The Dawson journal., 1884-11-06
FALLEN FROM GRACE.
A Temperance Lecturer Who Was
Found Standing ON His Head.
Arkansaw Traveller.

yer, who lives in neighboring
town. The Colonel has long been
known as one of the most eloquent
speakers in the State, which, to-
gether with his high moral char
acter, render his speeches deeply
impressive.
It was arranged to hold o spirit
ed meeting on the Colonel's arri-
val, and the Opera House was
tastily decorated. Alarge number
of ladies and gentlemen met the
Colonel at the depot and escorted
him to the committee rooms.
Shortly before the time for the
address arrived, the president of
the anti-liquor association said:
Colonel, | must go out and make
a few more preparations. You
can remain until the committe
calls for you"
The Colonel assented, of course,
and taking up a prohibition paper,
he began reading & thrilling story.
Presently man with a purple
face enterent and asked.
where's the committeeY"
"Gone out to make arrange
ments.
Have a seat" z
"No; l haven't got time. I call
ed to tell the gentlemen that I have
kept my promise. Several days
ago [ vowed that if ever [ bought
another bottle Of whisky 1 would
come here and surrender it.
Here's quart l bought just now,
but conquering myself with final
effort, | have brought it here, and
he placed a large bottle on the
table. "Just to think" continued
the reformed man, Chat l spent
my last cent for this vile stuff.
Wish you'd tell the committee
that I've kept my promese."
"All right, replied the Colonel,
81 shall take pleasure tonight in
referring to your victory"
The man withdrew and the Co
lionel sat regarding the bottle. Il
am to fight you," he unused.
"You, the terror of women and the
downfall of men. 1 will drive you
from the country. I will reclaim
the loss; | will bring reconciliation
and peace where quarrel and mis-
cry have BEEN" He took up the
paper and again began to read the
story. Somehow he couldn't keep
his eyes off the bottle. "The horri-
BILE stuff" and he shivered. Looks
innocent, too. Just like rain wa
ter. How the weak and foolish are
deceived by appearances. Believe
I'll throw it away. I can explain
to the committee. | don't wan the
stuff to remain in the same room
with me-" He took up the bottle
and shook it; the cork popped out
"Ah, you little viper, am enlist
ed against you. Look in the eyes
of John Barleycorn," and he
spuinted at the neck of the bottle.
Il could take you between my
very teeth and defy you," He
placed his mouth over the neck of
the bottle. An unaccountable
movement Of the arm, a nervous
action which we all experience at
times, when asleep and when
awake, the Colonel tipped up the
bottle and received a mouthful of
the enemy. He swallowed it with
a gasp, and putting the bottle
down starred at it in amazement.
Pretty soon he walked slowly to
the desk, took up the bottle and
tilted it again. He walked around
and the took a louder snort
. Pretty soon he took a lingering
pull" and finally he sat on the
floor with his back to the wall and
the bottle between his knees. His
"snorts" and "spells" became more
frequent. AS the committee ar,
rayed in ribbons and roseattes
assembled the stairway, they were
surprised to hear dancing, accom-
panied by a discordant song
Opening the door, disgracefu
sight met their view. The Colo
mel, with his coat off and his pant
looms tucked up, was dancing
around the bottle" !"
"Come in," he cried, "glad t'z
yer. Got ole enemy down fine
Have suthin?"
The gentlemen of the committe
were disgusted. They left th
room, went to the opera house an
dismissed the audience. Whe
they returned they found the Cc
lionel trying to stand on his heac
Al - ,,,.,.. rl,.,,ll ........ Il n