Middletown transcript., 1869-11-13
gelttt Storn,
WHERE DID HE GET IT.?
BY ADELAIDE WETMoEE.

Where did he get the taste for it? All
this IS question that many loving
father and mother, many fond sister
have anxiously weighed in their sad hearts
That the son or brother has acquired the
taste which is all bat impossible to con-
quer, is too plainly seen; but where was
this fatal deadly appetite fostered? Hap
py for them if it cannot be traced to any
agency or influence of theirs.
There may be many among those bound
and fettcred by the chains of strong drink
that cannot tell when or where the love
and sire for that which will intoxicate
began; but it was not so with Lewis
Granger. Even when his mind was a
wreck, he could trace the growth of this
appetite back to its source; of that we
will speak hereafter.
he early influences which surrounded
Lewis Granger would seem to have been
the best and happiest that could be de-
sired. His father and mother were noble
minded Christian people, amiable, lovely.
and of good report. Their high social
position they valued for the influence Il
gave them, and they sought anxiously and
prayertully to have that influence on the
side OF right. On all questions of NOR
allty they gave no uncertain sound :"
NO resident of the town asked mherc Mr..
Granger stood on the temperance question.
The most free, generous hospitality
reigned in their beautiful home. Tbey
gave, very frequently, social entertain
ments for both young and old, and always
sought to offer their guests every rational
pleasure and amusement within their
reach; but neither wine nor any intoxiea-
ting beverage was seen on their table or
even privately offered to any guest. Strict
temperance people they were called.
Mr.. and Mrs. Granger's efforts for the
good and happiness of others were not
confined to outside society their home
duties, as they were the nearest were also
the dearest objects for which they labored.
The most unwearying care was given to
the training of their beloved children
The had two daughters, the develop-
ment of whose characters gave them great
satisfaction; and the pride might be very
pardonable with which they regarded their
only son Lewis. He was manly. oen-
erous-hearted boy, deservedly the favorite
of all his playmates, and noted by his el-
der friends as one who gave promise of n
noble manhood.
His parents sought to make their home
the most attractive place for him, and en-
tered heartily into all his innocent amuse-
ments. He was brave, spirited, JOYOUS
boy, the very light of the house, and in
spired in Mr.. and Mrs, Granger their
brightest hopes but this light went out
in darkness!
Lewis did not leave home until it was
thought his principles were we'll estab-
llshed; bat he had not been free from
these restraints but little time before his
parents had cause to tremble. In his first
college vacation they saw change had
come over their boy.
Soon even their love-blinded eyes were
forced to see that there was danger of
Lewis becoming a drunkard! This fear
ful word they could not speak but day
md night it rang in their ears. By every
loving effort they sought to
save their son, but to no purpose.
In less than two years he left college
with blighted name. We have no heart
o dwell on the steps by which. he went
toEn to all the 10y dcgrcdations of an in