TEMPERANCE IN A NEW ROLE.
ANOTHER pretext for arming and drilling Roman Catholic young men is being promoted in San Francisco. This time it is a scheme with a temperance banner; but just what is the logical connection between temperance and the arming and drilling of young men is not so clear as it might be. It is clear, however, that the League of the Cross has a purpose beyond the inculcation of temperance principles, as the use of firearms is never deemed a necessity as long as the spirit of temperance prevails. Here is an extract from an Examiner report of the enterprise:— The spirit of revival has broken out in the ranks of the League of the Cross, and it is made apparent in every rank of that powerful temperance organization. In every parish of the city the junior branches are going through a process of reorganization which is vastly increasing the membership. A new plan of recitation contests has been introduced, and perhaps the greatest effort of the league is already well on the way to success. It has established the League of the Cross Hall Association, for the purpose of erecting a handsome hall in this city. ‘In 1902,’ says the Rev. Philip O’Ryan, spiritual director of the league, “you will see the League of the Cross Hall a reality. The archbishop has given the association his most enthusiastic approval, and that, too, in a substantial manner, heading the stock subscription list. The clergy likewise approve the project, and, with harmony and a generous support of the plan, success is assured. . . . The hall is to have a large armory, intended to serve as a drill hall and meeting hall. Its dimensions will be large enough to permit the cadet regiment to drill upon the floor, and also to accommodate the audiences that may attend the meetings of the league.”