S$^?!SS$SSS«SSSJi$SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS$SSS«$^^SSSSSSSSS$SSSS$ MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE Dominion Alliance 1897 HELD IN THE TEMPERANCE HALL, TORONTO JULY 14TH, 1897. TORONTO : Newton & Tbbloar, Printers, 1897. ^!§5SSS$$$$SS$®S$SSSSS$S$§$S^SSSS^$?SSS§"SS5?§«S«^^S^?SSSS:SSS®^^ LIST OF MEMBERS Of the Council of the Doviinion Alliance who registered their navies at the annual meeting, 1S97. Name. Address. Sociktv or Body Reprksknted. Rev J. S. Ross, D.D Brantford General Conference Meth. Church Rev. W. A. MacKay, D.D.Woodstock General Assembly Presby. Church A. M. Featherston Montreal . . Quebec Grand Council R. T. of T. Rev. D. L. Brethour, Ph.D. Hamilton Hamilton Conference Meth. Church Rev. G. Washington Sandford Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance Mrs. Mary Wiley Richmond Hill . . . Ontario Provincial W.C.T.U. Miss Lillian M. Phelps St. Catharines Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance Rev. J.S.Williamson, D.D.Mt. Forest General Conference Meth. Church Rev. J. A. Turnbull Toronto General Assembly Presby. Church Rev. Walter Rig-sb}' Blyth London Conference Meth. Church Rev, H. Dierlamni Chesley . . Canada Conference EvangelicalAss'n Rev. C. W. Wat^h Brighton Bay of Quinte Conference Meth. Ch. J. M. Walton Kettleby Ontario Grand Division S. of T. W. R. Hibbard St, Andrews E Ontario and Quebec Congre'n Union J.A.Miller ,..Greenbank Ontario Grand Grand Division S. of T. John A. Paterson Toronto General Assembly Presby. Church Mrs. H. Campbell ... . Hamilton Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance A. L. Mclntyre Owen Sound Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance M. H. Fitzpatrick, M. P.P. New Glasgow, N.S...\ova Scotia Grand Division S. of T. Rev. D. V Lucas, D.D. . .Grimsby Toronto Conference Meth. Church Mrs. H. H. Wallace .... London Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance Rev. Thos. Griffith, D.D. . Brockville Montreal Conference Meth. Church Mrs. A. M. Waters Hamilton Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance Michael Auger Roxton Pond, Q . • • Quebec Branch Dominion Alliance Mrs. J. R. Cavers Gait Ontario Provincial W.C.T.U. Mrs. T. Christie Toronto Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance Rev. D. N. McCanius. . . . Port Perry Bay of Quinte Conference Meth. Ch. Rev. Austin Potter Hagersville Hamilton Conference Meth. Chnrch W. M. F. Evans Medicine Hat N.W.T. Grand Council R. T. of T. Rev. W. Frizzell Toronto General Assembly Presby. Church Daniel Rose Toronto Ontario Grand Lodge LO.G.T. Rev. W. Kettlewell Gait.. Ontario Grand Council R. T. of T. Wm. H. Orr Toronto Treasurer Council Dominion Alliance J. R. Doug-all Moiitival Quebec Br.'incii Dominion Alliance Rev. G. Stafford Barnston, Q Quebec Grand Council R. T. of T. Rev. T. M. Caitipbell . . .Campbellford Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance J. K.Stewart Toronto... Ontario Grand Division S. of T. Joseph Tait Toronto Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance Miss E. S, Cosford London Ontario Provincial W.C.T. U, Mrs. M. M. Brownell. . ..Toronto Dominion W.C. T.U. Mrs. E. A. Wheeler Paris Dominion W.C. T.U. Wm. Bowman London London Conference Meth. Church Mrs. S. \'. Spence Toronto Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance Mrs. J. H. Carson Montreal Quebec Provincial W.C.T. U. E. S. Cummer . . Toronto Ontario Grand Lodge LO.G.T. Mrfi". E. S. Cummer Toronto Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance James Hughes Toronto Dominion Council R. T. of T. Rev. S. G. Stone, D. D. . .Shelburne Toronto Conference Meth. Church Rev. A. C. Courtice, B.D.Toronto Montreal Conference Meth. Church L. C. Peake Toronto Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance A. D. Weeks Toronto Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance W. H. Bewell Whitby Ontario Grand Division S. ofT. Geo. Spence. Toronto Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance Rev. C. W. Brown.. .Amherstburg London Conference Metth. Church Mrs. A. O. Rutherford. . . .Toronto Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance J.J. Maclaren,Q.C.,L.L.D. Toronto General Conference Meth. Church Sturgeon Stewart, Ph.D .Toronto Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance Rev. W. Burns Toronto Toronto and Kingst'u'Syn'd Pres. Ch. F.Buchanan Toronto Dominion Council R. T. of T. J. T. Middleton, M. P. P. .. Hamilton ..Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance J. H. Carson Montreal Quebec Branch Dominion Alliance Rev. J. W. Cooley St. Georg-e . Hamilton Conference Meth. Church J. A. Austin Toronto . Dominion Council R, T. of T. J • Geo. Miller Greenbank Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance Rev. J. Grenfell Kingston Quebec Branch Dominion Alliance T. Dixon Craig, M.P Port Hope Ontario and Quebec Baptist Conven. Hon. G. W. Ross , , .Toronto Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance Hon. A. V'idal Sarnia President Council Dominion Alliance Rev. J. Scanlon Athens Quebec Branch Dominion Alliance Rev. S. Bond Seaforth London Conference Meth. Church Rev. A. Carman, D.D Toronto Ontario Branch Dominion Alliance F. S. Spence Toronto Secretary Council Diminion Alliance MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE DOMINION ALLIANCE HELD IN TEMPERANCE HALL, TORONTO, JVLY 14th, 1897. The Annual Meeting of the Council of the Dominion Alliance was opened at one o'clock in the afternoon, Hon. A. Vidal presiding. Proceedings were begun with prayer led by Rev. W. A. MacKay, D.D. The minutes of last session were submitted in printed form and on motion were taken as read and confirmed. The following members of the council were appointed a Committee on Business and Nominations : J. R, Dougall^ Montreal ; W. M. F. Evans, Medicine Hat ; W. H. Fitzpatrick, New Glasgow, N.S. ; Miss M. L. Phelps, St. Catharines, Rev. W. Kettlewell, Gait ; J. A. Paterson and F. S. Spence, Toronto. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. « Dr. J. J. Maclaren, Chairnian of the Executive Committee presented the annual report which was received and read as. follows :— To the Council of the Dominion Alliame-— Your Executive Committee respectfully submits for your con- sideration the following Report of progress made during the past year in relation to the Prohibition movement throufjiiout the Dominion of Canada. THE DOMINION PLEBISCITE, At the last annual meeting of the Alliance Council, the Executive was instructed to appoint a deputation to wait upon the Dominion Government at as early a date as possible to ask for prohibitory legislation. The meeting also instructed the Executive to prepare for the plebiscite campaign, if the Dominion G jvernment promised action in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Liberal party before the last general election. Accordingly a deputation waited on the Dominion Government at Ottawa on September 3rd, 1896, and presented the request of the Council. Sixty-nine persons took part in the deputation, representatives being present from many different parts of the Dominion. In reply to the deputation, Hon. Mr. Laurier, leader of the Government, statel his interest in the work promoted by the delegation, his gratification at the progress that had been made in temperance during the years of his political life, and the intention of the Government to fully carry out the policy which had been laid down. In reference to the matter, he made the following statement : It is the intention of the Liberal Party to carry out to the letter every article of its prog-ramine within the very shortest possible limit. There is no intention to delay. On the contrary, speaking even politically, it is perhaps the best policy of all to deal with the question within the shortest time. It is not our intention this session, but I have every hope that next session, and not later, we sliall introduce the legislation prom- ised. The deputation carefully discussed the reply that had been given by the leader of the Government, and on motion of Mr. Walter Paul, seconded by Mr. S. J. Carter, adopted the follow- ing resolution : — That this meeting, ifaving heard the statement of the Hon. iVIr, Laurier, Premier of the Dominion, desires to express its satisfaction with his promise, and calls upon temperance workers everywhere to get ready to give all help possible, that when the plebiscite is taken, the temperance vote shall be successful. The Legislation Committee of the Alliance Council met on the afternoon of the same day, and in view of the action that had already been taken, adopted the following resolution : — Whereas, it is tlie ClovernmeiU's declared infention to introduce lejfislation at the next session of Parliament for takinj^ a plehiscite on Prohibition, we arc therefore of the opinion that it would bo undesirable to introduce any resolution at this session on the question. At the opening of the last session of Parliament, a meeting of the Legislation Committee was again held at Ottawa, at which the following resolution was unanimously adopted : — That a Committee be appointed to examine the Plebiscite Bill when introduced into Parliament, and to again call this Conmiittee together to consider the Bill if it should be found that the Bill contains any pro- vision making sucli special consideration desirable. The meeting at which this resolution was adopted was largely attended. The following persons were appointed the special Committee mentioned : Messrs. T. B. Flint, T. D. Craig, Hon. A. Vidal, J. Charlton and G. W. Gagnon. Following up their instructions your Executive Committee have corresponded with friends in different Provinces giving all possible information about organization. The delay in the sub- mission of the plebiscite question, however, has precluded the inauguration of active campaign w^ork, which cannot be carried on with special energy and enthusiasm for an indefinite length of tim*'. At the opening of the present session of Parliament the speech from the throne announced the plebiscite measure as one of those to be submitted. In consequence of other business, however, it was not dealt with by the House. To a deputation from the Montreal Conference of the Methodist Church which waited upon the Government on June 7th, Sir Richard Cartwright, in the absence of the Premier, stated that most assuredly a bill providing for a plebiscite " would be tabled at a very early period next session, which would not be more than a few months hence, as the Government desired in future to meet earlier in the year." It will thus be seen that the date of the plebiscite is still uncertain, but that provision for taking it will not likely be postponed longer than till next session of Parliament. THE TAXATIOX QUESTION. On May 13th last a large deputation representing the liquor interests of the Dominion waited upon the Government and G exprfissed their desire that the plebiscite should not take the form of a vote upon the abstract (juestion of prohibition. The deputation urged that if Prohibilion were enacted it would involve, through loss of revenue and expense of enforcement, an increased taxation of about two dollars per head for the population of the Dominion ; that this additional amount would have to be raised by direct taxation ; and that the question to be submitted to the people should be so framed that those voting in favor of Prohibition would also be voting for this additional levy. It was also urged that provision should be made for compensating those engaged in the liquor traffic, if Prohibition should be enacted. The deputation also wished to liave it understood that Prohibition would not be enacted unless the votes in favor of it amounted to at least fifty per cent of the number of names on the Voters' Lists, In replying to the deputation the premier declined to commit the Government to the proposition that, before legislatior^ it was necessary to have any particular portion of the whole vote polled in favor of such legislation. He stated " that a law to be effective must be based upon the popular will, absolutely and unmi.stakeably expressed," and that, if the people thus declared in favor of prohibition "it must be the duty of the Government to stand by the will of the people." He expressed the view that it was not necessary to submit the question of compensation to the electors, and stated that the matter of submitting the question of taxation would be considered by the Government in framing the Bill. A statement was subse(|uently published in some newspapers to the effect that the Government had resolved upon submitting to the electors, along with the question of Prohibition, the question of whether or not the electors desired to have the lost revenue replaced by direct taxation. Your Committee believed that such a proposal was eminently unfair, and accordingly appealed to prohibitionists in different parts of the Dominion to press this fact upon the attention of the Government. A circular letter was prepared and widely circulated, containing the following statement : You will have noticod in tlu- daily papers reports of the representa- tions made on May 13th by a deputation representini? the liquor business, which waited upon the Dominion Premier. Hon. Mr. Laurier stated to the deputation that in his opinion it wouKl be necessary to resort to direct taxation to replace tlie revenue now derived from the liquor traflftc. The representatives of the traffic expressed a desire that in the approaching- plebiscite, the question or questions to be submitted to the electors should be so framed as to ask tlieii- opinion upon proliibitioii coupled with this specific taxation condition. You will readily see how unfair such a plan would be to the friends ot prohibition. It would tend to array ag-ainst the measure that large section of the community that does not believe in direct taxation as a revenue plan, and would complicate the question of prohibition with the question of what fiscal policy is most desirable. It would also tend to invite the opposition to prohibition of those people who object to an increase of taxation. The political party at present in power, before being endorsed by the electorate, promised a plebiscite on prohibition. The electorate expected from the statement made that the proposed plebiscite would be such as had already been taken in the Provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. The taking- of a vote on another plan or in regard to other questions could not be looked upon by friends of temperance as a faithful fulfilment of the promise given. You are earnestly requested to write or teleg-raph immediately to members of the Government, and to your representative in the House of Commons respectfully but strong-ly protesting against the suggestion of the liquor party, and urging that the vote to be taken shall be upon the simple and definite issue of the prohibition question Kindly also do all you can to persuade other friends of our cause to take similar action. This matter ought to be pushed without a moment's delay. Help us all j'ou can. Alons; with this circular was sent out a further statement of the arguments against the unjust proposal of the liquor dealers. This action tnet with a prompt and earnest response. Ecclesiastical bodies which subsequently held their annual meet- ings, and different Temperance Organizations throughout the country, passed strong resolutions protesting against any yielding to the proposal of the liquor dealers. The question was taken up and vigorously discussed in leading journals. Deputations waited upon the Government regarding it, and to one of these deputations, that already mentioned in another connection. Sir Richard Cartwright, representing the Government, made a state- ment which is reported as follows : — 8 For his part he did not rej;^ard direct taxation as an unmixed evil, but that was his own individual opinion, and he was not to be construed as pledging his colleagues to it. There was a great deal of force in the deputation's contentions that they should not be called upon to submit this question in conjunction with direct taxation. The Government desired to give the temperance men full and fair play, and was determined that the plebiscite should be had in such a way as to express the will of the people. A\ I.MPOKTANT PUULICATION. In accordance with the instructions given by last meeting, the Executive arranged for the publication of a Manual embodying the most important of the information to be found in the Report of the Royal Commission on the Liquor Traffic. A volume was prepared by the Secretary, containing 336 pages of valuable statistics and arguments, condensed from the seven bulky volumes which make up the report. Two thousand five hundred copies of this were issued. One was sent to each person who subscribed directly one dollar or more to the fund raised to lay the case for prohibition before the Commission. A number of copies were distributed to persons named by leading officers of the various churches and temperance societies that contributed to the fund. Other copies were sent to other persons most likely to make good use of the information contained in the book. This dis- tribution resulted in the .sending out of copies as follows : — To persons named by Presbyterian Church Officers 200 " " Methodist " " ... 125 " " " " other " " 15 " " " " Officers of R. T. of T 235 " " " " " " W. C. T. Unions 145 " " ■' " " "I. O. G. T 90 " " " " " " S. of T 65 " Individual subscribers 125 " Members of the House of Commons and Senators 250 " Canadian Newspapers 250 " Leading Officers of Temperance Societies and Temperance Journals in other countries 150 Persons who subscribed very large amounts were also given the privilege of naming some persons to whom copies were sent. 9 It was decided to retain the remainder to be 8old at thirty cents per copy, the price being fixed for the purpose of ensuring the work finding its way into the hands of persons who would make good use of it. PROVINCIAL PROGRESS. Ontario. — In this Province some advance has been made during the year in the extension of the area of territory under prohibition through the operation of Local Option By-Laws. An Act was passed further amending and improving the Pro- vincial License Law in the following particulars : — (a) Further limiting the number of tavern licenses that may be issued pro- portionately to the population, (b) Imposing further restriction on the sale of liquor by druggists, (c) Providing that all bar- rooms shall be closed at 11 p.m. in cities and towns, and at 10- p.m. elsewhere, (d) Prohibiting the sale of liquor to persons apparently under the age of twenty-one years, (e) Abolishing saloon licenses, (f) Prohibiting the issue of new licenses to take effect within three hundred feet of any buildings used for religious or educational purposes. (g) Giving electors power under certain conditions to prevent the renewal of existing licenses. Manitoba. — An Act was passed to amend the Liquor License Act in this Province : (a) Giving authority to women to act for their husbands when absent, in regard to recommendations or petitions regarding licenses, (b) Making the provisions of the law preventing the renewal of existing licenses more easy of operation, (c) Making more stringent the law relating to the sale of liquor by druggists, (d) Further limiting the hours during which liquor selling is prohibited in incorporated vilhiges in rural municipalities. I^ova Scotia. — A bill was introduced into the Nova Scotia Legislature on February 20th, 1897, providing for the total prohibition of the retail sale of liquor within the province. Tlie Act was carefully drawn, and «a,s based upon an opinion given by legal authority that the Provincial Legislature had power to enact such a measure. The Bill was printed by order of the 10 House of Assembly for information, and laid over for further consideration. It is the intention of its promotors to have it re-introduced and pressed at the next session of the Legislature. Quebec. — The Quebec Branch of the Alliance had the misfortune during the year of losing its papers and records by fire. Both licensed victuallers and friends of temperance endeavored unsuccessfully during the year to obtain amendments to the license law. A general Provincial election has been held, resulting in a change of Government. The new Premier, Hon. G. T. Marchand, states that the present Government is a temperance Government, and that four of the Ministers are total abfitainers. Quebec friends believe that they have not lost ground in the change. In the election all candidates were questioned, and many promised to make restriction of the liquor traffic a prominent issue when- ever possible. An effort was made by the liquor party in the Town of Richmond, situate in a Scott Act County, to have a vote taken on the question of repealing the law in the town without regard to the surrounding country. The petition was refused by the ■Government. A petition has been filed at Ottawa asking for a Scott Act vote in the County of Port Neuf. This county is almost entirely French Canadian in its population, and it is confidently anticipated that the Act will be carried by a substan- tial majority. The voting takes place on July 26th. A special provincial committee has been appointed and a plan ■of work arranged for the plebiscite campaign, further action being deferred until the plebiscite Bill is introduced into Parliament. Prince Edward Island. — Three years having elapsed since the last voting upon the Scott Act in the City of Charlottetown, a repeal petition has again been filed. At present the whole Province of Prince Edward Island is under the Scott Act. It would be unfortunate if any part of it were to lose the benefit of this law. Our friends in Charlottetown are making a strong 11 light, aud our Secretary, immediately after this Convention, will go to their assistance. Voting takos place on July 2'2nd, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. A number of meetings of the Executive Committee have been held during the year, also two meetings of the Ijegislation Coniniittee and a special Conference of representatives forming the deputation to wait upon the Government. The Executive Committee resolved to appoint a sub- committee to prepare, issue and recomvnend literature for use in the plebiscite contest. It was also decided that a special day should be fixed for the simultaneous commencement of campaign work throughout the Dominion. These plans will, it is hoped, be carried out as soon as the Plebiscite Bill is inti'oduced into Parliament. All of which is respectfully submitted. F. S. Spence, J. J. Maclaren, Secretary. Chairman of Executive. On motion of Dr. Maclaren, seconded by Rev. Dr. Lucas, the report was received. THE MEETING ORGANIZED. Rev. Mr. Kettlewell presented the following report of the Business Committee which, on motion, was considered clause by clause and adopted. Your Committee on Business recommend : — 1. TliHl no person speak longer than ten minutes, or more than once on any motion, provided, iiowever, that the Chairman of any Committee may speak for a second time for not longer that five minutes to close debate on his report. This rule shall not be departed from except by permission of the Council, which shall be granted or refused without debate. 2. That the resolutions offered shall be referred to appropriate com- mittees without debate. The mover of any resolution shall have the right to appear before the committee to which said resolution is referred, with the privilege of briefly explaining the reasons for submitting the same. .3. That all resolutions offered to the Council be submitted in writing. 12 4- That the Council adjourn this afternoon at six, to meet again at eight this evening. 5. That the Business Committee be a Committee on Nominations, with power to add other names to the committees, 6. That the following committees be appointed : (a) Finance Committee— W. H. Orr, J. R. Dougall, A. D. Weeks. (b) Committee on Parliamentary and Political Action — Rev. W. A.. MacKay, D.D., Rev. D. L. Brethour, Ph D., A. M. Featherston, W. R. Hibbard, J. A. Paterson, M. Auger, Mrs. M. Wiley, D. Rose, Rev. W. Kettlewell, W. H. Orr, J. R. Dougall, Joseph Tait, T. D. Craig, xM.P., F. S. Spence, Rev. J. W. Cooley, Senator Vidal, Mrs. Brownell, Mrs. Rutherford, J. T. Middleton, E. J. T. Fisher, M.D. (c) Plebiscite Campaign Committee— J. J. Maclaren, Q C., Rev. J. S.. Ross, D.D., Rev. J. A. Turnbull, Rev. H. Dierlamm, J. M. Walton, M. H. Fit/patrick, Rev. D. V. Lucas, Hon. G. W. Ross, Mrs. Cavers, Rev. G. Washington, Miss L. M. Phelps, W. M. F. Evans, Rev. G. Stafford, Rev. T. M. Campbell, D.D., Rev. Dr. Dewart, Mrs. Wheeler, J. H. Carson, Geo. Spence, Rev. W. Burns, E. S. Cummer, A. D. Weeks^ J. Austin. (d) Committee on Resolutions— Rev. J. S. Williamson, D.D., Rev. W.. Rigsby, Rev. C. W. Watch, J. A. Miller, Rev. T. M. Campbell, Rev. T. (iriffith, Ph.D., Mrs. Christie, D. N. McCanuis, Rev. A. Potter, Rev. W.. Frizzell, J. K. Stewart, Miss Cosford, Mrs. J. H. Carson, Mrs. F. S. Spence, James Hughes, Mrs. E, S. Cummer, W. H. Bewell, Sturgeon .Stewart, J. Grenfell. On motion of Mr. "W. H. Orr, seconded by Dr. MacKay, it was resolved that Rev. J. W. Cooley, of St. George, be received as corresponding member of this Council, one of the delegates of the Methodist Conference to which he belonged being absent. On motion of Rev. Dr. Ross the report of the Executive Com- mittee was referred to the various committees appointed for such action as might be found necessary. FINANCES. The Treasurer, Mr. W. H. Orr, presented his annual report and moved its reference to the Finance Committee. The motion was carried. The report was as follows : The undersigned Treasurer of the Dominion Alliance begs leave to- report for the twelve months ending July 14th, 1897, as follows : During the twelve months the receipts have been nil, but not so the payments. The following is a statement of the latter : 1896. May 7. Balance due the Treasurer $2 4S June 29. Address to Electors, dated May, 1896 '. . 7 5c> " 300 Circulars, calling meeting i 50 13 July 25. Rent of Temperance Hall, annual meeting 3 00 Aug. 31. Circulars about deput ion to Ottawa 3 5° Sept. I. Printing 1000 copies Minutes 16 00 1897. May 18. 500 Circulars in re plebiscite i 75 May 20. 1000 Circulars, extract from Comp i^/re i 50 June 30. Sundry cash items 4 05 July 13. Postage, December 31st, 1895, to date 5° 4'^ Balance due to Treasurer $91 67 All of which is respectfully submitted. William H. Orr, Treanurer. Toronto, July 14th, 1897. On motion the Council adjourned till four o'clock to allow the ■committees to prepare their reports. THE PLEBISCITE CAMPAIGN. Council resumed business at four o'clock. Rev, J. A. Turnbull on behalf of the Plebiscite Campaign Committee presented the following report which was considered clause by clause and adopted. That we recommend the Council to refer the matter of literature to the Executive Committee, this Council to furnish and supply the same forthwith, and that information be given the Provincial Alliance officers of the literature that is available. That we express lour appreciation of the advanced position on the temperance question taken by the temperance and religious papers and by a portion of the secular press, and our confident reliance upon them for support in the coming campaign. That attention be drawn to the volumes entitled " Facts of the Case " and "The Vanguard " by Mr. Spence as valuable sources of infonnation for speakers and writers. That the preparation of literature for the French speaking people be left to the Executive of the Quebec Alliance, and literature for the German to the Executive of the Ontario Alliance. That we express our appreciation of the valuable services rendered the temperance cause, by Mr. J. W. Bengough through his cartoons, and trust that his ready pencil will long continue to help forward the good cause. That it be an instruction to the Executive for the ensuing year that they urge upon Provincial Executives the perfecting of county and local organization at as early a date as possible. That we recognize the efficient services rendered by the various Young People's Societies in the past and look to them with hope for help in the future. That the Executive form a platform bureau in each Province, with a list of speakers who will be available for addressing meetings. 14 SUNDUV KKS0LUTI0N8. Rev. Dr. Grittith on behalf of the Committee on Resolutions, submitted the following report which was received and adopted. 1. Tliat this Council of the Dominion Alliance send greeting' to all our brethren who in various parts of the Dominion are engaged in contests lo maintain the Scott Act, the Dunkin Act and in local option contests, assuring them of our most cordial sympathy and prayers for their success and sincerely hoping no ground will be lost to the temperance cause at this critical moment in its history. 2. That we desire to express our appreciation of the removal of the bar from the House of Commons and deeply regret that the Senate failed to follow the good example. 3. That we re-affirm the resolution adopted at the session of this Alliance Council in Montreal, regarding the question of woman's suffrage, namely, that this convention recognizes the power of the ballot in all questions of moral reform and desiring to place on record its appreciation of the work of the temperance women of Canada for tlie annihilation of the liquor traffic, is of the opinion that properly qualified women should no longer be denied the right of parliamentary franchise. 4. That as tiie present Dominion Government is pledged to submit the question of total prohibition to the people in the form of a Dominion plebiscite, it is essential that a central fund be raised for the dissemina- tion of literature tliroughout the country, and that every Province and locality be urged to immediately perfect organization to secure from that plebiscite such a victory as will ensure us the speedy enactment and thorough enforcement of a prohibitory law for the Dominion. 5. That in the opinion of this Council, it is eminently desirable that the sale of intoxicating liquors in connection with military schools, sergeants' and officers' messes, canteens of the North-West Mounted Police and assemblages of troops lor annual drill, should be abolished, and that the Executive of this body be instructed to communicate forthwith with the Minister of Militia and the Minister of the Interior, and request that they will have orders issued carrying out the views herein expressed. 6. That in the opinion of this Council in anticipation of the Plebiscite vote, the friends of temperance should in every municipality take special steps to procure the registration of all voters favorable to prohibition, and a careful scrutiny of the lists on which the vote will be taken. POLITICAL AND LEGISLATIVE ACTION. The following report of the Committee on Parliamentary and Political Action was presented by Rev. A. C. Courtice, considered clause by clause, and adopted : — I. Whereas the Dominion Government at the opening of the last session of Parliament, in the speech from the throne, promised to the country a bill authorizing and arranging for a plebiscite throughout the 15 Dominion on the prohibition of the liquor traffic, but the promised Bill, was not introduced, for several reasons; and, Whereas tiie suj^gestion has been made by the representatives of the liquor traffic to test the voters in the same vote on the method of raising the necessary revenue if prohibition should carry ; therefore, Resolved, that we confidently look for the prompt introduction of the promised bill at the next session of Parliament, and respectfully request (ist) that the basis of the vote be the franchise on which the next Parlia- ment will be elected, and (2nd) that the issue of prohibition be submitted separate from all other questions of public policy. Especially do we object to any method of raising- revenue oeing joined with prohibition in the vote, as the problem of revenue has been, is, and will contimie to be a public question, large and important enough to be dealt with bv itself. 2. We rejoice in the hopeful outlook warranted by the report of the Executive in the field of parliamentary and political action throughout the Provinces. 3. In Quebec an election has just been held, and we are glad that four Ministers are announced by the Premier as total abstainers, and that our friends are hopeful of making progress with the new Legis- lature. 4. We approve of the introduction into the Nova Scotia Legislature of the bill to prohibit the retail sale of intoxicating liquor, and express the hope that it may prevail. 5. We regret that the representatives of the people in Ontario where the plebiscite carried by 82,000 of a majority, failed to support several measures of progressive legislation urged at the last session of the Ontario Legislature. 6. That we strongly urge that prohibitionist electors who have party affiliations, be present in the local caucuses of their parties, in order to secure such prohibitionist representation in the county nominating con- ventions as shall secure known and avowed prohibitionist candidates for Parliament. 7. We also recommend that no candidate however satisfactory his pledges may be, should be endorsed or supported unless his past record has been such as to show that his support may be counted upon on this question. FINANCKS. Mr. W. H. Orr, Chairman of the Finance Connnittee, sub- mitted the following report, which was adopted. Your Committee beg leave to report as follows :— That we find all vouchers in order under the Treasurer's report, and recommend its adoption. That this Council has always depended for funds upon assessments levied upon the diiTerent Provincial branches of the Alliance, but hitherto 16 'i^Juebec and Ontario are the only Provincial organizations which have responded. In view of the expected Dominion Plebiscite contest, and the overdrawn condition of our treasury, we recommend that a call be now made upon the seven Provinces as follows :— Ontario, $ioo ; Quebec, $50 ; Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Manitoba, $25 each, and Prince Edward Island and British Columbia, $10 each, total, $285. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. On behalf of the Committee on Business and Nominations, Mr. John A. Paterson presented the following report which was received and adopted : — Your committee recommend that the following be elected officers for the ensuing year : President. — Hon. A. Vidal. Vice-Presidents. — At large, J. J. Maclaren, Q.C., L.L.D. : For Ontario, Hon. J. C. Aikens, R. J. Fleming: For Quebec, J. R. Dougall, Hon. Sidney A. Fisher : For Nova Scotia, Hon. A. R. Dickey, J. B. Flint, M.P. : For New Brunswick, Rev. Joseph McLeod, D.D., A H. Hannington : For Prince Edward Esland, Hon. David Laird, A. Borne ; For Manitoba, Rev. Dr. G. Bryce, W. Redford Muloch : For North- west Territories, Frank Oliver, M.P., W. M. F". Evans: For British Columbia, A. Morrison, M.P., J. B. Kennedy, M.P. P. Corresponding Secretary, F. S. Spence. Recording Secretary, J. H. Carson. Treasurer, VV. H. Orr, Executive Committee. — The officers of the Alliance and the following: Rev. E. H. Dewart, D.D., Rev. Geo. Washington, Rev. W. R. Parker, D.D., F. W. Watkins, J. M. Walton, A. M. Featherston, S. J. Carter, M. H. Fitzpatrick, M.P. P., Dr. E. J. T. Fisher, T. Urquhart, Rev. W. A. MacKay, D.D., C. T. Williams, Mrs. A. O. Rutherford, H. O'Hara, Rev. A. Lee Holmes, John A. Paterson, Rev. T. S. Williams, D.D., Mrs. J. S. Sanderson, Major E. L. Bond, Frank Buchanan, Rev. S. G. Stone, D.D., Rev. J. A. Turnbull. Committee on Legislation. — The officers of the Alliance and A. M. Featherston, Major E. L. Bond, W. W. Buchanan, S. P. Leet. Rev. Dr. Moore, Rev. Dr. Saunders, Rev. John Wood, W. R. Hibbard with all members of the Senate and House of Commons favorable to the principles of the Alliance. The meeting was closed with prayer led by Rev. Dr. Lucas. The council then adjourned. J. H. Carson, Recording Secretary.