The Centre reporter. [volume] (Centre Hall, Pa.) 1871-1940, 1877-06-21
A Yoang Lanfer's noMnfaIl.


The New York Efpress has an account
oi the downward career Of "a Young law
yer Of New York, who created eensa-
tlun recently by sending a challenge Ia
fight "a duel tu Mr. Anthony Comstock,
secretary Of the Society for the Proven
ti0n Of Vice. The young lawyer was
making disturbance IN Mr. Cumstock 's
office, and was elected by that gentle
man; hence the challenge The story of
his early life is As follows:
About twelve years ago the New York
bar WAS greatly surprised al the wit bnl-
haucy aud learning of young barrister
who had just been admitted to the legal
profession, having taken the highest
houurs In college. A bright future wac
expected 10y every one for the man.
whose Juylul habits and high standing
and social attaumeutS warranted hiss
friends III calling mm " Henry. But
AS time passed, IL could easily he Oh
served that Henry Was not the same as
before. Al times Llb wit WAS dull. his
voice husky, and his eye lacking in the
qulekuess that had formerly bparkled
there. and il began TO be said that h,,
was too fond of tie cup; aud that his
nights were often spent iu dissipation
aud drbauch. lie was seen hanging
around Delmuuicus, waiting for his
friends 10 come and ask him t0 drink
and people made up their minds that he
was fast drifting away 10 utter ruin.
But the gOs@Ips seemed to be mistaken,
all at once Henry seemed 10 gain new
vitality and newer and better life began
b. open before him, his glad laugh and
hearty voice were heard again ia the
court rooms, his clients multiplied, and
men of douhle his years preferred 90 be-
associated with him than 10 be- opposed
to his dashlug eloqueuce and brilliant
satire
Rumur Of course WAS not long in find
ing uut the cause, and d Was rald that
lis affections had been placed upan "a
young and charming lady, and that for
her sake be Was endrlyonug 10 become
worthy of her love HIS family were
delighted. and LIS friends gathered
around ham cheering him back into the
paths 0i virtue with words Of encourage
meut and hope. The reformation seemed
complete, the engagement was made aud
tAe wedding day was fixed. II is SAID
however. that GA the morning when the
uuptlais were 10 take place Henry uset
several O.! his friends and, elAted by the
occasion, adjourned with them 10 n
ue.ghbuuug bar-room, and his fall was
complete
The beautiful bride, dressed in her
wedding attire, waited long and patient
~, but tie groom did not come. lie
was. il is said, IN the room Of hotel
hopclessly iatoKirayod aud cared for by
the gentlemen whom hc had asked b act
"a his friends upun his wedding day.
The next morning. sober and repentant,
lac sought his bride that was 10 be- i'm.
plorcd her forgiveness and one more
trial The latter was given. but o long
probation was imposed
lie sold the house and furniture which
he had bought. and voluntarily retired
to private iucbGlatr asylum, hoping
thereby 10 eradicate the fatal tendencies
which ho believed 10 he curable dir
ease II is alleged that be remained
there for two years For a wear or 50 lac
was sober, but ~ last. either from q
natural weakness or from feeling oi
despair "a, having heard that the woman
of hir choice was to he married 10 an
other, hc resumed has old habits, aud
with few occasional periods oi sobriety
became 81 hopeless drunkard.