their influence; and we solicit the co-operation of the moderate or occasional drinker, that he may never become a drunkard!

Having thus briefly detailed the prominent characteristics of our Order, we would earnestly call the attention of the friends of temperance to the subject; and where approved, we recommend that early measures be taken to join with us, by obtaining Charters for opening new Divisions.

Arrangements will be made, by which brothers migrating may be transferred from one Division to another.

Believing as we do, that the Order of the Sons of Temperance will prove eminently useful in extending the blessings of Total Abstinence, Brotherly Love, and Mutual Aid, we sincerely hope to see branches immediately formed in all parts of the United States."

FIRST GRAND DIVISION.

A GRAND DIVISION, composed of Delegates from Subordinate Divisions, was convened and organized in Concert Hall, N. Y., Jan. 9th, 1843. The annual meeting of the Grand Division of New York was held in Oct. 1843, and then had under its care nineteen Subordinate Divisions, containing fourteen hundred and ninety-nine members.

During the year 1844, charters were granted for the following Grand or State Divisions, viz.-On the 8th of Jan. 1844, for the State of New Jersey. On the 5th of Feb. 1844, for the State of Maryland

On the 22d of April, 1844, a charter for the Grand Division of Pennsylvania. On the 29th of April, 1844, a charter for the Grand Division of Connecticut: all of which were duly organized by G. W. P. Oliver.

On the 10th of June, 1844, a charter was granted for the State of Massachusetts; and another for the District of Columbia-which were duly organized.

ORGANIZATION OF THE NATIONAL DIVISION.

SEVEN Grand Divisions, for six states and one territory, were represented in a meeting held in Columbian Hall, in the city of New York, June 17th, 1844, for the organization of the National Division of the Sons of Temperance,-which was to be the highest source of power for the Order, and to have under its supervision all the Grand and Subordinate Divisions not connected with some Grand Division.

At this first meeting of the National Division, J. W. Oliver presented a part of the form of initiation now in use, and stated that it had been written by James Nack, a deaf and dumb gentleman. A committee, consisting of Messrs. Oliver, P. S. White, and others, was appointed to revise the ceremonies. With the assistance of Mr. Nack, who wrote all the blank verse used in the ceremonies, the present Blue Book was completed.

On the 29th of April, 1845, the Grand Division of Virginia was instituted at Richmond, by Robert

Neilson, P. G. W. P. of Md. ; and on the 16th of April, the Grand Division of Maine was instituted at Augusta; and on the 11th of May, the Grand Division of Ohio was instituted, at Cincinnati, by G. W. P. White.

The Second Session of the National Division was held at the Hall of the Sons of Temperance, in the city of New York, on the 11th of June, 1845. The Order now consisted of 10 Grand Divisions, 194 Subordinate Divisions, and over 17,000 members.

At this meeting, the National Division adopted the following preamble and resolution, to wit.

"Whereas, the Order of the Sons of Temperance was one of the legitimate results of the redeeming Washingtonian movement; and whereas, in order to secure the success of sober principles, much depends on the public agitation of the subject, therefore be it

Resolved, that the National Division of the Sons of Temperance of the United States recommend their brethren throughout the country, to support public temperance meetings.”

The Grand Division of the State of Delaware was organized at Wilmington, Jan. 29th, 1846; that of Indiana, May 2d, 1846; that of Tennessee, on the 26th of May, 1846.

The first National Jubilee of the Order took place in the city of New York, June 9th, 1846. At one o'clock the line was formed by M. W. Marshal T. B. Florence of Pennsylvania. The city was thronged in all directions. Triumphal arches were erected in various places. It is estimated that not less than

10,000 Sons were in the procession.-They were welcomed with the cheers of sober men, and the waving of handkerchiefs from fair ladies. On their arrival at the Park, it is estimated that 30,000 people had assembled to listen to appropriate addresses.

Another triumphal Jubilee came off in Philadelphia on the 15th of June, 1847. The number that formed in the procession was considerably larger than that of New York.

The third annual session of the National Division was held in New York, on the 10th of June, 1846. The accessions during the preceding year had been, 3 Grand Divisions, 456 Subordinate Divisions, and 23,000 members.

Between July 1846 and May 1847, the following Grand Divisions were organized and commenced their career-viz., that of North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, Illinois, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Michigan, Missouri, and Louisiana.

The fourth annual session of the National Division was held at the Sons of Temperance Hall, Library St., Philadelphia, commencing June 16th, 1847.

The National Division had at this time under its care, 21 Grand Divisions, 1300 Subordinate Divisions, and nearly 100,000 members.

The Order received, as initiation fees and dues, during the past year $176,614,64. And it paid out for benefits, $48,452,02: and had still in fund, for beneficial and other purposes, $73,201,46.

The fifth annual session of the National Division, was held in Egyptian Saloon, Baltimore, June 20th, 1848.

"The Order of the Sons of Temperance bases its vast success on organization. Individual Temperance is well for an individual, having a selfish security in view. To the promotion of great general temperance results, the association of individuals is necessary; but their thorough, rapid, and lasting achievements can only be accomplished by the combination of the two, and the further and complete development of association in a perfect organization. Thus the cause has moved on-individual temperance first, associations next, and organizations now.. The Order of the Sons of Temperance, therefore, naturally stands, (and must so continue, if true to its great principles,) the head and front of the Temperance movement.-Yet, although we claim it to be the best condition of Temperance, we by no means wish to disparage the other great means, out of which not only Temperance has continually progressed, but even the Order itself has originated, and still derives much of its strength: all are good; all equally necessary; and all meritorious component parts of what should ever be considered one great, common and important whole.

"Several of the most important states have not yet sent on their returns. The vital statistics of the Order possess the highest degree of interest, and speak more eloquently than any words, the great advantage of Total Abstinence from intoxicating drinks to the physical health and preservation of human life. Out of 50,000 members, so far as reported, (from June 1846 to June 1847,) we have lost by death, as appears by returns sent in to Grand