Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-05-13
Washing Sheen.

The following story, which has been told some
though never, believe printed, is decidedly rich
a year or two since when the subject of temper
being freely discussed, the citizens of lit
tie town in the western part of Massachusetts, called
a meeting to talk the matter. There had never
been a temperance society in the place, but after
some little discussion, it was voted to form one
They drew up pledge of total abstinence, and a.
greed that if any member of the society broke it, he
should be turned out.
Before the pledge accepted, Deacon D., arose
and said he had objection to it; he thought
THANKSGIVING Day ought to be free for the members
to take something he could relish his dinner much
better at this festival if he took glass of wine.
MIR. L. thought the pledge was not perfect. He
didn't care anything about Thanksgiving, but his
family always made great account of Christmas, and
without something to drink. He willing to give
it up all other days, and in fact that the
ly time when he cared anything about it.
Mr. B., next rose and said he agreed with the 9TH
er speakers, except in the time. He didn't drink
much of Thanksgiving or Christmas, though he liked
a little at any time There was one day, however,
when he must have it, and that on the 4th of
July. He always calculated upon having regular
drink on that occasion, and he wouldn't sign the
pledge if it prevented him from celebrating Indepen
dence.
Squire S. an old farmer, followed Mr. B. He was
not in the habit of taking anything often but must
have some when he washed his sheep. He would
sign the pledge if it would give him the privilege of
imbibing when he washed sheep. Why, he consid-
cred it dangerous for him to keep his hands in cold
water, without cmething to keep him warm inside.
After some consideration it was concluded that
each member Of the society should take his own oc
casion to drink-Deacon D. on Thanksgiving, l.. on
Christmas &c. The pledge was signed by large
number and the society adjourned in a furnishing
condition. after it should he the duty of members to
watch each other to that they did not break the
pledge.
The next morning, Deacon D. walked into his
next neighbours yard, who by the way, was Mr.. S,
the sheep man, wondering it bitter cold
morning, whether S. was yet. He met his neigh
Dor coming out of the house, and to his surprise glo
riously drunk. or, to use very modern phrase,
burning a very beautiful kiln"
why ST. exclaimed the astonished Deacon, what
does this mean, sir! You have broken your pledge
and dsgraced our society and the temperance cause
''Not-hic--as you know no-hic-deacon" said
S. Il hain't-hic-broken the-hic-.pledge, dea-
CON"
':Ccrtainly you have, sir, and shall report you
to the society. You agreed not to drink except when
you wash sheep. You cannot make me think you
are going to wash such cold day as this"
::F-foow me--deacon.'
IS started for the barn, and the deacon followed
On entering the door, the deacon saw large wash
tub standing on the floor, with old ram tied to it.
the poor animal shaking dreadfulIy with the cold;
and blating pitifuly.
Hic--there, d-deacon, said s., pointing to the
sheep with an air of triumph, that old--hlc--ram
has been washed six times h;s--hic--morning and
I--hic amt done with him--hic--yet!'
1t is hardly necessary to say that the deacon mz-
zlcd