Valentine Democrat

W. C. T. U.

THE SOCIAL EVIL.

Rev. Charles W. Blodgett in a recent public utterance thus probes the social ulcer in our midst:

"Think of it, good men and women of this city! Two thousand and over of women pay two dollars a month, or $48,000 a year to be protected by the police of this city in immorality. There is no law that sanctions or permits this horrible traffic of virtue. This is done by the political party to which I belong. The leaders claim that it controls, this vice controls! It is a wonder that God's burning fire does not fall upon us for using that word! Within two blocks of St. Paul's church, of which I am the pastor, there are abominations worse than could be found in Sodom and Gomorrah. We challenge the Executive Head of the campaign fund of the dominant party to tell us what becomes of these $48,000! He dares not do it. The most eloquent preachers in this nation may be secured by the churches in this city, but until we have a revolution in civic affairs, hell will continue to hold a carnival of vice within our borders!

Yes! Yes! More than that is true. The saloon must be taken into account. Vote the saloon out of existence, and you will strike a death blow to the bawdy houses, bossism and the whole brood of evils!"

—Search Light.

We wish to commend North Platte W. C. T. U. for the splendid report they were able to give in our state paper, The Union Worker. We will copy snatches of the same: "A committee from the union have been assigned the duty of meeting with the council to talk over the violations of the liquor laws which occur every day in North Platte, as in every other place where the city permits for a price, these 'vestibules of hell' to establish themselves."

"One item this union has given special attention to, is the support of a rest room and reading room—in short, W. C. T. U. headquarters for the county. The county commissioners have made an appropriation for the support of these rooms, with a promise to increase it. Most of the business firms, nearly every church and fraternal society made small monthly payments to this fund. The most prominent druggist, as he gave his name for a monthly payment, expressed the wish to become an honorary member and wear the badge. One of the prominent physicians also wears the badge, and several of the ministers. The county attorney also (just think of that) is committed to our side and everything indicates that the class in municipal law is doing good to those who try to inform themselves."

Can you imagine how it would seem if such conditions existed in our own town? God speed the right.

W. C. T. U. COMMITTEE.