Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-04-20
MIsCELLsAKE E GU s.
AN ELOQUENT APPBAI,.
Truth Stranger than Fiotioln.


n. NEafternoon in the mouth of June, 1880
" alady.ip deep mourning, and followed by q
child, entered. one of the fashionable saloons
in the city of N. The writer, happened
to be passing at the time, and inpciled bv
curiosity, followed her in to see what would
ensue. Stepping upto the bar and address
ing the proprietor, who happened; to be
present, she said:
"Sir, can you assist mo? I have no home,
no friends, and am unable to work.
lie glanced at her, aud then at the child.
with mingled look of curiosity and pity
Evidently he was someEhat surprised to see a
woman in such place begging, but without
asking any question gave her some change; j;
then turning to those present, he said
"Geutlemen, here is lady in distress
Can't some of you assist her little Z. They
all cheerfully acceded to this request, and
soon purse of two dollars was raised aud put
in her hand. ,sf'r
"Madsm, said the gentleman who gave
her the money, ''why do you come into sa-
loonsY 1t isn't proper place Tor. lady !;
aud why are you driven to such a stepY"
Turning her N nourufnl, yctexpressive eyes
upon the speaker, with an expression shall
never forget, she replied :~5s2 t-"n
''Sir, know it isn't proper place for me
to be ip, and you ask me why am driven to
this step. 1 win tell you in ono short word"
pointing to bottle behind the bar, labeled
"whiekey," "that'is what has driven me to
this-mhiskey." s -
81 was once happy, and surrounded by all
the luxuries that wealth could procure, with
a fond and indulgent husband. But in M
evil hour he was tempted, and not possessing
the VII to resist that temptation, fell, and in
,IrCL,
over, my home forever broken and desolated
and the kind husband ,aud the. wealth some
called mine, lost. lost. meyer to return-and
all by the accursed wine cup. ~.
s''You see before you only wreck of my
former self, homeless and friendless, with
nothing lcfe me- IN this world but This little
child" and weeping bitterly. she nffeetion-
ately caressed the golden curls that shaded
face of exquisite l6velipess. Regaining her
composnre, and turning to the proprietor of
the saloon, she continued: y ;'ssar
"Sir, the reason occasionally enter n place
like, this is to imPlore7 those who deal in the
deadly poison, to desist to. stop q business
that spreads desolation, ruio, poverty and
starvation. Think one moment Of your own
loved ones and then Imagine them in the
situation am in.s Iappeal to your better
nature, | appeal TO your heart, for I,know
you possess kind one, 70 retire from busi-
ness so rninous to your patrons"
did you know that the money yo1receive
across this bar is the same as taking the bread
from ont of the mouths of the fsmisbed wives
and children of your customers2 That Ii
strips the clothes from their backs, deprives
them of all the comforts of life, and throws
uDhappiuess, misery; crime aud desoIotiou
into their once happy honest Oh, sir, I i'm
plore. beseeeh and pray you TO retire from
business you blush 20 own you are engaged in
before your fellow-men, and enter business
thst will not only be profitable to yourself,
but to your fellow-creatures also. You will
excuse me If have spoken too plainly, but
could not help when / thought of the mis-
cry and unhappiness It has caused me-"
"MadaD, l am not offended" he answered
In voice tremulous with emotion. shut thank
you from my heart for what you have said"
Mamma" said the child, taking her
mothers hand, there's a gentleman who
wants me to sing Little Bessie, for him
Shall 1 do it ?''
"Yes. darling. if they wish you tor
They all joined in the request, aud placing
her IN chair, she. sang in sweet childish
voice, the following beautiful song:
O1t IN the gloomy night sadly roap,--.
i have NO mother dear. no pleasant home;
Nobody cares for me. no one would cry
.sEyen If poor little Bessie should die. 3
weary and tined I've been wandering al day.
Assdng for work. but I'm zoo small they say;
On the damp ground I.must now lay INV bead
FATHERS drunkards and mother IL dead
We we're so happy TN father drank gnm.
Then al our soTr0Ws and troubles beguu;
Mosfter grew pale and we2t every day.
Baby and ISFeTe tho hungry TO piav
t Slowly fheE faded tilLone summer night as
FOund tbeiE dead faces all silent and whites
Then with big tears slowly dropping, saidS
! Fathers drunksrds ead mother Is dead.