The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1886-12-15
CARDS AND LIQUOR
TWO VICES That HAVE RUINED
MANY 4 BRIGHT NAN.

Case OF One Who Might Have Been.''
infatuated with the IGnis Fatuus of
Drank Again.
Not long ago We went into Eosnak's % get
German dinner. While eating noodle soup
and leberwurst we saw at a side table man
with massive face, penetrating eyes, and
broad forehead In the reign Of James
Buchanan ha was very prominent politician.
As stump speaker he had few equals He
has written leading articles for many daily
newspapers, and he Is a thorough political
economist Time had evidently treated him
harshly. He looked ike an old burdock burr
gone 70 seed His shabby coat was buttoned
tight TO his throat, but not tight enough 20
hide the dirty flannel undershirt beneath it,
for he wore neither collar nor muslin gar
ment His shoes were cracked, and his soft
felt hat was much the worse for wear. There
was not the slightest trace Of dissipation
about him. He seemed dOwncast and lost In
thought
At a loss to account for the change in his
appearance, we invited him 70 dine. He took
= potato salad and some beer, but was moody
and reserved He would not talk about him
self, and he cared not to talk about anybody
else. Il was evident that he was very needy.
When Is note was pressed into his hand his
eyes filed with tears.
Il did not ask you for this" he said, in =
voice broken with emotion.
mo, indeed, you did not" we agreed. "But
We know you need it. Take it, and get clean
underclOthes and a shirt We know that you
have no appetite for liquor, or would not
offer it 70 you If you are ever again in good
circumstances you can repay it."
He rose and grasped US convulsively by the
hand. an never forget this as long as
Hve,D he said impressively, and walked hur-
riedly from the restaurant.
THE Ex-coNGRESsMAN's FATAL SECRET.
Capt w, a well-known gambler, sat
twenty feet away. The old man had hardly
reached the sidewalk before the captain was
at our side. Il saw you talking with the con-
gresham just now" he said, land think
saw you give him some money. Did he ask
you for any7'
mo" was the answer "He looked poor
and seedy, and 1 gave him enough TO fix him
self up. That was all He has gone out to
buy shirt and collar and clean undercloth-
ing"
The captain had sarcastic smile on his
face. "Come with me, he said, "and see how
he fixes himself up. 1t will interest men like
you"
After paying the reckoning, we followed
the captain He escorted US around the cor
uer Up a narrow stairway we stumbled into
a little entry on the second floor. There 4
bell was rung. A small panel in the center
of the door was slid, and a black face appear
ed at the opening. The captain was recog-
nized, and we were admitted without hesita-
ton. The room was carpeted and furnished
with an attractive sideboard. After moisten-
ing our lips went into an adjoining apart
Inent 1t contained "a faro bank Half =
dozen players sat around the table. The
silence was only broken by the mellow click
ing Of ivory chips.
One glance was enough. The Congressman"
was there, tho most interested player Of the
lot. He was 50 intent upon the game that he
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 on the broad,
white brow. His eyes glowed with feverish
impulses He lost the last cent of his s. note
calling the turn" After vainly trying to
beg or borrow a fresh chip he drew a long
breath and arose from the table. As he saw
us his face coiOred, and he nervously clutchod
his coat at the throat Its worse than
taste for liquor" he said, alphabetically. Il
couldn't help it. But L was on the verge Of
good luck. If your only loan me 50 more III
pay you back in five minutes"
His countenance fell at the shake of the
head, and he went down stairs. The secret Of
his downfall was out. might, noon and
morning" observed the captain, has he been
at the faro table for ten years, and night,
noon and morning viii he remain there until
he dies"
Ten days ago he stood before Us again in
the editorial rooms of great morning news
paper He was still beating the copses and
dingles Of life in his efforts to feed his passion
for gambling
AN UNQUENCHABLE APPETITE.
These efforts however, contrast unfavorably
with those Of a man with an unquenchable
appetite for liquor He was formerly night
editor Of unsurpassed ability. One Saturday
afternoon lie stood on the curb a picture Of
sadness and distress. A brother journalist,
who had Just drawn weeks salary, passed
him Touched by his nlournful countenance,
he turned back, saying, John, what's the
matter with youl You look troubled"
The poor fellows chest heaved, and there
seemed to be choking sensation in his throat.
Finally he said: My wife is sick, and have
been out Of work some time. 1 haven't q
cent, and owe six weeks rent expect to
find the whole family out on the sidewalk
when go home tonight
The friend gave him $40, and pressed on to
report meeting in Wall street. An hour af-
terward, while returning TO the Office, he
reached the saloon. The unfortunate night
editor stood at the door and took him by the
lapel of the coat 81 want you to como in and
take drink with me, he said in a maudlin
tone.
His friend appreciated the situation in an
Instant The invitation was accepted. After
the drinks had disappeared and were paid for,
the friend inquired: "Why, John, where did
you get your money!
@Struck fresh sucker an hour ago for 3d."
was tho prompt reply.
The city is filed with men who have drop
ped from the ladder of fame and who draw
sus:enance for their passion from the indus
trious members of the generation who have
succeeded them. You find them in restau-
rants, at horse races, on the streets and else
where, but you too often find them where
they are the least vvelcome-at your desk
New York Letter.
Portrait of the Presidents Wife.
There have already been several applica-
tons from artists who want TO paint the pOr-
trait OF the presidents bride. 1t has been the
20 adoy-r, xxyolfs If hitp HOUSE