Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1883-01-16

are IN the habit OF visiting; see where
they go at night; ascertain if they fre-
lquentany questionable place; be careful
OF their associates; be eonversant with
what they read. There is no doubt that
to certain extent the acts of parents are
the principal reasons why so many. are
ruthiessly driven II ON home. Your
marked, indifference to their interests
and pleasures is why they seek more
cOngenial society; that Is why ttey lin
ger around the table of some fashionable
saloon, or mingle with the contamina.-
ting jewellers of some degraded bar-room,
or worse than all visit some palace of
shame. That is why they so regularly
frequent the club room, where with
reckless loafers they can engage in riot /,
GUS conduct and indulgences. By all
this they hope to drown the manifested
earelessn ess and apathy of their parents.
There is not parent who may read this
article that would allow his daughter to
go out on the street after dark, alone
and unprotected, to call where she
pleased or go where her fancy dictated.
Because your son is "a boy" do not inn
agine that he is proof against all tempta-
tion. he is of the same flesh and blood,
the same mind and appetites, the same
lusts and passions, as, your daughter,
then why not exercise the same pater-
nal vigilance over his movements? The
only difference between the yirtuous
lady and the immoral man is, that the
one has been strictly secluded from eve
ry semblance of evil, while the other
unrestrained has been permitted to visit
the blighting dens of wickedn and in
dulge his propensities until he is full
consequently no company appears to
him so delightful as the reeling and
boisterous associates of bar. rooms. All
public houses have fascinating excite
ments and enticementsincident to them.
You know that your son was originally
pure, for the same breath that breathed
into him living soul, breathed into
him righteous soul. Teach them to
love home-let its hallowed influence
shape their desires and mould their
characters make 1t agreeable and at
tractive by instructive reading and re-
creating amusements. Better expend
the money that would otherwise be
squan6ered for drink and procure an
exhaustless library. Fill it with the
productions of great and good men so
that as your sons cultivate their minds
they may also elevate their desires. I'm
press upon them the vast importance
of purity of heart, stability of character,
value of honesty, purpose of action
Entertain them with chaste and elegant
conversation, encourage them by your
presence and aid in all their uDdertak.
ings. If you do not labor assiduously
to properly cultivate and expand that
better nature implanted in every human
breast the fault is yours. If from your
sheer neglect they form vicious habits
and finally fill pauper's grave the re-
sponsibility is yours. If, upon the 9TH
er hand, by proper training they become
men of brilliant intellect, Untarnished
reputation, ennobling instincts, credita-
bic aspirations and high position, then
will they be the honored and respected
of all, the pride of your hearts, the Joy
OF your life. If you set the example be
assured they will follow. May heaven
awaken you to see your urgent and COM
ple' duty In its true light, for much is
incumbent upon you, much is expected
and much will be required of you. All
admit the unwelcome presence. and are
aware of the increasing extent of Intem-
peraHce, but how to forever eradicate it
is the stupendous question:. So far tee-
Bile human efforts have signally failed
and its evil Influence is every where felt,
but as means of completely externin-
atlng it we make d few Suggest ious. Let
every temperate InalI conclude to vote
only for temperate representatives who
Will advocate enactInents To prevent its
Manufacture Let the ministers of eve-
ry denomination make it the one alb
sorbing theme of their discOurces. Let
the churches put forth their united and
pray erful efforts Let all the religious
and moral societies work untiringly
for its overthrow. Let every editor
advocate the predominance of temper
ance in leadless columns of convincing
argument. Let the ladies Of every COM
munity emphatically and openly refuse
to let a tippler visit her. Let society
put her graceful foot upon the hardened
neck of this great monster and refuse ad-
mittance into the circle of her refining
Influence to all who are in any degree ad-
dicted to the use of liquors. Go to work
earnestly if you wish to permanently
conquer, for in timidity there Is sure
defeat. No success without great labor.
If you do this then will this downtrod-
den land rise from under the CALLING
stigma and heave off thes damning
yoke of sin, every branch of business be
diligently prosecuted and all the earth
blossom with the luscious fruits of tenn
perance and the choicest blessings of
God be received in abundance by ALL
If by the death of Intemperance we are
made free, then shall we be free indeed.
January, 1888. P. A. ROSS.