Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-09-11
THE iNTEMPERATE.

whose virtues or errors had heen pointed at as
examples to be initiated, or beacons to be avoid
ed, In my approaching turn to navigate the
dangerous channels of manhood. 1t is de-
hghtfu thing occasionally to catch glimpse
adown the pathway Of life, and see how have
Jared those whose startings we have witnessed,
and whose course we have for a season known
to heave a sigh where errors have turned the
travellers aside, or smile where virtue has been
the pilot or the guide. Twas shocked at the in
| roads which intemperance had made, and
heard with inexpressible pain the story of mise
ry and anguish that includes the suffering of
hundreds for every instance of Drunkenness
My informant knew the story Of all, and of
twenty for whom made an inquiry, the prison,
the almshouse, or the grave, had been the re.
fuge Of fifteen from intoxication. Let his sto-
ry, told in few minutes, of one tor whom |
made special inquiries, be read with the conf
dence that is deserved by entire truth, except
ing only the name and the location
Williams had started in life with active ha-
bits, good constitution, and devotion to bu-
siness; and at his 22d year, found himself mas
ter of merchant vessel. Attention and perse-
verance supplied the place Of education, and if
wealth did not flow in with rapid tide, it came
steadily, in a stream which appeared to pro-
mise regular and permanent supply. Mar
riage followed, and the happiness of life was
increased by additions to the family; for here,
where subsistence is so easily obtained, chill
uGtu arc Il UleSSlUS DuSilCSS plOSDCI~
ed, and yonder neat and commodiouS house,
with its grounds and outbuildings, was purchas-
ed by Williams, as family residence. 1t was
cheerful sight to see him on the Sabbath, af-
ter his return from voyage, approach the
church with his amiable and exemplary wife
and their flock Of children. The hearty shake
and the honest congratuatlon Of his townsmen,
on his arrival, told plainly the estimation in
which he was held.
An interruption of Commerce placed Will
liams for short time out OF employment but
could not impair his means Of comfortable sup
port-they were ample; but idleness, increased
habits of sociability, the fashion Of exhibiting
ticipaton ofitS contents, engendered an appetite
for the Intoxicating draught and mind not
well cultivated yielded to the influences Of
idleness and improper companions.
Let it suffice. Williams lost the confidence of
the merchants, lost the respect of the commun-
ty lost his property, lost the regard OF his chill
dren, lost the last stay Of all, selfrespect He
became drunkard; beastly attachment swal-
lowed up the last dollar he had, and with 1t
seemed to swallow up all shame. All wds gone
all, but the lore Of his wife. 1t is much that
will quench that fame in woman. She may
weep, condemn, complain, and even d'ej but
not until then, will her love go out His wife
sustained the reverse like--like woman-
Necessitated to leave her house deeply mort
gagged, she gathered her numerous children into
single room at a distance; there she sustained
them with decency that showed her mother.
and there she maintained her lest husband with
fidelity that showed her Ceristidn. Years
passed on, but brought no change except that
regular decadence from bad to worse that
marks the drunkard's course; and Williams was
lost TO society," to his family, to hope. Squalid
poverty set its seal upon him, and the man
whose spring Of life was so full of promise, sunk
away in the midst of his summer, undeServlnga
friend, too low to boast Of an enemy"
"And he is then dead;" said enquirngly.
"No, not neutrality-suspicious. enjoyed the
long sacrifice Of hiring victim.
In the spring of last year, an enterprislnS snip
owner of our town met Williams early in the
morning sober. The circumstance attracted ms
attention. He spoke to him-the wretched man
felt that even such a notice was worth some
thing, and he paused. :,
"Why," said the merchant, edo you not work"
why should work? The earnings OF
whole day, if given to me, would scarcely pay
for the liquor which should inevitably purchase
between the place Of payment and my house"
"But would not the duty you owe your vile
and family, dictate another course?' :.
at did not keep me in another course when
had credit and a good name, and was master
of a vessel"
but you feel the erils Of your course, and
YOU hourly see the consequence to your excel
| lent wife and children. Something IS due 10
| them" -,
Every thing is due to them; but who Will
give me a vessel again-who willintrust drunk
ard with his ship and cargo!'
Nubody-neither friend nor enemy; but sa
tisfy the former that you are worthy of the trust
and you may command coidence."
There is not a man in town that will give me
an hours labor; have triedit"
"But did you ever try it under pledge not TO
become intoXicatedF (,
"Idid, twice; but violated the promise, ana
now II is useless to try again. There is not
man TO aid me, or to help me aid myself"
"still you should seek employment in any SIT
tuation"
81 now seek it of vou Will you employ me
in anu capacity in your vessel that leaves the
first of next week, if promise to drink IN
toxicating liQuor7"
al wiIlego as a common hand; you will then
be out of the way Of Temptation, for there is no
liquor on board, and may God prosper your
The voyage, in which every man on board
was concerned, proved to be very prosperous,
NIT .,n,,,ar ho noandS small vessel,