CAUTION TO GOOD TEMPLARS

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1151, 17 February 1874, Page 4

CAUTION TO GOOD TEMPLARS

At a public meeting held at the City of the Plain some months past an enthusiastic teetotaler was extolling the advantages of total abstinence, and, in his exuberant flow of language, was led astray, and spoke of himself in somewhat the following terms :—" Now, my friends, look carefully at me, here am I just verging upon sixty years of age, and have never tasted a drop of intoxicating liquor all my life. Look at me full of muscular strength, fall of activity, and in good health. Now, my friends, follow my example, and, as a matter of course, you will all enjoy the same result." This was thought to be a most conclusive argument. But, judge of their surprise, when a great burly looking man, looking as if his face had just received a coat of vermillion, toddled to the front, and spoke as follows:—"That last fellow's

my brother, old boys, its all right though what he said, I know he is too meai) to buy a glass of beer, but he is no better for that. JNow, just look at me mycock-a-lor-ums. I'm now five years older than him, and never went to bed quite sober for the last twenty years, and, as far as muscle, just look at that yellar looking chap, he don't look like a brother of mine. See, lam as round as a tub, and as for strength, I could just pitch him over a hay stack, hear that now." Exit, singing " For I'm a jolly good fellow," beating time with his stick on the platfrom.