Chapter III: Crusade in Larger Towns (5)

April 1st, the day when the ordinance should have gone into force, saw every saloon closed, at least in appearance, and silence reigned in our streets for the space of half a month, save an occasional meeting in one of the wholesale liquor-houses. Several saloonists had agreed, previous to this, to quit the business--two of them women. Eighteen less licenses for selling liquors were taken out on May 1st, 1874, than on May 1st, 1873. Official returns showed a great decrease In the amount of liquors of all kinds sold in the month of February, March and April, of 1874. A property-holders’ pledge was circulated and generally signed. Druggists’ and physicians’ pledges were pressed earnestly and signed, with but a very few exceptions, by the men of influence. A petition against license received nearly 1,000 signatures. Personal pledges were made by many, the turning-point to a better life. Our all-day sessions of the League, the four mass-meetings a week at the Opera House, the Sunday afternoon prayer and conference meetings, were all attended and participated in by a very large number of the better class of our citizens.

In a word, a strong tide of temperance sentiment prevailed, which, taken at the _flood_, by those who should, for the sake of humanity, have ruled our city in the fear of God, would have led on to the entire overthrow of the liquor traffic and its consequent evils. This fortunate end was not reached.

Nevertheless, in the language of one of our beloved co-workers, Mrs. Wilson, “God honors the smallest particle of faith in Him.” We hesitate not to claim the undeniable good wrought in our midst as answers vouchsafed to the many believing prayers offered by earnest and untiring workers in the cause of temperance. We heard more than one ex-saloonist say that he was glad he had quit a business which did harm to himself and customers. Our hearts were gladdened every Sabbath by seeing those seated among us, clothed and in their right minds, who, one year before, were estranged from church, family and friends by that destroyer of all the better faculties of the soul--_intemperance_. Many of our faithful and devout sisters gave it as their experience at the close of the year, that it had been the richest and noblest of their lives. “Good measure, pressed down and running over,” was given them by the rewarder of the faithful.

The daily meetings of the League, the visiting of saloons in bands, or as committees, the circulation of the various pledges and petitions, the distributing of tracts, the visiting of those sick, and in prison, and a large amount of private temperance work, took a great deal of time and strength. This work was done, mostly, by women whose domestic cares had, heretofore, occupied their time and thoughts. It was a work _added to_ the _more important_, and done in place of the less important duties of wives, mothers and sisters, but it was done promptly and cheerfully, and not _one of them all died_ from the overwork or exposure.

We have yet to learn that any member of the house-holds represented, were _materially injured_ by the reduced fare of their tables, or the depleted state of their wardrobes. Still, after so long a time as eight weeks, the fact was recognized that the Crusaders were not blessed as the wandering Israelites, “whose garments waxed not old upon them, whose shoes waxed not old upon their feet, and whose bread dropped from heaven!” Working-time was at first reduced one-half; then three meetings a week were held, and this continued until the 1st of August. The work upon the street changed its form several times, to suit the change in the impressions of the workers, as to the better mode of conducting such services. The last direct appeals to the saloonists, were made on the 27th of May--nearly three months from the beginning of the work. The dealers in liquors, both wholesale and retail, who, at first, were at least polite, and often apologetic, in their talks with the ladies, offering to quit the business if any other employment could be found, or to sell out at half or one-fourth the value, again revived their courage, under the failure to enforce the ordinance, and evident cooling off of some advocates of the movement, and closed their doors and ears to all appeals. Outdoor meetings were held in various parts of the city, in the daytime conducted by the women, and on Friday evening in the Park, mostly addressed by our ministers and lawyers, who were not yet afraid to speak their minds on the subject of temperance. Meetings of this kind were kept up as long as the weather permitted. Then prayer-meetings in private houses were undertaken, under the auspices of the League, which have been fruitful of much good.

Mrs. Leiter, an active member of the League, was chosen as Secretary of the State Temperance organization. A convention, held in the interest of the cause, made up of delegates from the several townships of Richland county, convened in the Opera House, June 13th, 1874. A permanent county organization was effected, with Mrs. McVay, President; Mrs. Patterson, Secretary; Mrs. Mercer, Treasurer, and one Vice-President from each township.

This was the beginning of a good work for this county; men and women going miles into the country to talk temperance up, and license down. The majority against license was largely increased by the vote of Richland county. A temperance picnic, held on the 4th of July, and addressed by “Mother Stewart,” was a success in every way. On July 25th the trial of Wm. Etz, for breaking the Ale and Beer Ordinance, was begun, and occupied the attention of the people for five days, being held in the court-room. The temperance women attended, both as witnesses and spectators, and were compelled to hear more unkind remarks, and to receive more discourteous treatment, than during the entire campaign, up to that time. The water showered on them, from a down-town saloon, was (to speak in a figure) but a _drop_ to the _buckets full_ dashed at their devoted heads by these vigorous defenders of the beer-keg. To have their own _favorite weapons_, the words of _holy writ_, arrayed against them by their enemies, was both a surprise and a grief. The verdict rendered in the case was a death-blow to any hope of the ordinance being of use under the existing administration. Nothing was really lost but much gained by the trial; among other things a better knowledge of the foes of our cause, who stand as well behind the bar of justice, as the bar of the saloon.

At the beginning of the second quarter a constitution and by-laws were adopted. Previous to this a simple pledge served to bind us together. At this time, also, a reporter was appointed, who gave to the public, in a series of articles, such work of the League as seemed of general interest.

Several temperance meetings were held on Sunday afternoon, especially for children; but this important branch did not receive the attention it merited until after the close of the first year. In the latter part of August the League meetings were reduced to one each week, and these have since been held regularly upon Wednesday afternoon. At least one general temperance meeting was held each month during the year.

During the winter a permanent place of organization came into effect. Committees were appointed to canvass the city for members, presenting at the same time two petitions for signatures--one to be sent to the Ohio Legislature, praying against the repeal of the Adair law; the other a memorial to Congress, asking for restrictive laws in the manufacture of alcoholic drinks in the District of Columbia, and the Territories.

Three assessments were collected in part, on the $30,000 of stock actually taken by the temperance men of Mansfield, for the use of the League. At the time of permanent organization the stockholders were released from further assessment.

However much the work fell short of the desired end during the months usually denominated the existence of the Crusade proper--whatever weakness was manifested in plan or performance, we are sure of one thing: it was done in the fear of God and for love of humanity.

The great _mistake_ committed by some, was in considering the _Crusade ended_ when the street work ceased. That was a striking feature of the work, but a feature _only_, not the soul or body, as the following months have demonstrated.

Of the enthusiastic 500 who went forth upon that eventful day in March, 1874, the majority are not with us in active work at this time, having either from necessity returned to imperative home interests--though their hearts are still in the work; or, with the ebbing tide of popular sentiment, drifted to the open sea of indifference, but continuing in readiness to help swell the next oncoming wave.

A score and more of earnest laborers have continued faithful, through some opposition and many discouragements, during the past three years, guarding with a jealous care, the true interests of this great reform; and to-day ask no greater reward, than the consciousness that they have been following the path of duty.

RIPLEY, OHIO.

This beautiful town is situated on the Ohio river, and contains about 3,500 inhabitants.

The place became prominent during anti-slavery times, because of its “_underground railway_.”

If a fugitive slave once set foot on the streets of that town, he was safe, no matter if his pursuers were at his heels. Somehow or other he was spirited away, and though every house was searched with a lighted candle, he could not be found.

My first recollections of Ripley were in this connection. I lived in Maysville, Ky., a neighboring town, which was an important slave market, and often whole families would escape from their masters and find a refuge there; and though so hotly pursued that they were in sight when they entered the town, nothing more would be heard of them.

But while fighting human slavery so heroically and successfully, that all southern Kentucky was in a measure stripped of her slaves, the other slavery--the worse slavery of the drink habit, was carried on without restraint in their midst.

But early in the Crusade movement, the women rallied to this work, and carried it on heroically.

The Crusade began in Ripley, February 5th, and in nine days seventeen saloons were closed. Some of the German dealers were so frightened and disgusted, that they returned to the “Faderland.” The German minister who tried to rally them for the conflict, was soon prayed out of town.

A correspondent writing from there while the contest was going on, gives the following graphic account of one day’s work:

“Saturday we went to Sprenger’s with an advance guard; for we had heard most bitter threats that he had made. Imagine our delight when he met us in the most cordial way, and, after singing and prayer, gave us his name to the dealers’ pledge. Mr. Hauser, the German druggist, who first declined to sign the pledge, sent for the ladies and gave his name most willingly. Mr. Scholter promised, by his country, his God, and his wife, never to sell another drop of intoxicating liquor, and we know he has kept it in the face of strong entreaty to the contrary. Mr. Reinert received the ladies the first day, but the second closed his door. Down on their knees the ladies fell upon the pavement, in snow and sleet, with a most pitiless wind blowing. Men stood with uncovered heads, and the crowd wept. A commander of our navy, who has faced death and danger, said he could not endure this sight, and tears coursed over his face. Close against the pane a mother bowed in prayer, and a moment later the door was opened, and Mr. Reinert said, ‘Ladies, I will quit the business; send a committee of your business men to me.’ They went, and he arranged to dispose of his stock.”

Rev. Granville Moody, a Methodist minister, who had been a colonel in the Union army during the war--a man of wonderful courage and possessing great wit and power, was stationed there at the time, and backed up the work by his influence. His wife, a talented leader, was prominent and efficient in the work.

The ladies entered every open door.

The steamer _Wildwood_, which plied daily between Maysville and Cincinnati, received a share of their attention, because of the bar on board.

One day, as she came in from Maysville, a large crowd of Crusaders were awaiting. When she blew her whistle they responded with sacred song: “Shall we gather at the river.”

Captain Powers, a born gentleman, received the ladies politely, and conducted them on board the boat, where they held a prayer-meeting. Captain Powers signed the personal pledge, as did many others, and “the barkeeper promised not to sell to citizens of Ripley.”

All the meetings in this town were remarkable for spiritual power, and the prayerful efforts of the women in their work were crowned with a good degree of success.

TIFFIN, OHIO.

This town, with a population of nine thousand, had, at the beginning of the Crusade, sixty-five saloons.

After visiting the saloons for some time, in bands, the ladies changed their tactics, on the 31st of March, and placed pickets at nearly all the saloons in the city. At some they were admitted, at others locked out. Several of the saloons closed on account of the pickets, and the proprietors went to the country.

The city marshal, at several places where the guards were denied admittance, opened the doors, and told the ladies to enter and stay as long as they pleased. The traffic dropped off wonderfully. Christian Mueller, the principal brewer, said that if the Crusade continued thirty days longer he would be compelled to shut down.

The second saloon surrender took place April 7th. It was kept by D. Bartell, and was one of the worst saloons in the city. The proprietor signed the pledge, and the ladies emptied the stock of liquors in his cellar, into the gutter.

Wagner & Brickner, proprietors of the distillery, were driven almost to desperation. They were compelled to redeem from the bonded warehouse $5,000 worth of whiskey per week until the 1st of May, and their sales were too slim to aid them in the task.

A public meeting was called, April 8th, in the city hall, to take measures to get the mayor, to issue a proclamation forbidding the women the right to carry on the Crusade any longer. The meeting was a failure; only about one hundred and fifty saloon-keepers and bummers congregated, while the temperance mass-meeting at National Hall was overcrowded.

The ladies, besides going to the saloons in bands, resorted to the picket system, and smaller bands remained at the saloons, from eight A. M. till ten P. M., the pickets being changed every hour.

This proved, during the Crusade, to be the most effectual way to break down the traffic. None but men lost to shame will go into a saloon in the presence of Christian women, and over their remonstrances and prayers, to drink.

BELLEFONTAINE, OHIO.

Mrs. I. S. Gardner, April 6th, 1874, wrote the following in regard to the work:

The first surrender of special consequence was that of J---- J----. Mr. J---- is of Irish descent, and has been used to liquor-selling all his life. He was one among the first that was visited, and while he treated the band with respect, he was very loud in his denunciations against this interference in his business. His place was considered one of the worst, as a general resort, for those not only long addicted to drink, but also for those just commencing. The ladies had reason to suppose it would take a long siege to convince him of the wrong, much less induce him to quit the business.

On Monday the first visit was made. On Wednesday he began, under the influence of Mother Stewart’s talking, to show signs of weakening. He had prepared himself for a vigorous biblical controversy, having his Bible in hand and passages selected which seemed to him to support his position. But she speedily knocked the props from under him, and left him without the support he had counted on. At the morning meeting on Thursday he made his appearance, and announced his readiness to surrender, and at the suggestion of those in whom he had confidence, made it complete by signing the pledge not only to cease selling, but also to abstain from drinking. The scene was impressive. Every heart that sympathized in the movement was full, and the ladies of the League, and others, filed by where he was standing, and taking him by the hand bid him “God speed.” Since then he has made some very telling speeches, and given evidence of a contrite heart.

The other case is that of Mr. T. L. M----. Even before any visits were made to him, it had been reported that powder and lead would be used in case of interference with his trade, and a band went there with considerable doubt, but with brave hearts. For about a week, visits were made under various conditions; sometimes noisy demonstrations were made, as well as rudeness offered, and again a better show of respect. There were many interesting incidents connected with this case, which would take too much time and space to relate. Finally, one afternoon, he hung out a white flag, and it was supposed to be a token of surrender, but on being visited by a band, he refused to sign the pledge, nor would he let the ladies stand near the door. On the next day a similar scene was enacted. At his request a committee of gentlemen visited him, and settled the matter, so that, on Wednesday evening of the week following the first visit, he made his appearance at a mass-meeting and signed the pledge. On the following Sabbath he attended church for the first time, it is said, in five years. It is believed by every one that he will remain true to his pledge. Mr. M. was a wholesale and retail dealer.

Mr. R---- is the only one who holds out, under, it is believed, the support of dealers in Cleveland and Cincinnati, but the women are as determined as the dealers, and have the advantage, in being at no expense. The dealers may as well succumb, as the women say they have started out on this Crusade for _life_, if necessary, to stop the traffic, and will instruct their daughters to keep it up. The only work performed here is picketing Mr. R----’s establishment, which is done more to redeem the hard drinkers, who are about the only ones that visit the place, than with the expectation of closing it up. This latter is merely a matter of time.

MRS. I. S. GARDNER,
President Ladies’ League, Bellefontaine, Ohio.

* * * * *

I glean the following from the _Cincinnati Gazette_: April 4th.--“Roades declares that only law can prevail against him. Monday’s election will be an exciting one. Ladies are calling on voters and urging them to do their duty on Monday.”

April 9th.--“The election passed off quietly, although some of the offices were hotly contested. Mayor Walker was re-elected. The women are untiring in their work against whiskey. Judge West addressed a large audience on Tuesday evening, and Judge Cole will speak to-night.”

“The women of this town have settled down to solid, earnest, persistent work.”

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO.

The following facts are gleaned from the _Springfield Republic_, the special correspondence of the _Cincinnati Gazette_, and from Mother Stewart’s statement:

“The first mass-meeting mentioned occurred January 23d, 1872. Allen Hall was well filled, on Monday evening, on the occasion of an address on the liquor traffic, by Mrs. E. D. Stewart. The speaker gave an interesting and able address.” _Springfield Republic._

The editor of this paper, Mr. C. M. Nichols, a member of the Congregational Church, was a staunch friend of temperance, and in every way, before and during the Crusade, gave aid to the cause.

Several suits, brought by the wives of drunkards to recover damages, under the Adair law, from liquor-dealers, added to the general interest.

Mother Stewart hearing accidentally that a woman had such a suit pending in court, in company with Mrs. John Foos, went to the court-room, and the attorney for the plaintiff induced her to make the opening plea to the jury.

The case was won, and the wife was awarded one hundred dollars damages.

In October, 1873, another case was brought to her notice. A woman in deep distress, with streaming eyes, told her a sad story of suffering and want. Her husband was a drunkard.

This woman belonged to a worthy family, was the sister of a distinguished minister in the South, who at that time was president of a college; she had always been accustomed to plenty, till robbed of all by the liquor-dealers. Knowing Mother Stewart’s connection with the case above mentioned, she appealed to her.

To fight this matter through the courts was not a pleasant task, and she was about to turn away from the woman; the lines of wretchedness on that sad, tearful face, arrested her. “No, I dare not do that; she will haunt me in my dying hour,” was the thought that brought her to a decision. So she not only accompanied her to the law office of Mower & Rawlins, and secured the aid of one of the firm, but she stirred up the ladies of Springfield in behalf of this woman, so cruelly wronged and robbed by liquor-dealers.

The trial was fixed for the 16th of October, and many ladies were in the court-room, but the defence secured a postponement till the 21st. The papers took up the matter, general interest was excited, and, when the day of trial came, the court-room was crowded with the best men and women of the city. The excitement was intense. Mother Stewart made a plea, and charged the jury. The suit was gained, and $300 awarded to the wronged wife as damages.

In the meantime a petition to the city council was circulated, and the names of six hundred ladies and sixty men were secured, asking the council to enforce the laws for the suppression of intemperance. This petition was presented by the ladies, and Mother Stewart and Mrs. J. A. S. Guy addressed the council in its behalf. The committee, to whom this petition was referred by the council, made the following report, which shows that they were “men of _words_, if not of _deeds_:”

“We also give it as our deliberate judgment, that the matters to which this petition refers is one of such transcendent importance as to demand of this council the exhausting of every means within its power to divest it of its capacity for making misery and crime within our midst.

“The universal sense of the Christian world condemns drunkenness as a crime.... And if this be so on recognized principles, measures are demanded to prevent it and punish it.

“The temperance movement throughout the land has suffered more from the indiscretion of its friends than from the open opposition of its enemies.

“We are therefore not in favor of recommending council to grant what is asked for by the petitioners.”

The city council formally adopted the following:

“_Resolved_, That the indulgence in intoxicating drinks, whereby neglect and want are brought home to the family, is a crime against nature, and it is expedient to exercise any authority, or impose any punishment, necessary to prevent it.

“_Resolved_, That it is an apparent and acknowledged fact that there is an indulgence in intoxicating drinks in this city, which deprive families of peace, comfort, and a proper support, and there are those who take, in exchange for their drinks, the money known to be needed for family support, contrary to law.”

These bombastic resolutions did not frighten the rum-sellers. They went on with their illegal sales without fear. They had learned long before, that these official utterances were to quiet the public conscience, and shield law-makers from well-deserved contempt.

The Bible in the pulpit of one of the Methodist churches was stolen and sold for drink in a saloon. In the meantime, Mrs. Guy, after a night of watching and prayer, wrote a resolution, and presented it to the City Benevolent Association.

The result was, a committee was appointed to confer with the ministers, and secure their co-operation in holding mass-meetings. The ministers were called upon in their weekly meeting, and a union mass-meeting arranged for in the Lutheran Church. This first meeting took place December 2d, 1873. The second mass-meeting occurred December 17th, and was addressed by Revs. J. W. Spring and Allen, Mr. Jackson, and Mother Stewart. Every seat in the body of the Central M. E. Church was filled, and the aisles were seated, and every foot of standing room taken.

The speeches were strong and spirited, and there was a great deal of enthusiasm.

When Mr. Nichols was called on to speak, he asked that the audience might be addressed by Mother Stewart instead. When she came forward, carrying a glass tumbler full of liquor, and told where and how she got it, the interest was intense. It was against the law to sell liquors on the Sabbath day; but everybody knew, and the city authorities knew well, that this law was being broken every week. On Sunday morning, December 16th, she had disguised herself with an old circular cloak and sun-bonnet, and gone into a saloon through the back door. She found a number of young men and old buying liquors. Approaching the counter, she asked for a drink. And when asked what she would have, she said, “Sherry wine.”

The barkeeper poured it out; she questioned him before the men as to what it was, etc., and then laying a ten-cent piece on the counter she took the glass and rushed from the room with all possible speed.

She appealed to the men as to whether they would prosecute this case, and several hands went up.

Weekly meetings were decided upon, and the next mass-meeting was held December 24th, in the Presbyterian Church.

On January 7th, 1874, a Woman’s League was formed, with the following officers:

Mother Stewart, President; Vice-Presidents, 1st ward, Mrs. Wm. Barnett; 2d ward, Mrs. Dr. Tee-garden; 3d ward, Mrs. Thomas I. Finch; 4th ward, Mrs. John Foos; 5th ward, Mrs. James Kinney; Secretary, Mrs. J. A. S. Guy; Treasurer, Mrs. James Cathcart.

Springfield was a large town, larger than any of the towns where the Crusade had been made successful, and there was a general feeling that the plan of saloon visiting, introduced elsewhere, could not be carried out in cities.

But the women, who were following the pillar and the cloud, on Tuesday, January 11th, commenced street work. The first day there were only thirty or forty ladies in the band, but the second day the number was doubled. The first visit was to the Lagonda House Saloon. Admission being refused, the ladies held their services before the door, Mrs. Cosler making the first prayer, and Mother Stewart addressing the crowds of people gathered to see the strange sight. The next day they were in the street again. They were admitted at the Lagonda House, but the crowd was locked out. The prayer-meeting was held in the billiard-room.

At the next saloon they were not admitted, and when Mother Stewart attempted to talk to the crowd, the saloon-keeper came out and shrieked, “Get away: get away, every one of you; I don’t want any trespassers on my premises; you shan’t stand on my steps!” But the people cried, “Go on! go on!” and a policeman took the irate saloonist in charge and restored order.

That evening Dio Lewis spoke in Springfield. The Opera House was packed, and the meeting, which was addressed by Van Pelt, Dio Lewis, and Mother Stewart, ended in a blaze of enthusiasm.

The next morning, at nine o’clock, the Central Methodist Church was crowded with ladies. Dio Lewis and Van Pelt were present, and a still larger number of ladies were enlisted for the work. Not long afterwards Mrs. James Kinney was chosen as leader of the band. Hundreds of women engaged in the work, and labored hard and long. Among the prominent workers were Mrs. Kinney, Guy, Foos, Cathcart, Banes, and many other noble women whose names cannot be mentioned, but whose record is on high.

Mother Stewart was called out much into the general work, and did efficient service during the canvass against the “_License Clause_,” in the new Constitution, which was defeated by the efforts of the women of the Crusade, and the zeal they inspired among temperance men.

The State was thoroughly canvassed, and the victory won.

A State Temperance Convention was held in Springfield, February 24th. About one thousand delegates were present. Dio Lewis acted as temporary chairman and organized the meeting.

Mrs. H. C. McCabe, of Delaware, was elected permanent president, a position she was well calculated to fill, and which she has held ever since.

There was great enthusiasm in the convention, and many of the heroic workers, who met each other for the first time in this, the first State convention of women, have, in the years that have followed, worked and planned for the extension of the cause like sisters, with loving trust and confidence.

April 3d, a county organization was formed in Clarke county.

The convention was held at Springfield, in Black’s Opera House. Four hundred and fifty women marched from head-quarters in procession to the hall. Mother Stewart was elected President; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Cathcart for the city, and one for each township outside of the city; Secretary, Mrs. J. A. S. Guy; Treasurer, Capt. Penny Stewart.

This is said to have been the first county organization in the State.

On April 6th the spring election for municipal officers took place. The claims of temperance had been pressed, and the ballot-box, it had been urged, was the most effectual way to curtail the power of alcohol. The election was one of the most exciting the city had ever known. On Saturday evening previous, large mass-meetings of workingmen were addressed by Mrs. M. W. Banes and Mother Stewart; and on election day an all-day prayer-meeting was held.

The temperance ticket was carried by a fine majority.

The plan of work soon after changed, the picket system being resorted to. The guards were relieved every two hours. But as there were, at the beginning of the Crusade, about one hundred and thirty saloons scattered over a town of fifteen thousand inhabitants, to station such an army over the town demanded a heavy force and great sacrifices. The traffic fell off wonderfully. Some saloons were closed, a better public sentiment prevailed, and a more faithful execution of the laws against beer and tippling houses was secured.

The men in this town stood gallantly by the women in their work. Special mention should be made of the faithful labors of C. M. Nichols, editor of the _Springfield Republic_--a fearless advocate of temperance and anti-license; Dr. Cloakey, of the U. P. Church, who was always ready to help the women with prayer or counsel, or a speech, and who brought forth treasures, new and old, from his rich storehouse of scripture knowledge, with marvellous aptness and effect. Though very aged and feeble, he seemed as enthusiastic as in the prime and fire of youth. He has two sons in the ministry; both follow in his footsteps, and are ardent temperance workers. Rev. J. W. Spring, of the Methodist Church, was an earnest, capable worker, and a competent adviser; and Rev. M. W. Hamma, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, a most enthusiastic worker and eloquent speaker. Many of the laymen did effective service, and contributed largely to the success of the women’s work in Springfield.

These pages are not devoted to the workers, but to the _work_; and yet, when the names of heroic workers are known, they are recorded.

It seems eminently proper in this connection to refer to the services, abroad, of Mother Stewart, which resulted in great good, and, with the co-operation of Mrs. Parker, the organization of a “British Woman’s Temperance Union.”

She was met and welcomed at Liverpool; and at almost every town she visited in England, Ireland and Scotland, grand receptions were given her, at which the dignitaries of the towns presided and made speeches. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed, and large audiences greeted her everywhere. In London an audience rose to their feet and waved their handkerchiefs and cheered enthusiastically when she was introduced as “_A Crusader_.”

Perhaps the most magnificent reception given her was in Glasgow, Scotland, in the Queen’s room, which had been most elegantly draped with white flounced lace curtains and American flags, and flags of various nationalities, looped up with roses and ivy; while the rarest exotics ladened the air with perfume. Six hundred of Glasgow’s most prominent and respected citizens were there, as a select company, to give addresses of welcome, and partake with her the sumptuous feast provided. Mrs. Margarete E. Parker was very active in securing for her a favorable hearing.

Every American woman has reason to be proud and thankful, for the marked attention shown to one of her countrywomen, but especially the women who worked in the Crusade; as the respect and attention shown to Mother Stewart was very largely due to her connection with that wonderful movement, which at the time won a world-wide fame, and which future generations will commend, and embalm in song and story, as the Woman’s Crusade.

NEWARK, OHIO.

This town contains about 3,000 inhabitants, and is situated at the intersection of the Baltimore and Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Chicago and St. Louis railroads.

At the beginning of the Crusade there were in this little town _fifty saloons_, or one for every sixty of its inhabitants.

The writer of these pages has occasion to remember the miserable tumble-down old building where unfortunate passengers were forced to wait to make connection, and the whiskey saloon, called a “Restaurant,” near by. One night detained at this place till midnight, the drunkenness and revelry and profanity were positively alarming.

The yelling, hooting, wrangling and fighting were kept up with little intermission till the midnight train, that bore us away, came in. The fumes of tobacco and whiskey as that crowd of men gathered at the depot were almost stifling.

Fifty or sixty men, in all stages of intoxication, reeled out from their midnight orgies to see the train come in and block the passage-ways.

But early in March the Crusade began. At first there was a strong feeling against the movement. Men were afraid their business would be injured. Some went so far as to forbid their wives having anything to do with it. But it was not long till all this opposition broke down, except on the part of dealers.

The women went to the church, and there consecrated themselves to God, and marched out right past their homes, right past their husbands’ stores, and banks, and offices; and as the solemn procession filed into the saloons, singing gospel songs, irate husbands, melted to tears, all anger, all opposition gone, stood reverently, with uncovered heads. It was not long till the railroad saloons were closed by the companies, and those horrid dens of iniquity broken up.

A correspondent gives the following:

“Yesterday was the Ides of March in whiskey in Newark. It is as assuredly inaugurated there as the rebellion when the first red-hot ball leaped from Sumter’s wall, and upon its panoply is already written, ‘Mene, tekel upharsin.’ The Fort Sumter of the whiskey war was the first prayer proclaimed from woman’s lips at Washington Court-House for the Great Father above, who presides over our destinies, to assist them to abolish that which has enervated the mightiest minds, and brought ruin and desolation to many a happy and prosperous family. Never shall I forget the touching and imposing spectacle that burst upon my view as I beheld, walking calmly, solemnly, and deliberately, over two hundred ladies, representing our best society, enshrined with silence and beautified by tears. The streets were crowded by thousands as they moved, and many a head was uncovered as the ladies passed, as if they had a special power from God.

“Soon they stopped before one of our saloons, and the ladies were received there, as at other places, with politeness and consideration. Failing to get the signature of the proprietor to a petition, they knelt in fervent prayer, and, with eyes raised to heaven, asked the God of love to help them. There was in the attitude of those women, with eyes raised to heaven, something far more powerful and touching than speech; for even if God had turned a deaf ear to their earnest entreaties, yet in that attitude they would have been dignified. Men stood there, not in ridicule, that probably never heard a fervent prayer, with uncovered heads and tearful eyes, as if impressed that the angels of heaven were hovering above them. On several occasions, as our ladies took some of our saloonists by the hands, tears could be seen streaming down the cheeks of both men and women, and as eyes met eyes, they dropped in reverence, as if to conceal their thoughts. Even a laugh at such a time seemed to jar discordantly on such enchanting silence, for they seemed, in that touching immobility, as if in communion with God. Laugh, as I have, ye that may read my letter, at its magic power; but when one reflects that it is our mothers, our sisters, our wives, that are praying, weeping, beseeching, and asking in the name of humanity, in the name of God, to overcome an evil that has ruined millions of the human race, and filled our jails and prisons, unless one be destitute of feeling, they cannot look upon such scenes unmoved. As the ladies passed a house yesterday, the husband stormed, and the wife laughed; but no sooner had that multitude of solemn women commenced to sing,

“‘Nearer, my God, to Thee,’

than the husband burst into tears, and, throwing his arms around his wife, he said, ‘My dear wife, I cannot resist that song. I am now convinced that it is the power of God that moves that column. Go and join them, and may God bless you.’ Bulwer says, ‘The pen is mightier than the sword.’ I declare that prayer uttered from woman’s lips is mightier than the law. I hope that moderation and consistency may ever accompany these movements, and nothing transpire to mar their dignity or true nobility. The epoch that crowned this movement will never be forgotten. It is just in its infancy; it will not only sweep over the republic, but knock at all the doors of Europe for admission, and women will at last, by this movement, have an epitaph written upon that which is less perishable than marble--upon the hearts of untold millions--by the touching pencil of gratitude. Our women, as I close, are again on the march. They have divided into squads, and their songs and prayers constantly fall upon the ear, thence to be borne aloft upon the invisible chords, and rehearsed to the courts of God by the heavenly harpists.”

The enthusiasm became so great that the church was crowded every morning long before the hour for meeting had arrived. Business houses were closed, and a solemn silence pervaded the streets.

A friend of mine visiting Newark during the Crusade, reached there on the nine o’clock train. The streets were empty, the doors of the business houses nearly all closed.

She hastened to the church, which she found crowded to its utmost capacity. Pushing through the group about the door, she obtained a view of the audience. A deep solemnity pervaded the place. The very air seemed surcharged with spiritual influences. Many were weeping.

She kept her position by the door till the band arose to move out on the street. A passage-way was cleared by a motion of a hand, and the ladies marched out two and two, like a funeral procession. She fell into the procession, and went with them to the saloons, and saw what she had never seen before, a hand-to-hand fight with the powers of darkness, led on by _Christian_ women. The struggle was too intense to last long; but victory turned on Israel’s side, and many saloons were closed.

Visiting the town the following autumn, it seemed transformed.

No saloons about the depot; no drunken men reeling through the streets; but a degree of thrift and good order was visible on every side.

The week before there had been a county fair, and liquor had flowed freely there, and many of the weak had fallen into the snare.

But the town authorities, if they were not diligent in punishing the men who had sold to minors, and drunkards, contrary to law, were very prompt in arresting the victims, and thrusting them into the jail.

In company with other ladies, I visited the jail. It was a cold, frosty morning.

The massive iron door closed behind us with a heavy clank, and was locked. But there was still another wall of iron lattice-work between us and the prisoners, which was opened, and we were ushered into the presence of the inmates, and the iron gate locked behind us. The atmosphere was stifling. Groups of men and boys were sitting on the stone floor, for _there were no chairs_. They arose when we entered. It was a pitiful sight. Most of them were ragged and filthy and unkept. There was no chance for personal cleanliness, and little for fresh air. No books, papers, or anything to encourage thoughts of a better life, or give comfort. With a hearty “Good-morning, brother,” we shook hands with each. We told them that we were the friends of Jesus, and came in His name to tell them that He loved them, and wanted to be their Friend in this the time of their need. As we talked, many were moved to tears.

We sang “Rock of Ages, cleft for me,” and knelt on the cold, hard, stone floor to pray. Some knelt, others crouched down on the floor, and hid their faces in their ragged sleeves, and sobbed aloud as we told God all about their need of Him as a Friend and Helper.

“What can you sing?” inquired one of the ladies. “Shall we gather at the river?” several responded, and most of them joined in the singing. They had learned it in the Sunday-school. Looking around, we saw curious iron cages across the entire end of the room, and eyes glaring at us like the eyes of animals, and fingers thrust through the iron lattice like claws. Human beings thrust into these dark cells, with stone walls on seven sides of the room, and only the iron grating on one side for light, and heat, and air. And for what crime? Drunkenness. Every man and boy in that jail, and there were about fifteen, was there for drunkenness, but one. He was there for forgery, and he too confessed that he drank freely. Going to one after another of these cages, unfit for animals, and pressing my face against the iron bars, I could see that the rooms were about seven by four or five feet. More than half of the prisoners were under age. Where were the saloon-keepers who sold them liquor in violation of law? Why were they not behind these bars instead of these boys? Perhaps at that hour they were hob-nobbing with some politician as to how they would carry the next election, and break down the Crusade and all law. I could only thrust two of my fingers through the grating in an attempt to shake hands, as I said, “Good-morning, brother.”

Immediately the fingers were clasped by the hand of the inmate, and the sad eyes lighted up with a look of welcome.

“You are very young to be here,” I said to one, _a mere boy_, who held on to my finger tips, while his eyes filled with tears. “Have you a mother?”

“No. She died when I was a baby.”

Oh, what a story of neglect and heart hunger and temptation _that_ little sentence told.

“Have you a father?”

“No. Leastwise I dun no’ if he’s alive. He never paid no attention to me. He never cared for nothing but whiskey.”

“I hope you don’t drink.”

“I take a spree sometimes. I took too much at the fair, that’s the reason I am caged.”

I talked to him kindly and lovingly; the tears ran down my face, till the iron bars were wet, while he sobbed as though his heart would break, and the dear women about me were all in tears, and many of the men were weeping, when we knelt there to pray in his behalf, that the All-pitiful Father would look on this orphan boy with compassion, and pleaded for His mercy upon them all.

When we bade him farewell he sobbed out, “I’ll never drink any more.”

Oh, that God would hasten the time when liquor-dealers will be put behind iron bars for selling intoxicating liquors, instead of boys for drinking them.

URBANA, OHIO.

The facts that make up this report are gleaned mainly from a _Temperance extra_ published daily, furnished me by the Society.

The Crusade wave reached this place March 9th, and found the Christian women ready to obey the Master’s word, “Go ye also into my vineyard and labor.” They too had, with feelings of grief and terror, seen the ominous cloud of intemperance settling down over the fair cities and happy homes of our land, and had called aloud upon the Lord for deliverance, and he had heard them.

In response to notices given in the different churches of the city, a large meeting of the women was held in the Presbyterian Church, at three o’clock P. M., March 9th, 1874. After singing and prayer, they organized with the following officers: President, Mrs. G. W. Hitt; Vice-President, Mrs. M. G. Williams; Secretary, Mrs. T. D. Crow; Treasurer, Mrs. James Anderson. They felt that the time for work had come, and from mansion and cottage alike, they went forth, with faith and courage, strong to accomplish the work assigned them in that part of the Lord’s heritage, and in His name to “rescue the perishing.” Their hearts were aflame with the love of Jesus, and they were yearning for the opportunity to “tell to sinners round, what a dear Saviour they had found.” And for more than three months they labored daily, from _four_ and _five o’clock_ in the morning until nine o’clock at night.

Thursday, March 12th, was the first day that saw the Crusaders upon the streets of Urbana. A day long to be remembered by those who went forth, the willing instruments in the hands of the Lord, for the accomplishment of His work; and there were not wanting those who, in fear and trembling, bid them “God speed.”

The ladies met, that morning, in the First M. E. Church. Mrs. Jennings read the Scriptures; and after singing that grand old hymn, “All hail the power of Jesus’ name,” Mrs. Patrick prayed a short, earnest prayer. After the singing of another hymn, Mrs. Hitt gave the word to go forth. It was a solemn moment; and as they followed Mrs. Kimber and Mrs. Shyrigh, ladies who led them that day, their hearts were lifted up to God for guidance and wisdom.

Out into the bitter blasts of a strong east wind they went, their hearts warm with the love of the sinner’s Friend. Old women, with bent forms and silvery hair, walked with feeble steps. Young women, radiant with beauty, purified by Christian faith and love, moved along with light and eager step.

The first place visited was the Weaver House saloon. The saloon-keeper had been warned of their approach, so the ladies found themselves barred out. But they went on with their singing and prayers; kneeling down upon the cold hard stones of the pavement, determined to do their duty, notwithstanding the winter blasts and hard hearts of the men. As the sweet notes of “I need Thee every hour,” floated out upon the wintry winds, a crowd began to gather to witness this strange sight; men who believed their work was God-given, gathered close around, trying to shield them from the wind.

The next place visited was Henry Fulwiler’s beer saloon, on South Main street. This place was also closed against them. From his warm quarters this man heard all the loving, tender petitions, that went up to God for him, but was unmoved. Miss Saddie Thompson, Miss Belle Stayman, and Miss Emma Long stood in the doorway and sang, “Jesus, Lover of my soul;” after which Mrs. Jennings read the sixth chapter of Ephesians, and Mrs. Hitt prayed. A crowd had followed them, which grew larger every moment, until the streets were filled; and from every window, and from the house-tops, the people gazed upon this earnest band of godly women, praying for the souls of men who had never prayed for themselves. While they were praying, three men, who were in the saloon, raised their glasses of poison and drank confusion to the souls of the ladies. No violence was offered them by the crowd.

From this place the Crusaders proceeded to Samuel Wheritt’s saloon. This place was closed, also. A man named Joe Pence came along, and made a disturbance, and demanded that the pavement be cleared. He was so disrespectful towards the ladies that he was marched off to the calaboose. The ladies, to avoid any more trouble on this account, divided into two lines, one close up to the house, the other on the curbstone, and so continued their meeting. This was the last place visited that day. The ladies returned to the church, where a large company was waiting for them, and received their account of their work with joy.

The ladies concluded to divide up into several small bands, and follow each other. Band No. 1 was led by Mrs. J. M. Boul; No. 2 by Mrs. Dr. Goddard; No. 3 by Mrs. West; No. 4 by Mrs. J. G. Hedges. These bands numbered about thirty each, and were led by elderly ladies, and each numbering among its members some of the younger ladies to lead in the singing. The bands left the church about twenty minutes apart, and followed each other, so that about the time one band was leaving a saloon another would be in sight. And so they kept the enemy within his stronghold, in rather bad humor, it is feared.

A laughable incident occurred one day, at Owen Coughlin’s. This man has a saloon and a bakery adjoining. He did not understand their management of forces, and one day he watched the first and second bands come and depart, and looked upon the arrival of the third band. In the meantime, band number four had come up and joined its head on to the rear of number three. As the third moved off, Coughlin came to his door, and, looking up and down and seeing no more advancing, thought he would now have a respite, and stepped out, with an air of relief, upon the pavement. But when the head of column four reached his door, it halted and began a hymn. A look of mingled astonishment and despair came over his countenance, as he turned and entered his door again. We should think he would conclude that baking was his best chance for a living.

The saloon of Mrs. Breslin was visited, and when the band entered they beheld the whole family standing in the background, dumb with amazement and terror. Mrs. B. informed the ladies that if there was any legitimate business by which she could earn a living for herself and twelve children, she would quit liquor-selling. She stated that she had worked out; but, one day, upon coming home, she found that the children had set fire to the house. So she began business in her own house.

After the work had been in progress some two weeks, Mrs. Hitt called for volunteers to go on picket duty at the doors of the saloons. Women, young and old, willingly offered themselves for this very trying duty. Promptly each day these soldiers of the cross took up their positions, and held them in spite of wind and weather. Groups of citizens would gather round the pickets when they were on duty. Men brought chairs and seated the ladies who were shut out of the saloons. Robes were provided to throw over them while they quietly noted down the names of those who had the hardihood to enter in their presence. One night, when it was extremely disagreeable, and the picket outside of Murphy’s had remained to a late hour, that gallant Irishman could not stand against such devotion any longer, and coming out said: “Now, ladies, if you will go home, I will lock-up, and will not open again to-night.” And so, believing him sincere, the guard departed.