Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-05-02
An Incident in the West.

Al InCluent III tie WeSt.
Some years ago, temperance man NOV
ed with his family from South Carolina to
the west. The sparseness OF the popula-
ton, and the continued travel by his place,
rendered il necessary act of humanity in
him frequently to entertain travellers who
could get no farther Owing to the frequen-
cy Of these calls, he resolved to enlarge his
house, and put up the usual sign.
Soon after this an election came. The
triumphant party felt that it was wonder
ful victory. and some young bloods' of the
majority determined, in honor of it, to have
a regular blow out Accordingly, mount
ed on their fine prairie horses, they started
on a long ride. Every tavern was visited
on their route. and the variety thus drank
produced a mixture which added greatly to
the noise and boisterousness of the parity
In this condition they came, about dozen
in number, TO our quiet temperance tavern.
The landlord and lady were absent; the eld-
est daughter. fourteen years of age, and five
younger children, were alone In the house.
These gentlemen (for they considered
themselves such) called for liquor.
we keep none,' was the modest reply of
the young girl.
what do you keep tavern for, then ?
For the accommodation of Travellers
We'll, then, accommodate US to something
to drink
You viii see, sir, by the sign, that we
keep temperance tavern
"A temperance tavern! (Here the chill
dren clustered around their sister.) Give
me an ak and III cut down the sign
You'll find an AK at the wood pile, sir
Here the party, each one with an oath,
made rush to the wood pile, exclaimng,
Down with the signl Down with the
signr
But the leader in going out, discovered
In an adjoining room splendid piano and
lis accompaniments. 'Who makes that thing
squeak ? said he.
i play, sometimes said the girl, in a qui-
ct, modest manner.
You do2 Give us tune
Certainly, sir' and taking stool, while
the children formed circle close to her
she sung and played The Old Arm Chair.
Some of them had never heard piano be-
fore others had not heard one for
years. The tumult was soon hushed; the
whip and spur gentlemen were drawn back
| from the wood pile, and formed circle out
side the children. The leader again spoke
.Will YOU be SO kind as to favor US ith an.
other song9'
Another was played, and the children
becoming re-assured. some of them Joined
their sweet voices with their sisters. Song
after song was sung and played. One would
touch the sympathies of the strangers, an
other melt in grief; cne would arouse their
patriotism, another their chiealry and be,
nevolence; until, at length, ashamed to ask
for more, they each made a low bow, thank
ed her. wished her good afternoon, and
left her as quietly as if they had been TO
funeraL
/ Months after this occurrence, the father
in travelling, stopped at village, where
gentleman accosted him -
Are YOU Col. P-A-of S--f
u ann
well, sir, am spokesman Of The party
who SO grossly insulted your innocent fami'
/ ". threatened To cut down your sign, and
spoke so riidely to your children. You have
lust cause TO be proud of your daughter
sir: her noble bearing and fearless coiirage
were remarkable for one so voting and un.
protected. Can you pardon me, sir'
feel that I can never forgive myself