Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-05-27
From the Toledo Blade.
The Turnfng Point.

BY sc1o
Do you remember the time VIII en- in almost every
fashionable drawing-room, there stood beautifully
carved mahogany side board, on the top of which
stool group of t-glass decanters filled, par
TALLY filled with choice liquors and hemmed in with
clear, shining stemg glasses
Do you remember too, how when company came
in the little stem glasses turned up, and the
ladies and gentlemen drank compliments and healths,
and how we children allowed " taste " and
the privilege of eating the sugar left in the bottom
of the glasses And do you remember how very
ungenteel and puritanical lady was considered,
who dared in the face of universal custom, to have
a party and not decorate her table with wines and
brandy and her parlors With cardtablcs and all the
requisites of polite gaming!
! If you do not, thank God that you escaped that
day but if you do remember these things
nected with your youth, you will perhaps better
appreciate my story.
Henry Irving native of Eastern Virginia
His only inheritance-a warm heart medium intel
liberal share of that peculiar feeling generally
| conceded experienced by none but descendants
from the " first families " of the old domain.
At the age Of twentyfour he left his native State,
largest dry goods house in P, a fourishng
town on the Ohio River. Having acquired liberal
education, cultivated taste and gentlemanly de-
portment he became favorite in the social
circle
Although possessed of some of the private and
social virtues of human nature, Irving was not free
from its vices he loved the wine-cup and the card
table-vices not then rs reprchensible w.
Custom, the great sanctioner of human error, at
that day recognized these the bonds of fraernal
brotherhood, and public sentiment had not yet clc-
waited the standard of social morality ADORE them );
consequently, lrvings fondness for these vicious
pleasures instead of operating against his popular
ty served as an introduction to the highest circles
His companions were OF that wild, reckless whole
souled, pleasure-seeking class of young who
throw care to the dogs and with mrth, wit and jol-
lty, drift smoothly yet rapidly down that stream,
whose source is crowned with choicest flowers and
perfumes of sensual pleasures, and, with dark
and waling surge, plunges into eternity. His most
intimate and confidential friend was John Hawkins
young lawyer of promising talent and pleasing ad-
dress but destitute of correct moral principle;
an avowed infdel, and entertained what he consider
ed manly contempt for virtue and piety, was fond
of whist, euchre and good brandy, and was withal
what the world denominated a '' clever fellow"
1t was about year, think, after Irving came to
P, that Emma Carson returned from Phila-
delphla, where she had been sent to complete her
educatlon-one too, that had well developed her
tural strength of mind; she stood ready to
make her debut with credit alike to herself, her
teachers and friends. With fine form, expressive
features, cultivated mind and most bewitchng
hazle eye, it was not strange that Emma soon be-
came the envy and admiration of society, nor that
Irving, before many months paid frequent visits to
Mr.. Carson's.
An intimacy was formed, which: on Irring's part,
soon rlpened into a strong attachment. Emma was
made conscious of the fact by his attentions
and hints thrown out by of her friends; it
to her, under the circumstances, source of deep
regret. She had treated him with etiquette and
kindness, received his visits in courteous friendly
manner, but nothing more. and however much she
might admire bis conversational powers and agree
able manners, recent knowledge of his general
character would prevent her from desiring to en-
courage his newborn feelings What course should
she pursue ! 1t was not long until she and Irving
met at party. Irving escorted her 10 the tables
and requested the pleasure of drinking q glass of
wine with her. She politely, yet firmly declined
Irving insisted on the ground of custom and friend
ship.
Neither custom or friendship, Mr.. Irving, has
the right t. demand sacrifice of principle' said
| Emma, g and should deem myself unworthy the
name of woman friend should grant such re-
quest and lure you on in the utter ruin OF body and
soul"
"Why, Miss Carson, am really surprised to
hear you speak with so much earnestness in this
matter, and more especially at what must consd-
er an unnecessary reflection:
& Mr.. Irving, any young man who INDUCES in
ardent spirits even to a moderate degree, and M0t
restricted to the fashionable circle is my opinion
in danger of ruin: and | assure YOU [ will never
knowingly, directly or indirectly countenance the
evil and furthermore, no one especially young
man, whose habits are not confirmed, retain my
esteem and his wine.'
But instances can be adduced in which your
rigid discipline has defeated its own end by driving
to desperation"
"Granted that there are such isolated cases
what do they prove, the evils of an illberal moral-
ty, or the reckless depravty of the human heart
1t is such occasions the present. that vice too
often receives the approving smile of wealth. fashion
and influence, and virtue her deepest wounds
Miss Carson ! fear you place more stress on
the influence of your than the subject will just
ly warrant
mot ALL sir. Tell me, if any of the present
| company of young men shall be laid in a drunkard's
grave to whose influence may it in reason be attrb-
uted Will you tell me the influence of her who
fills his glass tonight will not add weight and speed
! to his descent ?'
Irving and Emma were standing apart from the
company Their conversation being in low tone
of voice, not overheard among the general con-
fusion of tongues and dishes
! couple Of ladies passed over 10 them and chided
them for being unsocabe. Irving had set the wine
untasted on the wndow-seat, which, one of the la
dies Observing inquired why their glasses were not
empty. Irving laughingIy remarked that he had Just
discovered Miss Carson had conscientious scruples
when one said, wait till get another glass, and
Kate and will drink with YOU"
The glass was brought and the three drank with
great glee, twitting Emma her " purtanism -
The conversation changed, and nothing further was
SAID on the subject that night Enough had been said
to awaken Irving from his dream of happiness and re-
veal 10 him barrier TO the consummaon of his hopes
Could he yield Emma without struggle with his
enemy-ruthlessly demosh that bright structure of
the future which he loved 10 gsze-wantonly crush
the blossom OF hope stewn along his pathway, and
which, If kindly nourished would return harvest of
sweet Joys?
His better feeling turned with proud contempt from
such picture and met-the cold sneer, the taunts
and ridicue of his evil genius-Hawkins. How true
is il that