, 1884-09-27
St. Croix, 2Gth Sept. 1884.
To the Editor Of the "St. Croir Aris."
Dear Sir,

10 ne L0ttoF " ne "N{. CFOlC AC1S."
Dear Sir,
1t is universally admitted that in its
influence either for good or evil, the Press
has much power.
To effect Reforms, Of whatever nature,
whether moral, social, political, or reli-
gious, it is ahead Of all other agencies. and
is therefore the best to which we can 90
If we hope to effect a change. Such being
the fact therefore, | beg that You will af.
ford me space III Your valuable paper to
offer some remarks upon a subject which
concerns us all as vitality as the Rum.
Gin, or Brandy question, as it affects all
classes. | sincerely hope that this hum
BILE effort of mine, made in the spirit
of all kindness, may be the means of turn
ing many Of those who may be guilty from
the Terror of their way before it is too
late. Without further preface, therefore,
l will at once breach this painful subject.
viz; GAMBLING. Some years ago a scath,
ing lampoOn made us acquainted with the
fact of the existence of u vile den. where
old Sharpers and unliedged youths met at
evenings to pass the night in gambling
and dehaucheIy. The picture was well
drawn. The fellows were literally sconrpnd
and it had the effect of breaking ND the
gang. The exposure caused much aston
lShment, as we entertained the opinion
that Notwithstanding our shortcomings in
other respects, in this at least we were
above reproach. Since then we have log
ged along III happy ignorance, vainly i'm.
aglnlng that our morals are improved, and
that the finger OF reprOaCh cannot again
be pointed at us. AlaSl Alas There il
not the slightest shadow of eXapoerotiOn
when | state that the Monster has as now.
ertul a hold on us to-day as ever it had.
and | am afraid that it is marching steadily
onward, many a one falling in in ifs
ranks to fall ingloriously in this ipnomi.
NOUS field. 1t is high time that a WARNING
voice be raised against this pernicious vice,
which, if it cannot be suppressed. NAV ner.
haps at least be checked. Ny observation
in this direction lies chiefly with certain
classes not that / believe those in the high.
er walks of life are exempted. Man BEING
possessed with more or less mOnkeyism
is very apt to initiate his superior brethren.
seldom using his reason to think whether
it is right or wrong, and perfectly oblivious
of the possible result Of imitation. Those
therefore, who, from various advantages.
occupy a higher rung in the ladder of life.
should be careful lest the influence of ex.
ample should be ruinOus to others. They
are morally responsible.
Were gambling unfinished with repu,
table and fashionable examples, it would,
l think, be ex%terminated, or at all events
considerably lesSened.
l will now proceed to sketch a nights
orgy.
In town, these meetings are generally
held on Saturday nights, a Rattle USUALLY
being the introduction to the sterner reality
OF the night. The dice box laid aside. the
cardtable is resorted to eagerly and an,
xiouSly' antieipations of victory beaming
from each countenance. A drink is pro.
posed, presume to give the nerves bro,
per tension. The fiery liquid is swallowed,
and they are ready for action.
Is it Loo, or VINGT EFT UN? The lat
ter is the general favourite, as ones fate
Is decided quickly. Not infrequently does
one see IN such gatherings various grades
OF society mingling in Jolly companionship..