The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1856-07-02

A word spoken IN season, a crneitaunt, Woahu-
ing the heart to its core, have been the turning
points in destiny, and put young mind on on the
high road to fortune, or sent 1t down TO fuln.-
Almost every person can recall some occurrence
in early life which gave tone and impulse to et-
fort, and imbibed the mind with principles whose
influence is even now controlling. We give
place to the following true narrative, as an H.
lustration of the fact, and because it lncuicates
atruth which every man, woman and child may
proftably bear in mind.
Years ago, when was a boy, it was custom
ary, and probably is now, to some extent, among
district schools in the country, to have spelling
schools during the winter term. These gather
ings were always anticipated with greatinterest
by the scholars, as at those times was to be de-
cided who was the best speler. Occasionally
one school would visit another tor test OF
scholarship in this regard All, how the little
hearts would throb and the old ones thump, in
their anxiety to beat the whole.
Once on time neighboring school sent
word to ours that on a certain day, in the after
noon, they would meet in our schoolhouse for
one Of these contests AS the time was short,
most of the other studies were suspended, and
at school and at home, in the evening, all hands
were studying to master the monosyllables,
dissylables, polysy lables, authorizations, ETC.,
which the spelling books contained
At length the day arrived, and as our visit
ors were considered rather our superlors, our
fears and anxieties were proportonally great.
The scholars were arranged in standing posi-
ton, on opposite sides Of the house, and the
words pronounced to each side alternately, and
the scholar that "missed" was to sit down Ills
game was up. a= VIZ -
It did not take long to thin the ranks on both
Sides In a short time our school had but eight
on the floor, and theirs but six. After a few
rounds the contest turned in their favor, as they
had four standing to our two. For long time
it seemed as though these six had the book "by
heart" At length the number was reduced to
one on each side. + r-..
The visitors were represented by an accom-
plished young lady, whose parents had recent
Iy arrived in town, and ours by myself rag
ged little boy of ten summers, who had set up
night after night, while my mother, with no
other light than that produced by pine knots,
pronounced my lesson to me. The interest OF
the spectators was excited to the highest pitch,
as word after word was spelled by each AT
length the young lady missed. and stood alone.
Her teacher said she did not understand the
word She declared she did; that the honor
was mine, and that richly deserved it. That
was proud moment for me. l had spelled
down both schools and was declared victor
My cheeks burned, my brain was dizzy with
excitement.
Soon as the school was dismissed, my COM
petitress came and sat down by my side and
Congratulated me on my success--inquired my
name and age, and hatteringy predicted my
future success in life.
Unaccustomed to such attentions, / doubt
less acted as most little boys would under such
circumstances. injudeiously. At this iuncture
Master G., the son of rich man of our neigh
boIhood, tauntingly said to ME, in the presence
of my fair friend and number of the boys from
the other school, "Oh, you needn't feel SO big
your folks are poor, and your father is drunk
ard
| was happy no more-I was a drunkard' ;:
son, and how could look my new friends il
the face? Ny heart seemed to rise up in my
throat, and almost sufocated me- The hot tears
scalded my eyes, but kept them back; and
soon as possible, quietly slipped away from my
companions, procured my dinner basket, and
unobserved, left the scene of my triumph and
disgrace with heavy heart, for my home
But what a home! my folks were poor-and
l be reproached for that? I could not proven,
my fathers drinking, and assisted and encour-
aged by my mother, had done all could tc
keep my place in my CLASS at school, and to as
sist her in her worse than widowhood.
Boy as l was, l inwardly resolved never tc
taste of liquor, and that l would show Master
G., if was drunkard's son, would yet stand
as high as he did. But all my resolves could
not allay the gnawing grief and vexation pro
duced by his taunting words and naughty man
ner In this frame of mind-my head and
heart aching, my ears red and swollen-1 reach
ed my home. Ny mother saw at once l was
in trouble, and inquired the cause buried
my face in her lap and burst into tears. Mother,
seeing my grief, waited until was more com
posed, when told her what had happened, and
added passionately, Il wish father wouldn't
be a drunkard, so we could be respected as
other folks" At FIRST my mother seemed al
most overwhelmed. but quickly ra1ying, said
MY son, feel very sorry for that, and re-
gret that your feelings have been soinjured. G
has twitted you about things you cannot help.
But never mind, my son. Be always honest;
| ACN CI tcStC Ntpp + VI lh'oA'EeliEo AHHoA' oeNI
and improve your mind. Depend on your own
energies, trusting in God, and you will, if your
life is spared, make useful and respectful man.
l wish your father, when sober, could have
witnessed this scene, and realised the sorrow
his course brings on us ALL But keep brave
heart, my son. Remember you are responsi-
bic only for your own faults. Pray God to keep
you, and don't grieve for the thoughts apd un
kind reproaches that may be cast on you on
your fathers account"
This lesson ofmy blessed mother, TRUST, was
not lost upon me. Nearly iorty years have
gone since that day, and have passed many
trying scenes, but none ever made SO strong
an impression on my feelings as that heartless
remark of G.'s. 1t was SO unjust, uncalled for.
Now, boys, remember to treat your mates
with kindness. Never indulge in taunting re-
marks toward any one, and remember that the
son of a poor man, and even of a drunkard,
may have sensibilities as keen as your own.
But there is another part of this story. The
other day gentleman called at my place OF
business, and asked me if did not recognise
him; I told him did not. ,"Do you remem-
hor ,, caid he stof ho;prr n e,a1l;pr cohool ot