Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1878-11-19
ODDITIES AT MIR. MURPHY'S
A Drunken Woman Converted
and Then Calling For "Pepper-
permint i'm it."

and Then Calling For ''Pepper-
permint in it."
Mr.. Murphy yesterday was sanguine
that the temperance movement was
about to carry New York by storm. 1t
has been remarked by many andtfelt
by Mr.. Murphy himself that the city
paatorS have not given enough counte-
nance and support to his meetings and
as a result of an expression OF this IDEA
there was an unusual number OF clergy
men at the meetings yesterday. Among
them were the Rev. Mr.. Ayros, the Rev.
Mr.. Scribner, the Rev. Mr.. MOorhouse,
the Rev. Mr.. Goodscll and the Rev. Mr.
Bonner The attendance at the noon
meeting was large, and among the sing.
ers of the pledge were some men oi
good position. Alright the crowd eX-
ceeded all previous numbers. Just be-
fore the meeting began, a little STIR was
created in deplorable state OF intoxi-
cation. She wanted to sign the pledge,
and, though scarcely able to stand, in
sisted ON Keeling to the railing. MIR.
Murphy assisted her. while lady near
by pinned up the overskirt OF her dress,
which was falling off. The pencil stub
was adjusted fumblingly to her tremb-
ling fingrs and the woman managed to
scribble her name When she had fin
ished, Mr.. Murphy, to whom she com
planned OF distress, promised to send
at once for some medicine Think
ing him to mean whisky she said, 'Put
peppermint in it." After this the wo--
man passed through several phases OF
maudlin drunkenness, but was finally
seated in an armchair.
Then Rev. Mr.. Bonner prayed, and
scarcely had he said "Amen" when a
red-faced, gray-haired man who had
been sitting on the pulpit steps arose
suddenly and shouted. "Ill join the
pledge ii anvbody'll follow. I'm an old
drunkard; Pm notorious man, am!
Then. as he wrote his signature, he
shouted, Charles W. Edgar's my name,
and I'm not ashamed to own it. | owe
more money for liquor than any one in
this town. Stick to it," he continued 10
n bvstander, al never signed anything
in NV life didn't stick to-" Then the
audience besieged the desk and many
pledges were taken, Mr.. Murphy mean
time CRYING, Come on, men; what $ the
matter with you?" The ostentatlous
signer threw his arms about the neck OF
an upright and venerable deacon near by
and Joined boisterously in the prevailing
HYMN. MIR. Murphy's remarks were not
extended. He spoke ofthe Inauguration
of the temperance work here as only be-
gun, and told what had been done in
Pittsburgh, where - 200 signatures had
been obtained. He recited some incl
dents from his personal experiences, and
asked for contributions of clothes and
sandwiches for the poor men who wanted
To reform. Feed them, and then talk
to them about religion" he said, and a
voice cried Amen" Mr.. Mobiles spoke
earnestly for 4 while, and Mr.. Murphy
then talked Of the kindness and sympathy
necessary to he shown to men who had
been outcasts before they could be
brought into the ranks. As he spoke
bouquet johnny came in with his
nightly gifts Of flowers, and MIR. Murphy
dropped the thread OF his discourse to
take up tea rose, and discourse on the
beauties of flowers. A basket of roses
was given tn Mrs. Wilson, whose sing
ing has been so well received.