Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-08-03
Why Lyman Jenkins Became
Teetotaler.


jobs in several places at time. He
had a few experienced workmen up
on whom he could rely to oversee the
work, and employed men under them,
while be had general supervision
of the whole. Each gang of hands
called him the "old boss," to distin-
guish him from those under whose i'm
mediate direction they performed
their labors.
Every winter, during the holidays,
he made it point to invite all those
in his employ who resided in u,
to take tea 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 morn
ing, and extended the invitation. Af-
ter he left, Thomas King, who had
been only a short time in his employ,
said to George Atkinson:
"Are you going to the old boss's
party ?"
"Of course I shall"
"Do they have a good time there p
First rate. You must be sure
and 60, and take your wife and ba-
bies too."
Il don't know about that. The
old boss came along the other day,
just after l had taken some bitters,
and 1 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 your making a straight edge
"Pshaw! King" said Atkinson. "a
would not stay away on that account
He cuts rather hard sometimes, but he
is a good man to work for"
"True enough, he is," said King
"but then you know fellow does no
like to be rasped off in that way. HI
is a strong teetotaler; but for m,
part, | think he carries matters rath
er too far. ! believe in Temperance
as firmly as any man; but when | g
home at night, like a drop before
supper. | want little also in tn
morning, and again about clever
o'clock. | never mean to be tn
worse for liquor"
Atkinson replied, "I hope you vii
not drink any on the day of the PAL
ty, because if he should smell you
breath, he might give you lecture o.
the spot. You will have fine oyster
and as good tea and coffee as can b
made, and you will enjoy yourse
very much. | have worked for tn
old boss now going on seven years
and | always look forward to the tef
party with great interest. My VIII
and children also consider it the grea
est day of the year. | really believ
they would rather miss going home
Thanksgiving, than to miss the oil
boss's party"
The day at length arrived. Nc
only the carpenters, but ali in his en-
ploy were there, and all dressed
their best. They brought their wivt
and children. The spacious parlol
were thrown open, and were well FL
ed with guests. Thomas King ha
concluded to be present. Robel
O'Neill and Bridget his wife were a
so there. He was not a carpente
, but was one of Mr.. jenkins hire
men. He had on black broadclot
, coat which had been purchased at
secondhand clothing store, and Bird
, ct had tried her best to dress hersel
r in fashion.
E They acted as though they ha
never before seen such splendor. I'll
; house did indeed present a stror
o, contrast to the home they had live
5 in, in the old country, and indeed
: the garnet which furnished them
e lodging-place in the country of the
: adoption.
Mr.. and Mrs. jenkins moved arour
$ among their guests. At length th'
9 approached Robert and Bridget. M
Jenkins said, $50, Robert, this is yo,
wife, is she p
y "Indade she is. Bridget, can't .
spake to the gintleman? Mister Je
kins, they call ye the old boss, but il
a.raal gintleman We are, every in'
ofye."
Bridget made what was intendt
for courtesy. Robert continued, "
my country, the man [ served sevc
years or more, niver did the likes
this to his hands"
"No, I suppose not. But Robel
this is free country, and we dor
make such distinctions here as thu
do there"
"But We were a born gentlema
a were ye not p
u "Every man is born gentlem;
in this country, if he only be industl
Gus and behave himself properly"
d He then passed on and chatte
:. :. with others of the company.
e Bridget said, Robert this bates II
V Y intirely."
=. "Well may ye say that Bridget, al
II II me too; for sure it bates both Of U
,e and On old Ireland besides. Hurri
d for Ameriky!'
In due time supper was served. A
j. ter this, the company returned to Il
parlors, and amid the buzz of conve
sation Mr.. jenkins arose and addres
= ed them:
S e any Men and Friends: Some {
you have been present on former 0
: casions not unlike this. A few a
here for the first time. | need n
}. say you all are heartily welcome.
al might address you upon the rel
n N tion which employers and their wor
men sustain to each other, but up'
this will not speak tonight. Y
Is all know that | am staunch teetot;