USA > Ohio > Memories of the crusade a thrilling account of the great uprising of the women of Ohio in 1873, against the liquor crime > Part 21
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things are calculated to breed alarm; they do, and the result is seen in a depression of prices and a panic among the liquor dealers in almost every town as soon as the women take up the line of march.
But these worthy gentlemen had a reserve force to fall back upon in their extremity that had not hitherto failed them-the potent, pliant politician. And now they turned their attention to the State Legislature.
Early in April a bill was introduced into the Ohio General Assembly to so amend the munici- pal code as to take away from town or city corpora- tions the right to prohibit the sale of ale or beer, and the keeping open of tippling houses within their limits. This was known as the Pearson bill, and was intended to annul the ordinances that were so effectually breaking up their business in the smaller towns all over the State. Both the liquor men and the friends of temperance were watching the movements of the Legislature with closest attention, and as soon as it was known that this bill was pending they rallied their forces. The liquor men sent in their trusty representatives, armed with rolls of greenbacks and political clubs. The Crusaders sent up their praying women, with the new instruction to "watch "-they were coming to see that it would be necessary to "watch"-and pray. When the word went out that the bill was before the House, the Columbus ladies had the bells rung and in an hour the hall was filled with women who " watched the words and votes of every member with exasperating closeness,"
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as said a looker-on. It was due to the vigilance of these women that the bill did not pass. On the last night of the session of the House, Satur- day, April 18th, three hundred ladies "sat up with the members" till midnight, and so defeated any adverse legislation for that term, -and I suspect those solons adjourned in a soberer mood than if the ladies had not been present. I cannot help wondering how it would have been if a goodly number of those ladies had been there throughout the session, by right of equal citizenship, or how it would now be if they had been there in the years that have followed.
My publisher has just related to me a scene that he witnessed during the session of the Legis- lature, that is of so much interest that I feel impelled to add it here. He says, " I looked out of my window here and saw a band of Cru- saders marching up the street ; reaching the corner, they turned into High street, crossed over, and entering the gate of the Capitol grounds they proceeded up to the Capitol, - I, with many others, following. They marched in and formed a circle under the dome, and there sang their sweet, plaintive songs and offered up their humble petitions to God that the law-makers of our State might be so endued with wisdom and courage that they would be able to withstand the potent influences that were being brought to bear by the liquor-dealers, and to enact such righteous laws as would relieve our beloved State from the curse of liquor. Many of the mem-
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bers stood by with uncovered heads and in awe- struck silence, while the eyes of not a few were dimmed with tears. As that venerable and saint- ly woman, Sister - was offering up the final prayer in such eloquent strains as I had seldom listened to before, the last rays of the setting sun streamed out and poured a flood of light through the western corridor upon that strange, solemn scene. It fell upon the face of the sup- pliant and illuminated it as with a halo from the upper skies. It caught a solitary tear lying upon her pale cheek and changed it into a glowing diamond." "Oh," said he, while his placid Quaker blood seemed to leap through his veins with an unwonted impetuosity, "if a Raphael could have caught that scene, what a picture it would have been to give to succeeding genera- tions of one of the most impressive scenes of the Crusade ! "
And so the liquor fraternity were foiled for the time, the old topers whose supplies had been cut off were suffering the horrors of unassuaged thirst; what next could be done ? Various ingenious devices were resorted to, most general- ly with disastrous and ignominious results.
At one place a closed-out dealer ordered up a little stock by express from Cincinnati on the sly, but by some mysterious telegraphy the news reached the Crusaders, and they were on hand at the depot to enter their protest against its delivery. It was sent forward to the next town, but by the time it arrived the ladies were
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waiting for it, and as there seemed to be no possibility of eluding the women it was shipped back to Cincinnati. At another place, a man who had surrendered, apparently in good faith, aroused the suspicions of the Crusaders by cer- tain movements, and they decided it would be well to keep an eye on him. His place adjoined a dwelling with an upper porch; here they stationed a couple of ladies to do picket duty. Provided with a dark lantern they awaited developments. About eleven o'clock a wagon drove up very quietly in front of the place, and as quietly-speaking only in whispers-some persons proceeded to unload a barrel, which they were about to convey to the cellar, when a brilliant light flashed upon the scene. There was a sudden and embarrassing pause, then the barrel was reloaded and driven briskly away. Some obliging hucksters attempted, and success- fully for a time-till some one discovered their game-to smuggle a few jugs out of Cincinnati under their goods and wares, to deliver to their thirsty customers. Another device was by a pedestrian-emulating a German saloonist in his palmiest days in expanse and rotund pro- portions-taking excursions through the country. There seemed to be not a little mystery about his coming and going, and it was noticeable that he was always warmly welcomed by the forlorn old topers. Upon investigating, it was found that he had got a tinner to fit around him a tin vessel which held a few quarts of whisky, supplied with
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a faucet, and with a cup in his pocket he was prepared, for a consideration, to wet the parched lips of Dives, or whoever was able to patronize the unique walking demijohn. "Prohibition does not prohibit." I remember having heard a temperance lecturer of the anti-prohibition kind declare that " prohibition in Maine was a failure, because to his certain knowledge liquor was brought into the State in egg-shells."
Mary Hadley tells this story of crusading an ale wagon : "The women of Wilmington had pretty effectually closed the liquor out and brought the business into such bad repute that those who were still attempting to sell had not the hardihood to replenish their stock in open daylight, or in sight of the Crusaders. They knew they were on the watch for any consign- ment per railroad. The supply was running low, when a wagon drove into town with a load of ale and attempted to deliver to the needy dealers. But Friend Hadley saw it, and at once hastened to put herself between the wagon and the saloon, and began praying with all her might to the Lord to send some of the sisters to her help. It was not long till a reinforcement came. The driver was in a great dilemma ; he attempted to move on to another saloon, but the ladies also moved on ; another, and the ladies kept by his side ; yet another, and they also moved on. He concluded to give it up and leave, when a not very bright lad sprang forward and caught the horses by the bridle and held them. By
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this time the news of the situation had reached the church, where a meeting was in progress, and the Crusaders came in a body to the scene of action, and surrounding the driver and his wagon in the street, there sang and prayed with him until he seemed at his wit's end. Sister Worthington, the President, had hastily pre- pared a pledge for him to sign that he would never enter the town again on such busi- ness, when the marshal appeared and ordered the boy to let go of the horses. The man whipped up his team and fled, not stopping till he put a good many miles between him and the Crusaders.
The boy being a little below ordinary intelli- gence, the obstruction on his part was not actionable. Though not very bright, his sym- pathies were with the women, as was always the case with such, as well as the boys of the street everywhere."
at
CHAPTER XVII.
Outrage Upon the Crusaders-Whiteley's Speech.
ROM the reports that are coming in from the hundreds of battle-fields, all of which would be intensely interesting if our limits would permit, I find it not a little difficult to select so as to give a clear statement of the prog- ress of the movement. At hand, however, is a stereoscopic view of a street scene in Mount Vernon, which also recalls the report given of the work in this very pretty county seat of Knox county, by Mr. Handy, of the New York Tribune. The view represents a picket-house or shanty standing against the wall of a building and in close proximity to the inevitable saloon door. Two good-looking ladies are sitting inside and three others are standing near ; the ubiquitous boy in the foreground, with some men in the rear. In this town the Crusaders closed twenty- three saloons in twelve days. Mr. Handy says :
This thrifty town may well claim the championship for a remarkably successful fight with the liquor dealers. When I visited it less than two weeks ago, I found twenty-eight places where liquor was sold. The most prominent and influential business men in the place advised the women not to begin the move- ment, believing that failure was certain and that
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failure in Mount Vernon would greatly retard the progress of the movement in Northern Ohio, where it was just being introduced. Dio Lewis came, however, and in two days persuaded the women to make the trial.
The women went on the streets, while the men showed their sincerity by closing their places of business and repairing to the churches for prayer. The enemy took fright at once. The saloons con- sidered most formidable gave way first, others followed in rapid succession, and to-day I find that of the twenty-eight liquor stores here twelve days ago, only five have not surrendered.
With some curiosity as to what the late liquor- sellers thought of the movement and its effect, I went to a billiard-room which, when I was here before, was the most popular drinking place in town, being crowded every night with young men who rank high in Mount Vernon society. The proprietor, an Irish- man with the physique of a trained prize-fighter, had told me that "the thing would not work in Mount Vernon, and that they (meaning the ladies ) had better not try it on." I now found him in a much more tranquil frame of mind, as he stood dispensing lemonade and soda to old topers, who have now to be content with such mild substitutes for the old- fashioned toddies and punches. "How do you feel after your surrender ?" I asked. "Never better --- never so well in my life," was the prompt reply. "I don't know anything about getting religion, but a fellow who has just been converted must feel some- thing like I have felt for the last week. I actually enjoy going to church. Somehow or other every- thing looks bright. The best day's work I ever did was hanging out the white flag on my saloon." " But you will go into the old business again when this excitement dies out ?" "Not if I know myself. I wouldn't be able to hold my head up if I did; I couldn't look a lady straight in the face ! No, sir, I don't know what has come over me, but whisky selling don't appear to me now as it used to. Besides, everybody seems to look upon me so differently now. The very men that used to drink at my bar think more of me, and as to the ladies-why, sir, some of
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the best ladies in this town have been in my dining- room with their husbands to dinner since I closed out." " Has your business suffered by your stopping the sale of liquor ?" "Not a bit of it, so far."
This man, when making his change and clear- ing up for a refreshment house, placed on the wall in conspicuous letters, "God bless the women."
At the hotel I found the landlord actually bragging that he had been the first man to surrender, while his wife was putting on her bonnet and shawl to attend the daily prayer-meeting. A commercial traveler was about leaving the hotel with a bundle of samples under his arın, when the landlord exclaimed: "You need not go out at this time of day, sir; you won't find a respectable store in town open now !" "Why ?" asked the astonished drummer. " Because it's prayer-meeting hour," was the reply. "Every day, between nine and ten o'clock, everybody goes to the prayer-meeting." Surprised, myself, I went out on the street and found that the stores and shops were indeed closed at this hour, when merchants, mechanics, and housekeepers in country towns gen- erally are busiest. I went to the Episcopal church. Few places of amusement are ever more crowded. Every seat was filled, and men and women stood in the aisles and thronged the vestibule. The inclosure within the altar-rail was occupied by clergymen, every denomination appearing to be represented. The meeting, to use a homely Western expression, run itself. Nobody presided. The meeting pro- gressed with the greatest religious fervor till a young man suddenly made his appearance and crowded his way to the pulpit, where, facing the audience, with an excited gesture he called their attention. "Ladies." he said, "I have come to tell you that I can't hold out any longer ; I, too, give in. I shall not sell any more liquor, and I want to sign the pledge."
The scene may possibly be imagined, but hardly described. It was but a few moments till the sexton was in the steeple, and with swing and
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clang and reverberation the bell was proclaiming "another surrender!" and the other bells in joy- ful chimes pealed back " we are so glad ! we are so glad! thank God ! thank God!" thus giving expression to thousands of hearts. It looked as if the victory would soon be won. Ah, me !
Troy, our very pleasant neighbor in Miami county, twenty miles west of Springfield, opened up the Crusade with great earnestness, led by Mrs. Dr. Meeks, Mrs. Riley, the venerable mother of Mrs. Monroe, our present State Pres- ident, Mrs. Lewis, and a goodly number of other ladies equally as devoted and determined. Being also supported by all the best men in the place, they did a blessed work in closing saloons, obtaining signers to the pledge, visiting the prisoners in the jail, and holding prayer meet- ings every morning. These morning meetings they kept up some years after the Crusade had passed away. Among the saloon-keepers here was a German, who, because of his imperfect knowledge of English, got a very confused idea of the whole matter. For the better under- standing of the case it is necessary to explain that in the band that daily made the round of the saloons, was dear Sister P --- , who, by an injury, had been affected so that her head nodded incessantly. Being locked out here, they stood in line on the pavement in front of his saloon. The old beer dispenser, supposing Sister P-'s affliction to be a part of the whole, told his worriment after this fashion :
(22)
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" Dem Crusader vimmens, dey comes here und dey sings Rockenages shplit for me, und dot old voman she shist shtand dere und keeps a nodden her head und a nodden her head, und I can't rest, 'cause I hear dem vimmens a singin' Rock. enages shplit for me, und I see dot old voman a nodden her head und a nodden her head. I goes to bed, but I can't schlafe, for all de time I hears dem Crusaders a singin' und I see dot old voman a nodden her head, und I tells my frow to light de gas, but it do no good, I shist hear dem vimmens a singin' Rockenages shplit for me, und I sees dot old voman a nodden her head, und a nodden her head, und I sells out und goes away," which was just what the good women wanted.
I was standing in the church one night in Eaton, Preble county, addressing everybody- for everybody attended temperance meetings in those days-when a telegram was handed me, saying : "Richmond has closed its last saloon," and of course "everybody" sprang to their feet and sang our grand, old doxology. Richmond, a neighbor, a few miles distant, and across the line in Indiana, had early taken up the Crusade, and through the leadership of Sisters Dennis and Martha Valentine, and a strong force of helpers, had done a good work, the faithful women not being exempt from the severe trials that tested the faith and courage of the Crusaders nearly everywhere. But I think the telegram was premature, and indeed I believe they did not
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finally succeed in closing all the places, though they made the most of the " Baxter law" while it lasted, -a very effective species of license law which was passed a little later. But even this. Indiana was not permitted to enjoy the benefit of very long. It was too damaging to the trade, and it endangered the politicians' heads, too. So by the "judicious " (?) use of a few thousand dollars-I have heard it said it took forty thou- sand dollars-the honorable Indiana law-makers were made to see their way clear to its repeal.
Here at Eaton I found the Crusaders hard at work, but of the sisters I now only recall Mrs. Rev. Cassett, of the M. E. Church, and Mrs. Judge Chambers. They were working with great enthusiasm ; had closed several saloons, and were full of anticipation of complete victory.
I never heard such prayers as those of Sister Cassett's. She seemed to reverently enter into the presence of the King, and as a little child, in faith and confidence, made her plea. But I found the brethren so absorbed and carried away with the thought that God had given this great national crime into the hands of the women to dispose of, that, though the spring election was just upon them, they had not thought of making any preparation to meet the issue at the ballot- box. I did my best to make them see their duty, and trust I succeeded, at least in part.
It is a singular fact that to one of the Greek letter fraternities of the Ohio Wesleyan Uni- versity, in Delaware, belongs the credit of calling
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Dio Lewis to Delaware, and consequently the inauguration of the Crusade in that pleasant college town.
The Doctor had been invited to deliver a literary lecture, but being so full of enthusiasm over the success of his great temperance hobby, and finding no temperance organization in the town-except, indeed, a small one of Prohibi- tionists that the dear, good man did not take kindly to, however-he put the question to the audience whether he should proceed with his literary lecture, as per engagement, or present the temperance question. The audience voted for temperance, and the meeting was organized by electing Dr. Lewis chairman. Dr. Merrick, M. D. Coville and Cyrus Pratt were named as an Advisory Committee.
Dr. Lewis, in a short address, presented his plan of work, and was followed by a number of the professors, ministers, and prominent business men, indorsing the movement and pledging support to the ladies, who unanimously pledged themselves to enter upon the work at once, and the next day more than a hundred Crusaders were visiting the saloons. This being the home of the first State President, Mrs. M. C. McCabe, who was supported by Mrs. Thomas Evans, Jr., Mrs. Clawson, Mrs. Lindsey, and a host of others of like piety and refinement, of course much effective work was done, and much good accomplished for the college as the result of calling the great temperance apostle. Another
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grand help to the cause of temperance in Dela- ware, was the publishing there by Dr. Barnes and Thomas Evans, Jr., for several years, that best of temperance and Prohibition papers, the Delaware Signal.
This list of noble temperance workers and advocates would not be complete if the name of Dr. F. Merrick, former President of the Uni- versity, were omitted. No man in the State has stood stronger, truer, all these years. Bringing his learning and piety, with voice and pen to encourage and advance every legitimate phase of the work for the extermination of the liquor curse.
Cedarville, in Greene county, had three saloons, but it also had some of the best women in the State, who organized on the 7th of February and went to work to win. It goes without say- ing, that they won. Mrs. Dr. Stewart, Mrs. Rev. Morton and Mrs. Harper were leading spirits here, with enough of like faith and zeal to keep the Crusade fires burning on the altar through these subsequent years. Of the brethren who worked and prayed, and have up to to-day, I am glad to record Rev. Dr. Morton, Paul Tomlinson (and writing this name reminds me that I must add, and gave ), Dr. Stewart and Mr. Mitchell.
In Ripley, on the Ohio river, the hosts of the Lord were marshaled and led by Gen. Granville Moody, the "fighting parson," and his wife, " Betsy," with the same bravery and determina-
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tion that he exhibited when leading his "74th " Ohio boys at Stone river and other fields of carnage. I remember crossing his path some- where during our campaign. He was so hoarse from incessant work that he could only speak in whispers, but full of enthusiasm. These two servants of the Most High have both laid down the weapons of earthly warfare, henceforth to wear the conqueror's crown forever more. All denominations united in most cordial fraternity, not excepting the Catholics.
But I must confine myself to an extract from the Secretary's report of one day's work :
Mr. Hauser, the German druggist, who at first declined to sign the pledge, sent for the ladies and gave his name most willingly. Mr. Scholter promised by his country, his God and his wife, never to sell another drop of intoxicating liquor, and we know he has kept it in the face of strong entreaty to the contrary. Mr. Reinert received the ladies the first day, but the second closed his door. Down on their knees the ladies fell upon the pavement, in snow and sleet, with a most pitiless wind blowing. Men stood with uncovered heads, and the crowd wept. A commander of our navy, who has faced death and danger, said he could not endure this sight, and tears coursed over his face. Close against the pane a mother bowed in prayer, and a moment later the door was opened and Mr. Reinert said : " Ladies, I will quit the business ; send a committee of your business men to me " They went, and he has arranged to dispose of his stock.
In Dr. W. C. Steel's "Women's Temperance Movement," I find a letter describing the street work in Newark, from which I must copy a few extracts, not only to convey an idea of the im- pression made upon the minds of men who
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witnessed it, but also because of the remarkable prophecy it contains, which is even now being fulfilled. Says the writer :
Never shall I forget the touching and imposing spectacle that burst upon my view as I beheld walk- ing, calmly and solemnly, over two hundred ladies, representing our best society, enshrined with silence and beautified by tears. The streets were crowded by thousands as they moved, and many a head was uncovered as the ladies passed as if they had a special power from God. * Men stood there, not in ridicule, that probably had never heard a fervent prayer before, with uncovered heads and tearful eyes, as if impressed that the angels of heaven
were hovering above them. * * Even a laugh at such a time seemed to jar discordantly on such enchanting silence, for they seemed in that touching immobility as if in communion with God. Laugh as I have, ye that read my letter, at its magic power ; but when one reflects that it is our mothers, our wives, our sisters, that are praying, weeping, beseech- ing and asking in the name of humanity, in the name of God, to overcome an evil that has ruined millions of the human race and filled our jails and prisons, unless one be destitute of feeling they cannot look upon such scenes unmoved. As the ladies passed a house, yesterday, the husband stormed and the wife laughed ; but no sooner had that multitude of solemn women commenced singing
"Nearer my God to thee,"
than the husband burst into tears, and throwing his arms around his wife, he said : "My dear wife, I cannot resist that song. I am now convinced that it is the power of God that moves that column. Go and join them, and may God bless you." * *
* The epoch that crowned this movement will never be forgotten. It is just in its infancy ; it will not only sweep over the Republic, but knock at all the doors of Europe for admission, and women will at last, by this movement, have an epitaph written upon that which is less perishable than marble-upon the hearts of untold millions-by the touching pen of gratitude.
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