Document 12A: "The World's Temperance Convention. The Cold Water Army in Council," The [N.Y.] Weekly Herald, Sept. 10, 1853, p. 291.

   Since editor and publisher James Gordon Bennett opposed the Maine Law, his newspaper reveled in the chaos that characterized the first two days of the "Neal Dow" convention. It described the delegates who sought to prevent Rev. Antoinette Brown from participating as "old fogies." It duly noted the small number of delegates compared to the "Lucy Stone" convention. However, as with the Herald's treatment of that gathering, the paper's account of what happened at the World's Temperance Convention largely agreed with those of the Times and the Tribune.

[p. 291]

THE WORLD'S TEMPERANCE CONVENTION.

THE COLD WATER ARMY IN COUNCIL.

   According to previous announcement the delegates to the World's Temperance Convention assembled for organization at Metropolitan Hall Tuesday. There were not more than five hundred present-—rather a slim number, we should think, to represent entire Christendom. There were about a dozen women present, but these were of the strong-minded species, and quite enough, as the sequel proved, to leave the mark of their sex upon the records of the convention. Lucy Stone's gathering last week far outdid, in point of numbers and variety, the Neal Dowites who met yesterday. In the contest of Stone vs. Dow, the former will come off the conqueror, if the disciples of the latter do not improve upon the character of their organization. Shall it be Lucy or Neal, that the question? Wouldn't it be a good idea to unite the contending factions, and have it Lucy Neal. [sic] This union would found already set to music, and we have no doubt in case of such an event, Greeley or Garrison, by way of rejoicing, would sing the good old song of that name, and the whole army of Maine lawites and strong-minded women would join in the chorus.

   The meeting yesterday was called to order by the election of General S.F. Carey, of Ohio, temporary chairman; after which, the Rev. Wm. Patten, of New York, and George Duffield, of Pennsylvania, were made temporary secretaries.

   It was then moved that a committee of thirteen be appointed by the chair, to nominate permanent officers. A warm debate here sprung up, it being contended that this committee should be composed of one delegate from each State represented. A motion was made to lay it upon the table and lost. The vote then came upon the original motion, when it was carried.

   It was then adopted that five, appointed by the chair, constitute a committee to examine the credentials of delegates.

   The chair then stated that at this stage of the convention its proceedings ought to be consecrated by prayer.

   At the call of the president, pro tempore, Rev. Mr. Chambers, of Philadelphia, then offered up a prayer, beseeching the aid of Divine Providence, in the completion of the work before them.

   It was then moved to reconsider the motion, electing a committee of thirteen to report on permanent officers. After much desultory debate, the vote was taken, and the motion to reconsider lost. The chair then appointed the following as such committee:

E.W. Jackson, Penn
John W. Oliver, New York
John Capel, England
J.H. Cooke, Virginia
A.C. Barstow, R.I.
Moses Miller, Mass.
E.N. Florris, N.B.
Isaac Litton, Tennessee
S.W. Hilliard, N.J.
J.B. Smith, Wisconsin
Mr. Campbell, S.C.
T. Hill, Maine
A. F. Cunningham, Dist. of Columbia

   Mr. SNODGRASS, of New York, then moved that the committee for permanent officers be so enlarged as to comprise a delegate from each State represented in this convention. He made a long speech in support of his motion, but at its conclusion the convention showed either their appreciation of his speech or want of appreciation by laying his motion on the table.

   The committee on permanent officers then retired to deliberate.

   Dr. WILLIAMS, of Alabama, then read—-

   Resolved, That in such an organization of this convention, and until regular rules are adopted, each State represented in this convention shall cast the number of votes corresponding to the number of the electoral college of such State when a division upon a vote is called for or a vote by States.

   A long discussion here arose, but with so much confusion that it was impossible to report it. Half a dozen speakers would rise at once, and each proceed at full speed to rattle off his opinions of woman's rights, the Maine law, the World's Convention, and everything else. One would suppose from so much difficulty in organizing, there were about fifty aspirants for the offices of the convention, and that each had laid his own plans, not expecting the plots and counter plots of others, and when their various designs clashed together, then came the confusion which we note. After silence had been gained, the vote was taken and Mr. Williams' resolutions laid upon the table.

   The CHAIR then announced the following as the Committee on Credentials:--

John March, New York
C.C. Leigh, New York
W. Campbell, S. Carolina
Thos. Watson, Penna
S. Halstead, New York

   This committee immediately retired to deliberate, and during the absence of the committee, it was proposed that the chairman pro tem. Should address the convention.

   Gen. CAREY, in obedience to the call, then came forward and said:--I am always ready to speak upon the subjects which have brought us together. We are met to arrest a torrent of desolation that is now pouring its burning waves over the world. We are here to ask if it is right to erect a monument of skeletons over our broad land-—we have come here solemnly to inquire whether the rum traffic and rum sellers should be stopped in their murderous progress-—whether intemperance shall continue to pour its burning curse over the present and coming ages. We live in a wonderful period of the world's history. The world has made more advancement within the last fifty years than in the whole thousand of years which preceded it. The moral progress of the world should keep pace with its material progress. We shall find enough to oppose; all new reforms must grow and gradually against the blows of the prejudiced and ignorant. For instance, when the old barge man used to require three or four months to reach the mouth of the Mississippi, along came steam, and, upon the first explosion, the old barge man thanked God for it, because it would soon put an end to steamboats. (Laughter.) So with the old lady down east. Her husband had been used to winnow his grain with the wind through his barn. To save labor he bought a fanning mill, and the pious old lady, thought it was the greatest sacrilege for her old man to make his own wind, and not be willing to wait till the bountiful God should send the breezes of heaven to winnow the grain. (Laughter.) And so, my friends, it is with us, we must not idly await for God to do our work for us, but under God let us do our duty, and he will assist us. Let temperance flow down our streets as a river, and salvation will succeed like the voice of the sea. This is to be done by human instrumentality. Let us clear out the rum holes and dram shops and then will go up the song of the angel of Bethlehem, "Peace on earth, and good will to men." (Applause.) I come from the State of Ohio, where we have the honor to distill more liquor than any other two States in the Union. We are looking for a law of prohibition, and in some parts of the State they are already putting such a law in force, anticipating its passage at the next Legislature. Why, our women some time ago organized, and appointed a captain, and proceeded to clearing out the insides of every rum hole within their reach. They had great work, and although I am not in favor of mobocracy, yet I can't help thinking these women did a noble work. (Great applause.) One rumseller got his musket and swore he would shoot the first who entered his doors. A stout, blooming lassie of the State seized the musket, knocked the "rum 'un" on the head, and then went in and smashed the decanters. (Laughter and cries of "Good.") The great principles of the Maine law will be adopted with every country upon the civilized globe. I hope a law will be made which will prevent a man from legally destroying his countrymen. A law now exists in our State against cutting down certain twigs and trees upon a farm. We want the same kind of a law to protect the olive branches around out tables.

   The speaker was here interrupted by the entrance of the committee on business, the Chairman of which proceeded to call the roll of delegates, checking off those who answered to their names. He had proceeded, however, about half way through the roll list, when he was suddenly choked off by a vote of the house, who thought he was wasting time.

   Now comes the tug of war. When Mr. Marsh had sat down,

   Mr. G.W. CLARK, a woman's rights man, who acted as the music box of Lucy Stone's convention, and did up their singing for them upon the shortest notice, now rose and read the following:--

   Whereas, The cause of temperance is world wide in its divine mission, seeking the highest good of the whole human race. Therefore

   Resolved, That this Convention cordially invite all the friends of humanity, without respect to age, sex, color, or condition to participate in its deliberations and aide in its glorious work.

   The reading of these resolutions were greeted with applause and hisses. It was a firebrand in the camp. Mr. Clark had opened the old sore of the Brick Church Chapel. Old fogies rose to their feet, gave a turn to their whit chokers, and coughed up their phlegm, in preparation for the fray. Sojourned Truth and her companions, including Greeley and the Bouquet Man, loomed up in the distance. Cries of "Lay upon the table," "Put him out," "Go it, Clark," "Down with the Petticoats," came from every quarter. Every body spoke at the same time. The President was confused, all was disorder, but Mr. Clark, not willing to give it up so, kept waiting an opportunity to speak. One gentleman asked if Mr. Clark was a member. He answered he was. The questioner wanted the proof. The President soon put him down, by calling for his credentials. Everybody rose to a point of order; the chair decided against everybody, and everybody appealed from the decision of the chair. Such a fight from such a cause-—the mere hinting of woman's interference.

   Mr. MARSH moved that this business be suspended till the report of the Committee of organization. This game wouldn't work. The chair declared Mr. Marsh out of order, as Mr. Clark stuck to the floor.

   JOHN C. SIMMS-—I move we adjourn till Thursday next, to meet in Philadelphia, where we will be free from all this humbug. (Here the speaker looked hard at Antoinette Brown, but she returned the look with "scorn on her lip and defiance in her eye," as much as to day "who's afeard?")

   MR. SIMMS insisted upon the vote being taken upon his motion.

   The CHAIR put it, and declared it lost.

   Clark still stood upon the stand, "ever and anon" raising his stentorian voice with "I demand the right of the floor." The fight went on around him.

   The Rev. Mr. Perry-—I rise to a point of order.

   The CHAIR-—Sit down, will gentlemen be silent. (But they wouldn't be silent—-there was a petticoat among them.)

   Mr. PATTEN perservered—-I rise to a point of generosity.

   As this was something new in parliamentary usage, from curiosity the audience became quiet.

   Mr. PATTEN—-I rise to a pint of generosity. I make a personal request of Mr. Clark to withdraw, to allow the business of this meeting to go on. I hope he will do so, out of pure benevolence.

   Some had not so good an opinion of Mr. Clark's good qualities and cried out "He won't do it," "He sticks to women and niggers," "Let us vote him down," "That's the shortest way," &c.

   By way of showing his generosity, Mr. CLARK got an opportunity to reply. He said, I like the smiling face of Mr. Patten. There is a smile of benevolence on his face which touches something here, (laying his hand upon his heart-—the audience responding with "Oh, bah! You don't say so.") I will yield to Mr. Patten or no other an as regards generosity; but I cannot yield my rights to this floor. I owe much to this cause. You need not be afraid of me. ("Who is afraid?" says several.) I have been a worker in this cause for many years; but woman, the angel form of woman, has come to me with aid in advancing this cause. This is a world's convention, and invites all as it ought to do. And in this cause, I think, we should exclude none; but include all our friends, men and women, the white man and the black man—-(applause and hisses)—-and enfold them all within our arms.

   The Rev. ANTOINETTE BROWN here came upon the stand.

   As yet, there had been only a mere allusion to a petticoat, but now when the real article, the genuine skirts, came before them, the old fogies fairly shook in their boots.

   Antoinette walked to a seat (which none had the gallantry to offer.) and helping herself to a good position, she looked around as if one "born to command." Some hissed, some tried to stare her out of countenance, some indulged in innuendoes, but all to no purpose. She no doubt felt "it would never do to give it up so Mrs. Brown." The old gray beards hitched their chairs a little further from her; those having occasion to go past, walked way around her, as far off as the walls would permit. Neal Dow wouldn't notice her. Antoinette sat alone, dignified, clam, unmoved, and apparently with "Her soul in arms, and eager for the fray."

   As soon as Clark had ended, it was moved to lay his resolutions upon the table. With much difficulty the vote was taken, and the resolutions given to the table. Antoinette no doubt thinking the chances were now against her, rose and left the stage.

   The CHAIR—-We will now listen to the report of the Committee on Permanent Officers, which was read as follows:--

   Moved and carried that the report of the Committee on Permanent Officers be accepted as a whole, and adopted item by item.

   The President was first voted for, and Neal Dow, of Maine, unanimously elected.

   The Chairman pro tempore then appointed Judge O'Niel, of South Carolina, and Mr. Cooke, to conduct the President elect to the chair. Upon taking the chair

   Mr. DOW said—-There are others here more acquainted with parliamentary usage than myself, and therefore more competent to preside over you. But since you have deemed it fit to bestow this honor upon me, I do not feel at liberty to decline it. We are met here for a great and mighty purpose, and we are surprised as well as grieved that all wise and good men are not willing to enter upon this work with all their powers. But we must not judge our cause weak from this fact. The great and good men of a nation are not always prepared for great and good reforms. I saw an illustration of this this morning, as I walked through the Park. There stands a statue of brass of a man who was scoffed at when he first preached his idea, the carrying out of which has contributed so much to the greatness and glory of the great State of New York. (Applause) When we have done our work in the temperance cause, we will lay down our armor, battered and hacked in many a battle, and turn around to engage in some other work of humanity. I now proceed to business. The first is the election of the officers proposed.

   The Vice Presidents were then elected. The Secretaries and Treasurers were then also elected. The election of the business committee was next brought up, when it was moved that part of the report be laid upon the table. This was lost, and after some discussion the business committee was elected.

   During the President's speech, Mrs. [sic] BROWN had returned again to her seat on the platform. When the officers were elected, the Rev. lady came forward. She said in a calm, meek voice "Mr. President." The chair being engaged, did not heed her, and she was answered only with murmurs and hisses. Nothing daunted, she maintained her position, and watching a favorable opportunity, she said, "Mr. President."

   The Chairman then turned towards her, and was just going to extend his hand, no doubt to pass the complements of the season, ask after the little Browns, &c., when her looks reminded him she stood before him his equal, with rights to contend for, and she simply said to him, with a queenly not of the head, "Mrs. Brown." The Chair turned to the audience, and passed the word "Mrs. Brown." The Rev. LADY then came forward and said:--I am a delegate from two societies to this convention, in I hope and ask to be received. I have a great interest in this cause, in which particularly woman above all others is interested.

   Here a gentleman rose to a point of order. He wanted to know what question was before the house.

   Several VOICES-—"What question is the lady speaking on?"

   Miss BROWN—-I have only to ask the question of the Chair—-Can I be received as a temperance delegate to this World's Convention? (Applause from her friends)

   The CHAIR-—This Convention, according to its call, is to receive the delegates of all temperance societies. (Great applause and hisses.)

   Miss BROWN—-Very well. (She then took her seat, considering the question decided that women were to be admitted, and that she was acknowledged as a delegate.)

   The opponents of women's rights did not know how to regard this proceeding; they were whipped; a woman had conquered them all.

   A gentleman, whose name, amid the confusion we could not learn, said—-I thought the Whole World's Convention, for women and niggers, and everything else, met here last week I want to know if this is a continuance of that Convention? (Applause and hisses.)

   Mr. CLARK now thought it a capital opportunity to call up his resolution, which had been laid upon the table. From appearances the star of woman was in the ascendancy. A motion was therefore made to refer to the business committee the resolutions of Mr. Clark.

   The Chair proceeded to read them, when the excitement was renewed. After much difficulty and confusion the vote was taken, and the obnoxious resolutions referred to the Business Committee for their consideration.

   After much more debate it was carried that the Business Committee be instructed to arrange the business for the meeting in the afternoon.

   It was then

   Resolved, That a committee of one from each State and nation represented here be appointed by the chair to report a plan of uniform and permanent organization.

   Then came another resolution, which relighted the fires of hostility to petticoat alliances. It was as follows:--

   Resolved, That, during the future meeting of this Convention, the officer of the Convention only shall occupy the platform.

   The knowing ones understood the trick. From all parts of the house came cries of "Shame," "Shame," "I hope the motion won't pass," says one; "it is intended only to turn that lady from the stand." (pointed to Mrs. Brown, who "sat all alone in her glory.")

   Mrs. Brown came forward and tried to speak. It was no go, the noise drowned her voice.

   The motion was again read, when about twenty took the floor at the same time, and commenced moving their arms up and down, like pump handles; but as far as hearing was concerned they were all automatons.

   Mr. HILDRETH moved to amend by giving the chair power to invite, besides the officers, whom he pleased to the platform. (Applause and hisses.)

   After much coaxing and pleading silence was obtained, and the vote taken upon the amendment, when it was declared carried.

   The women champions, bound not to leave a chance of success unimproved, called for a division. It was no use, the child had been born. The amendment was carried, and hereafter it will be as easy for a camel to go through the eye of a needle as for a woman to come upon the platform of the World's Temperance Convention.

   A VOICE—-Now let us pass a resolution to turn women out of the hall altogether. Cries of "No, no-—be gallant—-remember the respect due to the silk dresses—-Waterloo has been fought—-victory is ours—-now let the thing rest," &c., &c. Mrs. Brown and her army thought differently. They were not willing yet to give up the fight.

   Gen. CARY, of Ohio, by way of putting a clincher to woman's participation in their affairs, offered the following:--

   Resolved, That this Convention fully appreciate the value, the absolute necessity, of the co-operation of our wives, mothers and sisters, in the great and holy cause of temperance but we are of the opinion that the public platform of discussion is not the appropriate sphere of woman.

   This was received with the usual hisses and applause. "Lay the resolution upon the table;" "fear it up," "Any woman can speak as well as you;" Move we adjourn;" "Come to order;" "Put the women down;" "No, put the women up;" "Is this a Temperance Convention?" "Who shall destroy the freedom of speech?"

   The cause of all this, Mrs. Brown, was the only person in the room calm and cool. She looked upon the different combatants with the decision of a general. The resolution of Mr. Cary was finally adopted—-the star of woman begins to wane—-Mrs. Brown keeps her seat.

   It was then resolved that a committee of three be appointed to gather statistics showing the progress of temperance in those countries represented in the Convention.

   This was unanimously adopted.

   Mr. MARSH then read the following report from the Business Committee, which was adopted:--

1. On the duties of temperance men at the present time at the ballot-box.

2. On the political economy of the Maine law, as seen in its operations and results.

3. On any peculiar difficulties which may be in the way of progress.

4. To prepare and report an address to all manufacturers and vendors of intoxicating drinks.

5. To prepare and report an address to all Christian governments for protection for their subjects against the agents of intemperance.

6. To prepare and report an address to the medical faculty, asking them once more to raise their warning voices against the use of alcoholic and drugged liquors.

7. To prepare and report an address to all ministers and churches, as set to form the public conscience and reach the public heart, inviting them to active co-operation in our great work, and to seek earnestly the blessings of Heaven upon all our labors.

8.To prepare and report an address to young en in every country, exhorting them to gird on the harness and take the sword against all that corrupts and destroys, that all other progress be forgotten in that which elevates and blesses the world.

RULES FOR THE CONVENTION

1. The Convention shall sit each day, from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M., and shall at each sitting be opened by prayer.

2. No member shall speak more than one time on any question, nor more than then minutes, without leave of the Convention.

3. The name of every speaker shall be announced as he rises to speak, and every speaker shall address himself to the Chair.

4. The Convention shall be governed by the several parliamentary rules. Mr. MARSH then gave notice that on Thursday next a feast would be given to the delegates of the Convention in the Metropolitan Hall, when a poem on the Maine Liquor law would be read by John Pierpont, and speeches made by others. The Convention then adjourned till 71/2 o'clock P.M.

   In the evening a larger audience was present than in the morning. The galleries were well filled, containing a large number of ladies. Order prevailed during the meeting. The President called the Convention to order, and after prayer he introduced

   RUFUS W. CLAARK, of Boston. He was opposed to moral suasion. How was it with other crimes? We did not go to the incendiary and plead of others' crimes, but talked to him of his own. We did not use moral suasion to the thief, but compelled him to suffer for his crimes. So it will be with the rumseller; we must now use in regard to him the Maine law. (Applause.) After some further remarks, Mr. Clark sat down amid much applause, and

   Mr. COLBURN was introduced, who sang to piano accompaniment with good effect.

   The next speaker was General CARY, of Ohio. He spoke as follows:--My countrymen, the question which we consider to-night, is one which deserves the attention of philanthropists, patriots and statesmen throughout our land. The question comes home to us: Shall we support an army of four hundred thousand drunkards, or shall we destroy the burning fluid which prostrates every beautiful thing in its course? Shall this curse continue to blight our pulpit-—God and religion forbid it. Shall it continue to make our wives worse than widows? Philanthropy and mercy forbid it. Some call us fanatical—-but what is it we seek to create? We try to create an era brighter than any that ever yet dawned upon the earth. Would not the city of New York be better off without a dram shop? Certainly. Go to the miserable miscreant who peddles damnation behind the bar by the gill and even he will tell you that it is a curse, and the world would be better off without it. And then, if a man acknowledges it to be an evil he cannot be an honest man unless he assists to pour it out upon the bosom of mother earth for she can drink it without reeling, and that is more than we can do. (Applause.) Men tell us that we have no right to interfere with other peoples business. Why, in answer, I say, as a lawyer, that it is the whole object of government to interfere with other people's business. That is the sole end of government. If it was not for that purpose there would be no use for government. Some men think they have a right to interfere with other people's business, and therefore it is the business of government to restrain them. One man thinks he has a right to steal—-it is the duty of government to interfere with his business. (Laughter and applause.) One man chooses to burn down our houses-—it is the duty of government to interfere with him. (Applause.) Why greater restrictions already exist than that of forbidding the sale and use of intoxicating drink. A butcher cannot slaughter in certain parts of the city, because it endangers the lives of your citizens. So it is with these liquor slaughterhouses; they cannot exist without endangering the health and life of you citizens, and therefore sweep them off. You say you have a right to act as you please-—this puts me in mind of the anecdote of the man who had a cross dog. A wayfarer remonstrated with the owner for keeping such a cross dog. Oh! Says the owner, it is everybody's duty to attend to themselves; I have a right to keep what dog I choose. The traveller thought it that was the ground of action, he would look out for number one, and the next time he passed that way, he took a spear and pinned the dog to the sidewalk. Out came the owner. Why did you kill my dog? Why did he try to bite me? Why didn't you strike him with the other end? Why didn't he come at me with the other end? (Great laughter.) And so it is with the liquor traffic; we will in it to the earth, while it tries to injure us. (Applause.)

   Mr. Coleman then sang, "Victory smiles on the Bold."

   Dr. PATTEN, of New York, then spoke—-Ladies and gentlemen—-You can't guess what I have come for; it is'nt [sic] down on the programme. I have come to try moral suasion with you; we want eight hundred dollars to circulate our proceedings through the world with [sic; wide?]; every man will give a dollar, and every lady will give two; women are always worth twice as much as men; you must pay your money before we introduce to you our friend Mr. Casell. There is an old saying, of "No song no supper," and upon this occasion it will be, "No money, no English friend." The collectors then passed around to collect the needful.

   Here the Bouquet Man made his appearance upon the platform with his flowers, and was greeted with applause.

   The Rev. Mr. PATTEN then read over the names of the English delegates present, and made a few amusing remarks, by way of comment upon each.

   Mr. Oliver, one of the collectors here came upon the stand, and announced the names of some of the contributors. After much exertion they failed to collect the desired amount, and, therefore, gave notice that a collection would taken up to-night again, and exhorted the audience to come prepared.

   JOHN CASELL, from England, was then introduced, and received with much applause. Mr. Casell is a stout, muscular man, with angular features, and was dressed in black coat and pants, with white vest and gilt buttons. He is a fluent, but not graceful speaker, bending forward too much, and sometimes actually stooping, when excited with discussion. He spoke as follows:--

   When I came across the ocean I did not expect so warm a reception as you have given me to-night. Dr. Patten says he has heard me talk the Yorkshire dialect, and invites me to pour out some of it to-night. The Doctor is mistaken; I am a native of Lancashire, and there they talk what they call the Lancashire dialect. I will endeavor, however, to make myself understood, talk what dialect I may. I consider the pleasure of being here well worth crossing the Atlantic. (Applause.) I will not pretend to speak upon the principles of total abstinence, which you so well understand, but will more particularly speak of the great and glorious cause of temperance in England. I have been a teetotaler now near eighteen years. (Applause.) When I started out a teetotaler temperance societies were but little known beyond the county in which I lived, but now they influence every green spot in the kingdom. (Applause.) We temperance men of England have worked through good report and evil report, and finally we have triumphed and now there is not a county in England where there is not a temperance society. Just to give you an illustration how we stand now I make these statements. We in our course have had to contend against every influence—-wealth, the pulpit, and the bar. At one time we grappled with Scriptural arguments, I opposition to the ministry. We would solicit the divines to join us, but there was so much interest involved in rumselling they feared to do it. They would tell us you are doing a great deal of good, go on in the great work in which you are engaged. But when asked to join us, they would answer, they would like to, but they could not see their way clear. It was very true. For to see their way clear they had to look through vats, breweries, and over piles of gold, which much affected their vision. And not only personal interests of this kind did we have to contend against, but also wealth. The custom of tippling was legitimatized by the aristocracy, and they brought the wealth of the land in support of their custom. I may state I stand before you somewhat a trophy of the temperance cause. I am now an employer, and have probably one of the largest printing establishments in the metropolis, which exercises a great influence in the circulation of tracts for the promotion of education and art. I was brought up a poor boy, a carpenter, and from the habits of our country I was going to ruin from the practice of drinking when the temperance cause came up, and I joined it. I was the scoff of my companions, and ridiculed by all who knew me, and the only time I had for my turn in the laugh was on Saturday night, when I would have my chink in my pocket, and my companions would have large scores to pay. (Applause.) We want your sympathy and help, Americans, to enlist the aid of the English Church in the great cause of temperance. I thought I should find you here almost a total abstinence people, but I see you here too need much exertion for a reform. When I came on board an American steamship, expecting to find sobriety and abstemiousness, I was almost discouraged to find them drinking and carousing as much as in my own country. We in England, have many false beliefs and prejudices to contend with; but the time has come when most of them have been overcome, and now the workingmen not only believe, but know and feel that they can do without drinking alcoholic liquor; and perform their work much better than with it. With the women, too, we have found it difficult to contend. "What," says the poor woman, "do you think I am a tippler, that you want me to sign such a thing.["] "Well, my good soul, you drink a little don't you?" "Yes, a mighty little too, for my husband drinks it most all himself." "Well, now, don't sign this pledge because you are a drunkard, but for example." Women have a great influence over men, but we have found it difficult to induce them to exert this influence. I ask you then, Americans, to help us, and together let us go forward to stop the drinking system. You have no idea of the extent of the destruction from rum in England. It is scarcely possible to estimate the ravages of liquor. It mounts to the brain, the port royal of the mind, and there begins its ravages. The brain, we are told, is the best protected of any part of our system; then why is it that so many fill our madhouses and lunatic asylums. I have seen the brother go into a dram shop, and, by the stimulus there obtained, become so beastly as to murder his best friend, and then go home, bringing ruin upon his own flesh and blood. Then shall not this curse be annihilated, which destroys not only the body, but both mind and soul? Go on, then, Americans, in the great work in which you have begun. Charity calls and you obey, ready to battle for the right. People may call you fanatics. They called us fanatics. But you have truth upon you side, and this is mighty and must prevail. The speaker was loudly applauded at the conclusion of his speech.

   Mr. COLBURN then sung another song, "The Noble Law of Maine," after which the meeting adjourned till 9 o'clock Wednesday morning.