Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-17
THE RIGHT WORD AT THE RIGHT
TIME.
burlington Hawk-Eye.)

1t is impossible to correctly value a
good word spoken under favoring con-
ditions. An illustrative incident is
related in the experience of Hon. John
Mahin, the veteran editor and publish
er of the Muscatine Journal, whose
sturdy antagonism to the liquor traf-
fic and the drink habit is of more
than statewide knowledge Some fif-
teen years ago, travelling upon train
from Muscatine to Kansas City, Mr..
Mahin entered the lavatory of the
sleeper as the train approached the
latter city. Hanging upon the wall
Was the coat of young man from
West Virginia. In the pocket was a
flask of liquor. The West Virginian,
an intelligent manly-appearing fellow,
courteously offered Mr. Mahin drink,
which, of course, was declined. When
their toilets were completed and they
were again seated in the coach, near
each other, Mr.. Mahin, attracted by
the young mans gentlemanly bearing,
ventured a kindly word of admonition
against the practice of using intoxi-
eating beverages. .'That is what my
mother has been telling me-" said the
young man.
3And where will you find in all the
world any one more deeply interested
in your welfare, one who loves you
more devotedly, than your mother?"
inquired Mr.. Mahin.
"That is true" responded the West
Virginian in recognition of the kindly
intent of the advice of the older man,
"and the young lady to whom I am
paying attention has also given me
the same advice"
"Then you have the most powerful
of all motives for breaking away from
the habit" said Mr.. Mahin, "and let
me urge upon you the great impor-
lance of such course and it's infiu-
ence upon your future career" and
conversation ensued in which the
young man promised to abandon the
drink habit.
Three weeks later Mr.. Mahin was
travelling over the same road on
train from Kansas City and was ac-
costed by the West Virginian, who
recognized him. Il have kept my
promise" said the young man az
was visiting an uncle in Kansas City,
There was social gathering at his
house at which wine was served. All
partook but myself. Afterwards my
uncle, who uses beverages, commend
ed me for declining; so you see had
not lowered myself in his esteem by
refusing to drink"
Fifteen years rolled by and the
Christmas-tide of 1902 was approach
ing. One day there came to the resi-
dence of Mrs. John Mahin at Musca-
tine an express package from Chicago.
1t contained a beautiful mantel clock,
and with it a note recalling the cir
cumstance on the train which we have
related. 1t was from the West Virgin
ian, now successful western manager
of a large manufacturing industry in
the east. He had steadfastly adhered
to the promise he had made to her
husband fifteen years ago and in crate
| full remembrance asked the accept
ance of a memento to mark kindly
deed that affected turning point in
his life.
| The incident reveals its own moral.
1t is found not only in the wisdom and
| firmness of purpose of the young West
| Virginian that made man of him,
but in the kind and discreet counsel
given him by one whose advice was
not obtrusive, but was none the less
honest, earnest and effective. Too
few people realize how great a good
may be achieved by kindly word ut
tered in the right spirit and at the
riight time