WISCONSIN TEMPERANCE MEETING.
By G. O. Tenney
This meeting, held at Madison, June 16, 1879, was called for the purpose of organizing a State temperance society. The meeting opened with singing, and prayer by Eld. H. W. Decker. On motion, H. W. Decker was elected chairman, and S. S. Smith secretary pro tem. After the reading of the constitution recommended by the National Health and Temperance Association, in the organization of State societies, remarks were made by Elder Jas. White and W. C. White, explaining the object and privileges of such society. On motion, the Chair appointed the following nominating committee: M. E. Crandall, T. B. Snow, C. K. Ackley. Seven persons were appointed as solicitors to canvass for pledges. While the solicitations were being made, Elder White gave the origin of the teetotal pledge as sustained by the National Health and Temperance Association. On motion, the constitution was adopted. The society was permanently organized by the election of the following officers: President, Eld. G. C. Tenney; vice-president, O. A. Olsen; secretary, Mrs. M. A. Kerr; assistant secretary, O. A. Johnson. The solicitors reported as follows:—
No. pledged, 138; No. paid, 95; money received, $23.85. Though but few of our people were present to participate in the organization of the society as above reported, we trust it will receive the sanction and co-operation of all. Its object is the promotion of Bible temperance, and the dissemination of practical knowledge of the laws of health. The work should interest all believers in present truth, and should be extended to all who can be reached by our influence. The president of our Conference, Bro. Decker, will act as a general agent for the organization as he visits different sections. Officers of the T. and M. society and church elders should consider themselves agents. Signers of the pledges should be solicited, and the names and money sent to the secretary, Mattie Kerr, Monroe, Wis. Upon application to sister Kerr, all who wish to engage in this work will be supplied with blank pledges and certificates, and with instructions how to proceed. The locality of members and whence the money comes will be carefully kept, and when local clubs are formed these may be transferred from the general to the local society. Any one may become a member by signing one of the pledges; but only those who pay the fee, twenty-five cents, will be entitled to the engraved certificates. And only those signing the teetotal pledge and paying the initiation fee will be eligible to office. A general movement upon this subject is being made all along the line. We want to see Wisconsin moving. Let us act out the light we have. Next fall at our general meeting we hope to have plans matured for the winter campaign, when we expect to see a grand work accomplished.