the way for similar work by other societies. The W. C. T. U. was instrumental in placing a matron in the Union Depot in Portland, and fired the first gun in the war against child labor and in support of compulsory education.
A well-organized lecture bureau is maintained. Headquarters are established at Ashland and Gladstone during the annual Chautauqua Assemblies, and also at the State Fair. The Flower Mission has carried joy and brightness into many an erstwhile dismal sick chamber. The work among sailors has exerted a far-reaching influence for good.
Not least in all the work for "God and home and native land" accomplished by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union is the influence of the work upon its members. Under it they have grown stronger, broader, more loving and more noble.
The following legislative enactments were secured through the efforts of the members of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union:
In 1884 the scientific temperance instruction bill.
In 1899, after the third effort, a bill for the protection of young girls was enacted by which the age of consent was raised from 14 to 16 years. This bill suffered much in the hands of the legislature of 1905, be it said in shame upon mankind.
The anti-narcotic bill, prohibiting minors the use of tobacco, was passed in 1889.
Secured from legislature in 1889 for the Refuge Home, established by the W. C. T. U., an appropriation of $5000, which amount was granted by succeeding legislatures, and is now raised to $6000.
Anti-tobacco law, amended in 1891.
In the framing of the charter of the Soldiers' Home in Roseburg, the W. C. T. U. took a live interest, and secured the insertion of a clause in the charter prohibiting the sale of intoxicants within one mile of the home.
By a law secured in 1893, police stations are provided with matrons.
John Killin and family came to Oregon from Iowa in 1845, and were the first to settle south of the Calapooia River, at a point about three miles below the present town of Brownsville. There were no neighbors but Indians, and they were troublesome on account of their thieving propensities. First one thing, then another disappeared, but Mr. Killin seemed reluctant to attempt to recover the stolen property. At length a milch cow was stolen, whereat Mrs. Killin, after vainly entreating her husband to seek its rescue, determined to take the initiative. Accordingly, she armed herself with a butcher knife, went to the chief's camp, found the cow, cut the retaining rope, brandished her weapon in the face of the astounded chief and his subjects, and drove the beast back to her cabin. From that time Mrs. Killin was known as a "Skookum Kloochman"—strong-hearted woman—and thereafter the property of the family was not molested. Mrs. Killin is still living, and is now in her ninety-third year.—(George H. Himes.)
