The Temperance Tour That Went Town to Town on Puget Sound

The writer having been appointed organizer for the Woman's Christian Temperance Union for Western Washington, was accompanied to Coupeville by Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington. Here on the evening of July 6th, after three brief addresses, a union was organized with a successful outlook. There were thirty-two signers of the pledge. This number includes the names of eleven honorary members. On Sunday a temperance Bible reading was conducted by Mrs. Harrington, followed by remarks from two others. The next morning we left for Ferndale. A company of about thirty-five from Seattle met there on the camp ground. This ground is a pleasantly located one. It is on the west shore of the Nooksack river, well shaded by the lofty firs and cedars. Many persons from the vicinity congregated in this grove for a week's worship. Several ministers from the Sound region were there, rendering their assistance in the services. On Friday, July 13th, a union for Ferndale and one for Semiahmoo was organized. This was done on the camp ground. This part of the country is sparsely settled, and so when the residents of these two places were convened at the meeting, this time for organization was chosen, as the most opportune. Each union began its existence with bright prospects of success. After a trip in a canoe, among the islands, and camping out on some of them, we stopped on Fidalgo to spend a week. A temperance meeting was held at Anacortes on the Sabbath. Addresses were made by the following persons in order: Miss Mattie L. Hansee, Mrs. Harrington, Mrs. Rev. Tade and Rev. W. S. Harrington. Thirty-eight signers of the pledge were secured during the first circulation. Several names were afterward added. An organization for Fidalgo Island was effected Thursday afternoon. The offices were all filled, as they had also been in the other unions. Great interest was manifested. There is a growing determination to keep this beautiful island free from the curse of intemperance. The beginner in this work of organizing is encouraged by seeing the interest increase among the ladies, as they learn more about the work that they are to accomplish. Many gentlemen and ladies who formerly were indifferent, when this subject is brought directly to them for consideration, manifest a deep interest in it and declare themselves ready for action. The temperance cause has a force not yet brought to the front, which will in a time not far distant win the day. — M. L. H.