The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1856-09-06
IN A STAGE COACH.

IN A STAGE COACH.
My companion was a soung man twenty.
eight years old. slightly built, clear blue ewes
auburn hair, and ~hiskcrs and moustarhe t,
cOrrespond-on :he whole good looking f.l
low. Was travelling for firm in the city
of--and making sale by sample. We had
breakfast early, and it was a warm damp NOR
ming. The mists Of finiiarning had shrouded
the mountain, and We we're slowly rolling a
long towards willie. But few words had
been exchanged. until suddenly nv compan-
ion, who had been in an distracted mood for
some time. exclaimed. Il wish had a drink
Of cold water" told him the country
bounded in springs, and We might soon find
one, but recent shower had rendered them
muddy. lie impatiently asked the driver
how soon he could get drink of water, and
was answered, 'in about three miles ""W-ll
said he. IL can do the M 1t best thing" and
quickly drew from his overcoat por,irt hot
tie. jrrked out the cork. and extended it to-
wards me. sa. ing, won't Won drink 2" mo.
! thank Won. never drink liquor" "Wcll
| do, and | find it necessary in travelling
for the change Of water affects my system Sc
riouslv"
answered. IL have often had it recon.
mendrd to me. ~ necessary to . traveller
and should find it 50. should not hesitate e.
use it, but have travelled some, and n-v-.
been injured by substituting cold water in
its place"
Don't YOU ever drink p
Scarcely know the taste Of liquor. and
certainly could not distinguish the names l..
the taste or appearance. and more. have no
desire to enIightrn myself on the subject. for
have seen too much suffering, mental and
bodily, resulting from its u-e-too man. char
scters wrecked, hopes bIighted. homes made
heIls. and hearts broken-have 80 often seen
the first glass bring a noble and honest man Il
the ditch, that I am disinclincd to mrdd.
with it. can tell you tales you would hard
~ believe, OF the brutality Of men which ha,
been caused by the use of this 'n-cessiy -
You doubtless have seen instances which vou
will always remember in illustration
: j seldom dirk unless I am travelling. and
then limit myself Ioiten get out with voune
men on frolir. but after six or seven drink.
or after find | have enough. nothing car
induce me to take more. have got along ir
life so far in this way, and think can con
troll myself the remainder
But in case Won we're to have trouhIe Of ;
serious character. you have the habit formed
and the appetite established, do you not think
it the easiest way to drive dull care away,
or drown trouble?' DO you ever take on.
glass more when you are perpexed Z
Yes, ! do think that is the tendency. but
am very careful. The fact is have mofire
sufficient to prevent any man drinking to ex
cess
What are they-anythins peculiar?'
Nothing more than any man Of famil,
should have. have wife and three of tn
happest and brightest children you ever saw
and am very careful what example set bp
fore them. assure YOU, dom keep or drinI
drop in my house, unless in sickness Whe1
at home. unless special friend calls on m,
at the store, or | am invited BY a fricnl 4
drink, l seldom take more than glass Of al
at eleven o'clock
We'll, in candor. must tell you, you ar
deceiving yourself, and you doubtless Tan rs
call instances when YOU have heard simiIa
excuses made, aud similar confdene express
I'd in the power Of controlling and keepin:
under appetite and habit, but which hav'
soon ceased to be controlled, because uncon
trollable'
i have an instance in my mind now sait
he, with evident emotion, which is a reason
why should be, and am careful
Il should like TO hear it,
When was fourteen years old, entered
an importing house in Philadelphia as er
rand boy, and remained there tour wears
when received a situation in another house
owned by - ayOuns man 2l years
old. whose father had retired from the busi.
ness and given Il into the hands Of bis son
He had a young man about the same age,
whom bis father bad taken when young, and
they had been brought up as brothers, Who
was head clerk. This head clerk drank
hard, and despite the expostuls,ions and Tn
treaties Of his young employer and compan-
ion, he would get hesstly drunk daily. A.
bout six years ago, be died from the effects
Of debauchery.
! Ny employer continued his business and
prospercd. making q handsosre income, sai