The Portland Daily Press

To the Editor of the Press:

I notice in your paper of the 25th that you publish a preamble and resolutions passed at a meeting of the Dry and Fancy Goods clerks at the Old City Hall, complaining of Mr. C. E. Thompson for not concurring with their wishes and practice as to the evening hour of closing their shops and stores.

I do not see that Mr. T. is charged with a violation of compact; and I observe that in the evening hours he does not detain his female clerks—and he has no others.

The thought occurs, that however reasonable and desirable in itself such a departure from their past habit of keeping open till a later hour may be to many, that it is a new thing to attempt to make such a change universal by coercion; and that it should be borne in mind that the gentleman in question makes no innovation in the past custom as to hours, and also that compulsory measures, direct or indirect, among any class or classes of business men or women, is especially unbecoming citizens under a republican government.

Equitable.

We are glad to hear that the Rev. Dr. Graham is announced to deliver a lecture to-morrow evening to young men on the subject of Temperance. It is time—high time our city pastors took up this important subject. They can do it more effectually than transient lecturers, and the community need to be aroused to the evils of Intemperance, and the very great danger from this source which threatens us as a community. From what we know of Dr. Graham we feel safe in predicting an interesting and useful lecture, and we would urge our young men and all interested in their welfare (and who is not?) to be present to-morrow evening at 7 P. M., at the New City Hall.