H. BRANCH, H. E. KIRK, DEWITT M. BENHAM, Committee. It is interesting to note that the preacher who was most instrumental in bringing about a conference with the Presbyterian, Congregational and Reformed Church ministers was an ex-Confederate chaplain, and three or four others of the white men who took active interest in this movement were also ex-Confederates. The following letter was written by this preacher, and showed that not only political lines played no part in this matter, but that in matters of genuine reform and uplift the best Southern people stand ready to lend a helping hand: Ellicott City, Md., March 2, 1908. My dear Brother: The Committee appointed by our Ministers’ Meeting brought in a report authorizing our Secretary to sign the petition you suggested, but so profound was the impression made by your address that the brethren wish to go further and will do anything to help you in this matter, either by signing the petition individually or by going before the License Board in person at the proper time, to help you in this matter. If you will indicate fully how we may best serve the cause, let me hear before our next meeting, the 13th inst. Sincerely yours, The hearing took place on the 22nd of April, 1908, and the room set apart by the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for their hearings was crowded as it had seldom been before. The Colored Law and Order League was there in force, and represented by their counsel, Mr. John C. Rose. The Presbyterians were represented by Dr. DeWitt M. Benham, pastor of one of the leading Presbyterian churches in the South; Rev. Dr. James E. Cook and Rev. Dr. Kirk. The Methodist Ministers’ Association was represented by a committee whose chairman was the Rev. Dr. James E. Watson. The Colored ministers were represented through Rev. John A. Holmes. Lawyers W. Ashbie Hawkins and C. C. Fitzgerald, representative of the best types of colored lawyers, were there. The President of the School Board, Mr. John E. Semmes, was there to voice the indorsement which the School Board had given to the petition of the Law and Order League. The Secretary of the Colored Young Men’s Christian Association was present to make protest on behalf of that institution. Bishop Paret, who would have been present but for the fact that his official duties called him to another part of the State at that time, sent the following letter, which expressed his views in the matter: March 28, 1908. Board of Liquor License Commissioners.