History of the Temperance Reform in Massachusetts, 1813-1883 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1888 Excerpt: ...The chief efforts of the Alliance have been of a moral character. Yet, in his report, in 1868, the Secretary, Rev. William M. Thayer, said: "Whenever the Prohibitory Liquor Law has been assailed at the polls, and in the Legislature, the Alliance has defended it. It has repudiated the licensing of the sale of intoxicating liquors as impracticable and unholy." The following resolve was passed unanimously, October 14th, 1868: "That a committee of three be appointed by the Alliance to cooperate with the Executive Committee of the Prohibitory Committee, or otherwise, in doing such work as may be necessary to secure the nomination and election of such candidates for the Legislature as shall be-in favor of the repeal of the present license law, and the reenactment of a prohibitory law." After the repeal of the Prohibitory Law, in 1868, some of the members of the Alliance favored the enactment of a law allowing the sale of cider, beer, &c. Rev. Dr. Miner, at a meeting of the committee, February 24th, 1869, offered this resolution, which was adopted, viz.: "That should temperance men assent to the exemption of cider or other small drinks from the operation of the Prohibitory Law, it will prove the most disastrous misfortune that has yet befallen our cause." Time has verified this declaration. At a meeting of the Committee, April 28th, 1869, there seems to have been a difference of opinion between the President, Mr. Spooner, and some of the members respecting the sale of alcoholic liquors, and a committee was chosen to confer with him. The report of the interview not being satisfactory, it was voted, May 5th, that the President of the Alliance be requested to resign his office. At a meeting, May 12th, Mr. Spooner declined to resign b...