Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-08-04
THE DRUNKRRD'S DREAM.

II ~ =
Forty years ago I came to New York Il
was little city when compared with its
present proportions. Park Place, Murray,
Warren, Chambers, and other streets lower
down, we're fash enable up town locations,
aud in one OF these settled, throwing out
my sign of DR.. William Parks. | was a
young man, and blessed with lovely wife
and a beautiful child.
| was possessed of considerable means,
and having graduated with honors.o of course
it Vas my intention to practiccaenly among
the aristocr@2y had letters of introGuc-
riOn te many wealthy families, and this
gained 70. me ready admittance into society
and the promise Of large and early prac-
Tice.
1t was As expected, for in less than six
months al or MY advent here was really
over'askel in mind and body. But all this
| looked upon as 4 matter of course, and
did not for moment consider myself highly
favored
But gay society led me into excuses.
loved the wine cup, or, in palmer words, the
brandy bottle, better than | did my profes-
sion. And believe, in my blindness, |
l0rel il bette. than my wife aud child
Almost every evening l was invited to
some secial gathering or brilliant ball. and
as enjoyed myself very much a; these |
never failed TO go. At first | was pestered
hy parties calling mo away from these gay
scenes; but | soon put 4 stop TO ihat by in
structing my servant 10 say that was out OF
town. and | soon had the pleasure of wit
Messing the favorable results.
Ant NOR than this. Usually suffered
with vi'e'it headache nearly every morn
ing. and icl' very unlike attending to bust
ness. But vasn much troubled.
One day was seated in saloon, slipping
my brandy, wheu heard my own name
mentioned | listened. A serene conceal
ed me from The speakers
so DR.. Parks was taken home drunk
again l4s night?'
Yes bea>tIy drunk,
What a pity the nan should make hog
ofhimsef.'
He ought to de He is crushing his
family Tor his gentle Wife feels the disgrace
deeply can see that ste is sinking under
the constant modification and grief. And
they Fill come to want. He has lost all his
I'l-;lss, for 10 one will trust him. But he
cant stand II much longer. He will die
soon
This Vas a pleasant conversation for me
noTyTuear. At first it made me angry,
anu was about to appear before the caum-
hiliors aat demand satisfaction But | sat
41iet. 'h-.kiug for short time. | asked
Iy.e.t the question il it could be possible
That rea.y was drunkald.
attempted 70 arise, Lut reeled and fell
back a-aEaSg the table beside which [ had
yve1 sitting, nearly knocking it over. But
c8la. stand aui could think Was
drunk: Perhaps [ was; and Yet had call
q !9. au. her glass OF brandy.
determined not to drink it, but 60 home
Al ohee, As [ was passing the bar, the
Waite politely bowed and said:
pps,yr one dollar aud quarter
FIR what | asked.
* drinks this time are three shillings;
laFt EN- last night, seven shillings That
Jl't make, ten shillings."
a~l mere last night ?"
Certainly Don you remember it.
said did. but | didn't. But | paid
lie money aud left As passed into the
streets some ragged boys shouted
Ihere goes old Parks, drunk again."
i,.L ike annihiating the rascals, but !
sGothereI my Indignation and reached my
nome Psoceeding at once to my study, | |
=. down aud belan to reflect.
l'"as friday. How many patients had |
visited inat week? | could not tell, al |
though felt certain had visited several, !
'at via, / dlI had not the faintest idea.
called up my wife and asked her who | |
I'd n1a waited upon during the last four days |
ne replied that one party received my SER
", ,r'e' on Monday, and another on Tuesday.
Ine names mentioned we're formerly among
my best friends
We're either very sick ?" l asked
MS White, the lady upon whom you
ea!lei Monday, is very sick -
And have not been near her since ?"
No"
ANA has she not sent for me? ?''
NO. Her husband procured"
%. = =, 'cured the services of another doc.
Aes, DR.. Brown.