The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1873-07-08
Srlert Story.
An Angel in a Saloon.

One afternoon in the month of June,
1870, lady in deep mourning, follow
ed by little child, entered one Of the
fashionable saloons in the city. Of N,
The writer happened to be passing at
the time, and, prompted by curiosity,
followed her in to see what would ensue.
Stepping up to the bar, and addressing
the proprietor, she said:
'sSir, can you assist me3 / have no
home, no friends, and am not able to
work.
He glanced at her, and then at the
child. with a mingled look of curiosity
and pity. Evidently he was much sur
prised to see woman in such place
begging, but without asking any ques-
tons, gave her some change, and, turn
ing to those present, he said:
"Gentlemen, here is a lady in distress.
Can't some of you help her little p
They cheerfully acceded to the re-
quest, and soon purse of two dollars
was made up and put in her hand
"Madam," said the gentleman who
gave her the money, "why do you come
to saloon2 1t isn't proper place for
a lady, and why are you driven to. such
step ?"
"Sir," said the lady, II know it isn't
a proper place for lady to be in; and
you ask me why l am driven to such a
step. l will tell you in one short word,"
pointing to bottle behind the counter,
labeled "whisky," "that is what brought
me here-whisky. l was once happy,
and surrounded by all the luxuries that
wealth could procure, with fond, in
dulgent husband. But in an evil hour
he was tempted, and, not possessing the
will to resist the temptation, fell, and in
one short year my dream of happiness
was over, my home was forever DESC
late, and the kind husband and the wealth
that some called mine, lost-lost never
to return, and all by the accursed wine
cup. You see before you only the wreck
| of my former self, homeless and friend
less, nothing left me in this world but
! this little child" and, weeping bitterly,
she afectionately caressed the golden
curls that shaded a face of exquisite
loveliness Regaining her composure,
and turning to the proprietor Of the sa
loon, she continued:
"Sir, the reason, why I occasionally
enter place like this is to implore those
who deal in the deadly poison to desist,
to stop business that spreads desola,
ton, ruin poverty and starvation. Think
one moment of your own loved ones,
and then imagine them in the situation !
am in. Iappeal to your better nature, l
appeal to your heart, for know you
possess a kind one, to retire from a bus
mess so ruinous to your patrons.
"Did you know the money you take
across the bar is the same as taking the
bread out Of the mouths of the famished
wives and children of your customers
That strips the clothing from their backs,
deprives them of all the comforts of this
life, and throws unhappiness, misery,
crime and desolation into their once
happy homes? .4t.
"Oh, sir, / implore, 'beseech and pray
you to retire from business you blush
to own you are engaged in, before your
fellow-men, and enter on one that will
not only be profitable to yourself, but
your fellow. creatures also. You will ex-
cuse me if 1 have spoken too plainly
but I could not help it when | thought
of the misery, the unhappiness and the
snfferino IL has caused me-"
"Madam, am not offended" he an
swered, in voice husky with emotion
'sbut l thank you from the bottom of my
heart for what you have said"
Mamma" said the little girl, who
meantime, had been spoken to by some
Of the gentlemen present, taking hold o
her mothers hand, "these gentlemen
want me to sing Little Bessie for them
Shall l do so p
They all joined in the request ,and,p ,pla
cling her in a CHAR, she sang in sweet
childish voice, the following beautiful
song: