The daily republic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1853-1853, 1853-07-15

The following story, which has been told some
time ago, though it has never appeared to any
extent in print, is decidedly rich: }2ia
Once upon a time, when tho subject Of temper
ance was being freely discussed; the citizens Of
little town in the western part Of Massachusetts,
called meeting to talk over the matter There
had never been temperance society in tho place,
form one. They drew up pledge Of total absti-
hence, and agreed that if any member of the soei-
ETY. broke it he should be turned out. sa
Before the pledge was accepted Deacon D. rose
and said he had one objection 70 it; he thought
Thanksgiving Day ought to be free for the mem
bers to take something, as he could relish his din
ner much better at this festival il he took his
glass of wine. I'D 4aseAe ga av
a MIR. l.. thought the pledge was not perfect. He
didn't care any thing about Thanksgiving, but
his family always made great account OF Christ
mas, and he couldn't think Of sitting down TO din
ner then without something to drink. He was
willing to give it up oil other days. and, in fact,
that was the only time when he cared any thing
about it. ~
Mr. B. next rose, and said he agreed with the
other speakers, except in the time He didn't
think much of Thanksgiving or Christmas, though
however, when he must have it, and that was OH
the 4th of July. He always calculated upon hav-
ing 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 MIR. B. He
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 considered it dangerous for him to keep
his hands in cold water without something to keep
him warm inside. 1911
After some consideration, it was concluded that
each member of the society should take his own
occasion to drink-Dcacon ID. on Thanksgiving,
l.. on Christmas, SC. The pledge was signed by
a large number, and the society adjourned in
hourishing condition, after it should be the duty
of the members to watch each other, TO see that
they did not break the pledge.
The next morning Deacon d. walked to his
neghbor' yard, who, by the way, was MIR. s.,
the sheep man, wondering, us It was bitter cold
morning, whether S. was yet up. He met his
neighbOr coming out of the house, and to his sur
prise, glorously drunk to use very modern
phrase, "burning very beautiful kiln. "
|-fG'Why, s. exclaimed the astonished deacon,
"whnt does this mean, sir You have broken
your pledge, and disgraced our society and the
temperance cause.
"Not-hic-as you know; no-hic-deacon, l
hant-hic- the-hc-pledge, deacon"
Certainly 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"
"Follow ME, Deacon
S. started for the barn, and the deacon follow
ed. On entering the door, the deacon saw large
wash-tub standing on the floor, with an old ram
tied to it, the poor animal shaking dreadfuy with
cold, and benting pitfully..
Hic--there, d-deacon," said s., Pointing.to
the sheep with air of triumph, "that old
hic-ram has been washed six times this--hic'-
morning, and I--hc--aln' done with h'm-hic-
Yeti htaH ar5ee e
The deacon ssmizzled''