The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1890-12-18

that mighty power and educator-the
press-that thought was the basis Of
theory and practice, how fast it would
speed millenal days in this wicked ole
world.
Following the anniversary exercises
was the grand reception rendered the
Young Mems Christian association by Mr.
VIM. Gurley, president of the association
at his beautiful new home on Sixteenth
street. Twelve hundred invitations were
issued, and judging from the vast crowG
assembled, the twelve hundred must have
responded. The entire house was thrown
open to the guests, who were received by
Mr.. and Mrs. Gurley, assisted by Mr.. and
Mrs. B. Fl. Warner. The decorations
were elaborate garlands of smilax fes
TONED the walls, exquisite flowers shed
richest perfume, tall palms and rare ferns
blended their emerald hues, and the flash
ing lights added brilliancy to the scene.
In an upper balcony string band was
stationed, and the sweet strains were
waited to the far hest corner of the man
sion. The table was elegant in its ap
pointments and bountiful supply OF
dainties, and the whole affair proved one
of the handsomest and most enjoyable
entertainments ever given here.
| ANTLCIGARETTE.
The crusa lie of the Woman's Christian
Temperance Union against this pernicious
habit grows more earnest and vigorous
and is exciting much interest and atten
ton. A meeting held last week at Gar
field Memorial. church evidenced the
anxiety that fills many hearts as to the
baneful influence of this destroyer OF
health and morals
Mrs Helen l.. Bullock of New York
was the principal speaker and handled the
subject finely. She quoted high medical
authorities to show that the majority of
youth who were refused admittance TO the
naval academy were rejected because of
| this habit, or as they term it, "heart
trouble" Reports from number of
| teachers in day schools showed that so
per cent of the boys smoked cigarettes
The speaker quoted many interesting
cases to illustrate her theme, and one
from New York banker was especially
startling. In early life he had been ac-
customed to smoking six cigars day,
each costing IA cents. Like the young
man in the Bible "he came to himself, +"
and for tifty-eight years has abstained from
smoking, sa wing the money he formally
would have spent, and putting it at
interest. The result was the accumulation
of 500, 719 40, and good health.
There might be some circumstances
where the use of tobacco would save life
For instance, Cannibals would not eat
those addicted to the habit. But this is not
cannibal country, so this could not be
urged in favor.
After the speaker closed Mrs. Shelton
read bill which is to be introduced in
congress at once, VIII oh provides that no
person in the District shall sell cigars,
cigarettes or tobacco in any form to any
one under Is years of age.
Also, that no person under l6, shall
smoke or in any way use tobacco in any
form in any public street, avenue, alley
or place in the District, and prescrbes
penalties of not less than S., nor more
than $25 for violation.
This is grand move in the right direc-
ton. If some step be not taken for the
youth of our city and land the coming
generation will be composed of besotted
criminals and idiots. Look at the
physique of our youth and compare them
with those of Washington and Putnam's
time. Where do they stand? We have
athletic sports in every form to aid physi-
cal development, but all the good is
undone by the liberty of indulgence
allowed by law.
MYSTIC LETTERS.
The advertisement of an A. B. G. tea
by the lady members of the Founding 8
hospital caused wonderment until the
eventful evening came, when the mystery
was solved. A. B. G. meant aprons. bags
and candy. An entrance fee was collected
in the hall and the visitor was, then at
liberty to enter each department and be
served with refreshments without further
charge. A committee of ladies received
the guests in the reception room, and in
| the adjoining apartments the A. B. C.'s
were displayed. Aprons in every con-
| ceivable shape and of every material, from
the dainty little muslin trifle to the sub
stantial bingham for domestic service.
Bags of cretonne, satin, plush, linen in all
| the patterns ever dreamed of, and candy
to delight the palate of every fastidious
faster of CONNECTIONS. In the tea room
chocolate, coffee, tea, tongue sandwiches
cake and cream we're served.
This charityis on.sectarian and worthy
the patronage SO graciously bestowed
upon it. The world is full Of waits and
help must be extended or they perish
The spirit of benevolence is on the in
crease. There is more outreaching fol-
the masses, more breadth of thought and
greater scope of action than ever before
So God works through human agencies tc
purify and uplift the fallen ones of earth
who are nevertheless His children and he
careth for them. LIE DEAN.