[p. 4]
WORLD'S TEMPERANCE CONVENTION
The delegates to the Convention reassembled on Wednesday morning at Metropolitan Hall. The number in attendance was greater than that of Tuesday last, the increase being occasioned by the arrival of delegates from societies at a distance.
The Convention was called to order by President Hon. NEAL DOW, of Maine, after which Rev. Mr. Cuyler, of New-Jersey, addressed the throne of grace.
The minutes of the last meeting were then read by the Secretary and slightly modified.
Rev. Dr. Marsh announced that letters had been received from different individuals who had been invited to participate in the deliberations of the Convention, and which, with the permission of the audience, he would read.
They were from Judge Williams of Connecticut, Chancellor Walworth of New York, Rev. Calvin E. Stone of New-Hampshire, Moses Grant Esq., of Massachusetts; Damson, and Barns, and George Cruikshank of England. The latter we append:
No.43 MORNINGTON-PLACE, LONDON Aug. 12, 1853.
My Dear Sir: when I tell you that I have had a dear good mother suffering from severe illness for some mouths past, and who departed this life on Wednesday last, the 10th last, I am sure you will pardon me for any seeming neglect to yourself, or indifference 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 the greatest 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 our common enemy, the enemy of mankind; over whom with the blessing of the Almighty they will, I hope, ultimately obtain a glorious and complete victory!
There is a fine picture by one of the old masters, representing the Archangel Michael trampling under foot and chaining down the Archfiend. Let us keep this grand subject constantly in mind, and never rest satisfied until we have trodden under foot and chained down for ever 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 wishers for the success of the Convention, as well as to all my American friends, I am, my dear sir, yours, very truly,
The following Committees were appointed:
The Committee on the duties of Temperance men at the ballot box--S. F. Cary, Ohio; Dr. Miller, of N.Y.; Leonard Jewell, of Pa.
Committee for the Political Economy of the Maine Law--E.W. Jackson, Pa.; W.H. Burleigh, N.Y.; Rev. W. McClune, N.J.
Committee on any peculiar difficulties which may be in the way of Progress--Rev. G. Duffield, Jr., Pa.; Rev. R. G. Campton, N.Y.; C.B. Lines, Ct.
Committee to prepare an Address to all Manufacturers and Vendors of Intoxicating Drinks--Christian Keener, Md; J.B. Neal, S. C.; J. J. Knox, N.Y.
Committee to report an Address to all Ministers and Churches--Dr. Ed. Beecher, Mass.; J. Lathrop, Penn.; James Tupper, S.C.
Committee on an Address to Medical Men--F. A. Fickard.; Dr. Sabins, Mass.; Rev. J. Vail, Conn.
Committee to prepare an Address to Christian Governments--Rev. R. W. Clark, Mass.; E.D. Lahory, Price Williams, Ala.
Committee to prepare and Report on an Address to Young Men--Rev. T. S. Cuyler, N.J.; R.M. Foust, Pa.; Wm. Richardson, N.Y.
Judge O'Neal, of South Carolina, and the Chairman of the Business Committee submitted the following report to the Convention:
The Committee 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:
I. On all questions on which a vote by States is demanded by a majority of the Delegates present, each State shall vote according to the numbers of her Senators or Representatives; and the Kingdom of Great Britain and her Provinces shall be represented each by every Delegate therefrom who may be present, and each of their votes shall be counted.
II. 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.
Wendell Phillips, of Massachusetts, took the floor and moved that the report of the Committee be not accepted.
A Voice--Are you a delegate?
Mr. Phillips (resuming)--I am a delegate from the Nineteenth Ward Neal Dow Association of New York. [Cheers]
My objection to the resolution is that it is equivocal. It befits this Convention that its actions should be at least frank and clearly understood. It was my fortune to sit in this Convention yesterday and hear the resolution of Mr. Clark, which welcomed all without regard to sex, age or color, to a seat in this Convention. The resolution was laid upon the table, and afterward, when it was re-introduced again, had been referred to the Business Committee. Subsequently, I listened to the remarks of a delegate who said that the women and niggers had already met in convention, and that he desired that white people might be let alone. I do not know what that member's name is, but I do say that such language does not befit the lips of a gentleman. Subsequently to that, sir, a lady delegate took her seat upon the platform, where she was courteously and respectful welcomed; as she ought to be according to the plain meaning of the resolution.
There are three facts, two one way and one another, and to which I might add the subsequent remark of a member from Pennsylvania, who stated that the intention of the resolution introduced and adopted the day previous was to exclude all from the platform who were not dressed in male costume.
The speaker was here interrupted by the question of a member who desired to know if matter which had been disposed of the day previous could be brought up for discussion?
Subsequent to this much confusion prevailed, and efforts were made to prevent Mr. Phillips from speaking, by calling him to order.
Mr. Phillips (resuming) Mr. President, I was appealing to these facts to show the gentlemen how they had conducted themselves before the world in relation to this question. Whatsoever I have felt it my duty to say, either one thing or the other, I have never yet spoken, and I never mean to speak, so that any man can say that I have not conducted myself in a manner becoming a gentleman. But the remarks of the member from Pennsylvania, referring to the lady delegate who was seated by invitation upon the platform, was an insult to the Convention and to the society which she represented. I have no reflections to make upon any person, but I say that out of self-respect to this Convention, that had I occupied the Chair I should have felt it my duty, by the rules of Parliamentary order to protect any delegate whom I had welcomed to the stand, from being insulted and driven from it. [Applause.] Sir, the state of facts as they occurred yesterday, and published in The Tribune--evince a determination among certain persons to go behind the rights of a delegate and prevent her from participating in the proceedings of the Convention. Now, sir, I ask that the action of this Convention shall be frank upon the subject, and not equivocal--that this Convention shall take a decided stand, either recognizing the reports of delegates or refusing to do so.
[Several gentlemen here arose and called the gentleman to order.]
Hon. Samuel Hoar, of Massachusetts, obtained possession of the floor, and questioned the right of a speaker to speak of the past action of the Convention, and to speak in terms of disapprobation (to call his words by no stronger name) of the acts of the Chair and the Convention.
The President said that the remarks of Mr. Phillips, so far, had been clearly out of order.
Mr. Phillips appealed from the decision of the Chair and proceeded to make some remarks upon the subject of the appeal.
Mr. Williams called Mr. Phillips to order, denying his right to discuss.
The Chair declared that Mr. Phillips had the right to discuss.
Mr. Phillips said that he had not intended to reflect upon the character of the Convention or upon any gentleman in it, but in view of all the facts in the matter, he wished that the records of the Convention might show clearly and unequivocally what its position was and is. Here the speaker was again interrupted by several persons who called him to order, on the ground that the speaker had no right to speak upon the subject of an appeal from the decision of the Chair. The question was then put to vote and the decision of the Chair admitting this right was sustained by a vote of the Convention. During the confusion and general disorder which prevailed Mr. Phillips resumed his remarks, but was interrupted by hisses and other demonstrations of anger.
Mr. Hoar said that Mr. Phillips had accused the President of ignorance of his duty, and he desired to know if such act was not a violation of Parliamentary order.
The President said that in that matter the members must judge for themselves as to what was in order.
Mr. Phillips having succeeded in again obtaining the floor, moved an amendment of the resolution reported by the Committee, which was pronounced out of order by the President. The motion of Mr. Phillips to not accept the report of the Committee was then put to the vote of the Convention and lost.
Judge O'Neal then briefly spoke upon the subject of the resolutions reported by the Business Committee. There was so much noise that he could not be distinctly heard.
Several persons attempted to speak, but Mr. Cross, of Md., secured the floor. He moved an amendment to the first resolution contained in the report of the Business Committee, by inserting the words "one-fifth" in place of the word "majority," so that by a vote of one-fifth of the delegates present, a question could be called up for discussion. He urged the adoption of this amendment, on the grounds that the representation of New York State was as great as that of all the others, so that they had it in their power at any time to call for a vote upon any question, which another State, by the smallness of their representation, could not do.
Rev. Mr. Wolcott, of R. I., moved that the amendment be laid on the table in order that the time might not be further wasted.
Efforts were made by several gentlemen to speak upon the question of laying the amendment of Mr. Frost, on the table, but the Chair decided the question to be undebatable.
Mr. Phillips stated that according to Judge Cushing, who has recently written an able work on the subject of parliamentary order, all subjects are debatable. He was interrupted in the course of his remarks by a demonstration similar to others made in the Convention; during which time the President put the motion to lay the amendment on the table, which was carried.
Mr. Wolcott, of Rhode Island, moved that the report of the Committee be laid on the table, which motion was carried.
Mr. Phillips rose to a point of order, relative to a recent decision which the President had made, "that a motion to lay on the table was not debatable."
The President called Mr. Phillips to order, as there was no motion before the Convention.
Mr. Phillips--I wish, Mr. President, to respectfully suggest that if this Convention is to be guided in its deliberations by parliamentary law, that no better authority can be consulted upon the subject than the learned treatise upon that subject.
The President stated that he had ruled down debates upon a motion to lay upon the table, but that Mr. Phillips could take an appeal from the decision of the chair.
Mr. Phillips appealed from the decision of the Chair, and said he desired to state his grounds of appeal. He attempted to speak, but such a jargon of confusion and unintelligibility burst forth from a number of throats that he could not be heard. Several persons inquired what was the question at issue, and they were answered by the President and Mr. Philips briefly and clearly as could be under the existing confusion. Mr. Phillips again attempted to speak, was again interrupted by points of order being raised by different members. These were agitated to some extent, but the import of any we were unable to gather, on account of all the speakers busying themselves with talking all a time.
Mr. Phillips, however, commenced reading extracts from Judge Cushing's work, on Parliamentary law, beginning at the 209th section, but another point of order was raised by Mr. Wolcott of Rhode Island, who stated that there being no proposition before the house, the gentleman was clearly out of order. Mr. Phillips protested against the continued reiteration of the statement that he was not speaking to any proposition before the house. He stated that he had appealed from the decision of the chair, which had stated that a motion to lay on the table was not debatable.
Judge Hoar uttered some words, but they were lost to the audience in the general uproar. He persisted, however, and the reporter was enabled to catch the concluding sentence, which was, in effect, that Mr. Phillips was discussing a question which had been settled.
Cries of "Yes"! "no"! "go on, Phillips"! "put" 'em "out"! "down," &c.
Mr. Phillips again stated the ground of his appeal.
Mr. Cunningham, of D.C., stated that the general parliamentary law of this country recognized that motions to "adjourn," to "lay on the table," or "the previous question," were not debatable, and that Mr. Phillips was out of order in making his remarks.
Mr. Phillips said that if Mr. Cunningham was right in making the remarks which he did, he had a clear right to answer him.
Rev. Mr. Chambers stated that this was a World's Convention met not to discuss points of order, but to discuss the questions of total abstinence, the prohibition of the sale of liquor, and by it to redeem our country. [Applause.]
President--Mr. Phillips, your time is up.
Great confusion ensued. Several speakers were talking at a time, but, happily for the interests of the Convention, Dr. Marsh was again ready with a series of resolutions calculated to catch the intense excitement of the delegates. He read them, as follows:
The Committee would recommend to the Convention the adoption and publication to the world of the following resolutions and decisions, as embodying their mind, will and purpose, in relation to the great enterprise in which we are engaged:
1. Assembled in this Commercial Metropolis, in behalf of the interest of humanity, from various and distant portions of the world, we, the members of this Convention, would unitedly express our gratitude to HIM from whom all good comes, for the Temperance reformations of this nineteenth century; and, in a full reliance on His wisdom to guide, and His power to sustain, we would commit its future to His care, asking that we may be enabled to press it onward in a manner agreeable to His will, and with a self-denial, energy and zeal which shall speedily insure its universal triumph.
2. While the subject of Temperance is and ever must be, first of all, a personal concern, in which each individual regards strictly the physical laws of his being, and totally abstains from all that poisons and disarranges the functions of his systems, it is also a public object, demanding the attention of every member of the community, that none be made a curse to themselves and those around them, by evil usages, vile tempers, and corrupt legislation.
3. The protection of the people by civil Government, from evils brought upon them by the deeds and pursuits of men, for pleasures or for gain, has in all ages and countries been acknowledged as the first of duties: and while our Legislatures and States are active and efficient in guarding against frightful casualties on railroads and steamboats, and the spread of the pestilence from city to city, it is most justly expected of them that they put their hands upon the great cause of most of these casualties, and suppress an evil which sweeps more men prematurely and wretchedly into eternity, than pestilence, famine or war.
4. The frightful work of Intemperance, the destruction year by year of 60,000 in Great Britain, and 30,000 in the United States, to say nothing of other countries, is traceable not so much to the natural desires and necessities of men, as to the traffic of intoxicating drinks. The supply allures to the most destructive excitements of body and mind, and all attempts to regulate it by license are utterly profitless. When most controlled, the traffic still eats like a cancer; and hence such license, whatever it may pour into the Treasury of the State, should at once be abandoned by civilized and Christian governments.
5. The transition state in which we now behold large portions of these United States and the British Provinces, and which is attracting attention in foreign lands, from a system of legislation which would, if possible, regulate such traffic, to one which would entirely prohibit it, is full of promise to the nations of the earth; we hail, therefore, the Maine Law as the bright and morning star of our age. We are filled with admiration and gratitude at its wisdom and results. We lift up our voices in thankfulness to Him in whose hand are the hearts of men, that so many Legislatures have adopted it, and that where it has been submitted to the people, it has received their sanction by overwhelming majorities. We welcome its early fruits as the harbinger of glorious accomplishments when it shall be received in all States, and placed on a footing with all other acknowledged wise municipal regulations.
6. While this Convention had a full, firm and unwavering confidence in the constitutionality, the justice, the political economy and practicability of this new system of legislation, which entirely prohibits, they believe that its advance has been as rapid as is consistent with permanency; they commend it in all its bearings upon the health, the morals, the peace and financial prosperity of nations, to the careful examination of all who love their country and their race; and believing its final adoption by every State and Kingdom to be only a question of time, they urge upon their friends in every place, great patience and forbearance, united to the utmost vigilance, zeal and perseverance.
7. A question of each vast magnitude in its bearing upon the moral and physical interests of humanity, and upon every department of human industry, as the Maine Law, should never, in the opinion of this Convention, become a question of party politics; [it] should ever be presented as one of universal interest, to be decided by the whole people upon its true merits; and hence we repel the charge of mingling Temperance and Politics; but if any political party oppose the law, for the purpose of retaining civil power, we feel bound to consider that action as at war with the best interests of the community, and to withhold from the party our votes, and in no case will we give our votes to any but those whom we know will secure and sustain the statute we demand.
8. As men, and members of the community, we owe no man anything which should cause us favor him in a continuance in the traffic in intoxicating liquors as a beverage; we owe no legislature or magistrate any favor who will make laws which protects such traffic, or who may refuse to enforce laws designed to suppress it. The one higher law, the interests of a world, call upon us, wherever we are and in whatever we are engaged, to frown upon the traffic as morally wrong, the scourge of the race, and to sustain and enforce every enactment designed for its extermination.
9. As the entire object and end of law is in its enforcement, and as there can be no want of power in the Government that enacts to secure that end, we can view all refusal in mayors and corporations of cities, and magistrates of towns, to execute and enforce a prohibitory statute where it has been enacted, only as a wicked combination with liquor manufacturers and venders, to resist the Government, for base purposes of gain, or the attainment of civil power; and we can view such spirit only with alarm and determination, as tending to the overthrow of all law and order and the introduction of universal anarchy.
10. An entirely prohibitory statute, embodying the spirits and principles of the Maine Law, is not the cause of a few individuals who have combined for political purposes; nor is it the cause of wealthy manufactures and mechanics, ship-owners, who wish to thrive on the sobriety of others; but it is the cause of the people; and "if," in the language of Justice Edwards, at whose memory the Convention would drop a tear, "the people prevail, and permanently defend themselves and their children, as they have a right and it is their duty to do, from the evils of the Liquor traffic, they will be benefactors of men; not only of the present generation. But of all future generations of men; not only in Maine, but in every State in the Union, and throughout the Christian world."
11. From the mount of hope on which they are permitted to stand, the Convention look back with sympathy upon the thousands of reclaimed men who were drawn backward by the legalized dram-shops and tippling-houses in all our cities, towns and villages; they rejoice that one State after another is becoming a vast asylum, into which the reformed may enter; and they feel encouraged once more to go forth on the errand of love, and by the power of moral suasion reclaim every inebriate; believing that, as the Maine Law progresses we shall no longer say, "There is no hope," but all shall live and be blessings to themselves and all around them.
12. With this prohibitory statute in prospect, the Convention contemplate with deepest interest the new condition of the female sex, no longer to be torn and scathed, and peeled [?] by drunken husbands, sons and fathers; and of the rising generation, coming up without the tippling-house and dram-shop to seduce and destroy; and they ask for the powerful exertion of woman in its favor, in every way consistent with the purity and dignity of her character and sex; and that every child may be taught that it is his blessed inheritance, never to be surrendered.
13. While the Convention would express their admirations and thankfulness as the devotedness and talent of numerous people lecturing around the globe, and of the spirit and ability of the Temperance Press, they would express the hope that these moral forces
[p. 5]
will be greatly increased--that eloquent tongues will be more and more ready to plead for suffering humanity-—that gifted pens will be increasingly employed in the Temperance tale-—that the medical and legal departments will be yet more active in exposing the poisonous character of alcohols [sic] and drugged liquors and the iniquity of license laws--and that tracts of pungency and power may be sent forth by the million, like the leaves on the tree, for the healing of nations. And they would recommend to those to whom God has given wealth contributing generously, that by these instrumentalities our work may be perfected.14. To those States and Provinces which have already obtained the Maine Law in greater or less perfection, the Convention would say, Rejoice and be exceeding glad. Hold on to your high privilege; you are a spectacle to the world. Let the tide of selfishness roll over you, and the law be repealed, or, which is equally bad, not be enforced, and you put far back the Temperance reformation and shroud in darkness the hope of the world. To those which have not yet attained it, struggle on. The destroying angel quails before you. And when your sons shall be saved, you shall have gained the object of your toil, and your work is done, the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.
15. As members of the vast family of man, this Convention do deeply and tenderly sympathize with all in every nation who are suffering under who influence of intoxicating drinks; with brethren in our fatherland, where, under the bright light of the Gospel, the ravages of Temperance are most appalling; with the millions of Hindoos, resisting manfully the British license to sell the poison; with the Sandwich Islanders, driven from their Maine law by French cannon; with populous China, barring out the fatal drug [opium], yet forced to receive it by British cupidity; and with the poor Indian, struggling for his last foothold on this continent, yet drawn to death by the vile trader; we bid all be of good courage in their manly conflict; we appeal to all human improvements for protection from the traffic for the deluded and suffering; and we ask the blessing of Him without whom we can do nothing, that the time may soon come when the last bushel of grain shall be perverted to the drink of the drunkard, and the last miserable inebriate hurried to the grave.
As soon as the reading of the resolutions was over, several gentlemen attempted to speak. After the commotion had somewhat subsided, it was moved that the resolutions be adopted as a whole.
Mr. Comstock, of N.Y., called for the reading of the resolutions seriatim, and stated that his object was to urge the amendment of the seventh resolution, which did not take ground in favor of the Temperance question being made a subject of political action. He was one who believed in political action to protect the rights of humanity. During the concluding portion of his remarks Judge Hoar rose to a point of order, and stated that it was the right of a member to call for the division of a question.
Mr. Marsh then attempted to explain what was meant by political action in the resolution, as connected with the subject of Temperance, but was called to order.
Mr. Comstock demanded that the resolutions be taken up separately.
Mr. Cunningham moved that the Report be first accepted. He subsequently moved the adoption of the first resolution.
Mr. Dugald, of Canada, took the floor and spoke briefly on the subject of the first resolution, and was listened to with profound attention. He said that he had come here to learn all that he could on the subject of temperance. The friends of temperance had scattered tracts broadcast among the people, and had been enabled to keep seven lecturers in the field. He felt that the cause of temperance is a holy cause and one which is, by the blessing of God, going to work the redemption of the country. He was sorry to see the disputes which had come up in their deliberations, and no tongue could tell the amount of injury it is doing the reform. If everybody knew as I do of the sneers and scoffs which it is bringing upon the movement, they would stop all such proceedings, and join heart and hand in carrying forward the reform. [Applause]
Rex. Antoinette L. Brown, of New York, arose from the body of the Convention, and said she would like to make a few remarks upon the subject of the first resolution. Immediately on her rising, she was greeted with a storm of hisses, and called to order by several voices. Large numbers of the delegates applauded, and cried "go on," "take the stand," &c.
Rev. Mr. Chambers, of Pennsylvania, said "I move the adoption of the resolution," but no notice was taken of his motion. The excitement was intense for several minutes; but after much difficulty, as there were many loud cries of "take the platform"--"get up"--"let's hear her"--"No, no!" and loud stampings from the opposition, the President kindly invited her to the platform. She accepted the invitation, and was accompanied thither by Dr. Snodgrass, amid mingled cheers and hisses, the former predominating.
Mr. Keener, of Md., arose with several others, and called the lady to order. He stated that the public platform was not the appropriate sphere of woman. [A storm of cheers and hisses ensued.] That resolution, he said, was in keeping with the order and intention of the Convention. [Hisses and cheers.] I interrupt no man, nor ever did, and I claim nothing of you except the ordinary courtesies of life.
Dr. Snodgrass hoped the Convention would hear Mr. Keener.
Mr. Keener--I have been 25 years engaged in the Temperance cause, and I know that King David, when he went to battle with 300 men, on his return he allowed the women their share of the triumphs, although he would not allow them to go to battle. [A voice, "What is woman's sphere?"]
Mr. Keener--I think the appropriate sphere of woman is to remain at home, and take care of the little ones about her table, but I never want to see her on the platform in discussion, however much I may desire her assistance. [Hisses and cheers.]
Mr. Clure of Mass., protested against the discussion of woman's rights in this Convention, and called the gentleman to order.
The President sustained the proposition of Mr. Clure, and stated that by the call of the Convention any person presenting credentials from any society delegating them to represent them in the Convention, were clearly entitled to represent them in the Convention. [Hisses and cheers, and cries of "order," "order," etc.]
Mr. Camp, of New York, together with others, appealed from the decision of the Chair, and stated that the Convention had, by the resolution adopted on the previous day, solemnly expressed an opinion against the admission of women to the public platform.
A score of prosy persons now jumped up and commenced an exceedingly energetic, but by no means intelligible, discussion. As each one was equally eager to be heard, it was impossible to distinguish the drift of their language. They seemed exceedingly bitter with each other. When a lull took place we heard several individuals assert that the resolution passed the day previous excluded women from a right to speak in the Convention.
Dr. Snodgrass and others called for a reading of the resolution, to show that the resolution was only an expression of opinion by the Convention--that the platform was not the proper sphere of woman, but that did not go behind her right as a delegate.
The President decided that Miss Brown had a right, as a delegate, to address the Convention, from which decision an appeal was taken.
Rev. Mr. Chambers, of Pennsylvania, moved that the Convention adjourn sine die.
Loud cries of "No, no" and hisses followed; and the motion was lost on being put to the vote of the Convention.
The discussion of the question of appeal from the Chair in admitting the right of Miss Brown to address the Convention was again agitated, and after considerable disturbance, was put to the vote of the Convention, when the decision of the Chair was sustained, which was received with great applause on the one hand, and a perfect storm of hisses on the other.
Rev. George Duffield, of Pa., stated that if that lady was allowed to speak he begged leave to tender his resignation as Secretary of that Convention, and he fiercely grasped his hat, and made a feint of leaving the platform, but as the President did not notice his ebullition, he restrained himself.
As the debate grew hot again, Dr. Marsh gravely arose from his seat--the Convention imagining that another series of resolutions was forth coming, and grew momentarily silent; when he stated, that although by the decision of the President, the lady had a right to a position in the body of the Convention, yet the resolution excluded her from the Platform. The shouts and derision which greeted this sally, induced Mr. Marsh to sit down hastily.
Miss Brown, who had been standing on the platform, patiently awaiting an opportunity to gain a hearing, at this point made an effort to speak, when Mr. Hunt, of Pa., interrupted her with "a point of order."
He took the platform, and stated that while he admitted the right of a person delegated to appear in a Convention. Yet that Convention had the power to decide the character of those delegates which they admitted, and could exclude such objectionable persons, as they thought fit, and, by the resolution adopted yesterday, the call of the Convention did not entitle this--I was going to say la--dy! Immediately on his making this discourteous remark, the greater portion of the audience leaped to their feet, and a perfect storm of denunciation responded, and only a few of the persons seated on the platform gave a very feeble cheer. A little more of such language would have brought the whole audience upon the speaker.
Dr. Snodgrass raised a point of order.
President--State your point, sir.
Dr. Snodgrass--Sir, the point I raise is this: Is such language to be tolerated toward a lady? Is not this Convention competent to demand the retraction of such offensive and ungentlemanly language? [Cheers and groans]
During the confusion which followed, Mr. Hunt made a few explanatory remarks, which were in effect, that when a lady took her seat as a delegate in a Convention of men, she lost all claim to the courtesies usually extended to her sex. For about five minutes the most ultra confusion prevailed, far surpassing the disturbances of the most violent primary meeting.
Judge Hoar subsequently obtained the floor, and urged that inasmuch as the lady had been delegated to the Convention, and had been invited to the platform by the President, by our own rules, she must be permitted to speak, and if the Convention is not competent to enforce its own rules it must necessarily break up. [Renewed confusion.]
Mr. Cary, of Ohio, was the next speaker. He disclaimed all feeling upon this subject, but the previous day a resolution had been offered and adopted by a vote of nearly 9-10 of the Convention, stating that it was improper for Woman to appear on a public platform, for discussion. [Cries of "no Sir, no."] Mr. Cary resumed. Now the question I arise to ask is, if it is not an insult to this body, after this expression of the opinion of the Convention, for a woman to appear in open violation of it? [Loud and continued hisses.] I wish to offer the following motion:
That it is the expression of this Convention that no woman be permitted to speak in its deliberations.
This motion created more confusion that ever, and cries of "Let the woman speak!" "Shame!" "Order!" "I rise to move--" "This is the Intemperance Con--" "we adjourn!" "No! no!" "Women and spirit rap--" &c., were mingled in the mighty din of confusion.
A Voice--Mr. President, will you keep order?
President--I have no file of soldiers at my command to enforce obedience, but I hope that every member will conduct himself as a gentleman should do.
Some persons here commenced speaking, but Miss Brown rose to a point of order. She was hissed and cheered; the hisses coming principally from those persons on the stage.
President--I decide that Miss Brown has the floor.
Mr. Cary, of Ohio, appealed from the decision of the Chair.
A Voice--Keep cool, brethren; it's a terrible hot day.
Mr. Williams, of Alabama, rose to a point of order. The officers on the stage were also heard to excite each other to rise to "a point of order" and then give the reasons, so to occupy the time.
Miss Brown here came forward and commenced speaking, as follows"
Mr. President, I did not come here to create disorder, but on the contrary, that--[Hisses and stamping from the officers on the platform and a few of the delegates in the body of the hall.]
The remarks of the speaker, although she continued to endeavor for several minutes to make herself heard, were inaudible at the reporter's desk. During the time she was speaking, cries of, "I rise to a point of order," "get down," "leave the platform Snodgrass, or I'll make you," "put them out," &c., were raised on and near the platform.
Rev. Mr. Chambers, of Pa., got up, and together with Mr. Oliver and others, pointed their fingers at Miss Brown, and shouted, "shame on the woman," "shame on the woman," which Miss Brown bore very quietly; and as they insulted her thus, she looked them steadily in the face, and appeared to pity them.
The audience took up the cry, "shame on Rev. John Chambers," "shame on Rev. John Chambers;" and the excitement grew still warm.
A clerical gentleman from Jersey got up and said he felt that the cause of the Convention was ruined by such disgraceful conduct. The delegates were not anti-slavery advocates, but it appeared they were not anti-speech slavery supporters. [Cheers and hisses.] He wanted the lady to be heard, and so did the majority of the Convention. She did not come there as a woman's rights or anti-slavery advocate, but as a duly appointed delegate from the Temperance societies, and had as much right to be heard in discussion as any other delegate present.
Rev. Mr. Chambers here hurriedly rose from his seat, and, shaking his hand tremblingly toward the speaker, he bellowed out, "Where's your petticoats? Where's your petticoats?"
The speaker from New Jersey said, "Rev. John Chambers, you are a disgrace--"[Here a perfect storm of hisses ensued, and it was found impossible to proceed further with the business of the Convention.] Miss Brown was determined to adhere to her right to a hearing; the gentlemen on the platform were equally determined to "break up the Convention first." Motions to adjourn sin die were showered thick as hail upon the President. Others called on him to enforce order, still others raised "points of order." The President coolly walked to and fro on the front of the platform, and to the calls for order replied, "I have not a file of soldiers to enforce my commands."
Mr. Chambers called upon the Pennsylvania delegates to withdraw from the Convention and let the Abolitionists deliberate upon their measures by themselves.
The resolution of Mr. Cary being still before the house, someone raised objection that it was impossible to tell who were delegates and who were not. Upon which, the uproar still continuing at its height, the President ordered the Hall to be cleared. The police were called to aid in this proceeding, and all the delegates were required to retire from the Hall. Among the delegates was Mr. Booth, the editor of The Milwaukee Free Democrat, who left with the others and went into the gallery. Seeing, however, that the reporters kept their seats, he returned to the Hall, and seated himself at their table. A police officer, notwithstanding his remonstrances and explanations, ejected him from the Hall in a very summary manner.
When the Hall has been cleared, Mr. Isaac Oliver proceeded to read the printed list of the delegates' names. As this list was printed before the whole of the delegates arrived, it was necessarily an incomplete one. After all the delegates, whose names were printed, had been admitted, or so many of them as were present, the door-keepers announced that there were a large number of persons outside who claimed to be delegates; Mr. Cary, of Ohio, the President pro tem, ordered the Committee on Credentials to go to the door, and admit such as had credentials. This the Committee did, but as the majority of the delegates had delivered their credentials, and those credentials were not at hand, there were a number excluded, as they had no means of proving their right to be present.
A motion was made and seconded that the Convention proceed to business. As the mover's name was not announced, we are unable to give it.
Rev. Mr. Wolcott, of Rhode Island, came forward, and said: Mr. Chairman, I hope this Convention will not be guilty of so gross a violation of the rights of Delegates as to proceed to business be[f]ore the whole of the members of the Convention are present. I felt that it was my duty to make this appeal to you, and, therefore I speak. [Cheers and hisses.]
The confusion was so great that we could not ascertain if the motion was duly carried or not, but we heard the President announce the Convention in session.
Mr. Wendell Phillips arose amid applause and hisses, and said, I appeal from the decision of the chair. A large number of delegates, from 40 to 50, are now on the outside of the door, and I protest against the–-(hisses, stampings by a number of gentlemen on the platform, and applause by the majority of the delegates, interrupted the speaker.) when quiet had been restored he continued: I protest against this illegal and unjust proceeding. [Renewed interruption from the opposition, and applause from the majority.] Mr. President, I protest, and if my protest is not heard here, it shall be made known in The Tribune and Herald of tomorrow morning. I hope the reporters will notice my protest.
Mr. Barstow, of Providence, said Mr. Phillips could make his protest in The Liberator! [Hisses.]
Mr. Clure--A creditable observation from an ex-Mayor. [Cheers.]
Rev. Mr. Wolcott repeated his earnest protest against the business of the Convention being proceeded with. [Loud applause.]
Mr. Blackmer, amid the greatest confusion, read the following:
Resolved, That one hour of each morning session of this Convention be devoted to hearing of reports from each State and Territory and Country here represented, giving information as to the actual condition and prospects of the Temperance cause in those places:
This resolution was carried: many could not have been aware of its purport, so great was the confusion.
A number of persons arose, each one raising "a point of order" in most inextricable disorder.
President--I order you all to your seats; where there are so many points of order, there is nothing but disorder. [Laughter.]
Mr. Bradshaw--I move that this Convention adjourn, to meet again at 7 ½ o'clock this evening.
President--That motion is not in order, Sir; another is pending.
Mr. Clure of Massachusetts, Rev. Mr. Wolcott of Rhode Island, and Dr. Snodgrass, here announced their desire to be considered as joining Mr. Phillips in his protest against the action which had been taken by a portion of the Convention during the exclusion of the rest.
Mr. Barstow then offered the following resolution, which was vehemently seconded by Mr. Isaac Oliver, of New York, amid renewed confusion and disorder:
Resolved, That the Committee on Credentials be directed to furnish tickets of membership to all persons enrolled as Delegates to this Convention, excepting those whose credentials were this morning presented by Wendell Phillips from a Society of Ladies in New-York City, which Society, it is understood, was organized last evening, and which Delegates belonged not in New-York, but in other parts of the land; and that this Conventions send but such Delegates so certified of to be admitted upon the floor of the house.
Here a dozen members sprung to the floor. The Chairman announced the floor as belonging to Mr. G. W. Clark, of New York, who was proceeding to say that he hoped those who came there as Delegates came as frank and honorable men and women, when Mr. Hoar, of Massachusetts, again raised a point of order. ["Order, order," "Go on Clark," and hisses.]
The Chairman--A point of order; will the gentleman state it? Being stated, it was ruled out as irrelevant, and Mr. Clark proceeded, amid universal attention. He would call attention to the fact that the eyes of the whole world were upon their doings; he hoped they would regard the rights and privileges of all persons delegated here, and make no distinctions. The women present were there as delegates. Let us, continued he, lay all these distinctions and prejudices aside and work together for the good of a common cause. The eyes of the rumsellers are upon us. Let us stand up like those conscious of justice and the right; ay, do justice though the heavens fall. [Cheers.]
Mr. Clark, of District [of] Columbia, next obtained the floor, against half a score of shouting competitors, and "hear him," "Oh, don't, Clark," &c. He spoke briefly.
Rev. John Marsh protested against this resolution as not coming from the Committee on Credentials. He wanted to make an explanation. This resolution had not come through the proper channel. [Order, order.]
CHAIRMAN: Dr. Marsh is out of order. He will please take his seat.
Mr. Barstow rose, and stated that the resolution he had the honor to present had received the sanction of the Business Committee.
Dr. Marsh moved to lay it on the table, claiming the question of credentials involved belonged to the Committee of Credentials. His motion was not seconded.
A dozen voices shouted "Mr. President" at once.
The Chairman--This afternoon a number of children are coming; this afternoon is to be devoted to them.
Having announced the speakers and exercises for the evening session, he proclaimed the Convention adjourned until half-past 7 o'clock.
A number of neatly dressed children were coming into the gallery. The children of a larger growth now gradually left the Hall, snarling and snapping as they went, giving their room to a class of children who could scarcely be expected to outdo the great majority of their "glorious predecessors" in the :noise and confusion" line, to say no more of the scene which had just transpired.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL
The Committee of Arrangements of the World's Temperance Convention having invited the children of the various Sabbath Schools in the city to attend to Metropolitan Hall, at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon, to listen to addresses from some of the leaders of the Temperance Cause, upwards of two thousand persons, principally young people and children, were assembled in that edifice, presenting a most cheerful and pleasing spectacle.
The various banners and emblems were arranged at the back of the platform, the main part of which was fully occupied by friends of the Cause.
Dodworth's Band was in attendance and played several popular airs, and some of the songs and music prepared for the World's Temperance Convention--the words being sung by the assembled children.
Among the persons of note on the platform were Gen. Cocke, of Virginia; Hon. Neal Dow, Maine; Rev. S. Martindale, New York; Rev. E. S. Porter, New York; Rev. Dr. G.V.N. Relyea, a delegate from Canada West. Rev. C.J. Warren presided. The Exercises were commenced by the children singing the hymn,
Lucius Hart, Esq., conducting the music.
Rev. E. Beecher, of Boston, offered an appropriate prayer.
A song followed, sung by the children:
Hon. A. C. Barstow, late Mayor of Providence R. I., then came forward, and made a few remarks to the children, exhorting them to abstain completely from touching, smelling, or tasting, intoxicating liquor; for the sake of their temporal as well as their spiritual welfare.
Song by the children:
[Air--"Lilly Dale."]
Mr. Christian Keener then addressed the meeting, relating several anecdotes indicative of the influence possessed by children and youth when exerted in the great and holy cause of Temperance. Song as before:
After which the author was introduced, in the person of Hon. Neal Dow. He was received with loud and long continued applause. Thanking the children for their reception, he put it to the vote, among much laughter and cheering, whether any children wanted grog shops or intemperate fathers, a question which we need scarcely say was unanimously carried in the negative by show of hands.
The speaker then dwelt upon the vital importance to the rising generation itself, of the question of Temperance, and proceeded to point out that they could only throughout their lives fulfill their stations as pillars of the fabric of society, and pilots to their fellow-men and women by an adherence to the right course--and especially an observance of the Laws of Temperance. All this the speaker illustrated in a manner well suited to the capacities of his youthful auditory who throughout, frequently applauded the speaker, and yielded hearty responses to his appeals. At the conclusion of this gentleman's address,
The Chairman announced the proposed Evening Session, and Rev. S. Martindale, of New York, delivered a benediction, which concluded the afternoon exercises.
The Convention was called to order at 7 ¾ o'clock by the President, the hall being quite filled with people. After a prayer by Rev. Mr. Gregg, the President introduced to the audience Dr. Lees, of England, delegate of the British Temperance Association, one of the oldest in the world, who spoke in substance as follows:
I do not know that I have anything special to address to you upon the present occasion; but as a representative of the oldest Teetotal Association in the world, I will endeavor to convey to you, however feebly, yet most sincerely, the feelings of sympathy and respect entertained by British teetotalers toward their American friends. [Applause.]
We do not pretend to teach you upon this great question, for we are your disciples and gladly acknowledge you as our teachers, having received from you, twenty years ago, those stirring appeals and those startling statistics of the dread evils of intemperance which compelled us to work at home, where, alas, we found things worse even than among you. But a few years, however, had passed away before thousands and tens of thousands of the once victims of intemperance were reclaimed through the earnest advocacy of temperance by the men of Preston. For this we acknowledge our indebtedness to you, for we discovered that the principles upon which your associations were founded were based upon the great doctrines of nature, or science, of philosophy, and revealed truth. Since that time much opposition had been encountered, but, thanks to God, had been overcome. You, in this country, can have no conception of the power with which we had to battle at home. Fashion and custom, of necessity, are stronger in England than in your new and great country. Thousands of years of conservative principles fetter fast a great falsehood, and one great falsehood was that connected with the drinking customs. [Applause.]
But, encouraged by your success, we urged on to the conflict, against prejudice and ancient custom--against the calumnies of the Press-—against banded interests, and went on conquering and to conquer; and now millions gave been liberated from the bondage of intemperance, and made blessings to themselves and to others. [Applause]
And now, let me give you a bird's eye view of the principles, as they stand before our national eye, which are the basis of this movement. John Bull will always cling with great tenacity to a principle, when once he has grasped it. He may be wrong, but once right, he never lets go. It was at first supposed and insisted that intoxicating liquors were necessary to our health--certainly to our enjoyment; but the answer of experience came, and a host of men soon rose up and declared the truth, that we were better in body, in mind and in soul--better for all the duties of life, as practicers of te[e]tolalism, than as users in any quantity, of liquor, which defiles the brain and pollutes the blood. [Applause] The people saw this great truth and embraced it.
Then we were prepared to do battle on the ground of science, and I assure you there is a mighty difference between the two countries in the progress of the advocacy of the cause upon this ground. America's young heart beats more quickly in response to social political reformation--springs forth more readily than ours. This is your glory; see you abuse it not. We have to do battle step by step, combating in turn with medical, chemical, political and religious principles. Nevertheless we went upon the broad basis of philosophy and criticism, and maintained that God, speaking through manifold modes, must be in harmony with his works, and there must be one truth on the question. Men answered our total abstinence doctrine by saying that what God had provided for our use was good. We replied--nature knows nothing of alcohol; she rots the grape upon the vine, but wine is the result of art--a perversion of the good thing which God produces.
Then came the physiologists who asserted that certain states of the human constitution made it necessary to take a small quantity habitually of intoxicating liquors. We answered--God made man in the beginning perfect in Paradise, but provided no alcoholic drink there. Nature had omitted to spread out in her bountiful repast of everything necessary to life and health anything that could intoxicate. [Applause.] Shortly afterward came the discovery of the German chemists, and then, based upon the pillars of science, the teetotal temple rose up in glory, firm as the pillars of the universe itself; for nothing was more certain than the truths of organic chemistry, accorded with the temperance doctrines upon the question. The German chemists discovered that the food of man consisted of two kinds--one for fuel and the other for nourishment, or the formation of the various parts of the human structure. The oil, fat, starch and gum were the fuel cast into the living furnice [sic] to be burnt up, and that without producing fever or intoxication. What else was wanted?
That which would make blood, and from blood bone, nerve tissue and brain—the instrument with which we think and feel. Only three elements were discovered, viz: Albumen, cassine and fibrine--none of them intoxicating--all beautiful, bland and blessed as water itself, neither poisoning, nor inflaming, nor intoxicating any organ. [Applause.] And what, upon analysis, were the elements of gum and starch? Oxygen, and hydrogen, the very elements that constitute pure, wholesome water. [Great applause.]
Then it was said to us, "You reject the good creatures of God." Do we? Butter will melt in our mouths as well as yours. Sugar will sweeten our puddings as well as yours. As your own Pierpoint has said, "God gives the sugar, and men convert it into murderous rum." He gives bread, and men convert it into intoxicating drinks--the result of art, not nature. Physiology taught us that there was no agent in the whole materia medica which, introduced quantity for quantity into the living body, so suddenly, powerfully and continually depressed the vital energies as alcohol. This is the reason why alcohol is as associated always with disturbed temperature and unevenness of mind, so that it has become a byword when any dark transaction is heard of it is usually accompanied with drink, and excused only on that ground. Strange declaration!
The speaker here took up the Scriptural argument, and by numerous quotations claimed them on the side of Total Abstinence. God did not give to our first parents intoxicating drinks, but the products of the vegetable world for food. There was no evading that law. [Applause.] And when the Israelites went forth to battle, there were commanded to spare the fruit-trees; for these said Moses, have not sinned against you. Everywhere is evil connected with the use of intoxicating drinks. Prophets, patriarchs and kings are all numbered among the victims of Intemperance, teaching us the lesson that ordinary men should shun what so many great and good men had fallen victims to. Samuel, the reforming Judge of Israel, was a teetotaler. And when the strongest man, Samson, was to be born, the angel of the Lord announced that he was to abstain from strong drink. And when Intemperance crept among Israel, did God direct Nadab and Abihu to be careful not to drink too much? No; he uttered the everlasting law, "Ye shall not drink, nor your sons after you." [Applause.]
After glancing at the various examples of Temperance in Holy Writ and also in profane history, the speaker concluded with an exhortation to Americans to go on with the glorious work, for to them were the people of England looking for the future steps in the cause. Finish the noble work you have so nobly begun, and you shall become the glory of the world and the wonder of all ages. [Great applause.]
The audiences were here entertained by a song from Mr. Oakley, after which a collection was taken up to defray the expense of the hall, printing, &c.
Dr. Marsh announced that the banquet which some friends had intended to give to the Delegates who had come to the Convention, would not take place. From circumstances which had occurred, it was thought best from prudential reasons, that this banquet should be at least postponed. Pillars were to have been erected in honor of all the States which had sent Delegates, and a good deal of expense had been gone to, but still it was thought best under all the circumstances, lest anything unpleasant should occur, that no opportunity would be afforded. Rev. Mr. Pierpoint had been engaged to read a temperance poem; of that treat, however, the public would not be deprived, as there would be a meeting held at that place tomorrow evening at which the poem would be read, and some addresses made. [Hear, hear.]
Rev. Mr. Walcott, of Rhode Island, was then introduced to the meeting. He said he felt somewhat diffident, (as there were few present who would not,) in having to address the meeting after the gentleman who had just spoken. He yet felt inclined to think he should congratulate himself, for he met a genial feeling in that hall; the exercises with which their proceedings commenced threw a moral atmosphere around, and the interesting spectacle of the little children, on whose joyous countenances the Saviour would have looked with approval as they hymned his praise, and have beheld them with benignity as he once did the children in the temple who sung hosannahs to the Most High. Our friend from England needs no assurance of our sentiments. He can tell his friends at home that our hearts beat responsive to theirs in this great cause, and that the temperance men of America congratulate the temperance men of England herself we all say, "God bless her." [Cheers and hisses.]
We owe them sincere respect; we trust their efforts will be continuous and successful, and confer permanent benefits, and we say to them God speed. [Cheers.] It was related that as one of the New England Fathers rounded a bay on his bark first coming to this country, the voice of an Indian hailed him from out the woods with the words of "what cheer, ho! What cheer." Where this incident occurred was nominated Providence; and he would repeat the Indian's cry and ask what cheer, and would answer that he trusted in Providence. This trust in Providence could be fully appreciated if it were known to all the advances the temperance cause had made within the last twenty years, when the advocates of the cause were half zealous in the subject and addressing half unwilling audiences. It required immense moral courage to do even that then; but now its advocates are met with a full cheer and encouraged on in the glorious enterprise.
The same arguments with respect to the destructive effects of alcohol on the human system were then made use of but persons sunk in a fatal and alarming lethargy would not hear. The dreadful havoc which this vice made in this country of killing thirty thousand every year was not then known, as the statistics had not been collected. Its dire effects were now sufficiently known, and no country or people could or would be prosperous where this vice prevailed. We had convinced the mature aged with arguments, and the youth were rising up who would be trained in its blessing, and the wails of the widow and the cries of the child would both be hushed by this blessed reformation. The important results which the triumph of temperance principles would produce could not be as yet well comprehended. In no other walk or profession of life could the wide scope which this cause occupied in the public mind be so fully seen as in the Pulpit and the Press.
Some years since, the sermons delivered from the pulpit and published were mostly on Theology. He considered that dogmatic Theology was very good, and he did not at all slight it, but yet Theology was not the whole of Christianity, and some philanthropy and practical charity ought to be blended with it. The first Temperance sermon he ever heard of being preached was by an old New England Divine on the occasion of one of his flock being frozen to death in the snow, and when found stiff and cold had a rum jug grasped in his frozen fingers. The authors of the present day, as well as the newspaper press, were beginning to recognize the brotherhood of man, and this was the cause why this sort of literature made such an impression on the people. He advocated a prohibitory law, as it was necessary to restrain two classes, those whose appetites were so vitiated as not to be able to resist drinking, and those who were so avaricious as that they would sell. Mr. Walcott went to advocate the cause in a splendid speech, for which we are sorry we are unable to find space, nor will time permit us to give a full report.
The president then introduced Rev. Thomas Hunt, of Pennsylvania. He stated that he did not expect that they would have any patience to hear him at the late hour of the evening. He wanted rumsellers to understand his position. He recollected well of a landlord offering to let him lecture on Temperance in his bar-room. He asked the landlord if he would recognize him as a good man if he should introduce disease, suffering and death in the community through the medium of a business. The landlord said "No." He then asked the landlord if drunkenness was not a disease and he was answered in the affirmative. He also acknowledged that it created suffering and death, and when he asked him if these would exist if there was no liquor-seller and liquor-maker, and he ordered me out of his house.
He had once lived in New York. Twenty years since he talked in the old Chatham st. Chapel every day for two years. He knew the New Yorkers then, but not now. Ward and Leavitt and many others were gone, and he felt he should have to form new acquaintances. Dr. Hewitt of Bridgeport had given the impetus to the movement. The Temperance Societies, the Washingtonians, the Sons of Temperance and Rechabities, the rumsellers say, had failed; and in the World's Temperance Convention they said that they had been quarreling to know whether loose breeches or tight breeches should have the stand. [Laughter.]
The Temperance men will say with the Yankee, that if they can't do it the first time that they will certainly stop rumselling after a while. The rumsellers had talked about fighting, but two could play at that game. Washington had sheathed his sword at the close of the Revolution and said that he would draw it again only against the enemies of his country. He did draw it, and against the whisky sellers, at the time of the Whisky Insurrection. The sellers were going to annihilate Washington, but on his approach they all left suddenly. Thus would the rumsellers run in this conflict. In Pennsylvania they desire not a Maine Law but a prohibitory law with a penalty, and he thought of State's Prison for life, or if the rumsellers acknowledged the death penalty for murder he would prove in open debate that they ought every one to be hung. He would challenge the liquor sellers to debate the question with liquor sellers for a jury, and if, at the end of the debate, the jury did not acknowledge that the prison was a Godsend then he would be mistaken. He had discussed on a Mississippi steamboat whether liquor selling was not a meaner business than counterfeiting. Nearly the whole boat pronounced his judgment good.
The Captain of the boat soon after informed that it was the intention of a passenger in the boat--a rumseller--to kill him because he had said that rumsellers out to be punished with imprisonment, and pointed the individual out to him. Subsequently the belligerent individual had an interview with him and attempted to draw a pistol on him, because of the reasons assigned by the Captain. He said he told the sanguinary rumseller that he had not said the truth of him, for he had not become satisfied that he deserved to be hanged rather than imprisoned. The effect was that the rumseller put up his pistols and when he had come to pay his fare, he learned to his surprise that the man of blood had done it for him.
The balance of the speaker's remarks were confined to the subject of the enforcement of the prohibit[or]y law, and to an eloquent appeal to the people to use their influence in procuring its enactment.
The speaker was frequently interrupted by loud cheering.
The meeting then adjourned until this morning at 10 o'clock.