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Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmds d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seu! clich6, il est f\\n\6 d partir de Tangle sup^rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 THE CANADIAN Rr TEMPERANCE RECITER: A COLLECTION OF DIALOGUES, ADDRESSES, &c., SUITABLE KOR TEMPERANCE ANNIVERSARIES, BANDS OF HOPE, AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS. ^7^^ '^ EDITED BY REV. A. SUTHERLAND. -^ TORONTO: PUBLISHED BY ADAM MILLER, n WELLINGTON STREET WEST. 1871. •■. >. ■' Entered, according to Act of Provincial Legislature, in the year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-one, by Adam Millkr, iti the Oiflcc of the Minister of Agriculture. \, -^ " ■■ w- ■"■■ ,n<.H .'••Vi. Prixtkd by Bkll & Co., 9i & 96 YoxoE Street, Toronto. PREFATORY NOTE, Is pi-csenting this little volume to the iVieiuls of Toinpcranco, [the publisher believes that he is supplying a widely-felt want. Ilf the cause of Temperance is ever to triumph, it must bo kept [steadily before the people, and presented in every possible ligl.t. [it is especially important that the young should be enlisted amlj [trained in the service, and there is, perhaps, no method b)' whi ;h V/ phis can be more effectually done than by training them in the lelivery of suitable dialogues and addresses. r>esides, a few [chosen pieces add greatly to the interest uf public meethigs and [anniversaries; and there are persons, not a few, who may. 1m> n the j well^ [reached and influenced in this wav, who would scarcelv listen t(j ^ _j [a set speech from the most eloquent advocate of the cause. In the preparation of this volume, the greatest care has-been j^/ ||;aken to exclude everything calculated to offend lither correct i taste or Christian principle ; while, at the same time, the editor jias endeavored to secure variet}-, both in the style of composition ' md in the aspects of the question presented. The work is sent I'th v.ith the conviction that it contair s the best collection of Temperance Dialogues and Recitations ) et given to the public. TouoxTO, OJ.ohr, 1871. :T'i:Vl't/] ' '(V ( V. CONTENTS. -^.---^-v:-:^-,:. DIALOGUES. ' - V^ .; ' ■ ". PAGE. Why lam a Teetotaler,.... ./. 4 A Meeting without Speakors, 9 The Trial of Alcohol, 27 RocksAhcad, 40 Temptation, ' 45 A Finished Education, 56 The Beginning and Ending, 58 The Election Scene, tH Trial of the Saloon Nuisance, 07 Debates of Conscience, 1, 78 Do. do., 2,.. 85 Do. do., 3 91 I'm too Young, 100 Applying for a License, 103 The Drunkard's Daughter, 113 Teetotal for Ever, ;.. 118 The Band of Hope, 131 'lirlsand Wine, 134 What doth Hinder, 142 What Two Little Girls Did, 151 The Little Philosopher and The Pretended Smoker, 161 The Army of Cadets, 170 TheHlsof Dram-drinking, 172 The Schoolmaster Abroad, 182 Are Intoxicating Drinks Necessary to People in Health?... 186 A Plea for the Pledge, 192 Ho\T a Great Man's Eyes were Opened, 196 Vi ' OONTRNTS. TAdK What's the Harm, 206 ♦•Hit or Miss," 208 The Ciulets and their Conipaiiions, 217 Only a little Wine, 2iy Tobacco, 22t> Sunday Closing of Public Houses, 234 Playing New Settlement, 24;J Where Does the lilame Lie, 24(5 t , i '_-"•■■' ADDRESSES, ETC. - - Opening Address, , 1 Speech of a Lieutenant of a Cold Water Army, 25 There'sa Teetotaler, 38 Temperate Drinkers, 53 Prohibition, 97 The Evils of the Liquor Tramc, 120 Strong Drink, 140 Twenty Appeals ; or, Ivcasons Why you should Sign the ! - Pledge, 150 Alcohol is Doomed, 180 No Quarter to be Given, 191 A Rally— Cry to Young Men, 204 The Great National Evil, 214 Shall the Li(iuor Trallic be Protected ? 22G Moral Suasion, ,. 239 POETRY. Recitation for a li4tle lioy, 3 The Gin Fiend, The Temperance Boy, 27 m CON'^ENTS. Vll , 206 . 208 217 . 219 . 229 234 243 24(5 1 25 38 63 97 126 140 ..;' ; -"- ■,' :» ." 'I PARE Who Killed Tom Roper ? ; * ^j) Hail to the Fountain, 53 .Fohn Alcohol, my Foe, John, (^5 Our Country : It's Dangers and Destiny, 99 The Caml>ridge Tragedy, 1^0 The Pledge, ......7.... 124 A Certain Old Man, jgy Alcohol, .#.... 138 Strike at the Root, Igg The rfrewer and the Negro, jyg Oo, Feel what 1 have Felt 010 Arm for the Battle, 233 License Laws, 25i 156 180 191 204 214 226 239 3 6 27 / a 11 i THE CANADIAN ■ Temperance Reciter COMPRISING DIALOGUES, ADDRESSES, ETC. OPENING ADDRESS. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen — I am a man in miniature, and shall be a man, if I live, of the next generation. As sucli I am hare to-night, to advocate the claims of the Temperance movement and onr Band of Hope in connection therewith. I trust you will be both pleased and instructed by our exer^ ' 83 of this evening. Ladies and Gentlemen — You wiix allow that " Pre- vention is better than cure," and that we shall never be drunkards if we never touch the drunkard's drink. We) are banded together by one conmion pledge or bond, / never to touch, taste, or handle this accursed thing ! We 1 are therefore the hope of the nation for coming years, j hence we are called hopeful bands, or Bands of Hope. -^ The tipplers of the town sneer at our Band of Hope. M THE CANADIAN " These young tilings,'^ say tliey, " what's the good of making them teetotalers I' Shall I try to answer this question'^ I will do that by asking another. What is the use of the nurseryman planting young fruit trees in the orchard ? Ask him, and he'll teU yon that the old trees are every year falling off, from, decay and old age. Just so, many of our dear old friends in the teetotal orchard, who have borne so much good fruit, will, by-aiid-by, drop off from infirmit;y, old age, and death ; so our nurseryman here is getting us ready to meet the world's wants another day. Laugh at us, indeed ! Who cares for a tippler's laugh "f 1 don't — do yout Let thcxn laugh if they choose ; it will make no dif- ference to us. We have started on the teetotal track, and do not intend to turn back. Her ways are pleasant- ness, and all her paths are peace. They lead to hope, health, and happiness, and we look forward confidently to the time ** When the might, with the vight, and the truth shall be, And come what there may, to stand in the way, That day the world shall see." Yes, sir, this great movement, which has been an angel of n ercy to tens of thousands, shall v.ne day take the great millstone Intemperance, and shall sink it in the depths below, exclaiming, amid the shouts of teetotal millions, " Babylon is fallen ! Drunkenness is no more !" TEMPERANCE RECITEIl, RECITATION, FOR A LITTLE BOY. You'd scarce expect one of my age To plead for temperance on the stage ; , And should I chance to fall below Pourtraying all the drunkard's woe, Don't view me with a critic's eye. But pass my simple story by. Large streams from little fountains flow, Great sots from moderate drinkers grow ; And though I am now small and young, Ko rum shall ever touch my tongue. Let all the boys and girls like me, From liquor pledge that they'll be free ; And then will not Canadian soil Surpass even England's favour'd isle 1 Yes ! England then will be outdone. Or an}' land, beneath the sun. Mayn't our Dominion boast as great As any other sister State ? And where's the town, go far and near. That sells the rum as we do here 1 Or where's the boy, but three feet high. That hate's the traffic worse than 1 1 These thoughts inspire my youthful mind, To banish grog-shops from mankind ; The shops that stain our land with blood, By pouring forth a poisonous flood. Yet claim to be of public good ! THE CANADIAN WHY I AM A TEETOTALER Charade^'s-^'EvA and Alfred. I I o Eva, Have you any teetotalers in this part of the country 1 Alfred. Yes, I should think we have indeed, and I'm one of them, too. Eva. You, one? you. a teetotaler] Why are yo7c a^ teetotaler ? Alf. Why ? for the very same reason that yoit and every one else should be one, too. Eva. What reason is that, pray 1 If men and women | are teetotalers, surely such a little hoy as you need have no need to be one ; foi* there's no fear that you'll get | I drunk. Alf. You don't think that I'm always going to be a little boy, do you ? I don't. I expect to be a man if I§i ■{\ live long enough ; and besides, there's not a drunkard iii| the whole world but was once a little boy or girl. I| therefore consider, that if I'm a teetotaler now I'm a little boy, and never break my pledge, I shall never be a jdrunkard when I become a man ; that's 7ny logic. Eva. Well, for my part, I think that teetotalism is! very well for drunkards ; but sober people who drini | moderately I don't see why they should be teetotalers. Alf. And I'll tell you the reason you can't see it. You goc haven't a teetotal eye in your head. I can see it as plain ^^ as the Jiose on your face. Do you think that drunkar;!: >Ji would form a society, send out lecturers, print bills, etc, *<'^y to reform themselves 1 f^ot Eva. ]S"o, I don't think that. i^o\ ,n u i TEMPERANCE RECITER. Alf. If all the drunkards in the world were to die to- I morrow, there would be a fresh crop spring up ; don't you think there would ] Eva. Yes ; no doubt of it. Alf. Well, where would they all come from % Eva. Ah ! yes, yes-, that's very plain. Of course they [would come from the moderate drinking part of the nation. Alf. Of course ; all drunkards were once moderate Irinkers. You go for lopping off the branches merely ; go for digging it up by the roots. It's \ jry well for the branches of the upas tree of drunkenness to be lop- )ed off, but I say root and branch and all. Teetotalisin ['orever ! [^Aside.^ Eva. Stop, stop ! I suppose you think you have shut le up, don't you 1 Alf. .No ; I think you've shut yourself up, if there's ly shutting up about it. [Asu?^'.] Eva. But stop ; before you go, I want to ask another luestion. Alf. Well, Old ivith it. Eva. Do you think I ought to deny myself of things lat I need, for the sake of other people ? Alf. You don't need intoxicating drinks. Eva. How do you know ? The doctors recommend it. should think they wouldn't do that if there were no good in it. What have you to say to that 1 _ Alf. In the first place, many of the greatest physicians • in England and America never recommend it at all ; they "|ay alcohol can not make blood.; it can inflame it, but "M create it. It's only doctors of the old school who recommend it. I've heard mv mother 'y say L 6 . ' THE CANADIAN tors used to recommend bands, yards long, to go round and round the waist of little babies, that they must wear ^ flannel caps, and that everybody must wear night-caps, or they'd get their deaths of cold, and many other things they now deem foolish ; so, by-and-by, we may expect their recommendation of beer and porter will be thrown asiile with the swaddling bands and night-caps. £va. Then you would make it appear that, with re- gard to this subject, our doctors are not out of the dark ages. Alf. Well, there's a mixture of doctors as well as law- yers, no doubt ; a great many are very honorable gentle- men and very scientific, — but there are many who, on this subject, " love darkness better than light,'' and " will not come to the light lost their deeds should be reproved." Others are resolved to abide by their own creed ; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Eva. Well, I'll ponder over the subject, for I do think it worthy of a good deal of attention. THE GIN-FIEND. The Gin-Fiend cast his eyes abroad. And looked o'er all the land. And numbered his myriad worshippers With his bird-like, long right hand. He took his place in the teeming streets, And watched the people go TEMPERANCE RECITER. 7 Around and about, with, a buzz and a shout, Forever to and fro. And it's *'Hip !" ho said, " hip ! hip ! hurrah ! For the multitude I see, Who offer themselves in sacrifice. And die for the love of me !" There passed a man in the crowded way, With eyes bloodshot and dim ; He wore a coat without a sleeve, And a hat without a brim. His grimy hands with palsy shook, And fearfully he laughed, Or drivelled and swore, as he clamored for more Of the burning poison draught. And it's " Hip !" said the Gin-Fiend, " hip ! hurrah i Success to him over his bowl ; A few short months have made him mine, — Brain, and body, and soul !" There sat a madman in his cell. Hands clenched, and lips compressed, — God's likeness blotted from his face. And fury in his breast. There sat an idiot close beside With a dull and stolid leer ; The apathy of his heavy eye * Warming at times to fear. And it's " Hip !" said the Gin-Fijend, ♦' hip ! hurrah ! These twain are wholly mine ; The one a demon, the other a beast, — And both for burning wino !" 8 THE CANADIAN There stood a woman on a bridge ; Bhe was old, but not with years, — Old with excess, and passion, and pain ; And she wept remorseful tears. And she gave to her baby her milkless breast, Then, goaded by its cry. Made a desperate leap in the river deep. In the sight of the passers-by. And it's " Hip !" said the Gin-Fiend, " hip ! hurrah ! | Let them sink in the friendly tide ; For the sake of me the creature lived, — To satisfy me slie died.'' There watched a mother by her hearth, Comely, but sad and pale ; Her infant slept, her lord was out. Quaffing the drunkard's ale. She stayed his coming ; and when he came. His thoughts were bent on blood ; He could not brook her taunting look. And he slew her where she stood. And it's " Hip !" said the Gin-Fiend, *' hip ! hurrah I He does his duty well ; And he pays the tax he owes to me, And the monarchy of hell." And every day, in the crowded way, He takes his fearful stand. And numbers Jiis myriad worshipper's With his bird-like, long right hand. And every day his victims feast Before his flashing eyes ; areast, TEMPERANCE RECITER. And every night, before his siglit, Are offered in sacrifice. • • And it's "Hip!" he says, " hip ! hip ! hnrrah ! For the deep, up-frothing bowl, Which gives mo the victims that I crave, — Brain, and body, and soul." CHARLES MACKAT. 9 lip ! hurrah ! ;ame. hip ! hurrah MEETING WITHOUT SPEAKERS ; OR, THE CHAIRMAN'S EXPEDIENTS. [Arranged for ei£;ht speakers.] [The speakers, with the exception of the chairman, are seated different parts of the house among the audience.] Chairman. Ladies and gentlemen, I am, as you per- iive, in a strange predicament. It is usual for a chair- in, on an occasion like the present, to be surrounded speakers, who only need calling upon to rise and do leir best to interest, edify, and instruct their audience ; 5ut as I look around me I see on the platform nothing But empty seats. Where the speakers are I cannot tell ; ior anything I know, they may all have taken to them- felves wives, and therefore they cannot come. At all Hvents, one question naturally suggests itself : What are ipre to do ? To this question there are three alternatives : Irst, we may all at once go home ; secondly, we may 10 THE CANADIAN open the meeting and send out for some speakers ; or, thirdly, we may go on with the proceedings, and make the best we can of the affair. As to going home at once, I very much dislike the thought of that ; it would argue that we were entirely dependent on the exertions of! .others. As regards sending for speakers, it is a great | chance if we could obtain a supply, and we should prob- ably lose a great deal of time waiting ; so, for my own part, I think we had better take the third alternative, : and make the best of it among ourselves. I am very well aware that there are present a considerable number | of our own members, and several friends from other j "Bands of Hope," besides other staunch abstaining! friends. Indeed, I can see one at least I can depend on; and when I look round and see So many intelligent) countenances, and cheerful, smiling faces, I am en- couraged to hqpe we shall have a goodly number ofj volunteers. "We will, however, open the meeting by? singing the following song (or amj other thought suit- able):— ;■:' r'^H-^'v^^-lw-v^i;::/-!,-;' i'r:<'i^''.( ■4-^. WE MEET TO-DAY IN GLADNESS. » We meet to-day in gladness, To sing of conquests won ; No note of painful sadness Is mingled with our song ; This day, renowned in story, — The day of freedom's birth, — We hail in all its glory. We highly prize its worth. TEMPERANCE RECITER. The Temperance flag is waving O'er valley, hill, and plain ; Where ocean's sons are braving The dangers of the main ; The Pledge, the Pledge is given To float on every breeze ; Oh, waft it, gracious Heaven, O'er all the earth and seas. n Our cause, our cause is gaining New laurels every day ; The youthful mind we'er training To walk in wisdom's way. . Old ago and sturdy manhood Are with us heart and hand ; Then let us all united. In one firm phalanx stand. "Well, ladies and gentlemen, the meeting is opened, : and no speakers have yet made their appearance on the platform; so we will at once proceed with volunteers, [and, for my own part, I have no doubt that the mer-ting [will be even moie interesting than with m&ny stated speakers. You know it is an old saying that a volun- teer is worth two pressed men ; for myself, I shall re- serve any remarks I may have to make till near the conclusion, or till they may be really required. I will therefore conclude my present remarks by inviting any person present to favor us with either a speech, a recita- tion, or an appropriate song, to enliven our meeting. You nesd not, unless you wish, come to the platform, but 12 THE CANADIAN r 4i merely stand upon the seat, and we ^vill listen patiently to what you may 'have to say, so long as you keep to the point, and do not become dry and tedious. I will, therefore, at once sit down in order to make way for the volunteers of our "Eand of Hope" corps. (Chairman takes his seat.) First speaker. Well, Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentle- men, I must say that for my o^vn part I am glad to see that platform without speakers for once at least ; for there are some few among us who woidd gladly some- times speak a few words by way of getting our hands in, or ratlicr our tongues, but those strangers take up all the time ; but, if my friends are of my mind to-night they will " Make hay while the sun shines," and let no time be lost in waiting. I am proud *to say I belong to this Band of Hope. I am proud to say I am a teetotaler. Though i am young, I have seen much of the evils of drunkenness, and known many who have experienced its debasing efi'ects. In short, I regard drunkenness as one of the greatest curses of our land. It ruins the character, undermines the health, empties the pocket, and fills our prisons, poor-houses, mad-houses, and church-yards, an- nually, with thousands of victims; it ijobs our pulpits, our colleges, and our congregations, of their brightest orna- . ments, drags them from their high position, and places Lthem far, far below the level of the brutes that perish. But, sir, we rejoice to know that total abstinence is gaining ground ; new members are continually being en- rolled in every part of the country ; we have many excellent societies formed, amongst which we may notice the Sons of Temperance, Good Templars, Templars of TEMPERANCE llECITEIl. 13 Honor, and others. But, sir, in my opinion, there aro no societies connected with the "abstinence movement better calculated to produce a sober nation than the Bands of Hope, which I am glad to say are springing up thTrtij^hout our land. For my own part, I have not very much faith in the "Maine Liquot Law ;" it may be because I do not know much about it ; but this 1 do know, that you cannot destroy the inclination for drink by legislat- \ |ing; and, unless you destroy the thirst, or, in other '^ words, the demand, the supply wilt be forthcoming either I by legitimate or illegitimate mea.-3. But, sir, in our [Bands of Hope we crush the monster in the bud, — wo destroy the appetite, or rather prevent its formation, and thus stop the supply ; for, if there be no demand, there / [will be no brewers, no distillers, no death-dealing dram- I [shops; our hearts will be gladdened by the sight of [barley turned to its proper use, beer-house signs coming [down, liquor-sellers turning into honest and creditable [citizens, and crime, poverty, and degradation fast dirain- [ishing from our fair land, and industry, happiness, and )eace increasing. With these few remarks, Mr. Chair- lan, I beg leave to sit down. [Another rises in a diiFerent part of the audience.] Second spcalcer. Mr. Chairman, this meeting suits mo [exactly. I like to have our friends get up, one after [another, and express their opinions on this matter. I,~( too, am a teetotaler, and I go for total prohibition as [well as total abstinence. If we cannot destroy the ^ [inclination to drink, by legislation, we can take away bhe right and the power to sell. If it is right to sell. 14 THE CANADIAN -H ! then why is it not right to drink 1 and if it is not right to drink, then I do not see how it is right to sell. I.aw8 may not make men moral, but they can prevent them from injuring their fellow-men. I go for figliting old Alcohol wherever you can find him ; he is everywhere a mighty foe, and we will have to use every effort to drive / him from the earth. *~ Third speaker. Mr. Chairman, ladies end gentlemen I must say that I am very much pleased with ihe kind of meeting we are likely to have this evening. I think that ^yy way of change it will be very acceptable to all parties concerned ; and whilst our friend was speaking of Bands of Hope, I remembered having seen a piece of poetry which I have been endeavoring to recall to memory, ond with your permission, sir, I will recite it to the audience. It is entitled : — KING ALCOHOL. Kincj Alcohol % Was a fiery old soul, — A fiery old soul was he ; He lit a flame , That none could tame. And it burned most dreadfully. Some pious men, By speech and ppn, By sermon and by prayer, Assailed the fire ; But it mounted higher And blinded with its glare. TEMPERAITCB RECITER. Tho Legislature tried To stay tho wide- spread ruin with a bill ; But he laughed at them, And burned the men Of law in his fiery still. Some men of wit The notion liit, Of changing the old rogue's fuel ; The fire, 'tis true, Awhile burnt blue, Then bl ized with a flame more cruel. 15 f^' Old Alcohol He scorned them all, And every fresh appliance ! His glass he quaffed And griml \ laughed, And glowed in red defiance. Cold water men Assailed him then, And all their pumps applying, The fiery old boy Cries, " Hold ! Ahoy !" For his fame and his fire are dying. [Sits down. — A slight pause ensues.] s Chairman. Come, my friends, I shall be glad to hear some others. I am glad that our friends have come HI m !■ 16 THE CANADIAN forward so promptly. I think it may be taken as an omen of a lively meeting. Who will next favor us with either a speech or a recitation ? Fourth speaker. Mr. (Chairman, I think I have heard you, or some of the committee, say, that Bands of Hope ought not to be exclusively teetotal nif-etings ; and any subject should be introduced that is calculated to lead us. young folks in the good way. [Now, sir, there is one habit in particular I should like to say a few words about. I mean smoking. There are two or three class- mates of mine who have recently taken up that habit, and I look upon it as being disgraceful as well as injuri- ous to our youth ; for it injures the body, and enervates or weakens the brain and mental powers, makes a foul and disagreeable breath, helps to empty the pocket, and often, and indeed naturally, leads to drinking intoxicyt- ing driaks, which bear in their tr in all the evils of which man in his unrenewed and degenerate nature is capable, and — [Interrupting.^ Fifth spealcer. Mr. Chairman, I should like to say a few words. I know to whom Fred alludes in particu- lar ; he means me, because I have just begun smoking. Chairman [interrupting Jiiin.'\ IStop a moment or two, my young friend. You have interrupted the previous speaker, and you must allow him to proceed unless he is willing to enter into an argument with you on the subject, which perhaps would be an agreeable change. Fourth spcal'er. I have no objection at all, if Tom wishes it ; but I must say that I had no intention ^.l naming any person. Are you willing to argue the point with mc, Tom ? TEMPERANCE RECITER. ir Tom. Yes ! I don't mind, though I never thought mch about the matter ; but I should like to hear how rou can prove all that you've said about smoking, for I khiuk you will b^ puzzled to do that ; but I'll tell you, >efDre you begin^ that if you will prove what you have jaid, I'll smoke no more, and I will give you thij pipe keep for me till I ask for it. \Produces a pi2:>e.] Fred. Well, then, I believe I said, n the first place, ^t was a bad habit, inasmuch as it injures the body, and enervates or weakens the brain. Now, you are well iware, that it is the food which gives streugth to the )ody ; and if through any cause the food is prevented pom digesting or giving out all its nutriment, it natu- rally follows that the ' body is deprived of so much itrength. Tom. Certainly, but you'll have a job to prove that imoking has that effect ; for the tobacco does not enter ito the stomach at all. Fred. Granted ; but God has placed in our mouths, lear to the angle of the jaws, numerous small glands or ressels, whose ofiice it is to supply saliva to moisten le food, and the better to prepare it for the action of le stomach; and imless the food is thus moistened, the jitomach 1k»s less power over it; the food is longer in igesting, even if digested at all ; and then the smoker joes to the doctor or the pill box, for a remedy for idigestion ! Tom. But you have not yet proved that smoking [essens the quantity of saliva ! Now, I maintain that it icreases it, and so must be an aid instead of a hin- Irance according to what you said a few minutes since. 18 THE CANADIAN I think I have you there, Master Fred, at all^ events ! Fred. Stop, Tom, not quite so fast ! I admit that it j causes an increase of saliva in the mouth, hut it is at an' improper time, and the saliva, instead of going into the \ stomach to aid digestion, goes rather into the spittoon,! or upon the ground, often to the annoyance of those near. But, you will, perhaps, ask how it is that the saliva comes more freely into the mouth when smoking] I answer, that the warmth of the smoke in the mouth causes the openings of the glands to relax, and the saliva they contain exudes into the mouth, is thrown away by the smoker, and when wanted to moisten the food at meal times, the glands are empty, or nearly so,| and the food has to pass into the stomach in an unpre- pared state ; and the action of the stomach being j thereby weakened, the food is passed ofT undigested, or it remains in the stomach and causes indigestion. Ini either case the body is deprived of its needful supply off strength ; and, consequently, the brain suflers from that! cause as well as from the deleterious vapours wliich per-j meate the head, often causing stupefaction, and some- times ultimate death. Tom. Well, you have managed me there. I allow it! seems very probable, but how did you get this informa- tion? Fred. Some little I may have got from observation,! but that with youths like us is not always to be relied en, unless our own observation? are borne out by those] of older. Letter, and wiser men. The principal pait, however, I have got from reading ; from the speakers at! TEMPERANCE RECITER. l» 1, and some- our Band of Hope meetings, and some from conversa- tions with various persons. As for the next two reasons I suppose I may take it for granted you allow them,, Tom. "Why, not exactly ! I admit it makes the breath bad, but it does not empty my pocket much, for ar ounce lasts me very well a week. Fred. Remember, Tom, I was not taking your case aione ; I was taking smoking in th.. whole as a habit ; ■\ni even if it costs you three cents a week now, when is one that ouglit to be impressed on the minds of our youth especiallr, and I quite agree with all our young friend has advance! in support of his argument for its suppression, nor am I less pleased that its late advocate has abjured the pipe; and though for a time he may feel debarred a little indulgence, yet in the long run I can promise him niuci pleasiu-e in reflecting on his present renunciation of th^ pipe. I could wish that others would abjure it also There will yet be time for two or three more to speak or " i recite. Who will next favor us ? j Sixth speaker. I will, Mr. Chairman. Whilst I havfe been sitting here I have been thinking over the princi- pal obstacles in the way of the progress of total abst- nence. I can find none greater than the class calld moderate drinkers, for it is their example which keep many from joining our ranks, and it is from their bod^ alone that the thousands of victims are supplied, to le offered in sacrifice, body and soul, to strong drink aid the devil, I say from their ranks alone ; for if m«i nover drank moderately they would never drink immol- erately; in short, 1 look upon a moderator as being a greatei obstacle than the vilest drunkard in the tovn. A man does not become a drunkard all at once. Oh, ]0 ! TEMPERANCE RECITER. 21 ho sees Mr. So-and-sc, a religious character perhaps, per- fectly sober, steady, highly respected by his fellow- townsmen, and yet he always takes a lit*^le at dinner, and a glass before he goes to bed at night. He reatons within himself, Well, if he can take a little with credit to himself. I can, and therefore he follows his example ; and, Mr. Chairman, we all know that " example teaches more than precept." He takes a glass or two a day, and never for a moment considers that there is a great differ- ecce in their temperament. Mr. So-and-so is probably of a quiet temperament, averse to much company ; whereas he himself is fond of company, and being per- haps a good hand at telling a racy tale, or singing a. good song, his company is sought after, and his vanity flat- tered ; he becomes excited, drinks more than he ought to do, and having become inured to the sight of men any- thing but sober, he ceases to look upon it as something to be dreaded ; for as the old Couplet has it: — " V ice seen too oft, familiar with her face ; We first endure, then pity, then embra(.e." He at last falls, is taken home drunk ; he resolves, how- over, it shall not be so again, and for a time remains true to his resolve ; but the appetite has been created, and no power of his, so long as he takes a little drop, can save him (for a little drop is only adding fuel to flame.) He eventually becomes a -soaker, and is oftener found at the table than at business, and falls step by step till his family are brought to the depths of degradation and pov- erty, and he himself fills a drunkard's grave, — perhaps pitied, yet despised by all who knew him. Again, therefore, before I oit down, I must repeat that I look 22 THE CANADIAN upon moderate drinkers as the enemies of the church, whose example leads many not possessed of the same strength of mind to the bottomless pit and a drunkard's grave. And I will just ask thein what reply they will make when the questic i is put to them, " Where is thy brother T Will they not be speechless 1 Will not the words of St. Paul condemn them where he says, " It is good not to drink wine, or anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak?" With these few remarks, Mr. Chairman, I beg leave to sit down. Seventh speaker. Mr. Chairman, if there be time, I should like just to recite a piece of poetry or rhyme on moderation, which I met with a few days since. I think it is very applicable as a sequel to the remarks just made by our friend. It is called : — MODERATIOI^. A many now find fault With our teetotal plan. And say we need not quite abstain To save a drunken aian. They argue moderation's best, — A little now and then ; They tell you that of old 'twas taken, By good and holy men. They'll tell you that good David said, Wine glad the heart would make ; And tell you, too, that Paul prescribed Wine for the " stomach's sake." TEMPERANCE RECITEP. 25 But then they quite forgot to add That one has said beside, That they who tarry with the wine, Woe to them shall betide. Wine is a mocker, and strong drink Is raging 'neatli its guise ; And whoso'er's deceived by it, Most surely is not wise. And though St. Paul may recommend Wine to a weakly man, He clearly was an advocate Of our abstaining plan. For, writing to the Eomans, he Declared it was not good That we should drink sc as to offend One of the brotherhood. • The mediate ranks supply the men That crowd the path of crime ; Be cautious, youthful hearers, all ; Take warning in good time ! For though it pleasant seems at first To take a sparkling bowl, 'Twill mock you as you further go, Endangering your soul. Though it be pleasant to the taste. Be sure 'twill ruin bring I For like a serpent it will bite. And like kn adder sting. m ir 24 THE CANADIAN Then we'll not moderators be, But join the abstinence band ; And when we older grow will make Its fame o'erspread the land. May God our feeble efforts crown With multiplied success ; And while we sojourn here below, Our souls and labors bless ! [Sits down.] Chairman. I am, for my own part, especially pleased with the proceedings of to-night; and with the first volunteer I can truly say, I hope there will be more such. I am not aware that any remarks have been made which can be said to be out of place ; indeed, all the subjects have, in my opinion, been very suitable for a meeting like the present. The argument for the abolition uf smoking was good, and I would advise every membev of our Band of Hope, especially our juveniles, to avoid so foul a practice ; but I was no less pleased to hear the remarks on moderation, — a subject I am afraid that is too little thought of and dwelt upon. It is indeed from the ranks of moderators that all the drunkards are sup- plied. Indeed, I think I may with safety say, there never was a drunkard, however deep his dye or degraded his station, who was not at one time a moderate drinker. Oh that all our youths would, with one heart and mind, say with me the last verse but one of the piece on mo- (ieratioD, which our last speaker has recited ! — " Then We'll not moderators be. But join the abstinence band ; iind when we older grow will make Its fame o'erspread the land." TEMPERANCE RECITER. 25 May its fame soon o'crspread the land, and may tho time soon come when not one drunkard sliall remain to blot this fair land ; but when peace, happiness, and plenty may fill every house ; when children may grow like olive-i}lants about our table, our churches and chap- els be filled, and the beer-houses shut up and " to let !" Then shall we have, indeed, a foretaste of that time men- tioned by Isaiah, and before alluded to, when the wil- derness shall blossom as the rose, and the desert and the solitary place shall be glad, and all mankind shall see tho salvation of our God. ■ .•>?;; SPEECH OF A LIEUTENANT OF A COLD WATER ARMY. Mr. President : — History tells us that Hamilcar, the father of Hannibal, the great Carthagenian general, made his son, at the age of nine years, swear eternal enmity to Rome. Now, sir, Rome never injured Carthage as mucK as Alcohol has injured my country, and here I vow eternd JiostUitij to that implacable enemy. My honored father did not, it is true, extort this vow*from me ; but I kno^ he will stand sponsor for it as soon as it is born, and would delight to toll the bell at the funeral of the Monster. Now, Mr. President, I know I am little. I wish, for the sake of the cause I advocate, I w^s greater — the world should hear from me as it does from yoii, sir, be- 1 36 THE CANADIAN yond the limits of this meeting. But mark me : I am not alone. Look around you ; what a spectacle is there ! Behold these hundreds of bright, young eyes, and ruddy cheeks, and pure hearts, that are all rallied in tho same holy crusade against a deadly enemy that has rav- aged our country and cursed our ancestry for centuries past. !Now, sir, the insects are small, but their name is " Legion," and this King of ivild heasts shall yet howl and shrink under the stings and bites of our gathering swarms, when they settle upon his flanks. " What now can we do T Why, sir, I hope some of us may show profitable examples to older heads, and by our cold water | habits, and our yirtues, and even by o*ur tears, may in- duce some of those we love, and whose warm blood runs I in our own veins, to turn this festering domestic curse out of doors — save the cents that have hitherto gone for liquor — cruel, quarrelsome, murderous liquor — and turn it into books, clothes, and bread, for a happy, smiling family. It is asked again, '* What can we do 1" I answer, we do not expect always to remain children. The big oaks of the forest that shade the lands now, fumisli| the beams for our navy, and the columns for our temples, were, fifty or a hundred years ago, but small, tender sap-l lings. Thus these hundreds of youth will soon havel reached maturity, and the destinies of Church and State! will fall upon our shoulders, when our beloved fathers! and mothers are gone to their rest. Thus, if we are! faithful to our pledges, no power under Heaven can prej vent us from making sober citizens every one of ns. TEMPERANCE RECITER. .'7 THE TEMPERANCE BOY. I'm a Temperance Boy of the Cold Water ' rmy ; I drink neither spirits nor wine ; You may laugh, if you please, hut it never can harm mo> "While Water, pure Water is mine. The Cold Water Boys are not easily daunted ; We know very well what we've done ; We've enlisted for life, and our standards are planted ; We're not to he daslied hy your fun. The pledge that we've taken, will spoil your vocation ; " No License ! No License !" — wo cry ; We'll ring it loud through the Province and N'ation, Determined to conquer or die. Then away with your humper ! come, fill up your glasses With water all sparkling and clear ; And here's to all Temperance laddies and lasses, A happy- — a happy new Year. THE TEIAL OF ALCOHOL. charged with murder, robbery, etc. Supreme Court of Puhlic Opinion. The People \ Hon. R. Candor, Chief Justice. vs > Hon. S. Impartiality, \ a . .: t Alcohol. j Hon. G. Patience, > j ^ ,. Hon. H. Honesty, ) Counsel for the People — J. Goodwill, Att'y Gen. Counsel for Defendant — Squire Self-Interest. : ■V 28 TUB CANADIAN The jury, twelve good men, being swom, the prisoner was brought to the bar, and the Clerk read the Indict- ment. Clerk. May it please the Court, the Indictment charges the prisoner — 1. — With swindling and taking money imder false pre- tenses. 2. — With being a frequenter of gambling houses and other vile places, and a great cause there of disorder and crime. 3. — With being a family disturber, breaking un domestic peace and happiness. 4. — Depriving many men of their reason, and causing them to commit suicide. 5. — Eeducing many families to pauperism and shame. 6. — Causing a thousand murders every year, and filling up poor-houkcs and mad-houses with ruined victims. 7. — With opposing the blessed gospel and dragging many souls to death and hell. Prisoner ! what is your plea, guilty or not guilty ? Prisoner. iS'ot guilty. Clerk. How will you be tried ? Pris. By God and ray country. Clerk. God send you a good deliverance. Attorney General. May it please the Court and Gentle- men of the Jury, the prisoner is charged with a variety of heinous crimes — with being a disturber of the public peace, a seducer, a robber, a murderer both of the bodies and the souls of men. I shall not detain you with a long speech, but substantiate the truths of the indict- TEMPERANCE RECITER. 29 lueiit by good and true witnesses. I first call Mr. l^sy- mind. Mr. Easymind, do you know the prisoner 1 Can you tell anything about him? Witness. I can, Sir ; for I have suffered much from him. He v,aB often at my father's house and he profes- sed mucli medical skill, and when my wife was sick, he promised a cure, but made her a drunkard and I forbade him my house. Att'f/ Gen. Have you any sons? Wit7iess. Yes, Sir, three ; but I have not much com- fort in them, for they are constantly drawn away by the prisoner to scenes of drinking, horse-racing and gambling. Atfi/ Gen. How do they come home? Witness. Often drunk at the midniglit hour. Squire Self-interest. You say he made your wife a drunkard. Do you know he did 1 Remember, Sir, you are on your oath. Witness. Why, if ho didn't, who did ? Squire S. I. That is not answering the question. Do you know he made her a drunkard? Can you swear that she was not born one ? Witness. I know that she was not one till she began to take his medicines. Squire S. I. You say he ruined your sons : were they not vicious before they became acquainted with him ? Witness. No, Sir ; never were bettor boys. Atfy Gen. Mr. Sobermind, do you know the prisoner at the bar ? Witness, I once did, to my sorrow. He found me an industrious, hard- laboring young man. He took ./iff i .. .w THE CANADIAN me to the tavern, the store, the saloon — I tremhle to think what he did for me. He got all my money out of my pockets, and my clothes from my back. I became tinder his leadings a vile drunkard, and slept in barns and behind barrels : but I quit him, Sir, and since then I have come up to be again what I was. Att^y Gen. What does he do with families] Witness. It would take me a y(;ar to tell the sorrow and trouble he gives. Att'y Gen, Did you ever know him to divide husband and wife ? Witness. Yes, Sir ; in many cases. Att^y Gen, Did he ever cause a murder in your neighborhood 1 Witness. Yes, Sir ; in many cases. But we could never get him indicted and tried because he had so many friends. Squire S. I. You say you are now his enemy. Witness. Yes, Sir. And if I could get him expelled from the country I would. Squire S. I. May it please the Court, I object to this witness. He testifies under strong hostility, and he cannot be expe';ted to speak the truth. His testimony should not he received by the jury. Atfy Gen. Squire Coke, you have been at the bar many years ; what do you know of the prisoner ? Witness. I know that but for him we lawyers should soon starve. Att^y Gen. Please explain what you mean. Witness. Mean ! I mean what I say ; for more than two-thirds of our criminal cases are caused' by him; Dearly all the fights and murders are LiS work. ( -I TEMPERANCE RECITER. 31 e sorrow Squire S. I. Did lie not keep jou, by all the votes lie cast, from being a Congressman 1 Did not all the rum men go against you 1 Witness. Yes, Sir. And it was the proudest day of my life. Squire S. I. Gentlemen of the Jury, you see under what influence he testifies. His testimony is good for nothing. Aify Gen. Mr. Lovetruth, you have been a collector of taxes j what has the prisoner had to do with the tax- ation of the town ? « Witness. He has caused more than one half of it. We have twenty-live paupers all charged to him, and a jail full, and many casualties by fire and wrecks are caused by him for which the town must pay. And since no restraint has been laid upon him, the taxes have in- creased double. Squire S. I. Do you suppose there would be no taxes among Cold Water men 1 How much did your Water Works costi *t -• >• 1 U.h WITNESSES P'OR THE DEFENCE. Squire S. I. Mr. Animal Appetite, please state what you know of this gentleman. Witness. He is the best friend I ever had, Sir. He always gives me good cheer and cures me of all my dis- eases. I could not live without him. Att'y Gen. Did he never kill any body 1 Wit?iess. That is no concern of mine, Sir. Roast beef and plum pudding will kill men if they eat too much. W :'i'r I I! im 32 THE CANADIAN Squire S. I. I would call, may it please the Court, upon Mr. Lovegain. What is the influence of this gentle- man upon the trade of the country ] Witness. Oh, it has increased it mightily. Sir. We have made more money by this gentleman, than by any cotton speculation or anything else. His hquor draws out more money than all the cotton and tobacco together. Atf?j Gen. And what does he give for the money he gets 1 Anything valuable 1 Witness. That's nothing to me, Sir. Atfy Gen. Is he not then a thief and ? roVb'^r'? May it please the Court, you have heave a : 1 -ae wit- nesses for the defence, and they amount to nothing. I shall now, without argument, submit the case. Chief JtLstice Candor charges the Jury — Gentlemen of the Jury : You have heard the Indict- ment and the witnesses for and against him: You will render a verdict according to your consciences. I com- mit the fate of the prisoner to you. When the Jury came in the Clerk said — Foreman, what is your verdict — guilty or not guiP Foreman. Guilty ! * ^. SENTENCE OF THE COURT. Judge. Mr. Prisoner, stand up. You are pronounced guilty of the enormous charges which have been brought against you, and you will be taken hence from the place whence you came, in rum puncheons, and there be cast into a vat of Cold Water. And may you die and 'b^ for- gotten forever. thing. I e Indict- You will I com- t guil* Diiounced . brought the place 3 bo cast id br* for- TEMPERANCE RECITEP, 33 MODERATION ; OR, I C vN TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT ALONE. Mr. A . Is there no decent place here where we can get a drop of something to clear the cob-webs from our throats ; I feel very husky this morning. B. Since I saw you last I have come to think that no rum shop can be a decent place ; and I'm sorry to say, that those of our village are of almost the lowest order. Mr. A. What, B ! Sworn off. No more jolly times, no more of the spirited toasts, no more sallies of wit? uiider the influence of the "rosy." I am astonished at vou ! B. Not more so than I am at myself. I am astonish- ed that, knowing the insinuating nature of social habits, and the dreadful effects of confirmed drunkenness, to which all social drinking tends, I did not, long ago, re- nounce the cursed habit of 'Jppling. Mr. A. Well, I will, of course, allow that confirmed drunkenness is bad, and brings much misery into the world ; but you pay a poor coriiplimeut to yourself, if you say you were in danger of becoming l slave to drink, as all drunkards must be. I think you had strength of mind enough to guard against that, and I, for one, can take a glass or lot it alone. I dare say if I thought I were in danger of becoming a drunkard, I should do as you have done. Besides, I must say, I like a glass now and then, especially when the company is good. B. Well, the ice is broken, and I will speak plainly to you. Now, or perhaps never, is your time to escape the -5^ danger. You own you like a glass, and I know you like j^- .,1 M I U :.> u 34 THE CANADIAN good company which in your estimation consists of social men^ fellows, and from these likings almost entirely grow intemperance and drunkenness, among refined and sensitive nattires. Apart from this easy entrance into the Domains of Pacchus, no man, with a nature such as I give you credit for, would ever find himself associating with the bully, the loafer, to use an Americanism, and the thief. Yet, such cases are altogether too common. And you may become another sad exemplification of it. T'. A. Nonsense. If I were to find the habit get- tii^j^ he better of me, I should stop at once ; but, as I said before, I can take it or leave it alone. B. I do not doubt that you can now ; but what guar- antee have you that you will alvvays be able to make this boast. You know the old saying, " Habit is second nature." According to my observation, habit, at least the habit of drunkenness, is stronger than nature, for ii will make a high-souled, honorable man, the meanes thing that crawls ; it will lead him to borrow money without the least idea of paying it, and to beg for liquor, from people that formerly he would have been ashamed to be seen with. A man does not become a drunkard all at once ; there would be few were such the case. The change would appal the most abandoned. But the steady use 0^ liquors affects the nerves and weakens the will ; and by the time the poor moderate drinker sees the evils of intemperance in his own case, ten chances to one he has not force of will to make an effort for freedcm. Al- .cohol, in some shape, is almost necessary to his existence. ' Mr. A. Why B., you talk like an oracle, but I must say, I think your new-found zeal carries you too far, and TEMPERANCE RECITER. 3S some extent, warps your judgment. But, as I said sfore, I am husky, and if you will not accompany me I lust taVe a nip alone, for I think I see the picture of a ion with a suspiciously blue nose round the corner, and [shall test his hospitality. B. Hold on, A. I don't like to think of your drink- jig alone ; and, as I cannot accompany you, let me in- [oduco you to Mr. C, an acquaintance of mine, who, I iresay, will be glad to show you the mysteries of the lue Lion oar-room. (Enter C, shabbily dressed. A. and C. go out, and, fter a few minutes, A. returns alone.) Mr. A. Well, B., what genius was that you introduced |e to ; he don't quite seem to belong to your order ] B. Xo ; he is or was one of your kind, one who could [ke a glass or leave it alone ; I thought it a good oppor- jmity of introducing you to a lecture on temperance. , Mr. A, Well ! you did that, and I had to pay for it, )o. . ■ . B. How was that, Mr. A % Mr. A. Because your friend C. was very glad to see [gentleman of my intelligence from the city; hoped he lould meet me again. Was sorry he could not return le treat, as he had left hip purse at home, and wound up insinuating that perhaps I could lend him SOcts. for le occasion. Would be sure to see me with his friend ., &c. B. Ah ! C. is a smart fellow, and I had aii object in laking you acquainted with him. I scarcely ever spoke him before, but 1 know his history. He used to be )le to take it or leave it alone, but now he alwavs takes ¥i 11 36 THE CANADIAN ill i it and never leaves it alone, if he can get it. Besides he is no way scrupulous as to how he gets it. He woulJ borrow ten cents from a blind beggar, if he could. Yetj he was once in the best circumstances, and was lookeij upon as the soul of honor and spirit, M7: A. Is it possible ! what a contrast ; how did U come to his present degradation 1 I should like to havj his history. B. Well, I will tell you. He came to his present po sition precisely as thousands do, and began by doing you are doing now. Ke was gay and social, and thougli!| he could " take it or leave it alone ;" but as it is a sad case, I shall give you a sketch of his history. Poor C,| was the only child of a widow, whose husband died shortly after their marriage. She was married again and lavished all her love and care on her only child. Hel grew up a handsome boy enough to make any moth en proud. He got the best education, and at 24 years ofl age he was admitted a partner in a respectable businessJ For years he was apparently prosperous, and was the rag^ among the young ladies ; while he was the leader in al social boon companionship. He could not be said to ' neglect his business, but his growing irregularities, foil they did come, slowly but surely, were beginning to at- tract attention. At last he married the prettiest girl inj the village, a gentle, confiding creature, who adored lierl husband ! who, though vexed and grieved, could not] think an occasional case of drunkenness was wrong iii| him, no matter what it would have been in others. Atl last his excesses became so great that his partner got quitl of him, and headlong precipitation into excess followed.l TEMPERANCE RECITER. 3T His means we > soon dissipated, and just as want wa» beginning to stare them in the face, his loving little wife sank broken-hearted into an early grave, leaving one little image of herself to the care of the doubly crazy father. Fortunately the mother's relations took the little stranger, which the besotted father was not loth to surrender, and he went to stay with his now poor old mother, a spiritless, aimless wretch. His downward course was so rapid and »o complete that he seemed to think of nothing but how to obtain drink, and under one pretence or another he has contrived to strip his aged mother of nearly all she pos- sessed. Such is the end of the once gay and handsome C, who could then take it or leave it alone. How do you like the picture 1 Mr. A. Well, I must confess, it is not very encourag- ing ; but then he is an exceptional case. There are not many such. B. Hold there ; there are many 6U(;h. Every drunk- ard is an instance of a man who could once take it or leave it alone, as I can shew you, if you are not yet convinced. Mr, A. Well, B., I own tliere is great truth in what you have said, and I am half convinced that it is safest to leave it alone ; you have introduced me to a pretty good lecture on temperance, at a cost of 50 cents. When I 866 you next, I shall tell you my decision. ••■.■< ,t.'.'' *' -•.-•4(3 "i?rj5 } ( 1 M /sir 5 I!' A 38 1 t II ! THE CANADIAN THERE'S A TEETOTALER. [This piece should be spoken by a spirited boy, and aa he goes upon the stage, some one should cry out, "There's a teetotaler."] Yes, sir, here is a teetotaler, from the crown of his head to the tips of his toes. I've got on teetotal boots, too, that never walk in the way of the drunkard. The other day, a man asked me about our Band of Hope. He wanted to know what use there is in making so many promises. I told him the use was in keeping the prom- ises, more than in making them. The boys who belong to our band have something to do besides loafing at the corners of the streets, and smoking the stumps of cigars they pick out of the gutters. It makes me sick to think of it ! Some boys are dreadfully afraid of losing their liberty ; so they won't sign our pledge. I saw four or five of them, the other day. They had been off, somewhere, having what they called a jolly time ; and they were so drunk they couldn't w^alk straight. They lifted their feet higher than a sober boy would to go upstairs ; and I watched them till one fell down, and bumped his nose. Thinks I to myself, there's liberty for you — but it's just such liberty as I don't want. I would rather walk straight than crooked; I would rather stand up than fall down ; and I would rather go to a party, with my sisters, and some other pretty girls, than hide away with a lot of rough fellows, to guzzle beer and whiskey. "^here are plenty of other reasons why I am a teetotal- er: When I grow up, I would rather be a man than a walking wine-cask or rum-barrel ; I would rather live in TEMPERANCE RECITER. 39 a good hoaae than a poor one^ and I would rather be loved and respected than despised and hated. Now, if these are not reasons enough for being a teeto- taler, I will give you some more the next time we meet. WHO KILLED TOM ROPER? Who killed Tom Roper % Not I, said New Cider : I couldn't kill a spider, — I didn't kill Tom Roper. Not I, said Strong Ale : I make men tough and hale, — I didn't kill Tom Roper, Not I, said Lager Bier : I don't intoxicate. D'ye hear ] [Cross] — I didn't kill Tom Roper. Not I, said Bourbon Whiskey : I make sick folks spry and frisky ; The doctors say so, — don't they know What quickens blood that runs so slow 1 I didn't kill Tom Roper. Not I, said sparkling old Champagne : No poor man e'er by me was slain ; I cheer the rich in lordly halls, And scorn the place where the drunkard falls,- I didn't kill Tom Roper. S'- 40 THE CANADIAN Not we, said various other wines : What ! juice of grapes, product of vines, Kill a man ! The Bible tells That wine all other drinks exceL?, — We didn't kill Tom Ropor. Not I, said Holland Gin : To charge such a crime to me is sin, — \ I didn't kill Tom lloper. Not I, spoke up the Brandy strong : He grew too poor to buy me long, — I didn't kill Tom Roper. Not I, said Medford Rum : He was almost gone before I come, — I didn't kill Tom Roper. Ha ! ha ! laughed old Prince Alcohol : Each struck the blow that made him fall ; And all that helped to make him toper, My agents were, to kill Tom Roper. ROCKS AHEAD! A DIALOGUE FOR AN ADULT AND THREE BOYS. Teacher. — Now, my boys, I think I promised that I would tell you a nice story this afternoon. Jolm. — You did, sir, and we all anxiously want to hear it. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 41 Tliomas. — What will it be about, sirl Andreto. — I slioukl like a tale about giants. John. — But I like voyages and adventures, full of peril and daring ; such as the travels of Captain Cook. Thomas. — As for mo, I love those quaint, beautiful home stories, of the domestic afi'cctions, such as Miss Bremer gives us. Teacher. — Well, I don't know that the story I have to tell will satisfy any of your peculiar tastes ; but it may exercise your ingenuity. It is certainly a story about a voyage. John. — All right ! It will suit me, I warrant ! Teacher. — And in the end, it is a story that should find its way to every home, since it concerns every fireside. Thomas. — Now, then, it will be just the thing for me ! Teacher. — It relates to a giant, one of the greatest and most wicked giants of modern times. Andrew. — ^That's funny ! for it appears as though it would suit all of us at one and the same time. Teacher. — My story may be called a simile, or parable, and I want you to see whether you can discover my meaning ; that is, whether you can guess what the lesson is which I would have you learn, simply by unravelling the meaning of the parable I will endeavour to speak. John. — All right, sir ! I understand. But pray do not forget to bring in the voyages and adventures. Andrew. — And also the giant, if you please. Thomas. — Above all, sir, make it a nice story that I can carry home to my father and mother. . Teacher. — ^I will endeavour to please you all. Well, to begin in the usual orthodox style : — Once upon a ^1; V ^^& hi tr 42 THE CANADIAN time, a well-made, well-shaped, strong, beautiful vessel named " Hope," started out from a secure haven, to cross the ocean. At first she glided easily down the calm river — there were no dangers there — every foot of the river's bed waa known ; and so long as the vessel kept to the usual track, there could be no danger whatever. But presently she shot out into the ocean ; at first the rippling waves only dashed gaily against tlie trim craft, as if to welcome her to deep waters ; but by-and bye, land was lost sight of, and storms arose. The waves leapt high in the air. The ship's sails flapped and cracked in the storm. The vessel creaked and laboured, yet gallantly kept her own against the waves. Every one that leapt upon her deck, she quickly threw off again. While the winds blew thei' ^rst, her masts bent like reeds, and they j^assed her. juao there was an- other ship riding close to them which seemed to suffer more. It ploughed the sea deeply, its sails were rent, its masts broken, it seemed unable to hold its own against the elements. All at once on board the good ship " Hope," the man at the look-out reported in a loud voice — '* Bocks ahead I" Immediately the helm was turned, they tacked on another course, and safely reached their harbour. But what of the other shipl It was cautioned in stentorian tones. " Rocks ahead /" was shouted. But it was weakened, crippled, and dis- mantled ; so it drifted on and on, and was shivered to a thousand ato ..s on the huge boulders of stone which stood erect iu mid-ocean. John. — That's a capital story ! But I can't say that I know what it means, sir. TEMPBRANCB RECITER. 43 •11 Andrew. — And I've seen no signs of my giant yet. Thomas, — Will you forgive my presumption in guess- ing, if I should chance to be wrong, sir 1 Teacher. — Cerlainly, Thomas : proceed ! Thomas. — The ship " Hope" is our youth. It is built up in the secure haven of home, and the good ship- wrights are our dear parents, who endeavor to build lis up strong against temptation and the pos-^ible dangers of life. Teacher. — Quite right, Thomas; you underatiind me, I see. Thomas. — So long as our youth was subject to home and home influences, it was comparatively safe. But we launch out into the ocean of life ; the waves of adversity and temptation assail us ; and unless we are well provided with power to resist them, and have moral courage enough to throw them from us, we are in danger. The winds of trial and suffering may How ; but if we bend humbly before them, they will pass us over, and we shall leap erect again ; and if we keep a good look-out, we shall see all the "Rocks ahead" of us i\ the yhape of temptations of any kind. We shall then pass them by, and eventually reach the great Eternal Harbour of Refuge, safe and sound, after our trials and experiences. Teacher. — ^Well done, Thomas ! You have interpreted me better than I could have anticipated ! John. — Why, now, I begin to see the drift too: -And the other vessel is the man who traverses the ocean of life with ho safeguards, no mainstays to cling to in the hour of peril and danger. He has not built himself up . ,^'.i ■ } i'v ..^!': •1 « ! ■ f'l i^i H V - . ' it" ' i ■'^ 9H 44 THE CANADIAN strongly. The winds of adversity blow, and find him unprepared to resist them. The waves of affliction dash over and whelm him with terrific force. He splits on the *' Rocks ahead !" — the rocks of temptation. He cannot resist them nor steer away from them ; and powerless because of his continued companionship with bad habits, he is drifted ou to them, and is wrecked, ruined for ever T Andrew. — But the giants haven't come in yet. Teacfier. — The Giant is the Evil of Drunkenness, one of the most gigantic " Eocks ahead " of modern times ; one upon which thousands of those noble and God-like vessels, iie Human Soul Divine, are wrecked annually. This is tlie great " Rock ahead " which I would have vou all avoid, for a thousand sunken reefs surround it. We want every boy in the Dominion to declare against the drink traffic ; to be a warning beacon to every **Rock ahead," to keep off even the old mariners. We want them to be the lighthouse on the dangerous reef, to say- — " We are put here to warn you away : keep off !" Andrew.— 1 read in the " Globe " newspaper the other day, a short paragrapli written by the Editor, to the following efi'ect : " Drunkenness iri the giant curse of tlie age." There is no doubt it is the "Rock ahead" upon which thousands of our fellow-countrymen are wrecked. Teacher. — And the " Globe," Andrew, is by no moans a set.ond " Temperance Advocate," so we ought to value that testimony proportionately, you know. Thomas. — Well, thank you, air, for the nice story you have told us. I'm sure it ia one to take home TEMPERANCE RECITER. 45 him dash. t« on He and with (cked. IS, ono times ; )d-like anally. i have und it. against every We us reef, sp off !" other to the Tse of ihoad " ten are i. moans |o valne story home to my father and mother, and I hope will please them. Teacher. — It is one that I wish every father in the Dominion would take to heart, that they might huild up q their yomig vessels strong against the temptations, and against the chances of splitting, for want of strength and guidance, upon the treacherous " Rocks ahead !" John. — Mjr desire has been satisfied, for it's a nautical and adventurous story. ^!Hi4 Andrew. — And there was a terrific giant, big enough to satisfy anybody, I'm snre ! Teacher. — Let us hope, Andrew, that it is a giant you will have to battle with ! TJiomas. — If I have, I will fight him with this ! — (Holds up a 2^led(ie-card or paper.) John. — And I with this ! Andrew. — And I with this ! Teacher. — Your 'i emperance pledges ! I urn glad you seem to know what weapons will conquer him. But nov I must be going ; so I wish you good-bye. — (Shaken hands. ) TEMPTATION : A DIALOGUE FOR FIVE YOrTHS. Hrnry. — Good evening, friends ; have you heard the news 1 All. — No ; — what is it 1 Henry. — WeU, I am sorry to say, that Arthur Weak has lost his situation at Mr. Sharp's. Tom. — It is just what I expected from the way he lias been going on lately, for he has changed ^-ery much '^>% ■ «. ' m H -' ' ' v\> ' 'W * 1 e^ rJ^E }\\ ' •'-! * ■ *fJ 'ni^l ■ftm . 1 *■• • '*'-? , T. •', '•!> • -n, i t ,'. ^ , H/ ■ 1 < ' 1. ' . t ' ;- 1 :-.^ -r' M 46 THE CANADIAN fiince he took up with that young fellow from London ; and yet I am sorry he has lost his situation, especially for the sake of his poor mother and sister ! John.- — Yes, it will be a bad job for them. Poor little Maggie will feel it very much ; for she loves her brother, and is of such a gentle nature, that his evil ways will almost break her heart. William. — Pray, Harry, tell us how it happened ; and what was the cause of his dismissal from Mr. Sharp's ; for I am sure that gentleman would not have parted with him unless there had been some very good reason for his so doing. Henry. — Well, the account I have heard is this : — About a week ago, Arthur was sent to the post-office with a letter containing a five pound note, addressed to a certain gentleman in London ; which it appears he has never received. On the gentleman informing Mr. Sharp of the fact, he sent for Arthur and questioned him about it. He said that he posted the letter the same evening, on his way home ; but the Post-office Authorities say that they cannot discover any traces of its having passed through their hands ; and although Mr. Sharp lias never had any reason to suspect Arthur before, yet he appeared so much confused when he was questioned upon the subject, and has been so much out of late, that the master thought it his duty to dismiss him at once ; and what they will do now, I'm sure I cannot tell ; for you know they are only in very poor circum- stances; and little Maggie being such a delicate child, requires much care and support. Torn. — Yes, we cannot help feeling sorry for poor TEMPERANCE RECITER. iT lis : — b-office sed to irs lie a Mr. o ;tioned [er the ^t-office Lces of jhougli [Arthur little Maggie, she is such a sweet-tempered child, and speaks so kindly and wisely to her brother. I'm sure, if you had heard her the other evening, talking to him in her gentle way, you would have wondered how h& could so far forget his duty as to neglect her advice. She was warning him against taking up so much with Boh Martin, from London, and begging him to give up his acquaintance, as he would only lead him astray, and cause him to neglect his duties at Mr. Sharp's. William. — I only wish she had been successful in making him give up that fellow's companionship ; for, since he came here, Arthur has not been like himself. He used to be the best fellow in the world ; and no one was more respected than he, while his kindness to his mother and sister was the talk and admiration of our village. But now he is quite changed, and has at last got himself into disgrace, and btouglit sorrow nnd suf- fering upon those he ought to h "e protected and com- forted in their needs. Tom. — For my own part, I blame ^ b Martin for Arthur's .''isgrace ; for it is he who has \eC him do\\ n- wards. I always thought no good would come of their friendship. I wish he had kept with us, inst< ud of passing his time at the " Black Bull," with such a fast young man as Martin ! John. — But Arthur is much to blame for yield int'- .o- temptation ; he ought not so easily be led away irom the safe and honourable path of duty, — especially as he knew what was right, and that his mother and sister depended upon him for their support. Tom. — Yet, it is a hard thing to bo tempted ; and to iH I r 1 » t I ' .p •< ■4 48 THE CANADIAN a person of Arthur's kind, yielding nature, it is very easy for any strong-willed companion to lead them astray. But as we appear to know very little of the true facts of the affair, I think it would be well to get Harry to call at Mrs. Weak's and learn the true cause of this unfortu-' nate dismissal. Henry. — Well, I shall be very glad to call upon Arthur to-night, and speak to him upon his evil con- duct, if you are all agreeable. He may yet be brought to see the folly of his ways ; and become once more the fine steady fellow he was in former days. William. — Pray, do so, Harry ; for we know that he will listen to you sooner than to any of us. So we will wish you good-bye for the present, hoping you may prove successful in bringing him back to a proper sense of his duty. ^ Henry. — Good bye, then, for the present ; and I hope* when next we meet, I shall have good news to tell you. (Exit Henry.) * j > (Arthur, seated on a chair, with his head bowed uj^on his hands.) [Enter Henry. \ Henry. — Good eveninf]^, Arthur; I'm sorry to find you in this sad condition ! You begin to find no^v, I hope, that the way of the transgressor is hard. It has been a great source of grief to us, to see you treading the downward path to ruin, misled by that wild young fellow, Bob Martin, who, I am sorry to say, is not a proper companion for any steady } )ung man. Arthur. — Now, Harry, don't begin to lecture me in TEMPERANCE RECITER. 4^ that manner I I'm miserable enough without you help- ing it ; for this world is a miserable place to live in at any- time. Henry, — Nay, Arthur, it is not the world that is at fault ; it in the evil people in it who cause all the mis- chief. Oui' creator has given us a world of beauty, and provided us with everything necessary for our happiness ; but sinful men have marred its beauty, and brought sorrow and shame upon its inhabitants. Then do not blame the world, for it teems with scenes of loveliness to give enjoyment to the children of men ; but rai^her look upon it as a school in which the soul is prepared for a higher and holier state of existence. Why are we here % Ah ! is it not to grow more meet for heaven, and its love to knovi i Arthur. — Oh ! do not speak to me of Heaven ! It is a place in which I have no part, now ! My sister Maggie is better qualified to converse with you upon the glories of that happy land, £or she is always speaknig of its angels, and singing hymns of their fadeless joys. But I never again can become like her, so pure and good, so gentle and so kind ! Oh, my sister ! why did I not heed your warnings, and shun the sins that so easily beset me ? I Would then still have been respected, and need not have bowed my head in shame ! Leave me, Harry ! leave me alone to my despair, and let me hide my guilty head from all who loved me in happier days ! Henry. — Nay, — do not despair ! All may yet be well. Mr. Sharp may yet be prevailed upon to forgive you^ and receive you again into his office. We can soon make up the lost money ; and I have no doubt that, after con- ., 1 ; t *■ ■ '> ' i.,. • T a 50 THE CANADIAN «idering your past good conduct, and making allowance for the temptation into which Martin has led you, he will overlook your faults, and give you another chance of redeeming your character. Arthur. — Oh, Harry ! — do you think there is yet a chance for me 1 I now see the folly and sin of my evil ways, and would earnestly strive to remedy tae wrong I have committed, by being more careful in the future. But I assure you, with all my faults, I have not yet sunk so low as to be guilty of theft. Ko, — I am not yet a thief ! I did not steal the note contained in that letter. After leaving the office on that unfortunate night, I met Martin, and he persuaded me to go and have a glass at the " Bull." We went, and from one glass I took more, until I became intoxicated. I at length rose to go home, quite forgetting the letter I ought to have posted some hours before. In the morning I remembered it, and has- tened to take it from my pocket ; when, to my surprise and dismay, I found it missing. I had either lost it or some one had taken it from me. Henry. — Did Martin know you had a letter contain- ing money, in your possession'? » Arthur. — Yes, he did ; because I told him just as he was going into the "Bull," that I had a very important letter to post, and that I could not stay long, or I should be too late for the mail. Hcjiry. — Then I should not be much surprised if he had taken the letter from your pocket during the time you were in a state of drunkenness. People such as he, generally prove false- friends, and get all they can from their poor unconscious victims, and then leave them to TEMPERANCE RECITER. 61 take the consequence of their folly in trusting such vil- lains as companions! Arthur. — Do you really think he is guilty of such a mean, cowardly action ; especially after professing to be such a faithful friend of mine 1 Arthur. — I have no doubt of it; for a young man who passes his time in public houses every night, and idles at street cornera during the day, instead of following some useful occupation, cannot be an honest fellow ; besides* he has always plenty of money to spend, although ho never works for it. Arthur. — I do believe you are right; and I at last begin to see my folly in being so easily led into evU by him ; but I trust I shall never be guilty of such sinful weakness again ; and if I only have the chance of obtain- ing again the place I have lost, I shall endeavour to prove to you all that I am yet capable of reformation; for it shall be my earnest task to wipe away the stain that now rests on my character ! Henry. — That's right, Arthur! you begin to speak as a man ought to do ; and I have no doubt, before long, you will once more become the Arthur of former days. Good-bye for the present; the next time we meet, I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in your former situa- tion. Arthur. — Good-bye, Harry! and may God bless you for the comfort you have given me ! (Exit.) [ Enter Henry, Tom, John, and William. ] John. — Well, what news have you got for us, Harry] Henry. — Oh! joyful tidings! Arthur has acknow- t ■, '/ 02 THE CANADIAN ledged his folly, and promiflfid to amend his life. On condition he does so, Mr. Sharp has consented to give him another trial. He has given up the company of Boh Martin, signed the pledge, and seems determined to win hack the good name he once possessed. Tom. — ^Well done, Arthur ! I'm glad to hear he has come to his senses again ! William. — I have heard that Arthur did not take that missing bank-note. Henry.— ^o, he did not ; it is now thought that Mar- tin was the thief ! , ;, [^Enter Arthur. '\ Arthur. — Good evening, friends ! For such I still be- lieve you to be, although I do not merit your friendship after treating you as I have done. I now come to ask your forgiveness for my past conduct, and to be once more received as your companion. Martin and I have parted company, and I have just heard that the police have taken him up for attempting to rob a till at the Black Bull. I shall never forget the lesson I have had, nor the great danger I have escaped by giving up his company ! And now, my friends, let me thank you all for the kind interest you have taken in my reformati..n. There is light once more in our cottage-home : my dear mother again smiles upon me, and calls me her comfort and support ; and* my gentle sister cheers me on with her words of tenderness and love ; and I sincerely hope that, with the help of Him that is ever ready to assist the weakest of his children, I shall ever remain honest and steady through life, and do my best to assist others who, like myself, have yielded to temptation. TEMP£RANOE RECITER. 53 HAIL TO THE jpqUM'AIN. All hail to the glass tliat is filled from the fountain Which flows pure and sparkling, our thirst to allay ; That glides through the valley, or springs from the mountain, While health, peace, and plenty attend on its way. Let us shun the rich draught that would madden our senses. And leave us enfeebled, degraded, and poor; Enjoy the pure blessing which nature dispenses, And drink of the cup of excitement no more. Let us strive the poor drunkard from vice to deliver. And ask him to joini in the abstinence plan, Till all drinking customs are banished forever, No more to destroy the best interests of man. May the " cup of cold water " draw down a rich blessing On all who present it with feelings of love ; And may we partake of those times of refreshing. Which comes from the life-giving Fountain above. 1; j> - TEMPERATE DRINKERS. It is said that very many drink moderately and '^ uard- edly through a long course of years, preserving to old age a sound constitution and vigorous intellect, whicli' could not bo the case if the natural effects of alcoholi«^ drinks were such as have been depicted. Now, that some men live long in spite of moderate drmking no more proves that practice safe and healthful ■?<* ; I- 54 THE CANADIAN i|| than the fact that some soldiers who fought through all Napoleon's wars are still alive proves fighting a vocation conducive tb longevity. That some persist in drinking without drinking immoderately is true ; but the natural tendency of drinking at all is nevertheless from less to more, and from more to indisputable excess. There are many vices of which the natural, obvious penalty is not inflicted on every one who commits them, yet no man doubts the connection between the sin and the punish- ment. Some men steal so moderately and slyly that they are never detected by man ; yet no one doubts that stealing is a crime, and that every crime meets its proper punishment. That some men drink liquors yet do not die drunkards is true, as it also is that some habitual drunkards live to old age ; yet it is none the less true that drinking leads to drunkenness, and drunkenness shoicens life. The laws of the universe are vindicated alike by their usual consequences and the apparent ex- ceptions. Thousands die prematurely every year in consequence of drinking, who never were thoroughly drunk in their lives. One man drinks three glasses and loses his reason ; another drinks six, or even ten, and seems wholly unaffected. Men say of tlie latter, *' He has a strong head ;" and cigar-puffing, wine-bibbing youngsters are apt to envy him ; yet he is far more likely to die in consequence of drinking than his neighbour • whom three glasses knock over. The former retains the poison in his system, and it silently preys upon him ; in the latter, Nature, revolting at the deadly potion, makes a convulsive r%rt and throws it off. He is damaged by the liquor, not by its ejectment, whatever he may fancy. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 55 Intoxication is a kindly though ungentle ministration, whose object is relief and recovery. Drinking is not evil because it produces intoxication, but intoxication is ordained to limit the physical evils of drinking. Let no free drinker, therefore, glory in his ability to drink much without intoxication ; for, in the natural course of events, he will need his coffin much sooner than if liquor easily overcame him. Banish, if you can, all thought of God and his judg- ments, — forget or deny your immortality, — deride the idea of restricting or qualifying your own gratification for the sake of kindred, friends, country, or race, — regard yourself merely as an animal that has happened here to sport a brief summer, then utterly perish, — and still is it not a palpable mistake to drink anything that intoxi- cates 1 Why should it intoxicate if it be not essentially a poison 1 Is there any other substance claimed to be innocent and wholesome in moderate quantities which drowns the reason if the amount taken be increased 1 Why seek enjoyment in such a perilous and dubious way, — a .path paved with the bones of millions after millions who have fallen in pursuing it — when innocent and healthful pleasures everywhere surround and invite you] Lived there ever a human being, who regretted at death that he had through life refrained from the use of stim- ulating drinks '\ and how countless the millions who have with reason deplored such use as the primary, fatal mis- take of their lives ! Surely, from the radiant heavens above us, the dust once quickened beneath us, conies to the attentive ear a voice, which impressively admonishes, ^'bb wise while it is oa_lled To-Day." ■■ ■ill Sf 11 . M'.r- w \- ■ ^- ,'.'■.' "■ . "■;■;:' H THB CANADIAN Scene. A FINISHED EDUCATION. Characters — Edward and Henry. -Henry alone in his study. Enter Edward with a cigar in his hand. Edward, Hurrah ! this winds up school days. Now for life. Henry. Heigho ! you appear to have steam up this morning. E, Yes, sir, and something's got to move. But what are you moping over books for 1 Come, put away the rubbish, and take a turn with me. //. Not so fast, my fly-uway. Suppose you throw away your rubbish, — I mean that cigar you are making such a liouri.*?h with, — and let us have a little chat. You're getting into such a fume, I shouldn't like to trust myself to go with you just now. E. Oh ! nonsense ! You're a natural-born old fogy and you'll never know anything about life. I suppose you mean to grub away at your books until you get to be as wise and as stupid as Professor Brown, who is always in a brown study, and don't know enough to tie a cravat. //. You talk a good deal about life ; perhaps there's more in that word than you think of. E. Yes, sir, I know there is. I'm like a bird that's been shut up these ten years in a cage of a sphool-room. How could I know anything about life 1 But now the door's open, and I'lli bound to have my liberty. //. Liberty to do what ? E. Why, whatever comes into my head. I can smoke when I like ; I can go out nights, and come in when I TBVPHIUKCK RSCITER. w please ; I can have a jolly spree with the boys, and have good times generally, without any old Brown to do me brotcm for it. H. According to your own story, you have merely chosen a new master, or rather, many masters, in place of Professor Brown. You expect to obey whatever notion comes into your head. Your fancy or your appe- tite will say, " Smoke," and you'Jl smoke. Your com- panions will say, " Let's have a jolly spree," — that i% "Let's drink wine until wo are half crazy and can enjoy acting uproarious and silly," — and you'll obey them and make a fool of yourself. Professor Brown never required anything half so unreasonable. E. But you know a fellow must sow his wild oats ! //. 1 don't know any jutist of the kind. I have de- termined to see life too, and to have my liberty, and there shall be no must like that over me. E. You're a queer fellow ; you never would do like the rest of us ; but I can't help liking you. H. Thank you for your friendship. I wish I might use it for your benefit. E«l-.^ard, you have never really thought what life is. Look at youi-self a moment ; you can think soundly if you'll only hold still long enough. You're not half the reprobate you sometimes seem. You have a body and a soul. They are for you to improve or ruin. You can put them under training that will make them stronger, better,, and happier, or you can suf- fer them to be made weak, mean and miserable. Now, which course iS true life 1 E. But you would cut off all a fellow's i'an. H, No, but I would stop his folly. Don't I enjoy m THE CANADIAN sport as well as you 1 I don't want to brag, but I'll ask who was the best skater on the pond yesterday ? Who has been the captain of your ball-club and the leader on the academy playground ? E. You, of course ; that's why I like you, in spite of your preaching. H. Isn't thr, preaching, as you call it, true ? Don't quarrel with the truth. I want to have the best par-, of me — the soul- -as healthy and vigorous as the body, and both of them as noble as they can be made. That's my idea of life. JS. [Throws away Ms rigar.] I know you're right, and if I could always be with you, I shouldn't get so wild. H. There's your weakness, and hence your danger in choosing foolish c(mipany. You are too ready to join in with every one you meet. Set yourself to be a man after your own ideas of right. You've a better right to lead others in a good way than they have to lead you wrong ; and the true way to become a leader is to rule yourself* Eut come, now we've had a long talk, and as I see you've thrown away your sign of weakness, I'll take a walk wich you. THE BEGINNING AND ENpiNG. Characters. — William and Edward. William. I say, Ned, what harm is there in a social, TEMPERANCE RECITER. 59 moderate glass of wine 1 It is certainly a very agreeable way of pasjing a leisure hour. Edward. Undoubtedly young men find the exhilara- tion of wine and jovial intercourse very agreeable ; it is upon this admitted fact that the counsel " Look not upon the wine" is based. It is its very pleasantness that makes it so dangerous. However delightful at first, re- member that " at last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." W. Not at the firsts E. No, not at first. Did it bite at first, who would tamper with it 1 Did the sting come at the beginning of the indulgence, who would be led astray 1 The pleasure is first, the sting afterwards ! Herein is the danger of looking on wine. W. But at the first it sparkles and cheers. E. At the lust it poisons and maddens. W. At the first it excites mirth and song. E. It produces sorrow and curses at the last. W. It kindles up the eye, and animates the face, yea, 'the whole frame of man. E. True, it does at first, yet it is but temporary ; at the last it gives sadness of eyes, bloats the body, and de- forms the visage. TF". It is a thing of good feeling and fellowship. E. In the beginning ; but it is an affair of fiends, fighting and murder at the end. • W. It quickens the brain, and gives brilliancy to the conversation. E. But at last it robs the mind of its strength, thickens the tongue, and degrades conversation by idiotic gibberish. •1 ■ - -iii ,^, -. ■;^i. ti. » -Hi 'IIP'"'' 60 THB CANADIAN W* You pitch it strong, — you are blinded so as to 8©e no good in it. You look only on the dark side of the matter. E. You are right in all but the blindness. There is need of being strong, to resist the seductive wiles of the tempter. There is only a dark side to intemperance ; it has no bright side ; it is a cloud, — a dark, black cloud, without any silver lining. W. [Aside.^ I'll try him again, — I may vanquish him yet. Say, Ned, is not wine the agreeable excite- ment of an evening 1 K At first it may be so ; but at last it is the long drawn agony of an endless perdition. It brings, at the end, the ** wine of the wrath of God, poured out without mixture." W. Ned, you almost convince me of the soundness of your position. ' ' E. Will you wait till you feel the serpent's bite, the adder's sting, before you take alarm ? Pause now, and take a determined stand against the tempter. Pledge yourself to lifelong total abstinence. Nothing short of this is safe. Do this, in the fear of God, and no power can hurt you. W, I will do it, for I hate to show myself a coward, and De ruled by so tyrannical and deceptive a master. I am bound to be free, even if I have to take a pledge, and give up a life of so-called pleasure. I shall be the gainer by the bargain ; for, in exchange for inglorious and transient pleasure, I shall have, all my life, a clear conscience, cool head, warm heart, steady hand, and strong constitution. TEMPBRANCB RBOITBR. THE ELECTION SCENE : OR, TUB POPULAR AND THE UNPOPULAR CANDID ATB. 6f "•\i charaoteks represented. Chairman. Brown Stout The Unpopular Candidate. Henry Crystal The Popular Candidate. 1st Speaker, ) 2nd Speaker, > Part of the Crowd. 8rd Speaker, ) A little audience of listeners must he formed for the Candidates ; or the general audience will do ; the *'speaJc ers" shouting from their midst, and doing the " cheering^* " hissing" '., j''.^' I spent it all in treating, John, Because I loved you so ; But mark me, how you've treated me, John Alcohol, my foe ! John Alcohol, my foe, John, We've been too long together ! So you must take one road, John, And I shall take another ! For we may tumble down, John, If hand in hand we go, And I should have the bill to pay, John Alcohol, my foe ! John Alcohol, my foe, John, You've coloured up my een. And lighted up my nose, John, A fiery sign between ! My hands with palsy shake, John, My looks are like the snow : Ye'll surely be the death o' me, John Alcohol, my foe ! John Alcohol, my foe, John, 'Twas love of you, I ween. That made me rise so early. And sit so late at e'en ! The best of friends must part, John, It grieves me sore to know ; But I'U go no more with you, John, John Alcohol, my foe ! TEMPEBA.NCE RECITER. 67 John Alcohol, my foe, John, You've done me very wrong ! So now I'll part from you, John ; For you no more I'll long ! I'll join the Temp'rance band, John ; You need not say me no ! It's better late than never, John, John Alcohol, my foe ! TRIAL OF THE SALOON NUISANCE, IN THE COURT OF COMMON JUSTICE. (Before Mr. Justice Fairplay.) THE PUBLIC GOOD verms JOB SNEAK. characters : Judge. Twelve Jurymen. Clerk of the Court. Mr. G00DMAN5 Q. C. , Counsel for the Plaintiffs. Mr. Slippy, Q.C, Counsel for the Defendant. John Faithful, \ Patrick Murphy, ( ^rr.. Joseph Toothful, ( ^ itnesses. William Peaceful, ) Job Sneak, The Defendant. Attendants, &c. Clerh, — (to the Jury.) — Gentlemen of the Jury, I charge you, in the name of the people, that you shall try this case fairly, as between man and man, showing no favour, but judging on the evidence to be brought ■iii . Y^ 68 TUE CANADIAN before you, in the light of reason, intelligcuce, and religion. Ooodimm. — My Lord, and Gentlemen of the Jury; the case I have to bring before you is one of vast importance to the public at largo, and one which, I am sure, will receive your enlightened attention. This action is brought under the 99th Section of the Act for the Promotion of the Public Welfare, which provides for the removal of all nuisances from the public streets. The defendant is the keeper of a saloon on the corner of Union-Street, known by the name of the Jolly Dogs, and T shall show you, gentlemen, that that name is not an inappropriate one. The house in question was erected contrary 'be wishes of the peaceful inhabitants of that street ; and such has been its fearful character, that we ask you, in the name of common justice, to order its removal at once, or its conversion into some- thing useful to the public at large. Slippy, — (interrupting.) — If your Worship will please to examine the Act in question, I feel sure you will see at once that it does not apply to the case in dispute. The plaintiffs are unquestionably out of court. Judge. — With all due deference, Mr. Slippy, to your logical acumen, I think the Act does apply in this case, and, therefore, I must overrule your objection. Goodman. — We have no wish to press the case very heavily against the defendant, and therefore we do aot ask for damages ; we have no wish to injur© the man, but we ask for the nuisance to be removed. We have several most respectable witnesses in attendance, who, I have no doubt, will prove to your satisfaction that this TEMPERANCE RECITER. 69 * .41.1, III place is a nuisance ; and if so, tho intelligent jury will have no difficulty in finding a verdict for the plaintifts. The first witness I shall call is John Faithful. [Enter John.] [The following oath i^ administered by thech'rk : — **I solenir'T gwear that I will speak the truth, the whole truth, and noth.iif; but the truth."] Qoodmat}. — Vou live in Union Street, I believe? John. — Yes, sir. Goodman. — And you know the Jolly Dogs in that street ) John. — I do, sir, to my sorrow. ^ Ooodiiian. — Will you please to tell the gentlemen of tho jury what you know about it ? John. — Well, gentlemen, before this place was licensed, six months ago, for the sale of liquor, there was not a quieter nor a more respectable street In the country than ours. We never had any disturbance of any kind. But since the Jolly Dogs was opened, it )ias been quite the reverse, and the inhabitants are determined to leave it if this nuisance be not removed. The defendant has made a skittle-alley, a bowling green, and every other contrivance for gamblinj* ; and has also opened a music hall, where impudent young females sing and dance ; and these, with various other contrivances, have suc- ceeded in turning the strcuL from a peaceful neighbour- hood into a hell-upon-earth for six days in the week. Slippy. — Have you ever been in this house ? John. — I have not. I see enough outside of it with- out going inside. ' r V'"; i 1 '<■"' I 70 THE CANADIAV ■ . i.> i, Slippy. — Mark that, gentlemen ! He has never been inside the house. Goodman. — Have you ever hoard anything going on inside as j'oii have been passing by 1 John. — I have. Goodman. — Will you tell the intelligent jury what you have heard] John. — I have heard lighting, dancing, swearing, brawling, and almost everything disgusting to the ears of a respectable person. Slippy. — You own a considerable portion of the pro- perty in Union-Street, I believe 1 John. — I do, sir. Slij)py. — And you sold the land wliore the Jolly Dogs is built i John. — I did, but not for the purpose of having a saloon built upon it. Sooner tlian that, I would have given it away ! If this nuisance is not removed, every respectable tenant will leave my houses ! Goodman. — That will do ; you may stand down. We shall next examine Patrick Murphy. [Enter PatricJr.] [The oath is administered the same as before.] Goodman. — Now, Patrick — — Pat. — My name is Pat, if you plase, your rivirence ; Pat Murphy. Goodman. — Ah, indeed ; I must say you've got a very iligant name ! Was that the name they gave you at the Jolly Dogs 1 Pat. — Faith, no, your worship's honour ; they used to call me the Bull and Terrier. ■ n Ml TEMPERANCl RECITER. 71 Goodman. You have bcjen a froquont customer at this ; touse, have you not ] Fat. — I have, your lordship's honour ! Goodman. — You must say lordship when you address the judge. If you say sir to me, it will do. Now just tell the intelligent gentlemen in the jury-box what you know about the Jolly Dogs. Pat. — Well, gintlemin, you niust know that before they put up this jerry-shop, as they call it, I was a tidy, hard-working boy ; but afterwards I got into bad ways, and was one of the noisiest boys in the place. What I have seen carried on in that place, I should be ashamed to tell ; but I'm proud to say that I've mended my ways, and become a sober man ! Slippy. — Do you mean to say that you've ever seen any thing but what was respectable 1 Pat. — That I do, an it plaise you. Slippy. — Well, come, have you seen anything worse than what takes place every day in your own country 1 Pat. — Aisy now, if you plaise! ould Oirland's an filigant place, and sure the Oirish are the finest English- men in the world ! {Laughter.) Slippy. It's not a bad one that, to be sure ! Pat. — A mere slip o' the tongue, your highness. Slippy. — I suppose you recollect Mr. Sneak kicking I you out of the Jolly Dogs ? Pat. — I should like to see aither him or you do that same ! Slippy. — So you mean to say that he didn't forbid you to enter the house on account of the disturbance you I made 1 'Si 'i '^>, ' ■:.">^" ►*> :4 72 THE CANADIAI W "H Pat. — Why, 1 was just the broth of a boy that helped him to keep the house quiet ; but we couldn't do it, and 80 I left the house in disgust, and howly St. Patrick forgive me if ever I go again ! Goodman. — And you really think the place is a nuis- ance, and ought to be removed 1 Fat— I do ! Gcndman. — That will do ; you may now retire. Our next witness is William Peaceful. [Enter Willimn.] [Thecievk comincnccs to administer the oath, but is stopped by Mr. Peaceful.] William. — Friend, I will speak the truth, as before] Gcd, but I will not swear. Judge. — Are you a member of the Society of Friends 1 1 William. — I am. Judge. — You are exempted from the oath. You may now proceed, Mr. Goodman. ' •- Goodman. — You reside on Union Street, I b'>lie\i\ Mr Peaceful? ^--••'■'m-! .v.^v,!'-.----«,, .*,. !■.-•. j^--'- ■■- ■ ''■'"'"' William. — 1 do. '.^ M[ Jt-r:.... ■,.-.„,;:;. ..:^„.j. Goodman. — And you know thero is a place called the I Jolly .Dogs at the corner of that street ? William. — 1 do indeed know of such a plac^ ; and have from time to time iiftrd up my voice against it 5tf| an abomination in the sight of Heaven and of all goodj men. Goodman. — I suppose you Are not in the habit of fre-j nuenting such places 1 William. -I am not. 1 should fear to ventuw int 8uch dark places of iniquity, lest my feet should slip, and I TEMPERANCE RECITER. 73 my bones be broken asunder. The place whereof thou hast spoken is a nuisnnce that stiukoth in the nostrils of all the pure and upright ; it is an eyesore and a plague ; it is a trap for the unwary; and >oung men, void of understanding, are there enticed into a den of thieves, and their character destroyed. My voice shall continue to cry out against it until it is removed from where it now existeth, and no more exal i'tli its wicked liead araong the pleasant places of the earth ! SUpj'i/. — Now, Mr. Peaceful, I will guarantee that you have never seen the defendant in this action ! William. — I have seen his victims, friend. Slippy. — But you have never seen the man himself. William. — Friend, thou hast had my answer. I am not a man given to much speaking, and, therefore, my responses are short and to the point. Juflgp. — It is your opinion that the place is a honajido nuisance? ./ ,-^ _ . , ./ William. — It is one of the worst places of its kind. A quiet neighbourhood is disturbed by its brawls, and it has become unsafe for decent people to pas^ the neighbourhood ; such is the assembly of wicked and un- holy men aronnd the door. Goodman. — That will do, Mr. Peaceful ; you may re- tire. Our remaining witness is Joseph Toothful. ,. rf» ■J^'^'^M^i [_Eaier Joseph.] admihlMtered as before.] Goodman. — Do you live in Union-Street, Mr. Toctl Jo**eph.- — I do, sir, --.":■.. ' --^-■■- 3 t r 74 THE CANADIAN Goodman. — And you are well acquainted with a place there called the Jolly Dogs 1 Joseph. — Yes, sir, I know it well ; and so does every- body in that neighbourhood. I am not a teetotaler my- self, but I can't stand such places as the Jolly Dogs. Goodman. — Ah, you are not a teetotaler ; you take a toothful now and then ? You will be a very impartial, and, I may say, important, witness. Have you ever been inside this house % Joseph. — I have been inside once, but I will let it satisfy me ; for of all the drunken sights I ever saw, that crowned everything ! Men and women drunk ; children crying for their parents ; wives seeking hus- bands ; in fact, it was a sight never to be forgotten ! Goodman. — Do you know of any particular circum- stances of crime and misery that have been caused through this place 1 ' '^'' ^v- u r . v .v, -. , .;..... Joseph. — I should think I do ! Since it commenced, only six months ago, from among its customers four have been transported, fourteen sent to prison, several have been sold up for rent, twenty-two children have had to be kept by the corporation, owing to their parents being in gaol ; and many have had to leave the town on ac- count of losing their work through drunkenness. In fact, if the place be not closed, T have no hesitation in saying that the consequences will be fearful. Goodman. — That will do, Mr. Toothful ; you may re- tire. — (Exit Joseph.) — Gentlemen of the jury, this closes the case for the plaintiffs. "We could have brought be- fore you any number of witnesses ; but rather than ex- hau&t your patience, we made a selection of the four you tic( TEMPERANCE RECITER. 75 have had before you, and I have no doubt their clear evidence has satisfied your intelligent minds of the jus- tice of our cause. Slijypy. — My lord> and gentlemen of the jury, one side of a question always stands good until the other side is heard. No doubt you have been impressed with the eloquence of my learned friend ; but let me ren?ind you, gentlemen, that you have to deal with facts, and facts are stubborn things. You have heard a good deal about this house called the Jolly Dogs. Now, I have not the least hesitation in saying that I shall convince the en- lightened jury, that this is a well-built, respectable-] ook- ing house, and that it is also as well conducted as other houses of the same class. You will be able to judge of that from the plan of the house, which I will show you. — (He hands tlia plan to the judge, tvho examines it, and passes it to the jury.) — Gentlemen, we have expended five hundred pounds in the erection of that building, and my client has spared no expense in its internal arrange, ments. And, after that, I will not believe that the in. tolligent jury will condescend to truckle with the plaintiffs, and turn us out of the place. It is not our in- tention to call any witnesses, with the exception of the defendant himself, who, I am sure, will convince the minds of the jury, of his good intentions and honour- able motives. Job Sneak ! . ,^ V". .. [Enter Joh.'\ [Tlie oath is administered as before.] Slippy. — Mr. Sneak, you are the landlord of the Jolly Dogs, as well as the owner of the propert/, I believe % ■-••,- », m., ."•«•, . Joh.- -I am,, sir. 76 THE CANADIA* Sll//py. -Th(iii, will you please tell tf ^ jury the reason of this prosecuti-on against you ? Job. — Well, you see, gentlemen, as soon as I opened my }jouse, there was a teetotal chap came lecturing in the neighbourhood, and said all sorts of bad things about me and my house, which, of course, everybody believed who did JOpt come to see whether it was so or not. Slippy.— -Anti you have also some other enemies, I think, beside* Uie teetotalers 1 Job. — Well, jfitmi a few. There's one of them town- missionary cMsnj^ iflkMpt has rob^>ed me of several good customers, bes;ig my /character in a shame ful way. I am a pe^e^ul /w^i, afid 1 want to make an honest Hving quiet)/, I JMiy^ f/fiiAri/'Md nty houiie in a most respectable maurvtff, ai^ f $^Urv none but respect- able company ; and i€ J '-tf^ nMovfi^A w stop where I am, I believe I .shall give mA/mid/cXion t^/ <*' very body when 1 have per>«ua«nse, Goodni/xn. — T^> yon keep any dog*! at your house i Job. — Ye», we Wve tw<^ or three. Goodmart. \nA I m^m '^fni have a few innocent things called %l#ti^ cock«^ / ..:*, f,J(0VOi. TEMPERANCE RECITER. Goodman. — How many times have you been in piison % —(Job hesitates.) — Come, now, if you won't say, I can soon tell you myself! Job. — Well, if jou must have it, T have been three times. ' V Goodmari. — That will do ; you may retire to the Jolly Dogs. — (E.dt Job.) — Gentlemen, if this is the defence to the action, I need not occupy any more of your time. Our case is supported by ministers of religioUj Bible and tract societies, mechanics' institutes, temperance societies, and by almost every inhabitant in the town ; and 1 ask you in the name of common sense, if such men as the defendant are to be allowed to erect auch nuisances at their own discretion, to the disgust and alarm of all well-disposed and peaceable citizens % Gentlemen, I leave oar case with confidence in your baud.-, and pray for the Alroighty to guide you to a wise decision. Judge. — Gentlemen, the evidence has been placfd so clearly before you, that I need not detain you with any remarks of mine. If you think the place is a nuisaooe [in the sense of the Act, you will find for the plaintiffs; [if, on the other hand, you are satisfied with the evidence of the deffe^d^ajt, you will give him the benefit of your [decision, '" (The jury consult together for a few moments, and then turn to the judge. ) Jfudge,. — Gentleriien, are you all agreed upon your 'lict? Jfufeman. We are, my lord ! we nna a v^ict for jthe plaintiffs, and consider the nuisance ought to be amoved at once. ' w I'nh ' 11 III 78 THE CANADIAN Judge. — Gent/lemon, I quite agree with your verdict, which must therefore be recorded for the plaintiflfs. (Exeunt.) DEBATES OF CONSCIE^^CE WITH A DISTILLER, A WHOLESALE DEALER, AND A RETAILER. I'V.V \; "'J 7 n;:vT-(C"^04i5 ' uor •,?,f.,yn^ J: -t. DIALOGUE I. AT THE DISTILLERY. — FIRST INTERVIEW. Distiller. — Good morning, Mr. Conscience ; though I know you to be one of the earliest risers, especially of late, I hardly expected to meet you here at day-dawn. Conscience. — I am none too early, it seems, to find you at your vocation. But how are you going to dispose of this great black building 1 Distiller. — Why, I do not understand you. Conscience. — Wliat are you doing Avith these boiling craters, and that hideous worm there ? Distiller. — Pray explain yourself. Conscience. — Whose grain is that ? and what is bread called in the Bible? • \ ;^ ' > Distiller. — More enigmatical still. Conscience. — To what market do you mean to send that long row of casks 1 and how many of them will it take upon an average to dig a drunkard's grave ? Distiller.- — Ah, T understand you now. I was hoping TEMPERANCE RECITER. 79 that I had quieted you on that score. Eut T perceive you have come upon the old errand. You intend to read me another lesson on the sixth commandment. But what would you have me do 1 Conscience. — Put out these fires. Distiller. — Nay, but hear me. I entered into this business vv^ith your approbation. The neighbours all en- couraged mo ; they said it would open a fine market for their rye, and corn, and cider. Conscience. — ''The times of this ignorance God winked at — but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent." In one part of yoar defence, at least, you are incorrect. It was not my voice, but my silence, if any thing, which gave consent ; and I have always suspected there was some foul play in the matter, and that I was kept quiet for the time by certain deleterious opiates. Indeed, I distinctly recollect the morning bitters and evening toddy, which you were accustomed to give me ; and although I thought but little of it then, I now see that it deadened all my sensibilities. This, I am aware, is no excuse. I ought to have resisted — I ought to have refused, and to have paralyzed the hand which put the cup to my lips. And when you struck the first stroke on this ground, I ought to have warned you off with the voice of seven thunders. That I did not then speak out, and do my duty, will cause me extreme regret and self-reproach to the* latest hour of my life. Distiller. — But what, my dear Conscience, has made you all at once so much wiser, not only than your former self, but than hundreds of enlightened men in every community, whose piety was never doubted 1 I myself v. ■ 80 THE CANADIAN knoAv, and have heard of not a fow good Christians, in- cluding even deacons and elders, who still continue to manufacture ardent spirits, and think, or seem to think it right. Conscience. — And think it right ! Ask their con- science. I should like to witness some of those inter- views which take place in the night, and which make Christian Distillers — (what a solecism !) — so much more irritahle than they used to be. I know one of the brotherhood, at least, whose conscience has been goading him these live years, and yet he perseveres. Didillcr. — But if I stop, what will the people do ] Half the fanners in the township depend upon their rye and cider to pay their taxes, and even to support the Gospel. 'i^}5w.a.ic'jijai0ii£>i? jrvf. ^ ■ Conscience, — So, then, you are pouring out these streams of liquid death over the land, and burning up your own neighbours, to enable them to pay their taxes j and support religion ! Why don't you set up a coffin fac- 1 tory, to create a brisker demand for lumber, and so help the farmers to pny their taxes ; and then spread th^ | small-pox amons; the people, that they may die the faster, and thus increase your business,, and give you a fair I profit? It will not do. I tell you, that I can give you no peace till you put out these lires and destroy that] worm. .^-:^.-:. .:;..';;-*■■ • Distiller. — How can 1 1 Here is all my living, espe- cially since, as you know, my eldest son fell into badj habits, in spite of all the good advice I daily gave h^'mj and squandered wliat might have afforded me a comfor| table independence. Ill TEMPERANCE RECITER. 81 Conscience. — Suppose you wore now in Jkazil, and the owner of a large establishment to lit out slave traders with handcuffs for the coast of Africa, and could not change your business without considerable pecuniary sacrifice ; would you make the sacrifice, or would you keep your fires and hammers still going % Distiller. — Why do you ask such puzzling questions] You know T don't like them at all, especially when my mind is occupied with other subjects. I.oave me, at least till I can compose n:yself, I beseech you. Conscience. — Nay, but hear me through. Is it right for you to go on manufacturing fevers, dropsy, consump- tion, delirium-tremens, and a host of other frightful dis- eases, because your property happens to be vested in a distillery ? Is it consistent with the great law of love by which you profess to be governed ? Will it bear ex- amination in a dying hour 1 Shall I bid you look back upon it from tlu) brink of eternity, that you may from such recollections gather holy courage for your pending conflict with the king of terrors 1 AYill you bequeath this magazine of wrath and perdition to your only son not already ruined, and go out of the world rejoicing that you can leave the whole concern in the hands of one who is so trustworthy and so dear ? [Here the Distiller leaves abruptly, without answering a word.] SECOND INTERVIEW. Tt-'.,:.--, 1 0> J f , Distiller. — (Seeing Conscience approach, and begin- ning to trembld.) What, so soon and so early at your post again 1 I did hope for a short respite. 82 THE CANADIAN mi Conacience. — 0, I am distressed — I cannot hold my peace. I am pained at my very heart. Distiller. — Do be composed, I beseech yon, and hear what I have to say. Since our last interview I liave re- solved to sell out, at d I expect the purchaser on in a very few days. Conscience. — What will he do with the establishment when he gets it ? Distiller. — You must ask him, and not me.' But whatever he may do with it, / shall be clear. Conscience. — I wish I could be sure of that ; but let us see. Though you will not make poison by the hundred barrels any longer yourself, you will sell this laboratory of death to another man, for the same horrid purpose. You will not, with your own hands, go on forging daggers for maniacs to use upon themselves and their friends, pro- vided ycu can get some one to take your business at a ^ fair price. You will no longer drag tl\e car of Jugger- naut over tlie bodies of prostrate devotees if you can sell out the privile(ie to good adva iage ! j.u Distiller. — Was ever any man's conscience so captious before ? You seem determined not to be satisfied with anything. But bev are ; by pushing matters in this way you will produce a violent " reaction." Even professors of religion will not boar it. For myself, I wish to treat you with all possible respect ; but forbearance itself must have its limits. Conscieiice. — Possibly you may be able to hold me in check a little longer ; but I am all the while gathering strength for an onset which you cannot withstand ; and if you cannot, bear these kind remonstrances now. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 83 how will you j^iapple with '' iho worm that never dies r DisiiUer. — Enough, enough. I will obey your voice. But why so pale and deatlilike 1 Conscience. — O, I am sick, I am almost sutlocated. These tartarean fumes, these dreadful forebodings, theso heart-rending sights; and above all, my horrid dreams, I cannot endure them. There comes our nearest neighbor, stealing across the lots, with his jug and half-bushel of rye. \\'hat is his errand, and wheri^ is his hungry, shiver- ing family 1 And see there too, that tattered, half-starved boy, jVist entering the yard with a bottle — who sent him here a,t this early hour ? All these barrels — where are the wretched beings who ^re to consume this liquid fire, and to bo consamed by itl -^^ rwtK n; Distiller. — Spare me, spare me, I beseech you. By going on at this rate a little longer you will make me as nervous as yourself. '■••*■ ./. Conscience. — But I cannot close this interview till I have related one of the dreams to which I just alluded. It was only last night that I suffered in this way, more than tongue can tell. The whole terrific vision h written in letters of fire upon the tablet of my memory ; and I feel it all the while burning deeper and deeper. • I thought I stood by a great river of melted lava, and while I was wondering from what mountain or vast abyss it came, suddenly the field of my vision was extended to the distance of several hundred miles, and I perceived that, instead of springing from a single source, this roll- ing torrent of fire was fed by numerous tributary streams, and these again by smaller rivulets. And what do you .' , C/i ^ \ ■ k ^ ^ _."■•■. ■ ■" ■ " • ' ' ■ »■ ■• " Si THE CANADIAN think I heard and beheld, as I stood petriiied with aston- ishment and horror 1 There were hundreds of poor wretches struggling and just sinking in the merciless flood. As I contemplated the scene still more attentively, the confused noise of boisterous and profane merriment, mingled with loud shrieks of despair, saluted my ears. The hair of my head stood up — and looking this way and that way, I beheld crowds of men, women and children, thronging down to the very margin of the river — some eagerly bowing down to slack their thirst with the con- simiing liquid, and others convulsively striving to hold them back. Some I saw actually pushing their neighbors headlong from the treacherous bank, and others encour- aging them to plunge in, by holding up the fiery tempta- tion to their view. To insure a sufficient depth of the river, so that destruction might be made doubly sur'^, I saw a great number of men, and some whom I knew to be members of th«*. church, laboriously turning their respective contributions of the glowing and hissing liquid into the main channel. This was more than I could bear. I was in perfect torture. But when I expostulated with those who were nearest to the place where I stood, they coolly answered. Thin is the way m tvhich tve get our living. ''' But what shocked me more than all the rest, and curdled every drop of blood in my veins, was the sight which I had of this very distillery pouring out its tribu- tary stream of fire ! And 0, it distracts, it maddens me to think of it. There you stood yourself feeding the tor- rent which had already swallowed up some of your own fondly, and threatened every moment to sweep you away ! TEMPERANCE RECITER. 85 and sight ribu- is me e tor- own way ! This last circumstance brought me from the bed, by one convulsive bound, into the middle of the room ; and I awoke in an agony which I verily believe I could not have sustained for another moment. Distiller. — T will feed the torrent no longer. The fires of my distillery shall be put out. From this day, from this hour, I renounce the manufricture of r.rdent spirits for ever. ; .,,,,, DIALOGUE IL ,^, WHOLESALE DEALERS COUNTING-ROOM. Conscience. — (Looking over the ledger with a serious air.) What is that last invoice from the West Indies 1 Rum-Dealer. — Only a few casks of fourth proof, for particular customers. Conscience. — And that domestic poison, from Toronto ; and on the next page, that large consignment from Montreal. ' r*^*""/ Dealer. — 0, nothing but two small lots of prime whis- key, such as we have been selling these twenty years. But why these chiding inquiries ? They disquiet me ex- ceedingly. And to tell you the plain truth, I am more than half offended at this morbid inquisitiveness. Comcience. — Ah, I am afraid, as I have often told you, that this is a bad business ; and the more I think of it, the more it troubles me. Dealer. — Why so *? You are always preaching up in- dustry as a Christian virtue, and my word for it, were I to iieglect my business, and saunter about the hotels and 8G THE CANADIAN steamboat wharves, as some do, you would fall into con- vulsions, as if I had committed the unpardonable sin.- - Conscience. — Such pettish quibbling is utterly unwor- thy of your good sense and ordinary candor. You know, as well as I do, tlie great difference between industry in 8ome safe and. honest calling, and driving a business which carries poverty and ruin to thousands of families. Dealer. — Honest industry ! This is more cruel still. You have known me too long to throw out such insinua- tions ; and besides, it is notorious, that some of the first merchants in our city arc engaged, far more extensively, in the same traflic. .-M :; ,;.: ;..vf'i ^;:/u ;■•!. :';)!;5 ^^.•uiV'v'^flt tffii , Dealer. — Ah, there's the grand difficulty. For I find that when you do wake up, you are more troublesome than ever, 'rhen you are always harping upon my being a professor of religion, and bringing up some text of Scripture, which might as well be let alone, and which you would not ring in my ears, if you had any regard to my peace, or even your own. More than fifty times within a month, have you quoted, " By their fruits ye shall know them." In fact, so uncharitable have you grown of late, that from the drift of some of your ad- monitions, a stranger would think me but little, if any, better than a murderer. And all because some vagabond or other may possibly happen to shorten his days by drinking a little of the identical spirit which passes through my hands. Conscience. — -You do me bare justice when 'yoit' say that I have often reproved you, and more earnestly of late, than I formerly did. But my remonstrances have always been between you and me alone. If I have charged you with the guilt of hurrying men to the grave and to hell, by this vile traffic, it has not been upon the house-top. I cannot, it is true, help knowing how it grieves your brethren, gratifies the enemies of religion, and excites the scorn of drunkards themselves, to see TEMPERANCE RECITER. 89 your wharf covered with tlie fiery element ; but I speak only in your own ears. To yourself I have wished to prove a faithful monitor, though I have ead misgivings, at times, even with regard to that. You will bear mo witness, however, that I luvo sometimes trembled exceed- ingly, for fear that I should be compelled, at last, to carry the matter up by indictment to the tribunal of eternal justice. j.,,j,iUr .-ti;*;^ wi^j^m^iut ,f\f.'-:-:mmi To avoid this dreadful necessity, let mo once more reason the case with you in a few words. You Ivnow perfectly weU, that ardent spirit kills its thousands in this Dominion every year : and there is no more room to doubt that many of these lives are destroyed by the very hquor which you sell, than if you saw them staggering under it into the drunkard's grave. How then can you possibly throw of! bloodguiltiness, with the light which you now enjoy ] In faithfulness to your soul, and to Him whose vice*egent I am, I cannot say less, especially if you persist any longer in the horrible traffic. Denier. — Pardon me, my dear Conscience, if, under tlie excitement of the moment, I complained of your honest and continued importunity. Be assured, there is no friend in the world with whom I am so desirous of maintaining a good iinderstjinding as with yourself. And for your relief and satisfaction, I now give you my solemn pledge, that I will close up this branch of my business as soon as possible. Indeed, I have commenced the process already. My last consignments are less, by more than one half, than were those of the preceding years ; and I intend that, when another year comes about, my books shall speak still more decidedly in my favor. i K ■1 « -I iM-W'"- L'-: I i \. 90 THE CANADIAN Conscience. — These resolutions would be perfectly satisfactory, if they were in the prment tense. But if it was wrong to sell five hundred casks last year, how can it be right to sell two hundred this year, and one hun- dred next 1 If it is criminal to poison forty men at one time, how can it be innocent to poison twenty at another % If you may not throw a hundred firebrands into the city, how 'vill you prove that you may throw one? Dealer. — Very true, very true — but let us waive this point foT the present. It alfects me very strangely. ' Consci'mce. — Row long, then, will it take to dry up this Ibuntain of death 1 ^-•. -<- <■ ^/ Dealer. — Don't call it so, I beseech you ; but I intend to be entirely out of tlie business in two or three years, at farthest. Conscience. — Two or three years ! Can you, then, after all that has passed between us, persist two or three years longer in a contraband traffic ? I verily thought, that when we had the long conference two or three months ago, you resolved to close the concern at once ; and that when we parted, I had as good as your promise, that you would. Surely, you cannot so soon have for- gotten it. Dealer. — No, I remember that interview but too well ; for I was never so unhappy in my life. I did almost resolve, and more than half promise, as you say. But after I had time to get a little composed, I thought you had pushed matters rather too far ; and that I could con- vince you of it, at a proper time. I see, however, that the attempt would be fruitless. But as I am anxious for a compromise, let me ask whether, if I give away all the TEMPERANCE RECITER. 91 profits of tliis br.incli of my business to the Bible Society, and other institutions, till I can close it up, you will not be satisfied 1 ..^.,.i -.fiwim -i:ij\ism-^i-i^ ■^:•■ J:..!!-;^ >» Gon^derice. — Let me see. Five hundred dollars, or one hundred dollars, earned to promote the causp of re- ligion by selling poison 1 Jjy killing husbands, and fathers, and biothers, and torturing poor women and children ! It smells of blood. — aud can God possibly accept of such an ollering 1 Dealer. — So then, it seems, I must stop the sale at once, or entirely foifeit what little charity you have left. Conscience. — You must. Delay is death — death to tho consumer at least ; and how can you flatter yourself that it will not prove your own eternal death 1 My convic- tions are decisive, and be assured, I deal thus plainly because I love you, and cannot bear to become your everlasting tormentor. DIALOGUE IIL AT THE retailer's STAND. Contfcience. — Do you know that little half-starved, bare-footed child, thatyou just sent home with two quarts of rank poison 1 (Retailer hums a tune to himself, and affects not to hear the question.) Comcience. — I see by the paper of this morning, that the furniture of Mr. M is to be sold under the ham- mer to-morrow. Have I not often seen him in your tap-room 1 •4 92 THE CANADIAN Rttailer. — I am ftxtromely busy just now, in bringing up my IGGgCr. /•/«i,>«i,fisi aw .^i *, a« <:>/.UiiSv»vif»iii saw i'tJH^W Conscience. — Have you heard how N abused his family, and turned them all into the street the other night, after being supplied by you with whiskey 1 \ Wvo Retailer. — He is a hrute, and ought to be confined in a dungeon six months at lealst, upon bread and water. Conscience. — Was not S , who hung himself lately, one of your steady customers ? and where do you think his soul is now lixed for eternity 1 You sold him rum that evening, not ten minutes before you went to the prayer-meeting, and had his money in your pocket — for you would not trust him — when you led in the exercises. I hoard you ask him once, why he did not attend meet- ing, and send his children to the Sabbath school ; and 1 shall never forget his answer. '' Come, you talk like a minister ; but, after all, we are about of one mind — at least in some things. Let mo have my jug and be going." >• 4'vv< 7/ o»i Retailed'. — 1 know he was an impudent, hardened wretch ; and though his death was extremely shocking, 1 am glad to be rid of him. Conscience. — Are you ready to meet him at the bar of God, and to say to the Judge, " He was my neighbor — I saw him going down the broad way, and I did every thing that a Christian could do to save him f Retailer. — (Aside. that 1 could stilie the upbraid- ings of this cruel monitor.) You keep me in constant torment. This everlasting cant about ranlc poison, and liquid fire, and blood, and murder, is too much for even a Christian to put up with. Why, if any body but Con- TEMPERANCE RECITER. 93 science were to malje such insinuations and cliarges, he would be indictable as a foul slanderer, before a court of justiceZ-wJij •^*— 14 7/fi»i bt^-jfi uo'v nvMi- ~^\''^' Conscience. — Is it slander, or is it hecaitse I tell tjou the truth, that your temper is so deeply ruffled under my remonstrances ? Suppose I were to hold my peace, while your hands are becoming more and more deeply crim- soned with this bloody traffic. What would you say to me, when you come to meet that poor boy who just went out, and his drunken father, and broken-hearted mother, at the bar of God ? Would you thank your conscience for having left you alone while there was space left for repentance 1 "T-OTi** Jyirw aory hifp Retailer. — Ah, had honest trader ever such a con- science to deal with before ] Always just so uncompromis- ing — always talking about the " golden rule" — always insisting upon a moral standard which nobody can liv:; up to — always scenting poverty, murder, and suicide, in every glass of whiskey, though it were a mile off. The truth is, you are not fit to live in this world at all. Acting in conformity with your more than puritanical rules, would starve any man and his family to death. Conscience. — Well, here comes another customer — see the carbuncles ! Will you fill his bottle with wrath, to be poured out without mixture, by and by, upon your own head 1 Do you not know that his pious wife is extreme- ly ill, and suffering for want of every comfort, in their miserable cabin ! Retailer. — No, Mr. E , go home and take care of your family. I am determined to harbor uu more drunk- ards here. fy W' t 94 THB CANADIAN" Conscience. — You mean to make a distinction then, do yon, between harboring those who are already ruined, and helping to destroy such as are now respectable mem- bers of society ? You will not hereaft'sr tolerate a single drunkard on your premises ; but — , , ^^ :,^ ,,, ,, .,,,,, Retailer. — Ah, I see what you are aiming at ; and really it is too much for any honest man, and still more for any Christian to bear. You know it is a long time since I have pretended to answer half your captious ques- tions. There's no use in it. It only leads on to others still more impertinent and puzzling. If I am the hund- redth part of that factor of Sutiin which you would make me, I ought to be dealt with, and cast out of the church at once ; and why don't my good brethren fleo to it? • - Conscience. — That's a hard question, which they, perhaps, better know how to answer than I do. Retailer. — But have you forgotten, my good Con- science, that in retailing spirit, I am under the immediate eye and sanction of the laws. Mine is no contraband traffic, as you very well know. I hold a license from the rulers of the country, and have paid my money for it into the public treasury. Why do they continue to grant and sell licenses, if it is wrong for me to sell rum 1 Conscience. — Another hard question, which I leave them to answer as best they can. It is said, however, that public bodies have no soul, and if they have nc soul, it is difficult to see how they can have a'ny con- sci ixce ; an j^, Mr. Snipe. — Do you believe there ought to be another public house there ] h^i^VkU , \; Mr. Barley. — That is the general opinion. Mr. Snipe. — And you can assure the magistrates that the case demands it 1 Mr. Barley. — I can, most assuredly. ^M 106 THR CANADIAN M Mr. Snipe.— That will do ; you may stand down. Mr. Shuffles ! [Enter Mr. ShuJJles.] Mr. Snipe. — You aro ah inhabitant of Northgatc, and a director of several lodges and orders 1 Mr. Shuffles. — I have lived in that place ton years, and am connected with no less than eight benefit societies. Mr. Snipe. — And you find a necessity for more accom modation for your meetings ] Mr. Shuffles. — Yes ; we have had to hold our meet- ings in private houses from the want of proper accom- modation. Mr. Snipe. — You are- well acquainted with Mr. Duti- ful, are you not 1 Mr. Shuffles. — I have known him for many years to be a respectable and creditable man ; and I believe he is every way qualified t3 conduct a respectable hotel. Mr. Snipe. — You may stand down. [To the Bench] I have now submitted my case to your worships, and I have no doubt you are all convinced of the reasonable- ness of this application, and that you will grant the re- quest without demur. Mr. Faithful. — Gentlemen ! I appear before you on behalf of the Temperance Society, a very numerous and respectable class of individuals, to oppose this applica- tion. And I shall show you that this is one of the most barefaced attempts to inipose upon a worthy bench of Councillors that I ever knew. I hold before me a memo- rial signed by two hundred and sixty of the most influ- ential inhabitants of the locality of Northgate, who are 'm TEMPERANCE RECITER. 107 all convinced tl):^.t no such house ia needed, and that there are already too many such places for the proaposts and well-heing of our rising young iiien, who are so nu- merously snared into them, and ruined for life. I sub- mit to your notice this document [Ifaiidintj it to the chairntaii], which, I believe, will contrast very favourably with the one you have already received. The ..lorality of this town is at present nothing to boast of; and the more of such houses you allow, the worse will ininioral- iity spread; the more will our prisons be crowded with prisoners, our asylums with lunatics, our almshouses with paupers, and our streets with ragged children, i There are few prisoners examined at this bar whose [crime is not to bo attributed to the indulgence in intoxi- cating drinks ; and the more of these places we have, the more will drunkenness prevail. And as for such places [being well conducted, I believe you will find it to be an ; incontrovertible fact that a loell-conduded public house [would not exist twelve months ; it would not pay. The [case which has been laid before you in support of this [application bears the impress of deception on the very face of it. You are perhaps not aware that the gentle- lan making the application has previously had such a business, and had his license taken from him for keeping disorderly house. And the witnesses who have been eiarained are all interested parties, — one of them is a 3rewer in town ; another is the owner of the property, ^nd expects to realize a handsome rent ; and the other supposed to be bribed by the hotel-keeper to recom- [aend their houses for the purpose of lodge-meetings. I bpe that before long the working-men will see into the f 108 THE CANADIAN folly and disgrace of holding their lodgos at such placo?. T am asliamed to think that mon have the audacity and bare-faced n OSS to come here and advocate such places. There are already in this town twenty times more than are really necessary for all rational purposes ; and a stop ought to be put to the further extension of such a mon- strous evil. In the very immediate neighborhood of Northgate there arc no less than six licensed house?, ■which, I am sure, will afford reasonable accommodation for all the purposes for which such places are needed. I have only one witn^'-ss to call before you, — a gentleman of great respectability and wealth, and who is entirely disinterested in the affair. Mr. Freeman ! [Enter Mr. Freeman.] Mr. Faithful. -^Y on are well acquainted with ^Ir. Dutiful ? Mr. Freeman. — I have known him upwards of twenty years. He was formerly landlord of the Black Horse Inn, and kept a most disreputablpi and disgraceful house. Mr. Faithful. — Do you know the house for which this applicp.tion is made ] Mr. Freeman. — I do. Mr. Faithful. — What distance will it be from the nefrrest public house 1 Mr. Freeman. — There are three public houses within forty yards of it ; and not one of them can be called a respectable house ; they are a disgrace to the town. Mr. Faithful. — You are the employer of a great ma- jority of the inhabitants of that district] TEMPERANCE RECITER. 101^ Mr. Freeman. — I am. And I have had many good workmen ruined by these places ; and hundreds of prom- isi*".g young men in my employ have been enticed into them, and have ruined their prospects for life, and blighted the hopes of their parents and families. Mr. Faithful. — Then you believe there is no necessity for another such place ] Mr. Freeman. — I shall regard it as a public calamity if it be allowed. Mr. Faithful. — You may retire. (To the Bench.) I have now shown to your worships the entire fallacy of this deplorable application ; and I hope that, for the sake of public morality and family comfort, you will nobly and wisely refuse to grant it. And, in so doing, I caa assure you that a grateful and discerning public will ap- plaud your judgment ! Mr. Snipe. — Gentlemen ! I admit tliat my worthy friend, Mr. Faithful, has somewhat shattered my case ; and I can assure you that if I had been aware of these facts, I would not have demeaned myself to be the me- dium of such an unprincipled application. [The Bench consult together a few minutes, and then the decision is given by] The Chairman. — "We are of the opinion that a licens- ed house is not required in that place ; and have unan- imously decided to refuse the application. [Cheers by Mr. Faithful and his friends.'] 110 THE CANADIAN TEE CAMBIUDGE TRAGEDY. Women and facts are very stubborn things, And rule this world in spite of lords and kings ; My muse of facts and women there! ore sings. Til famous Cambridge, famed ivl- Harvard College, Where famous men stuff empty heads with knowledge, A kind -and very worthy woman lives, Who by economy and labor thrives, — One Mrs. Hall, The wife of Oliver, a drinking fellow. Who, as he loafs about and gets quite mellow. Is no helpmeet at all. I said this woman by her labor thrives ; 'Tis true ; for by the toil of her own hands She bought the neat white cottage where she lives. And even the soil on which that cottage stands ; . And though her wedded lord his vigils keeps, Kight after night, with vilest of the vile, In earthly hells, called rum-shops, still the while She hopes for better days, and toils and weeps. Oh, could we hit on some successful plan To make her wedded half a sober man, 'Twould dry her tears, and bid her sorrows cease. And make that cot the dwelling-place of peace ! But soulless wretches of the basest sort, The shame, and scourge, and curse of Cambridgeport, WiU still supply that wretched man with rum, And send him. drunk and brawling to his heme. ,».■*'■■ \ TEMPERANCE RECITER. Ill Among the ciew was one Bezaleel Wheeler. — In Boston rum a very noted dealer, — Who kept himself and store In what had been a blacksmith's shop of yoro ; A place for merchandise not over nice ; And though, as I have heard the neighbors say. The blacksmith's tooh were taken all away, 'Tis plain, I thiidc, there still remained one vice. This Wheeler oft did Mrs. Hall exhort No more to furnish Oliver with rum ; But t(^ that filthy hole would he resort, Then crabbed, cross, and railing, seek his homo. One day, as usual, he retumetl, not drunk. But half-seas over, era little more. And set the "house in such complete uproar As vexed poor Mrs. Hall, and raised her spunk. Said she, " I'll go and see that wretch once more ;'* Her dark eye flashed like lightning, as she spoke. And putting on her bonnei and her cloak, She walked with hasty steps to Wheeler's store. " Is Wheeler here f the dame d id eager ask ; Yet -ought save echo deigned to make reply ; She searched th^, shop, but nothing could espy Save bottle, glass, and demijohn, and cask. Thus disappointed, say, what could she do 1 Return home, smarting with a sense of wrong, And still submit to such abuse 1 — Oh no ! Glass-ware is quickly broke, and she was strong ; ''■ * 4 '^ **>. -* .: 112 THE CANADIAN feaid she, " I'll show the knave what I can do !" And to the work with resolution flew. Then bottles crashed, '■ '■ ' '■ And liquors splashed, And glasses smashed, As one by one against the wall she dashed. At length she clutched a demijohn, and said, " Come, 'tis your turn ;" and bore it to the street ; Then, lilting it on high above her head, Down came the precious burden at her feet. As erst before the ark old Pagon fell. So fell this heathen god, and such a smell Rose from the wreck, perfuming all the air, As if there had been fifty topers there. A second demijohn no better fared. Though at its first descent it stood the shock ; Even "harmless medicines" could not bo spared, For, seizing on the fragment of a rock. She dealt him such a blow, so fair r .id full, As broke this universal doctor's skull. Strong as it was, at length 'twas forced to yield, And left the lady mistress of the field ; Man's direst foe did woman's power confess, And Cambridgeport now boasts one rum-shcp less. My friend, if you have rura-thops in your town, Which you are quite desirous to break down, Look to the dealers well, and on them pour The neked truth in 3ne perpetual shoTs er ; TEMPERANCE RECTTER. 113 Let drunkai'Js* wives appeal, and childrea plead, And law their pockets touch, — that may succeed : But should you find your efforts baffled all. Take my advice, and send for Mrs. Hall. . .. '■■■ t)l -. ■•« i^l i THE DRUNKARD'S DAUGHTER. 0karacter8.—^TEL\.\, Ruth, Hattie, Luuy, Oliye, Sitsan» School-Oirls. Scene I. — A school playground, — Enter Stella, Olive, Lucy, and Ruth. Stella. — You may say what you please, girls, I will never consent to have Harriet Cook invited to our pic-nic ; it is to be quite a select affair, and I for one do not choose to associate with drunkard's children. She has no business in our school at all. The public school is the place for her, — mother says so. She is surprised that Miss Harrington takes her. Luey. — But it is no fault of hers, Stella, that her father drinks. I am sure she is one of the nicest, sweet- est girls in school, and one of the best scholars, too. I am sure ohe has helped you often enough over your arithmetic, to have you speak more kindly of her. Stella. — Dear me ! I do not know that I am obliged to associate with her as an equal on that account. My father is very particular whom I associate with. You ought to have seen old Jimmy Cook staggering home the other night ; he went past our hoasa with a pack of boys following hiiii, pulling his hair, and teasing him in every mt-- 114 THE CANADIAN way they could. It was very fnnny to see him clutch after them, and try to strike them ; but the boys were too quick for him. They only shouted and laughed, and told him to try again. I laughed till I cried, and father came and stood beside me, and lauglied too, as heartily as I did. Olive. — Poor, poor Hattie ! I do hope she did not see him. Stella. — But she did, I know, for I saw her on the opposite side of tlie street, hurrying on with her veil pulled over her face. I hoped she would not put on quite so many airs after it, and think herself as good as anybody else j but it don't seem to have done her much good. Olive. — [Indifjnavfly.] — For shame, Stella! Have you no heart ? As if it was the poor girl's fault ; and as for her putting on airs, that is what Hattie never does ; she only maintains a decent self-respect, ii she does carry an aching heart in her breast. ' We should be careful about rejoicing over the misfortunes of another; for trouble may come to us when we look for it the least. Stella. — Dear me, what a croaker ! I pi'esume now she expects my father to turn drunkard, and go reeling through th':, streets, just because I laughed at Jimmy Cook. My father is a gentleman, and would never stoop to anything so d*^grading as to drink low, poisoned liquors. He never has anything but the finest wines on his sideboard, and they are often four or five dollars a bottle. Ruth. — But people can become intemperate just as ■well on wine as on v/hiskey. It is not a whit less dan- gerous. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 115 Stella. — Suppose you set up for a temperance lecturer; you know it is quite the fashion for ladies to lecture. You are tall and good-looking, and a good elocutionist, and I know you would make quite a sensation. B.uth. — My first point will be, then, to urge you all to be kind to the drunkard's children. Bv all means let us ask Hattie to our pic-nic, and make the day as bright as we can- for her. Stella. — [ilfwc/? offended.'] — Then you will have to dispense with my company, I assure you. Ruth. — We will try and bear it with as much resig- nation as possible. Stella, — You are very sarcastic. Miss Davis ; but I can tell you mother shall not send the elegant basket of cake she has prepared for it, nor a single strawberry from our vines. Olive. — Oh ! don't worry about that, dear; we have more strawberries and cake promised than we can possibly use. But, Stella, think better of it and come ; you'll lose so much pleasure, and you know you needn't speak a word to Hattie if you don't want to. Only don't treat her rudely, for that is very wrong, and I know it would offend half the girls in school ; they all love Hattie. Stella. [Leaving angrily.] — They are welcome to, — a drunkard's daughter, indeed ! I think things have come to a pretty pass in our school, when she is pre- ferred before a gentleman's daughter. Rf'th. — Worth before station any time, Stella. [Exit Stella^ damming the door.] Lucy. — You were almost too hard, Ruth. ■Sz 116 THE CANADIAN Ruth. — I know it, but her air i are unendurable. But, poor girl, she may see sorrow herself before many days. Her father spends nearly aU his evenings at the club, and plays and takes wine most immoderately. I do not think she suspects such a thing as that he can possibly be in danger. But, girls, we must make haste, for I see Miss Harrington coming up the walk. She likes to have US all in our places as soon as the bell rings. \^Exit girU — a hell ringing.^ Scene II. — Recitation room, Hattie, Olive, Lucy, weaving wreaths for the pic-nic. Olive. — Hattie, please help me twine this myrtle ; I can never get it to suit myself, but your fingers have the knack of making everything fit in right. Hattie. — I think you are doing very well, Olive, but I will help you if I can. There, how will that please you^ How lovely those carnations are! Look, girls. [She fits the wreath on Olivers head.'] Lucy. — It is perfect. Don't stir a leaf, Hattie. But here comes Susan Lee. Do, pray, girls, be careful what you say, she does make so much trouble repeating things; and it seems to me nothing ever goes wrong that she doesn't know. [Enter 8usan.\ Susan, — There, girls, are all the flowers I had time to gather. Mother sent me over to Mrs. Nippers' to get the particulars of \ hat awful affair that's just happened, and I was tired clear out when I came home. Girls.— What awful affair 1 Do tell us 1 Anybody killed ? ■:•:■!..■ TEMPERANCE RECITER. 117 Susan. — ^\Vell, not quite, I suppose, but pretty near. It all happened at that club, which was thought to be such a wonderfully aristocratic atfair. Stella's father, you know, is called one of the best players at cards in town; nobody ever beats him. But it happened that he was playing with a gen.hman who had not been very long in the club, and they say he lost and lost, oh I can't tell you how much money ; but the more he lost the more angry he got, and risked larger and larger sums, until the man swept all his property. Then he told the man he was a cheat and a liar, and they came to blows. You know Stella's father is a large, strong man, and the other is very slight, so he was very much hurt before any one could or would interfere. Some people say the man will die ; but I can't pretend to say. But one thing we are sure of, Mr. Eosylin is safe in jail, and I gues£ Stella won't hold her head quite so high, and lord it over the rest of us quite so much as she used to do. Olive. — Hush, Susan, do ! Don't let us speak hard things of her, now she is in trouble. I am sure I pity her with all my heart. Hattie. — Poor Stella ! I would do anything in the world I could to comfort her. Susan. — I guess it would comfort her the most never to see the face of one of us again. You certainly don't owe her any good-will, Hattie, of all the rest. Hattie. — I am sure I have not the slightest ill- will towards her, and am truly sorry for her trouble ; most likely the story is much exaggerated. Stisan. — Most likely the half is not known. 118 THR CANADIAN Lucy. — Well, whatever the truth proves to be, girls, we will always treat Stella as kindly as ever ; for, w hat- ever she may have maintained to the contrary, children are not responsible for the faults of their parents. They may suffer far them, but they are not to blame for them. But now we must gdtlier up our wreaths, girls, for the carriages are coming, and we can tiuish theui in tlio woods. '«'*? TEETOTAL FOREVER. Characters—'ME.. Total, Mr. Half Total, Mr. Promt bition, and Minute Man. Enter Total, with the naik of a broken bottle in his hand, followed bfi Half Total. As they walk on the stage Total begins.] Total. — Let's get up hero where there's more elbow- room and more daylight. Teetotalism, you know, glories in the light ; the more the better. It has nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to fear. Its principles arc as pure as the water it lives and thrives on. You don't find teetotalism sneaking away like him who has a weak cause ; it speaks out plainly and squarely what it feels, because it's right ! Half Total. — [Stepping up to Total with his cap in his hand behind him.] Look here, Mr. Total, don't you be quite so fast. My impression is that there are two aides to this question, and I should like you to listen to me about one minute. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 119 Total. — To be sure I will. And to save you wasting your breath, I will acknowledge that there are two sides to it, — a right side and a wrong side. But I shan't charge a friend wath being on the wrong side till I know it. As for myself, I should be ashamed of njy name if I was anything else than an out-and-out teetotaler, " dyed in the wool" — prohibition and all. And my ambition is to live till I' am old enough, and /;/7 enough, and stromj enough to grapple with this rum demon, and shake him till his very bones rattle and his teeth chat- ter. I should like to be the one that shall give him his quietus. I believe the man that shall do that will do Diore for the world than a whole nation of half-and-half temperance men, — men who haven't courage enough even to frown upon a rum-seller for fear of hurting his feelings. Hal/ Total. — But you don't mean to object to one's keeping wine, and a little — only a little — of something stronger in his house, to be used occasionally, when one don't feel very well — or give a little wine to a friend at a New Year's call — or to pass it round at a wedding 1 Total. — What ! Keep the stuff in the house ! Not while I have my senses. I'd as soon have a nest of rattlesnakes in one of my pantries, — for they would give the alarm when one went near them, and w^e could escape. But the bottle gives no warning. And about the first notice you get after you have tasted it is that you want more, and the next notice is that you must have something stronger. No ! no ! I don't trust such an enemy to mankind in my house ! And then the idea of keeping it on a New Year's table ! They used 'I, if ^ ' ' Ml !!'=.•>' 120 TUE CANADIAN to many years ago, before men viewed the matter in the light of eternity ; but now very few, if any, of the moral people of the world, and none of the self-denying Christian men and women, but shut it out of their houses and cast it away as evil. Weddings, did you say ? I thought weddings were solemn rites, ordained of God. Give the wine-cup its own ivay and wedding- parties generally would be little less than Bacchanalian revels. Better break your bottles, as I have mine, close up by the neck, and be in earnest. Half Total. — But you mustn't give it its own way ; then there won't be so much trouble with it at parties and other places. You know a good many people haven't the courage to refuse to give it at their social gatherings, where so many expect it. They are afraid they will be considered too strict. Total. — Ah ! there's the difficulty ! It will have its own way — and young men take it when it is offered to them, not because they want it, but they haven't the courage to refuse it. They fear being called odd, and they often thus begin a life of intemperance. Isn't that reason enough why we should protest against the use of wine at such places 1 And if it doesn't make drunkards of all, it makes, v/hat is a very little better, occasional drinJiPrs, and they are the ones that may fill up the ranks, by and by, of the great army of worthless men that are now marching on the flanks of the sixty thou- sand drunkards that every year keep step to the dead- march to the grave, — earned there, not by the bullets of an open ei^my, but by the deceitful poison of the cun- ning rum-seller. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 121 Half Total. — But was not wine made by our Saviour at the marriage at Cana 1 and umy we not follow hia example 1 [Entei' Minute Man, touching Half Total gently on the shoulder.'] — Look here, brother Half Total, I should like to know if you are going to quote Scripture to support wine-drinking. Are you going to use the Word of Life to kill men with — body and soul? Yes, you may follow the example of that Cana wedding-party, and you may drink wine if it is made ofisater like that our Saviour made ! Would he have given that to hia friends to drink which would have made them go away boisterous, and riotous, as alcoholic drinks generally do % Be careful, my friend ! That man blasphemes, who charges Christ, the Lamb of God, with giving to man that which was intoxicating. I should like to ask some of our learned D.D.'s, who drink wine occasionally, because they say the Saviour used it, whether any of the wine they drink is made of water. Why, all drinkers, whetlier they drink more or less, might cover their wickedness under the same excuse ; and the poor miserable sot, and the moderate drinker too, be declared alike innocent, and the rum traffic pronounced a blessing to the world. I should think Christians would be the last of all otliers to oppose total abstinence, and the^r^^ ones who would be teetotalers. Half Total. — I don't see that there is much use in my discussing Ihe subject any more. Both your arguments seem to be reasonable ; bat I'm sure there's a difference whether a man drinks occasionally and gives a glass oc- casionally to a friend, or whether he makes a habit of it. 5 ' * \K i3E6. f .<-?! •* '! J'i 122 THE CANADIAN Minute Man. — Thero's a difforonce, I confess, — one drinks a good deal, and the other drinks not so much ; but hoik are drinkers. One gives a glass in his jmrlour, and the other gives a glass behind his counter ; but botli give it. The one in the parlour gives the young man a dart, and the one behind the couiiter pushes him along. Half Total. — Why, you are severe enough. You seem to talk as if wine and cider and beer were Rum, and as if all who drink are drunkards. Explain your- self. Minute Man. — Well, if they are not rum, what are they ? Hum makes men drunk, and so do wine and beer, — only not quite so quick ; and as for calling every- body who drinks a drunkard, I did not say so exactly. But I will tell you what I do say. When anybody drinks till it flies into his head and excites him, I should say he was a little drunk ; and when he drinks enough to make his head swim and his legs weak, and he can't stand alone, then he s a. good deal drunk. Aint they both drunken 7nen '! and if so, aint they both drunk- ards ? — perhaps not habitual drunkards, — but drunkards nevertheless ; and you know God says, " No drunkard can enter the kingdom of heaven." I will not try to draw the line, but I think it is dangerous ground for the drinker to tread upon. Here comes my friend Prohibi- tion with the authorities. IFe uses the sword and the bayonet. [Mnter Prohibition, with a IStb/c and Revised Statntc.^ under his arm.^ Prohibition. — I can't keep still any longer, and I pro- pose to settle this questioii in the only permanent way •. ,¥ TEMPISRANCB RECITER. 123 that was ever invented. The people of this country, (and other countries a;e no wiser) Imvo been trying to euro this dreadful evil by licensing men to sell. That didn't work well, so they tried to improve it, and they've been trying these lifty years ; and with all the mending and patching, it is as bad as ever, and I don't know but it's worse, if we can judge from the thousands of drunk- ards we see about. They try to make us believe, too, that our soldiers need it to help them endure long marches and exposure, — as if a drunken or a half-drunkeu man was a better soldier than a sober one, and as if that which stiuiulates him for a while, and leaves him weak and prostrate, is what we need to make good soldiers. No ! not a bit of it. Let me go r.ito the light with a clear head to know what I am about, and a steady hand to aim straight and hit when I fire. Half Total. — Tell us how you propose to settle this question permanently. I confess I am a little shaky after such arguments, and I am half inclined to join you in your teetotal, prohibition crusade. Prohibition. — Yes, they have tried for half a century to doctor the license systejn, and the more they have tried the worse it is, till now I guess it's so near "played out" that nobody expects any good of it. Here is the mre. I'll guarantee it. If it does not kill the traffic, nothing will, but the judgment of God upon us. [Holds up the book^.] Prohibition of the traffic — by authority of God and man. " TJiou shalt not" — [Turns over the leaves of the Bible] — " TJiou shalt not," thunders the deca- logue. It makes no compromise, offers no license to de- stroy. And the Maine Law takes up the command, and > ti 124 THE CANADIAN writes it in the Statute Book [Opens the statute book]^ and the traffic in Rum as a bev erage is prohibited ! ! That, yes, that will cure the rum traffic ! AIL — "We \s\\\ fight it, and we will kill it. Total. — Yes, we will, God help us ! It is his cause, and it will triumph, — the horse and his rider will he overthrow. "We are pledged to fight it, and we will ; and while we live, let it be with our hands clenched [Clerxhes his hands], and our brows knit, and our determination fixed [Stamps hu foot^ in hatred of the rum traffic in all its forms, — in the parlour as well as in the grog-shop. And when we lie down to die at the last — the last — maj it be with the consciousness that in this particular, both ' to God and man, we have done our duty. T9E PLEDGE. Thou sparkling bowl ! thou sparkling bowl ! Though lips of burds thy brim may press, And eyes of beauty o'er thee roll. And song and dance thy power confess, I will not touch thee ; for there clings A scorpion to thy side, that stings ! Thou crystal glass ! like Eden's trees, Thy melted ruby tempts the eye, And, as from that, there comeg from thee The voice, " Thou shalt not surely die." I dare not lift th} Uquid gem — A snake is twisted round thy stem ! TEMPBRANCB RECITER. 125 Thou liquid fire ! like that which glowed For Paul upon Melita'a shore, Thou'st been upon my guest bestowed ; But thou shalt warm my house no more. For, wheresoe'er thy radiance falls, Forth from the heat a viper crawls. "What, though of gold the goblet be, Emboss'd with branches of the vine ; Beneath whose burnish'd leaves we see Such clusters as poured out the wine ? Among those leaves an adder hangs ! I fear him : — for I've felt his fangs. CTiSCQk. ■ *i:Krto The Hebrew, who the desert trod, And felt the iiery serpent's bite, Look'd up to that ordain'd of God And found that life was in the sight. So the woi^m-hitteiis fiery veins Cool, when he drinks what God ordainB. Ye gracious clouds ! ye deep cold •«vells I Ye gems from mossy rocks that drip I Springs from the earth's mysterious cells. Gush o'er your granite basin's lip I To you I look ; — your largess give. And I will drink of you and live. 126 THE CANADIAN THE EVILS OF THE LIQUOR TEAFFIC. We are told the sale is justifiable, because the license money goes into the treasury ! This policy fur- nishes us with another strong reason why the whole system should be removed. It is one of the strongest arguments against legalizing the traffic. The principle involved is one of unadulterated wickedness. Govern ment thus assumes the attitude of a speculator in the lives and happiness of its subjects. With one ann it thrusts its victims upon the begrimed altars., and with the other grasps eagerly for the price of the sacrifice. Here it stands upon its pedestal of the heart-broken, the dying, and the dead, a remorseless Moloch enthroned, and smiling upon the enginery of death which, for gain, it has set in motion. There is something hideous, some- thing revolting in the aspect. Like an unnatural parent it destroys its own for a price. Those whom it should guard and protect are thrust beneath the ponderous ■wheels which roll in ruin. Men, women, and children ; youth in the buoyancy of its hopes, and old age in its locks of grey, are alike offered up. Society thus immo- lates all its most cherished interests for pay, and secures to itself the glorious privilege of bearing ten-fold bur- dens, building poor-houses and prisons, and digging graves. It sells the lives of its own citizens. Christian men sit down deliberately and say to those who wish to sell intoxicating liquors, in so many words, " How many pieces of silver will you give us if we will betray these women and children into your hands ]" All this is cool and deliberately cruel. Life and all its bright hopes are TEMPERANCE RECITER. 127 thus bartered away, while an oath sits heavy on the soul. Do not your cheeks tinge with shame as you take in the length and breadth of tliis policy 1 Even in a pecuniary point of view it is ruinous. For every shil- ling thus received, hundreds are paid out. It is a fear- ful and perpetual drain upon the substance of the people. Evils are sown broadcast, and we read a burdening har- vest of woe, want, crime and deatli. All that we cherish in thi.? world and hope for in the next, is put in the scale with pounds and pence. For a few pounds a man is delegated to scatter a moral plague throughout the land, and fatten upon the substance of the people. Let those whom it concerns look at the silver they have re- ceived. It is the tribute of blood. It has been wrung from the crushed hearts of the ruined, and is clammy with drops of blood ! It is hot with the scalding teoTT, of widowliood and orphanage. As it falls into t^ .. ntiblic coffers, its dull sound echoes the w^il of the %! Ii'^ 1 and ; our stricken wives and mothers sing for joy, and their children at the hearth clap their tiny hands in exultant delight ! TEMPERANCE RECITER. THE BAKD OF HOPE. 131 A DIALOGUE BETWEEN JAMES WILSON AND WILLIAM ,.,.r «.,. TURNBULL. /. W. — Good morning, friend TiirnbuU. I saw you were in our Band of Hope last evening. I hope you were T.leased with our institution. W. T. — Yes, friend James, I was i)leased with it as a whole. I was attracted to it by the name. As I was pjissing down the street, I saw the sign, Meeting of the Band op Hope, and, as my heart is full of hope, I thought I "Vvould step in and see what new impulses for good I might get. But whence did you derive your uame, and what is your specific object 1 J. W. — Our name is of English origin. According to a common saying, "The young are the hope of our country," the youth who there combined to save the country from the deluge of intemperance, "were called Bands op Hope. There is hope that, by this combina- tion, they will themselves be saved from intemperance, and save, too, the nation. W. T. — A good object, James, and a phrase well ap- plied. But what are your means 1 I should like to be admitted into your secret. /. W. — We have no secret, friend TurnbuU. Our principle is the most simple one in the world, viz., that if you only let the drunkard's drink alone, you can never be a drunkard. W. T. — Well that is very true ; but u truism so simple as to amount to an absurdity ; you may as well say, that ii^ A] 132 THE CANADIAN if a man never opens his mouth, ho will never tell a lie ; or if he never eats, he will not be poisoned. But your principle does not stand alone. There is another as true as that, viz. : If you continue always a moderate drinker, you can never be a drunkard ; so that my principle is as good as yours. * J. W. — I deny that, friend Turnbull, for, on our prin- ciple, he never can be a drunkard, while on yours he may be. All drunkards were once moderate drinkers. But if they never had been moderate drinkers, they never would have been drunkards. W. T. — That is true ; but it docs not affect my posi- tion at all. If two gentlemen go through life together, one a teetotaler and the other a moderate drinker, and neither ever becomes a drunkard, is not the course of one just as good as that of the other] I say the course of the moderate drinker is the best of the two ; for it is equally safe, while it has more enjoyment. J. W. — I dispute you there, in both your positions. It is not equally safe, because in the course of the moderate drinker there is a chance of his becoming a drunkard ; while in that of the teetotaler, there is none at all. Suppose the Suspension Bridge had been above the Niagara Falls instead of below ; would it have been as safe to go across in a boat as on the bridge, when, in the latter case, none are lost, but in the former fifty a year. • W. T. — But it is as safe to those who get across. /. W. — I grant it. But is it as safe in itself ] You know it is not. And as to the superior pleasure of a moderate drinker's course, I deny that altogether. I TEMPERANCE RECITER. 133 have tried that, though many winters have not gone over my head. I would not be so much harassed and tormented, and debased by your so-called moderate drinking, as I once was, for all you could offev me. I know all about it, and I suspect you do also. Torment- ing thirstr, and subsequent headache, sleepless nights, and a fear that I had drank too much, and should one day be exposed ! I want none of this pleasure. Now I can stand up and feel like a man. Besides, I know that my example is good, and I know that I shall never be tempted to my hurt, and there is something jingling in my pocket which makes me smile, while you throw it away for that which does you no good. We are a Band OP Hope — you, alas ! belong to the band of Despair — despair of ever clearing the country of intemperance while all the boys are moderate drinkers. If some thirty or forty boys are moderate drinkers, four or five of them will certainly become drunkards. It always has been so, and always will be so ; and you cannot make it other- wise. Now come and join our Band of Hope, and no longer belong to the band of Despair. W. T. — I thank you, friend James, for your advice. I will take it into consideration. ••■''ii \ ^1 • ''W ^ ^M ^BA 134 THE CANADIAN G1.HL8 AND WINE. Characters — Philip and Ralph. Philip. — Come, Ralpli, give mo your name for tho Band of Hope. Here's our badge. I want you to join to-day. Ralph. — Don't be in a hurry, Phil ; if you'd aslved me a week ago, perhaps I shouldn't have hesitated. Phil. — What's up now 1 Ralp)h. — I had a glass of wine last night. The taste isn't out of my mouth yet. Phil. — A glass of wine ? Where did you get it % Ralpjh. — Oh ! some of us were at Delia Preston's. We had a gay time, I can tell you ; first-rate dancing and some chrice Madeira. Phil. — But I thought you were opposed to drink of all kinds, Ealph? Ralph. — Drink 1 So I am ! But what's the hann of a little grape-juice, especially if handed you by a fairy whose eyes sparkle brigliter than the v/ine ] Hey, Phil 1 Phil. — I do believe you are intoxicated a little yet, Ealph ! Come, here's the pledge. It's time you were "anchored" with us. You may get out in too deep a sea for you, before you know it. Ralph. — Never fear me ! Could you resist a wine- glass from the hand of a — well — such a girl as Lucy, for example 1 Phil. — I don't think "such a girl as Lucy" would offer one. But if she did, yes, I could, and most cer- tainly would. TKMPERANCB RECITER. 135 Ralph. — Bravo ! But wait till you're tempted, Phil. Besides, my father is a sti'ict temperance man, and I've seen it on his table. Phil. — You won't get me to say anything against your father ; but the best of people do sometimes make mis- takes. What some can do without danger others can- not. You know old Jim Farwell 1 Ralph. — Yes. Phil. — Well, the first taste he ever had for drink came through a glass of " sparkling Madeira," from the hand of a fairy like yours. Ralph. ~1cIq don't look much as if he ever had any- thing to do with fairies. Jim Farwell, indeed ! Phil. — He never will again either; but once he had as charming a home and as many choice friends as any of us. His father kept expensive wines; they never hurt him any ; but he lived to see two boys fill drunk- ards' graves, and would have seen three if grief hadn't killed him too soon to see Jim buried. Ralph. — Is that so 1 Who told you ? Phil. — My grandmoth'^r. She knew Jim when ho was, as she says, " as bright a boy as ever made a father's heart feel proud." Sweet Clara Keene's ringing little laugh was too much for him, more than once, when he tried to refuse the tempting glass ; and then J^he scorned him at last for his weakness, and left him to struggle alone. I tell you, it's gay for such a girl to triumph over one ; and I despise a manliness that yields against one's better judgment. Excuse me, but I'm in earnest. No one, believe me, who cares a straw for another will offer them anything of the kind. They will try their . ?^ J .ii:ifei 136 THE OANADIAN own power in that way, and laugh at you behind your back, just as some cunning ladies tried a certain clergy- man once, who had boasted of his firm teetotalism. Ralph. — How was that ? Phil. — Offered him a glass of wine at an evening party, and, no doubt to their surprise, he lifted it to his lips, when, to his own surprise, the wine laughed at him as well as the ladies. The cup was of double glass, such as you may have seen at a glass-blower's, and the wine confined between ; so that he lost his credit and pleasure, both of which were drowned in peals of indelicate laughter. Ralph. — Good enough for him ! But do y believe any one, now, would offer you wine as a test ely of your principles ] Fhil. — I know it ! I've seen it ! Ralph. — What ! Has anybody said anything about me? Own up; let's have it. Phil. — No tales out of school. Give us your name. Ralph. — Don't fool a fellow. If you know anything, let's have it, I say. Phil. — Well, Fred did teU me to-day that Delia Pres- ton boasted to his sister Nell, that she had proved some teetotalers couldn't keep their pledge when the ladies had a mind to test their principles. Ralph. — Bother ! Is that so ? Phil. — Exactly so. Ralph. — Then here goes 1 Give us a badge ; none of the pewter or tin, but a solid silver one for me. Not that I care a lig for Delia, or ever did ; but I guess a TEMPERANCE RECITER. 137 little manly independence won't hurt anybody, and per- haps it'll pay better in '* the long run." ^1 ■I A CERTAIN OLD MAN. The old man sat in his old arm ciiair, Drink, Drink, Drink ; The fire was dull and the night was drear, Drink, Drink, Drink ; His home was old, his cattle wore poor, The fences all down, the barn -lad no door. But there he sat, oa the rickety floor, Drink, Drink, Drink ; He had sat in his chair from morn till night, Drink, Drink, Drink ; Until he presented a horrible sight. Drink, Drink, Drink ; His money was gone, his liquor ran low, And what he should do, he did not know. For Drink, Drink, Drink ; But at last a thought came into his head, (For he would have rum, if he had no bread,) Drink, Drink, Drink ; Ho would mortgage his farm to old John Sligh, To provide him with liquor when he was dry. For he feared that without it, he soon would die,. Drink, Drink, Drink ; But now its all gone, and he's broken down. And his family have all come on the town, :•■'■] >. !*■ v.. ; 1 'M 133 THE CANADIAN Because the old man hivS reason would drown With Drink, Drink, Drink ; Young Men ! if you wish for misery — death, Then continue to pollute your natural breath With Drink, Drink, Drink ; If you'd have your children grow hungry and cold, And would be a beggar when you are old, Then shell out your silver, shell out your gold, For Drink, Drink, Drink. ALCOHOL. There walketh a fiend o'er the glad green earth, Ey the side of the reaper Death ; He dazzles alike with the glare of mirth, Or quenches the light of tlie household hearth AVitli his foul and withering breath. He stalketh abroad with his hydra head, And there gathereth in his train. The falling foot and the strong man's tread, The restless living, the ghastly dead. And misery, want, and pain. He nerves ^he arm of relentless hate With the goblet's beaded foam ; He lurks in the halls of the rich and great, In the beggar's moan at the palace gate, And curses the poor man's home. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 139 He barters the wealth of a spotless name', For the wine-cup's subtle glosv, And scathes the pinions of breathless fame, Till they droop with their burthens of guilt and shame, 'Mid the curses of sin and woe. ■itan And there cometh over n sorrowing wail, In the path of his blighting tread ; And childhood's cheek grows wan and pale. And his heart is faint anHi' « Alice. — Don't go home just yet, we'll go and talk io hicr, first. Sadie. — Yes, I'll walk down the street, and then come TEMPERANCE RECITER. 153 io get I'm ad we jr will u and i . cliance ve seen ng. • ragged. )U don't ;e and I Do you . strange [1 ! But afraid sr to-day to send I didn't e. .elp you you go Ir's dram, talk to len come l)ack and meet yuu. But I do feel so mean to be carry- ing this old bottle, the hateful thi.ig ! I'll try and hide it if I can. [Puts it under her ragged shawl, Alice and Mary go out.'] There, that's the best I can do. Oh ! I do hope father will listen to them. [Goes out. Amos Moore, a wretched-looldng drunkard, enters.] Moore. — Ha ! ha ! now aint that a jolly nice plan they've fixed up ! Me sign the pledge indeed ! why, it's enough to make a dog laugh ; ha ! ha ! ha ! Got tired waiting for my gal tc come, went out to find her, hid behind a pile of barrels, and heard it all. I ought to give her a good beatin' when I get her home, but I'll let her off this time, because them others is to blame for this caper ; but the iiext time, — well, she'd better look out. So thoy've gone to pay old Amos a visit. Guess they won't lind him. How niae they were decked out, and how mean my gal looked beside 'em ! and when she was talkin' to herself, she had the impudence to say that it's because I drink whiskey, she don't get no clothes. Her things are as good as mine, and mine's good enough for anybody. '[Takes hold of his ragged coat, and examines it.] Good enough — well, this coat don't look like it did yesterday. It's full of mud, and dirt, and holes ; wonder how it got so 1 [Examines his pants, views himself tvith a perplexed air.] See here, Amos, I just begin to find out what's the trouble. You've been so drunk for the past two months that you didn't know much, or you'd know that these clothes couldn't go so fast all in one day. They've been gettin' so for some time, and you're just sober enough, for the first time, to find it out. You do look shockingly mean, Amos ; I'm ashamed of you. ^'& 154 THE CANADIAN Wonder why Sadie didn't have on that nice, warm shawl that nussionary woman gave her. Guess I must have been gettin' wliiskoy and rum for a week past with the money I got for tliat very shawl ; how Sadie shivered when she tried to wrap the bottle in that old, worn-out thing she had on, and them nice-lookin' children a-pity- in' of her, and makin' a plan to help old drunken Amos Moore. [Puts his hand to his head.] Oh ! am I so bad as that, to sell the clothes off the back of my ov/n child to get liquor] Ah ! that's the trouble, — the liquor, the ruin, and the whiskey, that makes me a devil. [Loo/i-.s' round suddenl>/.] Then;, those children are comin' : I'll not listen to 'em. [Turns and starts off; they go qaickhj after him, and Marj catches his hand.] Mary. — Mr. Moore, please stop a miuute ; we hope you won't be angry with us, but we met your little Sadie just n3w, and we felt so sovry for her, and for you too. So w thought we'd ask you to try and leave off drink- ing. Alice. — And please, Mr. Moore, please don't send poor Sadie out with that bottle again, it makes her feel so badly. Moore. — [Much agitated.] You don't know what you're asking, children. I've not had a drink since early this morning, and I'm almost parched up, I'm so thirsty. It's no use ; I can't stop. Mary--xi\\.9,\, try, Mr. Moore, and if you're thirsty, come home with me, and get a cup of mother's good coffee. It is sure to made you feel better. Monre. — Go home with you ! Why, child, your mother wouldn't allow such an object to come near her kitchen-door. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 155 ""'Si :|1 must with iTered n-out -pity- Amos 50 bad child. )r, the i' : I'll luichlij e hope e oil J 11 too. driuli- id poor feol *''> what ■CO early hirsty. Ithirsty, I's good I, your icar her Alice. — Indeed she will. Mary's mother is just as kind as she can be, and helps a great many poor people. [Sadie enters shyly, then runs out again. '\ There is Sadie, and she's run around the corner. She's afraid be- cause she didn't get what you sent her after. You won't hurt her. will you ? Moore. — Xo, she needn't be afraid, poor, ill-used child ! [She comes in slowly and frai-fully.] Where is the bottle, Sadie? Sadie. — I — I'm almost 'fraid to tell you, father. Moore. — Go on, my child, i'm sober now. Sadie. — I did hate the old bottle so, father ; it has made all our trouble, and so — I couldn't help it, father — I dropped it down into the sewer. Alice. — That's good ! your father can't got it never again, and, what's more, he don't want it. Mary. — No, never again. H^e's goiug homo with me to get some coffee, and you must go too, Sadie, and have something good to eat. Then your father is going to sign the pledge, and pa will get some work for him to do. Alice. — And Sadie and her mother can have good clothes, and live in a nicer place. Won't it be splendid ! Moore. — [With much feeling.']— bil^y God bless you, dear children, for your sweet, cheerin' words to the poor old drunkard. If I only could be a sober, respectable man once more I You've set me to longin' for the happy days I used to have before rum made me a brute. Yes, I'll try, I must try, and if I'm saved, remember you've done the good work, — yes, you, little ones, have done it. Sadie. — [Clapping her hands.l Oh, mother will be «• (7?a«', and how happy we shall all be, for I know such W'-^ ^i '>■-* y ■ T - 156 THE CANADIAN good times are coming for us ! [Takes his hand.~\ Dear father, I love you so much ! [Leads Mm out, followed by Alice and Mary.] TWENTY APPEALS ; OR, REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD SIGN THE PLEDGE. [This dialogue should be recited by twenty-one members of a Temperance Society, who each says his sentence, and then leaves the platform clear for a successor. ] [Number '^ne may be spoken by the Chairman.] 1. — Ladies and Gentlemen : — Some of my col- leagues wish us to make a strong appeal to all those who may he present this evening, and have not signed the pledge, to do so at once. We think it desirable for many reasons. We think all classes of society have an interest in forwarding the temperance movement. How- ever, with your permission, my colleagues v, ill each state their particular reasons, and will appeal to you with all the energy and argument at their command. [Each speaker advances and says his part.] 2. — We appeal to the philanthropist. You who would see the human race better, nobler, and more ele- vated intellectually. Drink degrades a man to the very lowest ! Then, if you have your principles at heart, help on a movement which has the bettering of human- ity for its object. 3. — We appeal to the Chridian. " No dninlLJffd shall inherit the kingdom of heaven." l&*sfi dc yim TEMPERANCE RECITER. 157 help us to make teetotalers as fast as possible ! for whilst drink exists, there must, of necessity, be drunkards, and these must always be excluded from the fold of Christ. Come, you, and sign the pletlge, my friends ! 4. — We appeal to the father. He has sons who must stand or fall by their character for uprightness, integrity, and sobriety. Let him, then, surround them with the safeguard of our noble principles : and to do this, first set the example. Come, you, and sign the pledge ! 5. — We appeal to motliers. They have daughters, and drink has tempted thousands to their ruin, whilst it is drink alone which enables them to continue so wicked. Would }ou not rather mourn over the dead than the fallen 1' Come, then, sign the pledge, and set the ex- ample ! 6. We appeal to young men. Life is before you, full of temptation. You must keep yourself free from them if you wouid be successful. Shun as the pest that which can cause you to forget the true dignity of manhood. Come, you, quickly, and sign the pledge ! 7. — We appeal to the young woman. If you would be useful in your several spheres ; if you would retain your power over men, your efficiency as daughters and as wives, your capacity to be ministering angels in this world of wickedness, come you, we pray, and sign thw pledge ! 8. — We appeal to the drunkard. Gather up your resolution ; think of the happy days when you were pure and spotless in God's sight ; when you were a use- ful member of society ; when your intellect was vigorous; when you were looked up to, and not looked dovrn uporif ■^- 158 THE CANADIAN when you were too independent to put up with a land- lord's taunts or a wife's reproaches. There is time yet for you to mend. Come along then ; we will make you a wiser and a better man.^ Put your hand on jonr heart, and say, *' Now for it ! I'll be a man again !" ('ome, you, our beloved brothers, and sign the pledge ! V. — We appeal to the irresolule. If you waver, you may live to repent it to the last day of your life. Ours is f;he safest side; no reasonable being can deny it. Do not then trifle with your convictions. Throw your weight into the scale of the right, the noble, and the good. Come, you, at once, without delay, and sign the pledge ! ucuhft^ 10.— We appeal to the politician. He constantly spends his time legislating for the benefit of the nation. He would not have to spend his time in enacting the long list of laws, for dealing with the consequences of the liquor traffic, had pledge-signing been universal. Come, you, then, and sign the pledge ! 11. — We appeal to our law judoes, who tell us that nine-tenths of our crime is the oflspring of drink ; that our jails are filled from the public houses. When this is declared from the judicial bench, is it not time that they should at on^e say, " We will not countenance this" 1 12. — We appeal to the tax-payers. We all pay taxes; and the more gin- palaces there are, the greater the taxes. Do you want to reduce them 1 Do you wisli to lessen the numbers of the destitute and the deserted 1 Come, then, lend your influence, and sign the pledge ! 13. — We appeal to the doctors. They know how TEMPERANCE RECITER. 15& md- yet you your lin 1" lilge ! , vou Guts Do your i the 511 the • \ ■' tantly lation. ng the ices of versal. US that that iBn this e that enance taxes ; taxes. lessen Come J how drink kills, and they know very well it never cures ! They know how much disease drink brings, and vi'hat a friend drink is to them, since it finds them patients and tills their pockets ! But we appeal to them to do what is right, set their faces manfully against the custom, themselves signing the pledge, and putting temperance into their practice. 14. — We appeal to the patriot, he who loves his country, and would desire to see it elevated above other nations. Greatness is made up of aggregate wisdom. We are the equal of any i)ther nation so long as we keep away from drink. Give our soldiers plenty of it, and they are at anybody's mercy. An army of our men given any quantity of whiskey before a battle would simply sing " Biitannia rules the waves," and allow them- selve3 to be conquered. 15. — We appeal now to storekeepers of all kinds. The haker will be all the better if we are teetotalers, because bread will then be cheaper since grain will not be wasted, and we shall want more of the staff of life for our families. Come, then, Mr. Baker, you and your brethren should sign the pledge I 16. — We appeal to the bookseller. Vigorous intellect requires vigorous food. Sober men Avant books and periodicals ; but the drunkard and the drinker are sel- dom friends of yours. Do yoa then push the sales of our Temperance publications. Above all, come yourself, and sign the pledge ! 17. We appeal to the managers of Benevolent Assoda- tions. You want our teetotalers ; the drunkard. never dreams of helping you in your good work; his head is -1: t •■•'iw; mm MWUI \:MI 160 THE CANADIAN tilled with muddled ideas, and he has no room for you. Reform him, and he at once sees your value. You, then, ought to come and encourage him, by at once signing the pledge ! 18. We appeal to the tailor. Under the sober regime, rags must give place to good clothes ; for soberness brings self-rdspect, and self-respect brings the tailor. But the drunkard does you no good ; he carries about with him the suit you made for him ten years ago, and is not ashamed of it. Come, you, then, and sign the pledge ! 19. We appeal to the upholsterer. For the sober man will also want you. His money goes for nice furniture, soft carpets, spring-beds, and mirrors to look at his healthy face. He spends his money with you, but the poor drinker brings you his old battered furniture, and sells it to you for a mere song. You want money, not goods ; therefore, do you set the example, and come and sign the pledge ! 20. We appeal to managers of Insurance Companies. We ask them if they do not give additional advantages to teetotalers, because they 'have discovered by experi- ence that these non-drinkers live longest on the aver- age ! Then, if they have made this discovery, surely they will not hesitate to come forward and sign the pledge ! 21. Last of all, but not least, we appeal to the minis- ter of the Gospel. His is a philanthropic calling of the very highest order. As he desires to save his fellow- man from the wrath to come, he must approve of every method which will conduce to that end, however hum- ble. They, then, above all others, who are engaged in TEMPERANCE RECITER. 161 the best of good works, should lend their weighty influ- ence to us, and show their belief in our principles by signing the pledge. [The Chairman advances again.] You have heard what all my friends have to say ; if the cap fits any here, I hope they will put it on ; and we beg them to come forward and add their names to that of our present society. Como, then ; we earnestly and affectionately invite you to join us at once. THE LITTLE PHILOSOPHER AND THE PRE- TENDED SMOKER. By two children. — Harriet and Alfred. [The boy comes on with a short pipe in his mouth.] Harriet. — Why ! if this isn't Alfred ? Dear me ! Who would have thought it 1 How pleased I am to meet with you once more ! Alfred. — Not more pleased than your humble servant, I assure you. I shall put this down as a red-letter day in my life's calpudar. I hope there is a glorious future before us. Har. — I hope so with all my heart ; but you know as well as I do that the first thing is to lay a foundation for that glorious future you speak of. Alf. — Perhaps you will explain yourself a little ; you know Ilike your explanations. 162 THE CANADIAN Har. — You know that great results in life are fre- quently produced by little causes. Alf. — Bravo ! that's philosophy safe enough ! You make me feel quite pro ad of being in your company. What little things do you refer to 1 Har. — Why, for instance, that little pipe of yours, — it is a small thing, but such things have been the ruin of many. Alf. — Well, it shan't be my ruin, — I'll see to that. Tor your sake I will cast it away forever. [He throws it away.] Har. — No ; not for m j ke. Give it up on principle. Alf. — So I will, my litu. philosopher; for your sake on principle, — twenty thousand principles if you like ; but it must be for your sake, after all. Har. — Will you allow me to appeal to your enlight- ened judgment ? -T*. i ,r, .,..,' Alf. — To be sure. I shall be proud to hear you. Ap- peal away. I'iar. — Do you think that it is becoming of you, a rational creature, to stick a piece of baked clay in your mouth, and suck it by the hour together, just as a child sucks sugar candy ? And besides, if God meant your mouth to be o, fire-flue he would have made a chimney somewhere in the top of your head to carry off the amoke. There has been some talk of passing a law to €ompel manufacturers to consume their own smoke. I should like to add an appendage to a bill of that sort, compelling all smokers of tobacco to consume theirs also, for certainly it is becoming an intolerable nuisance. Alf. — Anything else, miss % TEMPERANCE RECITER. 16S Har. — If it were not for its offens'lveness, I'm sure it would he quite amimng to see men pnfing and blowing their smoke into the air. Some will sit for hours, as though thoy came into this world for the purpose of watching its fantastic curlings and ivindings; 2)retty CI atureSj it must he as good as a doll 1 Alf. — But surely you don't object to a cigar, — that is rery genteel, you know. Har. — -Well, to see a young man coming up the street with a cigar in his mouth, I should translate into lan- guage :— " What a fine fellow I am ! see how / can do it. I am not one of your low-bred ones who are obliged to smoke a pipe. Please to take notice this is a cigar ; a pipe of tobacco would cost but a cent or twOf but this cigar cost ten cents. I belong to the superior class. Though I am only a mechanic, 1 wish every one to know I am a gentleman, notwithstanding." Alf. — You little philosopher ! You seem to put a Toice into everything. Indeed, you seem to impart some- thing of your talkative nature to them. I beg pardon^ I hope no offence, but it seems so philosophic, you know, — a talking pipe and a talking cigar. Har. — When I meet a boy smoker in the street, I have his character before me at once as plainly as though the smoke formed the letters while the pipe pronounced the words. Alf — Yes ; I suppose, just as o. phrenologist tells our tendencies by the bumps on our craniums, you tell them by the pipe and cigar. The only difference I presume is that one is ph7'en-ologj and the other is pipe-ology. 1 Ml 164 THE CANADIAN shall put this down as a new science. Well, suppose you see a younr; spark coming up the street with a short pipe in his mouth, what would be your scientific deductions respecting him ? Har. — I should at once conclude that the poor youtli was not overstocked with brains. First, that his mental powers were ve)'y dwarfish irideed. Second, that he has a grovelUnri disposition, — that he would rather smoke a pipe than read a book. Third, that he is consequently ignorant, and is likely to remain so. Fourth, that he knows nothing of economy, either of time or moneij. Fifth, that he is a spendthrift, and thinks nothing of a rainy day. Alf. — [Turning to the audience.^ So yov see, yoa young smokers, here is a lecture for us (I beg my own pardon, though I have thrown mine away /or^ver.) The next time you walk out with your pipes in your mouths, we shall see you from the window and shall say, " Look here, mother ; here comes a brainless boy, or at least one whose mental powers are dwarfish, — a mental Tom Thumb, and one preferring ignorance to learning ; one who has commenced a system of waste, — a money- waster, health-waster, and time-waster." And I must say, my little miss, that this is the worst waste of all, for " time is money," and the ghosts of our murdered hours are sure to rise up and trouble us another day. But you would not go in against all smokers, — would you 1 It is quite right to launch your anathemas against the lads. But here comes a man up the street smoking his pipe. The poor fellow looks worn out, and that pipe seems his only consolation. How do you read him ? * > TEMPERANCE RECITER^ 165 Har. — First, that ho has lost his freedom, and has he- come a slave ; and second, that he has become an idola- ter. Is it not a fact, Alfred, that whatever a man loves best becomes his god ? Alf. — That is quite philosophic. Certainly in such a case the pipe is his god ; and, every time he lights it, he offers a burnt offering to his adored deity. Har. — Yes, and perhaps it costs that poor fellow a dolla^or two a week for tobacco. His poor children are wanting clothing, perhaps food ; but he must worship his pipe though his children starve. What he puffed up into the air last week would nearly have bought Johnny a pair of shoes, and this week he could have bought two or three pairs of warm socks for his little cold feet ! But the father is smoking the poor children's shoes and socks up into the air. Alf. — Just so, Billy Pipeclay blew out his tobacco- pipe half his house-rent last year, and when rent day came he could not pay his rent ; and if you ask Sam Shabby whore his coat is, or the coat he might have had, he must tell you he blew it out of his tobacco-pipe, and that it is somewhere in the ciouds. But you spoak of a man being a slave and losing his liberty. I don't quite understand that. Har. — Why, don't you know, Alfred, that when a despot conquers a free people, their freedom becomes lost, they being incorporated in the slave dominion of the despot? Alf. — I understand now — philosophy again ! The pipe is the despot ever striving to invade our free territories. The father is an old puffer and blower. He has been i! ,"- 1 .: ■ i '■■,. t ■ i ■ . - •i '1- 1> ■ --■ n j: ::'-\m ■ i ( I \. .•''Vs«; -'i' 1C6 THE CANADIAN conquered years ago. The young one steals a bit or father's tobacco, and begins to puif in secret till he turns pale and sickeixO. Here I presume the battle begins, — the contending foes are in the field. The brain says, " You have no business here, — you ara an intruder and a despot. What right have you to set my head aching 1 The stomach says, ** I'll not suffer your intrusion. I'll aoon topple you over ;" and, giving action to the word, nwaij goes the despot head over heels 1 But he rallies his forces, with the assistance of a few thoughts, such as — What a man you will be if you submit to my govern- ment ! fit for any company ! How you would enjoy yourself of an evening with your companions over a social glass. Eesides, you will be a man ! / .j.-x'.wi^o ■ Har. — No, —a slave ! r,,..... r>Kr^rrrrf, r..-.j »ryj-^!>mK -^A Alf. — The battle is renewed and the brain ceases to repel the charge ; the stomach becomes tolerant ; ulti- mately the conquest is gained and the poor lad is con- quered by smoke. The pipe is master of the situation, and proclaims hiiijself the conqueror, extracting a wilj ing revenue, weekly laid out at the feet of the despots by thousands whose children are pining for bread. 1 confess my inconsistency — having a })ipe in my mouth. It was nothing but a sham, to bring out yourphiIo»<.phy, for I consider that the pipe and the glass are but twm brothers and despots alike, aud . Satan's greatest helper** to ruin this fair world of ours. My little miss, I feel thi3 steam is up, and the engine must be off, or I must blow off the steam somehow, -^t. Har. — Then I will get out of your way. [SAe sits down.^ foe to wit TEMPERANCE RECITER. 167 Alf. — I want to know, my young friends, if a foreign foe was to invade our coasts, wliether you wouldn't muster to repel the enemy ? You would, — wouldn't you ? \Bo\fs call out : Yes ! Yes / Yes f] You say "yes." Even the smoke-dried old lady crouched in the corner there would throw down the pipe and shoulder the tongs if it ' vj^s only to show whicfh side she was on. Well, tobacco is a foreign foe in league with traitors to conquer the youth of oiir country. Their regiments are Cavendish, Savannah, Bird's-eye, Century and Shag ; and a shaggy lot they are altogether. The traitorous army is named Gin, Brandy, Rum, Holland, Whiskey, Wine, Beer, Porter, Cider, Perry, and a host of others. We teetotalers have proclaimed war against the smoking and drinking customs of society. We Avant you to rally beneath our standard, to defend our country against the smoke and drink despot. We want you to march and countermarch — to be quick — double quick ; to arms, comrades — load deep — aim straight — fire quick — load again, and at them again, boys.. Ah, that's the way. The enemy would soon flee our shores, and fhe teetotal ^i^ would wave on the highest hills, and the blessings of those who are ready to perish would be upon your heads and upon your hearts. We are here to- night, to appeal to your intellect. Young men, men of mind, men of understanding, by all that is valuable and useful in life, by the cries and tears of heart-broken mothers ai^ wives, by the cries of lialfatarved and naked children, by the drunken wail going up from the cities, towns, and villages of our land, we entreat you to enlist under the only banner, to join the only ranks 168 THE CANADIAN that can entertain the smallest hope of defeating the foe. Come ! Come ! and ten thousand wives and mothers will bless you, and the coming generations will call you their benefactors and deliverers ; and this thrice-happy land, free from the smoke and drink devil shall clap her hands and say, " Thank Grod, — at last we arc free !" , . ■- "STRIKE AT THE EOOT.*^''^''^''^^;'i;' "Strike at the root !" Aloft the upas grows, li ^; ^j f And spreads its baleful shadow o'er the land ; ,,.(., Through all society the poison flows, - '• r ja{...{r,,,. And death and misery glare on every hand, ^^vjofl " Strike at the root;" to lop or to restrain , .I'V'O'fe z\v The wild luxuriance of the fatal tree Were just as wise one sheep-cot door to chain. And leave the folds when all the wolves are free. " Strike at the root," if 'neath your vigorous blows |,^jr.' Branch after mighty branch come tumbling down, Such wond'rous strange vitality it shows. One springtide would replace its verdant crown. ,^ There is a giant evil in this land. Which throws the shadow of a dread eclipse O'er all our pomps and institutions grand, And steeps in degradation to the lips The statare of our greatness : at this hour, Spite of oar halls of science, art, and song ; Spite of a literature, a world's bright dqwer, — Nobler was ne'er enshrined by ancient tongue ; aiia« jiiwrn B6>fc. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 169 Spite of ten ttousand temples, which arise And point to heaven, and silently proclaim Man's fellowship with angels and the skies, Which pitying look upon our nation's shame ; Spite of a civilization which can boast Such triumphs and sach trophies as this earth Eefore had never seen, amidst the host Of thrones and empires, all of glorious birth, — In spite of all, and the fair good of all Annulling like a pestilence from hell, 'Tis drunkenness that makes man misery'3 thrall. Take that away, and social life were well. This is the poison-bearing tree^ whose limbs llain pauperism, disease, starvation, crime, Unchastity, and madness' dreadful whine, Profanity, with all its beastly slime. This crowds your felon den, your workhouse fills, Nurtures sedition in his horrid lair, Imbrutes man's godlike nature, conscience kills, And changes into fiends earth's angels fair. " Strike at the root !" Earth groans beneath this curse ; Religion, baffled, shudders at the scene ; " Strike at the root," remove this pest and worse. And earth shall smile again like Eden's flowery green. i i;. .i! ny !..l| '■■'■ni- IT Jo Tv^,S#-;-. •-' rt-r^ llUifl UA^ h 'i t -«!; ,.:}•■'- 170 THE C4NADIAN THE AlcMY OF CAi>£TS. Thomaa. — Jim, what's all this fussahout the Army of Cadets? - - Jim. — We are ;,'oing V) fight Old Kiny Alcoliol, and his two great arm ie«. -v T. — Fight. heijut Um .^i^a^l, l^i fttui^ him 'most to death. J. — But we are not going Uf fight in that way. If Timothy had let the bees a)onfi, i^ttty would iio John. — Can you tell me what your beer is made of 1 Tom. — rJo. ii^::,^' n fw immi) « s-ujii'vu, John. — Water, treacle, poison, and a little putrefied vegetable matter. tm /\ ,tj^mm\imm "^^vM it>; - Tom. — I don't care ; it's the best medicine that ever was invented, for I have tried it before. — jtiijjiiiijji y:^\ :\ John. — How much did you take ? Tom. — About half a dozen pints, more or less. John. — That must be a very queer way of taking medicine ; six pints in a day ! But please tell me how you felt after this largo dose. Tom. — I felt as if everything was upside down, my- self included ; and every now and then the ground would seem to jump up and hit me on the head. I felt as if 1 could fight anybody, ana was very proud of trying to walk both sides cf the putii at once. ;f ;H TEMPERANCE RECITER. 173 John. — Your medicine operated very curiously ; but did it cure you ? Tom. — Yes, that it did for the time. John. — But how did you feel the next morning ? Tom. — This is the next morning, and it was only last night I tried the experiment, and I have already told you how I feel ; but I omitted to tell you that I shall not be able to get my full dose to-day, because I am very light in three places. - -t,,-^^.-.. John. — Where are they 1 '• i i ^.^i, •'^^ Tom. — My stomach, my head, and my pocket. John. — So, after you have tried your miraculous medi- cine, you find the effects are, firstly — it removed your malady for the time, only for it to return with increased violence ; secondly — il, rendered you incapable of govern- ing yourself ; in plain terms, you were drunk ; thirdly — it created a desire to return again to the so-called medi- cine ; fourthly — it made you light in the three places you have mentioned, you about this drink argument. jj.u _..,,,, x ^„. Tom. — Well, talk away then, only don't be long over it, for I am as thirsty as a herring. >« u^./m^ John. — You don't seem to care much about the matter ; but first ask me some question, for 1 can't knock any- thing down before it's built up. ^ Tom. — Did not Solomon say a pint of beer was a good thing for a working-man"? John. — No. "' -'&*t*''^r-f)i^^.^^f*^''''''*'Jv Tom. — Then didn't somebody tell Timothy to take a drop of gin for his stomach's sake 1 Now I want to have a word with You were at one time fond of liif' 174 THE CANADIAN i John. — Kot exactly that either; hut ia there anything the matter with your stomach 1 Tom. — It's ratlier empty, that's all. John. — Then what do you think is the hest thing to fill it with ? *'^^^ Tom. — Why, some beer, to be sure. John. — Can you tell me what becomes of the beer after you have drank it ? ,. . Tom. — It fills up my stomach, and answers the pur- pose of a good dinner. John. — How much do you think your stomach is capable of holding] ' ' ' ; —-v'- ■-■ - . - ■■._ ^t^ ■:- . To7n. — I have read in some books, when 1 was young, about two jiints. ..ijiT^,;, -..^^ ' - John. — Then what a foolish man you must be, to try and get six pints into a two-pint measure. 1.^ Tom. — I never thought of that before. '" " '• John. — Do you not see that a pound of bread would usefully fill your stomach, while the injurious beer is im- mediately absorbed into your system'? Tom. — It's of no use talking to you ; you've been better educated than I have ; but when i have been to the Half Moon and got primed, I will come back and talk to you. But in the mean time here is Mr. Love- drop — he will soon settle you. (Exit.) (EnUr LovEDROP. j Lovedrop. — "Well, friend John, how are youl John. — In the very best of health. How are you 1 Lovedrop, — Oh, pretty well, except a light bilious headache ; but say, I have heard you are a teetotaler ! John. — I am a teetotaler, and .1 am proud of it. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 176 Lovedrop. — The more fool you to join such a set of enthusiasts ; you may as well couderan the whole system of navigation, because some get drowned in tlie practice John. — All great men are enthusiasts in the particular branch of science or art that they excel in ; Kewton, Hunter, Davy, and others. The proper meaning of the word is " man in earnest." The case you state about navigation does not apply to the subject — drinking in- toxicating drinks is not necessary, may bo done without altogether, and their use is highly dangerous to the com- munity ; while navigation is both necessaiy and useful. Lovedrop. — I contend that the little drop I take does me no harm. JoJm. — Define your term ; how much is a little drop? Lovedrop. — Three glasses in a day. John. — That would amount to above one thousand glasses a year ; rather a large drop. . , : Lovedrop. — Did not Christ make wine at the marriage feast in Cana '? < , . , i -t ; John. — Yes ; but you cannot prove that it was intoxi- cating wine ; on the contrary, we have evidence to prove that it was not so. I heard a very good answer to that in a meeting once. A little boy was making a speech, and occasionally quoted texts of Scripture, when a crusty old bachelor got up and inquired sneeringly of the boy, i^ Christ did not make wine at the marriage-feast ; the boy replied that he was too young and the gentleman was too old, as well as too ugly, to get married ; that if they only drank wine at their marriage-feasts, there would not be much danger of their ever becoming sots. ;■ ■ i- ■'1 r^: !!f Lovedrop.- -Did not Noah get drunk 1 176 THE CANADIAN John. — ^And do you believe he was any the better for it 1 on the contmry, he was much the worse, and if a wise and good man like Noah could not withstand the temptation, how much more likely are you to bo borne down before it? ,,,n ..» .»^..i ....*. i^,,.r. ,.fy\fr Lovedrop. — There is no danger of my falling into the temptation., . frT,' , r/ , \ . ♦ John. — Yfcs, there is a very great danger; do you know a sinc;le drunkard v/ho at one time had the remot- est idea of ever becoming what he is ? Lovedrop. — You are assuming th^t I associate witli drunkards, wliich is not the case. I drink in modera- tion, because it helps to support the government, you see. John. — It must bo a poor government which cannot get along without that drink which causes such crime, poverty, and wretchedness as is everywhere visible. Both government and society lose bj it in the end, for if the sale of strong drinks were utterly and forever pro- hibited by law, three-fourths of the jails and work- houses would perish with them.^' -rof/fi/i lijdi Lovedrop. — But what wouhl become of the distillers and saloon proprietors ? '"♦ '^"'-^ r'-^f -r-Y ;,^ ... , John. — What do they deserve to be done with, who sell out that liquid curse which destroys sixty thousand men in a year? ^:. j,....-^s -..u^. l^l ,_.i.'.u_:i., „..,,.._,. . .. Lovedrop. — But they afe respectable members of so- ciety, and must be done something with.ji...<^^,s;^i|*4ijjv^ John.' "I^et them turn farmers and cultivate the ground, and learn to use its products to a better purpose than to make drinks which prove the curse of the country. TBMrERANCB RECITER. 177 Lovedrop. — The teetotalers don't go the right way to ivork, trying to get a Maine Law, and prohibit the sale ; they ought to try to get individuals to give it up, and in time the whole community would become moderate. John. — Why don't you join us then, and show us a more excellent way, instead of swelling the ranks of the enemy 1 Your argument would apply with eq^ual force to the law against stealing and other vices. ^^"^ ' '"" Lovedrop. — When I get into company they will have me drink, and besides I like it and it seems to do me good : I can't give it up, . , . , John. — Can't ! You ought to bo ashamed to say so. I have given it up '".nd if you can't I am a better man than you. As to the drink seeming to do you good, your bilious headache is a case in point. Half the ills that flesh is heir to may be traced, directly or indirectly, to the use and abuse of stimulants. Lovedrop. — Why, my dear sir, you would not cer- tainly deny that liquor does good in some cases % John. — Very few cases indeed can be cited where it does good. You know that the medical profession is now rapidly discarding its use as a medicinal agent ; and as a beverage it is now pronounced hurtful, debilitating and full of misery in the future to every man who im- bibes the accursed thirst for ardent spirits. Lovedrop. — I will think upon what you have said, but I am afraid it's no use at my time of life. John. — It's never too late to mend ; but I see you are like many other moderates ; your jv ^gment says, ab- stain, but your palate says, I like a little drop. I 3MAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I " « iiiii 12.0 :' m 1.8 1 1.25 !.4 1.6 ^ 6" ^ V} ^ ^m e. e}. ^ '?« « >>^ ^ 4 -j^. ^^" Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTn.N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ts Q- Q. ^^"% e 178 THE CANADIAN Lovedrop. — Well, I can't stop any longer, so good-bye. John. — Good-bye ; but think of what I have told you, and attend our meetin^^s. ,. •. i - . '^: THE BREWER AND THE NEGRO. A Brewer m a country town, ^ Had got a monstrous reputation : No other b(3er but his went down — The hosts of the surrounding station Carving his name upon their mugs, And painting it on every shutter ; And iho' some envious folks would utter Hints that its flavor came from drugs. Others maintain'd 'twas no such matter, But owing to his monstrous vat, At least as corpulent as that - v': At Heidelbur;ij — and some said fatter. ' ' ' His foreman was a lusty black, ' ■..^^■. ;J An honest fellow ; But one who had an ugly knack ;fT Of tasting samples aa he brewed, ;. '.:!" Till he was stupefied and mellow. ' * One day in this top-heavy mood, Having to cross the vat aforesaid, (Just then with boiling beer supplied) O'ercome with giddiness and qualms, he Reel'd — fell in — and nothing more said, But in his favorite liquor died. Like Clarence in his butt of Malmsey. .4_i — i-^ TEMPERANCE RECITER. In all directions round about , The negro absentee was sought, But as no human noddle thought That our fat Black was now Brown Stout, They settled that the negro'd left The place for debt, or crime, or theft. 179 :^?^',. {.,,- .f Meanwhile the beer was day ])y day ' Drawn into casks and sent away, Until tlie lees flowed thick and thicker. When lo ! outstretched upon the ground. Once more their missing friend they found, As they had often done — in liquor. See, cried his moralizing master, I always knew the fellow drank hard. And prophesied some sad disaster; - His fate should other tipplers strike, V^ Poor Mungo ! there he welters, like ; A toast at bottom of a tankard ! Next morn a publican whose tap Had help'd to drain the vat so dry, Kot having heard of the mishap, Came to demand a fresh supply, Protesting loudly that the last All previous specimens surpass'd, Possessing a much richer giisto Than formerly it ever used to. And begging as a special favor Some more of the exact s.ame flavor. I ■ ■■",(. 180 THE CANADIAN Zounds ! cried the Brewer, that's a task More difficult to grant than ask, Most gladly would I give the smuck Of the last beer to the ensuing, But where am I to find a Black, And T)oil him down at every brewing 1 ALCOHOL IS DOOMED. The temperance reformers have a very difficult task to perform. They have undertaken to hew down and nproot the great and ancient tree. It has existed and flourished for thousands of yep.rs. It has struck its roots deep into the very heart of civilized life ; it is nourished by the rich blood of thousands of annual vic- tims ; it is watered with the copious tears of numberless wives and children, mothers and sisters, widows and orphans ; it is waving its death-bearing branches far and wide over the families of our fatherland ; it enchains the senses by its narcotic influence ; it drugs the reason to torpitude by its intoxicating fruit ; it throws up the reins to the maddened passions to rush headlong on their unbridled course ; it gathers under its pestilential shade tens of thousands of its deluded victims, from the most respectable moderate drinker to the besotted drunkard. What a task have they undertaken to per- form ! This tree of death is not only rooted with vast strength, but it is defended by thousands interested in TEMPERANCE RECITER. 181 its existence ; it is protected with grecit vigilance by a host of distillers, brewers, and liquor-sellers ; it is favored by a government that draws a vast revenue from its pro- duce, it is excused by myriads of moderate drinkers, saints and sinner*, men and w^onien, old and young. " Pull it down ! " say these men in scorn ; " as well might a few idle boys attempt to demolish the fortifica- tions of a strong •'•ity by pelting them with thistledown and feathers, as y u to abolish the use of alcohol by your teetotalism." But in spite of such success the teetotal- ers will go on with their work. With the brawny arm of firm resolve, with the keen axe of truth, with the im- tiring perseverance of genuine benevolence, with the dauntless courage of duty, they will go on, making the whole region ring with their repeated strokes, until the Upas-tree trembles and crashes to the ground amid the rejoicings of humanity. " A consummation devoutly to be wished," sneer the opponents of the temperance movement. — " A consummation sure to come," respond the earnest workers in the glorious cause. For, depend upon it, sooner or later, this giant evil must fall. It is condemned by all experience ; all the main props of its support have been proved unsound. Why should it be allowed any longer to exist 1 Kesolve, then, that, God helping you, not a siiujle stone he left unturned for the final overthrow of the greatest enemy of mr r.ice. I ■ ■?»|:4*^^'/'"' 182 m ■A ! .. THE CANADIAN THE SCIlOOLMASTErv ABROAD. >. A Characters. ■..\\\, JOHN. HENKY. . ! 1 -,-. . THOMAS. LOUIS. 1 1 ■ f A i 1 ) 1. AIlTHUn. PETER,, [•.: : .iu • ■..G', IS-M JOE. The hoys all seated at their desks. A number of other hoys at desks. J oim in the teacher's seat. ^- - i - '»nv^-, John, (striking desk with ruler.) Silence ! " V. ' ''"''ii ■' '• • ui .r^'i..^ ,; rj ^In a loud voice. Thoiuas. — Nobody is making a noise but you. •• JoJtn. — Silence, I tell yon ! '' ^'\In a louder voics. Henri/. — ^^^ ^^ example, if you want silence. = ^^ John. — Silence ! [^.v >■.','> r. i--^ v r-."."!*--; .uu^ iui\t^-k':j^j'--'~,^kiy\j^.r Henry. — Peter the Hermit ! vuitdi „j\Ai;jl Thomas. — Queen Victoria ! ' "•i^- ty'«-*i^- ^i^'v^^i^ Louis. — Louis Napoleon ! i^^iK)^ ^«*jo/ i'' >ll--.i*»vA. Peter. — Martin Van Buren ! ' -^ .>,h%\m^Mii'''- Joe.— Hail Columbia ! '':■' '^^^ T ..*^-. wnHV... .,-nt:l\ John. — Will there ever such a set of blockheads ] Christopher Columbus discovered America — in — in — well, some time ago ! Henry. — Bully for him ! ,2^*' ''^"^' i^ Thomas. — Three cheers for Chris ! ]^All cheer three times. TEMPERANCE RECITER. • 183 John. — Silence ! What do you mean by all this racket? Louis.— Oiy^ it up? . r^;> V x>Har^> -^w\ John. — Louis, you are so smart ! Who beheaded Cromwcin Louis. — Oh ! oh ! oh ! \_AU the hoys echo, oh ! oh ! oh ! John. — Stop that noise ! Louis, answer the question. IjOuis. — I can't. John. — Henry, you answer it ! \ A v.v'vA,' \' ■. •, v\> Henry. — Never knew before he was beheaded ! John. — I never heard of such gross ignorance ! Never 'knew Charles the first was beheaded ? ;,<>*(> ^^ rv \ Louis. — You said Cromwell ! , , i-,,- i,'-. -..w^. \i .'^ John. — It's all the same thing. .-.•..j^P'- ^^.5\i:iV. Henry. — I bet Charles didn't think so ! •-' /.;..-. t John. — Thomas, who beheaded Charles th J first ? Thomas. — The executioner. ■ ■ - :' -i' 'k"X-\"-: John. — Louis, what are you giggling about? tr.v j' Louis. — I, sir? I was only smiling serenely, ^-r ?ii John. — Go to the dunce stool. «'*w.- Louis. — Certainly, sir. [Goes and sits on dunce stool. John. — Henry ! .in»t-a r?nJ it- -"..U ■..'.yS't;* s Henry. — Here, sir. imnfM'" ^-'y^ n •!';!/> *■■ John. — Hold your tongue, and tell me who was the first President of the United States. r H. -- Henry. — How can I tell you if I hold my tongue ? Jo7i?i.--Hold your tongue, sir, and answer me ! Henry. — (holding his tongue with his fingers.) John Jacob Astor. ..■.^.■■■i:-.:'..}^-''.i¥' »,^i* n^ Jo7/n.— Who? Speak distinctly. ^.^?:*^ Henry. — (letting his tongue go.) — Louis the Four- teenth ! 184 THE CANADIAN Lvi John. — I am ashamed of you. Who was the father of his country] '■■'-''''. ^^'i^'^'^' '>> j.>^f^ir^>' v- . Henry: — The son of its grandfather, sir. " •' '^ *' ' 1^' John. — Xo h',vity, sir! '• ' '■"'■ ' ' " ' ' "' 'Henry. — The husband of its motlier, then. John. — Go sit on the dunce stool, you blockhead t [Ilenry sits in Loniii lap. John. — Thomas, do you know your geography lesson] Thomas. — You'll find out, when you hear it. John. — Bound Maine. Thomas. — Can't do it, sir. The bouivlless main is^ proverbial. - . ^ John. — Wliere are the Andes 1 ' Thomas. — All my aunties are at homo, thank you, sir. John. — How long is the Amazon Eiver? "■ ' '" ' Thomas. — Just three inches, sir, on my map. It is rather longer on the map against the wall. John, (sternly.) — I'll have no more nonsense ! Where is Georgia? ' ^- - '- -^^ ..ivsvi) .^H ■.-/.. Thomas. — Down South, and no nonsense about it ! John. — Go to the dunce stool, sir. ^Thomas goes and sits on Henry's lap. John. — Arthur, what is a conic section? Arthur. — The most comic section I was ever in, sir, was Lhe negro minstrel's hall. Jo/i?^— Conic, Arthur ! ^^■''! ' hsJ^^T'^^l ./ Arthur. — Yes sir : comic Arthur, if you will ! ' " John. — Arthur, if ten tons of grain cost one hundred dollars, how many cattle will it feed ] '"v- Mv— --iv^pA^. Arthiir. — I don't believe the cat'll cat ten tons, sir. Our cat won't anvhow. ..::,-^,---.L..L^,^—^-----^^^r---- J sha] A J stoo' J p, Jo Ft Jo. Fe Jo) stool. Loi Some TEMPERANCE RECITER. 185 John. — Arthur, you are too smart for this school. I shall be obliged to dismiss you. . ^^l^^^,J^,.;, i [Arthur sits on Thomas^ lap. John. — Peter, do you know your definitions ? \.\. Peter. — I don't know, sir. John. — Don't know what, your definitions] - « Peter. — I don't know if I know my definitions oi not. John. — Define Cosmopolitan. . j ,.r ,,, a., Peter. — Cricky ! " John. — ISTot the proper definition. Go to the dunce stool. [Peter sits in AHhur^s lap. Louis. — I say, John, it's getting rather heavy here. .Some of you fellows come underneath. .^ ,,., ., .. l! i.,-i 7 ii )iu [Slips 02d, and they all fall dmvn. John. — Order there ! ,,:.:),..,,: .-i;,,, , \\ ,,<, vv:,^-A i Henry. — You undertook to order for all of us. John. — Sit down, all of you ! :• . ;, [All try for the stool, finally sit as hefore, Louis on Peter's lap, Henry on the stool.^ -j^ .^ ji , j ,,;> A^P'JP^' John. — Joseph! Joe. — (in asgucakingvoice.) — That's me 1 Short for Joe. /o7iw.— Joseph, what is a verbl .-^.sjt aiiT* ...^^^*^ > Joe. — Part of speech, sir. . ^ .,jy|,j John. — Very good ! What part ! .^iv, * -% Joe. — The — the — verbal part ! p^'U. ^^ss,vv. i John. — Oh Joe ! Joe ! What a dunce you are ! Henry. — Oh John ! John ! here comes the teacher ! [All hurry to their seats, and hejjin to study out loud. [Curtain falls. ' ■;'., .WZ'S 186 THE CANADIAN m:': fi'^ AK.^. INTOXICATING DEINKS NECESSAItY TO PEOPLE IN HEALTH 1 [A dialogue fur seven youths.] . . , V' Characters. — Bill, Hauiiy, Walter, Sam, James, John, Tom Clifton, John's sailor cousin. Sctne. — A chair and a tabic. The two boys. Bill and Harry, standing near it. Bill. WgU, Hany, our debating class meets to-night ; at least, I mean it ouglit to meet ; but it seems to me as if you and I were to have the meeting all to oui-selves. Harry. 1 saw several of our boys as I was coming up, and they said they would be here in a few minutes. It is several minutes past the time appointed already ; but John Clifton lias a sailor cousin, who has just come home fron'. China, and they were all listening to him spinning a long yarn about something he has seen there. I'll confess that / should have liked to have heard it my- self, only he was just getting to the end, and there is no fun in hearing the end of a thing, and not the beginning. [Eiiter John, with his sailor cousin, and Walter, Sam and James.] John. — Well, gentlemen, I am sorry to have kept you waiting; however, I have a good excuse,— -I have brought you an addition to our debating class, in the shape of a salt-tar — my cousin, Tom Clifton, Esq., of Her Majesty's ship " Invincible," who will be able, no doubt, to throw a little more light on the subject in hand, with the extensive experience which he has had. Tom. — Any information which I may be able to afford you, I will give with the greatest pleasure. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 187 Sn7n. — In the first place, I beg to propose that our friend, William Hunter, Esq., be appointed chairman of this meeting. ' ' ' Harry. — I beg to second the proposition. James. — It has been proposed and seconded that our esteemed friend, William Hunter, Esq., bo appointed chairman of this meeting. All for the motion will now signify it in the usual manner. [^All hands up. ^ •"■ James. — Against? \_Silence.^ The motion is unani- mously carried. [To Bill.] Sir, I have the pleasure of oftering you — in the name of tlie meeting— the chair. Bill. — [Takinr/ his seat.] Gentlemen, I have to thank you all for the unexpected honour which you have be- stowed upon me this evening. As chairman of this meeting, I do not consider myself called upon to make, jieither does the limited time permit, a long speech. I will therefore come at once to the proi^ose*'. subject of debate, which is, " Are intoxicating liquors necessary to people in health 1" I trust that the discussion will bo conducted throughout with calmness, forbearance, and courtesy. Mr. Harry will perhaps favour us with his opinion first. Hairy. — My opinion is, that intoxicating liquors are Jiot necessary to persons in health. I will endeavor, iii a few words, to state my reasons for thinking so. In the first place, because, ere their use was known in this country, men endured greater hardships, lived rougher and plainer, and yet enjoyed, on the whole, far better health than the majority do who use them at present. In the second place, alcohol, a necessary ingredient in intoxicating liquors, is a deadly poison, and cannot be 188 :^ THE CANADIAN taken into tho atoinacli of a pei*aou in health without injury. And, thirdly, that many hard-working men who liavo been used to intoxicating liquors all tlieir lives, and at length have been induced to abstain froin them, have confessed tliat theyliave <3n joyed better heaUl'. have had a better appetite for food, a!id have been able to do more work without them. Therefore, I contend that intoxicating liquors are not necessary for persons who are in health. Sam. — I beg to diifer from you. All constitutions are not alike ; some require stimulants, oven when \n health. James. — And / beg to differ from you ! How is it, then, that men of all kinds of constitutions have adopted tho plan of tobd abstinence, and all reaped benefit from iti How is it that none die from it, but so many from the want of it? * .iiMi:'^ i-nn ;.-uji'-,i; Sam. — Oh ! it's — it's because — because — why, it's all imagination to think that total abstinence does any one any good ! They arc in reality weaker ! '^ '*-^^ ^-^^'i ' James. — And oh ! it's — it's all imagination to think that beer does them any good ! They are weaker iu reality ! Walter. — Well, I, for my part, will say that when I've had a glass of home-brewed, I feel it all ovct my body, — invigorating, and giving me strength. •" John. — And haven't you also felt, a sho: t time after, a feeling of lassitude and weariness come over you, as if your strength Avere departing from you as quickly as it came ? iiMi^MmhA^'-^^ Waller. — Well, I'll confess I do often f' ^. very tired shortlv after. TEMrERANCK IIECITKII, 180 John. — Showing plainly that it is not redl, but arti- ilcial strength. I was reading an extract from, a temper- ance lecture the othev day, and the lecturer met the argu- ment of " feeling it all over the body" in the following manner: — "Now, this if one of the greatest and most powerful arguments we can bring against you moderate drinkers. If you eat a beef-steak, do you feel it all over your body ? Xo ! If you have health, you ought not to feel that you have a stomach. The moment that fact is forced upon you, you are pained, and God thereby warns you that you are doing violence to his laws." AVhen you take a glass of water, you do not feel it all over your body ; yet water imparts real, and not arti- ficial strength. .^ .^i^ ;.q,; ,;r.}i)'fi 14^^*-' *» LJfJWI > .Mtirf- Jaiiie^. — Ah ! that shows that you do not take intoxi- cating liquor so much for its pretended strength, as be- cause you like it. Were you to go to a doctor, and ask hiiu to give you something to impart strength to you in- stead of drink, he would doubtless quickly iind you an excellent substitute. Doctors recommend it to their patients because they know they like it, and in the hope of pleasing them. Walter. — I dare say Ihey often do ; but come, — there are some cases in which they are absolutely necessary ! You, for instance, {turning to the sailor\ would never have been able to have stood what yon have done, — all the extremes of heat and cold, and changing climates, and all the other hardships that sailors are exposed to, — without your glass of grog. Do you think you would, Tom*? m. f 190 THE CANADIAN Tom — I have, indeed, as you have said, been exposed to many hardships and dangers. I have been stationed for four years on the unhealthy coast of Africa ; and for as long again near the ice-bound regions in the northern latitudes. I have been in eve^ quarter of the globe ; in the midst of war, pestilence, hurricanes, storms, and I can scarcely tell you what ; and you'll acknowledge that my experience ought to have a little weight, surely ! All— Oh, yes, yes, yes ! jF*rf>ifi ^v^v^t^^o luifJ •' Tom — Well, gentlemen, my experience is this,- -that a r an can bear greater extremes of heat and cold, un- healthy Climates, pestilence, or any of the ills that the flesh is heir to, infinitely better withoui either ardent spirits or intoxicating liquors; and therefore, for the last ten years, I have been a teetotaler ! l"^' Chair. — Well, gentlemen, the discussion has been brought to a most satisfactory conclusion by our good friend heri ; and I think none after this will venture to say that intoxicating liquors are necessary to persons in health. ' TKy^J'J * XA« V^tkl The time has now expired, and i* devolves upon rae to bring this meeting to a conclusion. I thank you all for the order which you have preserved this evening. I now pronounce the meeting dissolved. Harry. — Three cheers for our cf iirman ' John. — And three cheers for our temperance tars ! TEMPERANCE RECITER. 1^1 NO QUARTER TO BE GIVEN. ** Something more must yet be done by the friends of temperance. The temperance refcrmation has now come to an important crisis, and such a one as calls loudly for every one interested in this moral reform, with united and unyielding efforts, to urge theii' cause. The contest betATeen cold water and rum, between honour and igno- miny, between happiness and misery, between reason and insanity, and between life and death, is about to come lo an important issue. It is true many battles have been fought, and many victories have b'^eu gained by the Cold Watf^T army. The triumphs of temperance inspired its votaries with courage, and called into action all their vigour ; and by that couraga and vigour they continued to triumph. The enemies of temperance vrero vanquished, their hearts began to fail them, and they sat them down to mourn over theii fate. The ruinous tide of intem- perance was measurably checked in its course, and rolled back to its fountain. " This caused tlie advocates of temperance to suppose that the struggle was past ; that the Cold Water engine had such speed, that It would reach its destination without the addition of fuel or steara. Therefore their efforts were slackened, and the potency of their united influence ceased to be called into requisition. And what has been the result *? Why, the insidious foe has been gaining strength, has been throwing up its fortifications, and increasing the number of its votaries ; and, indeed, not because it could do so from its own intrinsic power, but because the friends of temperance, by their indiffer- ence and ease, permitted it. •; :>,■■■((&; ,1(1:^' M^ 192 THE CANADIAN "The experience of the past, then, teaches this truth — that no quarter is to be given to King Alcohol — that the united efforts of the advocates of temperance are not to cease, so long as rum is made, and sold, and drank. No compromise whatever will ansvrer, and no lukowarm- ness is S(ife,'';^v;,e.a<;f9!,;jijt4g:ilii,t^l;/i^^ ,,\,.Ar' A PLEA FOR THE PLEDGE. FOR TWO BOYS. John. — There is much talk about TeniDcrance Socie- ties ; but I think few people quite understand them, ex- cept those who are members thereof. I am not quite sure that I am well informed on the subject, and as you are a member, perhaps you will be good enough to ex- plain what a Temperance Society is. Tlioraas. — Witk pleasure. It consists of a number of persons who have agreed not to use alcoholic drinks, who have signed a pledge to that effect, and have formed themselves into a Society to strengthen each other's hands, and to induce others to follow their example. John. — But why give up the drink altogether? Can not men take it or leave it alone 1 It is the abuse, not the use, that does the harm, is it not ? Thomas. — The use, as it is called, leads to the abuse. Drunkenness is onlv the result of drinking. Our coun- try abounds with sad proofs of this. John. — But do you mean to say that men can be strong, do their work, and bear fatigue and exposure as well without the drink as with it ? TEMPERANCE RECITER. 19 Thomas. — There is no doubt about it now, at least among those who are properly informed on the subject. The brick-makers, anchor-smiths, harvest-men, etc., in various parts, have tried it and succeeded admirably. John. — But all who drink do not become drunkards. Thomas. — Truly; nor do all gamblers lose their money and character, but many of them dr ; and as there is gi'eat danger of my doing so, therefore I abstain. Beside?, what can be done better withouc, should be avoided, es- pecially when the doing it might involve me and others in trouble. John. — I think you temperance people make too much of drink ; you say there are not less than twenty thou- sand drunkards in the Dominion, and that about eight thousand die every year. Thomas. — This may seem a very strong statement, but it is only doubted by those who love the drink, and have taken little pains to get at the facts. Johyi. — Then you say that at least thirty millions of money are spent, directly and indirectly, in this drink. If ow think of that enormous sum ! It cannot be. Thomas. — It's all very well for you to say it cannot he ; but that assertion has never yet been called in ques- tion by any competent authority. Allow me to say I do not think you are one. Jo7m. — Bat if so many persons were made drunkards every year, should wj not have many more of them about than there are 1 Thomas. — Thousands of thorn are imprisoned for crime, and thousands more shut up in lunatic asylums. They are a short-lived race and die off quickly. J as. 1! ■ :m f ■ 't' 194 THE CANADIAN John. — Then what becomes of their wives, widows, and famihes ? '#03 Thomas. — Why, in many cases, they become a town charge, while in others they are taken care of by their friends and the benevolent public. The pauperism of this country, from drink, is fearfuL jh'f: '. f vk John. — What is a pauper 1 *" Thomas. — A person who, being unable to procure food, clothes, and shelter, is provided with them by the John. — But do you not think you are too hard upon the drink when you say it produces seven-tenths of the crime of the country 1 ^^i^mi^i^,} Thomas. — No. Facts prove it ; and facts are stub- born things. Besides, who ought to be better informed on these matters than the Judges of the land 'i They confirm this opinion. ^^^ ii iwjwv atf i^uf.. John. — If Temperance Societies have done so much good as 5'"ou and your friends say they have, how is it that all good people do not join you? • -•^^ Thomas. — Because prejudice, appetite, custom, and in- terest withhold the light from them. They are human^ and therefore err. But there is much iinprovement in this respect, and we must hope on. John. — When and where were the Temperance Socie- ties first instituted "? Thomas.— Khoni fifty years ago, in this country of re- forms. They first merely rejected ardent spirits, but now we have grafted tlie teetotal principle on to their ^.nti-spirit system. vV .i. |in4> John. — Before we part, there is oue other point on |:.'iF TEMPERANCE RECITER. 195 which I wish to have a little information. I do not like your pledge. If people choos3 to abstain, why not do so without a pledge "J It seems so unmanly. Thomas. — It is just the contrary, and gives proof that he who has hitherto been carried away by his appetite and by the customs of society, has at last awakened to the dignity of independence and manhood, and asserted his determination to be free. That is manly. John. — But does not taking a pledge destroy moral freedom and responsibility ? Thomas. — Certainly not; no more than engagements and pledges of any other kind. It has proved a great boon to many a poor drunkard, who, struggling with in- numerable temptations within and around him, has thus, by God's blessing, been enabled to abstain , perhaps, at first, only because he had pledged hhnself; but afterward continued, because he saw it was right to do so. But while I am on this point, excuse me one moment longer while I say, that of all the means of deliverance and of safety in this our probationary state, if any one in God's revealed word stands out in bolder relief than another, it is the system of pledges, covenants, and promises. — He has given it His sanction by His examples, entering into solemn covenant with many, and giving |)ledgcs for its fulfilment. So also the jmtriarchs, and prophets, and apostles, and kings, and people, throughout the Scrip- tures, are to be found uniting in pledges and covenants ; and invariahly without exception^ when those pledges and covenants for good objects have be^^n kept, the blessing of God has attended them. (Exit.) 'M 'iiiii 196 THE CAN\DIAN V'* i Vif; Ji HOW A GREAT MAN'S EYES WERE OPENED. Characters. — John Ai)f»LPHUS Stanley, Esq., the owner of a vast amount of property, and connected with the *' First Circles of Society," and six intelligent Band of Hope boys. [^Enter first, Mr. Stanley, li.ighhj dressed ; then six Band of Hope hoys, busily chatting toycther, and saying, as they come in,]— v ^ihj ^ar ,«Mjur^ vn We're getting on ! we're sure to win ! we're sure to ■win ! Mr. S. — Hallo ! hallo ! why, who are you ? First hoy. — Oh ! I'm a soldier ! Mr. S. — A soldier ! Well, you're a little one to wear a. big brass helmet, and wield a sword, and go to battle ! I didn't know that they had such as you in the army ! Why, what regiment do you belong to 1 .." . Boy. — Well, sir, I'm in the Coldstream Guards, and tliere are a good many others in it as little as I am. It's a very big regiment, and we're getting recruits every day. I've heard our captain say that it's the biggest regiment m the army. Mr. S. — Indeed, my boy ! Why, who in the world are you able to fight 1 I should fancy that a mere look from the enemy would send you galloping into the mid- dle of next week ! Boy. — Oh, no, sir ! if we are but little, we are mend- ing every day. Our captain says that we should try to be like so many little Davids, trusting that the Lord of Hosts will help us ; for if we haven't got a great big Philistine to light, he says we've got a great big ''Tartar!" - TEMPERANCE RECITER. 1S7 Mr. S.~A "Tartar," my boy? Boij. — Yes, sir ; his name's *' Strong Drink," and he's won lots of battles ; but we mean to beat him. We've got a big gun called " Teetotalism !" It is better than the needle-gun for our work ; and we have lots of bul- lets called " Pledges," which never fail to hit ; and some of us are continually firing. ,^,.,^,, ^^.^^^ ^.^^^, Mr. S. — Well done, my boy ! you've got some metal in you, I see. Bu" [furning to the other hoyti] are you all soldiers] ,>4,'-.' ■ ^r/-;;^-:. ■ ,.-■.■„;,,:;.■.■,;:- '-:\^^-' Second hoij. — No, sir ; I'm a builder. Mr. S. — [smilimj.] A builder ! why, what can a little fellow like you build ] ., .i^. . .> . Boy. — Oh, sir, there's a great many of us, and weVc helping to build a great big castle, called " The Tem- perance Cause." We've got part of it built already, and we are building every day. Some people think we shall never be able to build it, jnst because it takes some time to do so. But we're getting on with it, sir ; and when it is finished it is sure to be firm, because its foundations are " Truth and Right," and its walls are " Public Opinion," cemented with " Past Experience" and " Self-interest." It will be a very big castle, sir, — bigger than any one you ever saw I Mr. S. — Well, I've seen a great many very big ones. Boy. — Yes, sir, but I'm sure this will be the biggest ; for when it is finished, it will be bigger than the Do- minion, and will hold " all the world and his wife as well !" Mr. S. — As big as the Dominion ! why, that will be. a monster castle ! What did you say was its najne I It-' 198 THE CANADIAN Boy. — "Well, sir, we call it " The Temperance Cause." Mr. S. — Capital, my boy, capital ! [to next hoy,] And are you a builder, too 1 Third boy. — Please, sir, I'm a shoe-black ; my work is to brighten people's understandings, and some of them are precious dull and dirty. It's astonishing, sir, the quantity of mud called " Ignorance and Prejudice" there is on them, just as though they hadn't had 'em cleaned for a twelvemonth. Mr. S. — Ignorance and Prejudice ! why, that's a queer kind of mud! '.sfru,.a r..^ >...«. Buy. — Yes, sir, and it's very hard to get off too ; but I always try to brush it off with a pair of stiff* brushes called '' Facts" and " Logic ;" and then I put on a good coating of blacking called " Further Information," and then I polish 'em oif with another pair of brushes called "Religion" and '' Social Kequirements.1' . >.,..., ,. , Mr. S. — You are a very strange shoe-black, my boy. Boy. — Well, sir, if I am, I'm a good one ! Fourth hoy. — Please, sir, I'm a street-sweeper. Mr. S. — A street-sweeper ! why, 3'ou seem quite proud of your calling ! v -s ixd 4i.'^ Boy. — And so I am, sir. Mr. S. — Why, where's your broom 1 Boy. — Well, sir, it isn't all of us sweepers that's got a broom apiece ; some of us has one atween us, sir, which does better. Mr. S. — One between you ! why, how do you manage 1 Do you mean to tell me, my boy, that two boys with one broom can do as much work in the same time as two boys could with two brooms 1 Why, I never saw nor heard of such a thing ! TEMPERANCE RECITER. 199 Boy. — Ah, sir, you haven't lived long enough yet ! I've heard my father say, sir, as how you aint no wiser than your father, sir. Our brooms aint the old sort ; they're the new Rotary Brooms ! One of them is called '' National Agitation," and anothe^ " Moral Suasion," and another " Sell-Jeni. ," and another " Education," and we've got several more besides. We never get any money for our work ; we like to do it for nothing, be- cause it is such pleasant work. Mr. S. — Well, this is the first time I ever heard of sweepers working for nothing, and because their work WIS so pleasant. Boy. — Ah, sir ! you haven't heard everything yet. We moan, with those brooms, to sweep away drunken- ness, and also all the sorrow, crime, poverty, vice, filth, and disease which drunkenness creates ; we mean to sweep it from our streets, and our houses, and our land ! Mr. S. — Ah, my boy, that '11 be a long time first, though I should rejoice to see it, I'm sure. Boy. — Well, perhaps so, sir ; but we mean to sweep on until it's all swept away. Perhaps, sir, you wouldn't mind helping us a bit 1 Mr. S. — [Quite surprised, and hardly Imowing ichat to say.l Help you to sweep the streets ? Well — ah — oh, yes, of course — but — ah — you are a very good boy — ah — I never — ah — I never learned the business, in fact — I never handled a brush bigger than a hair-brush in my life, and I suppose that would hardly be the thing- But — ah — but I'll see about it. [To another hoy.^^ And what are you, my boy ? Fifth hoy. — Please, sir, I'm a miner. ! •' ' ' \ '.■■• •■ il i 1 J> 200 THE CANADIAN Mr. S. — Oh, a minor, eh? But you are very youni,' to dtjscond into the bowels of the earth to procure coal, and iron, and so forth. I'ray, wliat description of min- erals do you work in^ Is it iron, or coal, or lead? and where is the pit situated 1 Boij. — Oh, sir, it isn't coal, nor iron, nor lead, that we get up at ail ; it's living creatures ! Mr. 8. [Incredulous.] Living creatures ! Do you mean, my bey, to tell me that you go down a mine every day, and that, instead of picking and digging, and so forth, for coal and iron-stone, like other people, you dig out living creatures') AVhy, my lad, you must think I'm mad, or else very simple. The thing is impossible ! Bo>/. — It isn't impossible, nr, for some that I have helped to get up are living yet, and have got married since *i>ol:f 4} k) ,'U»ii, a'dii a*Mi-J Mr. 8. — It's very strange ! Why, what's the name of your pit ] • f''*'' V^i^l f:!:.ji «f^l«H»f»? <* iJ't ^f"«* ' B(fl/. — Well, sir, some folks very tndy call it " Th(i I3ig Pit," but we call it " The Pit of Degradation," and we are constantly striving to get above ground again those men whom drink has forced down, feometimes we have to go very deep to get hold of a man, and it often takes a long time to get him loose ; and when he is loose, we put him in a cage called " Teetotalism," and hoist him up with a rope called " The Force of Example," and land him safely on the pit bank, called " Sobriety." And, bless you, sir, you should see his friends, hovr they crowd around the man when we get him up ; why. they da7ice, and shout, and laugh, and cry again and again. they're so pleased. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 201 Mr. S. — Capital, my hoy f I am deliglited to hear all that. [TurniiKj to next hoy.^ And what is your name, my little fellow ? Sixtlt hoy. — Plaso, sir, my name's Johnnie Sharplad, an' I wurk fur me master ! Mr. S. — Indeed ! what's your master's name 'i Boy. — Plase, sir, liis name's Mester Total Ahstinonce ! Mr. S. — Total Abstinence ! why, that's a funny name ! A foreigner, I suppose 1 Boy. — Oh, no, sir ! he was born at Cold Water Town. Mr. iS. — And what is he ? ...,,, ,.,„. „..;-. Boy. — Wal, sir, he does sich a many things that I can liardly tell ye all ; but I know he is a very wonderful man. lie's a ginoral clothier, for one thing, and I know he's alius giving away lots of bread to u great many poor folks ; and then he's a bit of a doctor, for he's cured many hoadaclies and dreadful fevers, and made many a thin, pale face plump and rosy ; and besides that he gives away a deal of furniture, and tea, and coffee, be- sides all the plum puddings and turkeys, and.prescnts to the children at Christmas time ; and he makes every body that knows him. or deals with him, save their money and put it in the bank. In fact, they can't ' help it. He gives people nice houses, and sends homo a pre^tty picture for the parlor, and a silk gown for the missus as wal, and he sends lots of children to school. I've heard say he's a deal better man than your philan- thropists generally are, for he goes to jails and stops with the ctiaps as is there a long time, and when they come out he helps a many of them to keep heart. Ihit, v.'ith all that, he's a very strict man, and you can't tamper 202 THE CANADIAN t-i with liim, for ho makes many men do their duty and he kind to their wives and cliildren. And he does lots more, but I can't tell yer all, but inij^d he's a wonder- ful man. Mr. S. — lie is, indeed, my boy. [To all the ho]/s.] — And so now I must say that I am giad tof^e what all of you are doing. Go on, my boys, in your work ; and by God's help I intend that you shall hear more of rae, and see mo oftener among you, than ever you have seen me before. All the huijs. — Good -morning, sir. Mr. S. — Good-morning, my boys, — good-morning. — [Exit hof/8.] Well, I have been to school and to college, and I have met with a great many educated and great men ; but it has been left for these little village lads to open my eyes and teach me my duty in life. What a happy fellow that Mr. Total Abstinence must be ! I know that I would feel a great deal better if I should follow his example, and so would anybody. These little fellows have set me to thiukijig, and I have about made up my mind to follow their example, and give my influence, and wealth, and talent henceforth to the ad- vancement of this great reform, and to benefit my fellow- men. * ),>.;■ r^siif^-t- ■hA-'' '*^* '■ THE TEETOTAL MILL. Two jolly old topers once sat in an inn, Discussing the merits of brandy and gin ; Said one to the other, " I tell you what, Bill, I'v^e been hearing to-day of the Teetotal Mill. TEMPERANCE Rl ITER. 205 *• You must know that tliia comical mill has been built Of old broken casks when the liquor's been spilt ; You go up some high steps, and when at the sill, You've a paper to sign at the Teetotal Mill. " You promise by signing this paper (I think), That ale, wine, and spirits you never will drink ; You give up (as they call it) such rascally swill, And then you go into the Teetotal Mill. ** There's a wheel in the mill, they call self-denial ; They turn it a bit, just to give you a trial ; Old clothes are made new, and, if you've been ill, You are very soon cured at the Teetotal Mill." Bill listened and wondered ; at length ho cried out, " AVhy, Tom, if it's true what you're telling about, What fools we must bo to be here sitting still, — - Let us go, and we'll look at the Teetotal Mill." They gazed with astonishment ; then came in a man, — With excess and disease his visage was wan ; He mounted the steps, signed the pledge with a will. And went in for a turn in the Teetotal Mill. He quickly came out, the picture of health. And walked briskly on the highway to wealth ; And as onward he pressed, he shouted out still, " Success to the wheel of the Teetotal Mill !" The next that went in were a man and his wife ; For many long years they'd been living in strife ; He had beat and abused her and swore he would kiU, But his heart took a turn in the Teetotal Mill. 204 THE CANADIAN And wlien he came out, how altered was he ! Stei»,dy, honest, and sober — how happ} was she ! They no mor?. contend, " IS'o, yon shan't," " Yes, I will," They were blcFsing together the Teetotal Mill, in w^ Next camo a rough felloAV, as grim as a Turk, To curse and to swear seemed his principal work ; He swore that, that morning " his skin he would fill," And drunk as he was, lie reeled into the Mill. And what he saw there I never could tell ; 13ut his conduct was changed, and his language as well ; I saw, when he turned round the brow of the hill. That he knelt and thanked God for the Teetotal Mill. t The poor were made rich, the weak were made strong, The shot was made short, and the purse was made loug ; These miracles puzzled both Thomas and Bill ; At length they went iu for a turn in the Mill. A little time after, I heard a great shout, — I turned round to see what the noise was ubout j A flag was conveyed to the top of the hill, And a crowd, amongst which were both Thomas and Eill, Were shouting " Hurrah for the Teetotal Mill !" A EALLY-CRY TO YOUNG MEN. The God of Love has stood by the history of this re- form from its cradle, md has guided it onward through its most critical periods. To the young men of our time TEMPERANCE RECITER. 205 it is now committed both as a trial and a trust. What is it that God and humanity demand of us 1 What is the great question for our practical solution 1 Unless we greatly err, that question simply is, Shall we, by Jehovah's help, destroy the traffic in intoxicating poisons, or sliall they destroy us 1 Shall we lay Alcohol in his grave, or permit him to lay a myriad of our comrades in their own 1 .Shall we consent to have the most brilliant intellects among us any longer extinguished 1 Shall we permit the fair bride of to-day to become the desolate widow of to-morrow ] Shall we stand idly by and see the noblest ofour brotherhood go down to darkness and the worm 1 Shall we suffer this monster evil to cast its hideous shadow athwart the rays that fall from Cal- vary itself, or shall we, hand in hand, join in the death- grapple with the hydra 1 The destiny of millions hangs upon our answer. The determination of tliis question demands great plainness of speech as well as earnestness in action. Let us learn to speak right out. The press that is silent on this topic deserves a place in the cellars of Herculaneum. The legislator who has not studied the code of prohibi- tion is unworthv of the seat he encumbers. The orator is to point his shafts, tlie voter must aim his ballots, and the philanthropist is to direct his prayerful efforts straight towards this, as the grand moral question of the age. In this warfare of nuraanity, we have need o^ patience. Wilberforce toiled through one whole generation ere the British Parliament declared the slave-trade to be piracy. I Opinions grow slowly. Let us put our trust in I'ruthy Wi [•; ■ 206 THE CANADIAN rather than in majorities. The prohibitory law move- ment was, not long ago, in a minority of one ; but the Lord of Hosts stood with that man, and together they were more than an overmatch for all that were against them. Galileo, with his telescope, and Columbus, with his compass, stood up alone against the world ; but they both at last brought over the whole world to their posi- tions. IVIay it not be also that before this century closes the law of Maine will become the law of Christendom 1 Comrades in this sublime warfare, we are compassed about with a great cloud of witnesses. Humanity beck- ons us onward. AVe tread upon the dust of heroes as we advance. White-robed Love, floating in mid-air be- fore us, leads us to the conflict. The shouts of the ran- somed are in our tents ; and the voice of praise makes music amid our banners. Let us press forward with our age. Let us weave a bright link in the history of our century. Let us lie down to our rest nearer the goal of human perfection. Let us find in our toils an ever-exciting stimulus — an ever-fresh deligbt. So shall our later annals " be written in the characters of millennial glory. So shall our pos- terity be cheered ly that sun which shall shine with a sevenfold lustre, as the light of seven days." WHAT'S THE HARM? A DIALOGUE TETWEEN JAMES AND HIS FATHER. James. — What's the harm, father, in taking a little], A little does not get a man drunk. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 207 Father. — 'Well, iTaDies, what's the use in taking a little? You must always have a motive in all you do. If it neither does you good nor harm, you had hetter let it alone. James. — But it does me good, father. It makes me feel nicely. I can almost jump a live-rail fence. Father. — Well, what good is there in that 1 You were not made to jump five-rail fences, nor to fly in the air, but to walk on the ground. Now certainly it does not help men to walk. See poor Joe Thompson, how he stag- gers along. But suppose it does you good, does it do nobody else an injury ? Think of that. The Apostle Paul said, " It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anythin[,: whereby thy brother stumbleth." Now if it injures another, as a generous and noble-heart- ed boy, I should think you would let it alone. James. — Oh, Father ! you're always so serious. Father. — But you asked what's the harm. I did not tell j^ou there would be any harm to you, but there is to others. The little drop has made ten thousand drunk- ards, and ten thousand miserable drunkards^ families, and would it not be better if the work of death could all be stopped ! Did you ever look into the large end of a spy-glass ? James. — Yes, Sir. Father. — Well, away as far as you can see, is a very small object ; now it is so in the drunkard's course. Jf you stand at his end and look afar back, you will see in the extreme distance, the first glass. If you ever be- come a drunkard, and it would be a most horrid thought to me tliat you should be one, you could trace it all back 208 THE CANADIAN to this little which you think you can drink Avithout harm. Here wouLl begin your downward course ; and Oh, could you speak in your last moments, as you were dying a drunkard's death, you would vsay, what harm there was in taking a little ! jS'ow, James, if you never take a little, you'll never take a groat deal ! What then will you do 1 James. — Why, father, I thiidv I'll never take a little. ■ov*» ' 'if.- 'Jit oMm^ *'HIT OH MISS." A DIALOGUE P.OR FOUR BOYS AND ONE GIRL. Joh7i. — Good day to you all, my friends I As our other Band of Hope children have not arrived, suppose Wc have a bit of comfortable chaf? Louisa. — As the old ladies say when they get together without any gentlemen, and arc duly set up with a cup of gunpowder tea. Pete7\ — That's when they talk scandal ; and for doing so I could almost be uncharitable enough to wish the gunpowder tea might blow them up ! Albert. — And if that didn't blow them up, it's to he hoped their own consciences would ! But scandal-m jn- gers are not troubled with too much of that article ! ^Charles. — Well, you must think I am going to talk scandal; but as we are all members of the Band of Hope WG have quite a right to discuss the topic I wish to introduce. Louisa. — Pray, tell us what that may be, Charles ! TEMPERANCE RECITER. 20S Charles. — Have you liea^'d of the new public-house which has been opened 1 Alhoi. — Yes ; and one would think we had enough of tlioso sort of places already. They do harm enough, more than every other cause in the world. Peter. — So think I ! Well, what about the new pub- lic house, Charles 1 Charles. — It is the curious name which they have given it which I wish you to note. They call it " Hit or Miss ;" rather a queer title, is it not 1 John. — Very ! AVhat can possibly be the meaning of iti Charles. — The meaning the landlord attaches to it, is this : — If I succeed in establishing a trade, it's a " Hit ;" if I don't, it will be a " Miss." Peter. — And it wouldn't be " amis.': " if he refrained from trying altogether. Albert. — Don't you indulge yourself in making bad jokes, Peter, it may hurt you ! Charles. — Well, that's the landlord's meaning. But I see a very different one ; and if you think over the subject, I have no doubt you will see that the sign-board forms a very instructive Icisson for all of us. Louisa. — And what, struck you first of all, Charles ? Charles. — Why, this : — It is a reckless sign ; it says, I am going to trade as hard as I can ! I cannot help the consequences of the sale of my liquors. " Hit or Miss," I must sell ! if it ruin family after family, — if it make oiphans and widows, by cutting off the head of the family in his prime ; if it draw men on to perdition ; if it dallies with one man, but docs not scorch him ; f^^' ■ ; 'r k"' 1:;.;'' 'I'l ' 1 1 ■ 210 THE CANADIAN whilst at the same time it consumes another man, hody and soul ; — " Hit or Miss/' I must sell my liquors ! Conscience must be muffled, and tender feelings must he drowned ! Louisa. — And I think I see another meaning. The publican dispenses his favours el3ewher(3. He, as it were, throws his missiles amongst the crowd. If they ** Hit " well, he says he is sorry ; he may shed a few crocodile tears, — but they are artificial! How can a man who professes to sell stuff which he knoivs has brought ruin to thousands be sorry when the usual result follows? Well, the missiles may "miss" anybody in the crowd. The publican serves out the liquor to old mod- erate topers year after year. He never saw them drunk ; so that the " Blue Ruin " which " hits " others, may " miss " them. John. — Aye ! And these are the landlord's best cus- tomers ; the so-called respectable tipplers, the well-sea- yoned melons, the sucking sponges which seem to absorb everything liquid, and yet are never full to overflowing ! Fder. — ''Hit or >ass" may also refer to those gen- tlemen who are trying to enter a public house, but whose legs refuse to obey orders, and prefer cutting diamonds on the roadway to going forward. They may "hit" the doorway, but the greater probability is, that they will " miss " it, and " hiu " the door-post ! Charles. — I have seen those sort of people, — men whose legs disagree with each other. The left wants to go to the right, and the right to ths left, and they can- not make up their minds as to which position each other should occupy. TEMPERANCE RECITER. 211 Albert. — I've seen them many a time : their heads are always wiggle-wag^ijling from side to side, and they nod salutations to everybody they encounter. They perform oratorical flourishes with their hands, and are generally, for the time being, superior to every consideration as to outward appearances ! John. — But the landlord's customers, also, I may add, " hit or miss" life's opportunity. Every man, no matter what liis position may be, has those opportunities offered to him at some portion of his life. He may " Hit" the chance ; or he may *' Miss " it. If he bemuddle his brains, he will see hazily ; there will be a mist before his intellect, — a curtain which only teeto talis m can draw aside. The probabilities are, that such a man will "miss" his chance. Charles. — Well, friends, let us hope that our words will " hit," and not " miss" the hearts and understand- ings of those around us. Louisa. — God grant it ! for when our fellow-creatures make money out of bitter tears and domestic sorrow, — when they live at the expense of the moral death of others ; it is time, " hit or miss," for us to scatter our words of warning ! Albert. — I'm sure all of us will bear you out there, Louisa ! Peter. — And if to-night we rescue some of yor. from the landlord's clutches, that will be a " hit " at him ; and if we have the chance, we'll square at him once more, and in this assembly we may safely say — ''hit him again ! he's got no friends !" .;:;'J!ii If! 212 THE CANADIAN GO, FEEL WHAT I HAVE FELT. Go, feel what I have felt ; Go, bear what I have borne ; Sink 'neath a blow a father dealt. And the cold, proud world's scorn. Thus struggle on from year to year, Thy sole relief the scalding tear. Go, weep as I have wept. O'er a loved father's fall ; See every cherished promise swept, — Youth's sweetness turned to gall ; Hope's faded flowers strewed all the way That led me up to manhood's day. Go, kneel as I have knelt. Implore, beseech, and pray ; Strive the besotted heart to melt, The downward course to stay, — Be cast with bitter curse aside — Thy prayers burlesqued — thy tears defied. Go, stand where I have stood, And see the strong man bow ; With gnashing teeth, lips bathed in blood, And cold and livid brow ; Go, catch his wandering glance, and see There mirrored his soul's misery. Go, hear what I have heard, — The sobs of sad despair, TEMPERANCE RECITER. 213 As memory feeling's fount hath stirred, And its revealings there Have told him what ho might have been, Had he the drunkard's fate foreseen. Go to thy mother's side. And her crushed spirit cheer, — Thine own det lish hid( angui Wipe from lier cheek the tear. Mark her dimmed eye, — her furrowed brow, — The gray that streaks her dark hair now, — Hor toil-worn frame, — her trembling limb, — And trace the ruin back to him Whose plighted faith, in earl}^ youth. Promised eternal love and truth ; But who, forsworn, hath yielded up This promise to the deadly cup ; And let her down, from love and light. From all that made her pathway bright, And chained her there, 'mid want and strife, That lowly thing, — a drunkard's wife ! And stamped on childhood's brow so mild. That withering bliglit, — a drunkard's child. lil Go, hear and see, and feel and know, All that my soul hath felt or known ; Then look within the wine-cup's glow, — See if its brightness can atone ; Think if its flavor you would try, If all proclaimed, 'tis drink and die. 214 THE CANADIAN Tell me I hate the bowl, — Hate is a feeble word, — I loathe.. — abhor, — my very soul By strong disgust is stirred Whene'er 1 see, or hear, or tell. Of that dark beverage of hell. THE GREAT NATIONAL EVIL. Intemperance is a great National Evil. Its desolating effects have been frequently pourtrayed, and are visible everywhere ; but the half has not been told ; and the half cannot bo told, till we shall have read the records both of earth and heaven. But enough is seen and known and felt to authorize us to denominate intemper- ance the scourge of the lamh Upon our national weaHh it eats like a canker ; upon the heart-strings and the life-blood of our citizens it preys like a vulture ; it breaks up the very foundations of immortal intellect ; it matures depravity into open and fearful crime ; and it buries- the deathless soul in the depths of eternal woe. And this evil is, every year, growing upon us as a peo- ple. It outstrips even the swelling tide of our popula- tion. It has already become so formidable as to menace our political institutions. If it is unchecked, it will overspread and desolate this land. We have heard many prophecies of ruin to this country, from the operatic of one political or moral cause and another ; and doubtless many of them are the mere dreanjs of imagination ; but, TEMPERANCE RECITER. 215 depend upon it, iliat this people cannot continue to be free, if tlie waves of intemperance are not stayed by a decisive spirit, and rolled back by a inij^hty hand. A nation of drunkards cannot exist. Intemperance would forge chains strong and heavy enough to hold in bond- age a nation of giants. Let this evil dilfuse itself through the family circle, — let it prevail at the polls of your elections, — let the drunkard be honoured with a seat in Parliament, and reel into the senate-chamber, — and nod on the bench, and in the jury-box, and liberty is at an end. I tremble for the fate of my country when I reflect ui)on the prevailing intemperance of the present day in connection with the freedom of our institutions and the expression of the elective franchise. If liberty shall here fmd her grave, that grave will bo dug by drunkards' hands. If the knell of departed freedom should here toll, it will toll amidst the revels of national intoxication. If the march of intellect, in this western hemisphere, shall be arrested, it will be arrested by the swollen torrent of intemperance ; and, then, these heavens will be hung with mourning, and this earth, will be wot with tears. Should ignorance and despotism and all their attendant evils, hero prevail, they will prevail through the influence of ardent spirits ; and then this air that is full of songs will whisper only in sighs. The fairest hope of a world in bondage would be ex- tinguished by this foe of God and happiness. The last star of promise to the nations would be shaken down from its sphere by this blighting curse, and sink in the ocean of darkness forever. But while this ruin is hang- ing over us, how many appear indisposed to take the •. :■* 1 ;«c hope of your deliverance. We were once j ust where you are ; we saw how he was dragging us down to death, and we waged war with the tyrant, and broke loose from him ; and now we have enlisted with the Cadets of Temper- ance, and we have resolved on giving him battle so that he shall be routed from the land, and never again gorge himself with his helpless victims. First Goinp. — Why you talk wild ; a little Quixotic, I suspect. We see no such terrible foe binding us in chains. First Cadet. — Did you never see a poor drunkard ly- ing in the street, unable to rise or walk 1 Did you never see a raging maniac, with the delirium tremens upon him, and hear him cry for Help, Help 1 That is the way he may bind you before you are aware. Do you know what he puts into your cup 1 First Comp. — What ! I guess we do. Do you think we do not know what pure wine, and good brandy, and whcldsome ale and beer are 1 Second Cadet. — If you will bring me a glass of pure wine, I will give you a handsome sum for it ; and as for brandy, that, in these days, is out of the question. Whiskey is turned into brandy by means of sulphuric acid, nitric acid, prussic acid, and fusel oil. Would you take any of those things into your mouths under their proper names 1 Second Comp. — We cannot believe you. Second Cadet. — We do not ask you to believe us ; TEMPERANCE RECITER. 219 but we ask you to believe the best medical authorities in the land ; and we bid you beware. The Cadets of Temperance are engaged in a war without end against Alcohol and all his helpers. We have many thousands enlisted ; and when wo bring our forces and march through the streets, we shake his capitol to its founda- tion, for he knows we shall soon be men, and never flinch from the conflict. First Comp. — We surely admire your valour, and think, if what you say is true, we shall no longer I e held in bondage. ONLY A LITTLE WIXE. Characters. — Charles, Walter, Eugene. Charles. — Now, Walter, you're joking. You don't really believe that a glass of wine now and then will do any harm ; of course, it is wrong to drink whi'>key- and brandy and such stuif, but only a little wine, — that will hurt nobody. Walter. — 1 do really believe that there is just as much danger of one's becoming a drunkard by using wine, as by using any other liquor. Mother was telling me this morning of several persons of her acquaintance, who, but a few yea^s ago, began by drinking " a little wine," and now some of them are lying in drunkard's graves, and some are miserable sots. Charles. — But these are only a few exceptions. You must not judge all by these weak ones. I know a dozen people that drink wine, and I am positively sure and certain tney will never be drunkards. ii liX' 220 THE CANADIAN Walter. — Mention three or four of them. diaries. — Well, there's Uncle Simon for one; he takes it three times a day ; father takes a glass whenever he dines with those who have it on their tables, which is quite often, as he has some relatives in Parliament, and also some very intimate friends ; Mrs. Thompson, our next neighbour, keeps a bottle of Port wine in her house constantly, and thinks it is very strengthening ; Bert Stacy and Mr. Grey and John Rogers take a glass when- ever it is offered, and so do I. Walter. — I remenjber well that, six months ago, your Uncle Simon only took one glass a ^^i^. .'^ his health, he said. Now, he must have three, and I expect he will continue to increase the quantity. Mrs. Thompson had never tasted wine two months ago, for I heard her tell sister May, that she sipped a little for the first time at Miss Evans' party, and she liked it so well that she has taken it very often since that time. As for your father, yourself, and the others you have mentioned — [Enter .Eugene.] . Eugene. — How are you, boys 1 What great 'vn option are you discussing so solemnly? Yoa look c. '^1*3 as O'V^S. / Charles. — The same old subject, — wine-drinking ; Ltiu, as usual, Walter is prophesying the drunkard's fate for all who indulge in this harmless beverage. Eugene. — Oh ! Walter always was an eld fogy. Of course there is not the slightest danger in a glass of wine occasionally. Don't lawyers and doctors, ,j dges and members of parliament, and even ministers ■ • I church- members drink wine ? Why, my mother lias just made TEMPERANCE RECITER. 221 a splendid lot of blackbeiTy wine. I helped her to bottle it, and put it away, and got a glass of it, as a reward for lay valuable assistance. I can taste it yet. (Smac/is his lips.) Walter. — I am sorry you love the taste of wine so well. Genie. You and Charlie are my friends and school-mates; we have studied the same books, and re- cited side by side in the same classes for two years, and this question of total abstinence is the only one on which we have any serious difference of opinion. To-mor- row, as you are aware, I leave home to attend my uncle's school in Boston. I shall think of you very often, but it v/iU grieve me to think that my school-mates art in the ranks of the moderate drinkers. Eugene. — See here, Walt, you ought to be a minister. Where did you learn such grand talk, anyhow ? Walte?'. — It is not "grand talk." Eugene, only simple, l)lain truth. Some of it I learned from my parents, some from what I see passing around me every day, and much from the " Youth's Temperance Banner," which I have persuaded you to read, in vain. Cliarles. — Well, I'm sure, G^ne and I are grateful for the interest you take in our welfare, but we don't like to be preached at continually, as though we were the big- gest sinners in town, and all because wo sometimes drink a glass of wine. Now, Walter, we wouldn't take it i'rom anybody else ; but you are such a fine, good fel- low, that we can't help liking you in spite of your sermons. Eugene. — That's so ; and I tliink I know a plan that will console him a little. While he is gone, we will lii:'.; m ii;ii!,)'^)i !|l;-;!?':!: fii'l 222 THE CANADIAN \ watch some of our acquaintances who drink wine, and if we see any bad results at the end of a year, then we'll play the teetotal game. AVill you agree to that, Charlie 1 Charles. — Yes, I guess so ; but I mi^st have very strong proof to convince me that wine is dangerous. Walter. — Well, boys, I wish I could persuade you lo become teetotalers righl. av/ay ; but I suppose I must be satisfied with your plan. Still, I entreat you to watch yourselves as closely a? you watch others. I will sco you this evening for a short time, so good-by, till then. Charles and Eugene. — Good-by. Scene II. — Same as first. Charles reading. Eugene enters. Charles. — [Closing his hook, and placinr/ a chair.] Take a scat, Eugene ; you're the very one I want to see. Walter Gray has returned, and I hear that he is coming over this morning about tor., — it's near that now, — and we can both see him at thf> same time. Now, Gene, you know very well what subject he will bring up, before he has been in the house ten minutes, and I should like to know what we're to say in regard to it 1 Eugene. — [Surprised.] Walter coming ! then I must get away from here, for he is the last person I wish to meet ; in fact, I wouldn't see him for anything. [Rises.] Charles. — [Rising.] Eugene ! what are you thinking oil — not wish to see our old school-mate after his long absence? Why is this? [Goes nearer.] Ah! that strong smell of brandy on your breath answers Mie question. You've been drinking again. . Eugene. — Well, there's no use denying it ; but what of iti I take a glass of brandy quite often ; but as TEMPFRANCE RECITER. 223 long as I keep sober and behave myself nobody ought to say anything against it. But Walter is so queer about such things, you know. Charles. — You are hardly sober now. I don't wonder that you want to get away before Walter conies. For shaiae, Eugene ! Eugene.— [Angrily. '\ You mind your own business and leave mine alone. You'd bettor stop drinking your self f before you preach to me. You be hanged ! — and Walter Gray, too, for all I care. [Kicks a chair over^ and goes out. 'I Charles. — I verily beliove that Gene will go to des- truction if he don't stop pretty soon. He said truly that I had better look to my own conduct, — though, thank goodness, I've never gone so far as he has. [Walter enters. Charles meets him, and they shake hands cordially.^ Charles. — I'm so glad to see you, Walter. Walter. — And I'm truly glad to meet yon again, Charlie. Charles. — Give me your hat. [Places it on the table.'] Now, sit dc rn, and we'll have a good, old-fashioned chat. [Seat themselves.^ When did you get home 1 Walter. — At six, this morning. I was at a temper- ance meeting until quite late last evening, then travelled all night; but, tired and sleepy as I was, I thought I must run over a few minutes, and have a little talk about things in general, and about owe 'thing especially. You remember ;you and Gene Grossman could not be per- suaded to become teetotalers, before I went away, but promised that if, after watching closely some of your ill 224 THE CANADIAN wine-drinking friends, you could be convinced that this habit were really dangerous, you would give it up. Charles. — I'm afraid wo have neither watched our- selves nor others. The fact is, — and I'm ashamed to own it, — that Eugene and I have been going it rather fast since you left. We have been invited to so many parties this winter, and at most of them wine, or egg- nog, and sometimes both, flowed free'y. Of course, we had to drink as others did. Then Gene's father gave him a grand affair to celebrate liis birthday, and there we had wine, peach brandy, and cordial, and some of us scarcely knew what we were about when we started home. Since then, I have touched nothing but wine, and that only three times. I saw my Uncle Simon reeling into the house to-day. His three glasses a day have increased to an indefinite number. Mrs. Thompson and her husband live like cats and dogs ; he drinks brandy, and she drinks wine, and both drink too much. Tlie others are still going on in the same old track. As for poor Gene, I am sorry to say — '■'« i^ [l^Jugeue enters stagcjering ; kls hat piislicd hack on his head, Ills coat hnitoned crooked, and his cravat untied.] Eugene. — Why, Walt, — haUo, old fellow ! when did you land ? Hang me, if I aint glad to see you ! Give us your paw, old chap. [Shakes his ovm left hand heartily.] Walter. — [Rising.'] Gene, my friend ! I feared this, when, a year ago, you refused to give up your wine. Eugene. — I did give up wine — left that for Charlie — 'cause you know — he's temperance, you know. [ Winl< at Charles.] Anybody's temperance that don't get drunk, TEMPERANCE RECITER. you know. I drinks brandy, and Charlie*, you know, he drinks wine — he'sdelicate — can't stand anything stronger. Say, Walt, don't you think Charlie's been lecturin' me for drinkin'? Aint that jolly, now 1 Ha ! ha ! Charles. — Eugene, I have not touched wine for a week, and never intend to do so again. If I had seen nothing else to show me my danger, your condition to-day is enough. You and I both began a year ago, by drinking " only a little blackberry wine ;" and now, you, a boy of sixteen, are a drunkard. It's awful. Gene ] oh, stop at once ! Eugene . — Llind your business, Charlie Crown. [Reels across the room.'] I'm no more drunk'ern you be. [Tum- hles hearily info a chair by the tahle, spreads his arm-ft on it.] I'm plaguy sleepy — kinder stupid, like — walkin' in wind, I guess — yes, that's it, — yes. — [Drojfs his head on his hands still muttering.] Walter — Charlie ! what a sad condition for poor Eugene ! Until he gets sober we can do nothing, I sup- pose ; but then we must do all we can to save him — poor fellow ! I am so glad that you have been warned in time, Charles. Charles. — I tell you, Walter, you don't know to what danger I have been exposed. I just begin to see it, myself. I thought I was safe as long as I drank " only a little wine ;" but I see how easily that will lead to something stronger. I am a teetotaler from this day, and I only hope we may make one of Eugene. Walt&r. — With our heavenly Father's help, we will make a teetotaler of liim, and of others who are going the same way. Wo've got to worky Charles, and no mis- . "t. w^a 226 THE CANADIAN take, and we'll conimence from this day. What say you *? Charles. — I'm with you, heart and hand, my boy ; and I trust we may do much good among our friends and acquaintances. Walter. — I say amen to that, with all my heart ! SHALL THE LIQUOR TIIAFFIC CE PEOTECTED ] The evils of intemperance are in all respects so great and so far spread and spreading in the land ; the loss to the nation in its moral character and in its productive industry is so great ; the costs of prosecuting for crime committed under the influence of intoxicating drinks, and the taxes to support paupers made by intemperance, are so great ; the failure of the appeals made by ar^:ru- ment and moral suasion are, in painful respects, so man- ifest ; the woes and lamentations caused by intemperance come up still so loud and so piercing from all parts of the land ; the ruin of the body and the so'd of a human being is so dreadful ; and the fact that tens of thousands of our countrymen are annually sent to a dishonoured grave, as the result of the " drinking usages of society," — these things are forcing the inquiry upon the public mind, whether it is, or is not, proper and practicable to prohibit the traffic altogether, and whether this is not the point which legislation must reach, and should reach, in regard to this great evil. Should an evil like this be protected by law ; should it be assumed that it is to continue to exist ; should an attempt be made merely to regulate it ; should it have TEMPERANCE RECITER. 227 the patronage of the State, and be made legal; should a yirtuous community consent to be taxed to .sustain it ; should intelligent and pious men lend their countenance to it? Shall a man bo restrained from setting up a slaughter-house, or a glue manufactory, or dye-works at ray door, and allowed to open a fountain that is certainly destined to corrupt the morals and the peace of the neighbourhood, — that is, to multiply crime and pauper- ism, that will ruin the bodies and souls of men 1 We shall be told, perhaps, that this is a free country, and that the proposed law is a restraint on freedom. Free it is ; but not for everything. It is not free to sell lottery tickets, or to set up nuisances, or to counter- feit the coin, or to open houses avowedly of infamy. We may be told that it is wrong to prevent men by law from drinking what they please. That is not the point ; it is that the State shall not authorize them to manufacture and sell what they please. We may be told that it is impossible to carry the leg- islature for the passage of such a law. That will depend on the wishes of the State, for our legislators are the representatives of the people, and the people can do as they please. We may be told that the people cannot be brought to such a state as to demand the passage of such a law. That remains to be seen. It is not absolutely certain what w^ould be the effect of a popular vote on the sub- ject to-morrow, if the question were submitted to the people. Besides, it is to be assumed in this country that the people can be induced to demand the passage of any reasonable and just law, and that they can be M m 228 THE CANADIAN prevailod on to send representatives that will do it. Moreover, it is suppopod that there may be hundreds of intent perate men themselves who would vote for such a law, — men who see the evil of their course, and their danger ; men who desire to reform, but who have not strength to resist temptation, but who would feel that the brighter days of their early years would revisit them again, if the temptation were removed forever from their reach. We may bo told that it would be impossible to execute such a law in our Province, and especially in our great cities. That may he ; but it is never to bo assumed in this country that a law deliberately passed by the repre- sentatives of the people, and after it has been fairly before the minds of the people, cannot be executed. "WTiat law is there that has not been executed ? What law is there that cannot be] The remedy for obnoxious laws in this land is not resistance but change ; and it is always' to be assumed by our legislators, and by the people, too, that a law can be executed, and that it icill be executed, until the contrary is proved. But it may be asked still, what if we fail ; fail in get- ting the law ; fail in its execution '? I answer in the Avords of Lady Macbeth, " Wo fa.Uy So t)e it. We fail now. We fail in all our attempts to stop the progress of intemperance. We fail in moral suasion. We fail under the existing laws. We fail in all societies ; by all appeals ; by all arguments ; by aU methods of influ- encing the public mind ; by all preaching and lecturing ; by all parental counsel and by all the pourtraying of the wide-spread evils of intemperance. In all these things ■.i'f TEMPERANCB RECITER. 2*39 we fail, while the law patronizes it ; while the State legalizes it ; while the statutes of the land authorize it, — and in such elToits we must always fail, — ^just as we would in baiiishing lotteries, or in closing gaming-houses that are sanctioned by law. But suppose we do fail. The evil cannot easily be worse, and we shall have made one more effort to remove that great curse that has settled down on our land. But there is a God in heaven, and men in a righteous cause, when they put their trust in him, do not ultimatGlij fail. ^ m TOBACCO. Characters. — John and Thomas. Thomas. — You have my best wishes, John ; but at present I cannot altogether agree with what you have been saying about smoking. John. — Of course you have a perfect right to your own opinion ; but this is a question on which there cannot be two opinions, when the facts of the matter are fully understood. Thomas. — Well, I must say that at present I can see no harm in a person enjoying his pipe of tobacco at his own fireside with his family. John. — As far as the pipe itself is concerned, I have no objection to it ; but I believe it would be far better to suck an empty pipe than to imbibe into the system the smoke and poison of tobacco. Thomas. — If tobacco be a poison, I should be of the same opinion myself. 4k . 230 TUE CANADIAN John. — On that question thero can be neither if 8 nor huts ; for wo have it on the most reliable authority that the juice of tobacco is a certain poison ; and if you are open to conviction I can soon satisfy you that such is the case. Thomas. — There is an old saying that if you "convince a man against his ■will, he's of the same opinion still ;" but that will not be my case ; and if you can make good your statement, you will find me a willing convert to your opinions. John. — I am very glad to hear you say that ; and I wish that every person would lay aside all prejudices, and approach this important question in such a sensible and unbiased manner. Thomas. — I believe that po'-on Is poison in whatever form it is administered ; and man who wilfully takes that into his system which he knows to be poisonous is nothing less than a self-murderer ! John. — You are quite right ; and I will now show you that tobacco is, in itself, a most arrant poison. Like a snake in the grass, it does its work almost invisibly, but at the same time it poisons the fountain of health, and lays the human system open to a variety of diseases, which bring on premature old age, and hurry men to the grave. v *;*,* .n Thomas. — You draw a fearful picture of the eflfect? of smoking ; but I should like to know something of the facts on which you build your conclusions ; for if your foundation be not good, the structure may fall to the ground when the first gale blows upon it. John, — Then we will at once examine the foundation, TEMPERANuB RECITER. 231 s;i: and make ourselves are of its safety. Tobacco is a plant that grows in great abundance in America and other parts of llie wdid. At lirst tlio sight of a man smoking was so strange, that, when the servant of Sir Walter Raleigh beheld his mr iter enveloped in a cloud of smoke, he thought he was on fire, and threw over him the tankard of ale ho was bringing him to drink. • Thomas. — There is no dajiger of a wet jacket for the smoker nowadays ! John. — But he is exposed to dangers of a more serious character, although they are perhaps unknown to him. The tobacco-plant grows as high as six feet ; it has large leaves of a pale green color ; and when those leaves are dried, they n'ti made into cigars, tobacco, and snuff. Thomas.- I was not aware that snuff was made from the same article as tobacco. John. — But such is the fact. Of course, in this en- lightened age, the tobacco-leaf has been submitted to chemical investigation, and it has been found to contain poison in large quantities. Thomas. — Indeed ! What a pity that it is not gene- rally known ! John. — The fact itself is known to the great majority of smokers ; but they do not regard it, because it oper- ates so slowly that they will point you to smokers who have lived to a great age. Thomas. — That is one of the arguments used to justify the practice ; but I do not think much of it myself, be- cause the system becomes, by degrees, so accustomed to it, that in some cases persons may live to a great age, although they have been smokers for years. 232 iHE CANADIAN John. — It is said that the exception proves the rule, and in that case I believe it is so. But the fact remains, that the oil which is extracted from tobacco is a most arrant poison. One single drop of it was given to a cat, and it immediately expired in convulsions. !N^ot many- years since, a little girl swallowed a portion of half- amoked tobacco which was taken from her father's pipe, and it caused her death ! Tliomas. — Those are very serious statemv^nts, and I have no reason to doubt the truth of them. That will account for persons being sick when they fir? o begin to smoke. John. — Yes, that is nature protesting against it. You raay have seen persons who smoke out of one pipe until it becomes as black as coal. Thomas. — Yes, I believe that is very common, and old smokers arc said to be fond of a well-seasoned pipe. John, — Now, it is the poisonous oil of tobacco that causes the pipe to become black ; and if that oil was not sucked in by the pipe, nothing could save the smoker from being poisoned. Thomas. — Well, you have certainly made your etate- ments good, and I am much obliged to you for the in- formation. I never had any desire to be a smoker, but in future I will endeavor to shun it as an enemy and do what I can to persuade others to do the same. John. — There are many other phases of the tobocco question, such as chewing and snuffing, and the expense, inconvenience, and vulgarity of smoking ; but we will speak of these on some other occasion. What I want now is, you and all present to join our "'>ciety, called " The Anti-Tobacco Association." TEMPERANCE RECITER. 233 AllM FOR THE BATTLE. Death ■ death ! to the crested serpent ! War ! war ! on the curse of Hum ! From mountain to valley the watchword, Kepeat till our lips are dumb. Follow the trail of the monster — Track him to forest and glen, Hunt him wherever he hideth — 3t*ih him to death in his den ! Hath he not murdered our mothers — >*^^ ^^ Brought their gray locks to the tomb ] Hath he not murdered our brothers Yet in their manhood's bloom ? Hath he not coiled on our hearthstones, Hissing with Upas breath 1 Qn ! on, to the warfare, brothers ! N"or cease till he : 'rithes in death ! i-i-i.'i H;'!, ■pi Mi." ■li ,. Arm ! arm for the battle of glory Strike ! strike for the battle of Truth, Fathers, with locks so hoary. Sons in the bloom of youth ! Mothers, and sistcT"^, and daughters. With your prayers and blessings come. Death ! death wherever he iiirketh, To the serp'mt whose name is Rum ! 234 THE CANADIAN SUNDAY CLOSING OF PUBLIC HOUSES. A DIALOGUE. James. — I wish, Henry, to have a little conversation with you on a subject which at present engages much of the public attention : I allude to the Sunday Closirg movement. Have you signed a petition in its favour % Henry. — No, I have not ; and if my present opinion on the subject remains unchanged, I shall not sign it. It does not agree with my viev,^s of liberty, to compel iny fellow-creatures to become sober by act of parlia- ment. Compulsion never yet made a sincere convert to any doctrine whatever. Let moral suasion exert its free and unfettered scope, and though the adherents to your principles may not be so numerous, yet, depend upon it, they will be genuine and sincere disciples to the prin- ciples you enunciate. James. — Why, Henry, moral suasion has been prac- tised now for more than thirty years, and yet it is a la- mentable fact that drunkenness, and crime, and misery, and woe prevail to a greater extent than was ever before known. Henry. — You will admit, however, that the popula- tion of this county increases to a great extent every year. James. — Yes, I willingly admit that the population increases yearly ; but it does not follow that because the population increases, vice should likewise increase. But, will you be kind enough to tell me what designation you give those who keep spirit-vaults, taverns, or beer- houses ; are they tradesmen, shopkeepers, maniifacturers, or what are they styled 1 TEMPERANCE RECITER. 235 Henry. — They are stjlcd victuallers, which, I suppose, in plain English, means a shopkeeper. James. — Well, so I should say. Now, if every shop- keeper in this town was to open his or her shop at one o'clock, keep it open till three, then close it till five ; open it, and keep it open till ten or eleven, what would be the consequence 1 Henry. — Why, I suppose the police would visit the keepers of the shops, and tell them that it was contrary to law to have their shops open on Sunday, and order them to be immediately closed. , James. — Exactly so. Now the legit>lature, or, as you say, the act of parliament, compels these honest traders, who vend useful and necessary articles, to close their establishments the whole of Sunday, whilst to the dis- honest traders, who vend spurious and unnecessary articles, the act of parliament allows them to keep their establishments open for < i<:(ht hours on the Sunday. Oh, it is an injustice, Hemy, tiiat ought to bo speedily rectified. Henry. — Well, ii every one were like you and me, they would not keep theii establishments open for any great length of time, either on Sunday or any other day. Janies. — Ay, but all are not teetot^ders, would that they were. Yet I feel ashamed '»f myself for hav- ing done so little in the cause of total ;il;stineuce; for I have often neglected to use my efl< n in persuading those with whom I have been in com -uy to adopt the principles of total abstinence, and sign the pledge. How is it, Henry, that I never see you at our temperance meetings ? ••i|i 236 'THE CANADIAN Henry. — The fact is, James, I do not feel interested in listening to the remarks of many of those who stand mp to address the audience. I did attend a few meet- ings some years hack, but from what I heard then, I have felt no desire to attend any more. James. — Why, Henry, I must confess that I think you are somewhat lukewarm in the total abstinence cause. Your remarks with regard to the Sunday closing movement were, for a teetotaler, rather peculiar ; and I wish, before we part, to have a little further conversa- tion on the subject. Do you still teach that class of senior boys in your Sunday school 1 i} ,4: .f Henry. — Oh, yes ; I feel deeply interested iu ae spiritual welfare of those boys — but boys many of them are not, tliey are growing up steady young men j and I believe they are much attached to me. James. — Well, Henry, supj^ose one or more of these young men should be persuaded by a companion or com- panions to enter a public-house on the Sunday evening, would not you feel greatly shocked and distressed when you heard that such had been the case ] Henry. — Indeed, I should; but I have reason to be- lieve that not one of them would so far disgrace himself as to desecrate the Lord's day in such a manner. James. — Then let me tell you, He:iry, Uiiit your con- fidence in them has been much abused ; for I know of a fact that three voum? men bcl(>n<_!;in£( to vour class wore seen, no later than Suu