26.
CHAPTER XXVI.
CARRY NATION CLOSES CRUSADE IN DAYTON, OHIO—HOLDS THREE LARGELY
ATTENDED MEETINGS—SPEAKS TO LARGE AUDIENCE IN ARMORY—HAD ENGAGED
NATIONAL THEATRE, BUT INSPECTION OF AUDITORIUM INTERFERED—REVIEW WEEK'S
WORK.
Mrs. Carry Nation closed her crusade in this city, Dayton, Ohio,
yesterday by holding three remarkable meetings.
In the morning she filled the pulpit of the Home Avenue U. B. church
and as usual the church was not large enough to hold the crowd and
many had to stand outside.
Mrs. Nation was afterwards entertained at dinner by Rev. H. A.
Thompson at his residence, opposite the U. B. seminary.
The National theatre had been engaged for Mrs. Nation's Sunday
afternoon meeting, though Broadway M. E. church wanted her, but Mrs.
Nation desired to hold that meeting in as large a place as possible, as
she anticipated that there would be a large attendance. At the last
moment the National theatre management decided they could not permit the
house to be used Sunday, as they expected an inspection of the
auditorium, so Mrs. Nation's committee secured the big Armory around the
corner from the theatre at Sixth and the canal. Mrs. Nation had
especially invited the saloonkeepers, sports and unmarried young men and
ladies. The meeting was announced for 2:30, but at 1 o'clock the crowds
began to assemble. The large choir from McKinley M. E. church, under
direction of Rev. C. T. Lewis and his wife, arrived about 1:30 and
rendered a fine lot of selections until Mrs. Nation opened the meeting
at 2:30. There were only seats for about 3,000, but Captain Hooven
estimated the crowd as about 3,800 people. The galleries were crowded
and nearly the entire auditorium. All sorts of people were
present—business and professional men, saloonkeepers, and preachers,
while W. C. T. U. ladies were in evidence by their white ribbons.
Representatives from probably every church in Dayton were present and it
is safe to say that it was the greatest gathering of its kind ever held
in this city. A collection box was at the door and a splendid offering
was obtained as everybody contributed—many liberally, among whom was
Dr. L. T. Cooper, who handed in a silver dollar, stating: "I don't agree
with her in all things, but she means well."
Mrs. Nation made a characteristic talk of over an hour, giving much
advice in a kindly way and, as usual, backing up all her arguments with
Scripture.
Mrs. Nation held her last meeting at 7 o'clock at Summit Street U.
B. church, and a thousand or more people stood around the outside of the
church unable to get in.
Mrs. Nation answered many questions put to her at this meeting and
from the view of the radical temperance advocates this was probably the
strongest talk she made. In every respect the meeting was a success.
Mrs. Nation left for Chicago on the Panhandle at 9:30 last night.
Saturday was also a busy day with Mrs. Nation. In the morning she
was a visitor at the U. B. Publishing house, and after dinner she held a
meeting at Christ's mission, Soldiers' Home. At 5 o'clock, accompanied
by some of her committee, she went to Salem, O., where she was entertained
by Rev. Baker, of the U. B. church, and afterwards held the usual
crowded meeting in his church, leaving there at 8 o'clock for Brookville,
O., where she held another big meeting at the U. B. church.
Mrs. Nation has certainly worked hard here and proven herself in
possession of wonderful energy and capacity for work. The following is
a list of appointments here in ten days, every one of which she filled and
not once could she fully accommodate the crowd: Friday night, October
21, street meeting corner Main and Fourth streets; afterwards to wedding
anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Bennett, where many congenial
spirits were present. This took on the nature of an entertainment to Mrs.
Nation. Saturday night, October 22, U. B. church, Miamisburg; Sunday,
October 23, the Dunkard church, Dayton; Sunday, October 23, afternoon
at Bellbrook, O., mass meeting of the three churches at town hall; Sunday
night, October 23, St. Paul's M. E., Dayton; Monday night, October
24, Riverdale U. B.; Tuesday night, First United Presbyterian; Wednesday
night, Trinity M. E.; Thursday afternoon, Free Methodist; Thursday
night, mass meeting of colored churches at McKinley M. E.; Friday
afternoon, 2 o'clock, U. 13. seminary; 4 o'clock, W. C. T. U. meeting,
Broadway M: E.; Friday night, Second United Presbyterian, and balance
appointments as given above.
The committees of the various churches, the Citizens' League and
Prohibition party are much pleased with the work Mrs. Nation did here
and predict great results from it.—Dayton Daily.