Ruined by Rum A Tale of Facts, Together with an Appeal for Temperance by Emily Foote Baldwin
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Date: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

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Title:Ruined by rum. A tale of facts; together with an appeal for temperance. By a lady.

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Print Source:Ruined by rum. A tale of facts; together with an appeal for temperance. By a lady.

23 p. 14 cm.

Hartford,

Brown & Gross [etc.]

1877.

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RIUINE.D’ BY GUM. y tipsy A TALE OF FACTS; TOGETHER WITH AN APPEAL FOR

TEMPERANCE. BY A LADY. HARTFORD: BROWN & GROSS, POND & CHILD S. W. BARROWS

& CO., and J. R. BARLOW. PRESS OF D. B. MOSELEY, 1877.

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NOTE. The public may be assured, that this little Book is not a Tale founded on “Facts” merely, but that the incidents narrated are literally.Facts themselves of actual occurrence. If there are any errors of statement, they are of minor importance, and are the result of imperfection of memory, and of popular tradition, after the lapse of more than half a century. It is with the greatest pleasure that the writer is able to state, that the town,which was so accursed with Intemperance in her childhood, has in it now not a single place where intoxicating liquors are sold, unless by stealth. Thanks to Heaven, and to the noble and persevering friends of the cause of Temperance in that place. These lines were written without the most distant idea of their ever being published; and they are submitted to the public now only at the solicitation of friends, who think they may subserve the cause of Temperance.

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REMINISCENOES OF A RUINED GENERATION. This worldis cursed! but not without just cause; ‘Twas cursed when man first disobeyed God’s laws, Now, Fiends walk up and down,-stalk to and fro, T’ensnare us in the daily paths we go.

Some, cautious move; while others, boldty stalk, And barriers raise t’obstruct our daily walk,Claiming,‘twould seem, dominion over all The human family,-both great and small, While some expose themselves before our eyes, Another class are walking in disguise. The Prince of Fiends transforms himself,‘tis said Into an “angel of the light”;-then dread Of his approach, will ne’er be felt, or shown; And man will meet this foe, unarmed-alone! Disguised in name too, as in person, some Fiends often enter many a happy home,Proffer their friendship, and with words of oil, Domestic quiet, and repose, despoil. “Legion,” their name;- I speak now of but one, And pray his fiendish course may soon be run; For of all foes encompassing frail man, He surely is the deadliest of the clan.

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RUINED BY RUM. INTEMPERANCE I-Wise heads, and noble hearts, Have pierced the fiend with thousand deadlv darts, And still he lives!-And will he always live? No,-his death-blow th’ Almighty arm can give. I’ve seen the bleeding trophies of this foe; Allow me then to tell just what I know, And narrate facts,-those only which have come Within my knowledge, of the power of RUM. A generation ruined, is my theme, Ungracious, uninviting, though it seem; ‘Tis wise to con what in past time was done, Gaze at the beacon-lights, the breakers shun, Learn wisdom from the folly, and the sin Of those who bright examples might have been; Look at their course with tearful, pitying eye, ‘:Then yield them to oblivion with a sigh, ‘:4^ fuch sigh as forms a base for purpose strong, - To choose the path that’s right,-reject the wrong. My pen, dipped in no fount of treasured hate, Reluctant, traces scenes I now relate. Not distant from the city, a::th,ugh free From city bustle, lies the town of C-, Not eminent for that rich, fertile soil, Which pays the.husbandman for all his toil, Save only, where a stream meandering through, Upon its banks, luxuriant verdure grew.

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A TALE OF FACTS. Within its waters dwelt a finny race, -Yielding delicious fare for all the place, And busy man soon learned, from searching round, The favorite haunts where fishes most abound, And to facilitate the fisher’s toils, And others aid in gathering up the spoils, Houses were built-and stores erected too, And here a pleasant country village grew.

But very soon, yes, ere those stores were done Before the busy workers all were gone,In company with needles, thread, molasses, And various other things, sought by the masses, Another class of occupants did come, Full labelled, ” BRANDY,” ” WHISKEY,” “GIN,” and “RUM”! SATAN came too; but certain of his prey, Felt that hlie might, in pcr.son, keep away; These faithful agents needed not his aid, For at his feet, their trophies would be laid. Their keepers lie commissioned, reckless,-bold, Men who for gain, these agents bought and sold, Round them he threw, though cautiously, his chain. Soon they were glorying in ill-gotten gain, And calling to the passers-by, each day, Ho, turn in lithler.” Some, (though few,) said “nay, “To hell, and to perdition, that’s the way.” Many walked in, and bought a fiery brain, Fitting for crime, when they came out again. 7

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TRUINED BY RUM. The task were vain the multitude to tell, Who went from thence straight to the drunkard’s Hell! The poor inebriate’s comforts, home, and all, Into the venders’ coffers speedy fall; For when the cash of buyers all was gone, The sellers willingly received a pawn!The pawn of tools, or clothing, or what not? Home-comforts, and convenience, all forgot I One morn you might have seen a victim colme Bringing the bricks of his own hearth at home! Something must come to buy his morning dram,To quench his morbid thirst,-his soul to damn! Meantime, the neighbors sent his shivering wife Some garment warm, that might prolong her life. (On such an errand, Iwas often there, Thanks to my mother’s thoughtfulness and care.) A Christian wife was she; in her deep woe, To Heaven’s mercy-seat she oft would go For comfort, and to plead before the Thlrone, That God would keep a little darling son From walking in the steps his father trod.

She prayed for grace to bear her heavy load, In humble faith, she bowed, and kissed the rod. Two sors she had,-one died in early life, And’scaped the woes with which his home was rife. The other son-a little one, was there, Wholly bereft of father’s fostering care: 8

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A TALE OF FACTS. Under a godly mother’s sheltering wiing, Heaven kindly kept th’ endangered little thing From many curses which are wont to come As inmates of the reckless drunkard’s home. Under the power of drink, this man was crazed; A storm when he came home, was frequent raised I Nor wife, nor boy, could in the house abide Safely-oft from the maniac they would hide, Or try, whene’er they heard his coming yell, With gentle words and tones, his rage to quell. With fear, and dread, the neighboring children went When their kind mothers’ love some comfort sent. The little boy oft to the door would go, And say, “Come in,-he’s somne more quiet now; “Mother and I wont let him hurt you; -come”Come in.” 0’twas a cheerless drunkard’s home, Bereft of every comfort but of neatness, And wife’s and mother’s patient smile and sweet ness, And that dear precious boy, whose filial love, Not shame, abuse,-nor cruelty could move,These, only these, he could not pawn for Rum; So these were left to grace that drunkards home. - An invalid was she,-God gave her grace To fill with wisdom marvelous, her place As Christian mother;-but not strength t’ endure Toil, needful daily comforts to secure. 9

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RTUINEID BY RUM. The boy soon saw an effort he must make, To gain the’needful” for his mother’s sake. A trunk of tin he bought, with neighbors’ aid, And in it, goods of daily use he laid, And threw it o’er his little shoulders; went About the town;-‘twas heavyq, and he bent Lowly, but willinglg, beneath his load. Whose eye looked gracious down?

The eye of God. He said, as mother gazed upon the sight, ” Don’t worry mnther,-I’l be back at night.” That noble boy! he could not be forgot,-, Kind hearts would buy his wares, needed, or not M3indful of mother’s peace, he came, each night, Back before dark, lest anxious mother might Fear for the safety of her darling boy, Her only earthly propher hope-her joy. Oft on the drunkard’s son there rests a curse; A bright example this of the reverse. That boy to manhood, and to power has grown;Beloved, and honored, far as he is known. A man of eminence in church and state,A man of wealth,-still humble, although great,Of a large city, late Chief Magistrate. Ye down-cast mothers; look,-there yet is light, O keep your eye of faith undimmed, and bright; Though sad, and broken-hearted, you thus see God will hear prayer, -a “covenant God” is He. 10

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A TALE OF FACTS. ‘Twould seem as if the sellers’ ears would tingle, Whene’er they heard the coin of drunkards jingle; No-they with wives’ and chlildren’s tears would fill Daily their greedy avaricious till! Not only man, but woman there oft-time Took that which stimulates to deadly crime.

A wife dashed in her husband’s brains! one morning, Just as a beauteous, natural’day was dawning, And he, a victim too of drink, there lay, While she to prison walls was borne away. That murdered father passed to worlds unknown, The orphans left-far better left-alone. That monster mother, wretched, blood-stained wife, To the state-prison was condemned for life.

I saw her there-yes-more than once,-a’id felt ‘Twas place most fit in which she ever dwelt: From sheer necessity her brain was cooled, And force of law her every movement ruled. Pity for woman, as the public knew, Was reason why the gallows lost their due. But judgment sleeps not over human wrongs, And ” vengeance to a righteous God belongs.” The bane these venders gave their fellow-men, With fearful power, came back to them again. In wily snares, they, struggling victims caught;To those same snares, their heedless steps were brought. ll

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RU-INED BY RUIM. Each seller who had fixed his business there, Was striving to obtain the largest share Of this world’s richles, heedless of the cost: What cost? Let those the question answer that were lost! Lost?

who the meaning of that word can tell? None, but those dwelling in the drunkard’s hell! The reckless sellers there who bought and sold The deadly poison, to increase their gold, Meanwhile with brain on fire, ne’er cooled to think, Became, the7selves, the victims of strong drink. If known the life of each,-their wretched end,E’en to a stoic’s heart a thrill’twould send! One of the venders was a moody man, Through all whose veins the fiery demon ran, And, by hereditary right, insane When drink took full possession of his brain; He lay all open to the Temnpter’s power, Ripe for destruction any passing hour. He left the store one day to dine at noon; But not, as was his wont, returning soon, A messenger was sent; nought could be learned; IHe dined, and as his friends supposed, returned To his accustomed work; a search all round Was speedy made. At last his corpse was found. Short distance from his home thliick trees amongThe drinking, suffering, sinning man there hung! 32

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A TALE OF FACTS. His soul had gone to Him whose word is given, That drunkards never can inherit Heaven. One was a Christian, (by profession named!) Him, too, intoxicating beverage claimed. .Le.s openly hle took the poisonous cup; But still he took, and drank the venom up. With brain confused, and feeble, tottering tread, A loving wife would lead him oft to bed;Herself return, his customers to serve. With tact which woman, owning quiet nerve Only, possessed, was ready with excuse For husband’s absence.‘Twas of little use However kind, for soon, by all’twas said, That “IRumn, not’head-ache,’ sent that man to bed.” His brethren in the church strong effort made, To bring the wanderer back from whence he strayed.

Brother with brother pleaded, warned, besought, And Christian charity hoped he was brought With appetite to wage successful war, And prove himself at last, the conqueror. At noon of life his soul was called away, And his account sealed till the judgment day. One vender, when his life drew near its close, On restless couch, in vain sought for repose. By guilty conscience harassed, night and day, Fiendsg seem to claim him as their lawful prey; 13

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RUINED BY RUM. fancied oft he heard the cries of wo From wretched souls his rum had.sent below! He thought he saw sprites hovering rQound his bed In horrid forms, and by a demon led! Whole nights he passed thinking himself in Hell, Uttering, as one might judge, the demon’s yell,Fancied himself the victim of abuse, And struggling from the devils to get loose.

“Wife, wife,” he cried, “come take me out of hell I “I cannot longer with these devils dwell, “Has all your plighted love to me quite gone? “Must I be left to wrestle here alone?” Thus days and weeks rolled by,-still no release, For God says, “To the wicked there’s no peace!” A sinner’s conscience,‘tis a fearful thing When moved by guilt, it darts its poisoned sting I Delirium-tremens with such power will grasp That nought but Death the fetters can unclasp. He went at last,-Death hid him out of sight;I would not draw the curtain if I might. “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Not on this spot alone, these hells were found, But others similar were scattered round, Enticing man to drain the tempting bow], Which always wrecks the body and the soul: Wrecks the good name, peace, self-respect, and wealth, And throws away the priceless boon of health. 14

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A TALE OF FACTS. The friends of Temperance were, alas, but few, Yet still there was a remnant, good, and true. With philanthropic zeal, they pitying viewed The swelling tide, that swept the multitude Into the vortex of despair and crime, And landed them beyond the shores of time. They, moved by love, strong, mighty effort made, And time, and talents, wealth, yes, all were laid As sacrifice (for thus it well might be,) Upon the altar of philanthropy. Counsel and sympathy were given;-gold, To buy the poison which one vender sold, Was proffered by an earnest Temperance friend, Hoping the horrid traffic thus to end. The offer was accepted:-joyful task, To roll without those doors, each heavy cask Which held the Fiend.

To thwart his cursed wiles, Would change the wives’ and children’s tears to smiles. Each head dashed in with a tremendous blow, The liquid devils out were forced to go. They vengeful seemed,-uttering low gurgling sound, As if they felt a Ma8ster they had found. Not all the poison, drank the thirsty earth,(No drink so nauseous since creation’s birth,) What was repelled, flowed to the river’s brink, And floated harmlessly,-it could not sink, 15

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RUINED BY RUM. Th’indignant fishes all disdained such drink. Though vanquished here, the Fiend did soon resume His murderous practice in that town of doom. On spot not distant, soon he bore full sway, And captives numberless were led astray From temperance, industry, and social love, And every course which God could e’er approve. In all these haunts, wealth was amassed in haste, But good men said, “such riches cannot last.” The sequel proved the prophecy not vain: Who ever heard where goes ill-gotten gain?

I’ve seen, yes, often seen, such gold was gone, But where, or how, nor I could tell,-nor none; And when I asked again the question, “Where?” I heard nought but an echo, answering, “Where?” ‘Twas gone! whither? no mortal tongue could tell; Perchance to hotter heat the flames of Hell!

‘Tis melting in that crucible of wo, Where Inspiration says the drunkards go! “Perchance” I say, God grant Ine’er may know. One of the venders here, his race soon run, His riches quickty gained, were quickly gone, He died insolvent and a widow left; Of wealth ill-gotten, suddenly bereft. Venders of Rum, in forms howe’er diverse, Earn for themselves, and families, a curse. 16

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A TALE OF FACTS. That widow soon grew weary of her life, With ways of Providence seemed e’er at strife; She died a common pauper, lone, and old; Her wardrobe, scant, at public auction sold Expenses of her burial to defray, And thus, a wealthy household passed away! But why should I extend the sad review? It can but painful memories renew; And still, my warning voice shall ne’er be hushed, No,-never, till I see Intemperance crushed. I cannot tell the baneful influence felt In that commune where the retailers dwelt; Nor all their varied plans could I rehearse, To filch the coin from friends’ and neighbors’ purse. Each spot seems now suggestive of some crime, Never to be effaced in days of time; If ne’er recorded by a mortal’s pen, Heaven’s Book will bring them all to light again.

INTEMPERANCE!-this universal foe, Though seeming oft t’ receive a mortal blow, Still lives!-and boldly shows its hydra heads, And o’er all lands, its cursed offspring spreads; Long for its death, all Temperance friends have siven, And till my death, my influence shall be given,  fy mnite of influence, praying it may save Some human being from a drunkard’s grave.

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RUINED BY RUM. One generation passes quick away, Another comes, struggling through life’s short day ‘Gainst vicious influences of powerful force, All fitted to retard a virtuous course; For sure, hereditary curses come On children, knowing but a drunkard’s home. Curses compute? th’ arithmetic of time Ne’er tells the sum of misery, and crime, That follows the inlebriate’s course, for he -Exerts an influence felt eternally! Mammon, “god of thlis world,” by right,we call, For men, in mnass, before this idol fall. Wealth is a good, but not a good supremne, -As by man’s rash, and hot pursuit,‘twould seem, For wealth, when gained by patient, honest toil, Need not with curses on the head recoil Of hlim who gets it, for’itNay be used To bless the world, though oft it is abused. -ll-gotten wealth ne’er fails to prove a curse;Parent of poverty, and all that’s worse. The riches gained by those of whom I write, Vanished, like morning mist, from human sight; They, “to themselves took wings, and flew away,”

Not one exception can be found to day! Reader,-the sketch I’ve drawn is strictly true; I’ve given no exaggerated view; 18

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A TALE OF FACTS. Has this delineation conscience stirred, Which softly whispers, “Have you guilt incurred By keeping still, amid this whirlpool’s swell, Which swept your friends and neighbor’s down to Hell?” If for their good, philanthropy doth ask Some sacrifice, is that a heavy task? Talk of a ” sacr/ice,” when asked t’ abstain From drinking that which sets on fire the brain! Methinks I hear you say, (if not, you think,) ‘Tis hard to quit the moderate use of drink, (Which, by the sad examples I have shown, May, in strict truth, be called the devil’s own.) -Exert your mnaiihood,-let the bane alone. You speak with s(orn of an “abstemious pledge,” And boast of strength, notneeding such a hedge. My erring friend, pray let me say to you, In speaking thus, you know not what you do;Your boasted “strength”

has not perhaps been tried; On power resisting, you cannot decide; But if you’re strong, your brother may be weak; Aig good, as well as yours, you’re bound to seek. “Am I my brothler’s keeper?” once said Cain, When, at his feet, there lay a brother, slain! Beware lest brother’s blood with you be found, Crying for vengeance from thli’ ildignant ground. God set a nmark on Cain for his deep crime,A mark that lasted all the days of time, 19

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2RUINED BY RUM. And longer still;-while endless ages roll, That mark is scorching the first murderer’s soul; ‘Twas burned in deep,-it would not wash away; On his dark, frowning brow,‘twill stand for aye! Persist in drinking the accursed bowl, A mark, more dread, may rest upon your soul!

To help recall an erring one that strayed, I dare not, if I would, refuse my aid. By even tasting the accursed thling, I may, upon reforming brother bring Reviving appetite: with Satan’s aid, All hopes of reformation then are laid. A true philanthropy I cannot show By care for self, while letting others go. One of a numerous family I call Myself; I’m bound to seek the good of all; If effort for the least, I try to shun, Duty to God, and man, is left undone. Why do earth’s wise ones,-wise in all beside, This philanthropic test of love deride? “Shoulder to shoulder,” stand true temperance friends, And firm will stand, till this dire conflict ends, Though scorned, perplexed in every varying plan To save, to elevate poor fallen man, And crippled oft by those whom custom sends Into our midst, in guise of realfriends. Some banish Rlum, and Whiskey from the board, And cry for “Temperance” loud with one accord;

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A TALE OF FACTS. But still defend the common use of wine. Because’tis one of Heaven’s gifts divine, And for “infirmities” prescribed, [small measure], They license claim t’imbibe it for their pleasurel Forgetting what the wise man truly said, “Look not upon the wine when it is red, “Temptingly moving-sparkling in the cup; “‘Twill sting like adder, if you drink it up; “Contentions, sorrows, woes, babblings, are there “Concealed,-red eyes, wounds without cause! be ware! Mistaken souls! Their reasoning all is vain; Wine has its thousands, and ten thousands, slain.

Whate’er excites, revives, confirms, a thirst For that which can intoxicate, is cursed, Or should be. Those who truly love mankind, Sholuld ne’er excuses for th’ inebriate find, (WVVho would reform, and break his iron chain,) To even taste his dangerous cup again. To moderate drinkers, “Do thyself no harm,” Is not the sounding of a “false alarm.” Incipient taste is ominous of ill; Who dare rely upon his strength o f will Can dallying with the foe, his purpose foil,Loosen, or breal his artful, fatal coil? Millions, in confidence have made their boast, But found, too sool0, alas’! their “strength” was lost; 21

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RUINED BY RUM. Or if, while gratifying your desire, Yourself escape; “e’en as it were by fire,” Who dare, for worlds, incur the fearful guilt Of tempting those for whom Christ’s blood was spilt, To take a road which will in ruin end? Pause, and consider well, mistaken friend. How did that noble, great Apostle feel, Who mingled ardent love with burning zeal, As in the blessed Holy Book we’ve read, When told of some “weak brother,”

kindly said, “If meat, my brother to offend doth make, While the world stands, I’ll eat none for his sake.” If PAUL did thus, pray tell me will not you Deny yourself for your “weak brother,” too? There is a day of promise coming, when This fallen earth will be restored again To primal purity, and happiness; And God, himself, who ever loves to bless Repentant wanderers, who long have been Straying, and lost,‘mid thorny paths of sin, Will, by his Holy Spirit, come, and dwell With man, as once He did before man fell. Then vice, ii; every form, will flee away, And holiness again will rule the day. Then, none will tempt to sin,-none tempted be, For here will dwell love, peace, and harmony, …… ~.. ” 22

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A TALE OF FACTS. INTEMPERANCE then, no more abroad will stalk, Anges8, not Demoris, o’er olir earth will walk. “There shall be no more curse,”-so God doth say;Haste, LORD, 0 hasten, that Millennial day. Then all earth’s pure, and happy sons and daugh ters, Will slake their thirst at SILOA’S
living Waters. 23

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N. B.- Since the foregoing was in type, the following Note has been received from the Rev. L. Griggs, D. D., Qf Bristol, Conn.-EDITOR. RUINED

BY RUM. This is no work of fiction, but a tale of Facts dressed up in poetic style by a gifted lady. In early years she was conversant with the scenes here described. Her honored father,-a graduate of Yale college, and an eminent physician,-was the individual referred to, who closed one grogshop by purchasing its liquors, and pouring them on the ground. From that time forth, the warfare against Rum was prosecuted with diligence and success. The monster was driven out, and the place redeemed. The picture here drawn will apply to many a town in our commonwealth, and elsewhere, and is well calculated to make people realize the true oondition of the place where they live. Let the friends of Temperance spread this poem broadcast through the land. A copy should be put into every grogshop and drinking saloon, that men may see the end to which they are hastening.

Ladies engaged in tract distribution would do well to leave a copy in every dwelling. Thus many may be kept from being “Iuined by Rum..”

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