The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-08-27


was the shop open to visitors. Passing on
day, Henry entered the store, and inquired
of his friend, "what success he met with in hi
business"
II do finely" said he.
81 regret" said Henry, I" that you hay,
erected that barAbecause | believe it viii
have an injurious tendency"
~ could not get along without it" sale
Charles, 81 realize more profit from the salt
of spirits than from all my other business"
"But only consider how much misery you
are instrumental of producing Doubtless
many poor wife and mother is suffering be
cause, for a little gain, you put the intoXica
ting glass to the lips Of the husband and faith
en-"
off I didn't sell to them somebody else
would, and | should lose the profit"
"That you don't know, and if it were so
that is no excuse for you"
81 don't care, will sell spirits so long as
can get purchasers"
{" You will regret it at some future day, ]
have no question"
"But shall sell, and it's nobody's business
| do wish our community was rid of the con-
| founded meddIers. have a right to dispose
of what please. This is free country, and
the first man that insults me for selling liquor,
will order from my shop"
"Don't get angry, friend Ingalls,, i am only
speaking for your good"
"Well, don't thank you for it. There is
a set Of men about now days, that do moth
ing but interfere with other mems business.
They are determined to compel us to give up
selling spirits; but their efforts shall be in
vain. They talk about prosecution and the
like, thinking that we are fools enough to pay
attention to what they say and do. No, we
bavc more manliness about u.s."
But, friend, don't you think it would be
for your interest not to retail rum? You
know there are great many people in this
community, who look upon your business as
not respectable, and ON that account will not
enter your store to purchase a single article.
II you should relinquish the sale, or even
empty your casks into the street, | think it
would be greatly for your interest in the end
i am certain it will be so.'
II know better than that. No inducement
whatever would prevail upon me now. Since
so much has been said, will sell and risk the
consequences"
know you will regret it," and just as he
spoke, a half-dozen poor and miserable beings
entered the shop and called for spirit, and
Henry left, growing over the conduct Of his
friend.
In year or two ingalls, had become attach
ed to his cups, and it was said that. occasion
ally he was seen intoxicated. However that
may be, his business gradually fell off, and it
was with difficulty that he sustained himself
day by day. He neglected his shop, and
idled away his time with unsteady compan-
ions, spending money and contracting intcm-
perate habits. Thus inattentive to business,
he soon failed and had to give up. On set |
Ting with his creditors, Ingalls, could pay lit |
tie more than twenty per cent; the remain |
der had been spongcd from him by his COM
panions, and squandered in vicious pursuits. !
After idling about for five or six months, he |
started west in pursuits Of business.
Welby continued with Haler for one year. |
He had been so faithful to his employer while !
a clerk, and had behaved with so much pro-
priety that his master concluded to take him |
into equal co-partnership. This was an hon
or entirely unexpected to Henry, and the
prospect was bright before him. Mr.. IIalcr
had been doing an extensive business, and
was now quite wealthy. The responsibility
of the concern was thrown upon Henry, and
no man was better qualified to sustain it
Diligent and persevcring, virtuous and hon
est, he had received the appreciation and re-
spect of all who knew him. AS citizen and
neighbor Welby was Of great service. He
was one of the most active members of the
Temperance Society, and by his exertions
large amount of good had been accomplished.
He went among the poor incbriates, and per-
suaded them to torsake their Incorporate hab-
its, while he adyisad those who dealt in spirit
to rclinquish the sale Of it. He was friend
to virtue, and a benetactor of the poor.
Wclby had been in business but a few
years, when he led to the hymeneal altar the
beautiful and accomplished daughter of his
partner, Mr. Haler. From early youth he
had been partial to Ellen. Her sweet dispo-
sition, her graceful manners and her indus
trious habits, had won his affections. Unlike
multitudes that surrounded her, she thought
more other heart than her face, the improve
ment Of her mind than the decoration of her
person; and would rather spend her time at
work or in study, than at the theatre Or in pa
cling the streets, Two more congenial spirits
were seldom united. The marriage day was
a happy one to their friends and neighbors, las
well as to themselves. Everybody loved Ell
len Haler and Henry Welby and now they
received the smiles and good wishes of all,
and many a prayer was offered, that the bright I
morning of their days might not be clouded
with sorrow.
Several years passed and Wclby continued
to prosper in business, while the influence he
excrted around him was healthy and salutary
About once year he would leave his native
place and journey to the South-partly on
business, and partly for pleasure. One sea-
son he travelled as far as New Orleans with
his wife.-One morning as they were passing
the street, they noticed "a crowd gathered, and |
on inquiring the cause of the difficulty, they
learned that poor fellow had been caught,
who few nights before had broken into
store, and robbed it OF a considerable amount
While moving along, the officer Of justice APP
peared with the prisoner, and single glance
revealed to Welby the countenance of his
former companion, Charles ingalls,.
"Can it be nossible. Ellen. that this IS