Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-08-13
SELECTED STORY.
WHYLYMAN JENKINS BECAME A
TEETOTALER.
BY REV. j. JAY DANA.

Lyman jenkins was a master builder,
and employed many hands. His home was
in u; but he often had jobs in several
places at time. He had few expert
enced workmen upon whom he could rely
to oversee the work, and employed men un-
der them, while he had a general supervi-
sion of the whole. Each gang Of hands
called him the "old boss" to distinguish
him from those under whose immediate d.
rection they performed their laBors.
Every winter, during the holidays, he
made it a point to invite all those in his en-
ploy who resided in Ito take tea and
and spend the evening with him. All who
had families were expected to bring their
wives and children with them
He came into the shop one morning, and
extended the invitation. After he left,
Thomas King, who had been only short
time in his employ, said to George Attkin-
son
"Are you going to the old boss's partyw
"Of course | shall"
"Do they have good time there ~
"First-rate You must be sure and 90,
and take your wife and babies too
Il don't know about that. The old boss
came along the other day, just after had
taken some bitters, and suppose he smelled
my breath: for he said, KING, you must
look out, or you will not get that moulding
right He added, BE careful never to take
anything inside which will prevent you max
ing a straight edge"
"Pshaw ! King" said Atkinson, II
would not stay away on that account. He
cuts rather hard sometimes, but he is good
man to work for" i 90
True enough, he is, said King; 'but
then you know fellow does not like to be
rasped off in that way. He is strong tee
totaler; but for my part, think he carries
matters too far. l believe in temperance as
firmly as any man but when I go home at
night, l like drop before l have my sup
per. | want a little, also in the morning.
and again about eleven o'clock. I never
mean to be the worse for liquor" sA
Atkinson replied, II hope you will not
drink any on the day Of the party, because,
if he should smell your breath, he might
give you lecture on the spot. You will
have fine oysters and as good tea and coffee
as can be made, and you will enjoy yourself
very much. have worked for the old boss
now going on for seven years, and I always
look forward to the tea-party with great in
terest. My wife and children also consider
it the best day in the year. I really believe
they would rather miss going home to
Thanksgiving, than to miss the old boss's
party"
The day at length arrived. Not only the
carpenters, but all in his employ were there,
and all dressed in their best. They brought
their wives and children. The spacious par
lors were thrown open, and we're filled with
guests. Thomas King had concluded to be
present. Robert O'Neill. and Bridget his
wife were also there. He was not car
penter, but was one of Mr. Jenkins hired
men. He had on black broadcloth coat,
which had been purchased at a second hand
clothing store, and Bridget had tried her
best to dress herself in fashion.
They acted as though they had never be-
fore seen such splendor The house did in
deed present strong contrast to the home
they had lived in the old country, and, in
deed to the garnet which furnished them a
lodging-place in the country of their adop-
ton. . ise aaH 1aa5
Mr.. and Mrs. jenkins moved around
among their guests. At length they ap-
preached Robert and Bridget Mr.. Jen-
kins said 80, Robert, this is your wife,
is she ?"
"Indade she is. Bridget, can't ye spake
to the gintleman? Misther jenkins, they
call ye the old boss, but it's raal gintle-
men ye are, every inch Of ye."
Bridget made what was intended for a
courtesy, Robert continued: ''In my coun-
try the man served seven years or more
niver did the like O this to his hands,"
"No. I suppose not. But, Robert, this
is free country, and we don't make such
distinctions here as they do there.
"But ye were born gintlemcn, were ye
not ?"
'Every man is born gentleman in this
country, if he only be industrious and behave
himself properly
He then passed on. and chatted with
others Of the company. ,an
Bridget said: "Robert. this bates me en-
tirely."
"Well may ye say that, Bridget, and me
too for sure it bates both of us, end all
ould Ireland besides. Hurrah for Ameriky"
In due time supper was served. After