New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-10-14
DRUNK on THE SIDEWALK.

THE wRETCHED STATE OF FORMER COMMANDER
OF A GREAT OCEAN STEAMSHIP.
The hour was late-so late that the lights in
the liquor shops had txtugushed long ago and the
street nearly deserted The doors leading 70 bril-
iantly lighted ballroom were pushed open aud two
young accompanied by their sweethearts stepped
out into the night.
It's pretty out here amt It :" said one of the
young men, buttoning up his coat.
"Just few" was the laconlc Of his friend.
In turning corner Of the street the couple walking
ahead came near stumbling over a Ipau who lay Oh
the sidewalk One OF the young stopped moment
and leaning glanced at the face OF the sleeper
"wen. If isn't go I" he cried out Who do you
suppose this Is 2"
How should we know - said of the women with
a toss of her read
ats scotty,' blamed II 1t amt and he's plumb full
and fast asleep"
"scottyi" exclaimed his companions in breath.
"Yes scotty and amt going 70 let him stay here and
get taken by the cops. I'll If can't him
up" Thereupon he shook the sleeper vigorously and
called upon him loudly by name. For some time the
efforts OF the young man unsuccessful but at
length ScOtty" oIened his eyes In daZed sort OF
way and muttered!
"Ish all rl-thic )-ght."
1T don't make out to be oil right returned the young
man. pulling him TO his feet You're big fool TO be
out here at this time asleepIn the sidewalk Amt
you ashamed Of yerselfP BY steadying him either
side the young men managed 10 get scOty on BOARD
passing car in Of which he fell asleep.
"Don't suppose you know who that Old dufer f. do
you ~ said the elder Of the young men to TRIBUNE
porter who was standing the front platform enjoying
cigar. NO Well, perhaps it isn't very strange you
don't recognize him. sitting there all IN heap with HIS
cap pulled down onto his head like Bowery boy. That
sir Is old Cap'n -" mentioning the name Of n man
who at one time commanded one OF tho finest ocean
steamships sailing out of New-York Hurbor.
thought you'd heerd Of him, must everybody has
hn IN an al
looking back into the 70 himself that the
old safe lie don't look s II he'd bossel
biggest boats that crossed tue pond does he
It's fact, though How did he get down TO this I'll
tell yer The old man got tired OF the sea, and con
cuded 20 chuck up his commission and settle down here
in New-YOrk with a son OF his. The boy, VINO was
mean sort Of cuss, got the old 20 put lot of
money into wildcat scheme. IL run awhile and then
the busted up and the money went to the devil
That broke Scotty oil up He'd put about all lie had
into the company when the concern went down ~
about parayZed him. He too old 70 get back Outo
his steamer be putered around at odd jobs and man
aged to pick UP living. The boy of TO Java Jam
acA or HalifaX-I don't know whch-and left his dad
shift for himself seotty' he is called by the boys
suppose cause he from SoOtland-tOOk 20 drink
ing 10 drown his troubles Talnt very often he gets
downtown g far as found him Tonight Somebody
bambOOZled him to 10 down 10 one of them dives,
guess He's Jolly good feler when he's SOBER N can
tell more yarns n any other man ever saw.
"Why do take much ntei est in him I'll tell yer.
scotty saved my life when tumbled overheard
from yaWl out In the harbOr amt great shakes
streets o. nights longs I've got quarter" His voice
trembled he ead this and he gave kindly look at the
old asleep In the Pull up, driver and let
us OF at the crossing win yer The car stopped and
his companions stepped out upon tho pavement and
was so0u left far behind.