Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-04-20
MIseELLsARtE GU S.
AN ELOQUENT APPEAL.
Truth Stranger than Fiction.


Il NEafternoon in the mouth of June, 1860,
" ladyaip deep moprniug, and followed ,by
child, entered one of the fashionable saloons
in the city of N. The writer. happened
to be passing at the time. and inpciled by
curiosity, followed her 10 to see what would
eusue. Stepping upto the bar aud address,
ing the proprietor, who. happened. to be
present, she said: .-... l..-.....
''Sir, can you assist mo? have no home,
no friends, and am unable to work"
He glanced at, her, and then at the child,
with mingled look of curiosity and pity
Evidently he was somewhat surprised to see q
woman in such place begging, but without
asking any question gave her soma change !;
then turning to those present, he said:
"Geutlemcu, here is a lady in distress
Cant some of you assist her little ~ They
all cheerfully acceded to this request, aud
soon purse Of two dollars was raised and put
in her hand.
"Madsm," said the gentleman who gave
her the money, why do you cOmesinto sa,
loonsy 1t isn't proper place tor. lady !;
aud why are you driven to such step?"
Turning her nourIfnl, .yetexpressive eyes
upon the speaker, with an expression shall
never forget, she replied I:7cz1r .s ssa-s
"Sir, / know it isn't proper Place for me
to be 10, and you ask me why am driven to
this step. I viii tell you in ono short word !"
pointing to bottle behind the bar, labeled
"whiskey," "thatiis what has driven me TO
this--Mhiskey." s ~ "a
81 was once happy. and surrounded by all
the luxuries that wealth could procure, with
a fond and indulgent husband. Blu. in IN
evil hour he was tempted, and not possessing
the VII! to resist that temptation, fell, and in
one short year, my dream of happiness was
over, my home forever broken and desolated
and the kind husband add the. wealth some
called mine, lost, lost meyer to return-and
| all by the accursed wine cup. ~ a1
s''You see before you only wreck Of my
former self; hDneless and friendless, with
nothing left me- IN this world but This little
child" and weeping bitterly. she affection.
ately caressed the golden curls that shaded
face of exquisite l6veliDess Regarding her
composure. and turning to the proprietor of
the saloon, she .continued: . 1-a
"Sir, the reason occasionally enter n place
like, this is to imPlore those who deal in the
deadly poison, to desist 10 stop business
that spreads desolatioD, ruin, poverty and
starvation. Think one moment Of your own
loved ones and then Imagine them 10 the
situation / am in.s Isappeala to your better
nature, appeal 10 your heart, for I know
you possess kind one, TO retire from BUSH
ness so ruipous to your patrons"
Did you know that the money you receive
across this bar is the same as taking the bread
from ont of the mouths of the famished wives
and children of your cuftomers2 That Ii
strips the clothes from their backs, deprives
them of all the comforts Of life, and throws
unhappiness.. misery, crime and dcsoIstiou
into their once happy honest Oh, sir, / i'm
plore, beseech and pray Jon 10 retire from
business you blush TO own you are engaged in
before your fellow.men, and enter business
that wiz not only be proftable to yourself,
but to your fellow-creatures also. You will
excuse me If I have spoken too plainly, but
could not help when / thought of the mis-.
cry and unhappiness il has caused me-"
Madam, am not offended" he answered,
in voice tremuIous with emotion. shut thank
you from my heart for what you have said"
Mamma" said the child, taking her
mothers hand, there's gentleman who
wants me 70 sing Little Bessie for him
Shall [ do It 2"
Eyes, 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:
oat in the gloomy night sadly roam,
1
Nobody cares for me. no one would cry
Even If poor little Bessie sliould die. =
| Weary and tired I've been wandering an day.
Asking for work, but I'm zoo small they say;
On the damp ground I.mnst noylay INV head
Fathers drunkards and mother Is dead.
We we're so happy fin father drank RIM.
/ Then an our soTrows and troubles begun;
MosHer grew pale and we9t every day-
Baby AND ISyeFe tho hungry to piav
i Slowly they fadsd TIL one summer night. .s5-
! FoH1d tbeir dead faces all silent and whites
/ Then with biz tear sio1Iy droppine, said,