Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-09-28
s. Gsmprrante 5turg.
From the Georgia Corner Stone.
THE LITTLE CADET
THE DRUNKARD RECLAIMED.
A Story Founded on Fact.
BY J. H. s.
CHAPTER I.

1t was gala day in the lovely city of
Richmond, Va. The drums were sound
ing, and the fife sent forth its shrillest notes.
People were hurrying to and fro. The
whole city seemed to be astir. Something
unusual was about to transpire. The sun
looked down upon this stirring scene in
:" hues of mellowed splendor," while the
air seemed unusually fresh and balmy.-
Twas day that was destined to be cher
ished and loved through all time. And
when, in addition to all this, other appli-
ances were brought to operate, the city
presented a picture of animation and en-
thusiasm seldom witnessed anywhere. The
great cause of all this was the day set
apart for grand Temperance rally, by the
members of the National Division of the
Sons of Temperance Of North America,
which body had just closed its session in
that city. The excitement was doubtless
enhanced by the presence of Samuel F.
Cary, of Ohio, Judge O'Neall, of South
Carolina, Delevan, of New York, and
other distinguished advocates of the Re-
form.
was standing on the steps of the Ex-
change Hotel, which position had been Sc
lected as affording a fine view of the pro-
cession. For reasons need not state,
did not unite with my brethren in the
march. | had not been standing there
long ere the procession came in sight
Crowds thronged the street. Excitement
beamed from the eyes of every one. For
myself was perfectly nervous. On they
came-beautiful to me-terrible to their
enemies as " an army with banners" A
thunderous burst ofjoy had just died away,
when heard the melancholy voice of some
one saying
81 wish was Cadet.p
turned round to ascertain by whom
this remark was made; and found it was
little boy apparently about twelve OF
thirteen years of age. His appearance in
} dicated great poverty. His clothes were
: thin and patched but yet there was ar
air of cleanliness about the boy that com.
mended him favorably to my attention.
, Observing that stranger was regarding
! him he became somewhat confused, but OF
i my asking him if he was in earnest abou
: wanting to be a Cadet he frightened uI
, instantly and answered. --.. m....
"Oh, yes, sir, indeed | am in earnest
Then | could try and get father to join th'
Sons of Temperance and be sober man.
f "What is your name!" asked.
"Charlie Marshall, sir"
"Stay here, Charlie, until the procession
passes. ! am Son Of Temperance, anc
, ought to be marching with my brethren
but an Editor cannot do every thing h,
) wants to, you see" .....
The long line of Sons presented a mos
magnificent spectacle. Seven hundre,
: warm hearted men, clothed in their regalia
5 were in that line-seven hundred Sons O
Temperance who were ready to fight thei
r battles DER again in defence of the GOO
e old cause. 1t passed on and went out Q
a sight.
As soon as the procession had gone by
d | took my new-found acquaintance by til
d hand and retired to more quiet place.
h We sat down on huge rock, and | sal
n to him:
t. Z" am interested in you; tell me nov
o why you wish to become Cadet, perhap
e | can assist you."
a, "Oh sir, you are very kind. The res
ar son why l wish to be Cadet is, that neal
at y all my school-mates belong to the SCI
es tion; people help them along and they ar
n always SO good. They want me to ioi
n but | have no money. Father don't get n
to Court cases now, and it takes all moth,
Ii can make to buy something for US to ca
n If could join | could help mother wor
is, and may be father would be sober, an
of then mother would not have to sit up
;e; late at night, and cry about being so poor
sr, Then Charlie gave short history of
es life, which, though brief, was full of troub
If and privation. And there we sat-obli
n ious of all else-the tears running dow
$ /; our faces. My heart was touched; and
of resolved to make one effort to CRAFTY litt
ed Charles desire.
Ng "You shall be Cadet" said l "b
FIRST had rather see your mother abo
ms it."
,r;E Notwithstanding / had travelled ne
in three hundred miles to hear Gen. Cal
mt perhaps the ablest temperance orator
i'd America, and lawyer of considerable el
is, tincnce, Judge O'Neall, of the Palmet
an State, and others, who might speak on t
ne occasion, so thoroughly interested hac