The Temperance Boom Comes to Seattle

Long before the hour announced for the welcoming exercises, Yesler's Hall was crowded to its utmost capacity, and at least one thousand persons who presented themselves were unable to gain admission. Miss Frances Willard, President of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, arrived by the steamer Emma Hayward and was escorted to the residence of Rev. W. S. Harrington. As she approached the hall, a band played and the choir greeted her with cheers. The meeting was opened by Rev. J. F. Ellis, followed by addresses from Judge Thomas Burke, Chief Justice Roger S. Greene, and Prof. Powell of the Territorial University. Rev. Harrington noted the city's various 'booms'—real estate, business, and sinners'—and declared that a 'temperance boom' had now arrived. Miss Willard, a graceful and fluent speaker, thanked the city for its hospitality, noting she had never received an invitation she prized more than the one sent by Chief Justice Greene. At the close of her address, she recounted the death of her little sister, leaving scarcely a dry eye in the house.