The Woman's Christian Temperance Union has frequently been called a political institution. While we smile over the accusation, knowing how small a part woman can occupy in the politics of this country, yet with great earnestness we back up the smile with the thought that when we _are_ a political institution--or, more properly speaking, a _voting_ institution--the backbone of the liquor power will be broken, _the saloon must go_, and the era of happy hearts and happy homes will be ushered in. That we have always taken an interest in politics is true, and always on the right side. Away back in 1876 we find the following: _Resolved_, That, in view of the present political crisis, we as Christian women effectively urge upon all voters with whom we have influence that they cast their votes only for total abstinence candidates. In 1883 our convention received the following telegram from Syracuse: _To the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of New York State_: Prohibitory party convention sends greeting. Where you lead with prayers, we will follow with votes. DWIGHT WILLIAMS, _Chairman of Committee._ The reply sent is found in Joshua i., 9. The convention of 1884 adopted the following resolution, only twelve voting against it: _Resolved_, That we express our endorsement of the action of our beloved president, Miss Willard, and of the national executive committee, in regard to the Prohibition party, as being in harmony with the resolution passed in the national convention at Detroit. In this same year our president attended the nominating convention at Pittsburgh, as delegate from the Prohibition convention. In 1885, Mrs. Burt in her annual address referred to what is known as the St. Louis resolution, which reads as follows: