An Interesting Experience
By L. W. Graham
ONE of our sisters, who is a member of the W. C. T. U., was desirous of doing what she could to help give the new book, “The Shadow of the Bottle,” a wide circulation, and so volunteered to bring this book before leading temperance workers for their indorsement. Her experience is an interesting one. She says:— “I know you will be interested to hear of my success in securing testimonials for the new book ‘The Shadow of the Bottle.’ “I received the two copies from Washington the very day that Hon. Richmond P. Hobson was to speak in the Auditorium here at night. Of course we went to hear him, and all the time I was wishing that by some means I might get a chance to show the book to him; but knowing he is such a busy man and that so many would occupy his time, I decided it was useless to try. But that night I dreamed of being kindly received by him and showing him the book. He carefully examined every illustration and the contents, and pronounced it a ‘valuable contribution to the cause of temperance.’ “The next day I called up the hotel where Mr. Hobson was staying, and soon he answered. I told him who I was, a member of the W. C. T. U., and that I had just received a new book, published in the interest of nation-wide prohibition, which I thought would interest him. He said he should be very glad indeed to see it, so I asked when he would have the time to look it over. He said, ‘Any time this forenoon I will be at liberty.’ “Well, my dream came true; he received me very kindly, took the book and carefully examined every page, occasionally commenting on some of the very suggestive cartoons. When he finished, he said, ‘I’d like to have this to take along with me, if you will sell it to me.’ I told him that I should be very glad to say that I sold my first copy to Captain Hobson. So he paid me for it, and was pleased to get it. He sat right down at the writing desk in the parlor and wrote the inclosed indorsement. I heartily thanked him, and left. Then I decided it was just the time to go to the leading ministers and get testimonials from them, which I knew they would not refuse after reading Mr. Hobson’s. I have not received them all yet, as some were to be sent by mail; but I shall have several to send you soon. “Last night I went to Wallingford, where Captain Hobson, and Dr. Bane, treasurer of the Anti-Saloon League, were to speak; and when Dr. Bane finished speaking, I followed him out and showed the book to him, with Mr. Hobson’s testimonial. Of course he had no time to examine it, but he said, ‘I am always willing to indorse anything Mr. Hobson does, so I will sign my name below his if you want me to.’ I thanked him, and said I should be very glad if he would; so he signed his name. I think I shall be able to place a cloth-bound book in the hands of nearly every minister in Meriden, as even the German Lutheran minister, who is opposed to prohibition, agreed to buy a book. I hope to secure three or four agents among our W. C. T. U. women to sell the book, and I expect to organize the work thoroughly, district the city, and have every house canvassed. The testimonial referred to from the Hon. Richmond P. Hobson is as follows:— “‘The Shadow of the Bottle’ is a timely and valuable contribution to the literature of temperance and prohibition. It combines text and illustration in an original and effective way, uniting scientific facts and human interest, tending to impart educational knowledge while gripping the emotions. I can heartily recommend its general use, especially among the young.” This is the time to take advantage of the opportunity for selling this excellent book on temperance.