substitutes they had for such beverages. Bro. Johnson, of Newcastle, in an interesting speech, quoted numerous facts and figures to show that the order of Sons of Temperance was the best and most profitable benefit society in existence, since all its members were teetotalers, with a very small percentage of sickness amongst them, and he advised all young persons who were not then members of any friendly society to join the Sons of Temperance if they wished to enlist themselves in a thoroughly beneficial and reliable undertaking. The proceedings were considerably enhanced by a number of popular songs and duetts sung by Miss Kate Wilson, of Westwood; Miss S. Burke, of Millwell Burn; Mr. R. Bartle, of Leadgate; and Mr. Alexandar Barras, of Blackhall Mill. Messrs. Eggleston and Stewart accompanied on the harmonium. Before dispersing, Bro. Weddell proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, the speakers, to the singers, and to all others who had contributed towards the evening's entertainment. The resolution was seconded by Bro. Teasdale, and carried by acclamation. A public coffee supper was subsequently provided in the hall, which was well patronised; and at the conclusion of the repast the enthusiastic proceedings were brought to a termination.

Southampton.-On Thursday, December 29th, the members of the Pioneer Division held a special meeting in the Coffee Tavern opposite the vicarage, to meet the M.W.P. and Bro. Rogers, G.W.P. of Portsmouth. There was a fair attendance. The M.W.P. presided, and addressed the members at some length on their duties and the prospects of the Order. Questions were freely offered and answered. Bro. Rogers also spoke. After closing the Division the members had tea together. Subsequently there was a public meeting. In the absence of the announced chairman through indisposition, Bro. Rogers presided, and a capital programme of songs and recitations was gone through. The M.W.P. delivered an address. There was a good muster of outsiders, and the Southampton brethren are hopeful as to the result.

Stockton-on-Tees.-The Peace Maker Division since the beginning of November, 1881, initiated fifteen, and has no less than eight proposed. The Cadets belonging to the same Division have had another essay contest when five competed. The compositions were forwarded to a gentlemen of literary ability, and he awarded the first prize to Master Lewis of Portrack.

Portsmouth.-On Tuesday, December 27th, the M.W.P. met a good muster of the members of the Portsmouth Grand Division at an afternoon conference. After some preliminaries had been disposed of, the M.W.P. dealt at length with the aims and methods of the Order, taking in detail the work of all the branches, and shewing how intimately the success of the institution depended upon the zealous discharge of their duties by the members of Subordinate Divisions. Some questions were put and answered, and the meeting closed with the usual compliments. Then the members adjourned to the Marylebone Schools, where a pleasant party enjoyed the social cup. public meeting followed, presided over by Mr. Councillor Ward, who in an excellent speech discussed the principles of Friendly Societies, and put in a word for national centralization. There was pleasant choral singing by a few friends, and the meeting was further interested by speeches from Dr. Bennett, the M.W.P., Bro. Rogers, G.W.P., and Bro. Paddington. The usual compliments closed the proceedings.

A

London. -Millwall Division, 403, met as usual on December 22nd, when the evening was devoted to the good of the Order, the object being the presentation of a testimonial subscribed for by the members of the Division to Bro. E. Potter, the past F.S., in recognition of his indefatigable labours in that office for some years past. The presentation was made in due form by Bro. J. Doughty, W.P. Bro. Potter made a suitable response, thanking the members most cordially for their token of respect and brotherly love, and trusted that at all times he should merit their approbation and esteem. Songs, recitations, &c., were rendered by various members. Refreshments were served at intervals, and a most enjoyable evening brought to a close about 10.30 p.m.

South Shields.-The anniversary of the Life Boat Division (247) Sons of Temperance and Life Boat Lodge, I.O.G.T. was celebrated by a temperance sermon on January 1st, in the Glebe Chapel, (kindly lent), and on January 2nd, by tea and concert in the school-room. The Rev. M. Reaveley preached the sermon, taking for his text, Isaiah lvi.

gone

verse 14, "Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way; take up the stumbling block out of the way of my people.' The subject was handled in a masterly and telling manner; several signed the pledge. There was a much larger company than usual to tea, after which a concert was held in the same room; Bro. Stephen Coxon, W.P., presiding. An excellent programme, consisting of melodies, songs, recitations, &c., was through in first-class manner by several members of both Orders. The brass band, which is always ready to help, did good service by rendering several pieces during the evening. Mr. Tomlinson, agent of the North of England Temperance League, gave a very effective speech. Bro. Goodwin explained the principles of both Orders, and very earnestly invited any who were not already members to join. The usual votes of thanks brought to a close the thirteenth, and taking it altogether, the most successful anniversary.

Yardley, Worcestershire.-Gwyther Division, No 534, celebrated its first anniversary by a supper on January 9th, Bro. Josiah Derrington presiding, and Mr. E. Poulter occupying the vice chair. In addition to the members of the Division, there were present Bros. C. Dain, P.G.W.P. Wolverhampton; W. Roffey, P.G.S. Birmingham; J. H. Hickin, P.G.W.P. Birmingham; and J. Bonner, P.G.W.P. Smethwick. An excellent repast was provided and done full justice to, and the evening was subsequently spent in speech, recitation, and song

Wigan.-On December 26th, the Pride of Wigan Division held their annual tea meeting in St. Paul's Congregational School. About 120 partook of tea. A public meeting was held presided over by the Rev. Hugh Campbell, M.A., Congregational Minister, who in a forcible manner impressed upon young men their interest as well as their duty to become members of so good an Order. After him followed the Rev. Enoch Franks, Presbyterian Minister, who in earnest and well-chosen illustrations, commended the adoption of teetotal principles to the young men and maidens present. The meeting was enlivened also with some good temperance songs, dialogues, and racy recitations in the Lancashire dialect. The result of the meeting has been a gain to the Division of four members, all under the age of twenty years, and so enjoyable and stirring were the whole proceedings, that the wish generally expressed, was that the annual meeting could be held oftener than once a year.

Cheshire. The Grand Division of Cheshire held the halfyearly session on Monday, January 16th, in the British Schoolroom, Tattenhall, near Chester. There was a full attendance of officers, and a goodly number of representatives from the several Sub-Divisions in the district, comprising Runcorn, Crewe, Winsford, Chester, Handley, Northwich, and Weston. Bro. T. Cooke, G. S. in his report stated there had been a much larger increase in members during the past half-year, than for several years previously, 110 new members having been admitted. The total membership now being 431. He also stated the valuation of the Divisions had been completed and sent on to the M.W.S. to be forwarded to the Registrar, the same having been prepared by Mr. Pinnington, Chester, valuer of Friendly Societies. During the day's sitting, among many other matters of importance the Graduated Scales were discussed, and adopted. It being the annual meeting, the election of officers took place, and the following were elected : -J. Hitchen, G.W.P., T. Faulkner, G.W.A., T. Cooke, G.S., J. Jones G.T., G. Wedgwood, G. Chap., John Holford, G.C., J. Moores, G. Sen., W. Aitken and Geo. Cooke auditors, J. Palin, J. Dale, and T. Heesom trustees, H. Woolley, J. Maddock, and R. Williams, Committee of Management. The following resolution was adopted, and it was resolved to send copies to the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, and the county members:-"That we, the officers, members, and representatives of the Grand Division of Cheshire, think no programme of legislation for the next session of parliament will be complete or satisfactory which does not include a measure giving effect to Sir Wilfred Lawson's resolution in favour of Local Option, which has twice been approved by large majorities in the House of Commons during the present parliament. We therefore earnestly, but respectfully, pray Her Majesty's Government to deal with the question without further delay." In the evening a public meeting was held, in which Bros. T. Faulkner, J. Boyle, J. Parker, J. Stubbs, J. Bayley, G. Cooke, H. Woolley, and T. Cooke, took part, and the chair taken by Bro. Jackson. There was a very good attendance.

Newport, Isle of Wight.-The few brethren in this little town, met Bro. Rogers, G.W.P. of Portsmouth, and the M.W.P. on Wednes day afternoon, December 28th. After a little social chat on the prospects of the Order, they adjourned to the Coffee Tavern, where a really excellent tea was provided. Having discussed the "good cheer," the bellman was set to perambulate the streets, to announce the public meeting in the National School, over which the Rev. Canon Connor was to preside. Shortly after the time announced, the Rev. Canon opened a small meeting with prayer. He intimated that he should be unable to remain longer than was necessary to make a few remarks, on account of previous engagements. The Rev. gentleman then complained that he had been unable to get any information with regard to the Order. So far as he knew, there were no influential names associated with the movement, and it was highly essential that the advocates should appear with proper credentials. Were he himself to go into a strange parish, the churchwardens might demand his, before permitting him to enter the pulpit. There was nothing of the kind on that occasion, save the name "patriarch," or something of the sort, which might be assumed by anybody. After more observations to the same purpose, Canon Connor expressed his conviction that there really was an opening for a sound Temperance Friendly Society, but, as he had been informed that a branch of the Order of the Sons of Temperance had failed in Newport, it behoved his hearers to exercise the greatest caution, and they should know why it had failed, and what measures had been taken to prevent a repetition of the failure. The Rev. Richard Hardy (Wesleyan Minister,) was then requested to take the chair, and he at once introduced Bro. W. Wightman to the meeting. In opening his speech he expressed his regree that the Canon had not been supplied with informationt He (the speaker), had certainly come without credentials, without patrons, and without payment. It was not the practice of the Order to advertise a list of patrons as a sort of draw to candidates. The members did not believe in it. For his part, his experience-and it had extended over twenty-one years-had not helped him to appreciate that sort of thing. Names had been lent to enterprises which had proved most disastrous to folks who had been led away by the names. (the speaker) was there to advocate the claims of an institution on its own merits. It was not a new one, for in this country it had been established upwards of 26 years; nor was it a small one, for the members numbered upwards of 17,000, whilst across the Atlantic they mustered upwards of 50,000, and included the Finance Minister of the Canadian Dominion, and other statesmen in their ranks. The Order also possessed an organ-The Son of Temperance-the third number of which was in circulation, and upwards of 7,000 copies of the second issue had been sold. For himself, the speaker could only say that he had given the leisure of more than twenty years to the movement in the little place (London) whence he had come, and had filled responsible honorary positions. Had he known credentials were to be demanded, a few might have been brought. However, he would detail what had been done, and if the hearers desired further information, or wanted to dispute his statements, every opportunity would be given. The Order was a teetotal society, managed by the members, whose great joy it was to know that not more than five per cent. of their number left the Order in a year through violation of pledge. The Order was a friendly society too, giving money and medicine in sickness, and money at the death of the members. Their payments were upon the graduated system-proportionate to risk—and as their members enjoy better health and greater longevity through total abstinence, they had double protection in matters of finance -equitable payments, and minimum claims. They could boast further, that they paid their way, giving practical proof that sober men could organize self-help, without the patronage or pecuniary support of outsiders. Formerly, the Order had followed the old public-house plan of payments, but for many years the bulk of the branches had availed themselves of the progress of statistical science, and now the system of proportionate payment was in universal operation. The majority of the districts had taken a step further. To obviate weakness from isolation, the districts had begun to centralize their benefit funds. London was an instance in point. There, for many years, the whole of the branch subscriptions had been paid into a central office, controlled by representatives of the branches. In a little over fourteen years that district had saved upwards pf £12,000, and had about 2,100 members. And they were

He

members. There were no wives and children to be paid for in addition. The members-male and female-were contributing members, and for their personal claims only the Society was responsible. That being the case, the savings represent nearly £6 a member, a result they were prepared to place against the experience of any society of tipplers in the Kingdom. As further proof that they were on the right track-though without great names-the speaker drew attention to the report of the London Grand Division, published in the December issue of the Son of Temperance. That report was drawn up by nonteetotal actuaries, who had access to every detail of the experience of the members. It was purely a professional transaction, and as the data were published in full, the means of correction were before the public, if the conclusions were disputed. What were those conclusions? Put briefly, they amounted to this:-(a) The mortality was only about half that experienced by Odd Fellows and Foresters; (b) The sickness was in the proportion of one day to three days; and (c) the balance of assets over liabilities was nearly £8000. These results had been worked out by ordinary people who had voluntarily given their time to promote mutual benefit. The original impetus had been teetotalism; that had brought them together; and its success in saving the drunkard, and in preventing drunkardmaking, had urged them to fortify it by association with a soundly established benefit society. Öther districts were following a similar course. Portsmouth for example, to which District the Newport Division belonged. Divisions in Newport, Southampton, Portsmouth, etc., were now joined together and had common funds, so that there could be no divisional collapse. It had not been so formerly. And this explained the collapse of the original Division. There had been too great laxity in the admission of members. This was now provided against by the provision of special forms as in Assurance Companies. Every person admitted had to fill up a form, and the information there afforded supplemented the medical examination, and was a valuable record in case of imposition. Thus the Portsmouth brethren and their colleagues had put their fingers upon the causes of failure and had made every provision; they were present that night to renew the invitation to Newport teetotalers to identify themselves with the Order. The Rev. Richard Hardy then invited questions or discussion. There being no response, Bre. Rogers of Portsmouth, endorsed the M.W.P.'s explanation of the Newport failure, and expressed his fullest confidence in the new arrangements. He also added that the progress of the district during the last year had been unprecedented. The chairman (Mr. Hardy) then expressed his satisfaction at the exposition of the Order's objects, and his confidence in the system described by the speakers. The benediction brought the meeting to a

close.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne.-On Friday evening, December 30th, a grand magic lantern exhibition and entertainment was held in connection with the Excelsior Cadet Section, in the Church Institute, Percy-street, and was well attended. The exhibitor, Bro. Troupe, of the Newcastle Band of Hope Union, gave great satisfaction by the way in which he explained the various views, and at the close of the exhibition was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The advantages to be derived from youths joining the Cadets were briefly explained by Bro. John Brown, Worthy Patron, Bro. C. W, Davenport, Treasurer, and Bro. J. Gibson, M.W.A. This is the third entertainment of the kind that this Section has had during the last few months.

City of London.-After the usual business on January 17, at the East Central Division, selections of songs and recitations were well rendered by Bros. Marchment, Walbancke, Wield, Dear, and Hill. Too much praise cannot be given to Bro. Hill for the admirable manner in which he recited "Inkerman." It is the intention of the members to get up a concert after business is concluded.

He lives long that lives well; and time misspent is not lived, but lost!

HAVART'S TEMPERANCE ENTERTAINER & TEMPLAR RECITER, for Good Dialogues and Effective Recitations, has no rival. In 12 Penny numbers, or the whole complete, bound in cloth, 18. 6d.-C. J. HAVART, 61, Allcroft-road, London, N.W.; National Temperance Publication Depot, 337, Strand, W.C.; also of whom may be had "Merry Temperance Songster," 2d.-[ADVT.]

ORDER OF THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE

Of Great Britain and Ireland (American Unity). The objects of this society are to shield its members from the temptation to, and the evils resulting from intemperance, and to afford mutual assistance in time of sickness or accident. The first is effected by the adoption of the total abstinence pledge, avoiding the public-house, and securing its members from the many evils attending upon unabstaining societies

SAMUEL HAWLEY, TAILOR AND OUTFITTER, King Henry's-walk, Ballspond-road, N. Prompt attention to Country Orders. Latest Styles in Ladies' Jackets, and every branch of the business.

not only injurious to the societies themselves, but to the members individually-wasting the money of the one, and destroying the health, morals, and social standing of the other; the second, by the payment of a stated initiation fee, and a weekly subscription, affording advantages second to none offered by any other society.

Societies or bodies of men can obtain a charter to open a new Division of the above Order, provided their ages do not exceed 45 years.

Applications for charters to open new divisions. or any other information, can be had by applying to

A Deoderent Absorbent and Anti-scorbutic of the

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This delicious combination of two great elements is most certain in its laxative action on the liver and stomach, driving out by the skin all bad conditions of the blood. No emigrant or traveller should be without a supply of this most efficient medicine. Price from 73d. to 11s. BUTTER & CRISPE, 4, Fleet-street, London; or from the Manufacturers, Messrs. JONES, 10, Whitcomb-street, Pall-mall East.

Manchester.

JOHN PRESCOTT, G.S., 50, Leigh-street, Earlstown.

W. H. Lowe, G.S., 1, Henry-street, Lower Moss-lane,
Hulme, Manchester.

HENRY GARSTANG, G.S., 35, Upper Kent-street, Preston.
CHARLES KERSHAW, G.S., 31, Ramsay-street, Rochdale.
HENRY LLOYD, G.S., 4, Commercial-street, Dowlais, Wales,
JAMES GIBSON, G.S., 11, Swan-street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
P. TURNBULL, G.S., 12, Picton-street, Sunderland.
JOSEPH STEEL, G.S., 24, West Burton-street, Regent-road,
Salford.

W. BURLEY, 5, Imperial-arcade, Granville-street, Hull.
HENRY NICHOLSON, G.S., Rodley, near Leeds.

JOHN RICKARDS, G.S., 26, Oxford-street, Wednesbury. WILLIAM SCULLY, G.S., 16, Queen-street, Droylsden, Manchester.

NATHAN YATES, G.S., 17, Grafton-street, Bolton.
THOMAS RIGBY, G.S., 59, Westward-street, Middlesboro'.
HUGH DUNN, G.S., 43, McNiel-street, Glasgow.

F. W. PHILLIPS, G.S., 50, Regent-street, Newtown, Bristol.
WILLIAM JOHNSON, G.S., 17, Ironmonger-lane, Cheapside,
London.

STEPHEN GLADWIN, G.S., 6, Denmark-street, Darlington. WILLIAM GEORGE SUTTON, G.S., 7, Wellgate, Rotherham. JAMES MORGAN, G.S., 1, South Brighton-street, Southsea, Hants.

THOMAS COOKE, G.S., Y.M.C Association, Camden-buildings, Runcorn.

WILLIAM L. LINDSAY, G.S., Gillon's Land, Muiryball-street, Coatbridge.

JOSEPH ASMAN, G.S., Wigford-street, Lincoln.

JOHN GRUBB, G.S., Windmill House, Mill-lane, Stockton-on-Tees.

GEORGE HOOLE, G.S., 42, Havelock-street, Stoke-on-Trent. JOHN STEWART, F.S., 7, Swinton-row, Edinburgh.

the OIL, GROCERY, and GENERAL TRADE.-The MINSTER & PIMLICO PASTE BLACKING, put up with the name and address of Oilmen on skins and boxes, got up in first-class style; labels and skins in any desired colour. This unique Blacking is warranted to produce a splendid jet black, durable, and an elastic polish little affected by time, temperature, or atmospheric changes, renders the leather as soft as kid and as brilliant as patent leather; full bodied, and warranted to keep soft and good in stock for unlimited periods; in parcels of 12 gross, price £1 10s.; a remittance must accompany order; sample packet forwarded for two stamps. Address Messrs. JONES, 10, Whitcomb-street, Pall-mall East, London.

O TEETOTAL CRICKETERS.-Wanted a few good CRICKETERS to join a thoroughly Teetotal Cricket Club. A full programme for next season. Practice ground, Peckham Rye, where majority of the matches will be played. Subscription, 10s. per annum; Entrance Fee, 1s. Please apply personally or by letter, to C. W. Edwards, Hon. Sec. Nephalist C.C., 465, Old Kent-road, S.E.

DIVISION DIRECTORY.

(Continuation of p. 14. Read notice at head of that page.) ALTRINCHAM.-Perseverance Div., Meth. N.C. School R., alt. M., 7.30; J. Birch, F.S., 49, Oakfield-st.

HOWDON-ON-TYNE.-Nil Desperandum Div., Centenary Sch., alt. Sat., 7; H. Douglas, Willington-ter., Willington-on-T. HULL.-Lily of the Valley, Foresters' Hall, Charlotte-st., alt. F., 8; W. Ramskir, F.S., 45, High-street. MANCHESTER.-Earnest Workers Div., 333, Hyde-rd, Ardwick, alt. M., 8 p.m.; J. Saxton, F.S., 47, Victoria-st., Longsight YARDLEY.-Gwyther Div., Miss. Hall, Church-rd., alt. M., 7.30; Ed. Hall, F.S., Elizabeth-villa, Coventry-rd.

List of Scribes..

Mems. of the Month

New Year's Calls

The Order in Connecticut

Illustrations for Speech Makers Facts for the Thoughtful Division Directory Advertisements

7 8

THE SON OF TEMPERANCE,

FEBRUARY 1, 1882.

MEMS. FOR THE MONTH.

THE M.W.P. had to shorten his journey south and west, owing to illness at home. Bro. MACLEOD kindly acted as deputy at two places, at very short notice. The same cause prevents the appearance of a third article on the Order in this issue.

In the Isle of Wight, at Newport, a warm reception was accorded to the M.W.P. by the chairman of the meeting, who happened to be the Vicar of the parish. This gentleman complained of many things, about which he ought to have satisfied himself before consenting to take the chair. And, moreover, after complaining-and the manner was not sweet-he announced his inability to remain. However, the time was not unprofitably spent, and, perhaps, after all, the Sons are under an obligation to him for his speech.

A REPORT of this meeting appears on another page. Of course, the reply is only a summary of what was really said. We may add that application was made to the rev. chairman for the notes of his speech, and subsequently the proof of the report was submitted to him, but he had no notes and did not care to extend what appears as the summary.

OUR members may learn two lessons, or even three, from this incident. One is that a chairman should either be a member of the Order, or else satisfied from official information, with the aims and objects of the Order.

Another lesson is that we must not assume that all prominent men in the temperance world know something of the Order. Often, they know nothing, mainly because we do not avail ourselves of the usual channels of information and carefully supply themand especially public speakers-with the records of our experience and our work. And lastly, it should be remembered that the official titles are without meaning to outsiders, and should not have pre-eminence in public announcements. At Newport, the crier, after ringing his bell, announced the "Most Worthy Patriarch up and down the streets in a way that would have done credit to the initiated.

A NOTE from the Manchester district gives additional point to the experience gained from the failure of a former Division in Newport. At the place last named the members were loosely admitted, some without examination worth the name. The result was sickly members disclosed themselves as soon as the probationary course was run, and manifested an intention of exhausting the resources of the Division. Collapse very speedily followed. In the northern Division the result was not quite so disastrous. There, a member in about a year after admission, was found to be a dangerous lunatic. The doctor reported the lunacy as chronic, and enquiries showed that the poor fellow had suffered seven years previously from an attack, in course of which he had attempted to cut his throat. Marks of this attempt were visible on his throat when he entered the Order, and yet he passed the doctor! The Division refused a claim from the guardians on the ground that he had only obtained admission by the suppression of facts.

THERE is only one plan of protecting the Order from imposition in this way. It is of course easy to blame the doctor and lay the responsibility at his door. But doctors are like other folks, not always on the alert. Hence the necessity of supplementing the doctor's examination by the use of a printed form, which candidates are expected to fill up and submit to the doctor, and to which the doctor appends his certificate. The form need not be too elaborate. Half-a-dozen questions suffice for establishing a physical record, which, while it directs the enquiries of the doctor, at same time is evidence of the basis of contract between

the candidate and the Order. Such documents are always of service, and we hope to see them in universal

use.

ANOTHER Manchester brother writes us about the Cadets. He wishes us to go into details as to the connection with the adult Order. We shall do so at length very shortly, in view of some proposals which will have to be submitted to the National Division. Meanwhile we may say briefly that every section must be registered in association with a Subordinate Division, and a Grand Division, which thereupon become responsible for oversight and management. Further, the M.W.S. is prepared to supply printed copies of rules which the Registrar is ready to certify on formal adoption. The Cadets therefore, may secure immediate recognition; and other advantages are in store.

SOME of our brethren will remember what trouble one district got into years ago, for recognizing ladies as members, and not merely as "visitors." It was then alleged that across the Atlantic ladies were always "visitors" when they entered the Order. This is not borne out by the official list of Grand Worthy Patriarchs and Grand Scribes just issued by Bro. H. S. McCollum, M.W.S. of North America. In this list is the name of one lady-Mrs. J. H. Schofield-as the Grand Scribe of the Grand Division of Rhode Island. Again, in the report of the Grand Division of Connecticut, held October 27th, 1881, a lady is the G.W.A.; and among the names of the representatives admitted at that session, are the names of six ladies. Ladies' names are also plentiful among the lists of representatives, and five of them are elected representatives to the National Division. The ladies do not appear to have passed above the office of G.W.A. We have not quite reached the American platform, but Grand Divisions are now permitted to recognise ladies as contributors to the Funeral Fund, and, therefore, by Act of Parliament, as members of the Order.

THERE have been a few reponses to our appeal for more advertising divisions. For the present the names, etc., are inserted on page 8. We hope in a day or two to receive further additions, enough indeed to enable us to make up another page. Will each reader see if his own division is in the list? If it is not, will he take the steps necessary to secure its insertion?

THE official directory of the Order is in course of issue. Its preparation throws a good deal of work on the M.W.S., and involves the Order in a considerable outlay. Neither nor both of these would be grudged were the members to avail themselves of the book. Some of them never see one. For their information we may say it contains a list of all the divisions in Great Britain, their meeting places, the nights of meeting for the year current, a page for use instead of a contribution card, and a list of Grand and National National Division National Division officers throughout the world. Copies may be obtained through the Grand Scribe of any Grand Division for a small payment.

JUST now the Cabinet is planning measures for the coming session of Parliament. It is hoped and expected that one will deal with the licensed liquor traffic on the lines of Local Option. Now is the time to let the members of the Cabinet-especially the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary-know the strength of public

Mothers, sisters, wives, women of the United States and British Provinces, one and all, how do you propose to respond to these expressions of respect and affection? Will you offer to him who comes with the kindly greeting, the sparkling wine cup?

Will you give to him who comes with good wishes for your continued happiness, the intoxicating draught? Do you not know that "Wine is a mocker, and strong drink is raging"? Oh, woman, the glasses presented by your hands, with persuasive words and winning manner, may awaken an appetite almost conquered, or beget one yet unformed; and, by and by, some poor, ruined, lost man, some son or brother, or husband, may remember, with agony unutterable, the hour in which you put the maddening cup to his lips.

Oh, woman! "death, temporal and eternal, may be seen in the wine which giveth its color in the cup. It will bite like a serpent and sting like an adder. Can you offer to any friend that which may destroy him! body and soul! in time and in eternity.

Millions have thus been destroyed, and will you spend the first day of 1882, in doing that which may write the names of your friends on the endless roll of drunkenness and shame ? If enemies call on you, and whom you would most effectually destroy, give them wine and strong drink, if you care to take such a crime upon your soul; but for your own sake, and that of your friends, for "God's sake," do not offer to those who call on New Year's Day, the poisonous and deadly cup!

Gov. Briggs, at a party, asked a lady opposed to strict temperance principles, to think over the families of her acquaintances, and note the effects of intemperance among them. After half hour's thought, her eyes filled with tears, she said, "O, Gov. Briggs, how could you ask me to do such a thing at a party? I am appalled. It is so dreadful to find that I do not know of a family that does not number one victim, and some have had all their brightest and best fall by it, fathers, husbands, children! I would not have believed it! You are right? and I will never ask you to take wine, or ever call you fanatical for not taking it."

So, women of North America, may you resolve never again to ask anyone to take the sparkling glass to his lips. You are not so poor in resources that you cannot find many other ways in which to welcome your guests. Charm them with your smiles, bless them by your virtuous example, and send them from your presence to cherish evermore the memory of your true womanly integrity of character.

Women of the United States and British Provinces, on New Year's Day banish all wine and strong drink, and with words of entreaty that you alone can utter, present the accompanying pledge. Each signature you can add to it will gloriously attest your womanly wisdom, and the effective eloquence of your lips and hearts.

Do this, and streams of blessings will flow out from your homes and influence. Do this, and a happier New Year will be yours, than any recorded in the past. Do this, and earth and heaven will crown you with benedictions.

Mothers, sisters, wives, to you and your guests a cordial invitation is extended to join the Sons of Temperance, and share their blessings, and to each and all a Happy New Year, uncursed by wine, unembittered by the woe and sorrow ntemperance ever brings.

UNIFORMITY OF MEDICAL PRACTICE (?)

In one English parish with five district medical officers, in one period of three months, one gentleman prescribed two gallons of wine, half a gallon of brandy, and one and a half pints of gin for 488 cases; another half a gallon of wine and two and half gallons of brandy, for 505; another three pints of wine and four gallons of brandy for 580; another, three and a quarter gallons of wine, for 1,010. On the other hand, the fifth gentleman ordered neither wine, brandy, gin, nor any form of intoxicant for 1,086 cases. In Ireland, in 1872, there were four unions where no intoxicating liquor at all was prescribed, while in the unions where these beverages were ordered the cost during the year varied from £1 5s. 10d. per inmate at Donoughmore to three farthings per inmate at Lurgan. In Ireland, in 1880, there was only one union, Armagh, in which no strong drink was consumed, and the average cost per pauper in the remaining unions ranged from one-fifth of a penny to 7s. 104d. per head. In Scotland, in 1876, the minimum average expense per inmate was ls. 24d., and the maximum £2 8s. 74d. London shows as pronounced an eccentricity in quantitative stimulation as characterises the Provinces. In only one London workhouse, in 1869, was whisky ordered, and in only one was there no gin used. Bermondsey spent £199 for 479 paupers, while Rotherithe spent £385 for 219. If the former had been as extravagant as the latter, the liquor bill for Bermondsey would have been £837 instead of £199. From these confused and contradictory figures, it is patent that alcoholic stimuli are prescribed to the sick poor on no clear and well-defined general lines. Whether profuse stimulation, restricted stimulation, or no stimulation at all, be the best practice, the members of the Poor-Law Medical Service, like their confreres in the profession at large, seem (shall we say hopelessly ?) at variance. Alcohol is a powerful drug, whose value and mode of adminstration ought surely, by this time, to have been arrived at with some approach to accuracy.-Norman Kerr, M.D.

THE HABITUAL DRUNKARD IN FRANCE. It is, perhaps, not generally known that the French law relating to intoxication is not much milder than some of the enactments of Draco and Lycurgus. The most restrictive clauses are the product of the prolific brain of the late M. Thiers, and were promulgated by him in 1873. They are enough to make the hair of some of our inveterate topers stand on end. Thus:

Whoever has been punished twice for habitual intoxication will be declared, by a third condemnation, incapable of exercising the following rights:

1. Vote and election;

2. Eligibility for Parliament;

3. He cannot be called on or named for the functions of juror, or any other public functions, or to employ under Government, or to exercise these functions or employments; 4. He is prohibited from carrying arms for two years from the date of conviction.

It is estimated that in Paris one hundred persons per month lose their civil rights through the provisions of this law. Contrary to the general rule regarding severe laws, it seems to have the desired effect, however, for the gay capital of France is noted for its general sobriety.

A FATHER'S DECISION.-There is food for thought in the story told of a young lad, who for the first time accompanied his father to a public dinner. The waiter asked him, "What will you take to drink " Hesitating for a moment, he replied

"I'll take what father takes." The answer reached his father's ear, and instantly the full responsibility of his position flashed upon him. Quicker than lightning various thoughts passed through his mind; in a moment his decision was made, and in a voice tremulous with emotion, and to the astonish ment of those who were acquainted with him, he said: "Waiter, I'll take water!"