Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-10-15


NIinnie's father, Mr.. Eldridge, having fair
prospects Of success in new field, con
cluded to make his home in the west, and
next we find them in quiet but flourish
ing little village on the Ohio river, where
they bid fair to receive as much happiness
as voyagers upon the sea Of time ever
come into possession Of. Fer time we
will leave them to their enjoyment.
X X X +
Ten years have passed away, and as we
gaze upon the emaciated, grief.worn form
of Minnie Eldridge, we should be led to
believe that it we're much longer time.
The face that once reflected only bright
smiles from a happy heart, now wears
look of sadness which tells plainly of
hopes blighted, and sorrows cup well nigh
drained. But to account for this, we will
have to take a glance backward. For a
time after they made their home in Indi-
ana, all went prosperously. Maurice
Eldridge, by his attention to business,
natural eloquence and knowledge Of his
profession, won for himself the confidence
of all who knew him. The name Of Judge
Eldridge was known all over Indiana and
wherever it was spoken, it was with respect
for his manly integrity and just dealings.
But his business and political engagements
led him into the company of persons whose
chief pleasure was derived from the ex-
hilerating influence of the flowing bowl,
and then and there he learned to "look
upon the wine when it was red"
For time the influence of these associa-
tons was notperceivable, but gradually the
spoiler wound his meshes around his
victim, until the fend intemperance was
able to say, exultingly che is mine. =
And shall we go and tell of the weeks
months, and even years of agony of that
devoted wife--of the destitution of little
/ Willie and Grace-beautiful children of
Gods own gifts whose happy little hearts
made sunlight in the home they once
called their own-of the time when they
were driven from that home to miserable
hovel-of their sufferings there until they
had scarcely raiment to shield them from
the chilling blasts of winter, or food to
burden. Oh who cannot picture to
themselves this scene? Who cannot call
to mind some family once happy, that has
been brought to distress by the demon
Intemperance--the Rum Fiend-the worst
enemy humanity can ever have?
Tenderly and carefully had Minnie
Eldridge been nurtured in her own home,
but when her heavy trial came she bore it
as only woman can bear But the end
of her sufferings had well nigh come
She felt that the One who had been her
strength in every time of weakness, would
soon bid her "come home" And as she
called her boy, nFE
"Whese infant feet had trod,
Upon the blossoms OF some seven summers"
to her bedside and told him of this world
and its temptations, and of the bright
home to which she was going-where he
too with little sister must come-she had
faith to trust Gods promises to the or
phaned But oh, when Willie looked up
through his tears, and asked "if Papa
could not go too" a wave of anguish
crossed her mind, and she felt that the
world was dark once more.
An hour later, when Willie and Grace
were quietly sleeping, their little bodies
safely sheltered from the cold, although
the mother felt its chilling breath, Maurice
Eldridge CROPPED his way into his dark
and desolate home Minnie knew from
his step that he was somewhat intoxicated
but less so than usual, and she resolved tt
/ once more appeal to his better nature, be
, fore the death angel would separate them
81 say, Minnie, can't you get up ant
get me some supper, for l am awfu
f hungry?'
"You will find something to eat in tht
/ little cupboard, Maurice, but cannot ge
it for you. When you have eaten it, com,
and sit by me, for | am sick and must tall
to you
After his supper was dispatched h
tried to persuade Minnie that if she wa
. sick, she had better sleep, and in the morn
i ing he would listen to what she had t.
! say.
> "No, Maurice, morning may not fn'
G me here, and while | can talk listen to M
J my husband, for | am dying"
n Her words and manner sobered him in
|. 49, al. La lnnnAl -....... L.. LII