, 1903-02-24
A WORD IN SEASON
IMPORTANCE OF GOOD ADVICE.
CONTINUOUSLY GIVEN.
Whole Current Of Young Mans Life
Probably Changed for the Best by
Well Meant and Kindly Admonition
Gently Offered.

II 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 pub
Usher of the Muscatine Journal, whose
sturdy antagonism to the liquor traffic
and the drink habit is of more than
statewide knowledge. Some fifteen
years ago, travelling upon a train from
M%uscatine to Kansas City, Mr.. Mahin
entered the lavotory of the sleeper as
the train approached the latter city.
Hanging from the wall was the Gca.
Of a young man from West Virginia.
In the pocket was a flash of liquor.
The West Virginian, an intelligent,
manly appearing fellow, ~courteously
offered Mr.. Mahin a drink, which, Of
course, was declined. When their toll
cts were completed and they were
again seated in the coach, zeal each
other. Mr.. Mahin, attracted by the
young fellows g~entlemanly 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.
And where will you find in all the
world any n more deeply interested
in your welfare. one who loves you
more d%evotedly, than your mother?'
inquired Mr.. Mahin.
That Is true" responded the West
Vfrginian in recognition of the kindly
intent of the advice of the older man,
and the young lady to whom l an
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.. ALahin, and lei
me urge upon you the great import
snce Of such a course and its influence
upon your future career" and a con
v%ersation ensued, in which the youns
man promised to abandon the drink
habit.
Three weeks later Mr.. Mahln wa,
travelling over the same road OH
train from Kansas City and was &C
costed by the West Virginian. who rec
ognizsd him. Il have kept my prom
ise." said the young man. 81 vas Wis
iting an uncle in Kansas City. There
was a social gathering at his house a
which wine was Q ed. All partool
but myself. Afterwards my uncle. VIII
uses beverages, commended me fol
declining, SO you see l had not low
cred myself In his esteem by refusing
to drink"
Fifteen years rolled by and tn
Christmas-tide of 1902 RAJ approach
ing. One day there came to the resi-
dence Of Mrs. John Mahin at Musca
tine an express package from Chicago
It contained q beautiful mantel clock
and with 1t q note recalling the cir
cumstance on the train which We hav,
related. 1t was from the West Viz
xinian. now q successful western mar
ager of a large manufacturing indus
try in the east. He had steadfastl!
adhered to the promise he had nad'
to her husband fifteen years ago an,
in grateful remembrance asked the &C
ceptAnce Of q momento to mark
kindly deed that Affected q turning
point In his life.
The incident reveals Its own moral
1t ia. found not only in the wisdom am
nrmness of purpose Of the young Yves
virginian that made a man OF him
but in the kind and discreet counse
given him by one whose advice wa
not obtrusive, but was non the les
honest, earnest and effective. To
few people realize how great a goo
may be achieved Ivy a kindly wor'
uttered in the right spirit and at tn
right time,-Burlingron Hawk-Eye