Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1865-03-31
From the Congregationalist.
THE DAUGHTERS STRATAGEAI.

Judge Rose lived in Belleville on the banks
of great river in the West. Every year he
went to Washington. and his voice was often
in the halls of Congress. Yet though he was
called great he was not good, because he was
fond of drinking wine brandy, ETC., and frequent
ed the gambling-roOms so numerous in the city.
These habits gained upon him daily, until they
conquered all his moral strength. His towns
men refused to send him as their delegate any
more.
Judge Rose had an amiable wife and three
pretty daughters. Mary, the eldest, was his es-
pecisl pet. He thought more of her than of him.
self, and no wish of hers went ungratifed. She
was ofa sweet disposition, and so Obedient and
respectful to her parents, and kind to every one
about her. that she was beloved by everybody.
And though her fathers dwelling was the most
elegant, and they had beautiful grounds, and
servants, and horses, and carriages, and fine
clothes, she never put on airs as many do, but
was modest and retiring. MIR. Rose and his
wife and daughters were all members Ofs Chris
tian church. He was often suspended from its
fellowship, and on promises of repentance re-
ceived again. His influential position III sOcie-
ty, and the pious conduct ofbis wife and daugh-
ters, caused much pity for them and elected
much patience. They hoped by love and for-
bearance to restore him wholly. But all the
love of his family and of the church could not
AT last so low did he fall as to loose all self re-
spect, and frequented the lowest whisky shops in
the town. Daily be went ont unshaved un-
washed, ragged, and almost naked, and when
drunk would sing some low song, which would
draw around him crowd of boys to eer, aud
laugh, and scorn the once dignified and respect
ful Judge. In personal appearance he was now
the lowest of the low
1t is not TO be supposed that Christians and
temperance men allowed such man to ruin
himself without effort to save hun Earnest and
persevering endeavOrs We're put forth, prayers
were offered up, and his family left no avenue
TO his heart unentered. But all were alike use
less. His wife and daughters wept and prayed,
but despaired entirely.
Mary, his pet often labored to save her father
from open disgrace, il not from private sin. She
became very sad, and refused to attend church,
or go into society. When her father sober,
he had sense enough to perceive the sOrrOwful
change in his once happy Mary, and seemed to
regret his course more for her sake than his own.
One morning he started as usual for the drink
ing-shOp. He was a horrible object, indecent
to look at, as well as filthy. His wife tried to
hold him back, and get him at least. TO put on
some decent clothing, but he would not yield
Mary made her appearance by his side, clothed
in rags low at the neck, bare-arned and bonnet
less, with an old whiskey bottle in her hand
Taking her fathers arm she said: Come, faith
er, I'm going, too.
"Going where?' said be, staring at her as If
horror-struck.
''To the dram shop What is good for you is
good for me"
Then she began to flourish her bottle and to
sing one of the low songs she had heard him
sing in the streets.
$50 back girl, you are crazy. Mother, take
her in.
"But an going, father, with you, to ruin my
soul and body. 1t is of no use for me TO be
good while you are going off to the bad place.
You'll be lonely there without your Mary"
go away, girl, you'll drive me mad.
But you have been mad for a long time and
l am going mad too, What do I care? my faith
er is only a poor old despised drunkard; his
daughter may as well drink and lie in the gutter
too"
So Mary pulled away at her fathers arm and
went out to open the gate. He drew back; still
she dragged on and sung louder. A few boys
began to run toward them, and then her father
broke from her hold, and went into the house.
There he sat down, and putting his face in his
hands, wept and sobbed aloud. Still Mary staid
out.
"What is the matter?" said Mrs Rose.
"Mary is crazy, and l have made herso.
wish l was dead. Do go and get her in. l
won't go out to-day
Mrs. Rose went out and told Mary what her
father had said, and then she went in. She sat
down with her bottle in her hand, and all day
kept on the old rags. Mr.. Rose was in a terri
BILE state ofwant of his accustomed stimulus, and
frequently would go to the door, but Mary, was
ready at his side, Onevery occasion. Mrs. Rose
prepared his meals with extra care, and gave
her husband cups of good strong coffee, and the
latter part of the day he lay down tosleep.-
When he woke up, Mary was still there in her
rags, and her bottle by her side
With much trembling and shaking he put ON
suit of clothes and asking his wife to send for
barber Then after tea, he said: Il am going
out"
"Where?"
ITO the Temperance Hail. TO with me and
see if | do not go there.
So Mrs. Rose went with him to the door oi
the hall Mary still saying: II must follow, for
I'm afraid he'll go to the whisky-shup without
me"
But his wife saw him go up stairs and enter
the meeting ROOM and the door closed upon him.
Then she and Mary went home to rejoice with
trembling at the success of the stratagem.
| Surprise, Joy aud some dstrust pervaded the
minds of the assembly of temperance brother
when Mr.. Rose walked in He was invited for.
ward and asked TO speak whatever he wished
He rose and told his tale Of the day, and add
ed: when l saw how my angel daughter wa,
transformed into low, filthy creature; when
knew how much lower she would have 10 de-
scend if she went with me, / abhOrred myself
! She vowed To 20 everywhere | went and do
everything did. Could | see her do that
| Her loveliness stained her character ruined
she pure as an ANGEL No, srsl if it kills me, ]
will leave off and never touch, taste, Or handle
I IL - r
| And now, gentlemen, help me to be amaR again.
The building vibrated with the cheering
stamping, and clapping and gush of song rose
from those manly hearts which might have been
heard for miles. OH "there is Joy in heaven
over one sinner that repenteth,' and should there
not be Joy on earthT
We hope God converted the soul of Mr.. Rose
for he became good man, and his family was
very happy. But we hope no other daughter
will have to resort to so painfula remedy TO save
father.