The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-10-31
VOL 10, No. IS, Whole No. 4SS.

"Ifthe effect of drunkenness" said we. sis
so injurious, aud sobriety is so certain 10 bring
early respect, and ultimate wealth, why do
we see so many-why, indeed, one tina, know
ing those consequences, indulge in intoXica-
tion?"
Cor rather" said the man, starting sudden
", us If offended al the question---'Why dol
continue TO drink, why do lgo rncing through
the town every week, mad as bacchanul,
and drunk us brute, why do destroy eve
ry form of rational pride and every claim TO
human respect by swilng at the bollc, until
the very dogs bark at me as reel along the
road, or seek Il lodging beneath the shelter
ola friendly wall? Why is my wife, born to
something better, and my children, who are
ruined by my example, disgraced aud half
starved by my accursed habits. This is what
you nsk-yoh mean to inquire why make
Il drunlSard, a beast Of myself, why caution
you against the crime"
We stepped backward, somewhat startled
at the force ofthe appeal, and the truth of his
application, but we did not deny that his own
case was in our mind when we made the en-
qury.
The IMAM turned with us towards the beau
tful bay, whose repose seemed TO calm his
agitation, and soothe the irritation ofhis mind.
lie EuZeu IOT bOIllB llIlle upoI 'De ElNsSy SUI
face, MS fit reflected back to him the pleas
ure of his earlier days, full ofprOmise, ofhon-
or to himself aud comfort to Others at length,
he said,
"You have heard from your mother and
others, all my story, which is one of folly, not
of crime. as The world reckons it; no man can
charge them with the ordinary talsehoOds
which business excuses if not encourages.
My rapid descent was accelerated 10y the Gus
tom which then, MS now prevailed, and my
intoXication was but the consequence ola
single extra cup. oil am now what yOu see nc,
without the ability or knowledge for mCclur-
ical labor, and consequently, Dependent IN
the discharge ofthe meUBest Offices for hre;d
Yet, with full recollection of all that | WIS
consciousness Of attainment suited 10 the
enjoyment, ifnot the acquisition of wrnl! -
il is NOW impossible for me 10 do more than TO
earn my bread by this mental toll, ard il is
painful 10 think that could have done better.
"When wake TO sohriety, from my most
beastly state. feel that this labor is suited o
such wretch; lose my Sey'respcct, aud grow
content with my degre daiion-a weeks sobli-
ETY. would make me too proud to gather nia-
terial for manure from the sea shore, and my
family would starvc--tay drunkenness las
stepped my family in poverty, must not lry
sobriliy, make them bcegars. You do not nm.
of destroying MI natural pride. May you new
or attain that forbidden knowledge; hut re-
member that nothing is so effective rs intoXi-
is the perfect destroyer
of self esteem. ...
The tears TINT conrsed down the cheeks Of
the poor degraded man told ofawakened fee
lings s. we felt hope that some new resolve
of good yves 20 he made. ... .~
~ have ut times thought" said he, "ihai
something might he done 10 check this tor
rent Of imtoxicarion, aud plans have present.
ed themselves 10 my mind-once. iuGeed,J
spoke Of them TO one whose station would
give importance 10 his vews-he only rep!i-
ed, II drink only what need, you drink too
much.' There is a way to uhate the ewl,hut
what il is know not-and generations may
pass away the proud he humhlcd, the rich
hcggared, and the noble and gallant degraded
by drunkenness. before the true remedy win
be applied. What that is, do not know.
The poor man died the tenant ofau aims
house, and his auditor lives 10 see the RENE
dy fully applied IN all the circle Mt that time
within the knowledge Of the two interlocu-
tors.