The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1852-1855, 1853-07-07
sOMEIHlNG foR COLE


well liked by all his neighbors, and beloved
by his own family.
''m ready, father" said Henry, who left
his play, aud went to look for his cap, the
moment he was asked to go on an errand.
"Look in the cupboard, and get the pint
flask. It's on the lower shelf"
Henry did as desired, aud then asked
"What shall get, father!'
"Tell Mr. Brady to send me pint Of good
Irish whiskey.n.
The boy tripped lightly away, singing as
he went. He was always pie ased to do any
errand for his father.
"This coldof mine gets worse," remarked
Mr.. Green to his wife, as Henry left the
house. II believe I'll try old Mr.. Van Deu-
sen'sremedy--a bowl Of hot whiskey- punch.
He says it always cures him; 1t throws him
into free perspiration, and the next morn
ling he feels as clear as bell"
alt is not always good" remarked Mrs.
Green, "to have the pores open. We are
more liable to take cold"
"Very true. II is necessary to be care
fol how we expose ourselves afterwards -
| 81 think could make you some herb-tea,
that would dc as much good as the Whskey-
punch" said Mrs. Green.
4
band, "but don't like your bitter stuff. 1t
never was to my fancy"
Mrs. Green smiled, and said no more.
A few moments afterwards, the door open
ed and Henry came in, looking pale and
frightened.
"Oh, fatherw he cried, painting, "Mr.
Brooks is killing Margsret!'
"What"' Mr.. Green started to his feet.
al fha oh hobc
herl he's killing her! saw him strike her
on, the head with his ist." And tears rolled
over the boys cheeks.
Knowing Brooks to be a violent man
when intoxicated, Mr.. Green lost not mo-
ment in hesitation or reflection, but left his
house hurredy, and ran to the dwelling of
his neighbor, which was near at hand. On
entering the house, sad scene presented
itself. The Oldest daughter of Brooks, a
girl In her seventeenth year, was lying upon
a bed, insensible, while a large bruised and
bloody spot on the side of her face show ed
where the iron fist of her brutal father had
done its fearful, if not fatal work. Her
mother bent over her, weeping; while two
little girls were shrinking with frightened
looks into corner Of the room.
Mr.. Green looked around for the wretched
man, who, in the insanity of drunkenness,
had done this dreadful deed; but he was not
to be seen.
"Where is Mr.. Brooks!" he asked.
"He has gone for the DOCTOR" was re-
Piled.
And in few minutes he came in with a
physician. He was partially sobered, and
his countenance had troubled expression.
His eyes shrunk beneath the steady, rebuk-
ing gaze of his neighbor's.
"Did you say your daughter had fallen
down s.airs!'' said the doctor, as he leaned
over Margaret, and examined the dreadful
bruise on her cheek.
"Yes yes" stammered the guilty father
adding this falsehood to the evil act.
"Had the injury been few inches farther
up, she would ere this have breathed heI
last" said the doctor looking steadily al
Brooks, until the eyes of the latter sunk tc
the floor.
lust then there were signs of returning
life in the poor girl, and the doctor turned
towards her all his attention. In little
while, she began to moan, and move hel
arms about, and soon opened her eyes.
After she was fully restored again to con.
scious life, Mr.. Green returned to his home
where he was met with eager questions from
} his wife. After describing all he had seen
, he made this remark
"There are few better men than Thomas
, Brooks when he is sober; but when he il
; drunk he acts like Demon"
ale must be demon to strike with hi:
hard fist,a delicate crerture like his daughter
Margaret. And she is so good girl. Ah
$ me! to what dreadful consequences does thi,
drinking lead"
"Ittakes away a mans reason" said Mr.
Green, "and when this is gone, he becomes
+. the passive subject of evil influences. H,
is, n fact, no longer man."
Mrs. Green sighed deeply
ellis poor wife!" she murmured; show my
heart aches for her, and his poor children
IF the husband and father changes, from
guardian and provider for his family, int
their brutal assailant, to whom can they
look for protection! Oh, it is sad sadl'
: "Itis dreadful! dreadful!" said Mr.. Green
s at is only few years ago." he added
!. 'ssince Brooks began to show that he wal
( drinking SO freely. He always liked hi
! glass, but he knew how to control himself
: and never drowned his reason in his cups
j OF late, however, he seems to have lost al
o control over himself. / never saw mar
abandon himself SO suddenly"
: Gall effects Of this kind can be trace,
). back to very small beginnings" remarked
!. Mrs. Green. .,-t.a
"Yes. A man does not become drunk
ard in day. The habit is one Of very grad
): ual formation"
5 "But, when once formed" said Mrs. Green
}. "hardly any power seems strong enough t
break il. 1t clings to man as though
d were a part of himself"
{ "And we might almost say that it was
D. part Of himself" replied Mr.. Green; "fo
}, whatever we do from confirmed habit, fixe
J. in the mind an inclination thereto, that car
D. ries US away as vessel is borne upon a cur
!. rent of river"
v "How careful, then, should every one be
not to put himself in the way of forming g
dangerous habit. Well do remembe
: when Mr.. Brooks was married. A NOR
:, promising young man could not be found
4 nor one with kinder heart. The last evi
feared for him and his wife was drunken
ness. Alas! that this calamity should hav,
fallen upon their household. What evil
: short of crime, is greater than this!"
o at is sohopeless," remarked Mrs. Green
Q III have talked with Brooks good man!
Il L. = Il \