The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1884-12-30
NOODsFIELD, MONROE COUNTY,IO
.sir." said the laav, 81 know it isp I 3

ask me why am driven to such step.
| will tell you in one short word" point
ing to bottle behind the counter label
ell "whisky," THAT is what brought me
whisky. / was once happy, and
surrounded by all the lux ,ries that
wealth could procure, with fond, indul-
gent husband. But in an evil hour he
was tempted and, not possessing the will
10 resist the temptation, fell, and in one
short year my dream of happiness was
over, my home was forever desolate and
the kind husband and the wealth that
some called mine, lost lost never to re-
turn, and all by the accursed wine cup.
You see before you only the wreck OF
nv former self, homeless and friendless.
ootbing left me IN this world but this lit
tie Child" and weeping bitterly she a..
fectiopately caressed the golden curIs
that shaded face Of exquisite loveii-
ness. Regaining her composure, and
turning 10 the proprietor OF the saloon,
she continued:
.Sir, the reason why l occasionally
enter place like this is to implore those
who deal in the deadly poison to desist
to stop a business that spreads desola-
ton ruin. poverty and starvation. Think
one moment of your own loved ones
and then imagine them in the situation
am in. appeal to your better nature
appeal to your heart, for / know you
possess kind one, to retire from bu.
siness SO ruinous to your patrons
"Did you know the money you take
across the bar is the same as tsking the
bread out Of the months OF the famish-
ed wives and children OF your custom
ers2 That strips the clothing from theil
backs, deprives them of all the comforts
of this life, and throws unaappiness
misery, crime and desolation into theiI
once happy homes2
"Oh, sir, l lmplore, beseech and pray
YOU to retire from business you blush
to own you are engaged in, before your
fellow men, and enter on one ,hat viii
not only be profitable to yourself but
your fellow-creatures also. You will
excuse me if have spoken too plainly
but l could not help it wheE thought
OF the misery, the unhappiness and the
suffering it has caused me-"
| "Madam, ! am not offended" he an.
swered in voice husky with emotion
"but thank you from the bottom of my
heart for what you have said"
"Mamms," said the little girl who,
meantime, had been spoken to by some
of the gentlemen present, taking hold OF
her mothers hand, "these gentlemen
want me to sing Little Bessie Tor them.
Shall do so p
Thev all joined In the request and,
placing her in chair, she sang in a
sweet, childish voice the following beau
'iful song:
"Out in the gloomy night, sadly roam.
have no mother dear, no pleasant home;
No one cares for me. no one would cry.
Even if poor little Bessie should die.
Weary and tired I've been wandering all day.
Asking for work, but fm too small. they say;
On the damp ground must now lay my head;
Fathers drunkxrd and mother is dead.
1--WE were so happy till father drank rum,
Then all our sorrow and trouble begun;
Mother grew pale, and wept every day,
Baby and were too hungry to play;
Slowly they faded. till one summer night
Found their dead facos all silent and white;
Then with tears slowly dropping said,
Fathers druukard and mother is dead.
"Ol if the temperance men only could find
Poor, wretohed father, and talk very kind;
If they would stop him from drinking, then
I should be SO very happy again.
Is it too late, temperance menp Please try,
Or poor little Bessie must soon starve and die;
All day long I've been begging for bread.
Fathers drunkard and mother is dead"
The game of billiards was left untin-
ished. the cards thrown aside and the
unemptied glasses remained on the coun-
ter. all had pressed near, some with pity.
beamine eyes, entranced with the must.
cal voice aud beauty Of the child, who
seemed better fitted to be with The angels
above than in such place.
The scene shall never forget to nv
dying day. and the sweet cadence of her
musical voice still rings in my ears, and
every word OF the song as it dropped
from her lips sank deep into The hearts
OF those gathered around her.
With her golden hair falling carelessly
around her little shoulders, and looking
so trustingv and confiingly upon the
gentlemen around her, her beautiful eyes
illuminated with light that seemed not
OF this earth, she formed a picture OF
purity and innocence worth the genius of
a poet or painter.
At the close of the song many were
weeping; men who had not shed tear
for years now wept like children. One
young man who had resisted with scorn
the pleadings Of loving mother and the
entreaties Of loving friends to lead bet
ter life, to desist from course that was
wasting his fortune and running his
health. now approached the child and
taking both hands in his. while tears
streaued down his cheeks, exclaimed:
"God bless you, my little angel. You
have saved me from ruin and disgrace,
from poverty and drunkard's grave. If
there are angels on earth you are one
God bless you'll" and putting note into
the hands OF the mother said:
please accept this tribe as token Of
my regard and esteem, for your little
girl has done me kindness can never
repay; and, remember, whenever you are
in want you will find me true friend"