History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 107

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1146

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The liquor interests likewise planned in the summer of 1915 a vigorous, elab- orate and extensive campaign. They prepared to put able speakers in the field and expected to begin operations in different parts of the state about the same time the Anti-Saloon League did. They offered every newspaper in the state advertising matter in opposition to prohibition. This was done to counteract the advertising that was being done by the Anti-Saloon League.

In 1915, Mrs. Laura S. LeMance, a national lecturer and worker for the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, announced that by 1920 national prohibi- tion, in her opinion, would be an accomplished fact. She stated that the union was almost unanimous in the opinion that the constitutional amendment neces- sary to make the United States dry and its ratification by thirty-six states would be accomplished within a few years. At this time eighteen of these thirty-six states in the union had gone dry. In 1915 two others were divided on the question, and fifteen had asked for the voting privilege in 1916. This was the opinion of the California Union. In the summer and fall of 1915 Mrs. LeMance lectured throughout the West in support of national prohibition. She said that the tem- perance wave was strong throughout the Northwest and getting stronger. She was also a strong advocate of equal suffrage.

In the fall of 1915 it was the opinion of the friends of prohibition that the large number of questions which were to appear on the ballot at the November

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election in 1916 would help rather than hinder the cause of prohibition. This was the opinion of R. N. Holsaple, superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League, and the leader of the dry forces of the state. On the other hand, it was admitted that the various and numerous questions appearing on the ballot might start a confused general movement of voting "no," and that prohibition, as well as everything else, might be swept away. Said Mr. Holsaple late in June: "No one but the liquor crowd will attempt such a thing (vote 'no') and the average voter will not be deceived by any of the tactics. On the other hand, each of the several propositions submitted will have its supporters who will all be inter- ested in securing the largest possible 'yes' vote for their particular measure. Can't you see at once how this is bound to precipitate a general 'vote yes' move- ment? Then, too, we shall have a bigger organization than ever before. We are now busy organizing the state and by winter we will have several new men in the field, so that a 'machine,' if you choose to call it that, will be constructed which will place the issues of the campaign before every voter. It is the plan to see every voter in the state personally, and if he is not in favor of prohibition our workers will try to find out his objection and overcome it. Rest asssured this is to be a campaign in which nothing within the range of possibilities will be neglected. If this state stays wet it will not be our fault." At this time the prohibition people were planning a vigorous and widespread campaign and ex- pected to circulate over 5,000,000 leaflets and pamphlets; and to bring in several of the leading prohibition campaigners of the nation to assist local state workers and speakers. The prohibitionists prepared to spend as high as $75,000 during the campaign.

In September, 1915, state-wide prohibition was launched by an immense mass meeting in the Corn. Palace at Mitchell. The opening address was delivered by Dr. J. S. Hoagland, president of the South Dakota Anti-Saloon League, who declared that the conflict abroad made Europe sober in a day and taught the world that both King Alcohol and John Barleycorn were cowards. Ex-United States Senator and ex-Governor Coe I. Crawford, of Huron, was present on the first day and urged that the state should be thoroughly organized for the coming prohibition campaign. He expressed the belief that the majority of the voters of South Dakota at this time favored the temperance movement. On the pro- gram were Gov. Frank M. Byrne, Congressman C. H. Dillon, former Congress- man E. W. Martin and Maj. D. M. Smith, of Chicago. On the third day occurred the famous "Dry Parade," which was really the principal feature of the three days' program. Scores of elaborately designed floats heralding temperance themes were carried in the processions. Many automobiles were beautifully and brilliantly decorated. In the procession were approximately 2,500 persons. There were present bands from Wessington Springs, Plankinton and Mitchell. Governor Byrne and Congressman Dillon spoke on the evening of the second day. The resolutions adopted by the convention urged South Dakota's representatives in Congress to vote for the abolishment of the sale of liquor in the District of Columbia at the next congressional session ; recommended to Congress the passage of a law requiring the publication of names of all holders of internal revenue liquor licenses as soon as the permits were granted, and commended strongly the work of the State Anti-Saloon League in its present gallant fight against . the liquor traffic. Other speakers were Sen. Thomas Sterling, of Vermillion;

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SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

Pres. Elwood C. Perisho, of the Agricultural College ; Judge C. G. Sherwood, of Clark; J. W. Parmley, of Ipswich; Lauritz Miller, of Mitchell; Dr. J. S. Hoag- land, of Mitchell; R. N. Holsaple, of Mitchell; Dr. W. E. Daniels, of Madison, president of the State Board of Health ; Prof. Z. U. Ordal, of Sioux Falls, presi- dent of the Lutheran Normal College.

CHAPTER XX

WOMAN'S WORK

During the territorial period the resident women of what is now South Dakota formed strong and active organizations for the advancement of their sex and the uplift generally of humanity. Even in 1873-4, when the temperance wave swept the shores of the whole country, the women here felt its power, and began to form organizations with the same object in view, the Woman's Chris- tian Temperance Union being a child of this great movement. The advance for equal rights-for suffrage-was equally marked so that when the state was admitted to the Union South Dakota women were fighting on the front line for all the great and over-mastering claims of womankind.

In April, 1888, the District Woman's Christian Temperance Union assem- bled at Elk Point and held an interesting session. The members of this union numbered about five hundred at this time. The officers were: Mrs. D. W. Myers, president ; Mrs. O. J. Ward, corresponding-secretary; Mrs. D. VanVel- sor, recording-secretary; Mrs. H. H. Blair, treasurer. Many interesting ad- dresses were delivered and several valuable papers were read. A review of the movement in the district showed great interest and determination to improve every department of social life.

At the Methodist Episcopal general conference in New York in May, 1888, that body declined by a vote of 240 to 175 to admit to seats lady delegates, although they had been accredited from several portions of the country.

In September, 1888, the Dakota Woman's Christian Temperance Union held its annual convention at Grand Forks. Mrs. H. H. Barker, of Huron, was re-elected for the third time to the presidency. Miss Kinnear, of Fargo, was cor- responding-secretary, Mrs. M. E. Kline, of Mitchell, treasurer, and Mrs. D. W. Myers, of Ipswich, recording-secretary. This convention was an important event and served still further to strengthen the union, widen its field of operation and cause the members to determine upon more advanced and better work. The union passed resolutions favoring Federal aid to education and asked that public schools be inspected in the interest of scientific temperance; requested the aboli- tion of internal revenue on intoxicating liquors; commended the national uni- versity movement; lamented the prevailing immorality in public schools; asked that obscene literature be refused admission to the mail; demanded the ballot for women; and censured the Methodist Episcopal general conference for refus- ing to admit women delegates.

In September, 1889, the Dakota Territory Woman's Christian Temperance Union met at Yankton in the eighth annual session. They were called to order in the Congregational Church by Mrs. H. M. Barker, of Huron, president. At

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SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

this time there .were reported 309 organizations of the union in Dakota Terri- tory with a total of 3,094 members. During the previous year 155 new unions had been formed. Reports from many unions throughout the territory concern- ing every question of interest to women were received and considered in detail by the convention. The numerous departments submitted elaborate reports of what they had accomplished. The union at this time divided its organization into two parts: One for North Dakota and the other for South Dakota. Thus the old union that had fought so valiantly for nine years and had steadily strug- gled upward to higher and better principles and nobler ideals was compelled to divide. After division it prepared to devote its utmost efforts to building up social life in each of the two states. At this meeting an elaborate program was carried out, and a solid foundation for both of the young states was laid. Miss Frances E. Willard was present at this important meeting. When she entered the hall all the delegates arose and gave the chautauqua salute. Her address was brilliant, witty, progressive and inspiring. She was followed by several other able speakers who likewise fired the audience with new enthusiasm, hope and ambition. The union adopted a long series of resolutions in favor of pro- lıibition, social order, improvement of children, the ballot for woman, Sabbath observance, dissolution of the old union, and the formation of two separate unions in the two states.

The officers elected for the South Dakota division were as follows: Mrs. H. M. Barker, of Huron, president; Mrs. E. A. Cranmer, of Aberdeen, vice president ; Mrs. F. M. Swift, of Yankton, corresponding-secretary ; Mrs. D. W. Myers, of Ipswich, recording-secretary; Mrs. M. E. Kline, of Mitchell, treas- urer. A complete reorganization was effected. Every department was elab- orated and continued, and every standing committee was reappointed and urged to energetic work. When the division of the old union was accomplished, each new state union assembled apart and was addressed at considerable length by Miss Willard and other prominent speakers. Her audiences assembled in Turner Hall. She stated that it had been announced that the liquor men intended to spend in South Dakota as high as $500,000 if necessary to defeat constitu- tional prohibition. She urged the importance now of the most energetic and determined work to overcome this influence, so that the young state could start out on a noble career along the lines of prohibition. This was an important · year, because the temperance people were determined that the new constitution should contain a clause prohibiting the sale of liquor.

Late in November Susan B. Anthony appeared at Sioux Falls and delivered a forcible address and immediately thereafter the Minnehaha County Equal Suf- frage Club was organized as a branch of the state association which had been established a short time before at Huron. Mrs. Eliza F. Wilkes was elected president of the Minnehaha Club. Miss Anthony came unexpectedly to Sioux Falls and was not at first well received, because very few knew that she was coming. It was her custom to approach the people without ceremony and to state her case in simple language but with intense force and wonderful effect. After her speech which kindled the fires of enthusiasm and determination, the whole city of Sioux Falls, except the liquor element, rallied to her support and to her standard and she was given a magnificent reception and treated most royally.

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About this time Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, of Iowa, in an address before the Woman's Christian Temperance Union at Chicago, charged that the union was being changed into a republican partisan organization. She said: "However much Miss Willard may wish to organize the State of Iowa in the interest of the so-called prohibition party, she cannot do it without violating the established rules of the union. Our delegation withdrew from the Chicago convention, but the Iowa union is still auxiliary, and the question of withdrawal can not be settled until our next annual meeting." At the Chicago meeting there was a severe clash over the questions of temperance, woman's suffrage and politics. There was great diversity of opinion as to how far the union should go in the support of each one or all of these measures. The great leaders of the union differed. Mrs. Barker, president of the South Dakota Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union, supported the ideas and policies promulgated and championed by Miss Willard. On the other hand Mrs. Marietta Bones, of South Dakota, with a considerable following, announced her adherence to the course taken by Mrs. J. Ellen Foster. Mrs. Bones declared that the prohibition organization in South Dakota had triumphed as a non-partisan movement wholly, and had ad- vanced thus far solely upon a basis entirely independent of politics. At this time Mrs. Bones was ex-president of the Webster Branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, from which branch she had been sent as a delegate to the Chi- cago convention of the national union. She was the wife of Col. Thomas Bones, president of the South Dakota Soldiers' Home Commission. She was prominent in temperance and in suffrage and took an influential position in both fields of advancement. The differences that arose in the convention at Chicago continued to grow and expand after the adjournment of that body. Mrs. Bones took an unusual view of the attitude of Susan B. Anthony concerning the combination of the temperance, suffrage and political movements. Mrs. H. M. Barker like- wise took an active part in an endeavor to settle the disagreement in the national union over what policy it was best to pursue. Mrs. Bones openly charged Susan B. Anthony with having misapplied $40,000 which had been placed in her hands for the promotion generally of the suffrage cause throughout the state and country. This public charge was made in the spring of 1890, and showed that the controversy had already become personal and acrimonious. Mrs. Bones was persistent and published numerous articles in the newspapers concerning the differences between the leaders of the union and concerning her personal charges against Miss Anthony.

Mrs. J. Ellen Foster became president of the seceders' faction of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and Miss Frances E. Willard continued to be president of the national association. The seceding movement was an unfortunate defection from the ranks of the old union, based mainly upon non- important differences which had originated and had become bitter and out- spoken at the previous meeting of the National Union in Chicago.

In the spring of 1890 Rev. William W. Fuller became president of the South Dakota Enforcement League. He was publicly rebuked by the people of Scot- land, because with wrong ideas he attempted to organize a branch of the Enforce- ment League in that city. The people there in mass meeting passed strong reso- lutions against the aims and performances of the Enforcement League. The object of the citizens was to resent the imputation made by Mr. Fuller that they

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SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

would openly and brazenly violate the constitutional provision and the law and needed to be watched by the Enforcement League. This strong and unfair view the people of Scotland emphatically resented. The new liquor law went into effect May 1, 1890, on which date it was presumed that all saloons in the state would be closed. But that result did not follow.

On September 18, 1890, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of the state assembled at Madison and were called to order by Mrs. Barker, president. Over one hundred members were present. Reports from all the standing com- mittees were received and commented upon and discussed. Numerous recom- mendations for improvement were made. The most important event of this meeting was the brilliant speech of Mrs. Susan Fessenden, the superintendent of franchise in South Dakota. Her able analysis of the existing constitutional provision concerning prohibition and of the attitude and practices of the liquor element aroused the keenest interest, and was most cordially and gratefully received. Miss Anna Shaw was present and delivered an eloquent address. Her illustrations, wit and local allusions caused great amusement.

At the State Fair held at Aberdeen in September, 1890, one day was set apart for the ladies. On that occasion the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Woman's Relief Corps and the Aberdeen Guards (a ladies' organization), paraded the streets amid great applause and enthusiasm. Present in the city on that day were 8,000 visitors according to close estimates. The women paraded in carriages, headed by a brass band and preceded by 500 school children waving banners and mottoes. Present on this occasion were the following distinguished women: Rev. Anna Shaw, of Washington; Susan B. Anthony, of Boston; Rev. Olivia Brown, of Wisconsin; Mrs. Emma Cranmer, of Aberdeen; Mrs. Emma S. Devoe, of Huron. The leaders presided at the meeting. The ladies were addressed by Governor Mellette, the republican candidate for governor; J. R. Gamble, candidate for Congress ; Bartlett Tripp, democratic candidate for the United States Senate; and Maris Taylor, independent democratic candidate for governor. This meeting of the women was one of the most important and momentous thus far held in the young state. All the leaders were greatly encour- aged to continue, strengthen, organize, and widen their field of operation. Mrs. Devoe was superintendent of the day. The presence of the women did much to make the sixth annual state fair a success.

In the spring of 1891 Mrs. Marietta M. Bones came out in a series of arti- cles in the newspapers in opposition to the operations of the Woman's Relief Corps of the state. She declared that the corps had permitted without due and effective remonstrance a number of the old soldiers to be sent as paupers to the Soldiers' Home at Hot Springs. She made the following charges: That old soldiers were badly treated in the home; that there was a scandalous scramble for offices in that institution; that politics ruled in the Woman's Relief Corps; that young women were elected to office and the old women were neglected; that the old soldiers were not helped through the Soldiers' Home, the reports of the contrary notwithstanding; and that constant deceit and misrepresentation of appearances were kept up in order that the principal offices of the Woman's Relief Corps could be run by a certain clique of young women. At this time Colonel Bones was president of the board of commissioners of the home, and therefore Mrs. Bones, his wife, was presumed to know what she was talking

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SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

about. Her articles in the newspapers, burdened as they were with cutting charges in sarcastic language, elicited the attention of the entire state at this time. Promptly and emphatically her accusations were denied by the officers and leaders of the Woman's Relief Corps. The controversy resulted in severe public recriminations, but served to disclose in detail to what extent if any the old soldiers had been treated as paupers and otherwise misused, and to what extent the Woman's Relief Corps was under the domination of a political clique of the young women of the organization. The result was that the entire Woman's Relief Corps of the state openly and vigorously resented the charges made by Mrs. Bones. They declared through the press that she was attempting the role of a superior or sanctified woman, who made altogether too much of the small mistakes and sins of the organization; that while some abuses had crept into the ranks of the corps, the organization as a whole was conducted thoroughly in the interest and to satisfaction and with the sanction of the members of the organization. In this connection it should be borne in mind that Mrs. Bones was in open revolt or conflict with almost every organization to which she had ever belonged in this state. The Aberdeen News was used as the medium through which Mrs. Bones was openiy lashed by the women whom she had attacked. One of the articles in the News was considered by Mrs. Bones as extremely libelous, whereupon she brought suit against that newspaper and thirty reputable women of Webster for $20,000 damages for defamation of character. She also began a similar suit in the summer of 1891 against the Andover Gazette.

In November, 1891, Miss Frances E. Willard was elected president of the World's Woman's Christian Temperance Union. This great honor was acknowl- edged and recognized fully by the union in South Dakota. Numerous meetings were held to voice the satisfaction which the women of the state felt for the honor thus conferred.

By 1891 South Dakota had already become famous as the field where divorces could be secured on short notice and at trifling expense. The papers declared that Sioux Falls at this time handled job lots of divorce cases. A ninety days' residence was sufficient to entitle the person asking for divorce to such a decree upon various flimsy grounds. It was declared, and was probably true, that more than one person who thus secured a divorce did not live in the state at all, but rented rooms and kept them open, thus supplying the appearance of residence. It was at this time, and later that Bishop Hare openly and bravely fought this state of affairs, and used his utmost power throughout the entire state to secure a change in what he denominated a most infamous law.

At the legislative session of 1893 four bills concerning the divorce law were introduced on the first four days. During 1892 there was organized at Sioux Falls the State Association of Clergymen for the purpose of securing a change in the divorce laws of the state. At the head of this association was Bishop Hare. He objected openly and seriously to the haste with which divorcees sought relief and called attention to the speed with which they immediately contracted second marriages. He called it "indecent clerity."

In September, 1893, the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union assem- bled at Huron in the fifth annual convention with Mrs. E. A. Cranmer presiding. They were cordially welcomed by the citizens and many were entertained at pri- vate homes. Reports from all districts, committees, and departments showed

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SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

great progress in the work of the union throughout the state. Mrs. Cranmer in her annual address stated that she had delivered 108 addresses; organized six new unionis ; held two chautauqua assemblies; conducted ten conventions ; visited and addressed twenty-five schools and traveled 10,534 miles. At this time there were in the state eighty-seven unions with a total membership of 1,232. Mrs. Simmons was state organizer. Mrs. Clara C. Hoffman, president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, of Missouri, was present at this meeting. Mrs. Clare Williams, editor of the White Ribbon Journal, the organ of the union, was likewise present. She explained that the White Ribbon Journal had not received sufficient patronage to warrant its continuance. In response Mrs. Swift of Yank- ton made a most liberal offer to take charge of the paper in an endeavor to make it self-supporting and as well conducted as it had been under Mrs. Williams. The union discussed among other subjects the enforcement of the prohibition clause in the constitution, physical culture, care of children, home sanitation, and other important matters. The question box occasioned great interest, answered many problems and caused much amusement. There were present and voting IOI members. Mrs. Hoffman delivered an elaborate speech to the convention. Sev- eral citizens, men and women, likewise delivered appropriate addresses to the meeting, treating of various phases of social progress. The following officers were elected: Mrs. Emma 'A. Cranmer, president; Miss Anna R. Simmons, vice president ; Mrs. Emme Myers, corresponding-secretary; Mrs. Ruby J. Smart, recording secretary ; and Mrs. Eugene Steere, treasurer.

Late in the fall of 1893 there assembled at Yankton the Woman's State Con- gress, which was really a mass meeting or convention of all the clubs and unions of women throughout the state. Among the organizations represented were the following: Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Woman's Relief Corps, Equal Suffrage Association, Rebekahs, Woman's Guild of the Episcopal Church, St. Cecelia Guild, St. Agnes Guild, Congregational Missionary Society, Congre- gational Aid Society, Woman's Military Aid Society, King's Daughters, cooking societies, chautauqua circles, Altar Society of Church of the Sacred Heart, Magazine Club, Mother's Organization, Scandinavian Missionary Society, the Clios, ladies' cemetery associations, the . Bethonians, the Aristonians, ladies' branch of the Columbia Endowment Association, and others. The object of this meeting was to secure greater uniformity and effect in the work of each organization by a combination of effort and method. The plan was not how to unite these numerous organizations, but merely to strengthen all for the com- mon good of womankind and humanity generally.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 107

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920 Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1146

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1146