Volume 9 , Issue 45

1907 - Oklahoma Praised by the WCTU

It was Saturday, November 9, 1907, page 1 & 3, of The Daily Oklahoman, the headlines read: "Oklahoma Praised by the WCTU" - "All Hail New State Says One Speakers" - "Annual Session Opens" - "Adoption of Prohibition In the South Cause of Enthusiasm."

Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 8, 1907 -- "The thirty-fourth annual convention of the National Women's Christian Temperance (WCTU) was called to order here this morning in the First Presbyterian church, by its president, Mrs. Lillian M. N. Stevens of Portland, Me. Between 00 and 600 delegates were in their seats when the president rapped for order. They are here from every state in the union, several colored women being among the number. The WCTU convention held in Nashville was 20 ears ago this month.

After an organization, reports of the executive committee and appointment of committees, the president delivered her annual address, which was in part as follows:

"Two decades ago we came here, actuated by the same spirit, inspired by the same hopes, upheld by the same faith which are ours today.

Can we not take for this convention the same motto that Frances E. Willard gave to the convention of 1887: "There is nothing inexorable but love. Her ministrations in years gone by had much to do with weakening the foundations of the liquor power and today we rejoice that it cannot be said as of yore. 'King alcohol is enthroned in the realm of king cotton.'

"Each triumph over the liquor traffic gained in the southland is of national value and the temperance victories in Tennessee have gladdened the hearts of good men and women everywhere.

"Georgia's struggle, Georgia's achievement will help Massachusetts, Illinois, California and all other license states to break away from the bondage, from legalized liquor traffic.

"Oklahoma's triumph is of greater import tan we can easily comprehend. All hail to the new state which holds statehood life abstaining constitutionally from a liquor traffic.

The lawless, defiant resistance of the liquor traffic in maine, Kansas and North Dakota to an unusually great degree has been overcome. Maine still remains the most conspicuous exponent of the liquor men and the sympathizers, and undoubtedly more false statement are made in the endeavor to show that prohibition there is a failure than are made in connection with any other subject on any locality on the face of the globe.

Following the delivery of the address an evangelistic hour was held, presided over by Miss Elizabeth W. Greenwood, national evangelist superintendent.

The session this afternoon was devoted principally to the hearing of committee reports and reports of the corresponding secretary and treasurer. The last reports were of highly encouraging nature and show the union to be in a most flourishing condition.
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