The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1888-09-21
TEMPERANCE READING.
DEACON Rs MlsTAkE.

Had Deacon R. been man of less
prominence in the village it would
have mattered little as to the manner
of life lived by himself and family; but
when man is singled out by
his fellow-citizens to represent them
In the law-making bodies of the
country, as well as leader In the
church and in society, his doings and
sayings, all his omissions and commis-
sions, are noted and commented upon.
Deacon R. was man of more than
ordinary ability. Genial and kind in
his intercourse with his neighbors;
broad in his views, liberal with his
means and Of boundless hospitality.
His constancy as friend was marked
trait in his character, while his kind
ness to the sick and poor called down
many blessing upon his head. But
to his Christian brethren there was a
blemish that sadly marred the life of
this, otherwise. good man. On the
great question that has become such an
important factor in the social and po-
litical equations that are taxing the
wisdom of the wise to solve, his influ-
ence was plainly on the side of those
who maintain that the abuse of strong
drink should not be urged against its
use; and holding such views he did not
scruple to set wine and ale upon his
table, to use it himself, and allow the
same freedom to his children.
1t was in the winter of 49, when
the great Temperance revival swept
Owe. our land, that the village of
B. had its stagnart life stirred to
the depths by wave of reform that
came to it in the mighty upheaval.
Large and enthusiastic meetings were
held in the churches, pledges were cir
culated, and much earnest work was
done by the friends of the cause. 1t
was matter of surprise that Deacon
RS youngest daughter was constant
attendant at these meetings, and sur
prise deepened into wonder when she
openly allied herself with the Temper
ance people, by signing the pledge and
throwing all the ardor of her young life
into the cause.
The morning following this bold step
when Mamie came down to breakfast,
her pleasant good morning received a
very chilly response from her father,
and as soon as the blessing was asked,
he said to her: 81 am very sorry in
deed that child of mine should find it
necessary to join in with lot of fa-
natics, who, because they are too weak
to control their ,appetites, bind them
selves by a solemn pledge neither to
touch, taste nor handle, but since you
have confessed your weakness we will
try not to throw temptation in your
way, and will therefore drink our wine
after you retire from the table," 3s
Nannie's face crimsoned at this Bit
ing sarcasm, but she replied, very quiz
city: "You know, papa, / never drink
any thing but water, but 1 wanted to
lend my little mite of influence against
this dreadful curse. / fear it will yet
bring us sorrow, for, oh, papa-Char-
lie-do you think Charlie was quite
temperate when he was home last,
papa!' ..s*
Come, come, daughter, it is rather
presumptuOus in you to criticise your
brother who is older than you, and en-
tirelY competent to take care of him
of Of ~ 10
Then in a more kindly tone: You
are at liberty to do as you like about
this teetotalism, but remember the
same liberty must be accorded to the
other members of the family. AS to
Charlie, young men will sow their
wild OATS but you will see that your
brother will make a man to be proud
of; so don't bother your little head
about reforming those who are older
and wiser than yourself. "
A few months later an event of con-
siderable Importance to Deacon RS
family furnished an occasion on which
the deacon's theory as to moderate
drinking received most damaging
blow. The thirty-third anniversary Of
his mar Rage came in the holidays,
and it pleased the deacon to celebrate
the event by giving a party such as
had never before gathered in B..
Invitations were issued for several
hundred guests, and when the evening
arrived, the well-filled rooms of their
spacious residence suggested that few
had failed to avail themselves of this
opportunity to congratulate the, wor-
thy couple who were now beginning to
travel the down grade that leads SO
rapidly to old age. Seated in a con-
spicuous place in one of the brilliantly
lighted parlors surrounded by their
friends and neighbors, their faces
beaming with serene enjoyment and
the content arising from conscious in
tegrity duly appreciated, while their
beautiful and accomplished daughters
received and entertained the. guests,
the scene was one to gladden. the heart
of any one.
Both Mary and Mamie R. possessed
in a large degree the rare TACT
of making each particular guest feel
that he, or she, was especially welcome,
and of harmonizing any discordant
elements that might be brought to-
gether in SO promiscuous company as
one meets at large party in small
place. Their entertainments were al
ways voted a success; and Judging
from the gay throng that now filled
the house with mirth and good cheer,
this ore would be no exception. Il
''Have you seen Charlie?" .whis-
pered Mamie as she passed her sister
in the wide hall that led into the room
where their parents sat. 30 Mary!
see-he is" and as she stopped, her
cheeks blanched and she tottered and
fell against the stairway. Hastily re-
covering herself she passed up the
stairs, and Mary turned to see the
brother advancing, or rather stagger-
ing, towards where his parents sat,
4 g Hx,a foo that