Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-05-22
Let's Have q Drink.


The ridiculous, absurd American Gus
tom of asking" is responsible for seven
eighths-mind, we say seven-eighths,
and mean it, too--of all the liquor con-
sumed in this country. Abolish the
custom to-day, and where there are eight
barrels Of liquor drank now, there would
be but one. We appeal to any number
of drinkers for their opinion in the mat
ter. TO this custom we owe one drink
ing betwesn drinks" which some wsg,
with more truth than poetry in his soul,
said was the only thing that hurt, or
words to that effect.
What O ridiculous piece Of folly il is
to go into a place, if in the mood for
liquor, and to ask five or six acquaint-
ances up to drink with you yet it is
done all the time, and by parties who
perhaps want the money for stockings.
But not to do it when your aequaint-
ances are about is TO be looked upon as
"small potatoes" and few in the hill.
Take the following as an illustration Of a
delightful fix" liable to arise from this
absurd Gu t m
You feel in mood for glass. You
90 for it. Meet friend just as you are
about to enter gin mill, and you TASK
him." Enter, and he. comes upon a
group OF four or FIVE of his friends who
have Just entered, and are conversing for
moment. You are introduced all
around by your friend. Where are you
now, with dollar in your pocket aud
FIVE or six fellows on your hands, only
one of whom you ever saw before, and
morally bound by custom and impelled
by false pride to ask them to join you in
a social glass
You cant get out of it; they know you
come in for liquor, and as your friend
introduced you and didn't invite, why
you must do the hOnors, and you say you
are glad to see them (sn Internal lie, by
the way and ask them up. If you are
known at the bar, ell right; if not, you
have to borrow of your friend. How's
that ? Perhaps some of the party might
ask you some other time, but the chances
are they wouldn't know you from baked
apple. A most absurd, dead fraud this
asking in connection with liquor. Do
we ask, coax, prevail on aequaintances
to go in and have neck ties, gloves or
boots with us2 Come in, and take
bottle of wine with me ?" men will say,
and take you by the arm, and in you 60
Do they ever say, Come in and have q
hat with me p Are You continually
urged to eat things2 Do they ask you to
take pocket-knives, lead pencils, hair
dye, tooth powder, paper collars or um.
brellas with them2 No, this asking"
business is confined to liquor It ia
liquor liberality, or custom, rather, |
that extends itself 10 no other article, if
we except oysters and cigars, but 10 these
it is limited.
Take party OF six Germans who 60 in
for their lager, They sit down, and each
one drinks what he wants, and pays for
what he drinks. he isn't forced and
bsntered because he dosen't drink more.
The same With Englishmen, FrenchmeD,
and all other people on the face Of the
globe except Americans. You know how
it would be with six of the latter did they
go in for lager. There would be thirty
six glasses drank, because each must
" ask the others. Humbug Folly
Imagine case like this did the task
ing" business extend beyond the con-
fines of liquor: Two gentlemen walking
up Broadway. One is attracted by fine
display of botties-no, boots, shoes, ETC.,
in window. "Bob, let's go in and have
some boots" Is they go. "Tske hold,
Bob. What's your fancy 2" THANK
you, Tom, but I'm not taking boots just
now" "0h, get in. Take hold. One
pair won't hurt you" No, excuse me,
rom." Take something, Bob. Take
nome pair of boots for your wifs.
Don't see me do this thing a!one.N Bob
comes devu and takes pair of boots
Us no use. Who could Withstand Toms
,nnaal