Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1872-04-04
AN ANGEL IN A SALOON.
A True Incident.

1870. lady in deep mourning. followed
ty child, entered one Of tic fashionable
saloons in the city If ". The writer
happened 20 he passing at the time. aud.
impclled by curiosity, followed her in to
see what would ensue. Stepping up to
the bar and addressing the proprietor,
who happened to be present, size said:
''S;r, can yop assist me? l 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 sur
prised to see a woman in such place
begging, but, without asking any Gucs-
tions, gave her some change, and turning
to those present, he said:
Gentlemen, here is lady in distress.
Can't some of you help her littlc:"
They all che.rfully acccded to the re-
quest, and soon purse of two dollars was
raised and Put in her hand.
Madam said tie gentleman who gave
her the money. why do you come to a
saloon! 1t isn't very proper place for
lady, and why are you driven to such
step:'
Sir, l know i, isn't a proper place for
me to be in and you ask me why L am
driven to such step, [ will tell you in
one short word," pointing to bottle be-
hind the counter tabled ''whisky.' that
is what brought me here-WHIsKY! -
Il was once happy and surrounded by
all the luxurics that wealth could procure,
with a fonl aud indulgent husband But
in an evil hour lie was tempted. and not
possessing the will to resist temptation.
fell, and in one short year my dream of
happiness was over, my home forever was
,!esolated, and the kind husband and the
wealth some called mine, lost, lost, never
to return, and all by the accursed wine
cup.
You see before you only wreck of
my former self, homeless aud frIendlcss.
and with nothing left me in this world
but this little child" and weeping bitterly
she affectionately caressed the golden curls
that shaded face Of exquisite loveliness.
Regaining her conposure, and turning to
the proprietor of the saloon, she contin-
ued:
.Sir, the reason | occasionally enter
place like this is to implore those who
deal in the .eaIly poison to desist. to stop
a business that spreads desolation, ruin,
poverty and starvation. Think one mo-
ment of your own loved ones. and then
imagine them in the situation I am IN. L
appeal to your better nature, l appeal to
your heart, for know you possess kind
one, to retire from a business SO ruinous
to your PATROLS.
did you know that the money you re-
ceive across this bar is the same as taking
bread from out of the mouths of the FAM
isbed wives and children of your custo-
mers? That it stripes the clothes from
their backs, deprives them of all the COM
forts of life, and throws unhappiness. mis-
ery, crime and desolation into their once
happy homes? Oh, sir, l implore, be-
seech and pray you to retire from bus
mess you blush to own you are engaged
in..tefore your fellow-men, and enter one
tlat will not only be profitable to your
self. but to your fellow-creatures also.
You will excuse me if have spoken too
plainly, but | could not help il when |
thought of the misery and unhappiness it
has caused me.
Madam, am not offended lie an
swered. in voice hssky with emotion,
'.but thank you from my heart for what
you have said
Mamma" said the child-who mean
time had been spoken to by some of the
gentlemen present-taking hold of her
mothers hand" "these gentleman wish
me to sing Little Bessie for them. Shall
| do SOP
YES, darling, if they wish you to-
They all joined in the request. and
placing her in chair. she sang in sweet
childish voice the following beautiful
song!
..Out in the gloomy night sadly 1 roam,
/ have no mother dear, no pleasant home
No one cares for me, no one wOuld cry.
Even if poor little Bessie should die.
Weary and tired, I've been wandering all
day.
Asking for work, but am too small they
say.
On the damp ground must now lay my
head,
Fathers a drunkard and mother Is dead.
We were so happy till father drank rum,
Then all our sorrow and trouble begun
Mother grew pale, and wept every day
Baby and / were too hungry TO play
Slowly they faded till one summe. night
Found their dead faces all silent and
white
Then with big tears dropping said
Fathers n drInkard and mother is dead.
Oh If the temperance men only could find
Poor wrctched father. aud talk very kkad;