Jerauld County, SD News.....Along the Line September 2, 1887
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/sd/sdfiles.htm
************************************************
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com April 26, 2005, 10:30 pm

Wessington Springs Herald September 2, 1887
Along the Line

Editor Herald:

    Weary and worn and travel stained I reached the capitol city, where the
cheering welcome and warm hospitality of the wife of one of Bismarck's leading
business men, gave a sense of restfulness which was fully appreciated by me as I
luxuriated in their beautiful home. After taking notes I came fully to the
conclusion that martyrs are not all burned at the stake, my hostess being just
the right kind of timber from which to carve heroines, has proven herself one to
such an extent that she is noted for daring to be true to her convictions. Being
a society leader in the Capitol, she has braved money, political influence and
intrigue, thereby elevating society to a high standard, notwithstanding the
boycotting business faculty shown by the saloon element. I wish I could have the
privilege of explaining to every lover of home all the self-sacrifice and noble
vindication of right shown by this brilliant woman, and her husband belongs to
the salt of the earth, and bravely stands beside her in all this work. Bismarck
is truly a battleground, even a minister of the Episcopalian persuasion has from
the pulpit denounced the work of the temperance forces. It has created quite a
sensation in all North Dakota and the division question seems buried in oblivion
because of Rev. Caleb Ben-ham. The drinking classes instead of asking "will you
take a drink?" say "will you take dome Ben-ham?" This devine uses no logic in
his letters and sermons and it is claimed that he only takes this stand to gain
notoriety which he has certainly accomplished. The commissioners for Burleigh
Co. have taken same grounds as Yankton for refusing an election under the local
option act. Bismarck gave us a good audience and invited us to come again, as
did her neighbor, Mandan. At the latter place we visited the Indian Bazaar and a
Menagerie, which is a credit to the West, Francis Willard spoke at both cities
and of course in comparison I felt as one of the "Lesser lights," as I truly am.

    Beautiful Jamestown! We never shall forget that lovely city, when that fine
church resembled a conservatory in its decorations. People came in 20 and 30
milesto attend the meeting. The only way we could meet the appointment was by
taking the early freight.

    The superintendent of the railroad, whose wife is president of Jamestown W.
C. T. U., had the train come in one hour earlier, that we might reach them in
time, as they have been disappointed in their speakers not reaching them. He and
his wife also showed sympathy with the work by dispatching to Bismarck how I
should come, and then sending a dispatch to the next point where I was expected,
so that I might be met at the train, and attached a caboose to a work train,
holding it until I could get to the depot, so as to meet my engagements without
traveling after night. I love to tell you of this, to encourage you by the fact
that good, influential parties are supporting the efforts of temperance people.
Dakota is bound to win. It is because of the glorious cause that the workers
receive the support and aid of such persons; and we are gaining in influence
every day. The solos sang at Jamestown meeting would do credit to many musical
artists and each was a temperance lesson of highest worth.-Sanborn and Steele
gave us good appreciative audiences, and kindly greetings.

    Yours buoyant with hope for final victory.

                                Mrs. Nettie C. Hall


File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/sd/jerauld/newspapers/alongthe136gnw.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/sdfiles/

File size: 4.0 Kb