The weekly union record., 1865-11-18
Why Don't You Drink, Bill !
A CALIFORNIA STORY.

young men were assembled in the hotel
Of town situated in the northern part
of California. Hours had been spent,
listening to stories, singing songs, play
ing billiards, smoking and drinking
Towards midnight, many Of them were
very happy-in other words, very drunk.
But there was one Of their number who
never used liquors. All miners dislike
persons who attempt to put on airs, and
they usually class temperance men
among that number. They were too
well acquainted, however, with their
companion, to charge him with pride !;
for he was joyial soul, ever ready with
bis wit, kind hearted and generous
the only fault they had to find with him
was, that he would not drink. A game
of billiards had just been concluded,
another drink all round had been order
ed, and Bill had taken cigar, as usual,
and turned about to enjoy it, when one
Of the happiest of their number tapped
him on the shoulder, and said in half
joking tone:
''Why don't you drink, Bill ;" and
several voices repeated the same ques-
ton.
swell, boys, you've asked me that
question many times. I'll tell you now
if you will listen. But take some cigars
first" The box was passed around,
the cigars were quickly lighted, and the
smokers gathered around their favorite,
for they knew by his looks that he was
about to tell story.
81 was born and brought up in a
manufacturing town in New England
My father was kind, good hearted
man, but he had one great failing he
would drink to excess. Before he was
twenty one, he squandered a fortune !;
at thirty, he engaged in smuggling
party, and was shipwrecked, and then
travelled in foreign lands; and at forty
he was settled in this little village, the
head of a family, destitute of means,
and striving to earn a livelihood by
working as day -laborer. The winter
Of 40 was unusually severe in New
England, and there was much suffering
among the poor. Business was very
dull, and many were out of employment,
and my father was among the number !;
for he was so often intoxicated that no
one would employ him if it was possible
TO hire any one else. 1t grieves me to
think of the suffering We endured during
those dreary months. The schoolhouse
was about mile from the town, and my
sister, brother and | always carried our
dinners; but about mid-winter, mother
could not ill the little pail with daintics,
and so We were kept at home; in the
meantime, We amused ourselves as best
We could, earnestly wishing that Spring
would come. One stormy morning, we
slept later than usual, and my brother
and went into the front chamber There
was not wood enough to allow of more
than one fire in the house), expecting
to find breakfast ready, but the table
was not spread, and We commenced
fretting, and complained that we were
hungry. Our mother was preparing
some batter for pancakes, and as soon
as they were cooked, We quickly disposed
of them; but they were all gone before
the cravings of hunger were satisfied.
In vain we appealed to her for what she
did not possess. With tears in her
eyes, she told US to wait until our faith
er's return, when We should have plenty
Of cakes and other good things. Boys,
| have experienced gloomy days in
California, but none ever equaled the
one spent at home waiting for food
hungry-starying! Hours and hours
We watched for our father, and at last
We began to fear that he had lost his
way. But just at dusk he came stag
gering MISUNDERSTANDING our distress,
he had found means to obtain liquor ::
but, thank Ged, he brought food, and
We were thus saved from starvation.
"Many changes have taken place
since that mournful day. My parents
are aged now sister Is married my
poor brother fills Union soldiers grave
in Virginia and | have wandered TO
these shores. have never suffered for
the want Of food since but that days
experience is the reason why | never
drink; am sure You cannot blame me. =