Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-07-05

amount of money he had becoming exhaus-
ted, he endeavored to obtain credit, promis-
ing faithfully to pay but he was refused
by the landlord (who was none other than
our friend MunsoD,) whereupon he became
importunate, and was forthwith ordered to
leave the house He hesitated in doing
SO and was assisted 10y the landlord, who
taking him by the collar helped him as far
as the door, and then giving him sturdy
kick sent him recling upon the pavement.
There he stood for some time when the
sound of approaching footsteps fell upon his
ears, when he raised his head and saw /
genteel dressed unan approaching him, who
Immediately stopped and laying his hand
on his shoulder, enquired why he was
stanling there He replied in drunken
incoherent words:
Il am standing here because I've got no
other place to 60 to, and if had | could mt
60 to it"
| see the reason Of your being unable
to get away from your present situation.-I
presume that you have been engaged in
drunkenness and debauchery in this grog-
shop here, and been turned out by the pro-
prietor after having spent all your money.
Is not this so?'
Yes it is spent all the money ]
had, which wasn't much at first, with him
for liquor, and then tried to get littlecred-
it for more. | didn't succeed in getting
credit, but got put out, as you see.
That vas certainly unjust; but what
can person expect but that kind of treat
ment from such people as these land. lords
are. But suppose you will forget apd
forgive all this, and spend the next money
you get with him for this vile poison, which
must sooner or later, if you do not reform,
cause you to become an inmate of States
PRISON, or perhaps fill murderer's grave.
Will you not p
No. answered the drunkard; Il will
never spend another cent in his house as
long as l live. But look here, stranger,
from your talk, reckon you belong to them
fellows called Sons of Temperance whom
the landlords bless so much for interfering
with man when he is making living hon,
estly, as they say
Yes, am proud to say that am Son
of Temperance returned the man, and
as such, mean to do all [ can to suppress
this vile traffic in intoxicating liqurs as
beverage. How would you like to join us
As bad as you are you can become better if
you will but try, and we will exert ourselves
to the utmost to assist you. But come "a
long with me; / will get you place of
loJes;nss f... --;Il~-~-s--.,.-
the morning and resume the conversation
which | have thus abruptly broken off
Come on, give me your arm l will help you
to walk
/ Thus urged the drunken man, who was
8 none other than Horace West, gave his arm
s to the kind stranger, and the two proceed
: ed on their way to the residence of the lat
Y ter. Arrived a. home the man entered the
e house, and leaving West in room to him
d self, went in search of his wife whom ht
<. found sitting up in her chamber, waiting
e for him to come home from his Division
t, whittier he had been, and was returnin!
is when he met our hero. He told his wife
is of what he had done, and she being of th'
l. same kind and humane disposition as he
le husband, and ever willing and ready to d.
IS u good act for fellow being, no matter hoV
ID degraded and fallen, busted herself in pre-
le pairing bed for him, which was soon don'
O. and he in it sleeping soundly.
Is Iu the morning Mr.. Washington, TO
such was the name of Vests friend, cam
is up to his room before he had arisen from
$, bed, and finding that he was in sobe
rs state, told him that he would send up some
ne thing for him to eat, and would come u
ed afterwards and converse with him. II
On then went down to his breakfast and ha
ch Vests sent up to him, of which he at
RS, heartily, not having had such meal 81
d. before him for long time. After breal
ng fast his kind friend again visited him an
lot opened conversation, in the course
lp- which he learned the whole history of We
cir from his birth to that time, and that he hi
ere then wife AMI child who were obliged
my be dependent on the bounty of others,
yht consequence of his conduct. That part
are his story relating to his family he told wi
be tears in his eyes, and Wished, he said
the Mr.. Washington, that he could reform al
to live happy with them once again, but th
all it was impossible; his thirstfor liquor W
tly beyond his power to conquer, and that
ley must despair of ever seeing that time
sS,y not so, my friend, replied his be
iod efactor / have known cases worse tn
en- yours, in which persons have reformed a
cen become good members of society; you c
and do SO too I will assist you as much as
cry can, so promise me that you will join W
irst US, and endeavor to reform, if not for yc
aud own sake, for that of your wife and chi
by who will, | know, be made happy beyc
to expression by the change. Will you do s
had All, my friend, you know not how MI
the | wish that it was in my power to mi
t of them happy once more, but fear it is
lpon late, that am too far gone to ever TIL
She of reforming, replied West.
hus- But | know, my dear sir returned
and friend that you are not too far gone
that must not give up in despair; you desir
ends reform. all that is necessary, is for you
y for resolve to do so, and if you will join u
efus. am certain that you can keep your good
st to olutions'
rrors Il am half inclined to try at any r;
they replied West; but you see that an
child no condition to associate with decent m
time my face is bloated, my clothes ragged
Vrite, dirty, and in every respect wear the
7 en- pcarance of degradation and poverty;
lpa." as am not able to buy suitable clot
near that is an obstacle see no way of {
laven coming
lding But do answered Mr.. Washing
dirty X ] viii furnish you With full suit OF