WOODLAND HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE CLUB.
By J. G. Overshiner
THE Woodland H. and T. Club held its regular monthly meeting at Central Hall on Saturday evening, March 12. Although the weather was quite cold, a larger audience than usual was present. After the exercises were opened by singing, prayer, and reading of minutes, Rev. E. M. Stuart entertained the audience with a spicy and instructive temperance lecture. He introduced his lecture with humorous comparisons, in which he stated that the complaint is often made that temperance advocates are always harping on the old, worn-out tune—Temperance; that it might be facetiously compared to the interminable and monotonous strains produced by the “heathen Chinee” on his high-strung musical instruments, and which are so excruciating to the untutored and unappreciative ear of Americans who profess to have a talent for good music. He suggested that if the Americans had a better understanding of Celestial music, and had received thorough instruction in regard to the hidden meaning as taught by Chinese artists, his ear might recognize dulcet strains of melody, full of harmony and variety, which otherwise would require a severe stretch of his imagination to detect. So if those who complain of the monotony of the tune of temperance would become better acquainted with its meaning and objects they would discover more variety and melody in it than they are willing now to give it credit. He stated that the advocates of intemperance have, also, a tune they are always harping on, but the more it is understood the less melody and variety there is found in it; and that is “revenue.” They claim that the Government realizes an annual revenue of $50,000,000 from the liquor traffic, but close their eyes to the fact that expenses are entailed yearly by the same traffic to the amount of $700,000,000, not taking into consideration the multitude of souls drawn into the vortex of destruction; still like the indefatigable Chinese fiddler, they console themselves by interminable repetitions of the monotonous tune of “revenue.” Mrs. L. Walker read the first number of “The Temperance Budget,” a bright and instructive little paper, of which she is “editor and publisher,” and which is promised to be one of the interesting features of future meetings of the club. Mabelle Peak, Henry Curran and Johnny Grant each delivered pleasing recitations. The exercises were interspersed with excellent music by the choir. While the solicitors were passing through the audience, M. C. Winchester, Esq., of Knights Landing, made a few encouraging and appropriate remarks. After the appointment of the committees on programme and music it was announced that 29 persons had signed the several pledges, making a total membership of the club of 161. Number of pages of temperance tracts distributed was 1420. Meeting closed with singing and a benediction by Mr. Stuart.