The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-05-30

to me was in my room struggling be-
tween desire to cast myself upon
your clemency and a temptation TO
turn aside suspicion by suggesting TO
you that the secretary had been rob-
bed. even wickedly thought ofplac-
ing the key in Findleys pocket and fast
ing suspicion on him and have him
searched. ! came here, sir, resolved to
do this, though when | saw how kindly
you met me, and remembering your
natural goodness Of heart, ! was con-
strained to confess all to you. But the
dread of acknowledging my guilt, caus-
ed me 10 resort to miserable falsehood.
Sir, have mercy on met | am sincerely
penitent, and if you will spare me from
public exposure, for my fathers and
mothers sake, am ready to bear any
punishment you may see fit to inflict
upon me-"
Thus ending this humiliating confess
sion the yonng man again threw him
self at the foot of his employer, and
burrying his face in his hands, awaited
his decision. Mr.. Hawley remained
few moments gazing down upon him
in looks in which there was more grief
than anger. He had discovered with
pain that the man in whom he had
placed so much confidence, and whom
he was about TO elevate to high de-
gree Of responsibility, was unworthy.
"This is great crime, Proctor,
which you are guilty of. 1t will send
you to the States prison."
81 know it, sir-l deserve it-but for
my mothers sake"
"If you did not think of her when
you committed this crime, why do you
wish or expect me to respect her feel
ings?"
"True sir, true. have been too
guilty to deserve any clemency at your
hand. But if am sent to prison, let
my father and my mother answer them
selves. Let them bear equally with
me, the guilt and degradation! he said,
with warmth, and in accents of bitter
reproach."
"Why do you speak thus of your
parents?" Have you lost all filial re-
spect and love, demanded Mr.. Haw-
ley with surprise and displeasure.
"No, no, but my parents are to
blame for all this guilt have incurred.
They taught me to play cards when
child; and by the enticing wtchery of
the play | have been led step by step
to gambling, until all has resulted in
my rum. Do you not see that my pa
rents are to blame;"
81 do," answered Mr.. Hawley, and
remembered what his son had little
while before told him. 81 am surpris-
ed that parents should place cards in
the hands Of their children. They had
better fed you on poisoned bred"
"You now perceive sir, why have
reflected upon them. From that time
| became fond of my cards, and was
taught by my father and mother the
more advantageous points Of the game;
and as l showd great aptitude, they
were proud of my readiness. Asl
grew up ! became whist player
Other games l naturally learnded, and
gay company after l come to this city,
opened the way to gaming. The re-
suit is, that I am now arraigned before
you for robbing you of five hundred
dollars, lest | should be exposed to the
world. Therefore. sir, did say, let
my parents bear equally with me the
guilt and degradation
81 am sorry for you, Proctor, pity
you though blame you, and do not
exculpate you from the full weight of
our guilt. Your parents were guilty,
and it is IN you, they should see the
fruits Of their folly and sin. shall let
the law take its course. Ifyou had not
resorted TO falsehood but openly and
candidly come TO me, without waiting
to be sent for, and acknowledged your
guilt, with the mitigating circumstances
you have just stated, | should have had
confidence in your reformation. The
gambler is further from restoration even
than the drunkard, because what he
does is IN the light Of sobriety and rea-
son. | do not arrest you because Of
the loss of money. That am willing
tolose fol the early knowledge l have
discovered OF your depravity. Igno-
rant ofwhat now know; might have
lost me thousands had l taken you in
partnership. l shall lock you in this
room while ! 60 for an officer"
The young man made no ans wer.-
He stood silent and gloomy, as if over
whelmed with horror. The closing
door aroused him. VI
& Then ] am to be sent to prison. The
crisis has arrived, and am felon. -
Be it SO! Here are pen and paper"
He sat down to write.
1To nv Father and Mother. I'll