The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1874-05-21
THE INEBRIATE'S DAUGHTER.
By MRS. HELEN ". ARION,

There are lives which should be writ
ten, but which never archives hidden
away, from delicacy which is not only
false but inexcusable. 1t has been with
great effort that have at last conquered
this innate aversion to exposing events in
my life which seemed too sacred for the
eyes Of the world The hope of inspiring
those with strength who may have the
same adverse path to tread has alone given
me power to do it.
Women who are compelled to labor for
their support require much sympathy. To
such my heart goes out responsibility.
Their disheartening trials-their fierce
struggles-are all before me. l know if
such women occupy high social posi-
ton they must lose it. 1t is inevitable in
the present organization of society. Their
success in business gives them no higher
claim, but rather the reverse; for it is al
most conceded point that the conflicts
and cares of business life wear off all that
is gentle and l"vable in their characters.
This impression of their character is
their severest test. Many grow bitter un-
der its injustice. Now, if women could,
as they ought, by success in the various
pursuits OF life establish the same posi-
ton and independence as the other sex
it would develop their characters in a
broader scale-enlarge the scope of their
being-opening up 10 them more exalted
views of life and its duties without chang.
ing their nature in the least. This is, how
ever, DEPRESSION.
cannot so back in this little history
further than my fifth year. lam indebted
to others for all previous events.
My parents were Virginians. Their
bridal trip was West, where my father
had made preparations for residence by
building comfortable gothic cottage
Under its roof were spent all the pleasant
years of their married life. 1t was in
this cottage l drew my first breath, and
was christened Virginia, after their birth.
place. How vivid are my recollections
Of this cottage home, and how love to
dwell upon it's beauty even now! Sur
rounded by flowers, and almost hidden
by creeping vines, it seemed very bower
of Eden, untouched by the fall. Two
years had scarce gone by ere the serpent
bearing one of its inmates to certain ruin.
appetite as our first parents.
My father was a physician and stood
high in his profession. His constitution
being rather delicate, the arduous duties
of his extensive practice often impaired
his health. For the mistaken purpose of
restoring his overtasked powers he would
resort to stimulants. These stimulants
after time became necessity, and had
to be increased daily to have the desired
effect. 1t was but few years until he
became what he would have been shocked
to have called himself-a drunkard; but
it was nevertheless true. His friends and
patrons saw with regret his ruinOus
habits, and many attempts were made to
reform him, but without avail, although
he often made strong vows of abstinence
vows which were broken ere the sun
went down. The means of my father
were all invested in his little home; his
practice was his only dependence for sup.
port, and when it was Withdrawn, as it
was (for who could trust to his services
when he was forever excited by drinkingN,
he became q bankrupt in character as
well as in fortune.
My fathers change of fortune was
rapid, but not more marked than his
personal appearance. He had been q
handsome, polished gentleman, but the
indulgence in intoxicating drinks had
transformed him into q coarse, sensual.
looking person, without q trace of his
former self. He was once DR.. William
st. Clair. Ten years had scarcely passed
ere he was an object of amusement to
the boys who ran in mObs after him in
the street. To avoid these scenes often
took another street when returning from
school. What q consuming fire this love
Of drink becomes! 1t had with my father
dried up all that was noble or manly in
his character, as we'll as his happiness
here and his hopes in the great hereafter.
Why should I dwell longer upon this
sad career! Such an one Is familiar to
every one of common observation.
My first trial was the sale of our little
home. Hitherto hsd not realized the
condition of our affairs. I was q gay,
active child, full of play, having scarcely
reached my sixth year, but this event ma
tured me rapidly, until became morbidly
thoughtful. The consent of my mother
to this sale was only obtained by solemn
vows and protestations of an entire refor.
nation in my fathers life, which was not
remembered long enough for our removal
into new home, such was his insanity
for drink. His library, the furniture,
piece by piece, followed the house. until
we were left with life's barest necessities,
in two small rooms, In an obscure neigh
borhood, the rent of which my mother
paid by sewing. From this time her
needle was our only support, and with
what beautiful, accomplishing endurance
she piled It day BY day, often giving my
father the greater part OF her hard earn
ings, fearing II she withheld Il he might
be led into crime to crafty his insatiablo
thirst
God pity the woman With such hus.