The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-10-05
From, the Cincinnati Times.
The DrunkaPd's lEOMe--The Drum.
kardS Doom.

From the Cincinnati Ignes.
The Drunkard's IIOnne--The Drum
kards Doom.
-5s4 BY INVISIBLE GR REEN, ESQ.
go with me- said policeman to me. in the
watch house one night last winter, and l will
show you the abode of misery-the haunt of in
temperance Though neither fond of horrid
sights, anxious to look upon suffering humanity.
I felt inclined to accompany this officer. whom
knew to be kind-hearted man, and, what is sell
dom among policemen in these corrupt days, an
officer whose integrity was indsputable. 1t was
a cold night, strong wester, frightened with
| frost, roared through the streets. creakng the
signs, rafting windows, slamming shutters, tear
ing awnings and whirling light substances through
the air. Its touch piercing, and even its roar
ing sounds made one shudder, as he listened to it
Its too cold to go out. Tonight replied and
would not venture to brave those piercing winds,
unless it was to see something extraordinary.
You ought to thank heaven that you are not
obliged to GO, said he, for there are hundreds.
yea thousands in this city tonight who have no
protection from those chilly blasts. meet them
often in my weary rounds at night, and God only
knows what suffering they endure. While warm
ing my feet here. thought of three little children
one bright boy, and two sweet little girls, who,
know suffering with this severe weather.
Time and again have relieved them and it is to
/ their home-if homo it can be calIed--I propose
taking you tonight, Come with me. You may
have the satisfaction of aiding me in doing good,
though you may suffer somewhat with the coid.'
could not resist the appeal, SO carefully wrap
ping myself up in heavy cloak, told the watch
man was prepared to go with him, and off we
started. Though early yet but few people were
in the streets; and those few hurried rapidly along.
We, two, walked fast for at first the wind seem
ed to pierce through our bodies. After we had
walked some squares in silence, the policeman
took my arm, aud drawing me closely to his side,
said he would tell me a narrative. which would
explain the sad decene-hs know it would be sad
was about TO witness.
Il am going 10 take you,' he proceeded sto Gas
Alley, q locality where misery dweIis, if it has a
place on earth. The house l would have you
particularly visit is the hove occupied by Pat Don
nelly. Poor Pat: knew him when he first arr
we'd in the country five years ago, stout hearty
young man, with an industrious, cheerful wife,a
two prattling babes. But alas! he brought witt
him from his native home, a habit which l fear ha
ruined him and his family. mean the habit O
drinking whiskey. AT our first acquaintance
warned him of the practice, but he laughed at th,
idea of his ever becoming drunkard. By de
grees however, his appetite has increased,till nov
worthless and unreliable, he is an outcast from go
. ciety. He makes but little money, and that ttl
goes for rum.' s
How does his wife stand this misfortune!' as
ked.
His wife! alb, there's the bitter part of the sto
ry. She too drinks, and is as bad, if not wors
than Pat-worse than HIM who sat the bitter Gu
before her, and persuaded her to accompany hir
step by step in the depths of misery. That coup
le, once SO happy and so comfortable, with sue
bright prospects before them are now ruined.
What has become of their ehldrenl' inquired
"They with them, but would have died Ion
since, had not some kind neghbors OCCASIONAL
sought them out and taken care of them. - Bt
neighbors are sometimes driven from kindness an
so it was in this case. When drunk, Pat and his vii
always abuse those who have time and again save
their children from starvation, and have sever
times committed personal injury upon them.
ought to have arrested them long ago, but fearir
that commitment would seal their ruin, hay
endeayored to persuade them to reformation.
fear have undertaken hopeless task. If the
persist in their ruious course, l must soon ARE
Them They are becoming too low to be aowe
TO run at large
While he thus spoke, tears rolled from his eye
and saw that his words came from his heart
Il saw Pat to-day he continued, sin lame Jim
groggery, and know if he had any money, Ian
Jim got it for whiskey; and as am confident |
has neither fuel or covering in his house. fear
the safety Of his family tonight. Those poor ne
leeted children will certainly freeze to death
less some kind person has given them shelter.
Hello! what's this? he exclaimed, as we turn
into Gas alley, a man, declare, lying upon 4
pavement, and almost frozen, too. wonder
is not quite dead, laying here this cold night.
gracious! it is Pat he continued, as he lean
over the body and scanned its features. This
just what 1 expected He has got drunk at lar
Jims, been put out of the house, and was too
gone to make his way home. Lucky for him,
deed. that we have found him. If you will he
me, we will carry him to his house. 1t ia onl,
few steps from here.'
We lifted him from the ground and carried h
home. Home! no-not home for that word G
presses welcome faces, cordial greetings, The bri.
hearth, the smiling family, comfort, cheerfulnt
and joy. But here was no cheerfuness-no co
fort-no joy. All was dark and dreary, and G.
as the frosts of winter could make it.
To get at the door, we were obliged to take t
steps below the street, ,and after we had opened
| thpto do. ;ordo n
The unfortunate man. stiff wit cold. and only
we'd from death by the large quantity of whisk
he had drank, was entirely insensble. We /