Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-08-14
From the American Messenger.
An Exciting Scene.

MEssas ED1roRs.-I give the following facts
lated to by credible witness. great experience
meeting" was to be held one evening in - church,
where the speakers usual to be reformed drunk
ards. An eStimable woman, whom will call Alice,
was induced to attend. When the meeting was some
what advanced late member Of Congress arose, with
apparent sadness and hesitation
Though had consented at your urgent solicitation
TO address this assembly tonight" be said yet have
felt great reluctance TO doing that It has been
with the utmost difficulty could drag myself forward
As to relating my experience that do not think can
venture upon. The past / dare not recall. L could
wish that the memory of ten years of my life were blot
ted ont" He paused moment: much Affected, ana
then added in rmer voices % Something must be said
of my case shall fail to make the impression
on yOur minds that wish to produce.
- Your speaker st9sd among the respected men,
bers Of the bar. Nay, than that. he occupied
seat in Congress for two congressional periods And
more than that" he continued his voice sinking into
expressive of deep emotion, he once had ten
derYloved wife and two sweet children But all these
honors all these blessings have departed from him.
He unworthy retain them; his constituents threw
him of because he had debased HIMSELF and disgraced
them. And more than all she who had loved HIM devo
teddy, the mother of his Babes forced to aban
don him. and seek asylum in her fathers house. And
why! Could become so changed in few short years!
What power there debase me that my fellow
beings spurned, and the wife of my bosom turned
away heart-sricken, from me! Alas, my friends, it
a mad indulgence in intoxicating drinks But Tor
this, we're an honorable and useful representative IN
the halls Of legislation, and blessed with home, and
s'But have not told you ALL After my wife sepera-
ted from me, sank rapidly of sobriey brought
too many terrible thoughts; drank more deeply, and
rarely. If ever, free from the bewderng effects OF
partial intoxication At last, became abandoned
that my wife, urged by her friends Doubt filed an ap
pcatOn for divorce and could be readily shown
why it should be granted separation was legally de-
clared and TO complete my Disgrace at the congress
siOna canvass was left of the ticket as unit to repre-
sent the district
'sWhen heard Of this new movement the great tenn
C
at last, and finally threw myself upon the great wave
that rolling onward in hope of being carried by it
far Of the reach OF danger. did not hope with a
vain hope 1t did for all and than could have
desired. 1t upon my feet, once more
made man Of me. year Of sObrety, earnest devo-
ton TO my profession, and ervent prayer to Him who
alone gives strength in every good resolution, has
stored 10 much that have lost; but ALL not the
richest that have proved myself unworthy to
retain not my wife and children. Between myself and
these the law has laid Its impossible nterdc tons
have no longer vile, no longer children though my
heart goes toward these dearly beloved ones with the
tenderest warnings Pictures of early days OF we'd
ed love ever lingering in my Imagination dream
Of the sweet Preside circle; before me the
placid face of my Alice as her eyes looked into my
with intelligent confidence; the music OF her voice
sounding in my ears"
Here the speakers emotion overcame him; his utter
became choked, and he stood silent with bowed
head and trembling limbs. The dense mass of people
hushed into oppressive stiffness, that broken
here and there by half-stiled sobs.
Al THIS moment thefe was movement IN tue cFoWu
single female figure before whom every appeared
instnetvey to give way, passing up the aisle
This observed by the speaker, until she had
nearly in front Of the platform which he stood
Then the movement caught his aud his eyes that
instant fell Alice who by the kindness OF those
her, conducted To his side. The whole audience,
thrilled with the scene upon their feet and bending
forward, when the speaker extended his arms and Alice
threw herself upon his bosom
An aged minister then came forward and gently sep
arated them. No no." said the reformed congress
man, you cannot take her away from me-" Heaven
forbid that should" replied the minister; but by
your confession, she is not your wife" No, she
IS not" returned che speaker mournfuy q But is
dy to take her again" modesty said Alice, in
low tone, smiling through her tears.
Before that large assembly all standing, and with few
dry eyes, the marriage ceremony again performed
that gave the speaker and Alice to each other As the
minister aged man. with thin white locks completed
the marriage rite he laid his hands upon the heads Of
the two he had joined in holy bonds, and lifting mp his
streaming eyes, said in solemn voice, "What God
has Joined together let Rum put asunder 'Amen"
was cried by the whole assembly with single voice
J. S. B.