The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1853-08-11
For the Gazette.
THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT"
Critical hlno.at;ors Thereon.
nr Asruokr oculLrREE.

ANTHONY ocHItTREE.
1t is generally conceded by the learned
that this ancient composition is susceptible
OF double Interpretation, containing not
only an allusi0n to some remarkable train o'
suecessional events which had transpired at
the time twas written, but it also express
es prophe,ical annunciltion of a similar
concurrence Of events which should come to
pass Sin the latter days" And this is the
conclusion to which, after much investlga-
ton, and careful comparison of facts and
opinions, myself have come; but who was
its author, or what particular train OF events
in the then future was intended by him, has
riycn s.pause" to some of the profoundest
minds. | will not now trouble the reader
with relation of the many curious notions,
and ingenious, though somewhat wild and
extravagant theories which have been at
various times entertained ofthe composition
by such men as DR.. Samuel Slick, John
Downing, Esq, "Brother Jonathan" and
host of others of the highest authority, but
will proceed at once to unfold what | con-
ceive to be a more natural rendering than
has been yet offered:
This is the house that Jack built"
Supposed to have direct allusion anciently
to the temple which was erected to Bacchus.
The festivals of Bacchus, generally called
Oroies, Dacchanalia, or Dionysia, were first
introduced into Greece from Egypt, BY Da-
naus and his daughters. The infamous de-
h,,,.hories which arose from these festivals
are we'll known. Since that time, affairs
have heen erected to him, and he has heen
worshipped under various names, and IN 'ar'-
ous forms, throughout the world-espec'ally
the civilized portion of it. The chet tempe
of this divinity is best known, in the onitea
States, as the Distillery. His priests each
have temple separate from his, and their
names are "I.egion," for they are many
~ .Iock." it is evident that the state gov
ernment is meant, which, if it does not oi-
rectly build up the power and kingdom oil
Bacchus, does assist, in an indirect manner
at least, by passing no laws to prevent but
frequently laws which give laid and comfort
to his majesty.
This ia tho malt that lay in the house that JACK ou'
Mat."-The various kinds Of intoxica-
ting beverages now in universal use at these
temples, and considered absolutely indispen'
siblc to the proper worship Of Bacchus.-
1Anciently wine was used.
..Tbis is the rat that ate the malt
Tba,loy in the house that Jack built"
"Ratn-The worshippers at the temples
or Docchus are here meant, These are COM
prised in several classes, known as "Social'
glasscrs," "Now and theners," "oecasioha
Drunkards," and "Old Topers. Inc
priests (or tutelary deities) of these temples
are named "Grog, or Whskey Dealers" or
more politely, if you please, "Barkeepers'
The temples may usually be known by
pictured screen, placed between the door, o
entrance, (Which, by the way. is always lei
open,) and the bar. This"screen" is rathe
n modern invention, introduced after tn
worship of Bacchus began to grow unpopu
lar. for il must be understood that thousand
of the devotces OF this divinity are becoming