The daily gazette., 1878-09-24
CIub-Lffe.

ohM ~ Ell i WV -N1DTsND ~.
Townsend, Sept. %, 1878.
CIub-Life.
BY REV. d. A. CUNNINGHAM, ID.
There is great danger to young men,
and old ones, in the club-life of our cities. |
Frequently costly and magnificent build
ings and halls are fitted up, with varied
attractions, where men congregate to spend
their evenings away from their homes
and families. The painful suspicion
that some of the clubs furnish opportuni-
ties for gambling is frequently confirmed !
by unexpected developments. To what
an extent these practices have been
carried on it is impossible for outsiders
to ascertain; but it is too true that most
of the clubs give their members all need
full opportunities for games of chance,
and it is only necessary for them to ex-
ercise little discreet secrecy to gamble
at pleasure. 1t would be unjust to con-
denim all clubs for the bad practices of
many, for there are some honorable ex-
ceptions. Yet the tendency of club-life
is very questionable, and young men OF
good intentions are doubtless often in
itiated into evil practices through club
associations and influences. Too much
f caution cannot be exercised in determin-
ing what relations to make, and what
companions to mix with, after business
. hours. After all, our modern improve
ments have as yet furnished no substitute
for good home, either as centre Of
pure enjoyment, school of noble char
acter, or protection against the vices of
, the times. And all artificial associations
that tend to weaken the ties of home, or
, supplant it in the hearts of young men,
i do more harm to their members and
$ society at large then they can do good.
How many homes are robbed in the
evenings of the presence of father, hus-
f band, brother or son by the Turing attrac-
f tions of club-rooms, for there is often to
be found, in conjunction with these
places, the drinking-saloon and the gam
0 ing-table. Not long ago, in one of our
g cities, father called my attention to an
: attractive building. Pointing to it he
a said, out of the bitterness of his heart.
o .'Many a time have wished the light
d nings of heaven had destroyed it, for it
> has been the gateway to rum for my son.
q l inquired how. lie replied, "See the
n magnificent saloon, with its flashing
= lights and sparkling cups which occupies
Z the first floor, where the young men and
y older ones congregate to drink; see, also
of the stairway which leads from the street
s. to the second floor, and there is to bt
y found what is commonly known as club
T. room, elegantly furnished, where many
< of the men of the city assemble in the
= evenings, professedly to discuss the Incl
m dents and topics of the day; and still
m higher on the third floor, there is a gamb
pit ling-room, where games of chance are
l., !, played, where young clerks and Others
In DtI anu lOSt llltlT HlOHcy. L co uC GA
claimed further, 81 have wished thou
he sand times the lightnings had destroyed
20 20 that building, for there my son has beer
of ruined
le He told me that his son had beer
ne allured by some boon companions to tha
~ ~ place, where he spent his nights unit
n one and two o'clock in the morning
es The first step was the social glass, th'
IN second the game of chance, and then th'
70 darker and worse places beyond. As th
e. father grasped me by the hand he sobbe'
IN and wept, and said, .Pray for me, AM
- that my son may be delivered from tn
re hand of the destroyer; and beside, as yol
rh have opportunity, warn young mel
ny against the perils of modern club-life.
% Let all parents look well to the associa
en- tions and companionships of their sons
I'd and let home be made attractive tina
I'd there will be no relish for the dangerou
~ Of ,lnh lifo