True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-05-01
DENNIE AND HIS FATHER.

now known as Lake George, in the eastern
part of New York, there lived, few years
ago, a clergyman. Hiss.,happy family Of
five daughters and darling son, boy of
more than ordinary promise, were growing
up under the influence and instruction of
such parents as few, children: could boast.
Happy among themselves, with their home
amidst the most beautiful scenery in ma
ture, lifeooseeming to them a, a,..bright and
glad reality. But occasionally, shade of
anxiety might havc.,.been detected on the
usually calm brows of both father and
mother.
The time at which my story commences
was before the days of temperance. 1t
was when every family kept supply of
ardent spirits constantly on hand and
children were accustomed to the danger
GUS beverage daily. So it was in this fam
lily. The little "Dennie," accustomed
every morning to his glass of bitters, and
to treat every time friend called upon
the family during the day, soon began to
show a decided fondness for the intoxica-
ting drink, and sought for more frequent
occasions to crafty his taste. sparents
saw his growing appetite with alarm, and
often admonished him with little effect
his appetite increased, and more than once
they had the modification of seeing their
promising boy in state of evident intox-
ication. Various were the remedies they
tried, with little good and they could
only hope that time and his good sense,
would at length enable him to control the
habit that threatened to ruin him. But
an event occurred which blasted every
hope, they saw nothing before their child
but a drunkard's life and drunkard's
grave. One morning the little Dennie
came running in with the eager inquiry
"Mother, Mr.. Smith is going to have
raising this afternoon, and James has i'll
vitcd me. May | go?"
"ily SOD, if your father thinks it best
you may 60" his mother replied.
His fathers consent was readily obtain
ed, and after dinner he started off full of
happy anticipations. Arriving at the
place, his attention was occupied for
time in the erection of the building; too
soon however he discovered keg on the
premises which his ready genius quickly
told him contained his favorite beverage.
Without moments hesitation he asked
for drink-it was given him; he asked
for another, and then another, and before
the afternoon was half gone, "Dennie"
was dead drunk; and the workmen had
laid him on board under tree.
About four o clock his father called to
accompany him home; not seeing him
about, he eagerly inquired for his child
they pointed him to the place where he
lay. With a heart full of sorrow he car
ried him home to his mother and sisters.
Together his parents watched by his bed
during the tedious night that followed, not
knowing but the dreadful stupor would re-
suit in his death !; but fully resolved if he
lived, not to leave any means unLried or
any effort that might promise to save him.
1t was not until the evening of the sec
ond day that he was restored to perfect
consciousness. His parents thought it
best not to speak to him of the cause of
his illness for some days, hoping his own
reflections would do much good; but in
this they were disoppointed-he did not
exhibit the first symptom of remorse or
consciousness that he had done wrong,
About week after the event just rela-
ted, his father invited him one pleasant
morning to take walk. The road lay
along the shore of the lake, and was lined
with stately trees on either side. For a
time they walked on in silence,
"Dennie," said he, "do you know what
it was made you sick the other day%
"Why, l suppose I drank too much
rum" he heartlessly replied.
"Well, my son, do you know that | think
you are in danger of becoming a drunk
ard ?" q ae a3 74ue
s"Why, father, | know you tell me so,
but | am not afraid Of it. You drink rum
every day, and you are not a diunkard ;
and when get old enough to know how
much il viii do for me to drink, then ]
can keep from getting drunk, too.''h77
They both seated themselves Of "a rock
sishab a Vtgfw ata q iRelE aigasl