Chapter IV: Shelbyville, Indiana (1)

I am indebted to Mrs. Prof. Harrison for the following facts:

On the 20th of January, 1874, a number of earnest, devoted women first made their appearance on our public square, to prosecute the glorious work of the Crusade. It is true, faithful men had been engaged in the cause forty or fifty years previous to this; and a noble work they had done, both for temperance and religion. We would honor the names of the workers in such a blessed cause.

During this time various societies had sprung into existence. First, there was the Total Abstinence Society; then the Washingtonians; next the Good Templars, and so on.

But all this time women, for the most part, remained in the background, hoping and praying at home, and in their closets, for the success of the efforts of their faithful husbands and brothers.

But previous to the opening of the Crusade, things grew very dark and discouraging to some of the wives and mothers in Shelbyville; and, hearing of the success of their sisters in Ohio, they resolved to ascertain whether Indiana liquor men had yielding consciences like those of Ohio. So, after careful and prayerful consideration, a mothers’ meeting was called, to determine what had best be done. No one but those who were present at that meeting could conceive how wonderfully they were encouraged to go to work, trusting in the Lord for success. It seemed as if they had an inspiration from Heaven for their great undertaking. At a meeting of the Good Templars, held the next evening, some of the gentlemen present suggested that a committee of ladies be appointed to visit an individual who was talking of opening a new saloon, never dreaming that out of this the Women’s Crusade would commence in Indiana. Volunteers were called for, and ten Christian ladies offered their services. The next morning all met at the house of a devoted sister; and there, in solemn, fervent prayer, invoked Divine aid.

From this fact it will be seen that they did not go out under improper excitement, or without calm and deliberate consideration. The rain was pouring down freely, but this did not deter them: in fact, they thought it was a suitable time for cold water workers. Accordingly, a speaker for the occasion was appointed, and the roll called, and all fell into line to visit the individual referred to. They met with good success. The man’s heart was touched to tenderness. They were then assured that God was in the work; and a proposition was made to visit another place where liquor was sold in great quantities. At once the proposition was acceded to. And, if there be such a place as Pandemonium on earth, that certainly was the place. More than a dozen men were drinking at the bar, as we entered. Two or three were past walking, and they lay on a table, dead-drunk. With those more sober, religious conversation was held, and we trust that the faithful words spoken that morning produced good that eternity alone will reveal.

The ladies now resolved to visit every saloon in the place, which was accordingly done. That night, we believe, but few families offered prayer who did not remember the ladies on their mission of love and mercy. All Christians were in sympathy with this wonderful work of God, and encouraged true Christian women to labor for the suppression of the gigantic evil of intemperance. Soon they had a host of co-workers--about two hundred were added to the number. They were encouraged by numbers of noble Christian men, coming forward with their money and influence to assist in the work of reformation. The ladies continued earnestly laboring in the cause.

The first saloon which surrendered was converted into a union chapel, and about seventy-five ladies marched, in line, from one of the churches to the new place of worship.

Language would fail if I should attempt to describe the scene. Suffice it to say, a low, wretched, sin-cursed saloon was turned into a temple of prayer and praise; and a sweet little girl living there wished those ladies would sing and pray all the time--it was so much pleasanter than cursing and quarrelling.

But I must refer to one earnest minister who spoke on that occasion: I mean a lady minister. Crowds of hard-drinking men were her audience in the room, and on the sidewalk were other crowds witnessing the scene, all listening to her eloquent appeals. This sister said she had a talented brother, whom to know was but to love, and yet, notwithstanding his noble and generous nature, he fell a victim to the vice of intemperance; and she was certain, if he could only come out of his grave, he would most faithfully warn every one, of the terrible evil, and most earnestly beseech all to sign the pledge, never, never to touch intoxicating drink. But this could not be permitted; and she felt it her imperative duty to do all in her power to promote the blessed work of temperance amongst those around her as neighbors and friends. She then poured forth a stream of eloquent Christian words, such as few had ever heard before. Surely the Spirit of God was in that wonderfully changed place at that solemn hour. The work went on with varied success for several months, and a number of inebriates were reformed, who have stood firm to this day, and the friends of the cause were strengthened in the faith.

We ought to add that the saloon which was closed was used for prayer-meetings and a reading-room, until it passed into other hands, when the temperance society moved to one of the churches, where the meetings have been held ever since. Several meetings have been held in different parts of the county, at which excellent addresses have been delivered and powerful appeals made, and an amount of good done which we have not space to relate. A great many meetings have also been held in our city, which have been addressed by Governor Cumback, Mr. Baxter, and other distinguished speakers from abroad, as well as several at home. Among the home speakers we would refer to the late Judge Wright, a man who was well skilled in argument, had a fluent speech, and, moreover, was never ashamed to avow his sentiments. If all lawyers and men of talent had the independence and moral heroism that he had, in a very short time the death-blow would be given to intemperance, and our glorious country, nay, the whole world, would be forever free from its terrible and demoralizing influence.

The society is now working under the Womens’ Christian Temperance Union, of Indiana, praying for the suppression of intemperance, visiting drunkards’ families, circulating pledges, and canvassing for signatures to petitions to send to legislative bodies. Over one thousand names have been sent last winter and this, praying that something may be done effectually for the destruction of this great national evil. Many persons that frowned and spoke unpleasantly a year or two ago, when asked this year, would sign gladly, and express the wish that the dreadful business was stopped at once and forever. And now we hail with joy the district convention in our midst, attended by such talented Christian women to assist us. And we fervently hope during the coming year that many more Christian ladies will join our society, and unite their influence with ours for the entire removal of the greatest evil that now curses our land. We are aware that there are some persons who are opposed to this work, especially as carried on by the women; but if the Saviour, our great Exemplar, could approve of women working, and even commend them for their efforts to do good, we feel perfectly safe in going forward in His name. He that is for us is more than all that can be against us. To Him be all the glory.

I gather from newspapers published at the time, the following additional facts:

Shelbyville contained one large distillery of “Corn Whiskey,” a brewery of poor ale, five doggeries, licensed under the Baxter law, five drug stores, three unlicensed liquor shops, and three or four houses of ill-fame, a total of public places of drunkenness of nineteen or twenty. The principal liquor family in town bears the name of Deprez. They came from Cincinnati about twenty years ago, and have grown rich selling liquor. Three of the principal licensed doggeries are run by two brothers and a sister of this family. The old stock were German Presbyterians in faith. “Gus” (as he is familiarly called) keeps the original establishment opposite the I. C. & L. Railroad depot. George had a substantial brick concern on the public square, and their sister, and her husband, Silas Metzer, are located on a principal street, adjoining the Baptist Church.

Robertson & Nickum had a wholesale liquor house and dram shop beside. Robertson was the county treasurer lately, and belongs to a reputable family. Gid. Keck is the remaining licensed keeper. Captain Maze and O’Conner had the principal unlicensed rum depots.

The ladies made daily visits to these places. The first of these visits was made by about a dozen elderly and middle-aged ladies.

At Metzer’s they were met with insulting language and impertinence. George Deprez denied them admittance. Robertson, of the firm of Robertson & Nickum, treated them very rudely and contemptuously.

No more visits were made for four days. During that time, however, the ladies were getting organized, and when they again went out they were led by Mrs. Elliott, and were about fifty strong. They again visited George Deprez; this time they were very kindly received and were invited in, and held a prayer-meeting, but could get no one to sign the pledge.

The saloon of Maze was visited. They were admitted and found about a dozen men in the saloon. They were a motley crew. One or two bore lingering traces of former intelligent manhood. Others were the sad pitiable wrecks of alcoholic poison. Not one had reached middle life. They held their prayer-meeting, and before they left every man was in tears, and the proprietor gave a conditional promise to surrender. The second visit to this place Captain Maze signed the pledge and gave up the business. He went into another business, and his place became the head-quarters for the Crusaders.

They organized under the following pledge:

“We, the undersigned ladies of Shelbyville and vicinity, do hereby organize ourselves into a league, to be called the Women’s Temperance Union, for the purpose of suppressing the liquor traffic, and we solemnly pledge ourselves to use all just and honorable means in our power to accomplish this object.”

Among the hundred names signed to this paper are those of Mrs. Elliott, wife of the President of the First National Bank, Mrs. Judge Wright, Mrs. Rev. G. P. Jenkins, Mrs. Dr. Green, Mrs. Professor Harrison, Mrs. Dr. Robins, Mrs. Dr. Parrish, Mrs. Dr. Clayton, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Hattie Robbins, Mrs. Sprague, Mrs. Lide Shaw, Mrs. Cumback, Mrs. Geo. H. Dunn, Mrs. Jeffras, and others.

JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA.

Mrs. Dr. Seymour furnishes the following interesting facts of the work in Jeffersonville:

At ten o’clock A. M., February 12th, 1874, about one hundred of the ladies of Jeffersonville met in Wall Street Sunday-school room, for the purpose of organizing a Women’s Temperance Union. After a statement of the object of the meeting, and a free discussion, an organization was effected. The following pledge was signed by a large number of the ladies present:

“We pledge ourselves to be at every meeting, if possible, and assist in this work of mercy. We also pledge ourselves to pray three times, _daily_, for this special work.”

At the afternoon session of the same day the following resolutions were presented and adopted:

“_Whereas_, We believe that a crisis has been reached, in which true popular sentiment demands the cessation of the liquor traffic; _and, whereas_, We have at heart the real interest of the seller, as well as the buyer of alcohol, therefore

“_Resolved_, 1. That we, the women of Jeffersonville, organize ourselves into a Women’s Temperance Union.

“2. That our object shall be, by moral suasion, to induce liquor-dealers to abandon their business, for their own welfare, and that of humanity; that, in our efforts, we will maintain an humble dependence upon Divine influence, knowing that without that we can do nothing.

“3. That, uniting our prayers, we will never cease pleading until our object is attained.

“4. That we invite the active co-operation of every true woman in the city, whether a Christian or not; and that we ask the prayers and moral support of all good men.”

It was resolved that the officers of this Women’s Temperance Union be constituted an Executive Committee, who shall have the direction of the movements in which we are engaged, seven of whom shall constitute a quorum.

Notwithstanding a blinding storm of rain, which continued all the afternoon, a large number of ladies assembled in Johnson’s Hall the next day, February 13th, to perfect further the work of the organization. A greater part of the time was spent in fervent prayer, for the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the difficult work we had undertaken, and the comforting assurance was given to many hearts that the Lord of Hosts was with us.

It was resolved to hold a secret session on the following day at Wall Street Church, to which none but members of the Union should be admitted. By this time, one hundred and fourteen ladies had signified their intention to engage in the active work of the Union, by signing the pledge before referred to.

As agreed, the Union met on the afternoon of February 14th. After a short season of solemn prayer, in which every soul was stilled, as in the visible presence of God, the officer presiding said: “During the silent watches of the night, while engaged in prayer, the conviction had come to her, that we ought to begin active work at once.” Several others said they had been similarly impressed. The president then read Matt. x. 32, 33--“Whosoever, therefore, shall confess me before men, him will I confess, also, before my Father which is in heaven; but whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven”--immediately following it with the request that every lady who was willing to go to the saloons to hold meetings, and go at once, would rise to their feet. Over sixty responded. We were soon formed in line, and silently and solemnly we went forth, with trembling but trustful hearts.

By the time we reached our first point of attack, Stauss’ saloon, the alarm had spread, every door and window was bolted and barred, and a rabble waiting in front to receive us. In response to our knock, the barkeeper appeared, trembling and as white as a ghost, and said Mr. Stauss had gone over the Falls, and he could admit no one in his absence. Here we held our first street prayer-meeting, amid the angry taunts of the crowd assembled to intimidate us.

From here we passed on to Font’s, one of the largest saloons, and the _only_ one in the city kept by a native American. Here we were received with a show of politeness, and invited in; but, as the event proved, only with the purpose of heaping upon us every indignity they dared offer. The sale of liquors never ceased for a moment; rude, half-drunken men crowded about us, with oaths and songs, attempting to drown the voice of prayer and praise.

By the time we reached Klispie’s, the fashionable drinking-place of the town, we were surrounded by an angry mob. Here we were invited to enter, which we did, and began our prayer-meeting. We could not kneel, for the crowd pressed so closely upon us; our voices were drowned in the terrible din; barrels of beer were broken open, and their contents distributed; glasses, when emptied, were thrown up in the air, and came down upon the counter or floor with a deafening crash; the barkeeper sprang upon the counter, and led in a ribald song, in which his companions joined him; men beat upon the doors and empty beer barrels, and yelled with rage; they glared upon us with eyes full of deadly hate, but they dared not touch a hair of our heads, or a thread of our garments, for God was around and about us as a wall of fire: we felt as safe and secure as we ever did sitting about our own quiet firesides--a new and wonderful sense of our Father’s protecting care over us, came to us as we worshipped amid that pandemonium; and as we passed out, unharmed, feelings akin to those experienced by the Hebrew children, as they emerged from the fiery furnace, stirred our breasts.

We returned to the church, to bow in humble gratitude before Him who had been our Guide.

Such was the history of the first day’s work among the saloons. Days, and weeks, and even months passed, in which these scenes were repeated, though rarely were the powers of darkness so rampant as on this first day.

On Monday morning, February 16th, we visited a number of the saloons again. We were not expected, and held our meetings without any disturbance. In the afternoon we held a praise and prayer-meeting, while a mob of five thousand people, who had gathered from our neighboring city, Louisville, raged with disappointment without. The street about the church was so crowded that our policemen were obliged to clear a way for those who wished to enter or leave the meeting. Hour after hour they waited for the Crusaders to appear, until the darkness of coming night drove them home.

The heart experiences of those days can never be told. _We walked with God._ His presence made it light all about us; we _knew_ the _blessedness_ of being reviled and persecuted for Christ’s sake; the most timid among us grew strong and brave enough to bear any cross, and we all felt it was sweet not only to work, but to suffer for His sake.

As the result of the first month’s work, all the druggists of the city signed the druggists’ pledge; all the physicians but _two_ signed pledges to use liquor in their practice in cases of emergency only.

Total abstinence pledges had been generally signed. There was such an awakening upon the subject of temperance as was never known before. The liquor traffic was reduced at least sixty per cent. Ninety-one street and saloon meetings had been held. Though no saloon had been closed, most cheering moral results had been attained, and the workers felt that their labor had not been in vain.

Efforts were made by the saloon-keepers to bring the law to bear upon us, to prevent our holding street meetings. With this in view, Judge Bicknell, of the Circuit Court, published a card, stating, among other things, that “Mob law enforced by women is no better than mob law enforced by men. Also, no crowd has a right to assemble in a man’s place of lawful business to interrupt that business by praying, or anything else. Further, that violation of natural or social rights, if encouraged, generally end in riot and bloodshed.”

On Saturday, March 28th, the only American saloon-keeper in the town signed the pledge and closed his saloon.

In September, we held a Martha Washington tea party, which brought $325 into our treasury. A large part of this was expended in securing temperance speakers from abroad to assist us at our mass-meetings, which were inaugurated at the beginning of our work, and held semi-weekly for a year and a half.

On June 9th, the Secretary of the Union made the following record:

Since February 12th, the Ladies’ Temperance Union of Jeffersonville has held 152 street prayer-meetings, beside a large amount of committee work done, visiting saloons, offering pledges, conversing with saloon-keepers, trying to persuade them to give up their unholy business, and in many instances praying with and for them.

When the Union commenced its work, there were forty-two places in the city where liquor was sold. One saloon has closed, and several others been compelled to cease selling. We have circulated pledges in every ward in the city, and in most of the wards have secured the names of a majority of the voters against signing permits for license. We feel that for three months, at least, we have tried earnestly to work for the advancement of the cause of Christ, and to hasten the coming of His kingdom. We feel that we have received rich supplies of grace day by day, as we have gone forth to work in this vineyard, and humbly trust our works may prove a blessing to our city, and to the cause for which we are laboring.

A week or two later, one of the leading lawyers of the city stated publicly that there were eight times as many cases in the city court in the same length of time in 1873 as in 1874. He attributed this fact to the womans’ movement; it spoke for itself; he had had but two fees in a month.

We continued our saloon work at intervals during the winter, generally visiting them in committees of three or more.

Temperance literature was secured and distributed broadcast. Much was accomplished by individual effort. Our last visit to the saloons was made March 5th, 1875, after which date our Union ceased to exist as an active organization. A large part of our members have since identified themselves with the Ribbon Club, or other similar organizations, and are engaged in temperance work in some way.

Last Saturday there was a meeting called for the purpose of reorganizing our Union.

A VOICE FROM THE PRISON HOUSE.

JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA.

MRS. WITTENMEYER:--Your astonishment will doubtless be great at receiving this letter, when I tell you it is from a convict. Your excellent paper (_The Christian Woman_) has reached me by the hands of Mrs. B. F. Osborn, who sometimes visits this prison as a missionary. Your paper has been a bright light in a dark cell, by pointing me to the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world. I have nothing stirring to communicate--stern realities pertaining to the welfare of the soul demand my utmost attention. To take one glance at the 537 uniformed convicts, filing into the dining-room in long, sad lines, and to know that this mass of thieves, murderers, and adepts in all kinds of villany, owe their condition remotely or immediately to the thousand-toothed demon called the worm of the still, is a temperance lecture more eloquent than ever thrilled an audience of Gough, Malloy, or Benson. _And I am one of them._ Oh, how it makes my heart ache to realize this awful fact. Never can I wrap myself in the shroud of oblivion. As I look back upon my past life, it seems to be a cesspool of iniquity; a trackless desert, inhabited only by the spirits of past opportunities; an ocean of the soul, wrapt in all the horrors of Stygian darkness; and swept incessantly with the dread simooms of remorse.

I am but a youth, comparatively speaking; but my life has been a life of dissipation. I have seen and felt enough of intemperance to make me regard it with detestation.

This confinement has been a God’s blessing to me. Liberty is sweet, friends are dear, but if I knew that I had to live my past life over, I would rather remain here the remainder of my days. Please remember me kindly in your prayers. Now, may God bless you, and your labor, above all I can ask or think, is the humble and sincere prayer of

A. S. J.

CHESTERTOWN, INDIANA.

I am indebted to Mrs. C. S. Jones for the following facts:

About the first week in March, 1874, we organized our first Crusade band. We met at the M. E. Church several days, before we ventured out on the street. We were few in number; only twenty-two at first, but our number increased. There was a mighty work before us, for our town was of whiskey-birth; as the first erection was a whiskey-barrel, then a house, then a saloon.

When we organized, there were five places where intoxicating drinks could be had in our little village, and three up the railroad at the next station. Some said, “You will never see the day when there will not be a saloon in Chestertown,” but we all did. In connection with the band, we held two meetings a week, in which we obtained signers to the pledge.

We conducted our meetings in the way that the M. E. Church does its love-feasts. We did not send off for help, but went at it ourselves, and by the aid of the great Helper we succeeded in closing six saloons, two drug stores, and one place where they sold in connection with their groceries. This was completed in six weeks. So Chestertown led the van in Porter county.

There were some amusing circumstances connected with our work, which, perhaps, will be interesting to some of our readers. When we first met, some said, we had better wait until they get through at Valparaiso, and get them to come and help us; but the Spirit said work, and we could not wait, not knowing how long we should have to wait. And as they appointed me as their leader, I thought, perhaps, it would be best to visit Valparaiso, and learn their method of work. So I started, and leaving the depot, walked up-town, and there were the faithful Christian temperance women at the door of a saloon, praying and singing, with hearts full of love for their fellow-creatures. A hearty welcome was given, and for two days we worked together.

Returning home with still stronger convictions, we went to work in earnest, but some said, “Remember, I have no faith,” and others, “I will join if you will not go out on the street;” consequently, we had to move slowly at first, until their courage arose. As I told them we were not going in the street until we got ready, we did not, but after meeting a few times, they were all ready, and we started, and, as in other cases, the very dogs were ready to help, for as one of the number owned a nice, white dog, it took the lead, and as we walked the street, it advanced of its own accord, and cleared the way. It was amusing to see it, and as we desired solemnity, it required no little effort to suppress laughter. Thus we passed down Main street, and back to the church, everybody running to see us.

Each day we met, we tried to take the saloonists by surprise, and often did. We had articles of agreement drawn for the different dealers in the traffic, and finally presented them, and they were duly signed, although it took much persuading to get it done. In one instance, the owner of the property that was rented for a saloon, threatened to take hold of the keeper for the rent, but the Lord softened his heart, and he relented; he said he would put his beer in the cellar, and drink it himself, and when that was gone he would get more; if he could not get it in America, he would send across the ocean.

But this man’s family were all, except one, stricken down by disease, and lay near death, himself dying, so he did not live to drink the beer. I hope the Lord had mercy on his soul, for his wife told me (as I visited her in their affliction), that he thought he should not live, and that he read his Bible constantly, as long as he could, and he requested Mr. Jones to visit him, which he did, reading the consoling promises to him, and conversing with him; he stated that his trust was in Jesus.

After we had closed all the saloons, some proposed to have this poison delivered at their cellars by means of a beer-wagon driven by one of the distillers of Valparaiso. This way of evading the law they thought would match us. Luckily, we espied the first arrival. We were at the church. Those who had made their previous purchase were not at home, and as their wives belonged to the temperance band, they were forbidden to leave it, and they were defeated. At other places they left the beer if they were enough in advance of the band.

However, we did not get discouraged. We resolved that the first one that saw the beer-wagon was to ring the church-bell, and no matter what we were doing, or at what hour, we were to run to the rescue. One morning ring, ring, ring; louder and louder pealed forth the call from the old bell. True to our resolution, we all ran. The old, gray-haired grandmother, the maid, and the children (for we were drilling our daughters). We met and followed the beer-wagon, now up one street, then down an alley; lifting up our banner in the name of the Lord, and He helped us to triumph.

The driver had started very early, even before breakfast, and we gave him no peace; he had to retreat, and go back to Valparaiso. A gentleman coming from Valparaiso said that he saw him, and tried to get him to come back, and take a load of carpenters with him: his reply was, “I would not go back to Chestertown for a thousand dollars.”

This is what became of the travelling saloon, but the driver fell into the hands of the Lord; for death followed close at his heels.

A German kept liquor in the house where he kept the post-office, and he said that he never would give up to these “vimmens.” But we found the quickest way to get a German to yield was to get at his money. He had violated the law, the officials arrested him, and they told him if he would sign the women’s paper, and not sell any more, and give them his license, they would pardon him; so rather than lose his money, he said: “Send dem vimmens, and I will sign der bapers.” They brought him to my house, and he was glad to sign our papers, and give us his liquor license, which we keep as a proof of the work we had done.

It was common for saloon-keepers to make threats, but we often found that they were the greatest cowards, and they were the most easily overcome when approached in the right way. One at Porter said that he would shoot us, and his wife said she would scald us, but two of us went to the saloon, and he gave us his license and signed our papers without any trouble. Thus we closed our work at home and vicinity. Then the Macedonian cry came from Lake, Miller, Hobert, and other stations, “Come over and help us.” As we felt it to be our duty, we said we would come. As Lake was first in order, we sent them an appointment, a band-meeting in the day, and mass-meeting at night. The day arrived; four of us went up in the morning, organized the band the best we could. In the evening there were about twenty members of our society left the train, and were met by the best of the citizens, and escorted to tea, after which we repaired to the school-house for mass-meeting. We opened our meeting, as usual, with reading of the Scripture and devotions, and singing by our temperance glee club. During the speaking the opposite party made quite a noise, and finally it was almost a mob. Some became frightened, but we kept them quiet as possible. We offered them a chance to defend their cause, but they did not seem to be disposed to do so.

When they found that they could not break up our meeting, some left the house and joined the rabble out-doors, firing guns, and groaning to make us think some one was hurt, and thus cause us to leave. But we had met to hold a temperance meeting, and we did. When we were ready we circulated the pledge, and obtained about thirty names, several of whom were drunkards. Several signed because they saw the effects of liquor, and were ashamed of their party, and I am happy to say, that in returning to the cars none were hurt, although the roughs escorted them to the train with tin cans,--anything that would make a noise. But one of their own company met them at the depot, drew his coat, and ordered them to let the temperance folks alone, throw down their clubs, and behave themselves as they ought to. This ended our first day and night’s work at Lake Station. However, our Crusade band did not all go; several stayed until the next day, to assist in getting into working order the newly organized band.

According to appointment we met, and started out to visit the drinking-saloons. First, we obtained the signature of the keeper of the hotel. While our committee were in, the rest stood on the sidewalk singing; a train arrived, and the train hands seeing them there, left the train, secured clubs, and marched toward the band, swinging and flourishing them, but, as the women sang on and stood firm, they slackened their pace, dropped their clubs, and returned to the railroad again. One more victory achieved, with renewed strength we proceeded to the next place, it being a saloon. The wife met us at the door. We told her we wished to see her husband. She said he was sick. We mistrusted what ailed him, and said we would come in. She opened the door, and we went in. He seemed frightened; he finally said he would re-ship his liquor and quit.

He always got sick when the Crusade came around. As this station had so hard a name, the temperance people had sent for an officer from Crown Point to guard us; and he, having arrived, went with us to the next saloon. It being the hardest place in town, some advised us not to go, as they considered it not safe, but we went, our guard at our side. The saloon-keeper was not at home; his wife was up-stairs, and talked to us out of the window. In the adjoining lot there was an old house filled with men, but no harm was done us. We did not succeed at this place in closing all the saloons, as we could not stay, and the band at this town met with things that they thought they could not overcome; yet there was a good work done, and many saved. We held other mass-meetings at this place, but were not disturbed.

Our next point was Hobart. We organized a band in the Methodist Episcopal Church, held a mass-meeting at night, had an interesting meeting, and obtained about thirty more names to the pledge, and left the work to them. There is one thing that should not be overlooked, and that is: the first year not one of our company died, but five of our opposers were suddenly stricken down. Different ones sent me word, on their dying beds, that they were wrong, and the temperance folks were right. I felt to say, “The Lord called, but ye would not hearken.” There were about five hundred signed our temperance pledge.

THORNTOWN, INDIANA.

Caroline E. Haworth furnishes the following facts:

The tidal wave which struck Thorntown, the 16th of March, 1874, was preceded by the Holy Spirit, or perhaps the Awakening Angel, who visited some three or four of our number.

Never shall I forget one night about midnight, when I was aroused from my slumber, as if some one was shaking my pillow, and I heard a voice, an audible voice, saying: “What hast thou done for me? I have died for thee,” and a mighty trembling seized my whole being, for I knew it was the voice of the Lord. The words were repeated; I became alarmed; upon being asked what was the matter, I repeated what I had heard, and said I did not know but the Lord was going to send me away as a missionary or something, I did not know what; I could not sleep, I was in such terrible agony: I tried to say, “Lord, Thy will be done, not mine,” but my rebellious heart would not surrender. The next night the whole scene was re-enacted, then I partially surrendered, telling the Lord, I would do what I could, for I felt I could endure it no longer, and he knew me altogether, and would not require more of me than I was able to perform.

The next night Mrs. Henderson, in a meeting, related a similar experience, and said she had promised the Lord she would go to a drug store, which was selling intoxicating liquors, and offer up prayer, and if there was a sister in the house who would go with her, she would please rise: four arose to their feet. Night came and six Christian mothers might have been seen wending their way down the street to the drug store. A hymn was first sung, then all knelt down by the door. Mrs. Henderson led in prayer, then Mrs. Hines. After singing another appropriate verse, Mrs. Milhouse, of precious memory, with pale, earnest, upturned face, in a solemn, truthful manner, pleaded that God would hear and answer His children.

On leaving the place the proprietor said he wished it distinctly understood, that we were “not to come again on these steps; you profess to be sent here by the Spirit of God, but I think your God is in h--l.” At that the hissing crowd rushed around him, while these timid women walked quietly away, nothing daunted, believing it was better to obey God rather than man. The next night the little band numbered twenty, and repaired to the place and knelt just off of the pavement down in the snow, and there supplicated a throne of grace. The third night the praying band had increased to about fifty, the crowd still increasing in proportion.

Not only the town people, but for miles around in the country, the people came to see and hear.

A daily prayer-meeting was held in one of the churches, for over one year; then a prayer-meeting was held every Thursday afternoon. Mass-meetings were held, public speakers engaged, remonstrances and pledges circulated, and the work kept on increasing and steadily advancing.

A Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized, with Mrs. Milhouse as President.

One of the leading spirits in this Crusade, a great sufferer from intemperance, one on whom the Spirit of God rested, was “Grandma Boyd.” She was instant in season and out of season, and being a natural orator, could fight the enemy hand-to-hand, and face to face; then, as she often expressed herself, mounting her light horse (which was her prayer charger), she would go direct to the great white Throne, and there with strong faith, take hold of the horns of the altar. At such times she seemed almost to bring heaven and earth together.

CRAWFORDSVILLE, INDIANA.

Miss Mary D. Naylor furnishes the following brief sketch of the temperance work done in Crawfordsville:

In the winter of 1874, when the ‘Woman’s Crusade’ began in Ohio, and spread over the State like a wave of the sea, the women of Indiana watched and waited for the results with intense interest. And, with ‘bated breath,’ said one to another, “What if this ‘tidal wave’ rolls over into Indiana! Are we ready for it? And have _we_ not as much reason for this work as our sisters of Ohio? Have we not saloons in our midst, and is not the liquor traffic bringing ruin and desolation to many homes? And is not this the ‘call of God’ to the women of our land to put away this evil from us?”

A mass-meeting of the temperance people of the city of Crawfordsville was called to meet in Centre Presbyterian Church, at three o’clock P. M., March 11th, 1874. This “call” was largely responded to, by the ministers of the various churches, and the leading men and women of the city.

The meeting was called to order, and opened by singing the hymn, “All hail the power of Jesus’ name,” followed by a fervent prayer for God’s blessing upon the work, by Rev. R. F. Caldwell--and then the beautiful song, “Shining Shore,” was sung. Rev. John Safford, pastor of the church, assured us of his hearty co-operation in the work; and gave as a motto, “Push things,” as one worthy to be accepted as our battle-cry in this great and glorious work of exterminating the liquor traffic, never forgetting that in God is our strength and help.

A Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized that day, with the following officers elect:

Mrs. Joseph Milligan, President; Mrs. Maria L. Naylor, Vice-President, 1st Ward; Mrs. Wm. Enoch, Vice-President, 2d Ward; Mrs. Dr. Purviance, Vice-President, 3d Ward; Mrs. J. P. Campbell, Treasurer; Miss Mary D. Naylor, Secretary.

This official force, with the many earnest Christian men and women ready for work, met often in the various churches (which were _freely_ opened to them), for prayer and counsel, as to the best methods for furthering our cause. It was not deemed best to “Crusade” on the streets; but to avail ourselves of the Baxter law, (local option,) and prosecute the cases in our courts. Whenever petitions were presented for license, to file a remonstrance, and with proper witnesses to testify as to the “moral character,” etc., of the applicant; with our temperance men and women present in the court-room, an unprecedented influence was thus brought to bear, and one case after another defeated. In fact not one of the many applicants received license.

Much good was done in this way--not only by shutting up the saloons, and preventing the opening of new ones, but also by the building up of a public sentiment on the subject of temperance, and a stirring up of the temperance element, and bringing to a _decided opinion many_ who heretofore were _conservative_, and had felt no _individual responsibility_ in the matter.

Good Templar Lodges have been revived and increased by the labors of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, both in our city and throughout the county. Some saloon visiting was done; but not to any great extent. We worked in any and _all_ ways, to overcome the enemy. We have been permitted to see men taken from the gutter, become sober, Christian men, “clothed and in their right mind,” who attribute their conversion to the efforts of the Christian temperance workers.

Eternity alone can reveal _all_ the results. The “Crusade” is not dead, the work still goes on. That the “little leaven” will finally “leaven the whole lump,” is my unwavering faith.

Truly, “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.”

EVANSVILLE, INDIANA.

The officers of the Union furnish the following facts: We have been called the Sevastopol of intemperance in comparison with other places in the State. Whether we deserved this name or not, it is a fact that intemperance prevailed to an alarming extent; and while its ravages were all around us, few seemed to realize the danger.

Some of our ladies had been reading of the Crusade work in other places, and were awakened to the subject, but were hesitating as to the expediency of inaugurating the work here, where we had such a mixed population, when the ministers, at their monthly meeting, drew up resolutions, calling upon the Christian women to take active steps in the matter. This decided them, even the doubting ones feeling they could not hold back, without being allied to the enemy.

Our first meeting was held March 14th, 1874, twelve churches being represented. After organizing, and electing officers, our first aggressive work was to enlist the various county officials, members of the bar, etc., by presenting a petition for their signatures, asking their sympathy and indorsement of the movement, and their co-operation in the enforcement of the existing temperance laws.

This petition was largely signed by the members of the bar, and it may also be a matter of surprise to know that our county commissioners were the first to put their names to the paper. But it is a fact, and stands out in strange contrast to the course they afterwards pursued. It clearly shows the wonderfully potent effect that mere personal interest, and political pressure, has upon our officials, to warp their better judgment, and turn them from their honest convictions.

As our work progressed, it seemed to shape itself more into a determination for the enforcement of the liquor law, and the toning up and educating of public sentiment, rather than saloon visitation and street-praying, as in many other places.

In accord with this fact, morning prayer-meetings were established, public mass-meetings were held, and a total abstinence and a voters’ pledge were circulated for signatures. In canvassing, our ladies had some racy as well as trying experiences. Some of our German women seemed to understand just enough of English to say, “No temperance! no temperance!” and I am sorry to say they were not the only ones, for some of our own people, yea, some of our church members, said the same thing, “No temperance!”

In the lower part of the city, as two of our ladies were out with pledges, they came near being mobbed. At first they were followed by one saloon-keeper only, who insisted on their buying him out. Soon he was joined by one and another of his companions, hooting and yelling as they went along. The ladies, becoming alarmed for their safety, rushed to the nearest friendly house for shelter, and there remained until the crowd dispersed.

In many places in the State, temperance workers found a vast amount of fraud practised, in the way the liquor petitions were gotten up. Names of persons long since dead, and of others living out of the ward, as well as of those who had never authorized such use of their signatures, were all found attached to these petitions. Thinking these irregularities might also exist here, our Union employed counsel to investigate the matter. On the assembling of the county commissioners on the first of June, a large number of ladies, attended by their legal advisers, appeared before them. One of our number offered a fervent prayer. Our President, Mrs. A. L. Crosby, addressed them, setting forth these irregularities, and asked that a thorough investigation might be made before granting any permits.

The following Friday was set for the hearing of the case, and in the meantime quite an excitement was stirred up. On Friday the commissioners found their own room too small, and adjourned to the one usually occupied by the Circuit Court, which was soon filled to overflowing.

After the morning session, as the ladies were leaving, they were met by an excited mob; and here I quote, as authority, from the _Evening Herald_ of that date, as perhaps the description is more graphic than I can give:

“After rendering this decision, the commissioners adjourned till the afternoon. At half-past one, the audience, which had by this time increased to a great number, then left the court-room, and a great portion of them, mostly saloon-keepers and their patrons, stationed themselves along the aisles from the court-house to the sidewalk, through which it was supposed the ladies would have to pass.

“Judge Robinson was the first one to run the gauntlet, and his appearance was greeted with hisses and scoffs, some of the participants going so far as to push him rudely from one side to the other. Then the ladies prepared to make their exit; the buzz and clamor of the mob in the yard could be plainly heard. As they descended the stairs led by Rev. Mr. Webb, of Ingle Street Church, they saw the men, and desiring to escape them, they turned to make their exit through the side door opening to Main street.

“It was here that August Brauns, a man who, by some peculiar and unaccountable line of circumstances, has been awarded the responsible position of Deputy County Auditor, showed himself. He saw the movement the ladies were about to make, and hurriedly running to the door, cried out: ‘Here they go around this way.’ With a yell the mob started around in front.

“The ladies faltered, and dared not venture out into that yelling, hissing, scoffing mob, when suddenly our gallant sheriff, Add. Plafflin, sprang to the front, and cried out that he would see that those ladies were not hurt. Drawing his billy, he rushed into the street, and cried out, ‘Stand back or somebody will get hurt.’ The mob stopped, not a man moved. Held by the power of one man’s bravery this select assembly of transplanted American citizens, who a few moments ago had, with unparalleled bravery, bristled about a feeble gray-haired old man, and who an instant before were prepared to assault the ladies, stood speechless.

“In an instant the deputies had rallied to their chief; and under the protection of the corps, the ladies walked down Main street and dispersed to their homes.”

In the afternoon most of the ladies returned, and during the rest of the trial, which lasted several days, the number increased. At first we imagined we should have a fair and impartial hearing; everything was evidently in our favor. In one petition we found names omitted, but still numbered; names repeated several times. Thirteen swore positively, that they never authorized such use of their signatures, and when asked to do so had refused. Still, in the face of all this, these very petitions were granted. In fact it was a kind of a wholesale business, for as many as seventy permits were granted in one day.

It was remarked to the president of the board of commissioners, that he would be met on this question at the polls, and it is pleasant to know that he was met there at the late fall elections and _defeated_.

One of the inspired said, “When the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” We find this as true to-day as it has been in all ages past.

Through the summer our weekly prayer-meetings were kept up. The subject of youth’s temperance societies was often under discussion, but deferred from time to time. In December, 1874, we circulated two petitions, one issued by the State Temperance Alliance; the other by the Ladies’ Temperance Union, of Indiana. Both of these petitions received a good number of signatures, and were presented to our Legislature, by Mrs. ex-Governor Wallace, of Indianapolis. We also circulated a memorial to Congress, asking for restrictive legislation in the District of Columbia, and the Territories.

This in brief is a summary of our first year’s work. The question has often been asked, What does all this effort and self-sacrifice amount to? That more prayer, more faith, and more zeal could have produced greater results, cannot be denied; still our efforts have not been in vain. Of this we are certain, though we may be unable to measure ultimate consequences. Some tempted souls have been led to form better resolutions, and our own children even, may have had their feet turned unto the right path by our efforts and examples.

The agitation and consequent discussion of this subject has awakened the public mind to the enormity of this evil, and many who were indifferent before, are earnest workers now. I am told that on last New Year’s day, most of our ladies, who were accustomed previously to entertain with wines, banished it entirely from their boards.

After our defeat before the county commissioners, as heretofore described, and the repeal of the Baxter law by the Legislature the following winter, the enemy felt that the temperance cause was entirely vanquished, and that they had the field. Many of our own number left us, and those who had never joined us seemed to feel a pleasure that they had never been mixed up with anything so unpopular. We saw there was no redress in human laws, and so appealed our case directly to the high court above, feeling assured the great Judge would not turn a deaf ear to our pleadings, but that in His own time, and His own way, would surely grant our petition. And so a temperance prayer-meeting was established, or rather continued; and for over two years this little band of sisters, often not more than enough to claim the promise, have met together and pleaded their cause.

In the meantime, several petitions and memorials were circulated and sent to the Central Society, at Indianapolis, to be presented to the Legislature, or to be forwarded on to Washington. It is an old saying that “the darkest hour is just before day,” and so it proved with us, for scarcely a glimmer of light shed its ray out over the midnight darkness.