Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-01-07

opposition, All eyes turned upon the youthful
speaker and every ear was attentive to the slightest
word as he there exposed the deep laid plot of vla-
ny to deprive lonely widow of her rghtful inherit
ance. Before he had concluded his adversary hung
his head in confusion and shame. As he concluded,
murmur of applause from the vast assembly greeted
him, and he felt that he had indeed trlumphed His
many friends crowded around him to congratulate him
on his brilliant achievements among whom was his IA
ther, the proudes and happiest of them ALL "God be
praised that have lived to tins day" said the old
man, "for, beside defending the unprotected he has
proved himself man more than competent to fill his
fathers place. This is the happies day of my life;
could listen to such spirtstirrng eloquence all my
life and never tire, though it were my own son that
should be speaking all the while. What father is
there among you who would not be proud of such a
SOM" Thus did the warm-hearted and delighted Judge
Hamilton continue speaking as he saw the effect of
the unlivalled eloquence of his son. They all soon
after left the court room for the tavern near by-one
OF those ltte miserable places that disgrace the name
OF public house, and too many of which curse our
pleasant country villages All went in for "reat"
and pressed it upon his son. George knew his weak
ness and was resolved to be on his guard but of what
avail are good resolutions when one has taken rass
ofmm or brandy? 1t proved to be of no avail in this
instance; and when George Hamilton left the tavern
ne was obliged to be dependent on some of his more
sober companions to assist him home. Alas, what
sight Could this be the proud and highly talented
George Hamilton to whose glorious bursts of elo-
quence the crowd breathlessly listened staggering
under the influence of the inebriatng cup? 1t was
even so aud it was with the utmost difficulty that his
companions kept him from falling as they were con-
Quoting him home. The day had begun to dawn
when he arrived. His father had Just risen, and he
met them at the door, wondering what could be the
matter He had seen them as they approached the
house, and he fastened out to learn the cause NOT
once imagining that his own example had led, II had
almost said drvcn,) his to intemperance The
Judge turned deadly pale when he the situation
ofhis son, and he silently and sadly opened the door
for them to enter AS they entered the house. George
saw the expression on his fathers face and he instant
ly comprehended his own dsgraceful situation He
thanked his friends for the services they had rendered
him, and intimated that he would not detan them
longer and they Immediately withdrew and the father
and son was left alone They sat silent for many
minutes neither of them wishing to commence a con-
versation that must be painful to both The Judge at
length broke the silence. George, | am surprised
and panied, as you may well perceive, at seeing you
much under the influence of liquor that you arc un-
able to walk home without assistance. never ex-
pected to see the day that my would far forget
what constitutes gentleman as to get drunk;-aye
drunk, and come Keeling into my presence; and that
too after having completely discomftted your oppo
nent and had so publicly expressed my Joy and ap
probation at the fearless and manly course you had
: taken. But find have been deceived myself when
but for my foolish fondness for you have discovered
the natural weakness and imbecity character which
you have this night displayed. You have dsgraceC
your self and me before all our friends and our enc
: mics too cannot express the bitter modification
+ feel at seeing such talents You possess so shame
It fully perverted You are irretievaby ruined and de
h graded. Never think of appearing in decent society
G again. or of looking honest man in the face. Al
1t respectable people will scorn to associate with you
and you will have no friends but of the baser sort.
3 could curse you for bringing such disgrace upon me
nov in my old age" and the Judge stamped on thu
n floor evidently in passion. Had he spoken one gen
e tie, reprovng word in kindness, it would have accom-
IS plshed towards the reformation of his son thai
y thousand spoken in anger and offended pride. Blu
man too often speaks in anger, little rocking the con
sequences till too late to retrac George did not at
to bo h.
N sat perfectly silent and mooness, the cold drops
ID perspraon standing on his forehead and his face
y, pale marble statue. He was completely sobereC
and stung almost to madness by his fathers words an
ID manner-for he had much of his fathers spirit Whe
al the Judge ceased speaking he cast an angry reproacl
full glance towards George little expecting to see hin
or in the full possession of his powers of mind and bod
O. He his whole frame rembled with emotion, an
he that he about to speak, as he thought to excuse
ed pallate his conduct, not thinking the storm was
IN burst fearfuy on his head that parental
TO ample had caused the son to disgrace the father
vi When George spoke, all traces of emotion had vanis
ne ed from his counenance except slight hectic fus
lis either cheek and quick, impatient glance as
'n eye met the angry look of his father.
ok "Fathcr" said he, "you probably think shall al
" knowledge myself to have been greatly in error ar
I'D humby ask your PARDON but let assure you you
e, mistaken. should not have come home this mornir
list drunk you say if you had not pressed the soci
Oh glass upon me last night and you knew very well
eu appetite for it when have once taken glass Al
use who learned me to drain the intoxicating cup? WI
his gave me the poisonous beverage when too young
ne lisp his name? Who, when friends were around
10 smilingly gave the accursed bowl encouraging
ng to taste the deadly contents? And now, who is it tn
ot aunts his son with being drunkard, and of brngil
ars disgrace upon him in his old age? Could any faith
oil expect his son to home sober when he accomp
uld MES him to the tavern, and after encouraging him
lth drink, leaves him with his drunken companions?
his must give him credit for much rmness of charact
ma much more than your son possesses certainly; a
I'm than he could be expected to possess if one
ay, but consider his fathers pecep and example" Geor