The Whole world's temperance convention, held at Metropolitan hall in the city of New York ... Sept. 1st and 2d, 1853...
1. THE CALL AND PROCEEDINGS AT BRICK CHURCH-PRELIMINARY
MEETING.
2. MEETING OF SECEDING DELEGATES.
3. MEETING AT THE BROADWAY TABERNACLE, TO REVIEW THE PROCEEDINGS
AT BRICK CHURCH.
4. CALL FOR THE WHOLE WORLD'S CONVENTION.
5. SPEECHES AND DOINGS OF THE CONVENTION.
6. LIST OF DELEGATES, BY SOCIETIES AND STATES.
7. ALPHABETICAL LIST OF DELEGATES.
8. APPENDIX, WITH LETTERS, ESSAYS, AND COMMENTS OF THE PRESS.
NEW YORK:
FOWLERS AND WELLS, PUBLISHERS
Clinton Hall, 131 Nassau Street.
1853.
Compiled from the Reports in Tribune, Times and Herald; principally from the Tribune.
[CALL.]
WHOLE WORLD'S TEMPERANCE CONVENTION.
WHEREAS, In response to a call for a preliminary meeting of the friends of Temperance in North America, to make arrangements for a World's Temperance Convention in the City of New York, during the World's Fair, a meeting assembled in that City, on the 12th of May, 1853, which assumed the power to exclude several regularly elected Delegates because they were Women;
And WHEREAS , A portion of the members of that meeting retired from it, regarding it as false both to the letter and spirit of the call;
The undersigned, consisting in part of such seceding Delegates, hereby invite all those in favor of a World's Temperance Convention, which shall be true to its name , to meet in the City of New York on Thursday and Friday, the 1st and 2nd of September next, to consider the present needs of the Temperance Reform.
New York, July 15, 1853.
T. W. Higginson Mass
Horace Greeley N Y
Mary Y. C. ???
Joshua ???
Francis D. Gage Missouri
E. L. Snow N Y
Theodore Parker Mass
Antoinette L. Brown N Y
Daniel W Vaughan R I
Samuel Longfellow N Y
William S. Balch N Y
O. H. Wellington N Y
James Mott Penn
Lucretia Mott Penn
Paulina Wright Davis R I
Francis Jackson Mass
Sidney Pierce Penn
George Hall N Y
Mary C. Vaughn N Y
Melancthon B. Williams Ill
Erasmus D. Hudson Mass
Ashby ???
Rowland Johnson N Y
??? Johnson N Y
Emily Clark N Y
Daniel T. Adams Maine
C. C. Burleigh Conn
Gertie K. Burleigh Conn
Edward Webb Del
John S. Merrick N H
Catharine M. Schuyler Penn
Ann Powell N Y
Wm. K. Foster N Y
S. P. Townsend
L. N. Fowler N Y
Lydia F. Fowler N Y
N. A. Calkins N Y
S. R. Wells N Y
J, W. Kellogg N Y
B. E. Buckman N Y
C. B. Wheeler N Y
Joshua Brown N Y
N. A. Davis N H
Stephen C. Foster Maine
Royal Barnum N Y
O. C. Wheeler Cal
Wm. McDermott N Y
Morris Decamp N Y
George F. Colburn N Y
James Campbell N Y
E. H. Chapin N Y
Lucy Stone Mass
Samuel J. May N Y
Oliver Johnson N Y
Mary A. W. Johnson N Y
Wm. A. White Wisconsin
C. H. A. Dall Canada West
Carolyn W. Healy Dall C W
Wm. Lloyd Garrison Mass
Harriot K. Hunt Mass
Wm. H. Channing Mass
R. T. Trall N Y
Sumner Stebbins Penn
Thomas Chandler Mich
Thomas Garrett Del
Wendell Phillips Mass
Joseph A. Dugdale Penn
Edward M. Davies Penn
Isaac Trescott Ohio
Rowland T. Robinson Vt
Rachel Robinson Vt
Lydia Mott N Y
Stephen Grimes N Y
Marry P. H. Allen N Y
Elizabeth Hallock N Y
M. Fayette Baldwin N Y
Emma L. Baldwin N Y
Andrew Lester N Y
William Hunt R I
Joseph Brundage N Y
Ruth Hambleton Penn
James Howe N J
Eliza P. Gaunt N J
Lambert S. Beck N Y
C. B. Le Baron N Y
Wm. S. King, Jr N Y
Ira Buckman, Jr N Y
Mary S. Rich N Y
John Falconer N Y
James O. Bennet N Y
John Law N Y
Susan B. Anthony N Y
C. G. Coffin Mass
Francis L. Aud Cal
Leonard Scott N Y
Samuel Holmes N Y
James Moran N Y
David G. Croly N Y
Emily S. Trall N Y
Phineas T. Barnum N Y
PREFACE
To The
WHOLE WORLD'S TEMPERANCE CONVENTION.
Call for the Preliminary Meeting.
The following call appeared in the N.Y. Tribune, April, 7, 1853:
World's Temperance Convention. -The undersigned, in concurrence with a resolution of the Massachusetts Temperance Convention, respectfully invite the friends of Temperance in each State, and in Canada, to appoint some person or persons to meet in the City of New York, on Thursday the 12th of May next, at 9 A. M., to make arrangements for the holding of a great Temperance Convention, in said City, during the World's Fair. Place of meeting will be duly notified. All communications relative to such Convention may be addressed to Rev. E. W. Jackson, Philadelphia. Papers friendly will please copy.
R. H. Walworth, of N. Y.
Samuel Luckey, of N.Y.
John Marsh, of N.Y.,
Neal Dow, of Me.
Thomas R. Jones, of N. H.
T. W. Higginson, of Mass.
A. C. Barstow, of R. L.
F. B. Betts, of N. J.
E. W. Jackson, of Pa.
S. F. Carey, of Ohio.
F. Yates, of Michigan.
C. Keener, of Maryland.
John Dougal, of Montreal.
New York, April 6, 1853.
The following report of the doings at the preliminary meeting is taken from the Tribune and the Herald of May 13, 1853:
WORLD'S TEMPERANCE CONVENTION.
Meeting of Delegates.
EXCITING PROCEEDINGS; EXPULSION OF FEMALE DELEGATES.
Agreeably to a call previously, a number of the friends of Temperance met yesterday morning in the Lecture Room of the Brick Church, with a view to adopt the necessary preliminaries to hold a grand World's Convention in the City of New York, some time during the continuance of the World's Fair. The meeting was called to order by E. M. Jackson, Corresponding Secretary of the State Central Committee of Pennsylvania, who moved the Hon. A. C. Barstow, Mayor of Providence, to the Chair, which was carried nem. con,; upon which, the Rev. George Duffield, Jun., of Philadelphia, and the Rev. R. S. Crampton, of Rochester, New York, were appointed to act as Secretaries. After prayer by the Rev. Dr. Hewett:
Rev. John Marsh, of New York, moved that all gentlemen present; who were friends of Temperance, be admitted as delegates.
Dr. Trall, of New York, stated that there were delegates present from the Women's State Temperance Society, and moved that the word "ladies" be inserted in the motion offered by Mr. Marsh, which was carried unanimously.
The motion as amended was then adopted, and the names of the gentlemen and ladies present were collected by the Secretaries, and enrolled by States. Those holding credentials also handed them in to the Secretaries.
Hon. Neal Dow, of Maine; Hon. Zimri Howe, of Vt.; Rev. Dr. Hewitt, of Conn.; Rev. T. W. Higginson, of Mass.; Rev. John Marsh, of N. Y.; E. W. Jackson, of Penn.; Hon. T. B. Segur, of N. H.; Dr. Snodgrass, of Md.; Gen. Cocke, of Va.; Isaac Trescott, of Ohio; John Arbuckle, of Prince Edward's Island; and Mr. Seeley, of New-Brunswick, were appointed a Business Committee.
Mr. Higginson, of Massachusetts, one of the above-named Committee, rose and said-That as women were very properly acting as delegates in the Convention, they should be represented on the Committee, and moved that Miss Susan B. Anthony, of Rochester, be admitted a member of the above named Committee.
Dr. Hewett hereupon arose and said, that in certain parts of the country women had received a good deal of celebrity and notoriety. He did not mean to disparage them; but it was quite sufficient for his purpose merely to state that he was not prepared to give to women that prominent place in arranging the affairs of mankind which hitherto was the province, and was given to others. It was with very great hesitation, and not without a sacrifice of feeling, that he was induced to take the stand he was determined upon in relation to the subject now before the convention. His years, and the place he had occupied in the great work of temperance, betrayed some of the relics of a former age; and he was not prepared to acquiesce in any such invasion as would tend to interfere with the settled laws of society "revolution was one thing and reformation was another."
Rev. Mr. Fowler, of Utica, hoped the motion of the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Higginson) would not be pressed. If so, and it prevailed, those ladies, as well as others, should be appointed.
Mr. Higginson was proceeding to reply, when he was interrupted by cries of "Out of order," "Lay the motion on the table," and loud demonstrations of disapprobation, when the following were handed in by Mrs. Lydia F. Fowler, of New York. The names of the other ladies were Miss Mary S. Rich, Miss Emily Clark, of Le Roy, N. Y.; Miss Anthony, of Rochester; Mrs. Mary Vaughn, Oswego; Lucy Stone, Mass; and Abby K. Foster, Mass. Their unexpected presence created quite a sensation. The following is a copy of the credentials of Mrs. Fowler:
Seneca Falls, N. Y., April 25, 1853.
To Mrs. Lydia F. Fowler:-
At a meeting of the Executive Committee of "Woman's New York Temperance Society," held at Seneca Falls on the 23d instant, you were appointed a delegate to attend the meeting called by Neal Dow, to be held in your city on the 12th May, to make arrangements for holding a World's Temperance Convention in New York some time during the World's Fair.
AMELIA BLOOMER, Corresponding Secretary.
The other document read as follows:
At a meeting of the Executive Committee
of the "Woman's New York Temperance Society," held on
the 23d inst, the following persons were appointed as delegates
to attend a meeting to be held in new York city, on 12th May,
for the purpose of making arrangements for a World's Temperance
Convention, some time during the World's Fair, viz:-Mrs. E. F.
Ellet, Mrs Horace Greeley, Mrs. L. F. Fowler, Miss Mary Rich,
Miss Emily Clark, (Le Roy, N. Y.,) and Susan B. Anthony. ..........
S. B. ANTHONY,
Secretary Woman's State Temperance Society.
The question on Mr. Higginson's motion
to receive the name of Miss Anthony was then put from the chair,
and negatived, amid some excitement, when
Mr. Thompson, of Mass, rose and said this was a "World's
Temperance Convention," and the great portion of the world
had to be represented, if they desired it understood that this
was World's Convention at all. He would, therefore, move a reconsideration,
and to take the motion from the table.
Mr. Higginson here rose, and requested to have his name stricken out from the list appointed to act as a business committee. He would give his reasons if permitted to do so.
The convention voted by a small majority not to receive Mr. Higginson's resignation and the committee retired.
Hon. Bradford R. Wood, of Albany, then moved that the convention do adjourn sine die, for there is party here who are abound to run this affair right straight into the ground, and they came here for that express purpose, and no other; but on request, he withdrew the motion, and moved that a Committee on Credentials be appointed.
Rev. John Chambers, Hon. Bradford R. Wood, and Dr. Condit were appointed such committee.
Rev. Mr. Marsh -Let the matter be referred to the committee just selected, and they can then report.
Mr. Higginson -I am not here, Mr. Chairman, as a gentleman or as a lady, but as a friend of temperance; and that committee is not a fair representation of the friends of temperance, when you exclude women, who have attended here in compliance with your call. He thought that in a World's Convention woman should be represented, otherwise it would be only a Semi-World's Convention. The ladies present have done good work in the cause in this city, through the State of New York, and in the Assembly. He felt the they were entitled to have an equal voice in the proceedings.
Rev. Mr. Fowler, of Utica-I hope the gentleman will be excused from serving, as he desire it.
Chairman -I should be sorry if he did. He a very active member, and did a great deal to bring about this convention.
Mrs. Abby K. Foster here rose, amid considerable confusion and cries of order. She said: Mr. Chairman, (cries of "Order," Sit down," I claim the privilege. ("Order, order.") I hope, sir, that this is to be no sectarian test. ("Order" from different parts of the room, and cries of "We don't want to hear your remarks.") I hope that gentlemen will allow me to express my opinions, as I only take the liberty to express my views-
Rev. Dr. Hewett here rose to order, and Chairman requested Mrs. Foster to take her place. The excitement was considerably increased by this personal rencontre in the meeting, upon which Joseph A. Dugdale, a Quaker, rose, and denounced the proceeding of the Convention with much indignation. He requested that his name should be expunged, as they had excluded the women from the Convention.
Col. E. L. Snow stated that he received much support and encouragement from the ladies, when in the Assembly, and he felt that what they had in their hearts to do for the cause they should be allowed to do without hindrance.
Rev. J. B. Wakely and others also spoke in flavor of the ladies being represented on the committee.
Mr. Thompson (Mass.) here made a separate motion; he moved that the name of Miss Lucy Stone be added to the committee.
Miss Emily Clark, of Leroy, New York, here rose to second the motion, amid much confusion and alternate cries of "order," hear her," "hear her," "order," order." Miss C. Still holding on to floor.
Chairman -If that motion is put, I shall certainly resign. I honor women as much as most men, but I am opposed to their taking part in such proceedings as these.
Mr. Wood -I move that we adjourn, it we are to be subjected to such interruptions as these.
Mr. Wheeler, of New York-I move that we proceed without any further interruptions, and that the speakers be restricted to ten minutes upon the floor while speaking. I also move that no speaker be allowed to address the meeting more than once without the consent of the convention.
Mr. Armstrong, of Saratoga, wished to know if this convention was to be considered a deliberative body or a delegated body?
Mr. Chairman referred to the minutes, and the requisition calling the meeting was at the same time read, showing that the friends of temperance were invited, upon which other names were handled in.
Mrs. Foster again took the floor, and made an effort to be heard, but was repeatedly interrupted, and obliged to resume her seat amid much confusion; she then joined the part of the convention who supported the women, who had congregated by this time pretty strong at one side of the room.
Rev. Mr. Buckhart here rose, and stated that he was opposed to the entire proceedings before the convention, since its opening to-day. He was opposed to women interfering with matters out of their own sphere.
Mrs. Foster was about to reply and was opposed, when Mr. Higginson again rose to press his motion, and moved that it be adopted.
Chairman -If so I will not preside over the Convention.
The committee who had been appointed to examine the credentials of Delegates, hereupon returned from their deliberations, and presented their report. The Chairman reported that the committee were unanimous in favor of not receiving the "Women Delegations." This gave rise to a second debate, more exciting by far than the first, and brought Mr. Higginson again to the floor. He said, the Committee had excluded the names of several ladies, and he wished to know the particular ground. He supposed the design was--
Mr. Wood (the Chairman of the Committee)-The grounds we took were to exclude all women. The Committee were unanimously of opinion that it was not intended by those whom called this meeting that female delegates should be received, that their credentials should be disregarded, and that otherwise the roll should remain as completed by the Secretary.
Mr. Higginson -I know something about this
call, as it originated by a resolution from myself, which I offered
at the Massachusetts State
Convention. I certainly never would have dreamed of setting my
hand to pen such a resolution or propose it, if I considered that
women were to be excluded from this meeting. (Loud and continued
applause from the "woman" side of the house.) It is
not the matter of "woman's rights" we are considering,
or have to consider, at all. It is the question as to whether
this is to be considered a meeting of the friends of temperance.
Are these women not the friends of temperance? Are they not advocates
of temperance? Then why exclude them? Let us but exclude them,
and then they have a right--
Mr. Condit, of New Jersey, here rose and called the gentleman to order.
Mr. Bradford Wood -I move that the gentleman be heard for five minutes longer.
Mr. Higginson here resumed the floor, and continued:-I did not speak at first to this question at all. I have no desire to throw a firebrand into this meeting. I have only made one speech on the "woman question." After some further remarks on a point of order, Mr. H. moved to amend the report of the Committee on Credentials.
Chairman -The question before the Convention is, first, shall the report be accepted?
Mr. Fowler, of Utica, then moved the previous question.
Col. Snow considered it out of order thus to cut off debate. He claimed to be heard for a short time. He would only occupy the floor--
Mr. Fowler, pressed his motion.
Chairman -The motion before the chair is, that the report of the committee to decide upon the qualification of members be accepted.
A Member -The question on the amendment should be first taken.
The question was then taken, when there appeared ayes 22, nays 36.
Mr. Fowler, again rose, and moved the previous question.
Mr. Thompson, of Massachusetts-I appeal from the decision of the Chair. This will entitle me to a hearing at once, and the gentlemen know it. I don't want to discuss this woman question at all. I want to have that part of the report so amended as to allow the intentions of the 5,000 people who met at the Massachusetts Convention, and who were the originators of this convention, to be carried out. That committee wanted but the truth, and they should not send forth a lie, before the country. (Confusion, and cries of "order.") I only want to have the report amended in consistency with the truth.
Mr. Crampton (the Secretary)-I should be glad to know, is it to these 5,000 persons that we are to attribute the calling of this meeting?
Mr. Wood rose to order. The entire proceedings were out of order. Gentlemen had to bow to the will of the majority.
Mr. Thompson had no objection to have the majority decide.
Mr. Wood -The report of the committee decided that it was not contemplated that women were to be included.
Mr. Williams here rose to order, amid general cries of "adjourn,""order," and much confusion, when
Mr. Wood moved the "previous question."
Col. Snow here called for the reading of the call of the meeting. Objected to. The question, on the original motion, that the report be adopted, was then put and carried-ayes 34, noes 21.
Mr. Higginson moved that the Convention do adjourn, to meet again at half past three o'clock P.M. He considered that in this meeting the "World's Convention" had disfranchised half the world by excluding the women. Mr. H. subsequently withdrew his motion.
Mr. Jackson -The gentleman stood up to make a speech, and surely he does not mean to skulk away, and not listen to a reply. (Sensation, and cries of "order.")
Dr. Humphrey -Mr. Chairman, I consider this day's proceedings altogether both disorderly and disgraceful-I have never witnessed anything like it before.
Mr. Higginson rose to explain.
Mr. Jackson begged pardon, as he misunderstood the gentleman. (Confusion, and loud cries of "adjourn.") I move, continued Mr. J., that as the gentleman (Mr. Higginson) has had the floor all the morning, that we adjourn forthwith to Metropolitan Hall, and as there is to be such a scene, we may as well at once have a regular "set-to." (Laughter and applause.)
The Chairman -Does the gentleman (Mr. Higginson) press his motion to adjourn?
Mr. Higginson (amid renewed excitement)-Yes.
The question was then up and lost.
Dr. Marsh then moved to proceed to take up the regular business.
The motion prevailed.
Mr. Dow hereupon moved that the report be adopted, and offered a resolution that the Convention meet in this city on the 6th of September next, and that it continue for four days. A committee of arrangements was then proposed by Mr. D., to consist of one from each State, pending which,
Mr. Williams, of Mass., moved to strike out the name of Mr. Higginson.
The Rev. Mr. Duffield, one of the secretaries, was here called upon to offer some remarks. He said he felt particularly unpleasant from the proceedings of the day, and was of opinion that Philadelphia, in the great State of Pennsylvania, would be a far better place to hold the Convention than in New York.
Mr. Snow opposed-New York was designated in the call.
The Chairman sustained Mr. Snow.
Mr. Higginson then requested to have his name stricken from the roll, and hoped that the minority would withdraw and meet at 2 P.M. At Dr. Trall's Institute, No. 15 Laight st., to carry out their duty as Delegates.
Rev. J. W. Higginson, Dr. R. T. Trall, Abby K. Foster, Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone, Lydia F. Fowler, Emily Clark, Mary C. Vaughan, E. L. Baldwin and others of the minority then withdrew.
The ladies then demanded their credentials, through Mrs. Lydia F. Fowler. As temperance missionaries, they will unquestionably be sustained in their future movements, as they divide the meeting yesterday with success. A large body of friends accompanied them.
The Committee appointed to issue the call for a Convention were as follows:
B. D. Peck, Ms.;-Jones, N. H.; Hon. Thomas
E. Powers, Vt.; Rev. Mr. McCurdy, Mass; Hon. A. C. Barstow, R.
I.; Hon. Reuben H. Walworth, N. Y.;
T. B. Sequr, N. J.; E. W. Jackson, Pa.; Jno. W. Evans, Del.; Christian
Keener, Md.; Gen. Cocke, Va.; W. C. Knight, Mich; Gen S. F Cary,
Ohio; E.
Hannakman, Ind.; Mr. Rucker, Ill.; Rev. Jno. Gridley, Wis.; Rev.
A. Bullard, D. D., Mo.; Judge O'Neill, N. C., with power to complete
the representation from other States.
Dr. Townsend then moved that the expenses of the ladies who had been induced to attend on the call of the meeting, be defrayed by the meeting.
(Cries to Order.) The Doctor stated, as his reason for making the motion, that these women had come, some of them, from the Western part of the State, and other distant places, to attend this meeting, that they had been outraged, as well as deceived by this whole transaction, and that he thought the least thing the Convention could do would be to pay their expenses.
Col. E. L. Snow, of New York, followed with some remarks pointedly condemning the action of the Convention in expelling women.
Mr. J. W. Oliver, of New York, begged his friend, Dr. Townsend, to withdraw his motion as not desired by the ladies themselves.
Dr. Townsend remarked that he had accomplished his purpose, of entering his earnest protest against the outrage which he considered the Convention had committed upon some of the most noble-souled co-workers in this cause in the land.
A number of speeches followed from Messrs. Hewett, of Mass.; Jackson, Duffield, and Chambers, of Penn.; Oliver and Wood, of New York, and others. These gentlemen all defended the action of the Convention.
Dr. Hewett quoted from Paul and other Scriptural authorities, which he claimed to be against women speaking in the Church, and in favor of asking her husband at home, &c. He would have nothing to do with the women.
Rev. Mr. Chambers was particularly severe upon one of the excluded ladies, (Abby Kelly Foster,) whose name he declined to give, charging her with outraging the proprieties of her sex, trampling the very Son of God under her blasphemous feet. For his part, he was glad these women were gone; they had thus gotten rid of the scum of the Convention.
Much confusion prevailed at this stage of the proceeding.
E. W. Jackson, of Penn., said he had known some of these women for twenty years. They were in the habit of disturbing the Anti-Slavery meetings in the same way, with their stuff and nonsense about "Women's Rights." They had come to this Hall, expressly, to do what they had attempted to-day. But he would inform the gentleman over the way, (Dr. Townsend.) that they had not come to New York to attend this Convention, but other Conventions with which their names would be found associated. He was very severe upon the expelled ladies, and received warm applause from the majority.
The President of the Convention, (Mr. Barstow of R. I.,) followed in some remarks of equal severity. He referred to " women in breeches "as a disgrace to their sex, &c. He did not know what such women were good for. He believed they were never productive in anything but mischief. (Laughter and cheers.)
The discussion was here closed by the final withdrawal of Dr. Townsend's motion to pay the expenses of the rejected female delegates.
A collection to pay the keeper of the hall, and to defray other incidental expenses, was taken up, the President exhorting to liberality, and remarking that any surplus could go into the hands of Dr. Marsh, in aid of the American Temperance Union. The meeting then adjourned sine die.
[See Appendix for Meeting of Seceding Delegates, Tabernacle Meeting, and Lucy Stone's Review of the Proceedings at the Brick Church.]
WHOLE WORLD'S
TEMPERATURE CONVENTION.
Morning Session.
This convention met at 10 o'clock Thursday morning, at Metropolitan Hall, about 1,00 persons being present, representing different sections of the United States, Canada and England. During the morning, there were constant accessions by the arrival of delegates.
Rev. T. W. Higginson, of Massachusetts, moved the temporary organization of the Convention, and asked that nominations for a Chairman be made. Mr. L. P. Noble, President of the State Temperance Alliance, was nominated as temporary Chairman. This nomination was unanimously accepted, but, it being ascertained that Mr. Noble was not yet present, Dr. Eleazar Parmly was unanimously elected in his stead.
Miss Susan B. Anthony of Rochester, was unanimously elected temporary Secretary of the Convention.
The President announced the appointment of the following Committee, to report the names of individuals for a permanent organization.
Joseph Dugdale, of Pennsylvania; E. L. Snow, of New York; Sydney Pearce, of Pennsylvania; Mrs. M. A. Johnson, of New York; Paulina W. Davis, of Rhode Island; and Caleb Clark, of Connecticut. The name of C. C. Shoals, Esq., of Wisconsin, was added to the list.
This committee retired to deliberate.
The President announced that during the
absence of the Committee Mr. Charles C. Burleigh, of Philadelphia,
would address the
Convention.
Mr. Burleigh took the stand and speak as follows:
I hardly know. my friends, how to begin to address a Convention like this, upon such a short notice as has been given me, to come before you as the first speaker on this occasion; for, three minutes ago, I had no more expectation of any such call, than I had of a call to go on a mission to the Celestial Empire. Still those who are engaged in this cause, I suppose, are bound to be minute-men.
When the world meets in Convention in behalf
of a cause which is so doubly interesting to all the world's inhabitants,
it meets to advocate an enterprise in the advocacy and earnest
prosecution and complete success of which, the world has an eminent
and manifest need. Nowhere can we turn, without seeing abundant
proof of the truth of this proposition, and indeed, of the abundant
need of the prosecution of this enterprise. We have only to look
about us in this great city, to observe the traces of the deadly
influence of intemperance. Everywhere, we face crime, disease
and death, all testify to the necessity of the prosecution of
the cause, of steadfast and unwavering
effort and prompt action to lead to complete success.
This is an enterprise that recognizes no distinction of cast, sect, or nation; it is one that exhibits devotion to the great family of man. We need all the help of those who are willing to help, whatever be the sex or station of the individual, to engage in the work in which universal humanity is interested; a work which seeks the welfare of universal man.
Our enemies never stop to discriminate-why should we? They are quite as ready to deal with one cast, one sex and one race as with another-they are just as ready to sow the seeds of poison-of moral and physical pestilence and death in one station as another, and we must meet them everywhere-we must leave no avenue undefended; no point accessible to their attack.
In whatever parts we are assailed, we must
be ready to oppose them with whatever is in the range of rightful
action, and our means are ample. We must show, from the observation
and experience of the world, the evils which have arisen from
the vice of intemperance, and contrast them with the blessings
proceeding from Temperance. These blessings we must scatter broad-cast
over the land, till there shall not be on the broad earth a single
victim to the deadly vice, or a single wailing mourner over its
sad consequences. [Applause.] We are to prosecute this enterprise,
moreover, upon the most stringent principles of reform-no compromise
with the adversary-we take our ground upon this stand-that the
use and preparation of intoxicating beverages is a moral wrong,
and therefore the whole business of the manufacture, the sale,
and the use ought to be assaulted with exterminating warfare.
"No quarter," is our motto-we ask one. We ask none,
because we stand upon truth as our stronghold. Our fortress is
impregnable, our panoply is irreristible. The sword which we wield
is like that which the archangel swayed; it is so tempered that
nothing is so solid as to resist its edge. We have no occasion
to ask for quarter; therefore we claim nocred it for heroism.
We desire to put an end to this traffic; we recognize that alcoholic
drinks are not fit articles for commerce, and are not fit to be
found anywhere in domestic use. Anything short of this full recognition
opposes our operations. The moment we begin to compromise with
Temperance, to go down to any lower ground, to adopt any half
way measures, at that instant we give up any power which we possess
of ensuring our ultimate success. We have seen this policy pursued
in former days. We have seen the time when a moderate use of intoxicating
drinks has been recommended, and have sometimes seen the very
preacher of the doctrine become the living witness of the fallacy
of his own preaching.
So long as man tampers with intoxicating
drinks, so long does he justify the manufacture and the sale in
large and small quantities, and so long as it is sold must the
use of it be abused, and use is the accompaniment of temptation.-We
have had our eyes upon facts for twenty years, and we can see
the operation of the sale of intoxicating drinks upon the people
of our country, whose mental, moral and physical constitutions-perhaps
inherited constitutions-are such that they cannot face the intoxicating
bowl with safety. The young men who take their first glass, being
fascinated by its powers of intoxication, continue its practice.
But they never meant to become the complete slaves of appetite.
They are just as sure that they are at the right point as the
veteran moderate drinkers, who have been for fifteen and twenty
years steeped in alcohol, till they imagine themselves proof against
its influence. Yet we know, that multitudes of this class have
fallen, and we know that multitudes are falling, and therefore
we know that the temptation set before the young men ought not
to be placed there. A regard for principle demands its removal,
and the common sense and intelligence of the community have prepared
the public mind to assert the necessity for carrying the principle
out.
If respectable individuals who drink liquor stand upon their character and long-tried reputation, if they may indulge, it is certainly right that others may supply them; for the rightfulness of a demand proves the rightfulness of supply. How is the manufacturer to know that the wholesale dealer sells to those who can safely use? and how is the wholesale dealer to determine whether the retailer will use wisdom in the selection of persons to whom he sells? And again, how is the retailer to know whether the consumer will make a judicious use of the beverage purchased? It will be seen, therefore that no other principle is practicable for effectually assailing the source-the cause of all the multiplied evils of intemperance. We must cause the rum-seller to be regarded with the same feelings as is now the pickpocket and highwayman-as invaders of the rights and welfare of mankind.
We do not deny but there are many marvelous
standards of respectability among the rumsellers and rum makers,
but there is a vast deal of inconsistency in the details of this
subject, and probably will be for some time to come. We must,
therefore, adopt some other standard whereby to try actions and
customs than the respectability of those who perform those actions,
and we ask, therefore, not that the individuals engaged in the
business are respectable, but whether the business itself is respectable,
or in other words, can the business of a man who begins the work
of the destruction of body and soul by all the skill and ingenuity
in the power of man be made to occupy a position of respectability.
The individual occupying this position may point to the low groggeries
as the cause of evil, but he is avoiding the true issue. The facts
are that the low groggeries would not be patronized were it not
that the patrons see that the higher grogshop
patrons set the example. The young man who first commences the
downward path, sees at the outset of his journey little beside
flowers and roses. Gradually thorns beset him, and at last he
finds himself so beset with brambles that to retrace his steps
he finds it to be perhaps impossible, even if he have the manliness,
courage and nerve to attempt it.
We must compromise nothing. Total abstinence from the manufacture, sale and use we must war for, and hope by our admonitions, precepts, and examples to save mankind from impending peril.
Mr. Burleigh was frequently interrupted by applause during the course of his remarks.
The Committee appointed to designate officers for the meeting, returned at this point of the proceedings, and reported the following:-
President:
THOMAS W. HIGGINSON, Mass.
Vice-Presidents:
John Pierpont, Massachusetts.
C. J. H. Nichols, Vermont.
P. T. Barnum, Connecticut.
Horace Greeley, New York.
Asa Fairbanks, Rhode Island.
Lucretia Mott, Pennsylvania.
C. M. Severance, Ohio.
H. W. Wolcott, New Jersey.
John. O. Waters, Indiana.
Edward Webb, Delaware.
Richard B. Glazier, Michigan.
Frances B. Gage, Missouri.
S. M. Booth, Wisconsin.
H. S. Tilton, Mississippi.
O. C. Wheeler, California.
W. G. Hubbard, Illinois.
T. Goldsmith, Canada.
W. H. Ashurst, England.
Secretaries:
Susan B. Anthony, New York.
C. B. Le Baron, New York.
C. M. Burleigh, Pennsylvania.
D. W. Vaughan, Rhode Island.
Mary Jackson, England.
Rev. T. W. Higginson, the Chairman, was received with applause. He said:
I need hardly way I deem it a high honor
to preside over a Convention like this, whether I consider the
circumstances under which it was first called, or the great audience
I now see before me. It is unusual, on the first morning's session
of a convention which is to last two days, to see so many earnest
faces in attendance as there are now present. I have no doubt
but that I shall have little occasion to enforce the customary
rules of order; you are all disposed, I am sure, to keep order
yourselves. I have heard, since I came into this Hall, some expressions
from those who do not understand us or our purpose, upon which
I will say one word. Let it be understood, once for all, what
this Convention is; this is not a Woman's Rights Convention-it
is simply a Convention in which Woman is not wronged-and that
is enough. [Applause.] It is what it aims to be, in spirit, if
not in numbers-a whole World's Convention; it claims to be so,
and it rightly claims it, because its spirit is what ought to
be the spirit of the whole world in carrying on a Temperance
movement; a spirit which knows no limitation of sect or sex-a
spirit knows no limitation of station or color-which knows no
limitation except that between those who earnestly desire to prosecute
the Temperance movement and that of those who would stand in its
way, perhaps because "they know not what they do." In
this sense it is a World's Convention, because it is world wide
in its spirit; and in no other aspect do I regard it when I stand
here. I am glad to see that it is a Convention composed of a due
and satisfactory proportion of women as well as men; and that
for a plain reason-because it is to be a Temperance Convention,
and we must have women here to take part in our deliberations.
It was said by some, after we came out from the preliminary meeting
which led to the call for this World's Convention, "How could
you, who love the Temperance cause, risk it by coming out from
that meeting, one-sided though it be?" Our answer is-because
we did not desire to risk the Temperance cause by staying in [applause];
because we knew that staying in was to risk it, by cutting off
one-half the human race, whose energies and whose feelings, hearts,
heads, and hands, must co-operate in this great movement. We thought
that an attempt to carry on the Temperance movement, without a
full and equal co-operation of women, would be like the boy who
tried to row himself in a boat with but one oar. He reasoned that
if one side went forward, the other would also; so the consequence
was he kept rowing round and about in the East River, for a whole
day, without making any progress. [Laughter.]
Previous to Neal Dow making any movement
in the direction of his celebrated law, the initiative had been
taken by a woman of Portland, who entered a groggery and emptied
the rum jugs from which her husband had been drawing his daily
poison. So Maine affords some information of the assistance rendered
to the furtherance of the cause by our sisters. We know at least
the claims of woman; we know that if man is the father of the
Temperance movement, woman is its bounteous and beautiful mother,
and without her it would be motherless, and consequently unborn
to this day. We know, then, where we stand-our being here-our
action-our equal recognition of the rights of woman to speak,
settle that question. Now let us leave it behind; let the dead
past bury its dead; let us say nothing of those from whom we differ
in this movement-let it be an honest difference-let us go on and
do our work. Our work to day is to help the movement on-to remember
those in bonds, bound in chains stronger and more galling than
iron, and than human laws can put around them, because they are
the chains of their own degraded
passions and ruined natures. Let us aid those fallen ones if they
can yet be aided. No statistics can touch their condition. We
know a few dry facts-but what of it? We know that every day in
some part of this wide world there has been a murder, the result
of intemperance, because we know from statistics that the number
of murders annually from that cause, is as great as the number
of days in the year. And hence the probability that a murder will
be committed in some part of the country, today, from intemperance.
The statistics of suicides exhibit the same state of things; and
so we may imagine that some wretched inebriate has taken his life
under the influence of alcoholic poison, this very day. We know,
too, that there are at least 50,000 women in the United States,
the victims of intemperance, and for them we need to work. But
what are all those statistics but the merest and dryest skeleton
of the living and terrible fact? These are the units-the tens
the hundreds-the mere dry figures. To find the extent of the evil
with which we have to contend, you must multiply every individual
case into hundreds and thousands, and that into centuries, and
that into all the relations of father, mother, brother and sister;
and when you have conceived all this, the long catalogue of wretchedness
is only begun. It is not in my power to find language to exhibit
the awful evils of intemperance: I will not try it. It is in our
power, however, to do something to help along a movement so benevolent
as this, assisting not a class, but every one in the community.
It helps the citizen by diminishing his taxation-it helps the
parent by diminishing their temptation of his son-and it helps
the man and the woman by diminishing their temptations. I call
on you to act and speak while here, in such a manner, in such
a spirit of noble earnestness, with such an energy of will, and
tenderness of heart, that the poorest wretch who lingers by night
in some dark polluted corner of those Five Points, may feel blest
and a little uplifted towards purity again, by the action which
takes place in this Convention. I call on you to act in such a
manner that all the noble spirits of the earth will act with you,
whether they realized the co-operation. I call upon you to act
in such a manner, that all the wretched of the earth shall, in
some degree, rejoice as though they came within the wide range
of your charities and the gentle influence of your heroic zeal.
This is what I have asked of you, and in this spirit I have accepted
the office you have imposed upon me and in that spirit I will
endeavor to discharge the duties appertaining to it. [Applause.]
A bouquet merchant-an elderly, pleasantish Quaker, well known to all Broadway promenaders and opera-goers-here made his appearance, with smiling countenance, proffering tempting baskets of his commodities. He ascended the stage without warning of his intention, solemnly deposited two baskets of handsomely arranged flowers, and jumping nervously up, ejaculated; "I am dead set agin rumselling! He added that he was in the of disposing of his flowers at the hotels and in public places, and he wanted to make a votive offering on the shrine of Temperance,-thereupon depositing his baskets-full.
The President thanked him and the house laughed.
The President deemed it proper to call upon Rev. Thomas Goldsmith, of Canada, to open the meeting with prayer.
The prayer was offered.
Mr. Horace Greely moved the appointment of a Business Committee of five.
Carried.
The Committee was appointed as follows; Horace Greely, of New York; C. C. Sholes, of Wisconsin; Lucy Stone, of Massachusetts; C, C. Burleigh, of Connecticut; Harriot K. Hunt, of Massachusetts.
The Committee retired to the room on the right of the stage, to deliberate.
Mr. Whitney, of Massachusetts, moved the appointment of a Committee on Credentials.
The Chairman said that, according to the
terms of the Call of the Convention, he must rule that credentials
were unnecessary. All persons
sympathizing with the object of the meeting, were entitled to
take part in its deliberations. However, a list of members was
desirable, and he thought the idea of a Committee a very good
one.
The following Committee on Credentials, was appointed:
D. S. Whitney, Mass.; C. B. LeBaron, New York; C, M. Burleigh, Conn.; D. C. Bloomer, New York; Edward Webb, Delaware: ; Mrs. L. N. Fowler, New York; E. W. Capron, Mass.,; Dr. Wellington New York; J. P. Hutchins, Conn.; H. M. Rhodes, New Jersey; W. G. Hubbard, Illinois; Mrs. Vaughan, Ohio.
The Chairman said the Business Committee would be out for a few minutes, and in the meantime, he had a suggestion to make, and he proposed to tell a story first. It was to the effect that a young lady somewhere Down-East had conceived the idea that the Maine Law had something to do with music. The reason was this. Her father, a distiller, had promised her a present of a new piano unless the Maine Law passed, and the piano had never come. She thought it must have something to do with music, and that was all she knew about it.
As music was, therefore, eminently appropriate
for Temperance demonstrations, the "Amphion Glee Club"
should be invited to exercise
their vocal talent.
The spokesman of the "Amphions" made a small preliminary speech.
It was well known that the world-renowned Hutchinsons sang "The Good Time Coming." By your permission we will sing you the "Dawn of the Good Time Coming". Upon which, there was great applause, and the song was duly given. It was hopeful lay. It spoke of the best of times to come.
"Truth and error now are fighting,
Truth, soon will win the field."
And added this:
"We can work, as well as others,
And there's work enough to do."
The President then introduced Rev. Miss Antoinette L. Brown, the Pastor of an Orthodox Congregational Church at South Butler, N. Y., who was enthusiastically received. She said:
The Whole World's Temperance Convention,-room
on its broad platform for everybody! "Parthians, and Medes,
and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia,
in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt and in the
parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers about Rome, Jews and
Proselytes, Cretes and Arabians"-every man who may come here
speaks his own tongue wherein he was born, about one of the most
needed reforms ever launched on the ocean of events. Here is Woman
invited to speak into the great ear-trumpet of the world, that
all may hear. No wonder that the Woman's Rights Convention should
be called directly hereafter. It follows immediately on upon the
present occasion. But I am reminded that in this Temperance gathering
teetotalism is to be discussed in
its length and breadth-nothing else and nothing more; not a word
about Woman and her rights. This may be well, but there's a good
time coming, friends; wait a little longer. The sun may be everywhere
seen, though it is not yet up in the meridian. Milk for babes,
but strong meat afterwards. Temperance and Woman's Rights, chopped
up together, would be a potato and meal amalgamation, quite nauseous
to many modern reformers, even by those who like either when served
up by itself. Hash is an old-fashioned dish used at large banquets.
But any one has a right to speak of Temperance to the world, even
though this right has been disputed and virtually voted away.
Who does not see this to have been in bad taste-and not a word
here about any woman's right to vote, even in favor of a Maine
Law, although the world disfranchises one-half of its inhabitants:
although they are not recognized as belonging to its inhabitants,
and although the other part are licensed to sell and to use what
bring them desolation and ruin, with the exception of those who
live in the darkness of heathenism, in a few Yankee States and
a few imitators of Yankee States; not a word about all this. Say
nothing about this, and not a breath either about a woman's owing
service or labor to her intemperate husband, and his right to
take her earnings. Are we not told that the great nation of the
earth are sanctifying such a system of things? Do not let it be
known that the father has the whole custody of the children, although
a drunkard, and that he may take them away from the mother and
apprentice them as a security for his own grog-bill; and that
he may, in his last will and testament, give them over to the
rum-seller for the whole term of their minority. Not a word about
all this. Why, this belongs to Woman's
Rights, and what has it to do with the temperance cause? It may
be that this is after all a distinction without a difference;
for we always find the degradation of women connected with the
rum-traffic. The world will tell us that the drunken man may be
expected to blend together his thoughts, and take up various subjects
at the same time, while the wine he has drunk makes his brain
to boil like a red hot hasty-pudding, or a boiling hodge-podge
till you may no more expect an idea from his expressions, than
you could pick out all the particles of the apple or cabbage from
the homogeneous mass of a heterogenous stew. Wine dulls the brain,
of course; but cold-water men and
women ever should keep closely to the point. There are certain
different sanative processes, for both moral and physical ills.
Our friends here may belong to those who follow the old process.
They may be those who are accustomed to giving us good old fashioned
measure pressed down and running over. There may be perhaps no
hydropathists here dealing in cold water for the cure of [the]
evils intemperance. But they may be accustomed to give us medicines
steaming hot. There may be those here leaning regretfully towards
old, regular, orthodox allopathy. All this is well, and yet, since
the regular old orthodox physicians have not succeeded in curing
the evils of intemperance, I think we should turn to the innovator,
who goes to work another way to cure these evils. I feel here,
this morning, in attempting to speak, like John the Baptist; for
I am only preparing the way for those who are "to come after
me, the latchets of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose."
I appear here to speak at the request of our committee, who for
a while have gone from us. Still there is enough to be said. But
those who will come after me will take up the temperance question
in its length and breadth, and will deal with it as it deserves.
Words gushing from the heart will be spoken by them, and all those
who are here must be convinced; for these speakers will know how
to stir up the hearths of all the world to the great subject of
the Maine Law. I hardly know how to leave out saying something
about the other Convention; but yet since the dead are to bury
the dead, I will leave the matter, simply saying that if the other
Convention have nothing to say on the matter, yet may their thoughts
be troubled and their consciences burdened until the day of repentance.
"Oh, wad some power the giftie gie
us,
To see ourselves as women see us;
It wad fra many a blunder free us;
And foolish notion."
[Loud laughter and applause.]
A few words in regard to Temperance. The
rattlesnake is the father of rattlesnakes,-the crocodile begets
crocodiles; and so the drunkard is the parent of drunkards. "Can
the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?"
Then, can the child of the drunkard, that caricature of humanity-half
madman and half brute-go untamed? There is One who can give him
a new heart, and a high and holy purpose of soul. But is there
any one to give him a new physical organization?-is there any
balm in Gilead to soothe his heavy pulses, full of the drunkard's
blood, that courses with scorching labor through his entire system?
Who is there to caution him against plucking the forbidden fruits
of self-indulgence? God help thee poor child of the drunkard!
temptation lying at every point along this road of life, Alas!
then, how great the struggle that awaits thee, lying in the presence
of inebriated humanity almost strangled by the serpents that are
come to devour thee while thou art yet in thy cradle! But, perform
the labor of Hercules-overcome the serpents-and thou may'st be
saved, yet, only so as by fire, else thy heart will congeal some
time with the thought that no heart is beating responsively with
thine own and thy blood will boil with remorse when temptation
is calling upon thee. Oh, falter not! Nature will lull thee into
peace, the voice of the birds will soothe and interest thee, and
the storm-cloud will no more gain power over thy impatient nature.
Take heed to thy steps, and God will send His Guardian Angel to
guard thy foot against the stone! But, alas! that this struggle
should have been awarded thee! Men who have hearts, let your legal
sophistry sleep for a while, and let your compassion be aroused
for the children, of whom Christ said, "of such is the kingdom
of Heaven." Look at their degradation, when they are cursed
with drunken parents. Look now in this dear little face. It would
be fair enough, if there were only a soul-life to flash over it.
But it is an almost blank vacuity. You read there impressions
of a gross nature, notwithstanding all that baby innocence. Yet
you see a shadow over that face, reflecting the past and prophetic
of the future. Poor child, with that worn little face smothered
with dirt and filth. Fit emblem of your life is the little mole
that lives under ground. There is sunshine in the sky, but you
will never look upward. You may well bow your head, for your one
talent is rolled up in the napkin of parental sin. God of justice,
must there be every year thousands of such children born in our
land? Here is another child, with baby smiles and baby tears crossing
each other down its face, gushing up from its little heart-fountain,
struggling each for the mastery. If God would only take her to
Heaven now, she would become one of the happiest of angel cherubs;
but the fevered effect of the wine-cup delirium descends though
her face, and the angels will weep over her, and remorse will
pluck out the smiles, while she is yet a child. Her bright young
head will grow grey in early womanhood, they will lay it down
in an early grave-the earth will not be moistened by a single
tear-no flowers will grow over her; or if they do, the old sexton
will cut them down, muttering as he passes by. We should grow
weary in reading the destinies of children such as these-types
of human depravity and human sin. They are the children of intemperance,
but they are heirs of the same inheritance, and so, as surely
as the cup of temptation is not taken from them, will they thus
miserably perish. Has the law nothing to answer for in all this?
May good men be allowed to sign their names to sanction a traffic
which produces results like these? Must they continue to sanctify
intemperance and make the world buy their soul-destroying drink,
and then talk of a good moral character of themselves? Rumsellers
good moral characters? The thief, the murderer, the libertine,
can lay as good claim to a good moral character as the patentees
and patronizers of alcohol,-that genuine oil of licentiousness.
They ought to be weighed in the
balance together, to see which will be found wanting.
It is against our principles to call hard
names, but surely he who places the temptation in the way is worse
than the one led astray. There were certain artists who knew how
to print invisible pictures so that when placed in the sunlight
or before a fire, and as by a magic wand, tint after tint appears
till the whole landscape stands before us in all its beauty and
heightened coloring. So it is as soon as the fires of alcohol
approach the soul, they bring out in legible tracing the sin which
might else have remained in that narrow fold for ever. Men have
created this crime-producing forge, and are blowing it by the
legal bellows, and then they point the finger of scorn at their
victims, and terribly punish them. The human heart, corrupted
by this vile fire, soon fans it into a blaze which leads to every
crime, while its legal
abettors point the finger of scorn at their own victims and allow
the cold hand of punishment to pursue them. There is no excuse
for the drunkard, and there is much less for the tempter of Drunkenness.
He has taken the trade of Satan into his own hands, and he shall
receive the reward from his Father with usury. The sun throws
its golden border around the cloud which is struggling to secure
its beams, and so the moral sunshine throws its glorious tints
around the souls of those who have suffered, giving them hope
of a better and brighter future. Were it not for this we should
have no hope at some future day of a world-sustained Maine Law.
Hope is an anchor to the soul-it drops its line into the future
and it holds us steadily and trustingly upon the troubled waters
of the present. Shall the heart trust in the nobility of humanity-in
the God-like in human nature? Shall its trust in all this be a
mocking delusion? We will not believe it. There have been bad
laws; bad statutes before this. They have been coined out of human
selfishness, out of fiendish malignity, and yet penitent human
tears have washed them away, and human love has substituted better
in their stead. There is thick darkness yet, but light is gathering
strength in the world; and the voice of God is whispering over
and around us, "Take courage and be strong, for the career
of your race is upward and onward."
Loud and long-continued applause followed the delivery of this address, which was listened to throughout with the deepest interest.
Horace Greeley, the Chairman of the Business Committee, then came forward and said:
The Committee have instructed me to report a series of resolutions, which we intend to cover, as nearly as possible, the ground of Temperance, faith and action. I do not know but that some of them may be supposed to cover a little more than the ground, yet I trust they will commend themselves, in the main, to your understandings and consciences. The Report and Resolutions are as follows:
1. Resolved, That the cause of Total Abstinence
from all that may intoxicate-whether considered with regard to
the magnitude and virulence of the evils it combats, to the good
it has already achieved, to the work which it has still to do,
or to the power of the selfish interests and depraved appetites
which it combats and must vanquish-deserves the warmest sympathy,
and the most active, devoted support, of every servant of God
every lover of humanity.
2. Resolved, That it especially behoves the Christian Church,
in all its divisions and denominations, as also every other religious
organization, to cooperate with all its might in the great work
of Temperature Reform, by the diffusion of light and truth with
regard to the nature and effects of alcoholic liquors, by the
enforcement of total abstinence as a part of its imperative discipline,
and by the restraining of all whom it may influence, all who recognize
its authority, from any participation in the guilty gains of the
Liquor Traffic.
3. Resolved, That the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages,
in view of the moral certainty that they will be used, nine times
in ten, to the injury, if not the ruin, of their consumers, is
an immoral and destructive business, in which no one, who recognizes
the obligation of Love to God and Man, can henceforth engage without
guilt; and we do most earnestly entreat those involved in it to
ponder well their steps, and ask themselves this question: "Is
the business of a distiller, a brewer, a rumseller, one wherein
I ought to be willing to live and content to die?"
4. Resolved, That the State should be everywhere, and to the extent
of its ability, a guardian of the weak, a protector of the assailed,
an admonisher of the beguiled and tempted, among its citizens
and subjects; that it should ever revere and conform to the divinely-prescribed
supplication, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil;" and that there is no position toward the Liquor
traffic which it can consistently and worthily maintain but that
of declared and uncompromising hostility.
5. Resolved, That the fundamental, undeniable, scientifically
demonstrated fact that Alcohol is a poison, of itself to prove
that it ought not to be presented in such forms and combinations
as will tend to disguise its character and blind the uninformed
to its baleful potency; but should always be sent forth from the
drug-store and the chemical laboratory, where alone it should
be sold, either pure and undiluted, or in such combinations as
do not disguise its deadly properties, and do not tempt a depraved
appetite or a reckless desire for novel sensations; for, since
Satan is only perilous to the peace and happiness of Eden when
disguised, it is a crime to assist him in disguising himself.
6. Resolved, That we impeach the use of fermented or alcoholic
wine in the solemn celebration of the Eucharist as a profane and
impious desecration; since that which poisons and destroys men
can be no true symbol of that which purifies, restores and saves;
and we challenge the current assumption that wine devoid of alcohol
is unattainable, in a country where the grape grows so profusely,
and in an age when the resources of chemistry are so abundant
as on ours, as founded in the grossest ignorance, the most indolent
heedlessness, or the most flagrant dishonesty.
7. Resolved, That while all well-directed efforts to reclaim the
unfortunate victims of Intemperance, to virtue, self-respect,
usefulness and happiness, should receive our ready and ardent
co-operation, it is, nevertheless a truth not to be concealed
that Drunkenness is a Crime- that no father, husband, or son-no
mother, wife, or daughter-has any moral right to be a drunkard;
and that they who are such deserving of sympathy only in common
with the libertine, harlot, gambler, thief, burglar, robber and
assassin.
8. Resolved, That ample experience has demonstrated what the prescience
of sages and philanthropists long ago affirmed, that all wise
effort for the removal of evils should begin at the root and deal
with causes rather than effects; and that to attempt the eradication
of Intemperance without objecting to the License system or opposing
the legal protection of the Rum Traffic, would be as shallow and
absurd as to attempt the destruction of a living tree by pruning
off some of its outermost branches.
9. Resolved, That Human Laws should in all things be based upon
and conform to the sovereign Law of God, as summed up in those
Divine injunctions, "Love God with all thy heart, and they
neighbor as thyself," and "Do unto others as ye would
than others should do unto you;" and therefore the licensing
of men to sell intoxicating beverages is irreconcilably at war
with any just idea of the nature, functions, and ends of Government,
as well as with that Higher Law which bids us "Have no fellowship
with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
10. Resolved, That The Maine Law, so called, is superior to all
preceding enactments respecting the Liquor Traffic, in that it
consistently and explicitly forbids all traffic in intoxicating
beverages as such, makes the rumseller's liquor and implements
of trade conclusive evidence of a guilty intent to sell, instead
of requiring specific proof of a particular, positive act of sale,
confiscates and destroys those implements, like those of the gambler
and counterfeiter, authorizes prompt and efficient searches of
suspected premises on oath or information that the Liquor Traffic
is probably prosecuted there, and places generally in the hands
of Temperance men the means of thoroughly breaking up and suppressing
the work of death wherever they faithfully and fearlessly do their
duty; and we most earnestly entreat our brethren in every State
and country to spare no effort to procure the general enactment
of this law, so modified and improved, according to the dictates
of experience, as to render it a most efficient terror to evil-doers,
and a mortal blow to the Liquor Traffic.
11. Resolved, That the cry, "The Main Law is ineffectual,"
is raised entirely by those who ever desired, or at least never
tried, to have it otherwise; while we have abundant evidence,
in the hostility and alarm of our adversaries, as well as in the
direct testimony of our friends, that the Law does work a gratifying
diminution of the Liquor Traffic, even where public sentiment
and public officers prove unfaithful to the duty of giving the
law full force, and thus stopping the desolating traffic altogether.
12. Resolved, That we do most earnestly entreat our fellow citizens,
friendly to the Temperance cause, in voting for law-makers, to
subordinate all partizan or other consideration, to the securing
of Legislatures that will enact, uphold, and from time to time
improve Laws of Prohibition,-regarding that as of infinitely greater
consequence than anything else likely to be affected by the manner
in which their votes are this year cast.
13. Resolved, That the present exigencies of the Temperature cause
imperatively demand the immediate and rapid multiplication of
Temperance Tracts, more elaborate Essays, and Charts illustrating
the effects of Alcohol on the Human system; and we therefore call
upon our Publishers, Booksellers, and Periodical Agents to issue
or purchase such tracts, essays and charts in infinite variety
and limitless abundance, pledging ourselves to promote their circulation
be every means within our power.
14. Resolved, That in the prosecution of the Temperature Reform
we are determined to know no distinction of Creed, Caste or Sex-of
section party or condition-but to fraternize thoroughly, and act
cordially with all who in heart and life, by word and deed,
prove themselves worthy and earnest champions of Total Abstinence.
15. Resolved, That we respectfully and affectionately exhort all
who receive as truth the sentiments expressed in these Resolves,
to live and labor in consistency therewith, and to lose no time
in forming and perfecting organizations calculated to insure efficiency
o their efforts and triumph to their cause.
Mr. Greeley said,
I propose, Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen,
friends of Temperance, with your permission, to make some remarks,
mainly directed to the ninth resolution. I hear men say almost
every day, in this rum-sodden City, that you should not enact
the Maine Law, because you cannot enforce such law. Now suppose
that were true-suppose that we, in this rum-sodden City, would
not be able to enforce the Maine Liquor Law, would that be a fair
reason for not enacting it? Suppose we were accustomed to practice
infanticide, would that be a sound reason for enacting no law
against it? I do not, therefore, admit that if it were true that
the rum traffic could not be modified by the Maine Law, that it
would be a valid reason for not enacting the Maine Law. I do not
ask what laws are in accordance with public sentiment, and what
laws
people choose to obey; but the stand-point upon which laws should
be placed, is that of eternal and intrinsic right. Is the act
right that it should be lawful then it is lawful in the eye of
God; and should be in the eye of the State. Is the act wrong,
destructive, corrupting and demoralizing, then it is in the eye
of God and in the eye of the State, to be considered as an unlawful
act, and the State should so declare it. Now, then, if the rum
traffic is a corrupting and debasing traffic-as who doubts, or
who disputes, that is reason enough why the State should condemn
it. Here we have in this town 6,000 licensed grog-shops-how many
unlicensed I cannot tell, but the police may probably
inform me upon that subject. [Laughter] But I think from the duty,
if it be a duty of picking out the unlicensed rum-shops, when
I am not allowed to do anything with the 6,000 licensed rum-holes,
where murders, theft, drunkenness, and burglary, constantly take
place under the license of the law [Applause.] Why should I go
ferreting them out, for there is no possible distinction between
the licensed and unlicensed? Why should I go ferreting
out and hunting down some poor widow who keeps an unlicensed grog-shop,
and cannot raise $10 to pay for a license? Why should I ferret
out some foreigner who cannot procure a license, because he has
not lived here sufficiently long to be naturalized? On what moral
ground can I hunt up these poor wretches, and make them stop selling,
when I know that, by so doing, I am simply putting more money
into the pockets of the 6,000 licensed sellers, better off, more
thrifty, and more comfortable-rum-sellers who have a license in
their pockets and who thrust license in my face, and defy all
efforts for suppression? [Loud applause.] Give us the Maine Law,
and I pledge you that we will organize, and do what we can to
put down the liquor traffic here. [Applause.] We will get the
sign-boards off the grog-shop doors-we
will take the labelled bottles with their colored poisons from
the windows, if we cannot get the liquor out of the back dens
of the grog-shops. [Applause.] We will keep liquor from tempting
and alluring the poor wretch, who finds it so convenient is his
path, and who is kept drunk simply because the State lays the
temptation everywhere in his way, and he is too frail and too
weak not to stumble over it. [Applause.] We will labor for temperance
here-we will labor to put down the rum traffic, and if the friends
of Temperance in this portion of the State will influence the
members of the legislature who will be elected this Fall, we may
do something; but we can do very little here in a community, where
one-fourth of the voters are this day making money, of hope to
make money, by the rum-traffic. We can do very little here where
the great commercial interest which controls public opinion by
controlling the press, is everywhere linked in chains of guilty
amity, and guilty connection with the liquor-traffic. We can do
very little here towards electing members, though we will do what
we can, who will vote to put down the rum-traffic; but give us
law upon our side, and you will see fewer drunkards in our streets
and fewer shops on all our corners. So much we will do, if we
cannot do every thing. I propose rather to speak to the abstract
than the practical question. What is the fact with regard to the
proper relation between law and public sentiment? Ought law to
conform to public sentiment, or ought law to be based upon essential
righteousness, and then challenge public sentiment to act in conformity
therewith? I hold that the uses of law are not simply restrictions
in a physical sense, but a higher, a nobler, a more universal,
and a better use of law is that of perpetual admonition. The sword
set before the gate of the garden, to turn this way and that way,
did not do its duty by directly cutting and hacking the flesh
of those who came there, but as a mark that a higher power than
theirs had forbidden people to pass. So now, then, if we had laws
in every that conformed to righteousness, we should have a moral
influence constantly exerted to bring public sentiment and public
action in conformity therewith. Take, for instance, the rum traffic.
There are 1,000 men every year entering into that traffic, in
this City, and taking the place of those who have gone away forever.
Still, the men who are coming up to take their places do not care.
The men who have chances before them to get a living a little
easier by selling rum, than by
planing boards, are every day called upon to make choice. "Shall
I buy up this rum hole?" say they. "Can I not get my
living easier by selling rum than by making bread?" But there
is no man so stupid, so blind, so brutalized by rum that he would
not rather get his living by a respectable vocation-one which
the law honors, and the State protects-than by one which is under
the ban of the law, and which makes him an outlaw, and an outcast
in society. Then I say, if the law were enacted to day, although
it should never come into existence here, the fact of such a law
being in existence, would be one of moral influence, tending to
dissuade men from the liquor traffic, and good men, moral men,
and ignorant men, a little corrupted, would be warned and admonished
by the fact, that the law forbade that traffic. We would then
have fewer rumsellers, and they would more generally be that class
who alone ought to sell rum: that is, the men who have no moral
principle, and no qualms of conscience whatever: and there then
would be an admonition upon the victims of the traffic, for liquor
would not be sold so openly and conspicuously as it is now. It
would be an admonition to the tippler, to the man beginning to
drink, taking his social glass now and then. That man would say,
"I must look to my steps." He would be brought to a
pause. He would see that the place where he had been in the babit
of visiting was closed; that the grog-shop had given way to a
respectable grocery, and he would be compelled to ask, "What
is the meaning of all this?" "Why are the rum-shops,
formerly blazing in the light of day, shut up?" And the answer
would be, because the law condemns them. Then comes the question-Why
does the law condemn them? Because they are to my injury, to corrupt
and ruin me. Thus admonished, he would be warned and saved, and
tens of thousands would be admonished, warned, and saved. To day,
there are thousands of men learning to be drunkards from fatuity-from
want of employment-from an overplus of time, and from the necessity
of finding rest as they walk our streets-those stony sultry streets-seeking
employment, from one street to another, and
compelled to sit down and rest. Where shall they sit down? Why,
there is no welcome but the grog-shop, and no man so glad to see
them as the rum seller. Hence there is no class so intemperate
in New York as the idle class; and one of the great evils of a
strike for labor among us is, that it tends to
render those who strike more likely to be intemperate than they
were before. If we were to have the Maine Law here, those corner
grocery-stores must go down,-and that would save thousands, who
now find them the most convenient, the most accessible, and the
most inviting places of resort, when they must sit down somewhere.
The President announced that several letters had been received from different persons invited to participate in the deliberations of the Convention, which he would at this stage of the proceedings read. The first, from Neal Dow, Esq., was as follows:
Portland, Friday, Aug. 26, 1853.
Dear Sir: Your note of th 24th is just received, on my return from the East, where I have been on a Temperance tour.
I wish I felt myself entirely at liberty to comply with your invitation; but as it is, I do not see any way clear to do so. Having been absent from my family's private affairs so much, and being engaged to go to Pennsylvania soon, I wish to remain at home for a few weeks at least. * * * *
I see neither the wisdom or expediency of excluding women from Temperance Conventions; their earnest, equal and powerful co operation I earnestly desire.
Truly yours, .......... NEAL DOW.
The second letter introduced was from Hon. S. P. Chase:
Steubenville, O., Sunday, Aug. 28, 1853.
Gentlemen: Your note, inviting me, in behalf of the Committee of Arrangements of the Whole World's Temperance Convention, to be present at that Convention, has been forwarded to me from Cincinnati. My absence from home, and the constant engagements of my journey through the State, must be my excuse for delaying my reply.
I regret that it is impossible for me to accept the invitation which you have so kindly tendered me, and which I deem a very high honor. The great cause which the Convention assembles to promote has all my sympathies; and certainly, in the advancement of that cause, I would admit no distinction which would exclude from active participation, in labors and counsels for its promotion, any of those whom God has gifted with intelligence, humanity, and disposition, to share them, and who are, perhaps above others, interested in their results.
In great haste, yours truly, .......... S. P. CHASE.
R. T. Trall, Esq., Chairman; C. B. Le Baron, Secretary, c., c.
The following, from Hon. Horace Mann, was next read to the Convention:
West Newton, Saturday, May 21, 1853.
Dear Sir: I have read the full debate, as reported, of your meeting, and I assure you, my sympathies are with you.
* * * * I have a strong impulse to accept
your invitation, and should do so at once, were I sure I could
command the requisite time. But I have said a good deal of my
say, in letters which have been published, and in my lectures
on Intemperance, and I am necessarily to have a very laborious
summer. I do not, therefore, dare to do anything more than promise
conditionally-that is, in such a way that I shall not be held
accountable for any breach of engagement if I should fail to come.
I have already spoken two evenings in New-York on Temperance.
.......... Yours, very truly,
Rev. T. W. Higginson. .......... HORACE MANN.
The fourth letter was from James Russell Lowell. It read as follows:
Cambridge, (Mass.) Wednesday, Aug. 31, 1853.
My Dear Sir- It will be out of my power to attend the World's Convention. I can only declare that I sympathize heartily with any movement that shall promote Temperance, or shall elevate man or woman, socially or morally. The How must be left to the care of individual experience.
Yours, truly, .......... J. R. LOWELL.
The following extract from a letter received from James Haughton, of Dublin, was read to the Convention:
"In regard to the Temperance Convention, I find myself in entire agreement with you, and I wish I could send you over a body of Irish sympathizers. * * * * There is one well-known female advocate of Teetotalism is Ireland, Mrs. Carlisle, now an aged lady of over 70 years, I should say. She has labored long and well, and I never heard that she was considered out of her sphere when addressing public assemblies. I have heard her frequently; but she is known better in England than Ireland. Several years ago, in London. I heard two women, (soldiers wives, I think,) acceptably address a large public meeting on Temperance.
I am not able to send you any expression of feeling on this subject from Temperance Societies in this country, partly because the subject has not come before them, and partly because we have few organized associations. The wealthy classes in society take little part in the movement, so that our operations consist chiefly in addressing small bodies, who are associated in what we call "Benefit and Mortality Societies," composed of workingmen. Many of these Societies consist of Teetotalers.
Yours, truly, .......... JAMES HAUGHTON.
The President next introduced Mrs. Mary Jackson, of Wakefield, England, a speaker in the Temperance meetings in England for over twenty years, and delegated by five Temperance Societies to attend the Convention, among them the Preston Total Abstinence Society, the oldest in England.
Dear Friends: I feel very glad to find
myself among you. I would observe, however, previous to making
any observation upon the great question for which you are convened,
that I feel at present rather in the position of a learner than
a teacher. I have come over all the way across the Atlantic, almost
simply to tell you that I am one of you. [Applause.] The principles
of true sobriety embodied in that entire absence of every description
of intoxicating drink, is one which I dearly love. In my estimation
it stands second to none, save and except that one which is calculated
in its application to renew the soul and fit the sinner for Heaven.
[Applause.] I have been a teetotaler for some twenty years. Something
has already been said in reference to female labor in the old
country, and from what was said, it led me to think that it would
convey an impression that it was straight-forward work, and that
there was nothing that might be deemed opposition. This is not
exactly so, dear friends. When I first entered the field, I had
to encounter an amount of opposition from certain quarters. I
remember well, that a peevish old Tory Editor used to avail himself
of every opportunity of holding up your humble servant to ridicule,
in his newspaper, and by way of ridicule he affixed a handle to
my name, and called me the " Rev. Mrs. Jackson." [Laughter.]
He seemed to have forgotten all about the end of the creation
of woman, inasmuch as he attempted to draw a line and set out
her work. And what do you think he told me was my work? Why, he
very wittily told me stop at home and mend my husband's stockings.
[Loud laughter.] I felt highly amused, and my reply was, "With
all the pleasure imaginable, for I mend my husband's stockings,
and knit him new ones." I thought this idea a very strange
one, especially from the editor of a newspaper. He must have forgotten
the end of woman's creation. God presented woman to man and said:
"She shall be a helpmate to thee." I suppose you all
know the definition of the term "helpmate." It means
a "proper help"-a help in accordance with the dignity
of a man as a human being-as a social, intellectual being. By-the
bye, if that definition be true, then it strikes us that the more
noble the cause woman proves herself capable of assisting man
in carrying out, the
better she answers the end of her creation, and the greater glory
she brings to that God who created her. [Loud applause.] The opposition
that I had to encounter never gave me five minutes uneasiness:
and why? I always used to think of the Saviour, when he said:
If they refuse you admittance into one city, turn away and visit
another. When I heard of this movement here, I wanted to come
and see and hear for myself, and, in the order of Providence,
here I am among you as I have already said, happy to find myself
in this position. In reference to men and women co-operating in
this matter to benefit society, an anecdote occurs to me, which
I think applicable. It refers to an individual in Scotland, who
was, as they term it, "daft," -that is, rather short
in intellect, you know. [Laughter.] This person took a whim into
his head to enter the pulpit of a minister previous to the time
of his coming to preach. When the clergyman entered and saw his
pulpit thus occupied, he stood amazed, and looked up, expecting
that the crazy man would come down. Instead, however, of doing
so, he addressed him in the following manner: "Come awa,
Sir-come awa; it will take us both to manage them, for they are
a stiff-necked generation." [Loud laughter and applause.]
Now, thus I thought in reference to the Maine Law -for it will
take all our combined efforts to succeed, for they are a "stiff-necked
generation." I love the Temperance principle. When I think
of its vast import-when it strikes my mind, I believe it had its
origin in Heaven. I cannot believe that my and your Heavenly Father,
who made this beautiful planet upon which you and I dwell, and
who gave the best gift of Heaven, could afford to redeem the inhabitants
of this planet, and look on with indifference throughout the length
and breadth of the world, view the ravages that Intemperance has
committed, and stand an idle spectator. [Applause.] My mind has
been impressed that He, seeing this state of things, has taken
the matter under his cognizance, and has devised means to set
it in operation. The very simplicity of the means adds to its
grandeur. When we look and see what our principles have accomplished,
it cheers us in reference to the future; and I cannot entertain
a shadow of a doubt as to our ultimate success. [Loud applause]
Friend Richard B. Grazier, from Michigan, then presented himself and said:
Brothers and Sisters: Temperance men and women: It is not my expectation to detain you but a very short time. The cause for which we have met is a great and good one, and I hope we shall all make our mark. I have labored in the heat of the day, and have borne some burden, but from age shall not bear it long. My heart's desire is, to promote the cause of Temperance in all things. [Applause.] Temperance and moderation should guide us in all we take in hand to do. I come from a Western State, and probably most of you know how things have turned there, and, so far as they have turned out in the State of Michigan, have given a handsome majority to the Temperance cause; and we expect when the day and the hour shall arrive for it to take effect that it will take effect. We hope this will be done without any trouble; nevertheless, we are expecting to put the law into practice. While I stand upon my feet, I will allude to the past. I was once a citizen of this great City; but for the last nineteenth years, however, I have been separated from you so that I am a stranger among strangers. But I have never regretted removing from this City, for I have labored not only in the cause of Temperance, but set a sober and honest example to my neighbors in these things. But, friends, there is one thing which Michigan has not done, which no other State can boast of; and that is, we have never strangled a man between the heavens and the earth. [Loud applause.] The Statute Book of the State of Michigan is unstained and without spot. [Applause.] I mention this, because it is more or less connected with intemperance. The speaker went on to narrate his experiences. He had been at one time of his life a dram-drinker; but he thanked God that he had seen the error of his ways; and he wished to impress upon the audience -more particularly the younger portion-that if they in the least regarded their temporal or spiritual welfare, they must totally abstain from all intoxicating drinks.
The Amphions having favored the audience with a song, the meeting on motion adjourned till 7 o'clock P. M.
EVENING SESSION.
At 7 o'clock the proceedings of the Evening Session commenced. The audience numbered over 3,000. The Amphions opened the exercises by one of their simple and pleasing Temperance Songs.
The Chair first introduced,
Rev. Thomas Goldsmith, of Canada West. He said:
The manner in which he had been introduced
would preclude the necessity of apology. He was but a rustic from
Canada, and he could not be expected to utter flowers of rhetoric.
He should rather attend to the securing of the foundation, than
to rise high, until the foundation had been well laid. He should
not point to degraded humanity, blighted hopes, everywhere before
our gaze, though this might have a tendency to awaken attention;
and this for the reason that immediate suffering, in all cases,
does not demonstrate an evil as a direct cause of that suffering.
Medicine may be nauseous, but its effect may be desirable. When
pain is actually inflicted upon a person in mental and physical
health, it must arise from an almost irremediable evil. The injury
resulting from the traffic in intoxicating beverages, may not
be
considered conclusive as to the necessity of prohibiting the sale
of those beverages. We must fall back upon a right. If the question
be, Has a man a right to get drunk? we are compelled to answer
that he has, as we consider, by the standard of custom. But if
he ask if it is right, we must answer that it is not. There is
no grand test to which we can submit questions of morality or
immorality. The heathen mother considers it legally right to cast
her infant into the river; the heathen to cast himself under the
car of Juggernaut. We cannot say that it is illegal; but is it
morally right? So with the Temperance movement. Is it morally
right for the drunkard to debase himself and to injure his family?
The speaker proceeded to discuss this point at length. He referred,
for statistics, to Canada. While they had a Queen upon the throne
of England, there was little fear of any neglect of the rights
of woman. This much was by way of parenthesis, he added. He returned
to the discussion of law. He had a downright objection to the
use of the term "use" itself. He adduced medical testimony
to show that a man would die as soon, or sooner, on alcohol alone,
as upon cold water only, deprived of food.
Horace Greeley here entered the hall. The people, his admirers, began to cheer.
The speaker, pausing, made a conge to his audience, remarking that the cheer was one that he did not often get! [Laughter.]
He added some remarks on the statistical results of rum investigations in Canada, showing that alcohol occasions an indefinite amount of pauperism, lunacy, and crime. He begged "the pardon of the congregation" for consuming so much of their time, and would take his seat.
The Chairman next introduced, as a good friend of the cause,
Mr. Phineas T. Barnum -He said:
I met a friend, who informed me that there
were a great many "isms" up here, and there were two
classes of people present who had no right to be here. He wished
to test this. In the first place, this was a World's Convention,
and if there were any here who were not in the world they ought
to be kicked out. [Laughter.] And he wished every lady and gentleman
who could lay their hand upon their heart and say they had never
suffered from the effects of Intemperance, either in person or
in the actions of others, their friends-if there were any such,
he wanted them to rise up and he would have their portraits. He
did not believe that there was any man, woman, or child in the
universe who could honestly say they had never suffered in any
way from the effect of Intemperance. I don't want every body here
to-night to think and speak as I do. I should not like to be responsible
for all the beliefs in this room, and I don't think there are
many here who would take all my beliefs. I don't believe they
would like to be called a show-man and humbug, as I am. (Laughter
and applause.) And I wouldn't like to have them do it, for I don't
want such opposition to my trade. (Laughter.) Now, he would like
to know who was going to object to anybody speaking there against
this great evil, which does so much injury to all. It was no objection
to say that one person spoke on one thing, and another on other
things not connected with it; for no matter what else they might
talk of elsewhere, there they could all unite on the one platform
and speak against an evil which has this peculiarity above all
other evils-namely, that it afflicts all the world, including
even the women and children. And why, then, should not the women,
against whom this evil operates perhaps most injuriously of all,
meet to protest against it? But laying aside all social views
of the question, and taking it in a merely pecuniary light, what
are the expenses of rum? All statistics prove that in
value we pay $150,000,000 yearly, and swallow the worth of our
Union once in thirty years! This sum put to interest for thirty
years will amount to a sufficient fund to purchase every acre
of land, and every cent's worth of personal property in the United
States of America! This debt we all incur in the misery of our
land, and we have equally a right to raise our voice against it.
Nine-tenths of all the crime and pauperism that afflict this country
are attributable to rum-drinking. What our fathers took arms to
fight against, he said, was taxation without representation. Now
he, on the same principle, begged to protest against the paying
the taxes incurred by drunkards, because they have no representation
in the drunkard's rank. (Cheers.) All alcoholic drinks are poisonous
to the stomach, from common rum to the
more euphonious names of mint-juleps and gin-cocktails. (Applause.)
Dr. Trall, in an essay published by him, tells us that there is
not the slightest element of nutriment in alcohol. First, it operates
as a nervine; next, as a stimulant; and thirdly, as a narcotic.
The first property, that of a nervine, was but mild, it was only
such as that common beverage in which ladies not a little indulge,
tea. Now at first, tea tea acts as a nervine, and the effect is
easily seen if you go to a tea-party, where, if a man gets a peep
while the ladies are indulging in their mild potation, he will
find them so talkative and garrulous that the will be inclined
to form the opinion that the same ship that brought the Chinese
tea, also brought the Chinese language with it. (Laughter.) Tea-parties
are women sprees. (Laughter.) Now, so it is with the
alcoholic drinks. The first effect of them is to act as a nervine.
Meet men when they have taken a little, and they will be the warmest
friends with you, they will agree with you in whatever you say;
but let them take two or three glasses more, and then their temper
is changed. Then they will fight somebody or something; and hence
the brawls, the riots, and the murders. The Chief of Police in
this city, within the last year, has said that every ninety-nine
cases out of a hundred of assault and battery which have taken
place in this city, have been the immediate effect of rum. Out
of the thirty six cases of murder committed in the United States,
thirty-one of the murderers have said that rum brought them to
the gallows. The first effect of the rum, then, is as a nervine,
next, as a stimulant, and next, as a narcotic. The speaker here
related an anecdote of a scene which he saw to occur on board
of a steamboat on the Mississippi in illustration of the
different effects of alcohol as a stimulant and narcotic, and
which created a good deal of laughter. Any drug that contains
either of these evils is an enemy to the welfare of mankind. He
should ask, then, why was it that they were going to continue
this evil in the land? Where is the man that ever found himself
benefitted in health or wealth by drinking rum? He would give
a higher price for the man who could honestly say that be ever
made a cent or ever felt himself better in health by being a drunkard,
than for any curiosity he ever purchased. Everybody sees that
drunkards are a gross curse and a heavy tax on the temperate,
because they are not able to support themselves, and, of course,
the temperate must support them. For a long time they have been
making regulations upon regulations regarding rum, until they
were tired, and began to despair of any good arising from this
legislation. But now they have got the serpent by the neck, and
they can crush him without danger of their heel; and why will
they not do it? [Here the speaker repeated an anecdote of Ami
Hubble,-or the joke of the man who forgot his name, and soliloquizing,
said, "Am I Ami, or am I not ami? If I am not Ami, who the
deuce am I ?] (Applause.) The liquor traffic is a tornado,
and the only remedy for it is its annihilation. The only way to
do this is to destroy the trade. Look at the report in Maine.
Neil Dow says, that within the three months after the passage
of the Maine Liquor law, the almshouse and jail of his county
were empty. I lately had a letter from Burlington, Vermont, which
informed me that there was not a single prisoner in the city jail-the
first time such a thing was known since its erection. People say
the Maine Liquor law is arbitrary and curtails men's privileges.
It is not so. Have we not laws more arbitrary already ? A man
told me the other day he was going for no law which prevented
him from eating and wearing what he pleased. I told him to go
home then, and put on your wife's petticoats, and walk down Broadway,
and see if there is not a law against your wearing what you please.
Oh! I never thought of that. Talk of privileges, why you can't
drive down Broadway without restrictions. You say you have a right
to drive where you choose in the public street; but the law compels
you to turn only to the right. Is not this arbitrary? A man arrives
at the quarantine, and hears his wife is lying at the point of
death;-although he is an American citizen, and has a right to
go where he chooses, yet the law compels him to remain at the
quarantine a certain time whether he will or not. We are not politicians,
except for the advancement of the Maine Law. I would sooner vote
for the devil than vote for a Whig, yet I would sooner vote for
a sober Whig than a drunken Democrat. Go only for the Maine Law,
you deserve it, and act properly, and you will obtain your deserts.
(Applause.)
The Chairman then said:
Our friend Mr. Barnum has shown us the comic folly of the drunkard's career, and also the tragedy which always lies behind that comedy. But there is another side which is all tragedy; and I shall call on Lucy Stone to describe the lot of the wife and the children of the drunkard.
Miss Lucy Stone then presented herself, and, when the plaudits which greeted her had subsided, said:
It is so very difficult to make a sudden
transition of feeling from the gay to the grave, or from the grave
to the gay, that I feel after the treat we have had from our friend,
(Barnum,) that you may not find so tasteful the sober topics which
I intend to speak upon; but after all, as was said by the President,
the subject presents so sad-sad a picture, that I cannot help
expressing the thoughts I have formed in regard to it. I could
not help
thinking when my friend Barnum was speaking of the drunkard, with
his heavily-uttered work, and his miserable ruin of himself, that
while we would laugh at the picture made before our eyes, yet
should the man have been our brother, our father, or our son,
we should feel the deepest pity and the deepest grief; and while
he made a mockery of his own nature, we might feel for him a stronger
love. God and the angels would drop tears over it, and we that
are bound-bound to him-bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh,
would fain drop a tear too. We are met here as a Whole World's
Temperance Convention, having a great mission to fulfill-to see
if we can forward this cause, which surely needs so many helpers;
for it is true that idiocy, lunacy, murder, and crime, of whatsoever
character, is spread over this broad
Republic; and to blot out this curse becomes us more than all
in this Convention. It becomes us to blend our words, our thoughts,
and our feelings together, to join hands with each other in making
ourselves sufficiently strong, if possible, to root out from our
land all vestiges of the use of the intoxicating cup. Our country
has been laboring under this evil for a long time. In this great
work we have thus far found many helps. I remember back many years,
and have known earnest men and women who have been from time to
time engaged in the work. There were little talkings at first,
little plans devised, but the devil would not come out by such
kind of effort. In vain were their efforts made for the mark of
the beast was seen, and men and women impelled by the danger,
rose up together and in a general effort to rid the community
of the curse of intoxicating drinks. They tried to legislate it
out of use. The fifteen-gallon law, and the twenty-eight gallon
law, and one and another similar efforts of legislative action
failed; men, women, and children went to work to cope with the
destroyer. They went still farther. The mother, seated by her
fireside, took the little boy and taught him the Temperance song,
which were sung in the Cold Water Armies, with their beautiful
banners; and they went up and down the streets singing their beautiful
Cold Water songs; and the young men and young women formed Total
Abstinence Societies-the women pledging themselves not to marry
the man who might be in the habit of using intoxicating drinks,
and the men knowing that it was dangerous to wed the women who
did. Old men and women were cheered by the encouragement which
they received from the progress of the cause, and the middle-aged
joined heartily in the glorious
rejoicing, till finally it was a stigma upon the character of
an individual to indulge in intoxicating liquor, and those who
did drink labelled the jug with some other name, and it became
a common expression that those who drank did it behind the doors,
and disguised their breaths by sugar-plums or peppermints that
nobody should detect them. With success, the efforts of the people
relaxed, and men resumed their cups; then came the new effort
the Maine Liquor Law-and in it we have a sign of a healthy public
sentiment, and there is a falling off in the use of intoxicating
drinks. We are all glad of it.
I will now ask leave of this Convention,
(whether it will please them or not (I do not know), but I only
desire to propose some thoughts in which I can hope for the co-operation
of the son and daughters of Temperance, old and young, that we
may hedge in still more closely the bounds which lead to the drunkard's
grave and to which so many of our noblest young men are madly
rushing. We scarcely pass over a railroad, in a steamboat, or
over the highway on a state coach but that we detect their ruinous
habits by their breath. And the habit is not confined to man,
for by a statement made by the President this morning, I learn
that there are fifty thousand women in this fair country who drink.
To remedy the evil of domestic suffering arising out of intemperance,
I propose that we shall create a public sentiment which shall
make it utterly impossible for any man or woman who is a drunkard,
ever to sustain any marriage or parental relation. God has planted
deeply in the human soul a love of those social ties that bind
us to life. We are happier and better for the ties of parent and
child, brother and sister, husband and wife, and God has written
all this in the human soul. Now, I would say to the man who goes
to the wine cup, or where temptation of any kind should come to
induce him to taste it, and from tasting it to learn so as to
love it, and, by loving it, to throw away manhood, and all that
is noble in life, for the pleasure
of the wine cup,-I would say to this man take it, and you alone
shall incur the odium that attaches to the drunkard, and never
know the relation of husband or of father. Drink the intoxicating
cup, and you poison your whole being, and enfeeble your mind,
and as a drunken man or woman, you shall not be entitled to the
marriage relation. And I would say to the man or woman who is
a drunkard, and who has a husband or wife, you shall forfeit the
marriage relation that others should not have their prospects
in life blighted by the acts of the drunkard. Public sentiment
should say that the wife, the husband, or the child, whose nearest
interests were affected by the
intemperance of either, should be allowed to separate from the
one who caused the misery. Is it possible that a woman who in
her early years gave her heart with all its wealth and her young
love to one whom she deemed a worthy object of it-is it possible,
I say, that her love will cling to the ruined wreck with the elements
of character which had excited her love all destroyed? Those traits
of character which once commended her whole love are now all gone,
and she herself is reduced to the level of the drunkard's wife.
It is wicked that she should be compelled to live with the father
of a drunkard's children, and remain that loneliest of all beings,
a drunkard's wife. Why should a man or woman be false to him or
herself? A law or usage which shall make the ruin of either on
this account is false to humanity. If a drunkard seats himself
by the fireside of an injured wife, and she is forced thereby
to hear her children call him father, I say it is due to her that
she shall not be compelled to bear the curse. There is not a father
or mother here present who would not rather their child should
die than be united to a drunkard, their hearts and arms would
be open to receive her, and when the drunkard or the man who is
tempted to be a drunkard, knows that the wife of his love can
be no longer his, if he does not reform, and when he knows that
if he indulges he must forever forego the enjoyment of social
life, he will lay down the tempting cup, and pause before he commits
the crime. He will think before he passes that threshold. Look
at the spectacle of the young man, too, who gathers to his heart
of hearts the woman of his choice, with all the wealth of her
love, but at the fashionable party where the wine cup is passed
about she learns the vice. The breath which once came softly on
his cheeks is polluted with drunkenness, and she becomes bloated
and hideous in her person. I know that I do not appeal in vain
to the heart of manhood, when I urge them by some such plan as
this, to erect around Woman a barrier, that shall be long, and
strong and high. No, my friends nothing in the way of temporizing
will ever overthrow the monster of intemperance. I urge the adoption
of some such plan as I have proposed, not only for the sake of
the drunkard but also for the drunkard's wife and the drunkard's
child. I tell you that the child which is born of drunken parents
is born a drunkard. The cureless appetite is in him, and the lovely
boy which should have come superb from the hands of God, comes
with a curse in his bones and a thirst for rum, and be goes down
to a drunkard's grave, because of the hateful stain that was implanted
in him by the fact of his having had a drunken father or mother.
The man or woman who would take your child from this platform,
and make him or her a drunkard for life, would receive your's
and the world's curse. The man who would take him, and like some
monster, by the aid of sorcery or some such thing, vaccinate him
with the thirst for drink, so that he would rush from this platform,
crying, "Give me rum-give me rum," would commit a crime
which blackens even beside that of murder. You tell me of Norwalk
catastrophes and railroad disasters, but the ravages occasioned
by drink exceed them tenfold in horror. Let there be made, then,
a public sentiment that it is a crime for any person addicted
to the use of intoxicating drinks, to assume the relations of
parents, or husbands and wives, by a law that knows no exception.
If the father be a drunkard or if the mother be a drunkard, the
child must have the nature of a drunkard. Every child that is
born has a right to a healthy constitution and vigorous frame.
It has a right to come here, and its soul should be preserved,
ready to go back again to God without "spot, wrinkle or any
such thing."
If such a sentiment as this can be created
in the minds of the people, the prospect of having bonds separated,
as the result of intemperance, would be a check against the acquirement
of such habits. If a person determines to become a drinker, let
it be understood that the indulgence in the wine cup is the justification
for annulling the ties between husband and wife; this would tend
to make both men and women beware in choosing their moral path.
I urge this not only for the sake of the drunkard, but for the
sake of the drunkard's children, for I tell you that drunken parents
become the parents of drunkards. The child of the drunkard goes
along in the world, marking
the way in his hateful train, and when he arrives at a sufficient
age, the same appetites that were common with the parent become
the appetites of the child.
I know I touch upon delicate ground, but my only excuse must be the imperative necessity. I know that, on this question, texts and statutes will be quoted against us, and that usage too will be brought to bear against us, but truth is stronger than either of them. It only needs to be spoken and uttered, and it will ever shine brighter in the world. If my position is true, I do not care who is against it or who is for it; God's own life is in it-that life which never sleeps, but will in one day come like leaven in the lump, will come without parchment, and will not come in characters that can be blotted out. [Loud applause.] I ask you fathers and you mothers, do you wish that your daughter should be bound for life to the bloated carcase of a drunkard, and her children to be the children of a drunkard? But I know when I say that to you, whatever may be text, or law, or custom, I know that stronger than all in your own soul's center is a deep and earnest wish that no such load may ever be laid upon your children.
The speaker concluded her remarks by illustrating the fact of the little redress afforded by the Courts of this country for abuses received at the hands of a degraded and drunken husband by cases which came under her immediate observation, and at the close of her remarks she was warmly applauded.
Mr. Greeley having been loudly called for, now came forward. He made a few remarks pertinent to the address by Miss Stone.
He begged to differ in some measure from that eloquent woman on the subject of divorce. The side advocated by her was broad and apparent; but he conceived there is another side to the question that has its foundations no less deep, although, perhaps, not so obvious, and would, if as explicitly stated, appeal with equal force to the reason of the audience. [Cheers.] Mr. Greeley then passed to the more immediate objects of the Convention. He wanted to see men carrying their temperance to the ballot-box. He then briefly explained the objects of the Convention. There are several very eloquent men here from whom I hope we shall hear some time to-morrow [to day.] Mr. Carson, the originator of the Carson League, by whose influence Intemperance was totally exterminated in several Districts is here, and I hope he will give us some information of the origin and practical working of his system. [Cheers.] There are numerous others here from whom some good ideas may be expected. He concluded by hoping that something of practical utility would result from the efforts of the Convention.
The Amphions then gave a "Temperance War Song," which was very generally applauded.
It was then resolved unanimously that this Convention hold three sessions to-morrow-at 10 A.M., 4 P.M., and 7 P.M.
The Convention, on motion, then adjourned.
FRIDAY MORNING'S SESSION.
At half-past ten, Metropolitan Hall was attended by about 2,000 persons, and the numbers continued to increase during the sitting. The Rev. T. W. Higginson again occupied the Chair, and after calling the meeting to order, proceeded to read over the resolutions introduced by Horace Greeley yesterday morning, after which the Amphions opened the proceedings by signing the Temperance Hymn commencing with
"Intemperance, like a raging flood."
The President said the resolutions which had been read were then open for discussion by the members of the Convention. It would be understood, of course, that all who might have information to convey to the Convention, from whatever County or State they might come, would not keep back on account of not being called upon by the Chair, as there were many unknown to the Committees. They were ready to listen to the remarks of any member on the resolutions. [Cheers.]
Mr. Bernard, of Pennsylvania, then addressed the meeting.
He said that he understood it to be the duty of the religious organizations of the land to co-operate with the temperance men and women in the advancement of this cause. I consider this to be self-evident truth, which may be admitted without demonstration, inasmuch as the action of the religious bodies of a different character is desirable. I have desired that all who are members of those religious organizations should compare their acts with those of the Great Founder, and act in accordance with His teachings and example. You are all aware that his life, from the cradle to the grave, was devoted to doing good; and the churches that bear upon their forehead the name of Christian, if they are walking in his footsteps, are indeed worthy of the title, but if they act otherwise, they cannot justly lay claim to it. I feel that they are false to their name. I stand here as one of a delegation from a religious organization which has given its support to this cause, and I call upon all religious denominations to follow their example, and the example of Christ himself. By doing so they would feel as he felt-that it is their meat and drink to do good, to build up the right and throw down the wrong, and if they have not His conduct in view, and act not in accordance with the principles they profess, they are not only recreant to their profession, but they are worse-they are hypocrites. Mr. Bernard dwelt at considerable length on the necessity of the different religious denominations taking part in the efforts of the temperance people to procure the passage of the Maine law.
Rev. Wm. H. Channing was announced as the next speaker. Mr. Channing took the platform, and addressed the Convention as follows:
The song which our friends favored us with this morning had reference to a flood of Intemperance. Is not the assembling of this Convention a sign that the flood is retiring from the face of the earth, and that not only has the dove gone forth on its mission from the ark formed by the Lord, but has returned with the olive bough? According to my view, that dove is Woman, and the word of Woman is a word of peace and power. [Applause.]
The characteristics of this Convention, which I would briefly sum up in these words, (and let it not be considered that I am irreverent of great ancestors,) is the disappearance of Mrs. Adam and the reappearance of Miss Eve-or, in other words, the disappearance of Woman in a position of subjection to Man, and her reappearance as she was sent fresh from the hand of God. However Woman may have been looked upon as typical of the fall, she is now regarded as typical of the resurrection. She was once looked upon as an angel of death, dragging man to the dust, she can now be looked upon as an angel of Heaven, leading him onward.
This is the whole subject of which I propose to speak this morning: The full and free co-operation of Women, as the special characteristic of the Convention-it being the whole world's, and not half a world's convention. A friend alluded yesterday in his speech to the position of man alone as being similar to that of an individual rowing with a single oar. If it is allowable for a man in a masculine boastfulness to speak of himself as the "right hand," then I say it has always been the misfortune of the world that the "left hand-the left side" has been always paralyzed, and woman has been a cripple and unable to co-operate in progress to but a limited extent. If Michael Angelo would make a figure, his left hand would hold the chisel and shape the marble, while the right hand would supply the power. The painter with his left hand holds the pallet, and with the right uses the brush. Ole Bull, though, with his right hand he secures a sound on the violin, yet with his left he secures the delicacy and brilliancy of tone, and the touch of the left hand is as necessary as the motion of the right; if we are to have music in society, Woman, as the left hand, must manage the keys. [Applause]
As it is urged that this meeting should
sustain the character of practicability, I have some practical
projects to offer for its consideration.
First, to enable us to carry out effectively prohibitory law,
we must have the full co-operation of women-we should gain the
influence of her example and power, and if it is true that man
is her agent, then she should see that her agents do their duty.
As mother, sister, wife, and friends, she possesses power for
good, and if she send man out and he comes home without having
accomplished that which he was deputed to do, he reads in her
face the consciousness of his shame.
As regarded the execution of that law,
it was sometimes asked, whether the prohibitory law, having been
successful, it could not be made more thoroughly effective. Now
he thought this depended more on the co operation of woman than
on any other cause. They had an example of this the other day,
not certainly in the specific form which he could at all times
sympathize with. They undoubtedly had been tried as a mob; but
still he should very much like to see women tried for such a mob
proceeding in New York, on the same principles-that was, that
the law having passed the Legislature, and man being backward
in enforcing it, women should come forward to compel him; he would
like to see them come forward even as
axe-men, to break in the head of the barrel or pull out the spiggot
and let the liquor run. [Cheers.] The cause of intemperance-that
is the indulgence in low excitement-was the want of high excitement.
The reason persons indulged in low stimulants was because there
were no healthful stimulants supplied to the heart and conscience.
Who were the rowdies? They were young men, and their companions
were young women, who, if they had been supplied with high excitement,
would never have indulged in low passions. They might observe
the truth of this by going to the National Theatre, and there
they would see by the expression of sympathy, during the performance
of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and tears and sights, how the
heart of man could be made to rise responsive to the kindly touch,
and how woman had the power to raise it. [Cheers.] The fact was
they wanted amusements to minister to the mind healthful stimulants.
If they did not make this a point it was all in vain for them
to have prohibitory legislation. They must have it in the exalted
drama, and lectures, and social gatherings, where the healthful
influences may be brought together. They needed too, pleasure
grounds and large halls in their great cities, and, indeed altogether
a new spirit to leaven society. In conclusion, it appeared to
him that the meeting should not close without some proof of a
continuation of the movement thus commenced. Let the present Convention
institute a series of others without any distinction of sect,
or sex, or color, race or country. Woman would thus co-operate
in the work, not only of restraining intemperance, but also of
bringing back the public to that hearty tone of high health which
should take the place of the feverish delirium caused by drunkenness.
The speaker concluded by proposing a resolution, to the effect that the only effective means of preventing the indulgence in low excitement was the supply of high employment; and that the best antidote for the artificial stimulant of alcohol, was the mutual stimulant of social enjoyments,-the supplies of libraries, museums, pleasure-grounds, &c., &c.,
Joseph Dougdale then briefly informed the meeting, as a proof that at least one body in the land had taken up the question, that a Pennsylvania yearly meeting of progressive Friends had given their expression of adherence to the enactment of laws for the suppression of intoxicating liquors.
Mr. Clark, of Rochester, having just entered the Hall, he was again called upon for a song. He then sang
"The World is on the move,"
with excellent effect, and was loudly applauded.
After which he offered the following sentiment, with he drank
in iced water:
"The Health and Memory of the man that chopped down the trees,
that cleared the land, that ploughed the ground, that raised the
corn, that fed the goose, that bore the quill, that made the pen,
that wrote the pledge of total abstinence from all intoxicating
drinks." [Loud cheers.]
Mr. Arnold Buffum, of Rhode Island, then proposed the following resolution:
"That all preachers of the Gospel,
who have in their congregation persons who let houses or stores
to be used for the sale of intoxicating drinks, are earnestly
invited by this whole World's Convention to preach a sermon on
the text, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, but the corrupt
tree bringeth forth evil fruit; wherefore by their fruit ye shall
know them." He thought clergymen and preachers of the Gospel,
throughout the whole land, should preach one sermon from this
text, for in this useful parable of the blessed Jesus there is
a great deal of instruction directly applicable. The term tree,
here spoken of, would apply to the distiller, that brought forth
evil fruit, and to all those who dealt in it, as well as used
it, for their fruits were indeed evil, and that continually. It
would apply to the bar-owner of the
splendid hotel, and to the keeper of the low groggery. It would
apply also to the general custom of using intoxicating drinks,
and to the men who stood so high, and so respectably in the public
estimation, as the owners of real property and houses and stores,
that they would be ashamed to be seen indulging in intoxicating
drinks themselves, and yet let out their shops and their houses
for the sale of intoxicating drinks. These, too, were the trees
that were seen by their fruits.
Rev. Mr. Armstrong, of Saratoga, having here risen to a point of order, in which, however, the meeting did not agree with him.
Rev. Mr. Whitney, of Massachusetts, addressed the Convention. He made a long speech, which was attentively listened to.
He referred to the manner in which men became drunkards. It was a very simple process, and if we avoided the beginning, we should always avoid the ending. There were three things, either natural in the first place, or produced by art, that were disagreeable in the beginning-Alcohol, Tobacco, and Opium. When they were taste at first, they were invariably disagreeable. There