The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-06-16
ENOUGH TO RETIRE on.


How Total Abstinence Pays from Money
Stsnd-POint-The Sensible Engine
Driver.
In our travels in various parts Of the
line it is an encouraging sign of the BEN
efits that result to many individuals who
have followed the advice so unceasing-
ly given by the advocates Of total alb
stinence. At each station, one if not
more, of the staff can readily be
found who has amidst all signs Of OPP
position and ridicule, put on the "bit
of blue" and with this friend we
at once get into conversation. In
many cases the experiences related
are almost identical. Years of vicious
folly, followed by regret and remorse.
Then the timely appeal to ''cease to do
evil, and learn to do WELL" Then
the rapid change in health,
purse and home. We rejoice to
hear such testimonies. and they
do more to awaken kindly sympathy
and encouragement than all the
praise sometimes lavished upon the
workers in the cause. 1t was our ex-
perience one day to stumble across q
burly engine-driver, not many miles
from Peterboro', and seeing his ''col-
ors" flying, we were soon on his track.
His tale was an unusual one. He had
never found it matter of necessity to
put on the break" so far as the So.
cial glass was concerned, but although
now only fifty years of age, he could
boast of being an abstainer some thir-
ty odd years. To our query as to how
this event came to pass, he gave us
a full account of the whole mat
ter. With many other learners in
the large engine sheds near at hand
it was his wont to call every even.
ing at the favorite local pub" and
there to pass sin merrie compa.
MES" a pleasant few hours. One
night the conversation turned upon
moving about from various localities,
when mine host put in the voluntary
news OF his intended departure for
foreign parts. "And what's the cause
of your leaving usp" was the general
response. "Oh, I'm going to retire,
and me and missus are going abroad
for year or two." This piece of news
SO tickled our friend, the engine cleaner
(as he was then), that he began to
think the matter over little more seri.
Ously. Here was man in the prime
of life giving up business, after raising
a sum sufficient to retire upon comfort.
ably, and going ION the Continong'
too. "Well (thought our friend), It's
a very good example to follow" and
he straightway determined that hence
forth his saving bank would be the
post-office instead of the public-house.
To-day he finds himself, as a result o.
this ''straight-tip," possessed Of more
than sufficient to retire upon, and, fol
all that. 60 abroad. too. But seven
and-six-a-day and overtime is tempting
to man still in the full vigor Of life
so he sticks to his engine, and although
occasionally chaffed about his teapot
principles, he has always very mucl
the best laugh when he reflects that h'
had the good sense to note wrinkle
in time. His little banking accoun
can lay by quietly accumulating for
year or two more, and then he cal
; follow the example of the publican
and enjoy rest after long pull Of har'
work. "And how many Of your mate
took your advice on that memorable
! nightp" we ask. The reply can be i'm
agined. They went on their old way
: built up handsome reserve fund 70
. some other occupant of the local pub
. and then in time of sere and yellow
} leaves, repented their folly. It's tn
case in many a home outside that O
| railway men, but it may chance tina
/ this instance may awaken thoughtful
, one to realize how much may b
, gained hereafter by abandoning eve
, what may be deemed to-day "a harm
T less pleasure. London Railway an
. TramUay Express.