Courier Democrat., 1903-02-05
4 WORD IN SEASON
,mpoRrANcE OF GOOD ADVICE,
couRTEoUsLY GIVEN.
Whole Current Of Young Mans Life
Probably Changed for the Best by
Well Meant and Kindly Admonittok
Gently Offered.

II is impossible to correctly value e
good word spoken under favoring con-
ditions. An illustrative incident is
re:ated 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 train from
Muscatine to Kansas City, Mr.. Mahin
entered the lavotory of the sleeper as
the train approached the latter city.
Hanging from the wall was the coat
of young man from West Virginia.
In the pocket was 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 we're
again seated in the coach, near each
other, Mr.. Mahin, attracted by the
young fellows gentlemanly bearing,
ventured q kindly word of admonition
against the practice of using intoxi-
eating beverages. THAT is what my
mother has been telling me-" said the
Soung man.
And 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 l 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 import
ance of such course and it's influence
upon your future career" and con-
yersation ensued, in which the young
man promised to abandon the drink
habit.
Three weeks later Mr.. Mahin was
travelling over the same road on a
train from Kansas City and was ac-
costed by the West Virginian, who rec
ognized him. Il have kept my prom
ise," said the young man. Il was WIS.,
iting an uncle in Kansas City. There
was a social gathering at his house at
which wine was served. All partook
uses beverages, commended me for
declining, so you see had not low
cred myself in his esteem by refusing
% 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 G. beautiful mantel clock,
and with it note recalling the cir.
cumstance on the train which we have
related. 1t was from the West Vir-
ginian, now a successful western man
ager of a large manufacturing indus
try in the east. He had steadfastly
adhered to the promise he had made
to her husband fifteen years ago and
in grateful remembrance asked the &C.
ceptance of a memento to mark q
kindly deed that affected turning
point in his life.
The incident reveals it's own moral.
It is found not only in the wisdom and
frmness 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 good
may be achieved by a kindly word
uttered in the right spirit and at the
right time.-BurlingtOn HaWk-Eye.