Mr. JEFFREY has been a thoroughly consistent and active Temperance reformer, since the commencement of the movement in this country, and is eminently qualified to advocate its claims, as well as to give an accurate report of its progress.
"The Directors sincerely trust that the approaching Convention may be a decidedly effective one, and that it may tend to advance the great cause of Temperance, not only in your own country, but throughout the world. With feelings of sincere respect, and with my best wishes for your welfare,
"I am,
"Yours, faithfully,
"ROBERT ROE."
(4.)
From the Hon. Thomas Williams, late Chief Justice of Connecticut.
"HARTFORD, Sept. 3d, 1853.
"The Rev. JOHN MARSH, D.D.
"Dear Sir:--Yours of the 29th inst., inviting me to attend the World's Temperance Convention, was received on the 2d inst., and
[p. 18]
it is not for want of interest on the subject, if I should not be with you."The object in view, is one that demands the sympathy and cooperation of every friend of humanity. The cause of Temperance is the cause of the world. Good men may differ as to the best means to promote it, but every philanthropist must be desirous of doing something to advance it.
"The most important Legislative measure as yet adopted, has been the Maine Law, so called; and until the opponents of this law can propose something more efficacious, its leading principle, PROHIBITION, ought to be the watch-word of every friend of Temperance. This law may not have accomplished all that was desired, (and what law has not been violated?) but I will venture to say, that this law has, in the short time of its existence, done more for the suppression of intemperance, and the crimes connected with it, than the whole train of laws licensing and regulating the direful traffic.
"I therefore advocate a prohibitory law, and believe confidently that there is remaining among us enough of the spirit of those who prevented the landing of tea in Boston, to see to the executing of such a law.
"I am, very respectfully, yours,
"THOS. S. WILLIAMS."
(5.)
From Prof. C. E. Stowe.
"THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, ANDOVER,
"MASS., Sept. 2d, 1853.
"Rev. JNO. MARSH, D.D.
"My Dear Sir:--The great Temperance Convention occurs during the week of our anniversary and examinations, so that I shall not be able to attend it. This I very much regret, for now is the time when every one who can add any, even the slightest, impetus to the temperance movement, is bound to do it, at whatever personal inconvenience or sacrifice. Now is the crisis. Intemperance has been so far brought under, that this is the last time with drunkard-makers and drunkards; and with them it is a conflict of life and death, and that immediate. Of course the struggle will be a desperate one; but it is a struggle on their part just like drunkenness itself--disagreeable, foul-mouthed, sprawling, wrangling, fighting, stumbling. The temperance men have only to hold steadily on, to secure the ground as they gain it, and continually gain more, and
[p. 19]
their opponents will soon be past the power of exertion. Not only our own country, but Europe also, is depending on our present efforts. Our example has aroused the good people of Great Britain. They are beginning to see that there is one way, and only one, to avert the curse; they see that way is the American way, the way of total abstinence and utter prohibition. They are looking at us with admiration, and yet with doubt. If we succeed, they will follow suit; if we fail, they will scarcely have the courage to try."Everything is depending on right and efficient action for the present moment.
"Truly yours,
"C.E. Stowe."
(6.)
From Chancellor Walworth.
"SPRINGFIELD, MASS., Sept. 3d, 1853.
"Rev. and Dear Sir:--I regret to be obliged to inform you that it will be impossible for me to attend the World's Temperance Convention, to be held next week. I am, at the request of the President, attending as one of a board of civilians and military men, making certain inquiries relative to the superintendence of the United States armories at this place and at Harper's Ferry, which will still occupy our attention for several weeks. I trust, however, there will be a general attendance at your Convention of the friends of the poor inebriates and their suffering families, and that the most beneficial and efficient plans may be devised, to prevent that withering, curse which a righteous God has pronounced upon the drunkard-makers, from falling upon the heads of any more of our fellow-citizens.
"Yours, with respect and esteem,
"R. H. WALWORTH,
"Pres't of Am. Temp. Union.
"Rev. JOHN MARSH."
(7.)
From George Cruikshanks, of London.
"48 MORNINGTON PLACE, LONDON,
"August 12th, 1853.
"My Dear Sir:--When I tell you that I have had a dear, good mother suffering in a severe illness for some months past, and who departed this life on Wednesday last, the 10th inst., I am sure you will pardon me for any seeming neglect to yourself, or indifference
[p. 20]
to the cause, in not answering your letter of the 29th of June last, inviting me, in the name of the committee, to the World's Temperance Convention, to be held in New York on the 6th of September next It would, indeed, have afforded me much pleasure to have been present upon this great occasion, but it is impossible for me to spare so much time as would be required for the purpose. The truth is, I have so much to do in the old country, that I fear I shall never be at liberty to pay a visit to the new. But, although not with you in person, I shall be with you in spirit, for I am fully alive to the noble and mighty efforts which my American brethren have made in this great and holy cause of Temperance; and my heart throbs with delight when I think Americans and Britons are now fighting, not, thank God, against each other, and which I trust they never will again, but against one common enemy, the enemy of mankind, over whom, with the blessing of the Almighty, they will, I hope, ultimately obtain a glorious victory."There is a fine old picture by one of the old masters, representing the Archangel Michael trampling under foot and chaining down the arch-fiend. Let us keep this grand subject constantly in mind, and never rest satisfied until we have trodden under foot and chained down forever that arch-fiend, strong drink.
"With my best thanks to the Committee for the honor they have done me by the invitation, and with my most hearty and warmest wishes for the success of the Convention, as well as to all my American friends,
"I am, my dear sir,
"Yours very truly,
"GEO. CRUIKSHANKS.
"Rev. JOHN MARSH, D.D."
The Hon. JUDGE O'NEAL presented the following report.
The Committee to prepare business, to whom was referred a resolution on the manner of voting in this body, and a resolution as to delegates in the preliminary meeting, recommend that the two following rules be adopted.
1. On all questions in which a vote by States is demanded by a majority of the delegates present, each State shall vote according to the number of their Senators or Representatives, and the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Provinces shall be represented each by
[p. 21]
every delegate therefrom who may be present, and each of their votes shall be counted.2. When a vote is not demanded by a majority, all questions shall be decided by a majority of the delegates present
The other resolution is regarded as suspended by the action of the Convention.
The report, after some discussion, was laid on the table.
The Rev. JOHN MARSH, D.D., on behalf of the Business Committee, read a series of resolutions for the consideration of the Convention, recommending them for their adoption, as embodying their mind, will and purpose, in relation to the great enterprise in which they were engaged. (See page 40.)
Mr. CUNNINGHAM, of D. C, moved the acceptance of the Report and the adoption of the first resolution.
JOHN DOUGAL, Esq., of Montreal, took the floor, and addressed the Convention in an interesting manner. He presented the cause in Canada as in a prosperous condition, and expressed strong hopes of its being soon favored with a Maine Law.
Much confusion having arisen in the hall, and it being suspected that many persons were voting who were not members of the Convention,
On motion of Rev. J. W. DALE, of Pennsylvania:
Resolved, That the Hall be cleared, in order to ascertain who are delegates.
After the hall had been cleared, the roll of officers was then called, and the platform re-occupied. The members having been admitted in a similar manner, the Convention was called to order by the President.
On motion of Hon. A. C. BARSTOW, of Rhode Island:
Resolved, That all business before the house at the time of the interruption, be laid upon the table.
On motion of J. BLACKMER, of New York:
Resolved, That one hour of each Morning Session, be devoted to hearing reports from each State, Territory and country, here represented, giving information of the actual condition and prospects of the Temperance cause in those places.
The Hon. A. C. BARSTOW, of Rhode Island, offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Committee on Credentials be directed to furnish tickets as evidence of membership, to all persons enrolled as
[p. 22]
delegates to this Convention,--excepting those whose credentials were this morning presented by Wendell Phillips, from a Society of Ladies and others in New York city, which Society, it is understood, was organized last evening, and which delegates belonged not to New York, but in other parts of the land. And, that at the future business meetings of this Convention, none but such delegates, so certified, be admitted to the floor of the house.While this resolution was under discussion, the children for whose Temperance celebration the Hall had been engaged for the afternoon, began to enter, and the Convention adjourned to 7⅛ P. M.
EVENING SESSION
The Convention was called to order by the President, at half-past seven o'clock.
Prayer was offered by the Rev. HIRAM GREGG, of New York.
Addresses were delivered to the immense audience by Dr. LEES, England; Rev. SAMUEL WOLCOOTT, Rhode Island; and Rev. THOMAS P. HUNT, Pennsylvania.
Adjourned until 9 A. M., to-morrow.