The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-08-27
Menperanre.
A Romance OF the Granite State.--A
Strange Narrative.
BY REV. j. s. coeswELL, A. M.

1 have already spoken of Mr.. Forests
appearance. He was the son of rich
man, and his early life had been spent in
associations with the best society of those
days. He had often seen his father drink
wine with one of the members of the
presidents cabinet, and others of high
social standing in society. When he was
ten years of age, his father placed him
under the tuition of the village pastor.
Here he began to study Greek and Latin,
preparatory for entrance upon college
course.
George Forest was bright and beauti-
full boy. He was quick to learn, and most
readily acquired the friendship of those
around him. His keen black eyes scanned
his new teacher, the parson. He noted
that the man had red nose and red
face. The boy also noticed that his
teacher, some days, had funny way of
talking. On those days, he would say
much about Cicero and Virgil, Sallust
and Cesar, etc. He made them possess
most wonderful virtues and powers. The
keen eyes of the boy also observed that
his teacher had the most funny things to
say just after partaking of wine, which
always had place on the side-bosrd in
the dining-room.
Some days George was met at the door
by servant, who told him that his lesson
would be attended to the next day, as
Mr.. A. was not feeling we'll. At that
time all drank spirituous liquors and all
felt that it was proper enough if they did
not get drunk. If they did get drunk, it
was looked upon as a misfortune, rather
than as a crime or sin. Such was the
public sentiment in those days of which
l write.
At seventeen years of age, George
Forest was fitted to enter college. The
day came when he was to leave home.
He and his father and colored servant
made up the party that went to the dis.
tant town of -, where the college was
located. The president received the
company with due respect. George had a
comfortable boarding place assigned him.
Colonel Forest whispered some private
words to the hostess, which were to the
effect that George was to have plenty of
food, and that of the best kind. Then
George was handed bag of silver dol.
lars, which the indulgent father said
was for " incidentals." Soon after, Colonel
Forest, bidding adieu to all, left for
home in company with his faithful SER
want.
College life has its temptations, under
the most favorable circumstances that
can surround young students. The fact
that very large number associate to
gether in the classroom, and out of it, il
enough to awaken thoughts, feelings and
actions that would not find expression in
isolation. The reader will not be sur
prised when we say George soon felt thai
he was a rich mans son, away from annoy
ing observations, with plenty of money tt
spend. Money often does surprising things
1t has been known to do surprising
things among college students. 1t is no
a strange thing that George spent som'
of his money for wines. His whole ca
reer in his preparatory course led him t.
become familiar with the Intoxicating
beverages. After few months at college
George began to have large and expen
sive gatherings for social amusement, ant
midnight supper. At the supper wine
were drank freely. Some became intox
icated. This state of affairs soon becam
known to the faculty of the college. Tn
president called George to account. H
reproved him for misspending both tim
and money. But matters grew worse ant
worse with George. At last they GU
: minated in his rebellion against colleg
government. Briefly, so as to pass owe
painful particulars, George and six of hi
classmates were expelled from college.
After George had been expelled, he 500
returned home. His mother wept tear
of disappointment as we'll as sorrow a
the course her son had taken at college
Even old Pompey, the colored servant
felt badly at seeing George back home il
disgrace. Things at the family home
stead looked gloomy in the extreme.
But Colonel Forest did not wholly de
spair. He soon arranged to have his SOL
60 into business. The register of deed
was consulted, and he said that he wante,
a good penman, and that George nigh
come and do writing for him in his office
This George was ready to do. He please
his employer. He gave his leisure to tn
study of law.
After year George went to live witt
q relative of his father, who was distin
guished for his legal abilities. Georg
employed himself so diligently in hi
studies that he was soon ready to ente
the legal profession and was regularl
admitted to the bar. Not long after h
was married to daughter of distin
= guished citizen of his native town, snt
opened an office in another part of tn