The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-09-22

Jacks woolly head reappeared in the
doorway, and the subject OF our curiosity
was before us. Dab it be, and mighty
heavy, too; guess it mus be from -"
| So saying, young hopeful disappeared.
| The box was soon opened. its contents
examined, and commented upon. First
came a beautiful silk-and-rubber reversible
cloak, which could be folded into such
a small compass that it could be put into
an ordinary-sized pocket, and a pair of
siver-mounted revolver, belt and mnia-
ture cartridge-box. But the greatest piece
| of perfection ever saw came in the shape
of a housewife. II was lined and cover
ed with oil silk, and my name printed on
it in gilt letters, above which was an eagle
and below was the following inscription
"a thousand shall fall at thy side, and
| 10, 900 at thy right hand; but it shall not
come nigh thee" Then came pocket
/ handkerchiefs, gloves, and other article
too numerous to mention.
| Last, not least, was found in the bottom,
| slowed away in one corner two bottles OF
the best currant wine, nice Jar of leily,
| and n large loaf of cake frosted and mot
! toed in fine style. This cake was GER
tainly a great curiosity. II was three
story cake, with three doors made to slide
back by gently pulling bell-handle which
was made OF resets of red, white and
I blue ribbon.
To the first bell-cord was attached a
splendid gold ring, to the second $40 gold
piece, and to the third and last a small
sized hunting case gold watch and chain.
At such revelations | began to feel as ii
my humble tent had become an enchant-
ed palace, and that all should have to do
i'm future would be to rub that mysterious
| ring and the genii would appear ready to
supply all my wants
We commenced to divide the spoil, Mrs.
B positively asserting that she had no
| Int,t 70. Of t,.,I Ill
telling her that in all disability it was all
intended for her, and through one of those
Slight mistakes it was directed to me.
| The news of this wonderful box soon
spread through camp, and the result was
| that we had surprise party as soon as
evening came, Chaplain b taking the
opportunity of making some very appro-
pirate remarks on the occasion. Then
came the band to Serenade us, and the
consequence was that our cake and wine
disappeared with our numerous friends,
for we found that all were willing to obey
the Scnptural Injunction, Take a little
wine, etc.
THE ARMY CHAPLAIN.
Chaplain B is a very worthy, zeal
Gus, faithful minister, and have spoken
very highly of him, but perhaps in doing
SO | have given the impression that all
ChaplainS are good and faithful. | am
very sorry 10 state thdt III Is not so. lnefe
are some who have no fitness for their
work. and some a disgrace to their profess
sion. | think | am safe in saying that
one bad Chaplain will do more harm in a
regiment than a hundred good men can
cOunteraCt.
If there is any place on earth where
faithful ministers are needed more than
another, it is in the army-it is in the hos
pital. But may God have mercy upon
those who 90 there whose object is dol
lars and cents, who neglect their duty,
and fill the places which should be oc-
cupied by Christ-like hcralds of the cross
who love the souls OF their fellow-men. |
think the words of the Saviour are par
ticularly applicable to some of the Chap
lains OF the army when He says. Woe
unto you hypocrites for We shut up the
kingdom OF heaven against men, etc.
| conversed with many in the army
upon the subject of religion, who told me
that the conduct Of certain Chaplains had
more influence in keeping them away
from the Saviour than all the combined
forces of the evil one. Such Chaplains
are there through political influence, re-
CARELESS OF qualifications.
ITO be continued.)