The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1901-05-16
ANGEL In A SALOON.


writer happened to be passing at
the time, and prompted by curios-
ity, followed her in, to see what
would ensue. Stepping up TO
the bar, and addressing the pro
prietor, who happened to be pres
ent, she said:
"Sir, can you assist me? | have
no home, no friends, and am not
able to work. "
He glanced at her and then at
the child, with a mingled look of
curiosity and pity. Evidently he
was much surprised to see a
woman in such a place begging,
but without asking any question
gaveher somechange, and turning
to those present, he said;
Gentlemen, here is a lady in
distress. Can't some of you help
her a little?"
They cheerfully acceded to the
request, and soon purse of two
dollars was made up, and put in
her hand.
MADAM" said the gentleman,
who gave her the money, why do
you come to a saloon? 1t isn't
proper place for a lady, and why,
are you driven to such a step?"
"Sir," said the lady, 81 know
it isn't a proper place for lady
to be in, and you ask me why l
am driven to such step. l will
tell you in one short word, point
ing to a bottle behind the counter
labeled whiskey, "that is what
brought me here-whiskey!
81 was once happy and sur
rounded with all the luxuries that
wealth could procure, with fond
indulgent husband. But in an
evil hour he was tempted, and not
possessing the will to resist the
temptation, fell and in one short
year my dream of happines was
over, my home was forever desc.
late, and the kind husband, and
the wealth that some called mine,
lost; lost, never to return and all
by the accursed wine cup.
"You see before you only the
wreck of my former self homeless
and friendless, with nothing left
me in this world but this little
child, and weeping bitterly, she
affectionately caressed the golden
curls that shaded face of exquis-
ite loveliness. Regaining her
composure, and turning to the
proprietor of the saloon, she con-
tinued:
"Sir, the reason why l occa-
sionally enter places like this is
to implore those who deal in the
deadly poison to desist, to stop a
business that spreads desolation,
ruin, poverty, and starvation.
Think one moment of your own
loved ones, and then imagine them
in the situation | am in. | APP
peal to your better nature, | APP
peal to your heart, for l know
you possess a kind heart, to re-
tire from a business so ruinous
to your patrons.
"Did you know the money you
take across the bar is the same
as taking the bread out of the
mouths of the famished wives and
children of your customers? That
it strips the clothing from their
backs, deprives them of all the
comforts of this life and throws
unhappiness, misery, crime, and
desolation in their once happy
homes? Oh! sir, l implore, be-
seech, and pray you to retire
from a business you blush to own
you are engaged in before your
fellow-men, and enter one that
will not only be profitable to your
self but your fellow. creatures al
so. You will excuse me if | have
spoken too plainly, but | could
not help it when | thought Of the
misery, the unhappiness, and the
suffering it has caused me. -
MADAM, l am not offended, "
he answered. in a voice husky
with emotion, "but | thank you
from the bottom of my heart for
what you have said"
Mamma" said the little child,
who meantime had been spoken