Woman's chronicle. (Little Rock, Ark.) 1888-1???, 1890-12-06
Eavesdropping.

at W, were fortunate in finding seats near to-
gether, and after some changing places, by two or
three gentlemen, they were at last comfortably
settled in two seats facing each other, the fourth
occupant being gentleman, who was evidently an
old acquaintance.
Tired with our journey, we were about half
asleep, when we caught the words-spoken by one
Of the gentlemen-s'The law is perfect failure
There is more liquor sold now than before it was
passed." The clear tones of woman's voice
quickly answered eff that assertion is true, why
is there so much opposition to it on the part OF
liquor dealers and consumers? If the law has no
power, why are they so fearful it will ruin the
business of our State? Why was it that the orig.
inal package was welcomed with such rejoicing by
every topper in Iowa? Why did we feel and see
such marked change all over our State under its
short reign? Why do we find so many men, and
you know we do find them-into whose homes has
come peace and comfort, since they have been no
longer tempted by open saloons on every hand?'
The eavesdropper listened for his answer, but
the only remark we could CATCH was about those
W.CT.U. women alwaysready with their tongues"
"And that reminds me" said gentleman who
was listening, "of a remark made by German in
Illinois, ten years ago. He said the tongue of an
pooNAV
ling gun, and think he was about right. Look
at what American women have accomplished since
the beginning of the temperance crusade. More
by far, than in fourfold the time before they took
up the warfare Let us bid them God speed wei
come them as our best helpers, and cheer them on
in their w. G. I. I. work" And eavesdropper
added, sAmen."
But you see, unfortunately, the first gentleman
was one of the much abused class whose "llber-
ties and ''rghts" had been meddled with by
these same W. G. I. U. workers. and although ST.
fenced on one point, he quickly made known an
other grievance
"But women can never do anything in modera-
ton They are perfectly fanatical. They won't
even let man enjoy good cigar without he has
to hear something about the baeful effects of mar
cotics and all that sort of twaddle | can use to-
bacco if | choose, and harm no one"
Again the soft, low voice of the lady answered,
evil you please hand me pencil?' AS he did
so, the trembling hand did not escape her eye, but
she only commenced rapid arithmetical calcula-
ton and then said, "You say you can smoke, and
harm no one. Have you ever thought how much
money you spend this way in year? Would you
object to telling me how many cigars you smoke
per dayT
He WINGED little at this, but finally replied,
ooh, about three or four, sometimes more
"And," added the lady, 'you do not probably
use less than the same number to treat your
friends Now want to be moderate so we will
say you spend fifty cents per day in this way, this
makes $4,000. Ipresume you have done this for
ten years, $1875OO gone up in smoke And where
is your gain? You say it does not hurt you. What
has given you your unsteady hand? Are your in
tellectual faculties as clear as they ought to be,
save when braced up by stimuants? How about
your appetite and your delicate sense of taste!
DO you recommend the habit to your wife and
boys"
Eavesdropper wanted to caution her against be-
ing so pointed and personal for fear she might
"offend, +" but the lady seemed serenely uncon-
scous Of such possibility, but her face wore a
, look of earnest purpose as she and eavesdropper