Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1853-12-15

barrel, somewhat indifferently; and dali
ly, when not too much overcome with
drink, he sal on the wooden horse in The
old cooper shop, deliberately working
his drawing knife, or arranged the slaves
ia form, and bound them with hoops
He had no need Of intellectual skill to
keep on with his tasks. He knew how
10 make barrel. and that was abou, the
extent of his knowledge in mechanical
science. His earnings ranged from two
and-a half to five dollars week, but
never went beyond the last mentioned
sum. Too large proportion OF this
found its wav into landlords till, much
to the injury of Joe Barker and his mis-,
cradle family. Strong liquor on so weak
brain made il only the weaker. and the
poor innocent when sober, was little re-
moved from a good. natured fool when
drunk. ... -........ .... .....
Ii was all in vain that Betsey Barker,
his faithful, though long ufering. and
often justly lndignan, wife, went many
times 10 the tavern keepers who sold
him drink. and implored them, with
! tears. in the name of God and humanity, /,
not TO sell her husband Intoxicating liq-
| uors. Coarse insult or wicked abuse
was all she received-and she would GO
back, weeping and despairing, to her
cherries home and half starving chill
dran. s.ae ..-..... .... ......
Thus it was with Joe Barker and his
family ON the night in which we have
introduced them to the reader. What
was a hitle unusual for Joe, he had been
at work all day without once going to
the tavern 10 get a drink. In fact, Bet.
sy had talked 10 him so earnestly in the
morning, and pictured to his mind so
vivldly the evil consequences of his way
of life, that he had made one one of his
feeble resolutions to become sober
man. his resolution he had been able
to keep through the day, sustained there
in Oy The useful labor in which he was
engaged. But, when evening came, and
his thought went to the tavern and the
good fellows there assembled, and with
whom he was wont to meet, he was un
able to Withstand the impulse that led
him thi,herward. And so, seizing a ia
vored moment, he left the house, ere
his watchlul partner could prevent it.
Diving down a narrow cross street,
not far from tie poor hovel in W hlch he
dwelt, Joe Barker was soon in front Of
"The Diamond" an old drinking haunt
of the worst description. He was right
against the closed door ere he noticed the
absence Of the red lamp, On which the
word "Refeciory" had so often tempted
him with thoughts of good cheer within;
and he pushed several tines against the
door, ere fully satisfied that it was fast
cned within. .... ... ...
Whats the matter here!" mu,lered
Joe, in some wildermeni al so singu-
lar state Of affairs. Stepping back a
pace or two; he looked up a: the house.
Lamp outdoor locked shutters clos.
ed--whal's the ma,.er!-old Gibert's
not dead, hope" ... ...
Two or three feeble raps were made
on the door, but only hollow sound
came from within. aa.....
81 don'l understand il all" said Joe
Barker, now observing, for the first time,
that this particular neighborhood, usual
ly so crowded, so TO speak, with noisy
tipplers every evening, had deserted
look. Here and there a man might be
seen moving briskly along. as if on some
particular errand, or on his way home.
But, there were no groups at the cor
ners, no loud takers; none of the usual
evidences of drinking and rowdyism.
"lt can't be Sunday evening"" thought
Joe; and he stood still, trying to think,
with his hand on his forehead.
No; it was not Sunday evening, he
was certain of this; for he remembered
that "The Diamond" had always been
ready TO receive customers--wh neither it
were Saturday or Sunday evening.
lies dead, or moved away" This
was the only conclusion to which Joe
could arrive. So he passed on, saying
to himself
"l'll go round 10 Sprigg's; for mus.
have drink tonight
And so the poor, meagrely clad crea.
.nre went shutting along the half de.
serted pavement, where. afore.ime. he
had been wont TO meet. al every turn,
wretches sold to the vice of intoxica.
tion, and even more degraded than him.
SELF But few of those were now TO be
seen, and they were evidently as much
bewildered a. the changed aspec, which
everything wore, as he was.
Sprigg KEEP, drinking and gambling
cen, in the next square from Gilbert's.
'Fhisher Joe Barker CROPPED his way, for
the street was unusually dark the large
lamp in front Of .I'he Diamond" now
ex,inguished. had, Of itself. liz up the
whole block. Stranger, still! Sprigq's
den was closed. A dim light. shining
through one of the upper windows, en-.
courageG Barker TO hammer on the shu,
door for admittance. Two or three
times he knocked before there was any
evidence of life within. Then q win.
dow in tho second story was opened.
and mans head thrust out.
Who's there!" was growled in a
gruf, almost angry voice.
"Hey. Sprigg, is that you!" cried Joe.
"Whai, in wonder. is the matter?"