Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1870-10-27
Just In I'M.
By EBES L. RENFCRD.

Jnst IN fun, jlsti fun,
Many habits ar, begun,
That will bring, after years,
SORROW great and many tears
so be careful, ev ny one;
Be in earnest, not in fun;
Think of what the end may be,
Ana do nothing thoughtlessly.
Two bows were going down crowded
village Il was on the Fourth" that
glorious anniversary OF our nations indie
pendence Flags were waving, bells were
ringing, aud cannoss were echoing TIA cir
thunder tones from earth to sky.
George Allen was spending the day with
his cousin Lee, who resided in the village.
He was all unused to stirring scenes, and
so he entered into the spirit of the occasion
with careless freedom and thoughtlessness.
Perhaps ought not TO have said that he
entered into the spirit at the occasion, but
rather into the same spirit OF reckless
pleasure which really seemed 80 actua.e
most Of the yonng nen and boys on the
street where they were. Drinking and
gambling saloons were close together there /;
and the hot sickenng smell of whisky or
rum swept into their faces as they passed
half drunken men.
George Allen was, MS have said, but lit
tie used TO such scenes. He had seen
drunken men before, but never so many at
one time under the influence OF liquor. He
ought to have been disguised, and turned
away from the shameful sight, but he was
just sufficiently thoughtless and best de
himself, with a sort of crazy, dont.care feel
lng, that he could laugh AZ every drunken
speech, and ridicule the poor, pitiful vic
tins of the cup.
They passed saloon where liquor was
sold /; it was kept in shining glass decanters
in the wide windows, where men would see
it and be lured on to their own destruction
by its sparkle and glitter.
LET go in and have drink, like the
rest of folks, said Georges cousin, stopping
and looking back.
II don't care; I'd just as lief MS not, an
swered George, with reckless air Just
in fun you know"
Just in fun All me he had never taken
glass Of intoxicating liquor in his life,
and now, 'just in fun, was going to take
his first si.. n the downward way of
drunkenness. wonder if he thought of
what that first glass might lead TOT think
uDl, w 4tb WOulu Ila'c u louk tllhC
before taxing it.
But they went into the saloon and called
for glass of liquor, for each. The saloon
keeper was very polite, and the saloon was
very tastefully decorated with pictures and
fresh flowers, and George thought that
what he had heard about such places was
far from the truth, for this seemed very
nice indeed. He did not think that the
path of sin ard wickedness could be made
pleasant path to look upon, with the
horns hidden from sight by flowers of the
brightest hue.
They drank the fiery draught set before
them. 1t was not very pleasant to their
taste, yet there WAS something about it
that fascinated them. Just 80 serpent
charms its victims, and holds him spell
bound till 700 late
"How did you like it2' asked Georges
cousin, as they left the saloon.
First rate" answered George, "and
mean to have some more too. ! don't be-
leve there's any harm in taking drink
now and then"
All but "now and then" got to be every
often" after little. Every chance is i'm
proved to crafty the terrible thirst after
the habit gets thoroughly formed, and 1t
does not take lang to form the habit of IN.
temperance.
Do you want to know what the end was
Well, will Tell You Last summer was
in that same village As was sitting at
the window of the hotel parlor, saw some
men coming up the street, carrying an in.
sensible person on broken door. On in
quiry, learned that the mans name was
George Allen; he had been drinking, and
got into drunken quarrel, and was so ter
ribly beaten that he had to be carried from
the saloon in an I'M ensble condition. Only
Just OF age, and 30 lar down IN the path OF
destruction sigh d whop thought Of
il; and the next day was told that be was
dead. His injuries were more severe than
was supposed at first, and he had gone ont
into the Eternal World IN drunken sleep
Just in fun . boys and girls, be- care
full Think of what the consequences may
be before you act.
4 Little Gentleman.