The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-11-03
CARDS AND LIQUOR.
TWO VICES THAT HAVE RUINED
MANY A BRIGHT MAN.

infatuated with tho eIgnis Tatuus OIL
| "Good Luck "A Picture OF Distress
Drunk Again. =. %.
Not long ago we went into Eesbsak' s togd
German dinner. While eating noodle sohI
and lcberwurst we saw at side tablo man.
with massive face, penetrating eyes, and d
broad forehead. In the reign Of James
Buchanan he was very prominent politician
AS stump speaker lie had few equals. Ha
has written leading articles for many daily
newspapers, and he is q thorough political
economist. Time had evidently treated him
harshly, He looked like un old burdock burr
gore to seed His shabby coat was buttoned
tight to his throat, but not tight enough ia
hide tho dirty flannel undershirt beneath 1t,
for he woro neither collar nor muslin gar
ment. His shoes wcre cracked, md his soft
felt hat was much the worse Tor wear. Therd
was not tho slightest trace Of dissipation
about him. He seemed downcast and lost II
thought.
At loss to account for tho change in hii
appearance, we invited hin to dine. Hc tool:
potdtu salad and some beer, but was moody
and reserved. He would not talk about him.;
self, and no cared not to talk hbcut anybody,
else. 1t was evident that no was very needy.
Whcn S. note was pressed into his hand his
eyes filled with tears. ... 3.
II did not ask you for this" he said, In q
voice broken with emotion.
"No, indeed, you did not" we agreed. aBut
we know you need it. Take it, and get clean
underclothcs and shirt We lnow that You
have no appetite for liquor, or VIC would not
offer it to you. If you arc ever again In good
circumstances you can repay it"
He rose md grasped us convulsively by tho
hand. "Ill never forget this as long as. !
ivc," he said impressively, and walked huri
ricdly from the restaurant, .>-z<-
TILE Ex-coSGREssslAS's FATAL SECRET. =
Capt W., a well-known gambler, sat
twenty feet away. Tho old man had hardly
reached tho sidewalk before tho captain was
at our side. II saw you talking with tho con.
gresham just now," he said, 3and think !
saw you give him some money. Did hc nsk
you for any" ..~..sr.r
"No," was the answer. "He looked poor
and scedy, and gave him enough to fix him,
self up. That was oil. He has gone out to,
buy shirt and collar and clean undercloth.
ing"
Tho captain had q sarcastic smile ON his
face. GComc with Inc" he said, 3and see how
be fixes himself up. It will interest men like
you"
After paying tho reckoning, we followed
the captain ue escorted us around the cor
her. Up narrow stairway we stumbled into
little entry on tho second floor. There a
bell was rung. A small panel in tho center
Of the door was slid, and q black face appear
ed at the opening. The captain was recog.'
nized, and we were admitted without hesita.
ton. Tho room was carpeted and furnished
with an attractive sidcboard. After moisten>.
Ing our lips we went into an adjoining aparts
ment. 1t contained faro bank. Hnlf q
dozen players sat around the table, The
silence was only broken by tho mellow click
ing of ivory chips.
One glance was enough. Tho Congressman"
was there, the most interested player Of tho
lot. Hc va; so intent upon the game that lie
took no heed of his surroundings. His fingers
lovingly played with the chips. Every card
was watched as though life or death depended
upon it. Beads Of sweat stood OH tho broad,,
whito brow. His eyes glowed with fcrerishs
impulses. Hc lost tho last cent of his s. note'
calling the turn" After vainly trying to
beg or borrow fresh chip he drew long
breath and arose from the table. AS hc saw
us his face colorcd, and he nervously clutched
his coat at the throat. "Its worse than n
taste for liquor" lie said, apologetically. Il
couldn't help it. But was on the verge Of
good luck. If you'll only loan mo IS more I'll
Day you back il five minutes"
His couatenancc fell at the shake Of the,
head, and be wcntdown stairs. Tho secret Of.
lis downfall was out. 1Night, noon and
morning" observed tho captain, 1hns he been
Mt the faro table for ten years, and night,
noon and morning will he remain there until
he dies"
Ten days AGO lie stood before us again in
the editorial rooms of great morning news
paper. He was still bccting tho copses nnd
dinclcs Of Life III his efforts to feed his passion
for gambling.
An UEoCENcHADLE APPETITE -
These efforts however, contrast unfavorably
with those Of q man with an unqucnchablo
appctito for liquor. lie was formerly night
editor Of unsurpassed ability. One Saturday
afternoon he stood on the curb a picture ct
sadness and distress. A brother journalist;
who had just drawn weeks salary passed.
him. Touched by lis mouI1lfur cotntcnancd, .
be turned back, saying, John, what's the
matter with youl You look troubled"
Tho poor fellows chest hcavcd, and there
seemc, to be - choking sensation il his throat j:
Finally Lo said: my wife is sick, and have
been out of work some time. I haven't
cent, and owe six weeks rent I expect to-
find tho whole family out on tho Sidewalk
when go homo tonight" :. "''
Tho f::isnl gave him &1o, and pressed on to
rc2crt q meeting il Wall street. An hour of
tcrward, while returning to tho Office, no
reach.l the saloon. The unfortunate night
editor stood at the door and took him by tho
lapcl of the coat. II want you to come i'll and
take q drink with INC" be said in mnudlin
tone.
His friend appreciated the situation ilf aif
instant. The invitation was accepted. After
the drinks; had disappeared and werc paid for,
tho friend inquired: why, John, whero did
you get your money"
"Struck Il fresh sucker an hour ago for S10,''
was the prompt reply.
The city is filed with men who have drop
ned from the ladder of famc and who draw
sustcnancc for their passion from the indus
trio,rs members of the generation who have
succeeded them. You find them in rcstau-
rants, at horse races, onithe streets and else
where, but you too often find them where.
they are the least welcome your desk
New York Letter.
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