Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-04-08
WASHING SHEEP.

The following story, which has been told
some, though never We believe, printed, is
decidedly rich:
A year or two since, when the subject of
temperance was being freely discussed, the
citizens of little town in the western part
Of Massachusetts, called a meeting to talk
over 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 absti-
nance, and agreed that if any member Of
the society broke it, he should be turned
out.
Before the pledge was accepted, Deacon
D., arose and said he had one objection to
it; he thought Thanksgiving Day ought to
be free for the members to take something
as he could relish his dinner much better
at this festival, if he took glass of wine.
Mr.. L. thought the pledge was not per-
feet. He didn't care anything about Thanks
giving, but his family always made great
account of Christmas, and he could't think
of sitting down to dinner then without
something to drink. He was willing to
give it up on all other days, and in fact,
that was the only time when he cared any
thing about it.
Mr.. B. next arose, and said he agreed
with the other speakers, except id the time
He didn't drink much of Thanksgiving or
Christmas, though he liked little at any
time. There was one day, however when
he must have it, and that was on the Fourth
of July. He always calculated upon having
a Irregular drink" on that occasion, and he
wouldn't sign the pledge if it prevented him
from celebrating Independence.
Squire S. an old farmer, followed Mr. b.
He was not in the habit of taking any thing
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 considered
it dangerous for him to keep his hands in
cold water, without something to keep him
warm inside.
After some consideration, it was conclu-
ded that each member of the society should
take his own occasion to drink-Deacon
D.. on Thanksgiving, Mr.. L. on Christmas
&c. The pledge was signed by large
number and the society adjourned in a
aourishing condition, after voting that it
should be the duty of members to watch
each other, to see that they did not break
the pledge.
The next morning, Deacon D. walked
into his next neighbor's yard, who, by the
way, was Mr.. S. the sheep man, wonder
ing, as it was bitter cold morning, wheth-
er S. was up yet. He met his neighbor
coming out of the house, and to his sur
prise, gloriously drunk, or, to use very
modern phrase, ''burning very beautifully
kiln"
"Why, S.!' exclaimed the astonished
deacon, "what does this mean, sir? You
have broken your pledge, and disgraced our
society and the temperance cause"
'Not-hic-as you know on-hic-dea-
con, said s. 81 hain't-hic- broken the
hic-pledge, deacon"
Certainly you have, sir, and shall re-
port you to the society. You agreed not to
drink except when you wash sheep. You
cannot make me think that you are going
to wash sheep such cold day as this"
''Ffollow me-deacon''
S. started for the barn, and the deacon
followed. On entering the door, the deacon
saw large washtub standing on the floor,
with an old ram tied to it, the poor animal
! shaking dreadfully with the cold, and bleat-
. ing pitifully.
''Hic-there, ddeacon," said S., pointing
to the sheep with an air of triumph, ssthat
old-hic-ram has been washed six times
this-hic-morning, and I-hic-ain't done
with him-hic-yet ~
1t is hardly necessary to say that the
| deacon mizzled.