Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1872-05-21
mis- scELLAHEo Gus.
AN ANGEL IN A BAR ROOM,
A TRUE INCIDENT.

One afternoon in the month of June, 1870,
lady, in deep mourning, followed by a child
entered one OF the fashionable saloons in the
city OF n. The writer happened to be
passing at the time, and, impelled by curi>
osity, followed her in to see what would ensue.
Stepping up to the bar, and addressing the
proprietor, gwho happened to be present, she
said
s.Sir, can you assist me? have no home.
no friends, and am not able to work."
He glanced.at her, and then at the child.
with mingled look of curiosity and pity
Evidently he was much surprised to see a
womaniin such place begging, 'but, without
asking any questions, gave her some change,
and turning to those present he said
"Gentlemen, here is lady in n,distress.
Can't some Of you help her a little 2"
They all cheerfully acceded to the request.
and soon purse of two dollars was raised and
puS in her hand.
Madam .ssaid the gentleman swho gave
her the money, "why do you come to a saloon?
1t isn't very proper place. fOri a: lady, and
why are you driven to such stepY''
.'Sir, know it isn't proper place for me
to be in, aud you ask me why am driven to
such step, will tell you in one short word !"
pointing to bottle behind the counter labeled
'whiskey, that is what brought me here
- w HlSkEY
II was once happy and surrounded by all
the luxuries that wealth could procure, with
afond and indulgent husband But in an evil
hour he was tempted, and not possessngssthe
will to resist the temptation he fell, and in
one short year my dream of happiness was
over, my home forever was desolated. and the
kind husband and the wealth some called
mine, lost, lost, neversto return. and all by
the accursed wine cup.
''You see before you only a wreck of nv
former self, homeless and friendless, and with
nothing left ME in. this world but.this little
child, and weeping bitterly, she affection
ately caressed the golden curls that shaded a
face of exquisite loveliness. Regaining her
composure, and turning to the proprietor of
the saloon, she continued
"Sir, the reason [ occasionally. place
like this is to implore those who deal in the
deadly poison to desist, to stop business that
spreads desolation, ruin povertysand starva-
ton. Think one moment of your own loved
ones, and then imagine them in the situation
L am in. Iappeal to your better. nature, l
appeal to your heart, for [ know you possess
askind one, to retire from business so ruinous
to your patrons
Ibid you know that the money you receive
across this bar is the same as taking bread
from out OF the mouths of the famished wives
and children OF your customers? That it
strips the clothes from their backs, deprives
them of all the comforts of life, and throws
unhapplness, misery, crime, and desolation
INTO their once happy homes? Oh, sir, im>
piore, beseech and pray you to retire from a
business you blush to own you are engaged in
before your tellow>men, and enter one that
will not only be profitable to yourself, but to
>craa I'm oil
me if have spoken too plainly, but could
not help it when thought of the misery and
unharpiness it has caused me.''
"Madam, I am not offended !" he answered
in voice husky with emotion, "but thank
you from my heart for what you have said"
Mamma" said the child-who meantime
had been spoken to by some of the geutle-
men present-taking hold of her mothers
hand, ''these gentlemen wish me to sing
Little Bessie for them. Shall do so ?"
Yes, darling, if they wish you to'
They all joined in the request, and placing
her In chair, she sang in a sweet childish
voice the following beautiful song:
, Iout in the gloomy night sadly roam,
S have no mother dear, no pleasant home;
10 one cares for me. would cry
Even if poor little Bessie should die
weary and tired, I've been wandering all dav
as ms Tor work. but | m too small. they say;
hezd.
fa'her g a dfunkard, and mother is dead
We were SO happy till father drank rum
H,nl 1heh All our sorrow and foubie begun
pu p,olher grew pale, and wept every day
Baby and were too bungry to olav.
Slowly they faded till one summer nieb,
round their dead faces all silent md white.
Ihen With big tears slowly dropping said.
Fathers a drunkstd, and mother is dead.
Oh. if the temperance men only couId find
foor wretched father, and talk very kind.
II they would stop him from drinking. then,
should be very happy again, 'N7.'
Is it too late, temperance men7 Please
or, poor little Bessie must soon starve md die.
a.. tne oay long I've been longing for bread;
father's drunkard, and mother ia dead
The games of billiards were left unfinished
the cards were thrown aside, and the un.
emptled glass remained on the counter; al
had pressed near, some with curiosity, some
| with sadness and sona With .,;t- haan,;nox II