Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-11-12

few nuts are staked; then bottle OF wine; an
oyster supper AT last they can venture a Six
pence in actual money--just for the amusement
of it, need go no further-whoever wishes
to do anything with the lad, can do it now. If
properly piled, and gradually led he will 60 to
any length and stop only on the galows. Do
you doubt it! Let us trace him a year or two
further on.
With his fathers blessing and mothers tears
the young man departs from home. He has re-
ceived his patrimony, and embarks for life and
independence. Upon his journey he rests at
the city; visits the school of morals;" ling
ers in more suspicious places is seen by
sharper and makes his acquaintance. The knave
sits by him at dinner; gives him the news of
the place and word of advice cautions him
against sharpers, inquiries if he has money, and
charges him to keep it secret; offers himself to
make with him the rounds of the town, and Sc
cure him from imposition.
At length, that he may see all, he is taken to
gaming house, but with apparent kindness,
warned not to play. He stands to see the va
rious fortunes Of the game some forever los
ing; some touch what number they will, gain
ing piles of gold. Looking on is thirst where
wine is free. A glass is taken; another of
better kind next the best the laadlord has, and
lWO SldSscS VI luUbs "A CuuuSO CoLuCo OFCl lilO
youth his exheration raises his courage, and
lulls his caution. Just then his friend remarks
that one might easily double his money by
few ventures, but that it was prudent not to
risk. Only this was needed to fire his mind.
What only prudence between me and gain
Then that shall not be long! He stakes; he
wins. Stakes again; wins again. Glorious
am the lucky man that is to break the bank
He stakes and wins again. His pulse races;
his face burns; his blood is up, and fear gone.
He loses loses again; loses all his winnings
loses more. But fortune turns again-he wins
anew. Gains excite him, and losses excite him
more. He doubles his stakes, then trebles them
and all is swept. He rushes on, puts up his
whole purse, and loses the whole. Then he
would borrow no man will lend. He is des-
perate, he will fight at word. He is led to
the street and thrust out. The cool breeze
which blows upon his fevered cheek, watts the
slow and solemn stroke of the clock-one-
o-three-four; four in the morning Quick
work of ruin an innocent man destroyed in n
night. He staggers to his hotel, remembers as
he enters it that he has not even enough to pay
his BILL Subdued at length by agony, cowed
and weakened by distress, he is sought again
by those who plucked him. Cunning to sub
vert ineXperience to raise the evil passions, and
to allay the good, they make him their plant
tool.
Farewell, young man. see thy steps turn
ed to that haunt again see hope lighting thy
face; but it is lurid light, and never came
from heaven. Stop before that threshold! turn
and bid farewell to home farewell to inno-
cence farewell to venerable father and an
aged mother! the next step shall part thee from
them all forever And now henceforth be a
mate to thieves, brother to corruption. Thou
hast made league with DEATH and unto death
thou shalt 60.
Let US here pause to draw the likeness of
few who stand conspicuous in that vulgar crowd
of gamblers, with which he will hereafter con-
sort. The first is tacturn, quiet man. No
enc knows when he comes into town, or when
he leaves. No man hears of his gaining, for he
never boasts or reports his luck. He reads
none, converses none, is neither glutton nor
a hard drinker, he sports few ornaments, wears
plain clothing. Upon the whole he seems a
gentlemanly man, aud sober citizens say his
only fault is gambling"
Very different is the roisering gamester.
He bears a jolly face, glstening eye, some
thing watery through watching and drink. His
fingers are manacled with rngs-his bosom
glows in pearls and diamonds, he learns the
time he wastes from watch, most gorgeously
carved, and slung around his neck with pom
derous golden chain There is not so splendid
a fellow to be seen walking through the streets.
The landlord makes him welcome-he will bear
a full bill; the tailor smiles like May, he will
buy half his shop. Other places bid him well
come-he will bear large stealings.
Like the Judge he makes his circuit, but not
for justice, like the preacher he has his appoint
ments, but not for instruction. His circuits are
the race courses, the crowded capitol, days of
general convocations, conventions and mass
meetings. lie will flame on the race track, bet
his thousands and beat the ring at swearing,
oaths vernacular, imported, simple and COM
pound. Did you see him only by day, flaming
in apparel, jovial and free hearted at the rest
auratuer or hotel, you would think him prince
let loose-a cross between Prince Hal and Fal-
staff
But night is his day. These are mere exer-
cises, and brief prefaces to his real accomplish
mcnts. He is a good fellow, who dares play
deeper; he is wild indeed, who seems wilder
and he is keen indeed, who is sharper than he is
after all this show of frankness. No one is
quicker, slyer or more alert at the game. He
can shuttle the pack till an honest man would as
soon think of looking for a particular drop of
water in the ocean as for particular card in
particular place. Perhaps he is ignorant which
is at the top, and which is at the bottom. AT