The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-12-18
Flashlights On The
temperance Question

wv. NJ. Rickers.l

1t was In the pretty capital city Of the Old
Dominion Beautiful Christmas-tide was COM
Ing on apace-the season when all natures heart
seems to beat closer to the heart of God. The
joyous gift buying crowds hronged stores and
streets. The little ones in the homes were in
fever OF expectancy as to what Santa Claus
would bring them. On the porch Of a home on
certain square a gray-haired mother and a
bevy Of pretty girls anxiously awaited the home.
coming of son and brother whose business resi-
dence in a distant State Soon he alighted
from car at the corner. and there was happy
meeting and greeting. Diagonally ACROSS the
street from this home there humble but
neat little cottage. The shutters were drawn
and crepe was on the door. A little boy sat sad
and lonely little stool in the porch He
wore jacket and his head was bare. There
were evidences OF tears having coursed down
ever and anon he would cast furtive glances
up the street. only to be succeeded by his sad
musings. Presently he dashed out of the gate,
and running to meet the lady whom he knew
would share his sorrow, uttered the saddest
words that fall from little child's lips:
Mother Is deadl" There was a pathetic tableau
the good woman ciasped the weeping child In
her arms, while her own form convulsed
with sympathetic sobs. The sad twain entered
the darkened home. Not molly darkened by the
angel of death having lain his hand mother,
father was bed-ridden from alcoholism. He
had been tripped by the saloon! The fragile
wife had battled bravely. and comfort and s.
sistance had come from that "Grander Army OF
the Republi the Woman's Christian Temper
anee Union, and 1t was the faithful representa-
tive of this grand organization whose coming
was eagerly awaited by the broken hearted
little boy. While the city was In the heart OF
joyous festivities, little procession wendell its
way to Gods acre where mother was tenderly
laid to rest, and soon there was another mound
by the side OF hers!
Sometimes we hear the Ammunition 'Iet whis-
key alone. and 1t will let you alone!" Well,
this little boy let II alone-dd II let him alone?
Mother let 1t alone-dfd 1t let her alone? All
of US agree that no should be no weak or
mean as to allow his appetite to cause dis
aster to himself or his family. But all do not
agree to discourage In all honorable WAYS the
use Of intoxicating beverages And ali who
admit that the licensed saloon Is a menace to
society do not lend their aid to organised and
practical efforts in behalf Of prohibition! The
drink-tde rises higher the natal day Of tina
Prince OF Peace approaches but 1t Is beaten back
by that ever increasing force Of consecrateo
effort in behalf of the church. the home and the
school, and some glad day the State will put
under the ban a traffic which Is inimical to
humanity's highest interests Then when the
Old year Is dying and men kneel about the man
ger and call each other brother there win ha
sweeter music in the old Christmas sonr:
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories OF His righteousness
And wonders of His love."