IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1.25 " IIIIM '- llliii .J' IIIIM ■; ill "10 1.4 IIIIM III 2.2 12.0 1.6 y, signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbole V signifie "FIN". 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 film^s d des taux de reduction diff6rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clichd, il est filmd d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 p. A. BURDICK. OUT OF DARKNESS INTO LIGHT. 3ln ^ni0bi0^vap\^T^ OF JOSEPH F. HESS, THE CONVERTED PRIZE-FIGHTER AND SALOON-KEEPER. INTRODUCTION BY P. A. BURDIOK. EVANGELIST, AT WHOSE MEETINGS, IN THE CITY OF ROCHESTER, N. Y,, HESS WAS TOUCHED BY THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD. Before his conversion, Hess travelled in nearly all parts qf the world, and the story of these travels and the life he led are more thrilling than the page of fiction. The story of his conversion, nearly five years since, and the_narration qf his work for the Master since that date, prove an epoch in the history qf evangelistic action and lUerature. IIiIiTJ3TI&-ATEX). THE PEOPLE'S PUBLISHING CO., YONGE ST. ARCADE. 1890. M '■ ■1 ' •**i !''■ ; . All rights of publication secured by People's Publishing Company, Toronto. •- * >■ .1- -A- .■'■> 'W N * WcMASTER UNIVERSITY UBRAOT THIS BOOK IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED TO MY DEAR WIFE AND CHILDREN, WHO WERE FOR SO MANY YEARS DEPRIVED OF THE LOVE AND PROTECTION THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN BY HUSBAND AND FATHER. To-day all made happy in the love of Christ, who forgives every sin. INTRODUCTION. IN September, 1885, I had the pleasure of conducting a series of Gospel Temperance Meetings in the city of Rochester, N. Y. under the auspices of the W. C. T. U. of that city. The meetings, after the first week, were held in the Fitzhugh Skating Rink. One evening, the last week in September, I noticed four men enter the rink very much under the influence of liquor, and take seats near the door. While speaking it was noticeable they were quite uneasy, one of them undertaking to arise several times, but being restrained by his companions. At the close of the address they arose and went out, no one dreaming, as they walked out of the rink, that the spirit of the Lord had troubled one soul. Just one week from that night I noticed standing by the door a powerfully -built man, with his arms folded across his breast, and earnestly listening to the address. After I had closed my address he walked up to the platform and said, " When can I see you alone ?' My rciply was, *' Call at the Lister House to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock." He called the next morning and he made known to me the fact that he was Joe Hess the prize-fighter. During the hour's interview I was impressed with his honesty, in the desire to lead a better life. He realized the absolute necessity of leaving his old com- panions. As he expressed it, " I never knew until I heard VI Introduction. you talk I could be anything but a brute. I want to be a man, I can never do that and keep with the gang of men I have always been with." He seemed ready to do any kind of work to earn money for himself and family. During our conversation I saiaat, and promises for future blessings. With the light of God, and love for Christ in his heart* came the desire to undo the wrong he had done. Un- learned in books, ignorant of social customs, he deter- mined to prepare himself for temperance work and tell the story of what Christ had done for him. Under discouragements that would have caused many strong hearts to give up, he pushed his way. He believed God would bless him and Christ would give him the victory. Who can doubt this after nearly five years of labor for humanity and God? His work has been most abundantly blessed. Manhood lost has been restored. Homes, made hells by drink, have been made ante-rooms to heaven by his influence. Hopeless and despairing souls have been made happy in the power of Christ to save, he pointing to them the way of life. May God ever keep and bless him in his work of love and salvation. P. A. BURDICK. PllEFACE. \ T SHALL attempt in this volume to tell the story of ■*■ my life, which from boyhood days up to five years since was one of much sinning. I do not do so prompted , by feelings of egotism, but from a prayerful and earnest belief that some who are now in sin and darkness, who are slaves to appetite and passion, may profit by my sad and bitter experience, and thereby be led to acknowledge Christ, and ever look to Him as the one who is abun- dantly able and who is ever willing to save for time and eternity. * ' • I also hope that many young men who have not yet taken their first downward step, may take warning from this story of what was for many years a ruined, but which is now by the Grace of God, a redeemed life. My feelings are those of humiliation and remorse, as I refer to my past life. T feel that God has forgiven my sins, but I know I have much to do by way of repara- tion ; and now that I am clothed in my right mind, my daily prayer is, that the remainder of my life may be en- tirely consecrated to God's service, and that ray evil deeds may be blotted out by good works. Very truly yours, » J. F. Hess. W' r.. j^ifp: UF JOE FIE SB CIIAPTKII 1. * - [Birth — Parents— ScliDoldays — At work— First nao «)f tobacco — lluniiin^' ttway fiuui home — Keturn Home — Father's advice — Evilcoinpanioii'^ — First glass of li«iai»r — Lctsing eiuph^yer's con- tido»""> — Shipwrecked — Learns the manly art -In Prieon — Dehriiwu TremeiiH. l/^N the sixtoenth clay of Jul}', eighteen hiirKhed and fifty- V!/ one, I was born at Biirt'alo, N. Y., being tlie fourth [of a family of twelve children, composed of six boys and [six girls. My parents came to the United States from iBavaria, in the year eighteen hundred and forty seven, [locating upon what is now Pine-street, in the City of Buflalo. Father, being a tailor by trade, and a good workman, was not long without receiving empKjyment, also being a musician he secured the position of second violinist in St. Mary's Church, a small brick building, at [the corner of Fine and Batavia (now Broadway) street. [As a result of integrity and industry, my father pros- [pered and was soon able to purchase a lot on Adaras- [street, upon which he built a small house. It was in [this house that I first saw the light, and entered upon a [life which, 1 think, my reader, you will agree with me, [has been in many ways a most remarkable one. mm .1 m 10 TJie First Chmv of Tohacco. My parents, who were Roman Catholics, compelled me to attend a German Roman Catholic School, for a short period ; my education is therefore limited, and is from observation and experience rather than the study of books. Having been blessed with a proohat all ence to y>i Hie. FIRST DRINK— FIFTEEN YEARS OF AGE, The First Glass. 13 I began to leain my trade under very favoiable cir- cumstances, being blessed with that greatest of all bless- ings, good health. It was not long until one part of my father's advice was left unheeded, for I soon got in with evil companions, and. became one of that much-to-be de- spised class, street corner loafers, thinking it manly to Hrst be a listener, then a participant in the disgusting and disgraceful conversation indulged in b}' these people. To-day, how many youths, young men, middle-aged men and even old men, are given up to this pernicious habit of street-loafing, using language that causes a blush of shame to rush to the cheek of innocence, as it is com- pelled to pass that way ; and it is the exception when wo.man passes one of these groups without having insult- ing or indecent remarks made concerning her. Mo good but much evil will come to any young man who will seek such company. It was frujii one of this class of young men that I received an invitation to attend a social party, and while at this gathering the other por- tion of toy fathei''s advice was disregarded, unattles with the demon alcohol began, and the first gun of misery, degradation 14 A Young Lady Tempter. and sin was fired when that young lady persuaded me to drink wine. I fear this is a custom far too prevalent among our young women ; in many instances they rather encourage than denounce a young man's ability to drink, and be one of the hoys. But let me say to a,ny young lady who will tempt a young man to take his first glass, if in after life you are cursed with a drunken husband or sons, ask yourself whether it may not be a just retribution, inasmuch as you may have been the primary cause of some young man starting on a downvvard career which finally result- ed in his becominor a drunken husband or son, thereby bringing untold misery and suftering upon an aft'octionate, devoted wife or tender loving mother. It our young women would frame a code of morals for the guidance of the boys, and see that they conformed to it before being able to secure their approving smiles, we would have fewer young men to-day being dragged down through the curse of rum. Girls, exact of the boys what they do of you in the matter of good morals, and you will make many young men behave who now think, and with some reason, that it makes little difference how they live, for you will have them any way. How frequently we hear parents say, " I suppose he must sow his wild oats." What a speech to come from a father or mother, — there are no more certain words than these, " Wh it a man sow- eth, that shall he also reap ; " so if you sjw wild seed, you must expect a corresponding harvest. In few cases is the worthless seed supplanted by the good, that shall brine: forth good fruit. Abolish forever the wild oats theory and guard against the beginning. If the wrong start is not made, the end need never be contemplated. Now that I had entirely neglected my father's good advice, t became reckless, and rapidly gave up to a life of dissipation, spending the day in toil, and the night in vain and empty pleasures, thus inifitting myself ibr the day's labour. After a brief apprenticeship of scarcely A Visit to Canada. 15 four montlis, my employers called me into the office one niornini,^ and addressed me as follows : " Punctuality and sobriety are among the foremost of our business laws, and we 1m v(^ decided that no young man who is carous- iiiL;- and drinking' all night is needed in our employ." I was paid ott' and discharged. Here is a waining for all 30ung men who are starting in life with high hopes and aspirations. Here you have the case of one who, although not quite fifteen years of age, had lost the confidence of his employers as a result 01 drinkiuii: strong drirdv. Having been dischai'ged as I have stated, I did not daie to go homo, consequently I shipped again on a lake steamer. As we were passing up the Detroit River a col- lision occurred, in consequence of which our boat sank and we were obliged to swim for our lives. The task was ma ilie homo of my (ather-in-law at Buffalo, where they would he eared for, ^nd I would go, I knew, or cared not, where. Hearing of coclv-Hght which was to take place in Rochester, N.Y., I lecided to witness it, my passion for gambling and sport- ing Ijeing only second to that for drink. I remained in tochester some time, working occasionally and drinking re(|nently, hut linaliy returned to Buffalo to see my Liiiily. Imagine my feelings when admission to the louse was refused me ; knowing this to be my just leseri,, I started for the west, firmly declaring that none )f my people should ever see or hear of me again. I was [mworthy of their recognition, to say nothing of respect. J succeeded in getting as far as St. Louis, Mo., and, 'hat is most wonderful, arrived in a sober condition. I lannot approximately describe the forsaken feeling that jame over me during my first night in that great cit}'. .lone, friendless, homeless, abandoned by my own people, md one thing the cause of all this misery and suffering, )rought on not only myself, but upon all connected with ne, and that one thing drink. My reader, do not here begin to denounce me as a niserable, heartless, drunken wretch, unworthy of the sympathy of any, for you cannot begin to understand the terrible tenacity of the drink habit when it is once leeply rooted. In my sober moments, few though they ^ere, when I would think of ray home, my wife and shild, I would experience feelings of remorse for which leath seemed to be the only relief. Truly has it been said, " The pillow of remorse is tilled with thorns." You nay say, Why did you not reform ? That is easily said, )ut I firmly believe there is a stage which, if reached in bhis terrible habit, nothing but the grace of God is sufti- jient to free a man. At this time I had never thought )f a God ; of a Saviour who is always ready and willing 22 Engages in a Pri/se Fight I to receive the vilest sinner who, ifi true repentance, will come to hin). No ; I did not lu(;k to tlie blessed Jesus for solace and relief, but teniblc as it was, I sought a deliverance from my feelings of abandonment in the very thing that liad caused all my suttering. I had not been long in St. Louis when I shipped as a roustabout on a Mississi])pi river steamboat, going as far south as Cairo, wheie I was to engage in a prize-fight, taking one of the worst thrashings a man ever got, and all I received therefor was five dollars. I now decided to return to St. Louis, my main object being to witness the Tom Allen and Mike McCool fight, which was soon to take place in that city. What little money I earned, together wit i the five dollars n»ade at my own fight, en- abled me to bet on McCool, and foitunately forme he was the winning man. With the money won in this way I improved my personal appearance in the matter of dress and again started down the Mississippi, not as a roust- about, but as a full-fledged passenger, going as far as Memphis, Tenn. On these boats it was always an easy matter in those days to find many opportunities for gam- bling by means of card-playing. During this trip I made enough money in this way to enable me to open a gambling roouk at Columbus, S.C., in which I made money fast, but spent it faster in riotous living. I finally gave up the gambling room business by request of the sheriff. With what money 1 had, I decided to go to Sumpter, where I lost my money, the second niglit after ray arrival, in a game of poker. Laying in a supply of crackers and cheese, I started to count the ties to Wilmington. I shall never forget the experience of one dark night dur- ing this tramp, when I was overtaken by a railway train while in the centre of a long piece of trestle work. I could not make my escape from either end of the bridge, so was obliged to slip between the ties and hang by my hands until the train passed over. My reader, you may in a manner appreciate my feel- ings as I hung there, ex})ecting every moment to be ^ A Perilotis Position. 2n oMiL,'(-'' delight I found my family consisted not only of my wife and boy, but also of a little girl, seven months old. We lived happily at Batavia for some time, but I was con- stantly meeting old associates from Buffalo ; this so threateritd another downfall that I decided to get away from them by going to Canada. In less time than it takes to tell it I sold out and started, locating at St. Cath- arines, Ontario, fortified with all the good resolutions possible. My first work in Her Majesty's dominion was carrying a hod ; this was a means of getting up in the world in one sense at least. I was soon fortunate enough to get steady employment at McKindley & Co.'s wheel works, where I remained several months. Just here I would say a word to young men. I can trace nearly all my downfalls after having formed good resolutions to the influence of evil company. " Show me your friends and I'll tell you what you are;" is a true saying, there- fore form the acquaintance of those who will have a tendency to elevate and improve your moral charactei- rather than those who will degrade and destroy it. Satan again led my steps in the way of impure and un- holy influences, and it was not long until my good reso- lutions were broken, and I became a slave to the demon that binds his victims so firmly with the chain of appe- tite that it is almost impossible for the poor slave to burst the fetters and free himself ; but thanks be to God, He is ever ready to set the wine-chained captive free whenever he will call upon Him. At this time I had never thought of a saviour, but was relying solely upon my own strength, which in so many instances had proved insufficient to withstand the temptations that surrounded me. Becomes a Sausage Maker. 25 Acain 1 decided to flee from evil associations and start- e: of shame comes over mo that is almost unbearable, my wife being compelled to wear out her young life at the wash-tul), in order to support the children of a drunken husband. Great as the disgrace is, am I to bear it alone ? Ai-e there not hundreds, yes, thousands of husbands through- out tlie land doing the same thing to-day ;' To those Avho are thus giving themselves up to a life of debauchery and degradation, let me say : Consider wdiat you are doing, and if your appetite has become master of your mind, and }ou are unable to control it, I beseech you, look to Him who is ever saying : " Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Uj)on my arrival in Toronto, it was some time before I could learn the whereabouts of n\y family, but after a ac: 30 Cndchman for Rohert Wnllrr M: i il:-ll libr ■ I' i I diligent search found they were living on Stanley-street. r had not the courage to go direct to the house and there face that wife I had neglected so sadly for nearly twf) years, conse([uently I had a man write a note, which 1 sent by a small boy, telling Mrs. Hess that a man wished to see her on important business at the street corner be- low. She very properly refused to comply with the re- quest, but at the same time was oveicome by that natural instinct, a woman's curiosity, and came out in the yard to learn, if possible, who had sent the strange note. Her efforts were successful, for she discovered it to be her truant husband, waiting anxiously for some token of n welcome home. I was beckoned to the house, and eagerly acce,)ted the invitation, although I had proved so unde- serving of the respect or even the recognition of my family. I was greatly pleased to find a second little girl already a year and a half old. My joy, however, was soon turned to sorrow, for the little boy and girl I had left two years before remembered their father, but only to shrink from him as he came near them. Oh ! the terrible thought that came to me. Have I fallen so low that my children, my own flfesh and blood, refuse to recognize me ? Such was the case, and it was not for some time that I could get them near me. I at once set out to look for work, and succeeded in getting a situation as coachman for Mr. Robert Walker, of the celebrated Golden Lion dry goods house — presenting a fine appearance, perched up behind a spanking pair of bays, and in full livery attire. Mr. Walker and family soon went to their summer residence, leaving me in sole charge of the house, horses, grounds, etc. One morning, when down in the city, 1 happened to meet one of my old chums, who had worked with me in Gurney's foundry, 1 told him what 1 was engaged in, and that I was pro- prietor jyro tern. He premised to call and see me that afternoon, no doubt unagining an excellent opportunity presented itself for a good time. 1' 1 A DriniJcen Sjyree avd Smash-up. ni norning, We had not been chatting long over old times when he |.iodiiced a bottle, inviting me to drink. I shall never forj^et the terrible sensation that came over me at that moment, how the devil did hiss in my ear, take it, take it, until finally I yielded, and the tire was started. That afternoon we took the fiine horses and beautiful carriage and started for a drive around the city. Imagine, if you can, two drunken men doing a city under such circum- stances. The whole aft'air resulted in our smashing things up generally ; when we had taken what was left of the carriage to the driving house, we started out as pedes- trians, leaving the horses in the stable, without removing the harness. It was not until the following afternoon that I came back to look after my duties ; the horses, having remained all night with the harness on, presented a fine appearance, other things in proportion. It was very necessary that the hot-house, in which were growing some very tender plants, should have been uncovered every morning, so that the sun's heat, intensified l>y glass, should not destroy its contents. I was horrified to find all the plants eom[)letely killed by the excessive heat. Knowiiiij there was no alternative forme but to leave the j>lace, as my tenure of ofiice had proved too disastrous to permit of my holding it longer, I tried to light on some plan by which to raise funds for a trip. This presented itself in the nature of a glove contest with a local sport named Thomas. The time appointed for the match ar- rived, and you would be surprised to know what class of people comprised the greater part of the audience. Suf- fice it to say, they were the very men who, above all others, should have been instrumental in putting down such inhuman exhibitions. We were uninterrupted, and the fight (a hard one) was won by the ex-coachman ; this provided me with funds, and a new idea came to me, I thought that were I to go on a farm, 1 could become a sober man, as I would be away from evil associates and the temptations of the city. Hearing of a farm that was 'II (! 32 Becomcfi a WJdthy Farmer. mil :* 1, '!■ i !•■ advertised lor rent in Wliitliy, T started at once to r,ec about it, and was not lon«j; in niakin',^aliarran<^enientH for the inovin^^ of my family to that place in October. My expectations and hopes woi-e realized, for not one drop of intoxicating liquor crossed niy lips during that fall or winter. - ' In the followinoj June I saw an advertisement callinff for a quantity of stone, and as there was considerable ot the kind wanted upon my farm, I went to Whitby to see about it. The business was transacted in the hotel, to which was attached a bar-room ; after all arrangements had been completed, the usual and customary curse of treating was indulged in. At first I took cigars, but one of my friends (?) was constantly persuading me to take some- thing invigorating ; the temptation at last becoming too great, 1 fell. I sometimes think those men who are ever ready and do tempt men, knowing at the same time their weakness, will have nnich to answer for. Hei'e was the beginning of a terrible spree. I was ashamed to go home, to a home that had become a compajatively happy one as a result of my having lived a sober life for five or six months. In a 'drunken condition I starttd for Toronto, in which city I remained for a few days, finally taking a steamer for Lewistou, f"?? route for Buffalo; here, not knowing how, when or w'here, I purchased a ticket for Chicago, also securing a berth in a sleeper, and upon leaching which I was very soon fast asleep, noi* did I awake until the car porter informed me that I had arrived safely in Chicago. I was greatly surprised upon receiving this information, as I was unable to remember that I ha soon as the meeting had ended, I was greatly surprised to see Miss Willard coming straight for me, and knowing my condition, I felt like making my escape, but found the means cut off by my friend who had brought me to the meeting and who now stood just behind me. ii*i Enteric nn Tnehriate Asylum. 35 T WHS asked to sinrn tho pledge, bnt repHtMl, as so many yoiin^; men do to me at the present titne, " I can drink or let it alone," knowing nt the same time tliat only the first lialf of my assertion was true. I wax now Wesie<,'ed on all sides hy (christian nien and women who urged me to sign the pledge. In order to get away I made this promise : " Let me go this time and 1 will come back to- morrow. " I can scaicely tell how it came, but strange to say, I did as I promiser to Mary's Veil, where we remained hut a few days, when we retraced our steps and proceeded to make our way to the souiee of the river, which we reached in about one week. Here we remained prospecting for several weeks, with no suc- cess, and finally decided to return to Iron City, which place we reached after a difficult and very tedious jour- ney. Carrico and I now dissolved |)artni'.rship, and I sold out my interest in the pack horse to him, retaining my little white pony that had proved so faithful during our trip to the Sevier. I now decided to go to the *;i'eat mining town of Pioche in Nevada, and in order to do st) was compelled to cross Big Horse desert, forty-five miles in width. During the journey across this immense tract of sand, not one drop of water could be found, so you can imagine my pony and I were ready for a drink of nice cold water, when we reached the other side, where we happened to arrive at the camp of Bold Bentiskey, the notorious desjierado and stage robber. I was bidden a warm welcome and invited to remain a few days with this robber and his queer subjects. Towards evening on the second day of njy sojourn among these thieves and robbers, I looked out on the desert and saw a great dust cloud, but soon discovered that it was caused by a drove of horses that some of Bentaskey's men had stolen and were bringing to the camp. When these people arrived with their horses, I began to feel uneasy, fearing that they might take me for a spy and put me out of the WSiJ. Having this idea, I concluded to make my escape as soon as possible. There were two roads from this point, — one leading to Pioche, the other to Frisco. I felt sure that when they would miss me, they would start on these " Iitil>hli ))(/ Sprivff-^." 47 idads to tiii'l nie, so decided lo attain cross the desert. Knowing 1 would Ijo discovered if 1 weio to undertake to get my pony, 1 was obliged to leave it and start on foot ; this was Honiething very few had ever attempted to do before, namely, walk across this great desei t, I suffered verv much from the heat and also from thirst, but iinally succeeded in reaching the other siMi til if' III i^ii Arrival in Milwaukee — Opens a Sporting Saloon — V Chapter of Fights — Ryan & Sullivan's first appeHniiice — Spur with Ryau — Figh^ with Zowsta— Fight with Ward— M^etinyr " Jim " El- liott — Wrestle with Primrose, Champion of Michigan — Dis- covered to be Joe Hess — Returns to his Family at Buffalo — Opens the East Buffalo Gjnmasiuni — Again comvs toCarad^. IN the month of November, in the year eighteen lum- dred and eighty-one, I arrived at Milwaukee, and, as •soon as I had secured a hotel, I proceeded to view the sights of the lager heer city. After going a short distance on East Water-street, I decided to sami'le some of the beer, entering a very fine saloon for the purpose ; in a little back room three men were enjoying a game of seven uj) for twent} -five cents a corner. I was invited to join in the game, and was only too anxious to do so ; we played nearly three hours, and I arose from the table thirteen dollars ahead. Returning to my hotel, 1 paid a week's board in advance, and after supper started to see the city by gaslight. I entered many saloons, and nearly all of them had music going all the evening. I began to think that Milwaukee would be a grand place to start a saloon with a stage attached, where a couple of hums might give a sparring exhibition each evening. With this idea in my mind, I resolved to go through the city and see whe- ther there was any such place already established. After making a thorough search and finding none, I decided that I had struck on a good scheme, but the next thing to be considered was, how could it be done when I only pos- sessed the very lin.ited capital of seven dollars, which, as T continued my investigations, grew gradually less until 1 found myself in the morning with only thirteen cents. oh Bicys vell, he seemed delighted, and the next day when he came out to the farm, he had another man with him. 1 at once imagined he had brought some prize-fighter from the city that he might have some fun at my expense, but to my astonishment the man was put in my place, and I was promoted to the position of overseer with an increase of pay. I could now begin to see myself standing be- hind my own bar. In a few days after receiving my promotion the Doctor asked me if I would rather not be in some other business. At once I opened fire on him, giving a detailed descrip- tion of my pet scheme, and greatly to my surprise and delight he was quite taken with my idea of a saloon and sparring room in connection, so much so in fact that he told me to look for a suitable place, and he would help me get it. While passing along Chestnut street, I saw a sign in a window ol a neat little saloon, which read as follows : — ** For sale cheap, on easy terms." This notice seemed to me to have been placed there for my especial benefit. On going in, I learned the price to be two hundred and lifty dollars, — fifty down and the balance payable on i-r^^ 56 i^ A Characteristic Advertisemerd. W ^\ m time to the Brewing Co., which held a chattel mortgage on the fixtures to secure two hundred dollars. I now went directly to Doctor Williams, who gave me fifty dol- lars with which to make the first payment, and by five o'clock that afternoon I was the owner of the saloon. The receipts of the first night were nine dollars at the bar, and fifteen dollars I won in gambling with the man I bought out, this enabled me to lay in a good stock of beer in the morning, when the wagon from the brewery came around. I now began to study up something for the afternoon paper by way of advertising my new business. Just as 1 had about decided what I would put in, a Dutchman called for a glass of beer. We soon got into a conversa- tion and I told him I wanted to get a piece in the paper, but would have to get some one to write it for me. He said he w^as just the man as he was a good writer and scholar ; of course I was obliged to take his word for it as I was not capable of judging. However, I began to dictate and he to write and this is the notice that ap- peared in the afternoon paper of that day given verfca^im et literatim. " Hey their lovers of fun in the art of self-defence take notice that I, the undersigned, have obent a frist glass sporting hous at No. 15 Chestnut street, where I will serve all with a fine cigare and a fresh glass of Schlitzer Celebrated lager beer, and aney one desireing a leson in the art of self-defense free, grand American obening to- night, by calling you Greatly obligt. Your obediant servent, John Brooks, Midell waite Campion of Callifornia." My " obening '* was a grand success and out of it I real- ized sufficient to repay my friend, the Doctor, and still have a small amount left. This was just about the time pf the first excitement between Ryan and Sullivan, con- i J AT ST. LOUIS— SILK HAT. •■ ( m\ It ■ ! ■ ; m ill ' ^ ■ f •■■■ ', ■' % , 1 1 ,: 1 .- The Ryan-Sullivai} Fighf. 67 sequently I fortunately had a good string to pull on, and after continuing in this way for six weeks, I decided to launch out on a larger scale. At No. 312 Third Avenue I opened a saloon with Concert Hall attached, where ex- hibitions in sparring would also be given, adding the still greater attraction of girl beer slingers. As the seventh of February, eighteen hundred and eighty-two, the date fixed for the Ryan-Sullivan fight drew near, my place became headquarters for sporting men generally, and those who were pugilistically inclined particularly, and from whom I reaped quite a harvest. I bet five hundred dollars on Ryan, and of course lost. This was quite a blow to me for I had about twenty people at work for me, and needed the money. The day of the battle I made arrangements to receive particulars by wire at my saloon, sending out circulars to this effect, so that evening my place was crowded by an excited lot of men, all more or less under the influence of drink and spending money freely. The news at last arrived that Ryan had been whipped at Mississippi City. Then began the drinking, singing and shouting. The friends of Ryan were drinking for disappointment's sake, and those of Sullivan for joy's sake. 1 belonged to the former class as my five hundred dollars had gone. A few days later word went the rounds of the sporting population of Milwaukee that Paddy Ryan was in the city, and would give a sparring exhibition ; provided he could get any one to stand before him for four three- minute rounds. One afternoon a couple of hacks contain- ing som*^ Chicago and Milwaukee's leading sports stopped at my saloon. Among the number was Paddy Ryan. A gay time was had for an hour or so, when the subject of Paddy's visit to Milwaukee came up, and before they left the place, all arrangements for a match between Ryan and me were made. The affair to take place on March the tenth, and was to be four rounds as already stated, for points. The place selected for the exhibition was the D 58 Fight with Martin Zoivsta. ■ji" . ' i: 1 I ■:i\ Academy of Music, it being the largest hall in the city. The appointed time at last arrived, and with it a scene not soon to ho forgotten. For blocks the street was packed with people making their way to the Academy. Tickets at first sold for one dollar, but were soon raised to one dollar and a half, and yet hundreds were unable to get admission. As is customary on such occasions the tirst part of the evening was occupied by local sparrers, and it was twenty minutes after ten when Ryan and I were called out. As we came on the stage deafeninij cheers arose from the audience and were kept up at intervals during the per- formance. At the expiration of the fourth round, when the referee stepped to the foot-lights and declared the match a draw, cheer after cheer went up for " Brooks," and the audience would not be satisfied until we came out for another round. I knew it would not count as the contest had ended, but wished to show the people that I had the sand to appear for a fifth round, so at it we went again. When I got to my saloon I found it filled with an eager crowd, anxiously waiting to congratulate me upon my success. The receii)ts of my house on that night amount- ed to nearly five hundred dollars. My reputation was now established, and I soon began to receive challenges to tight from all over the country, finally accepting one from Martin Zowsta, who was called the champion tough of the city. The match was to be eight rounds ; Marquis of Queensbury rules to govern. We selected the old base ball grounds and on the day appointed about fifteen hundred people found their way to the place. -.1^^ At ten minutes to five I came on the battle ground, and went through the customary proceeding of throwing my cap in the ring, my opponent quickly lollowing me. In the tirst round Zowsta led and I cross-countered with my right, bringing him to his knees ; from this time I could not get him to leave the ropes, his object being to Th£, Brool's-Ward F'ujht. 59 claim a foul, for, were 1 to strike him when touchiuf^ the ropes, he would have won the fight on a foul. 1 had tlic best of the fight all through, l»ut to my great surprise ami disgust, when the eighth round was finished, tiio referee decided the contest a draw. Numerous howls of disap- proval went up from the disappointed crowd, which realized that a very lank and prejudiced decision had been given. I took a hack and started for my place of business, finding it crowded to the doors when 1 arrived. Now came the time for congratulations, many of them being similar to those extended to a successful political candidate, the literal translation of which is " Set 'em up." It was not long after my tight with Zowsta until I received a challenge Irom John Ward, a big six-footer and the terror of the city. When we had carried on the necessary amount of newspaper controvery, we met and arranged to fight to a finish within ten miles of Milwau- kee and for two hundred and fifty dollars a side. The principal topic for conversation among the sporting fra- ternity now was the Brooks and Ward fight for the championship of Wisconsin. On the afternoon of the sixth of August, eighteen hundred and eighty-two, thousands of men, women, and children could have been seen making their way towards the Milwaukee Driving Park, which was to be the scene of one of those most brutal exhibitions, a prize-fight. The ring was pitched just in front of the grand stand, which was filled with the respectable ?) portion of the audience, but gathered around the ring could bo seen the most depraved, worthless, and hideous specimens of hum- jHjk* jver allowed to exist, cursing, swearing and fighting •>' most favorable positions in order to obtain a good » le >f the battle. 1 aue was at last called, and as we stepped into the ring I could easily notice by the applause of the people that Ward had their sympathy, and therefore I would have an up-l 1 struggle to win. 91 ■I !"•' \u 1| i '•■''^ :^ M 60 Follows up Charley Mitchell. The first round was terrific. Ward got the first lead and landed just over my left eye, splitting it wide open, causing the blood to flow freely (I bear the scar of the blow to this day). " Kill the Dutchman," now came from Ward's friends, but before the round closed, I suc- ceeded in getting in a fearful blow on Ward's under lip, splitting it half way down his chin. Thus, when the round closed, we presented a sorrowful sight, bruised, cut, and covered with blood. In the second round with a swinirinjj rir Name Hess ? 61 notorious " Jim " Elliott was offering fifty dollars to any man who would face him for three rounds. I undertook to do so and received a big head for my pains. This was about the time Charley Mitchell was matched to fight the Maori, Herbert Slade, and which was creat- ing so much newspaper talk. Perhaps some of my read- ers may remember Mitchell's standing offer of five hun- dred dollars to any man who would be able to stand before him during four rounds. As soon as I learned of this offer, I started for Kansas City, Mo., where Mitchell and Madden then were, my object being to secure the five hundred if possible. Having met Madden before, I called at his hotel, but only to learn that the police re- fused to allow any such exhibition to take place, thus I had come all the distance for nothing. I had only been a few days in Kansas City, when I receiv ,d a challenge from Merve Thompson, ot Cleveland, Ohio, to spar me at one of the theatres in that city, points to count. The appointed time arrived and in the first round 1 sprained my right wrist which compelled me to retire from the contest. I again started west, going as far as Terre Haute, Indi- ana, where I entered into an agreement to wrestle Prim- rose, the champion collar and elbow wrestler of Michigan. The stakes were five hundred dollars a side. I secured backers and the date was fixed for January the sixth, eighteen hundred and eighty-four. The struggle lasted for over two hours, when I was declared the winner, having won three falls in five. 1 ))ec.'ime highly elated over my success, und as it is customary on such occasions, we all repaired to the bar to congratulate each other. While standing at the bar, a man tapped me on the shoulder, saying, " Isn't your name Hess, and are you not from Bufi'alo ? " This quite startled me, for I had so long jissumed the name of Brooks that I had almost forgotten that I had ever been known as " Hess." 1 soon learned from my new acquaintance that all my family were living ■i r*, ■li a- P '< *. Hi; 11 [1 02 •' My Dear Old Mother." in Buffalo, and were anxious to hear from me, so I re- solved to go to the home I had left about eight years before. In a few days I arrived in Buffalo, and as I neared the old home, where I knew my mother lived, I began to wonder if she would know her prodigal son ; at last 1 reached the house and who should meet me at the door but my old mother, not the woman I knew eight years before ho full of life and spirits, but a silvery -haired old lady, bent over and scarcely able to walk. As I stood looking at her for a moment, I could hardly realize that even seven years could make such a change. I did not think of the great suffering of both body and mind she had experienced during those years. With tears stream- ing from her eyes my dear old mother received me with outstretched arms. I asked where my own family was living, when my brother opened a door leading into another room, and in which was my wife with the three children. What a carewon expression had taken posses- sion of that face that was so bright a few years ago. We all indulged in a good cry, and then began to tell all our past experience, which ccmversation was alternately inter- rupted by tears of joy and sorrow. The morning following my return to Buffalo, the very best resolutions possible were formed by me, and I opened a concern known as Joe Hess' East Buffalo Gymnasium, but no liquor was to be sold in the rooms, which were to be used solely for athletic purposes. I secured a large class of young men, and everything went well for about two months, when I decided to go to Lancaster, take my class and give an athletic exhibition, which proved to be a grand success. When we returned to Buffalo after our perfo»'inance we all went to a certain saloon, whore drink- ing was freely indulged in until all present became more or less intoxicated, which resulted in there being a gen- eral free fight an«l also a geneial arrest. Fortunately for me I had taken no part in the row l)eyond making an endeavor to rjuell it, and in order to do so I was obliged Trains " Billy " Baker. 63 to thrash the whole party. My ability as a peacemaker was so highly thought of by the police magistrate that he used his influence and immediately secured for me a position as policeman ; but it was not long before I be- came more fit for a prisoner than a preserver of the peace, and soon received my discharge. Becoming again dis- couraged, I decided to go to Canada and advertise to fight any man in that country for the championship of the Dominion. The challenge was not accepted, and after roaming about London, Ontario, for some time, I returned to Buflalo and entered into a contract to train " Billy " Laker for his fight with " Pat " Slattery of Rochester. hiM imi ht ^ ; n 1 1 CHAPTER VI. Training "Billy" Baker — The process of training — The Baker- Slattery prize-fight — The spectators — Arrest of the principals — Bailed out — Description of the fight — Arrested as a partici- pator — Taken to Rochester — Out on bail — At work on Barthol- omay's brewery — Sending for my family — Starting a gambling and boxing room — Roping in a Sucker— My last glass — At P. A. Burdick's Temperance meeting — Convicted — Resolve to drink no more — First tempter, NO SIR — O God ! help me — At church — Signing the pledge. IN the latter part of July, eighteen hundred and eighty- five, I received a note from one Haley, requesting me to call at his saloon, on Mohawk-street, in the cit}'' of Buftalo. I complied with the request, and, after a few introductory drinks, was made acquainted with his ob- ject in sending for me, and found that I was wanted to enter into an agreement to train " Billy" Baker for his prize-fight with " Pat" Slattery. Everything being satis- factorily arranged, I inquired the whereabouts of my ward, and learned that he was in Rochester, but would soon be be in Buffalo, when we would go to Canada and commence the necessary work of prei)aration for the great contest, or in other words, bri^ig a man to the veiy best state of health, that he may be able to enter a pnze- ring, and there, in a very few minutes, perhaps become maimed for life. But conscience is not allowed a part in affairs of this kind. In a short time Baker arrived in Buffalo, and we left at once for Fort Erie, Canada ; the party comprising Baker, his trainer, and several of his backers and admirers. Baker is a short, stout man, with rather a kind face, when free frou that glare of hell given it by rum. He is a very powerful man, and when in condition, presents a very finely proportioned physique. His eyes are hazel and have a pleasant, but • 64 r C f t f c 1 t TJie Baker-Slattery Fight. 66 most determined expression. " Billy's" age at the time of the above training, was twenty- three years ; so you see we have here a young man, scarcely out of his teens, preparing to enter into that most disgraceful and sinful of all exhibitions, namely a prize-fight. The first night we spent on Canadian soil was a very pleasant one, as we soon got rid of those who came ov^er with us, and retired early for a good night's rest, so that we might awaken in the morning fully rested, and ready for the first day of training, the programme of which was as follows, and might be profitalbly adopted by some who do not desire to enter the P. R., but simply as a promoter and preserver of good health. About half past six we would arise, and the first thing for me to do was to give " Billy" a good hand rubbing ; this for the purpose of equalizing the circulation of the olood. After the rubbing process a brisk walk of one mile was taken, or which was just as good, a fifteen minutes' exercise with Indian clubs, this to bring on a slight perspiration. The next step was a sponge bath in cold water, containing sufl[icient salt to make a brine, then a good rubbing "with a coarse towel until the skin is all aglow, and now the jKitient is ready for and can eat a good breakfast, con- sisting of plain, nourishing, but unstimulating food. Between one and two hours is allowed after breakfast for the purpose of digestion, when a fifteen mile walk is taken, and, if the person has been a drinking man, heavy clothing is placed upon him, in order that the whiskey, etc., may be sweated out of his system. After the walk a fifteen mile run is taken, followed by a shower bath and plenty of good rubbing, also a half hour lie down for rest, then comes the dinner hour, After dining the time necessary for digestion is allowed, when another fifteen mile run is indulged in, and precisely at ten o'clock preparations are made for retiring. All this is repeated daily, for six or twelve weeks, according to cir- •cumstances. There is no man who would not rather fight ten battles than train for one, * mm :, .li ; 1 •ir f ii iiii i 66 The Men who attend Prize Fights. During the training not one drop of liquor of any de- scription is to be used ; then why is it that saloon keep- ers and their supporters will argue that liquor is benefi- cial in toning a man up ? But when it comes to a true test, not one saloon man, or any other sporting man, will wager one dollar on a man if he drinks strong drink. The time came when it should be decided between Baker and Slattery who should receive the one thousand dollars. Oak Orchard, in Orleans county, on the shore of Lake Ontario, was selected as the battle ground, and the time fixed for August 25th, 1885 ; consequently we left Buf- falo for Rochester on the morning of the 24th, and on the afternoon of that same day there could have been seen on State-street, in the city of Rochester, small groups of men standing closely together, talking in a very confidential manner, and evidently in a state of great excitement. That evening these same men might have been seen boarding the Lake avenue street cars, going to the ter- minus of the street railway. Upon leaving the cars, they made their way down a dark and winding road leading to the elevator which was to carry them to the glen ; when they reached terra fiiifna, the first move was to- wards the bar to procure some courage, or rather, that damnable stuff that gives men courage to do any evil deed, and without which their better nature would rebel against the act. Every moment there were fresh arri- vals, until the whole company was completed. We then began to size each other up to see if we were all of a kind, and such we were willing to be considered at this particular time, while some who were present would have decidedly refused to recognise many of the others under different circumstances. Nor is this to be wondered at, when I tell you that the company consisted of the follow- ing distinguished personages : — One justice of the peace; several lawyers ; a gentleman who has since been ap- pointed to the office of city sealer of Rochester ; police- men in citizens' clothes; representatives of several lead-. TJie Sheri^ after tJie Fighters. 67 a his ve er ing newspapers, including one prominent Sunday journal ; church members; business men; gamblers; saloon keep- ers; drunkards and roughs; toughs, and bums generally, all starting out to witness a prize-fight to take place between " Billy " Baker and " Pat " Slattery. Doubtless many of my readers are laboring under the impression that such brutal affairs are only attended by the most degraded class of humanity, and your first ex- clamation upon reading the list of spectators just given will probably be: " Is it possible ! " I can assure you it is; all these people were there, and how I come to know it is because I was there myself; in what particular class I came it matters not, for on this eventful occasion there was a distinction but no difference. The boat soon arrived that was to carry us to Oak Orchard, the place selected for the battle ground, and as we steamed out upon the waters of Lake Ontario we could breathe more freely, knowing that, for a while at least, we were free from the clutches of the law. The trip was occupied in betting, drinking and cursing; some were sleeping, others singing, until about two o'clock in the morning, when heavy rain set in, when we were all obliged to huddle closely together in order to keep from getting drenched. Presently every tongue was silenced by the alarm being raised that the Sheriff's boat was after us. When our captain realized this fact he taxed his engine to its utmost capacity, but the Sheriff had the swifter boat, and arrived at Oak Orchard one mile in advance, but upon landing he discovered that the principals whom he imagined to bo in our boat, had land- ed some time previously, and had already been arrested by the Sheriff of Orleans County, and were then securely lodged in the jail at Albion. The Sheriff, who had hoped to capture Baker and Slattery on our boat, at once re- turned to Rochester, little satisfied and less gratified, as he had arrived too late to secure the honor of such an im- })ortant arrest. A few minutes after the officers' boat / wmmmm m 68 "His Second, Joe Hess." had left the wharf ours arrived, and we could at once tell from the mournful expression on the countenances of those who had already come upon the ground, that a great disappointment was in store for us. A company of Baker's admirers had arrived from Buffalo, and was com- posed of very much the same class of people as I have already said were in the Rochester party. It was now decided that some of the leading Buffalo and Rochester sports should go to Albion for the purpose of bailing the prisoners. This was successfully accom- plished, and about three o'clock in the afternoon of Au- gust the 25th Baker and Slattery appeared, and every- one was at once in a great state of excitement. A council of war was held, and an agreement entered into that we should go to Troutburg, pitch the ring and have our battle. Everyone was pleased with this arrangement for they now began to feel that they were to be repaid for their trouble and annoyance of waiting in the rain for some eighteen or twenty hours. All who were able to do so got aboard the boat, the others forming a proces- sion and going by an overland route. While we were proceeding by boat a second council of war was held, pre- sided over by Coroner Daniel Sharp, ot Rochester, who, after hearing arguments pro and con, decided the fight should take place. Not wishing to deprive anyone con- nected with this glorious affair of any honor, I, therefore, in justice to Mr. Sharp, state that he held the responsible and. respectable (?) position of referee of the fight. The above decision being final, we made preparations, when off Troutburg, to land ; and what was more remarkable, we were assisted in doing so by a Deputy Sheriff who had heard nothing of the previous day's arrests, and inno- cently supposed us to be a picnic party. The stakes were driven, and the ring pitched just three hundred feet from the Orleans County line, and in the County of Monroe. Everything being now in readiness a call was made for the principals. The first to put in an appearance was The Brutalities of Prize Fighting. 69 Baker, of Buffalo, accompanied by his second, Joe He8». The customary act, at such affairs, of throwinjr the cap into the ring by the fighters, to signify that they were not afraid to go in and bring it out, was done first by Baker, amid the deafening cheers of his many admirere. Slattery soon followed, in company with the veteran Jack Turner, and liis performance of the cap act was even more enthusiastically received than Baker's. The men went to their respective corners, Slattery in the southeast and Baker in the northwest, these positions, of course, having been tos-ed for by the seconds. It now became necessary to select an honourable man to act as timekeeper, rather a difficult task to perfoim you will say, but we succeeded, after considerable discussion, in appointing Thomas Mahoney, of Rochester, to the exalted position. Can it be said we made a mistake in our estimate of an honest man, when the same person has since been appointed to the responsible position of City Sealer of Rochester? Thus was Slattery 's timekeeper selected. Baker secured Her- man Burk art, of Buffalo, also an honest man ; honesty as I have already said, being the necessary qualification for this important office. All preliminaries being arranged, the blankets were removed from the shoulders of the principals, when a general exclamation of approval as to looks, condition, etc., went up from the spectators. Princi- pals and seconds now stepped to the centre of the ring to do the customary handshaking, which signified that all were friends. Just think, my reader, here were two young men who had carefully brought themselves into an almost perfect state of health, and who were now about to muti- late and, perhaps, injure each other for life. Time was called, and both men advanced to the centre of the ring with a determined and fiendish expression on their faces, which suggested to the crowd that the fight would be on its merits, and a desperate one. " Billy " landed his left squarely on " Pat's " cheek, who immediately returned the compliment by a terrible tl '» I ;;i H fi.1 i It I i I ;ii 70 Reversing a SpoHing Decision. right-hander planted on Billy's ribs. Each man was now aware that his opponent meant businlBss, and that a fear- ful encounter would be the result of the meeting. In the second round " Billy " had a slight advantage, finishing in the best condition, although but little dilfer- ence was perceptible. From the be^jj-inning of the third round " Pat" forced the fighting, and by a teirific blow succeeded in laying " Billy's" eye open; contrary to ex- pectations, this seemed to bring " Billj^ " to his senses, and he soon got in one on " Pat's " stomach that sent him to the ropes. A cry of foul was at once raised but not allowed ; the fighting now became something terrible to witness, many blows being struck, which were sufficient in force to fell an ox. A clinch was made, and I began to think my man was done for, which I fear would have been the result had not time been called, just at that moment. When the fourth round was called, " Billy " ran to the centre. I knew by this that he had recovered (in sport- ing parlance) his second wind, and that if he avoided making a foul would certainly bo victorious. As " Pat " approached the scratch he presented a careworn, never- theless a determined expression. Billy was quick to dis- cover the condition of his antagonist, taking advantage of it by rushing at him more like a mad bull than a human being, thus driving poor Pat mercilessly around the ring until time was called. As the men came up for the fifth round, it was a noticable fact that Pat's courage was on the wane. A frightful blow on the neck sent Pat to the ropes, Billy quickly following up his advantage by plant- ing another on Pat's breast. At this point some of Pat's friends pulled up a stake, bringing the ropes close to his back, making it appear that if another blow were struck, while this position was held a foul would be the result. The blow was struck, a foul claimed, and Pat was dragged from the ring. When time was called for the sixth round, Pat failed to appear, consequently I rushed to Daniel Il- ISlattery again Beaten, 71 Sharp, the referee, claiming the fight for Baker, he replied, " Yes, Baker wins." As the majority of the spectators were Slattery's sympathizers, a tremendous howl of dis- appointment, disgust and disapproval, went up as the above decision was made known. Being satisfied that my man had won the fight, I now went to look after him, and in some degree if possible relieve him of his suffer- ings. We had not gone very far in the direction of the boat, when we heard the crowd talking in a very boister- ous and excited manner, and upon looking back saw the referee surrounded by a mob who demanded the fight for Slattery on a foul. The former decision was now revers- ed, and the fight given to Pat. Ever^'thing was now excitement, of a kind which it is diilicult to describe, and the referee, fearing that he would be mobbed, jumped into a buggy and in company with Jack Turner, Slattery's second, started for Rochester. Just before leaving, how- ever, he again gave the fight to Baker. During the right,, Slattery made a good defence, and fought bravely ; but it could easily be seen that he was not in as good condition as Baker, as he had not entirely given up the use of liquor during his training. In all my experience with athletes and sporting men, I will say that I never found one who was more couvscieu- tious in his contests, doing his best on all occasions, and winning if possible, than Billy Baker. Let us return to Troutburg, and see how the great crowd that had gath- ered there, dispersed. In every direction one could see wagons carts, drays and pedestrians, moving rapidly along the road ; congratulations were freely given that no arrests had been made. Slattery started for the nearest depot, in one direction, and Baker for a similar object, in an opposite way, the latter taking tlie Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad, for Niagara Falls, with the further intention of going to Canada. As I have already stated, the referee came by horse and buggy to Eochester, the remainder of Rochester's celebrities 72 Frank Lang, Slattery'f* Trainer. taking tho boat. As we sailed from the dock, I noticed that with the exception of the Ehnira Telegram repre- sentative, 1 was the only non-resident of Rochester on the boat. At half -past eleven in the evening we arrived at the Genessee landing, and took street cars into tho city, many of us going to Jack Turner's saloon, whicli was the recognised hoadquaiters of those interested in the fight that had just taken place. Upon my arrival, I learned that referee Sharpe had sent a written statement to the Police Gazette, giving the l)attle to Slattery. I knew this was final, as no verbal decision is binding in such matters. The jubilant feelings that I had experienced on the homeward trip were now those of disappoint- ment, for I had been promised a large proportion of the stakes if Baker won, but would now receive nothing. While thus musing over ill luck, and cursing the fates, 1 fortunately ran across Ed. Mullen, who was one of Baker's principal supporters, and who very kindly gave me two dollars to get a ticket for Bufialo. It was some time before the train would leave, and I scarcely knew how to put in the time, having no money to get any re- freshments, either liquid or solid. Fortune once more smiled upon me when I met Frank Lang, Slattery 's train- ^ er; of course, Frank was now greatly elated over the success of his man, and nothing would do, but that I should go and have a bottle of extra dry, and other re- freshments in keeping. In a very short time, under the influence of such a banquet, I had forgotten that there had ever been a prize fight. It is needless to say the time was very happily spent till my train left for Buffalo, at three o'clock in the morning. I got on the train, fell asleep and knew nothing until five o'clock, when I was awakened by the brakeman calling out " Buffalo." My first thought was of a saloon, for I felt tough in the ex- treme. While walking up Exchange-street, I felt in my pockets for the price of an eye-opener, and what was my delight, upon finding a ten-cent piece, and also a two-dol- Tlie Bracelets on my WHsts. 73 larnote; how this bill came in my possession, I cannot ex- plain, but there it was, and at that particular time most ceptable. I had not gone far when I saw a man wash- ing the windows of his saloon ; I entered the place, and the first words the man said to me were. " Well, did you have a good time at the fight ? " I pretended to be ignorant of anything of this kind, but he said Baker had just been there .and told him all about it; believing Baker to be in Canada, I said " yovre a liar,'' when he picked up a glass and threw it at me ; I dodged, and out it went into the street, right through the window he had been washing, I quickly followed it for I was very much afraid of being arrested, knowing that if X should bo the history of our Troutburg 'picnic would probably leak out and result in our being sent up for some time, as the penalty for prize-fighting is a heavy one. I now started to find Baker, and where did I go to search for him ? In some respectable hotel or quiet boarding-house ? No ; but in the most degraded part of the city, namely, in the vicinity of Canal -street. I knew if he had remained in Buffalo I would find him in a dis- reputable place of some description. While continuing my search in a half-drunken condition, the Captain of No. 1 Station informed me that if I did not go home he would run me in. I obeyed his orders and at once start- ed homeward, where I indulged in a good sound sleep. Sometime during the day my little girl awoke me by saying " there are two big policemen here for you." Of course, I knew what this meant, for I had been guilty of an oftence against the law of the State of New Vork. The bracelets were placed on me, and from my own house, and in presence of my children, I was led away in shackles to the police station, where I was locked up. It was not long before I saw my pal, "Billy" Baker, who presented a terrible appearance from the effects of the previous day's battle. We entered into a conversation, in the course of which I said to Billy, "Oh! for a drink of 74 / will not give you away." i i the old istu(f\" The ivjply to this exclamation came, not in the form of words, but a very si<^nitieant wink, which T interpreted as meanincj "wait a bit." And sure enough my jxU, after a few minutes' absence, returned witli a bottle of old rye, wliich proved, just at tliis particular time, to be a life preserver, as the stimulating effects of ^:he whiskey 1 had been drinking had almost completely died out, and in consequence thereof I felt broken iipgen- erally. Perhaps some of my readers can appreciate this feelin«x. News soon came to me that the Deputy Sheriff of Monroe County had arrived, and was waiting to escort mo to the Flour City. The bracelets were again placed on my wrists and I was led to the depot, where ve boarded a train for Kochester, in which ci;:.y I received the very best of care, in fact so anxious were they con- cerning my salety, 'hat the room I occupied at my hotel WHS j)rotectud by iron bars across the windows, and oven the purler took especial care to lock my door from the outside, I began to meditate upon my chances for lib- erty, or imprisonment, and must confess that I fully ex- pected to get, at least, two years in the Penitentiary, for I felt the case would be a clear and strong one, remem- bering the fact that several of Rochester's policemen wore at the prize fight at Troutburg, and it began to dawn upon me that they were piobably sent as spies. I have since found out, however, that such was not the case. They were there of their own free will. Do not be afraid, boys, I will not give you away, although your names are well known to me now. Early next morning Thomas Mahoney and Daniel Sharpo called, assuring me they would secure bail and have me released. I felt such a thing would be imjiossible, but my benefactors proved ecjual to the occasion, and soon returned with a promi- nent saloon-keeper and a professional gambler, who ex- presseat shall be done ? I projiosed that we go to the Fitz- hugh-street rink, to hear that temperance '"bloah" mean- BVK' 78 " Jennie, forgive me." HI'. ing P. A. Burdick. The proposition was accepted, and oft wo started for the rink, entering by the left hand door and taking seats far back in the audience. We had entered this place from no other motive than that of having fun, but Burdick soon got his eyes on us, and oh how he did open fire, every word he spoke only went to convince me what a degraded and sinful man I had be- come. I began to feel very uneasy under this terrific volley of words, and said to my partner who was sitting beside me, " this man has been up at my house .and found out all about me, and now stands up here and tells all these people what a heartless wietch I am. I am going to get up and ask him what business he had there." I was just about to get up, when my pal caught me by the coat saying, " sit still you fool, he has been at my house too." I now became so thoroughly convinced of my wickedness, that I could stand the burning words no longer, and started out of the rink, followed by my three companions, As I was going out, I felt something hot on my cheek, and found it to be a tear, a thing that had not been there for many a long yeai", When v^e arrived on the outside I said to the boys, " beys, I drink no more." This raised a laugh, and brought out words like these : don't be a fool because you heard that temperance man. I re})eated my assertion, and demanded to be driven to my home, if I may call it a home. When I arrived at the foot of the stairs that led to my furniture- less, comfortless rooms, I saw my wife standing at the top, holding a tallow candle in her hand, crying as if her heart would break, and as only a drunkard's wife can cry. As 1 came to the top of the stairs she :;;vid, " oh Joe, if I can ever see the day when you will be a sober man, 1 will be ready to die." The following conversation then took place : — Jennie, forgive me this time ; it will be the last ; never again shall 1 drink a glass of strong drink. Joe, don't tell me another lie, you have already told me so many, that I cannot believe you ; 1 know you want 1 Joe's First Prayer. 79 to, but you never will. I again expressed my determin- ation to lead a sober life, and we went into the rooms. As I sat gazing into the careworn face of ray wife, my thoughts reverted to the day when I had led her a happy light-hearted girl to the altar whore she became the wife of one who had so cruelly neglected her for so many years. I entered the room where my two little girls were calmly sleeping, and as I looked into their sweet, but pale and wan faces, the word" spoken by Burdick at the rink Ccame back to me, bringing conviction more forcibly than ever. 1 went to look at my boy, my only son, and did I see in that face the evidence of a light, gay, and happy heart, as there should have been 1 No ; the face was pinched, the eyes sunken, and the form wasted by hunger. I began to realize what I had done, and took a solemn oath that 1 would never again drink a drop of intoxicating liquor. My reader will remember that at this time I was not a believer in God, and was relying entirely upon my own will power to keep me firm in my new resolution. The next morning I started down to the city, and had reached the corner, where I was accosted by a man who asked me to come and take something. I said, " No, sir," and must have said it with a great deal of force, for many of the bystanders stared at me, no doubt imagining that an escaped lunatic had suddenly put in a,n appearance. Just here, let me say to my young friends, is where I achieved a victory by refusing the tempter at the very outset. I went to my gambling room, and the very first thing I did was to throw my playing cards out of the window, sending the poker chips after theni. 1 now locked myself in the room and decided never to leave it till I should get perfectly sober, and furthermore, overcome my appet- ite for drink. Now my salferings bega-n in earnest, for three days was I tortuied as few men have ever been before. In my terril>le agony I actually tore the hair 80 Firaf Sunday a Soher Man. from my head, and shudder to think of the fearful oaths and curses I used, but at last I surrendered. ' About four o'clock of the afternoon of the third day, I fell upon my knees, crying, "Oh, God, if there is a God in heaven, prove it to me now, take away this desire for drink. Oh, God help me, I want to become a father and a husband ; oh, God help me ! " This was the first prayer I ever uttered, and is given verbatim. When I had thus prayed I fell to the floor and must have remained there for some time, for when I came to myself again it was dark, although ail around me seemed bright, for God had heard my cry, and verily did He create a clean heait within me. I found that my clothes were wet from the jjcrspir- ation, and 1 felt and knew that a great and miraculous change had taken place in me, for 1 had no longer that terrible temptation to drink. My first thought was now of my family, consequently 1 went home juul enjoyed a peaceful night's rest. The following morning being Sun- day, I said to my wife, " Jennie, let us go to church." She looked at me in perfect ama/oment, saying, " Joe, I have only this calico diess ; you would not go with me." I said, " Jennie, am I good enough for you ? If so, you are for me," .and off we started for Asbury Ohurch, after which I remained at home all the lest of tlio day, spending the time with my family, and this was the first Sunday I had spent with my family as a sober man (luring the sixteen years of my wedded life. Monday morning I went down to my room on Main street, and as each of my old associates would ask me to drink, as regularly would I refuse them, always saying, " I drink no more." Of course this brought sneers, lau«xhs, etc., from them, but I cared not for that ; my mind was thor- oughly made up to reform. This same evening I went to hear Mr, Burdick, and by liis words I was fully con- vinced of my wrongs and determined more than ever to become a better nmn. I attended the meetings regularly, and at the conclusion of his address one evening Mr. Signs the Pledge. 81 Burclick requested anyone who niifjht be in trouble to come forward and have a talk with him. 1 accepted this invitation, but did not have sufticient courage to stand before the large audience and converse with a Christian man, so asked if i v?ould see him at his hotel the following morning. I was given a very hearty invi- tation to call at the Litster House, and then left the rink with a light heart. The next morning I started very early for my appoint- ment, but found I would be obliged to wait some time for my turn, as quite a number were already waiting to receive a word of encouragement from the great kind- hearted man. When 1 was permitted to go to Mr. Burdick's rooms, he met me at the door and gave me a warm welcome, even calling me by name. 1 was surprised that he should know who I was, but he saitl, T know all about you. After a conversation lasting some time, and from which I received a great d')al of encouragement, I was asked to come to the rink in the evening to sign the pie Ige. I promised to do so. That evening, in company with my little girl, I went to the rink. I did not hear much that was said, however, for I was contemplating the signing of the pledge. I realized the fact that I was about to enter into a very solemn obligation, for with me the making of this vow was no light affair. The time for signers to come forward at last arrived, my little girl jumped up .saying, " Come, papa, come and sign the plei. ing in this direction was entirely foreign to me, so much so that I did not know what to buy after I had entered the store ; but there I was with two baskets, and some- thing had to be done. Saleratus was the first thing that came to my mind ; after this, tea, coffee, sugar, soap, etc., until one of the baskets was completely tilled. I now set out in search of a meat market, and there succeeded in filling the second basket. If ever a man was proud in this world over his achieve- ments I was that man, as I walked up North St. Paul- street, with a basket on each arm and both of them fill- ed with the necessaries of life, and all these obtained as the result of honest labor. When I arrived home, my wife met me at the head of the stairs, not with tears, as she had often done in by- gone days, but with a face radiant with smiles. I enter- ed the house and began to unpack the baskets, and we had a very jolly time, laughing over my purchases. However, I had brought nothing home but what was of use. Just as we had finished unloading, my little girl, aged thirteen years, came in from her daily labor, at the tobacco factory, exclaiming, " Papa, I'm so hungry ! " I said, " Daughter, there is plenty and to spare ; eat and be merry." My reader, you will here observe that I was already becoming versed in scriptural parlance. After we had partaken of our evening meal, the evening was very pleasantly spent in discussing our plans for the future, and I decided, God helping me, that I would pro- vide for my family, so that my little girls might go to school. When I told my little girl, who had for two years been working in order to help her mother, that she should go to the factory in the morning, draw her pay and return home, in order to make preparations to start for school on the following morning, a happier child never lived. My boy had up to this time, been working in a saloon, I also told him to draw his pay and forever get out of the influences connected with one of those places. A Big SicrpHse Party. 91 The second morning after this arrangement for our future, the two little girls began school, and I was able to secure a position for my boy in a leading carpet store. Thus did the good Lord open up the way for me and mine. After I had been working as a book agent for about six weeks, I was one morning crossing the street at the Four Corners, when a voice called after me, " Hello ! brother Hess." This quite startled me, for I wondered who was willing to, or would, call me brother Hess, right out loud on the street ; but on turning around, I saw a man who is connected with one of the leading daily journals of the city of Rochester, and who gave me a hearty hand-shake. We engaged in conversation, con- cerning matters in general and myself in particular. This good man said : " Mr. Hess, you are not living in a very desirable locality ; the influences surrounding you on North St. Paul-street are not calculated to strengthen you in your endeavors to reform, you had better move into my part of the city." 1 asked him where that was. He replied on '^Jones-avenue." Avenue! Avenue! Just fancy, my reader, hardly two months a temperance man, and already contemplating a residence on the avenue. Our conversation terminated by my receiving an invita- tion to dine at the house of my new friend, and as I was anxious to know how affairs were conducted in the house of a Christian man, I gladly accepted the invitation. As we were walking along Jones-avenue, my friend said to me, " Do you see that little cottage over there ? Go - over and see if it will suit you." I said that will suit ; why of course it would suit ; why not ? — from three little rooms in a garret on North St. Paul-street to a neat little cottage on the avenue. After dinner I went and looked at the place, and from there went to the real estate agent who had the leasing of it, where I learned the weekly rental was three dollars and fifty cents. I now began to think it would not suit quite so well. However, I reasoned like this : I have been spending 92 Surrounded by Friends. more than that amount for beer and whiskey ; now why can't 1 invest it in paying for a comfortable home for my family, that they might once more enjoy life and feel that they had risen above living in a hovel, or a drunk- ard's home ? How many men to-day are compelling their families to live in wretched and comfortless homes, without even the bare necessities of life, while the head of the family, the bread-winner, is squandering his money for that which does no good, but verily much harm. While I was thus meditating, the thought came to me, supposing I rent the cottage, what have I to put in it ; and with this thought came the apparant down- fall of all my bright plans, and I decided to gfo to my friend, who had so interested himself in my welfare, and make this humiliating confession. In doing so I found relief, for this kind. Christian man said, " I will go your security for a bill of furniture. Come to the store of Mr. Carter, on State-street, and we will make every- thing satisfactory." When we reached the furniture store on State-street, Mr. Carter would not accept my friend as security ; not because he was irresponsible, but he said, " I want to show Mr. Hess that I have confidence in his reformation, and will trust him all the furniture he wishes for his new home." This was a complete sur- prise to me, for I had never known this man before. I said to myself, can it be possible that Christianity will do all this ? And the tears began to course down my cheeks as I thought of the kindness that was being shown to me, and I only reformed so short a time. I set about making my selections and it was not long until I had secured everything necessary for the comfort- able fitting up of my little home. Everything I had or- dered was to be at the house by eleven o'clock the fol- lowing morning, which was Saturday, and sure enough when T went to Jones-avenue the next morning all was in readiness, even the carpets were laid. I then went to the Transfer Co. to secure a waggon for early Monday morning, that I might move. Up to this time I had not " Get up ; we're going to move." 93 1 I said a word to ray wife about our new home, wishing to give her what she had very rarely experienced during her married life, namely, a pleasant surprise. J could not canvass for books on Saturday, for my thoughts were entirely fixed upon what had been going on during those two memorable days, and even while at church, on Sunday, I must confess my thoughts were not riveted lo the services. On Sunday afternoon I went out for a wa k, and before I knew it, found myself en- tering the little home. I shall never forget the visit I made that beautiful Sabbath afternoon. As I entered the house, it presented every appearance of neatness and comfort, such as my home had only experienced during a few short months when I first began married life, but for sixteen long years had been deprived of. As I looked around me, tears came to my eyes. They were tears of sorrow and joy combined ; of sorrow, over a wretched and disgraceful past life, and of joy, over the prospects of a bright future and a happy home. Monday morning came, and I arose very early, waking everybody else in the house. My wife wanted to know what was the matter with me. I said, " Get up ; we are going to move. " Move ! what have we to move ? " " It makes no difference," I said ; " you get up, and take the children with you to the neighbours', and I will see to the moving." Hardly had they left when the dray was backed up to the door, and we at once loaded on the fur- niture (?), which, however, was not a very tedious under- taking. As soon as the load was completed, I sent for my family and proceeded to put them on the dray, and off we started, the driver and I being the only ones who knew our destination. When we had drawn up in front of the cottage, I told Mrs. Hess that someone wanted to see her in there. Of course she wondered who it could be that wished to see her, and even if she had been dis- posed not to come in, her woman's curiosity would have been sufficient to have compelled her to do so ; conse- quently we walked right in, and as we did so, my wife r' if' iV. li "i > 04 " Wife, litis is our Kev) Home." said, " No one lives here." I said, "Jennie are you not some one ? Wife, this is our new home." She could scarcely believe the words I had spoken ; but when I beffan to brinless and guide us in the future, and abun- dantly has He a good moral character, but wliat we do expect is that those who make a profession of religion will become absolutely certain that any reports that may reach their ears concerninsf us are true before .adding fuel to the fire which is so calculated to destroy us. In other words, if nothing good can bo said, say nothing, especially not without a full investigation of the matter. It is not in a spirit of fault-finding that these remarks are made. God forbid that I should say one word against the church, or Christian people, for it is to these I owe my reforma- tion, and much of my success since that time, but it is very discouraging to reformed men to be unjustly de- nounced by ministers of the Gosjiel. Since the first day of December, eighteen hundred and eighty-five, to the present date, August the sixteenth, eighteen hundred and eighty-six, I have addressed two hundred and ninety-six audiences of all sizes and com- posed of all sorts and every description of people from the minister of Christ to the keeper of the saloon and brothel. During the few months above referred to over ten thousand have signed the total abstinence pledge, for which I lieartily thank God, and ascribe all the honor, praise and glory to Him who hath redeemed and saved me ; to Him who taketh away the sins of the world. mgemmm ■HMM I*; i Vjl illH- m r ■■:?l jII):' ;mii'1 100 Some Interesting Incidents. I will relate a few incidents that have occurred during my labors, and which I hope will be a warning to those who are yet in their sins and who are inclined to keep putting off that all-important matter of making their peace with God until perhaps it will be " too late." While at North Byron, in Genessee county, T asked a man to sign the pledge. He refused. I then asked if he was prepared to meet his God, to which he replied : " I have plenty of time to prepare for that after the busy season." The followinof morninix, while this same man was engaged in shipping some farm produce at the West Shore depot, he was struck by the through express and instantly killed. There are those who will read this little . book who are still putting this great (juestion off for a more convenient time, but let me say to you, although you may be in the best of spirits and health, yet you know not the day nor the hour when you shall be calle«i to give an account of your every act, thought and word, and are you i-eady now ? Let me refer you to II Cor., V. chap., 10 verse. I will speak of one other incident that occurred at Fairport, N.Y. One Sunday afternoon, at three o'clock, I held a very large and enthusiastic meeting, and among many others I had asked to sign the pledge and take the start for CJod and right, were two brothers, from whom I received evasive answers, to the effect that they still had plenty of tinje to attend to such matters ; but, my reader, before the sun had set on that beautiful Sabbath day the soul of one of those brothers was in eternity, and upon the following Tuesday morning it wjis joined by that of the other brother who lingered till that time, after the terrible accident of Sunday evening, an accident some- what similar to the one referred to as having occurred at North Byron. These are no manufactured stories, but occurrences that actually happened just as related, and Oh ! my readers, are they not sufficient to wai'n you Jigainst mailing that, perhaps, fittat delay ? Results from the Work. 101 lad der, the Besides many discouragements, aud such sad experi- ences as those to which I have referred, many things have happened that gave me courage and a fresh determina- tion to continue, with God's help, the work of Gospel Temperance. Not veiy long ago a young man came to me while I was holding meetings near the place of his residence, asking if I remembred him. I had a sli ' Like many of " God's ** children, I have experienced the 103 . i sh *; 1-.I, B ■\.i 104 n I E- J i-'.it. : ■, : M 81. II " Let us have oic7' photos taken*' hand of persecution. But it is a great consolation to know- that " Great shall be your reward in heaven, when men shall revile you, persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil of you, falsely for my sake." But take note, dear reader, the accusation must be " falsely " brought against us. In the year ot 1885 I received a call from the town of " W — H-^ " to come and labor in the interest of humanity, to save them from a drunkard's gutter. My labors were crowned with more success than I anticipated. These meetings were conducted in the Universalist Church, and presided over by Rev. Brother Fisher, the pastor. On returning to Rochester Brother Fisher said " let us have our photos taken," to which I quickly gave my consent. Just think ! One year prior to this I was associated with the lowest elements of humanity of the city, and now about to have my photo taken with a minister for my companion. Was it not wonderful ? I ventured to ask his reason for wanting the photos. His answer was : " Who can tell, this is the first opportunity and it may 1 .3 the last, that we can do such a thing for in the morning one of us may be no more." Ifi not this a serious thought ? In the prime of life and health to- day, and to-morrow we may be lying in a casket. May you be ready when the call comes. I more readily com- plied with his wishes, as he offered to settle the bill. After this performance was over I started for my neat little home on Jones Avenue, from which I had now been absent four days. These four days seemed four years. I found the family all at homo, and now a scene commenced. Oh such hugging and kissing and patting. I can never describe it. After this affray had abated I pulled out a little leather pouch. " This pouch has a history connected with it as a reformer ; ain't that funny ?" The reform the pouch brought about was this : a certain man who claimed to be a Christian, and who was one, said to me one day, " Joe, don't you smoke ?" I answered, " No, nor chew." " Well, I believe you mean it, and now I Why Men go bach to their dtpft. 105 will promise you that I will never smoke nor chew again if you wiJl take this pouch I have for my tobacco for a money pouch." I said, " That's a go." 1 had thought of buying a pouch, and here is one offered to me for a gift. I took it, and it saved me 50 cents. The pouch contained the collection of " Alexander the coppersmith." The amount was SIG, nearly all in coppers. T thanked God even for the coppers, because a hundred coppers makes one dollar. I poured the contents on the floor, on the carpet, and 1 sat down on the sofa. " Say," drinking man, it seemed funny to take a seat on my own sofa, and you may imagine my delight at seeing my children scramble for the coppers. Reflect for a moment. Three short months after re- nouncing rum and its power, sunshine came in where formerly dreariness reigned, because I had been converted to God. This same night I went to the Fitzhue rink, where P. A. Burdick was still conducting meetings. *' Say," reader, I wish you had been an eye-witness to the sight. For ninety consecutive nights from 2,500 to 3,000 gathered nightly to hear this God-fearing man. Nine thousand signed the total abstinence pledge, and thank God 1 am one who is numbered amongst that nine thousand. Arriving at the meeting Burdick called on me to say a few words. I made no hesitation in coming forward. I sometimes think the reason why many go back to their cups is that they don't go to work. My experience has been that when I make an effort to save others I become stronger. One other reason why many return to their old way, is people have not charity enough for those who are striving to do better. When men give up these cups they do not only do that, but along with the cup goes the old boon companion of long years' acquaintance. Therefore they must needs have new friends and companions go the rounds with them, and extend the hand of true friendship to them. Were this more done in the church of God more would come to the altar. G liiiiii 106 m H ^1 \l Attempted Murder of Joe Ile^s. When 1 arose to address the vast audience I was greeted with gi'eat cheering and waving of handkercliiefs. I told them of the success I had at " W. H." This news was received with great applause. After the meeting I separated from my friends, little dreaming that I was so near passintr over Jordan. I boarded a Lake-avenue car for home. Walking up Jones- avenue with my hands in my pockets, and tliinking over the word " blooil " that was connected with the liquor traffic, I decided to make that a subject. Looking up I beheld two men coming toward me, and stepping to one side to let them pass by, one of the two stepped in front of me ; at the same moment I was struck on the head with a brick by a third man and knocked down. This blow was just hard enough to deaden ray faculties of arm and speech. As I arose I was again knocked down. After being knocked down three times my speech came back, and i shouted with what seemed to me a great voice, " Murder." Tliis cry was enough to arouse both my son and neighbor Williams, and as they were coming to my assistance the would-be murderers took flight. I vsay mur- derers, for I am fully convinced that but for the timely arrival of my friends there would have been a murder committed that night, and Joe Hess the victim. I was assisted to my home by my son Henry, who was one of the first to arrive at the place of conflict. This was the first persecution that I received from the " Rummey fel- lers." The secular press had it the next morning that I was killed, but praise to the Lord, some of the secular press, brewers, and saloonists, have long since learned I was a live corpse, one that can kick and hit back with equal force. At another time I was walking on Lyle-avenue with a large Bible case in one hand and a box of books in the other. Coming to a certain point in the street near the canal I saw seven men standing outside of a saloon, all moie or less under the influence of strong 1 ' Story of other hisidta. 107 drink ,and seeing me, it seemed to raise the hatred within them, and they shouted, " Here he ctunes." 1 knewthat I was in for it. 1 could not turn back, as my destination lay on the other side of the canal. Putting on a bold front I walked up to them and I was surrounded by these whisky-bloated faces. Some- thing had to be done and that cjuickly. The thou;^ht suiXSfested itself that the Bible had knocked (>ut the devil many times, why could it not now knock out some of the old fellow's children. At that I let fly the Bible case and three men were smitten to the ground, at the Srime time I let go the box that contained George Washington and Daniel Webster. I do not mean the live men, but simply their great power put into book form. This act laid out two more, and one of the remaining two had the misfortune to run against the fist of my right arm, and down he went ; the other and last one of the seven took '* leg-bail." Aifter a moment's pause, looking over the battle field, and seeing myself thecon(|ueriiig hero, I said, " praise God ?" The next morning the press had it, "Joe lltss at his old trade, knocking 'em out on the street." Some (>f the people that had four eyes said, " It was too bad that Joe was drunk again." Others said, " I told you so, he will never stand." But praise be to His Holy name, 1 am still standing in His power. One day while walking down State-street, I beheld quite a number of my old companions standing outside of a saloon. Like all manufactories, when tiiey have completed an article, it is a rule to {)lace the same on the outside as a sample, and the manufactories of drunkards turn out their samples. As 1 neared these samples they commenced to shout, " Hello, Rev. Sir," " Shoot the ora- tor," " Ain't he a nice parson." *' Come in and have a drink." During this time old cigar stumps and old (piids of tobacoo were freely hurled at me. One hit me in Mie back of the neck. 1 confess that I needed all of the 108 The Reformation of Drunlcml " Bilir r>!< t:rM :.v " ;i \\{\\ grace that God gave me to keep down the devil temper, so as not to turn on my persecutors, but like Jesus 1 cried, " Father forgive them ; they know not what they do." I kept right on in spite of all obstacles that were placed in my way. Night before New Year's of 188G, I went down with my wile and son to buy a suit; my coat had to l»e a Prince Albert. You see I was becoming quite well known as an " Orator!' New Year's day was a happy one, as I rose from bod, into which I had entered for the first time on that anniversaiy in many years, a sober man. On this New Year's morning my head did not pain me. After dinner we all started for the W.C.T.U. hall, where I was to make a speech. On our way down we found that the winter clothing that we had on kept us warm. It was a bitter cold day. I had to pass the place where two months previously I wasve, this eek and a coal 'eceived hall re- he seats Me man , " Why new he 3ats. I read in il ss as fc to his to me, J fellow ay him. answer : as ton - i reflec- ^trange .mount. Jats in, a plat- eet. I ive no -nother th the id said, ?rin, if to the of my Is and itform I started for lamps and found a good man, who donated them to me. I had him prepare them with wicks and oil ready for use, then I started for curtains. Water-street had many low dives, and their fashionable curtain was a red cloth across the window. So I wished to get some of the same to catch the poor misguided victims. Fitz- simons contributed the curtains. As I was leaving the store, I was greeted with a " How do you do, Mr. Hess," by a Christian lady, to whom I related what I had done. She rejoiced when she saw the seats and platform. I told her the next thing I needed was an organ. She promised to have one sent, and the organ came. In the meantime stove and coal arrived, fire started, then I proceeded to put up the curtains. Door opens, in enters lamps. Lamps put up. (Perspiration roils down my face.) It was now 5 p.m. I had forgotten I had nothing to eat all day. Going to the door I met one of the old boys, a paifiter by trade. Said he, " Hello Joe, old boy, what are you doing down here," I told him I was opening a saloon for Christ. He seemed to enjoy the idea. 1 said, John, you're a painter, haven't you a large black board T* to which he replied "yes." " Well, let me have it to put up on the corner of Maine-street, and you put on it, ' This way for Joe Hess' Mission.' " He did so. At this momont a lady came along. She said, " Bro. Joe, what are you doing down here in such a low locality as this ? " I was- going to ask her the same question. I said to lier, " I shall have a grand opening to-night in my new saloon." She looked horrified. This was too good to let pass without having a little fun at her expense, so I said come in and have a drink. As I was turning to go in she grabbed my arm and pled that I should not go in, but at this moment the organ arrived. When she saw the instrument the truth flashed across her mind. I showed her the inside and she praised God. I told her I had no player, when she volunteered Everything being now ready to do business, I knelt down and thanked Him on High. i*l. IMt 112 A Soul-saving Mission, After reviewing the work once more I discovered that I had no hymn books. I went to E. F. Carter, told him what I had done, he gave me an order for 50 copies of Moody and Sankey hymns. After having lit the lamps, it made my heart rejoice at my day's work, and I could not refrain from repeating the words, " I will guide thee with mine eye." Soon several good brethren came in and we sang " Praise God from whom all blessings flow." Dur- ing this time people came in and by 8 p.m. the room was packed, when the request was given that if there were any seekers for prayer. God blessed our tirst request with 33 souls. At 10 p.m. we closed, and thus there was the first Mission established in that part of the city, the change of the place from a saloon at 9 a.m. in the morn- ing, to a soul saving saloon at 10 p.m. at night, was cer- tainly a most wonderful change This will show what can be done by the Christian who is willing to work in the vineyard of our Lord and Saviour Oesus Christ. " Amen." - m w* CHAPTER X. Dissensions among the workers — Break up of the Water-st. Mission — Difficulties in the pathway— Out of work — An overruling Providence — God takes care of His own — A remarkable expnTi- ence — Some soul-stirring incidents in the wmk — Infliienfes thiit work against Temperance — What one sa'oon did — A newspaper criticised. V Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. Then will I go forth and teach transgressors thy way, and sinners shall be converted unto thee." — Psalm 51, 10,13. n^HE mission on Water-street became my nightly resort, 1 and as my delicfht used to be great when a number of us frequented this same room singing when it was given up to the devil's work, I even rejoiced more now, because in this same room I sang praises to the most high God. I soon went forth to labor in toher fields ; it was therefore necessary that the mission should be presided over by some one. Bro. Morly and Bro. Vorheen were the chosen ones. Soon strife came amongst the brethren, which finally resulted in breaking the mission up, and as I returned one day I saw the sign was taken down — the mission was no more. The brewery men, saloon keepers and gamblers have a motto, which I wish our church people would adopt, and that motto is, "In unity is strength, united we stand and divided we fall." If this were adopted in the church of Christ, more sinners would be willing to come to the altar. I have been made sad at heart because in some places where I lectured I found the church divided ; and when this is the case, what example is set before those who are out of Christ ? Let every Christian read 5th Math., 14th verse: "Ye are the hght of the world "'(16th verse), " Let your light so shine before men that they may see 113 I : I'' 1 114 A Lesson for Christians. n yo'ir good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven." Then by our works we bring others to the knowledge of Christ. During the first three months of 1886, I met with ranch persecution. Many times churches were refused because I was an uneducated man, and few ministers I could get to assist me. M one place, when I arrived I found the minister of the chuich, and after looking me over, he thought it best not to allow me the use of the church, but consented to have me go into a small room in the basement, without stove. Of course I had no meeting that night. School houses were also closed. People said the great " grammarian " will speak in this town ; all this was ridicule. I faced it all and bore up under it, until I came to a certain town where I had the hall from one who was no believer in Christ. As the people assembled, and the time had arrived for the open- ing services, I learned of a minister present. I asked him to pray ; he replied that if I could not pray myself, I should not run round the country posing as a speaker. This refusal was a severe blow to me I asked the people to join with me in the Lord's Prayer. Then I spoke, and dismissed the people without even taking a collection. As I neared the door an old, gray man shook, me by the hand, and said, " God bless you ; keep right on." And with these remarks he passed out, but left a big silver dollar in the palm of my hand. I said nothing, and walking I did not care where, I found myself finally at the station, and the 10 p.m. train just steaming out, I jumped aboard, and went home to Rochester. Having rung the bell, wife came to the door. Learning who it was on the outside, the door opened quickly. I entered. Wife looked in astonishment; said she, "Why, Joe, I thought you were out at ," naming the place where 1 had left my valise. Said I with a smile, " Well, I guess I am here now," and said I, " Jennie, I have come to the conclusion to give up this work ; people are right, The Devil after Joe. 115 IS m bo the , with sfused iters I ived I ng me of the I room lad no closed. ' in this ore up ad the As the e open- ed him y^self, I peaker. people ke, and lection, by the And : silver g, and ally at out, I [aving Iwho it Intered. Joe, I where ^ell. I l^e come right, I have no education, and I have no business to run round and hold meetings." Yet at each meeting the Lord blessed me wonderfully. I told Jennie that I was going to get work in the city — " I have many friends and there will be no trouble to get work." But like what many- hundreds more have done, arifl still do, "I counted my chickens before they were hatched." I went dov^n in the morning to the place where I was confident I would get work as a porter. As I entered the store, Mr. A came forward to greet me with glee. After I told him what I had done, I asked him for employment. He said, " Well, I am very sorry that that is the case," for he could do nothing for me. At this moment the door opened, and a man came in and en- quired whether they had advertised for a porter, to which Mr. A answered " Yes." Taking and reading the reference papers that the applicant tendered to him to read, A turned and called the name "George," to whom he gave instructions to show the new porter to his place. I could not speak. I had asked for the position, and he, telling me he could do nothing for me, then turned and engaged the other man. I went away with the tears in my eyes. I tried for three weeks without success. One morning wife said : " Joe, the last pound of flour is in the pan, and there is only one bucket of coal in the house." And said she, " You owe $10.50 for rent, and the lady from whom we rented has demanded the rent, and declared that if she did not have it by a certain date she would put us out." Sitting by the table, 1 was tliink- ing what to do, and the devil came up and said, " What are you fooling away your time for ? Take your gloves and go down and make some money." At once I acted upon the suggestion. I brought forth the gloves that I had used before my conversion, and started for the door by the back way, so as wife should not see me. I got ns far as the woodshed door, and for my life I could not go N F ft >iV 'i if - 1 i8 116.*-. fTfoTK^er/uZ Workings of Providence. farther;'^! went back. After another spell of sitting? I arose in a great haste, took my gloves and ran for the back door, but this time, like the first attempt, I failed. I tried it the third time and failed again. I now was satisfied that some higher power than mine was acting upon me. Going back into the room, I said, "Jennie, come, let us pray, and if it is God's will that I should be in this Gospel temperance line, may He send aid and calls, and I will promise that I will always work in His interest." After prayer 1 started for down town. On my way I stopped at the post office and called for my name, and 1 received a letter. Breaking the seal, a $2 and a $5 bill dropped out. I hesitated to take it, but went to my friend Williams, and told him of the occurrence. He thought some friend had sent it, and I am sure it was a friend, as I have had no one yet call for it. Securing paper, I had my friend write a letter to a firm at Buifalo. Takicg this to the post, I again enquired, and to my sur- j)rise, received another letter. This contained a money order for $25, and the other paper contained the follow- ing words, '* Dear Bro. Hess — Enclosed find a post money order for $25. A friend from Boston who listened to you last fall at Clifton Springs, New York, left $15 f(»r you ; I add $10. May God bless and keep you right on in your good work. — Rev. A. J. Kenyon, Pastor M. E. Church." Do you call this an answer to prayer ? I should say yes. I ordered some groceries, also one ton of coal, then •proceeded to pay my rent. Arriving at the landlady's house, she seemed to be very indignant, but when she had the money she cooled down wonderfully. I started for home, I was greeted with joy by the children and wife. 'er -hey told me about the nice things that came and ia"" oal. I said, ** And here is the receipt for the rent, it is p»T i. ' And now it was wife's time to surprise me. She held ivV^e letters that came that day ; Mamie opened all up Drink like an Animal. 117 and read them. They were calls from different places where they wanted my services. We knelt right down and thanked God for this kindness. The next morning, bright and early, I took -the first train for the nearest one of the places, and labored a week, and when the No-license election came, it was made known to us that the town went dry, as the result of the labor of one week ; this was really my first genuine vic- tory as a laborer in the vineyard of the Master. I have ever since been in the field, harvesting humanity for God's Kingdom. This incident will prove to the public that God has opened the way for me. While laboring in the town of " B." an incident occurred durini; the time I was speaking. A man arose and blurted out, " Say, Joe, it is a long time between drinks, come let's have a drink." I must confess for a moment I was taken back, but in another moment I rallied, and replied, " Yes, it has been some time between my drinks, almost 7 months, but by the looks of your face, I am led to believe that the time between your drinks has been not over an hour, for which I am sorry, but, I said, if you are really in need of a drink, come right up here on the platform and I will treat you with a. drink, fresh, cool, clean, a drink which has been provided by God, the drink that gives moisture, health and strength to the plants ; come, man, drink of the pure crystal water." At this he took his seat, and when the invitation was given for people to sign the pledge, he was among the first ones to come up. Thank God, to-day that same man is a happy Christian. Sign- ing the pledge is what started him, years ago. I invited at one time a gentleman to come and drink with me, to which he replied, when I will drink like an animal he would drink with me. I could not make out what he meant, but I now have a conviction, what he meant at that time — drink like an animal — they drink the clear water and nothing more. During my labors in the town of " N.," where we had a great rousing meeting at the town hall, I was enter- 118 Caught in their oivn Trap. ■*!. tallied at a teinperanee house. One day while sitting in my room readin\ Joe Hess and Mrs. Blank. 121 apustle tu the Gentiles. He tuld of his past life, and declared him- self to be the chief of sinuera. He often refers to the sinfulness of his past life when writing his epistles. Did he not accomplish a ^reat work in the world / Some, when they went to hear hiai, said, ' ^ What will this babbler say ?" Remember John Bunyan. Call to mind, Mrs. B., his life before his conversion to Christ. Bunyan has told us of how he had been led, and has been the in- strument of leading many to the fountain '* opened for all unclean- ness," where they washed and were made whole. What has been done may be done again. God is able "to use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty ; and base things of the world, and things that are despised, hath God chosen — yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are." Let us be careful, Mrs. B., how we judge others, lest we be judtfed. Let us lay no stumbling block in the way of a converted sinner. If Joe Hess is a converted man, and is doing work for God, don't let you and I be found railing at him, or keep raking up his past life. If he is earnestly seeking to live soberly, righteously and godly, let us speak words of encouragement to him and seek to strengthen his hands and encourage his heart. Mrs. B., were you ever tempted " above that you were able to bear," and did you fall ? You may have done so, and the world never knew it ; but if you repented, did not even the remembrance of your past sin make y^u shudder? Think how you would feel if others knowing of your defection should only meet you to shun you, or in speaking of you speak dis- respectfully and slightingly. If God forgives sinners whose sins were of the deepest dye, can we afford to condemn ? Think — One short word in kindness spoken , . Costing scarce a moment's breath, May bind up a heart that's broken, Save a sinking soul from death. Mrs. Blank, we think were you to re-write your article, you would deem it best to be a little more merciful. There has something soured your feelings to an extent. We of course do not know just what it is, but there is something. Let us surmise a few things ; you need not tell if some is the root of your feeling. We mean no offence. May be you are not in accord with the temper- ance sentiment of the day. Again, some one of your friends may be engaged in the traffic, or you may be better in showing others the way than you are in leading. Now, we will close with a sen- timent that we think you will endorse : If Joe Hess is not what he ought to be, may God make him what He would have him. We would say to Joe : Joe, don't let yourself to any man or associa< U 122 " Trust in the Lord and do good." n tion to speak in camp- meetings on the Sabbath, where a gate fee in received for admission to hear the truth. It Hinells too much of filthy lucre to warrant you in giving it your countenance. Avoid the very appearance of evil, and do all you can to save fallen brothers and sisters, and may God bless you and enable you to walk carefully, and speak fearlessly, and bear crosses patiently. "Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." Good-bye, Joe. Yours tnily. Friend. Dear reader, is not this proof that God will take care of His own ? " Trust in the Lord and do good," is a safe guide. ' ♦t-i;-'.- i; . , . CHAPTER XI. Incidents of travel — Downfall of a promising young man — Hess' politics — Slandered by a clergyman — A vigorous reply — " Male- ing money out of temperance" — Some plain talk — A happy Christmas and New Year — Baying coal by the ton, not bushel — Confession of a dninkard. ** Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, for there is no power but of God ; tlie powers that be are ordained of God." — Romans 13 : 1. *Il S I travel from town to town, exhorting men to the ^i- power of God, mighty to save, I have seen many who neglected this power and trusted in their own powers, and I am grieved to say that I fear many of the same have resisted, to their damnation ; for many of those who made light of my exhortation have travelled the long, lone journey of death. Some overcome by drink have taken their life with their own hand, others have fallen from their wagons and the wagon passed over them and crushed them to death. I have in m^ mind a young man who attended my meetings in the town of "R." He was a nice young man, but he drank a little ; he had a lovely young wife and one child, a boy. When I asked him to sign the pledge he became enraged at me, saying he was not going to be on the roll with a lot of drunk- ards, that he could drink it and let it alone. He remain- ed firm against all the arguments I could bring up, but I did not feel that I could give him up. I then tried his young and beautiful wife. As I came to her asking her to sign so as to influence her husband she became indig- nant and left the hall. It was about two months from the time she left the hall, when I read in the papers of Roches- ter a very sad account of a young and industrious far- mer who came to the town of " R." After making his 123 124 A Clerical Slander, "■-i; sale he repaired to a saloon, and in the company of others, drank very freely and 'lecame very drunk. On his way home he tell from his spring seat, and was found by his wife lying dead in the box of his wagon, his neck being broken. The verdict of the coronor's jury was death caused from a fall from the seat breaking his neck, fall caused by an overdose of strong drink. Had this young man signed the pledge he might to-day be with his now heart-broken wife and child. While laboring in the town of Newfane, speaking to crowded houses every night, at the commencement of the meetings I said I did not go round as a politician, but a Mrs. C. H. St. John came to occupy the platform one night during the service. After making her eloquent address, she said, " Now we will learn where Bro. Joe Hess stands.' 1 then and there declared that I was a member of the Third Party, at which the Rev. J. R. Stratton took high offence, and took Joe Hess for his text on the Sunday following, declaring that he saw me drunk. The following is an abstract of his discourse as it appeared in one of the Lockport journals, which was republished by the Buffalo Sunday Express, and recopied by the IGth Amendment Journal. Here is what the report had : " The redoubtable Joe Hess was lecturing in Newfane recently, when he heard that the Rev. J. R. Stratton was slandering him by stating that he was intoxicated half the time. As the ex sporting lecturer was there under the auspices of the W.C.T.U. of Niagara county, it was rather a bad imputation. Complaint papers were drawn up and left in the hands of the president of the society to serve within twenty-four hours if the Rev. Mr. Strat- ton dia not retract, and the papers have not been served." " The foregoing appeared in the Lockport correspond- ence of the Buffalo Sunday Express, and we reproduce it to state emphatically that we do not believe the state- ment. If Joe Hess were to get drunk just once we Talking Ternperance for Motiey. 125 nd- uce ite- we should all hear of it, and if Joe Hess got drunk he would have taken the elder in chancery instead of proceeding in the manner alleged. It is due to the cause that facts shall be stated, and we trust Mr. Stratton will at once made public his proofs if he has any.'' — Editor 16th Amendment. I will here make a clean statement as to what the papers were that were drawn up. When I had learned of the base slander comin.. f^ 126 'f/ie Blessings of Temperance. tj IH 'll J'i idea. In this wise it would stir both sides of the com- munity, and even those who were loud against such a proceeding would yet be the ones who in the secret of their hearts would wish the thing to take place. After a certain length of time the fighters would come on, and the town band would play in front of the hall, and wheie men would not give one red cent for a temperance speech, they would come down with their dollar for a sparring match. Yet men run round and shout that men advo- cating temperance are only doing it for the money that they get out of it. Can money pay for the value of one home made happy, because a father was influenced to be- come a total abstainer ? I have in my mind many such a home that to-day is hap]>y because the bread-winner has given up his cup, while God has used me as the instrument in His hand to lead thes? men to the blessed idea of sobriety. Think of the faces that are made happy throughout the country because of the spread of this most happy disease, total abstinence. Then on the other hand, glance in the past, then in the present, then in the future, and see the ter- rible suflTering and the devastation of humanity botli young and old, all caused by the s))read of this hideous and odious disease, intemperance. Come to the rescue, my brother and sister, to raise the fallen, to cheer the blind, to lift the weak, wear}-^ and heav^y laden, and with a united eflbrt let us drive the monster Alcohol from our fair land. In this town of W. a wonderful work was accomplish- ed, many men who had been given up as hopeless cases were again redeemed, and to-day are living monuments of the power of God and the pledge against strong drink. Some reason that God has fjiven ns the strain to do with it as we liked. That is wrong ; God gave us and gives us grain that we should use it for food to gi\ e strength to the ])0(ly, and not to turn it into soul-robbing drink. As we are nearing the month of December of Fell through Old Companions. 127 ironjx 1886, andwlien all hearts look forward with glee for the great day on which we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, so this is the day when all should be happy. But I am sorry to say that I knew a family in Rochester that would not be rejoicing, the reason is this : When I came back I had learned with sadness of heart that my friend and brother William Deraeing, who was taken into the church the same time as 1 had been, one who was a hard drinker but had given his heart to God had again fallen. This is the way he fell : He was constantly walking among his former companions, making his boast that he WHS strong and could resist the temptation, but alas ! he, like many others who have tried the same thing, soon fell a victim to bis old enemy. To-day, poor "Bill" is I know not where. His family is broken up, his wife heart-broken and he an outcast. Surely his Christmas was not a happy one. Well, the happy day came, and I was permitted to spend it in company with my family, and, dear reader, we gathered around a well provided board filled with good things, along with it a great turkey. As I stuck the fork into it and then drew the knife over it, thoughts came that in my former life, the money T spent for liquor went to buy turkeys for the grog seller, and while they used to eat, I and mine would have to lick our fingers. I think of the turkey since that time on every Christ- mas day. We had a tuikey ; this was not all. We all, five in number, came out rigged in new suits of clcthes, and I tell you we did look nice, now wasn't that funny ? The cellar was provided with coal, also twelve bushels potatoes; you see when I was drinking I used to buy the coal by the bushel and potatoes by the ounce, but that thing was changed about four weeks after my signing the pledge, and ever since I have been buying coal by the ton and 'tatoes by the bushel. I remember well when I used to buy neck beef, l)ecauso the saloon-keeper had to have the best pai t of the creature. Now we buy meat mtKanfms^OBSn 128 A Hapjvj Christmas and New Year. 1 1 ' by the quarter, all because of temperance. When New Year's day came there came into the house (well, you see, when I was given up body and soul to the devil, then my children used to say when they heard music in other homes as they passed by on the street — often I listened to their talk — how nice it would be if they could have so and so) — well, on this Christmas day I had to keep a secret from them. Then the dav before New Year there came a ring at the door, and I found it was the man with a beautiful $300 piano. The joy of the children knew no bounds, and there was happiness in that home, 21 Jones-avenue. • While there was happiness in that home there wan- dered upon the streets of the Flower City the cry of many a poor victim. The following will show how a beautiful boy came to love liquor. In his own language I will give you his tale of sorrow, and, reader, may you ponder over his bitter experience as he related it: "I have heard my dear mother say that when I was a little baV)y she thought me her finest child. J was the pet of the family, 1 was caressed and pampered by my fond but too indulgent parents. Before I could well walk I was treated with sweets from the bottom of my father's glass. When I was a little older I was fond of sitting on his knee, and he would frequently give me a little of the liquor from his glass in a spoon. My dear mother would gently chide him with ' Don't, John, it will do him harm,' to this he would smilinorly reply, ' This little sup won't hurt him, bless him,' When I became a school-boy I was at times unwell, and my affectionate mother would pour for me a glass of wine from the de- canter. At first I did not like it, but as T was told it would make me strong, I got to like it. When I left school and home to go out as an apprentice, my pious mother wept over me, and amongst other good advice Tirged me never to go into the public house or theatre. For aMong*^ time I could not Vu; prevailed upon to act is ■■! A Parent's Terrible Example. 129 contrary to her wishes, but alas ! the love for Lquor had been implanted within me. Some of my shopmates at length overcame ray scruples and I crossed the fatal threshold. I reasoned thus : My parents taught me that these drinks were good, I cannot get them here except at the public house. Surely it cannot be wrong then to go and purchase them. From the public house to the the- atre was an easy pa!=!sao;e. Step by step I fell. Little did my fond mother think when she rocked me in my little cot, that her child would find a home in a prison- cell. Little did my indulgent father dream when he placed the first drop of sweetened poison to my childish lips that he was sowing the seed of my ruin. My days are now nearly ended, my wicked career is nearly closed. I have grown up to manhood, but the curse of intemper- ance has added sin upon sin. Hope for the future I have not. I shall soon die a poor drunken outcast and disgraced." Oh, reader, what a tale of sorrow ! 0, rum, rum, thy tender mercies are cruel, but thou shalt stand indicted as the great crime creator, and warfare shall be against thee until the last, or thy agencies shall be no more ! " Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoso- ever is deceived thereby is not wise." With this chapter closes the year of 18SG, and a memorial year it will be in my days to come. One solid year of peace and happi- ness was ours. The children kept on in the school in- stead of working in the tobacco factory, while the wife was happy in her bright little homo, the roses that had left her cheeks now came back and the lilies left her, and instead of the lily sitting on her cheeks and the rose upon my nose, the rose took its seat upon her cheeks while the lily came and hopped on the end of my nose. May it with the help of God always rest on that end. ' Praise His name! It H I I! CHAPTER XII. ^ ■- It- ?ilMi;.i A Three years' bJauk — A happy New Year's Day — Otlier Now Years — Cider and politics — No blood money for Joe — The jealousy of singers — Joe and the school-teacher — Comes out head — Encouraging words — Not all smooth sailing — The Chris- tian's pray..*. "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." , §0 with the text I will make a feeblo attempt to bring before :ay iders the twelfth chapter which really ought to be til- . .eenth chapter, as I have left untold about three years of mj life, which have been so reckless, covering my ''vels m foreign lands, that I have not one item to dwell upon v ah profit. That chapter shall go into eternity, and shall only then be revealed by Him, the Ruler of rulers ; and now I will i)roceed to throw some light upon the twelfth chapter of my life. The New Year of 1887 was begun in this wise. I watched the old year out amidst the brilliant stars, as the bells tolled forth the hour of 12 o'clock, bringing with it a chorus of happy v«)ices : " Wish you a happy New Year, papa and mamma ; " and truly it was a happy morning. There I sat in my sober manhood, at one end of the table, wbile my better half was at the other end, talking over the many New Years that brought no joy and happiness to our home, when we contrasted the past with the present. As I now look back to that early morning of the first day in the year, everything so changed, and take a peep at the happy children, and com- pare my situation with that of the New Year of 1885, when there was a drunken, staoijeriMi; foi-m enterin"" the house, I cannot but oti'er a silent prayer to my God that lie raised up a W.C.T.U., and an I.O.G.T. association, 130 . ,-ii An EncourtKjiwj Letter. 131 and last, but not least, that by His grace He redeemed such a noble fighter as P. A. Burdick, whom God has en- dowed with talents to reach all hearts. After we had oifered up a thanksgiving *o God, we all went to bed, as it was now one o'clock in the morning. After break last we talked the matter over how we would spend New Year's Day. It was decided that we go out for a sleigh drive, then to the Knights of Temperance concert in the afternoon. In the evening we all went to Mr. Lee's house. Brother Lee had been a hard drinker, and had neglected his family; but he came forward one night while I was holding meetings in the Lake Ave. Baptist Church, signed the pledge, gave his heart to God, and to this day he is a good standing member in the church. The next morning or, rather, about noon, the post brought me a letter, and the following lines were written on the paper : " Mr. Hess, — I would wish to give you many, words of encouragement, and to say, God bless you and keep you. I would like to give more substantial aid if my means were not so limited, and my bodily strength so little. May you and yours always be olessed for what you have done for my dear husband and his family. Yours in the cause. E." I knew at once who it was that had been made happy. Though often times came when everything looked dark, yet such an encouraging letter would give me renewed strength to go on. Oh January Gth, 1887, 1 started for Rushville, N.Y. This is a beautiful town, it lays in among the mountains to the south of Canadaigua about 10 miles. There is a beautiful drive here in the summer season. Rushville has a High School, a Congregational church, over which Rev. Mr. Fry was pastor, and it has a grand M.E. church, over which the Rev. Mr. Young was ])astoi-, and a fearless defender of right was Brother Young. The meetings were held in tlie opera house, which was packed nightly, and wonderful work was done. One of the principal 13i TJie Burlcy and Cider Question. I'M features of the meetings was the Bible readings every noon. Though it was 25 to 30*^ below zero yet the hall was packed. On Sunday night I spoke on " Cider," which caused a great commotion. * People are always willing that we talk about some one else, but just as soon as you talk about the things they like to do, they are up in arms. Well, one of the features of this night's meeting was that the hotel keeper's wife came forward and signed the pledge. This stirred up everybody, and in all corners you could hear them talk about the meetings. On Jan. J 2th I discussed the barley question which seemed to rouse the people that had not been roused. This was brought about in the following manner : Having sent out my envelopes for people to place therein their contribu- tion, on o[)ening one of these, I found a 25 cent piece, with these words written on a slip of paper : " Mr. Hess, you said last night that money coming from the brewery is blood money. Well, I received this blood money from the brewery to-day, and I enclose it to you." I took this and went to the hall, and held up the money and read the paper, which had no name signed to it. I said, " If the man is in the hall who sent it he can get it back ; if not I will cast it from me, as I don't want blood money." I threw the money into the audience. Bro. Young rose from his seat, and said, " I wish to define my position right here. Know all members of my church that you need not bring me any of your money for which you sold barley." This cieated consternation in the Methodist camp, and then the fun did begin. Satan got many a hard punch, which I richly enjoyed. On January 12th Bro. Fry made a stirring speech, in which he declared on what side he was politically ; and as this was not to be a political meeting I rose and declared my position. This so enraged the elder that he got uj) and ran away, forgetting to take his hat and over- coat. Next day I received a call from Bro. Smith, who said that after to-night the meetings wo"ld close as far ■Hi*. Work at Rushville, ^\Y. 133 h, in and and it he )ver- who far as he and Bro. Fry were concerned. They would not be responsible any longer for the rent. My first engage- ment was for ten days, but at the end of seven days these men became sulky, like a horse tliat at first is all fire if he can have his own way, but put the check on him and he is all " boggie." After the interview with Bro. Smith I was satisfied that I must bring the matter before the people. In the evening I made a statement of the case. The whole audience arose and voted that I should stay five days more. I had to make another statement that about S30 were required for my hall and rent. This was brought forth in ten minutes, and the meetings continued. Tlie next day nine rose for prayeis at the Bible reading. January IGth the meetings closed, and Rushville had such a stirring on temperance as it never had before. During the time that I was at Rushville I received a call from Rev. K. B. Nettleton, the pastor of the M. E. Church, of Nunday, N.Y. Nothing unusual took place in this town, only that our efforts were crowned with success. Here is where George Ackerman became iny leader of the singing with his cornet. He was a small man, but when he brought the cornet to his mouth you would think a 200 pounder was back of it. Then, again, the notes were brought forth sweet and mild and clear. Many hard drinkers signed in this place. My next place was at Hamlin, N.Y., where we had splendid success, but here, like many other places, we found that some people had the big head among the singers. I am satisfied that there is a great deal of jeal- ousy amongst preachers and public speakers, but they cannot hold a candle against the singers and musicians. Even in this small town there was fighting amongst the singers. The next event was when I went to Pittsford. Here a great work was done, in spite of the opposition which came from the Rev. Mr. Close. He said he did not believe m •T?aa 184 A School Teacher in the Soup. ml ' I; m Si', i a i hi'' ,ii ■ ■ , >; ^ . n ji t !i|i'!' ill in the way Joo worked, yet lie was there nightly. " Ho would have tlio ])eo|)le think ; " in one word, he threw cold water on the work, tiyin^' liai'd to freeze it out, but he failed to do it. \Vhih» opposition came from that side, 1 fourul a friend and true (JInistian in the principal mer- chant of the place, James T. Wiltsic. TJiis God-fearing man was converted from a path of sin, and became an earnest worker in the vineyard of the Lord, and is to- day one of my warmest friends on earth. Maj'^ God alwavs bless him. The work went on — during my stay in the town the teachers had a convention, and I having never been at such a convention, thought it a good thing to go, and I went. While there the Professor called on a certain num- ber of teachers to form a class to be instructed by him. After calling fifteen he thought he would like his class to consist of sixteen, and he called on me. I had no idea what was going to happen, so I went up and took my seat. Giving each a little pad to figure on, he gave the problem as he t&rmed it, then he called 10, 14, IG to step out and put it on the blackboard the (juickest and most original way. To be sure this was quite a task, yet I did go to the blackboard and with eighteen figures I placed the whole pioblem on the board, then walked to my seat amidst the cheers and applause. One of the others was next finished, the third man I pitied him. I had to leave the hall, and he may be figuring yet for all I know. The teacher thought to make me a laughing- stock for his school, but he had to take the medicine he had bottled up for me. Generally when a man tries to dig a hole for some one else to fall in, he, as a rule, falls therein himself. February 21st, 1887, I was attending an auction in Rochester, when two buffalo robes were put up for sale. These were robes that had covered my knees on many a drunk, but you ask why were they put up on auction. The same explanation applies to many other cases. The Some Interesting Letters. 135 es 1 ed to the I all owner of these robes was a splendid fellow, hut liad one failing, " he coidd drink or let it alone," but there eanie a time when the appetite bad fastened itself upon bini so that he could not let it alone. As a result of that wo see two splendid gray horses, a carriage that cost S?l,500 in hard cash, a sett of harness almost new, along with many other things up for auction to satisfy creditors. I bid on the robes and they were knocked down to me at .^15.00 the two. I took them home and put them on the beds of my children for warmth. I wish that all men who drink and go out driving wlien the "buffalo" is spread over the knee, would just think about their little families at home. During or at the close of my meetings I have received various tokens of kindness which have stimulated me many times in the hour of trial and temptation. Such words of regard as the following will cheer most any one. Here is a short letter sent to me while at Pittsford and Lima, N.Y : Lima, N. Y., Sept. IGth, 1886. Mr. Hess, Dear Bro'iher in Christ, — God bless you in the work you have undertaken for Him. 1 feel that He has set His seal upon it, and he that endureth unto the end has the promise of eternal life. Trust Him day by day to keep you; trust Him for all needed good. He sometimes leads us into paths which the Uesh shrinks from, but He knows the end from the beginning and nothing can come to a child of His without He permits it. When trials and persecutions come, as come they will, remember that is just what the Mjister has told us we should have in this world, but in Me ye shall have peace, that is our comfort and joy, the peace of God which passeth all understanding is more to a child of God than all else. How it rejoices my heart that Jesus said just before leaving this earth, " Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end." If God be for us who can be against us, and surely He is for us in the temperance work and til w IT' h:\ 136 More Inlercating Letters. I K .'i (':'> I ■; WO shall yet see a ini^'hty deliverance. He will make Imre His arm and overthrow tliis j^reat curse. 1 am in sympathy' with you and hid yon (jrod speech Yours in Him. Mrs. M. E. Milleu. This letter makes me think of what I read in the hook of Daniel, xii, 3. " And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the tirmaments ; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." Here is juiother token of encouragement: Dear Friend in Chuist, — Please aceept this trifle ; I would gladly give more. I sincerely trust you will be greatly blessed in your work and at last receive the crown of life promised to the faithful. Your friend, An Interested Lady Listener. That is just what 1 am fighting for, the crown of life, but I wish that many shall be crowned in the same manner on the same day and hour. One day while having the l)lues the mails brought me a letter and I give the wording of the same : " Mr. Hkss, Brother in Christ, — Enclosed find one dollar. This is the Lord's money and I know you will be blessed in its use. May the Lord keep you from all temp- tations and lead you on in your good work. "I will in- struct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shall go, I will guide thee with thine eye." — Psalm xxxii, 8. Rose A. Pillsbury. Truly can I say the Lord is a good instructor, and a fearless leader, and one who is ever watchful over his own. One day I was laboring in the town of " B.," which was cursed with strong drink — and this caused me to work harder than ever, but no results had I seen, and it seemed that demons had conspired against me — when the mail again came to my rescue in the shape of a letter, which read In (t Quaker Meetlmj ffouse. la? id a his as follows : " Mr. Hess, I thank God that His groat and won- derful love saved and sent you here to help not only mo hut others in the good way; God has hlcssed your labors ; I realize this as I meet one and another, and leai'n of the many hearts that have been reached. May our Heaveidy Father bless the words spoken more and more, and as you leave ' B.' I hope the good work commenced nuiy continue until many may be brought to Christ. Pray for me and one other, that he may become a Christian. God be with you. Yours in Christ." Such wprdsastho above inspire mo with renewed courage to tight on. While in the town of Mendon I was called to come and hold a meeting in the Friends' Meeting House, which I considered a big honor, because I was the first man out- side of their own denommation who ever spoke in their church. ]n this way the Lord opened the doors of places where I least dreamed of. In one of the western towns of New York State, where I was called to hold meetings for a no-license campaign, it seemed that the minister of the place opposed my com- ing with all his might; but woman is woman the world over ; when she wills she wills, and when wont she wont, and you might as well try to turn a horse that wants to go the other way, as try to turn a woman from her way of thinking. So the Woman's Christian Temperance Union had me come. On the way from the station, the com- mittee informed me that they could not procure a church, as the minister was not agreeable, consec[uently we must go to the small school-house. One of the very first call- ers I had was from a tall, well-formed man, in middle life. In introducing himself, I was astonished to know that this was the very same man who so strongly opposed my coming to the place. After the usual greetings from one stranger to the other, he at once stated that the school- house was too small, therefore he would tender me his church, and, said he,at the same time pulling out his purse, " 1 wisli to give $2 towards your support, as they always I If.' 1 ■' t ' ; -It ml IIji ■W liar Mn HI H I'l : 1 1 ^l' f ' ! ■ 1 ' f ■' |;l'^ i^ 1; 138 The Face the Mirror. forget to pass the collection box on the platform." I was amused at this, for I saw through his little game with one eye shut. This tendering me his church and his great benevolent heart was brought into action because the old fellow feared that I would get wind of his oppos- ing my coming, and he took this method of squaring him- self in my eye. I took the proffered things, thanked him, at the same time I said to myself, " Old fello v, this wont save you, for you must feel how it hurts when some one is talking about you." I took the platform, and I gave him (not personally) a regular trouncing that night. He said he was very sorry that he could not attend my meetings, as he had to go away ; he was very sad to think he had to leave now, when he would have such a treat in listening to me. Oh, that all mankind would know that their faces are the great mirrors of what is going on in their hearts. It is impossible to bide from the face the inward feelings. Let it be joy, the face will show it ; let it be earnestness, the face will tell it to the world ; let it be deceitfulness, the face brings it to the light ; let it be sorrow, it will bear the tidings to the world. So in all things that come up in daily life the face is the transparency that makes it known. How do I know this ? For my life long I have made a com- plete study of the human face, as a sport and gambler this was the most essential part of my work. While I am now engaged in public life again as an Evangelist it is my work to sti^dy humanity, but it is not faces so much I now make a study, but deeds of the body, and I can tell a Christian from the works the body does. If a man is a Christian you will find him not only one on Sunday but Monday and on Tuesday, and so on all through the week until Sunday comes again. A Chris- tian will pray the following prayer and live n\) to the same. Each morning I give myself into my Master's hands for the day, saying, "Take me to-day, Lord,and use me as Thou wilt. Let me be about my Master's business. The Chri8tian*8 Prayer. 139 was with I bis iause 3pos- him- him, wont e one gave i my ad to B such ,nkind ■ors of ible to 56 joy, Ice will wrings idings ly life How a com- ambler Vhilel ;elist it :aces so and I If a one on on all Chris- to the aster's nd use lusiness. Whatever work Thou hast for me to do give it into my hands, and give me grace to do it. If there are those whom Thou wouldst have me help in any way send them to me, or take me to them. Take my time and use it as Thou wilt. Let me be a vessel emptied of self and sin, washed in Jesus' blood and filled with His Spirit, close to Thy hand and meet for Thy service, to be employed only for Thee and for ministering to others in Thy name and for Thy sake." If this prayer were offered up by every so-called Chris- tian man and woman, and theii* religion were based upon such an idea, the world would be taken for Christ in a week. " He that knoweth the Son knoweth the Father, and he that knoweth the Father knoweth the Son." M*;, CHAPTER XIII. "■r H » ' i« W|i: An inipoitant poiut in Hess' history — Buys a home — Tlio pleasant- ries of house-moving — Description of the new home — Sj.eaka for P. A. Burdick at Syiacuse, N.Y. — Downfall of a prosper- ous business man — Work among the children — A telling stoty of one man's reformation — The saloon in poetry. '* All things work together for good to them that love the Lord." *M S this will be a most interesting chapter for me to ■^ write, I have selected the above heading from choice, because it so plainly speaks of my new life. Though the struggle for manhood in the first j-ear and six months was hard, yet with the help of God I was able to over- come all obstacles in my way, and you will see by reading this chapter how the Lord takes care of those who are willing. My whole career up to this chapter has been one of al- most unmitigated woe ; with the exception of my child- hood, and some three months of my new life, my whole life has been one of unceasing, perpetual struggle, and not until the time when I began life in that part of the year when the things occurred that I si i all describe in this chap- ter did the bright aspect of the rea^ life dawn upon me. When we put all trust in God we will succeed. In Psalm xci., 4, we read : " He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust : his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." Truly can I say that he had covered us as a family up to the beginning of this chap- ter, and had caused our " cup to run over with good." January 24th, 1887, was a mild day. Closing my cam- paign at Nunda, I arrived at Rochester at 10.20 a.m.,and after consulting with my faithful partner in life, we de- cided to take the 2.25 p.m. train for Holly, New York, and look for a home that we might buy, and settle down 140 Buys a ffome at Clarendon. 141 in it for life. After considerable looking about, and not finding what we were looking for, we conceived the idea of getting a livery team, and drive over to see our friends, Mr. and Mrs. Carver, who lived about seven miles from Holly. On our way over we had to pass the romantic little village named Clarendon. Clarendon has about 450 population, has two churches, one the M. E. Church, and the other a Universalist. It has a grand school, also several stores, also a flouring mill, saw mill, and planing mill. Just the kind of country place where one can re- ceive the fresh air which is pure. Clarendon has, besides these different places named, a grand temperance camp meeting for ten days every August. This camp is under the able management of Herbert S. Copeland, a sou of the pioneer, George M. Copeland. Stopping on our way at the store, we uiought we should like to live here. This plan was heartily entered into by Herbert Copeland, wlio at once accompanied us to several places that were for sale, but none were to our liking, until we came to a beautiful little home on Town-Hall-street. This place had live large cherry trees along the front on the street, with some other fruit. No sooner did we see the place when, as with one breath, both wife and myself said this is the place for us. On entering we were received with a liearty good- day by the lady, who was introduced to us as Mrs. Jonas Shaw. Mr. Shaw coming in, we made our object known to him. He said yes, it was for sale. Having learned the price, I at once, without any further hesitation, hand- ed him $20 to bind the bargain, he to vacate the place so that I could take possession of the same by the 1st of April, he to receive $180 more on that date. Both agreed to forfeit $100 if one or the other failed to comply with the above. Now we started for friend Carver. Next day we went buck to Rochester; the children seemed to go wild over the idea that they were to have a home from which they would not be driven. When I handed the $'10 to Mi*. Shaw, 1 felt that it was much better for me to do this 142 The House-moving Days. 'Ml :!''W"' Hi ■ s ; ! V r^-^ ^ liU lu,^ U >: V than to pay $20 to some one for whiskey. Why I grew six inches taller, but since then I have settled back to my former hei/^ht. Now all was anticipation, and the time from the 24th of January seemed a long way off for the children, but to me it came soon enough. I had not figured what it would cost until we were settled in the permanent home. As the time came I found I needed more money than I possessed, and where to get it from I did not know, but here the words, " All things work together for good to them that love the Lord," were proven, for a friend named James Wiltsie came to my rescue and helped me. The first time we moved we were able to pack things together in a very short time, but since then things had accumulated, and now it took a man six nights to box and pack them so that they would be safe for shipping by rail, and the house was " turned upside down." These are trying times for men — the days of house-moving. But the Ruler of all things above came again to my rescue and I was called away to lecture while the packing, moving and unpacking was going on. So I left home in Rochester and went to Clarendon and was there greeted with a welcome by my family that was II royal one, and truly all were liapj)y. This moving and packing had to be accomplished under the supervision of Mrs. Hess, and she did it well. Well, the next thing we had to have was a horse and a buggy. One day going to Holly I bought a democrat — I don't mean a political democrat — and yet during my life, at one time or another, I have bought many a Democrat to vote as I dictated. This was a democrat waggon, or, in other words, it was a canopy top waggon, perhaps you will better understand me when I call it a light spring waggon. The next work was to stretch the Brussels carpets. Just think — a fine Brussels carpet on the floor of my parlor and gold paper on the walls .and on the ceiling, with some extra fixing round called border, then a crown in the centre from which a hanging lamp is suspended to give light to all Talks for P. A. Bavdick. 143 who are in the house. All this was new to us. Wife often complains that I tramp so heavy as I walk across the floor, yet when it came to carpet-stretching I became a useful article. Stretch the carpet 1 why if I put my little tiny feet on that carpet it commenced to stretch like a rubber strap. That's what you get for being heavy. After^the carpet had been laid the room looked very nice, then we moved the piano. Say, drink ing-man, there was a time when I used to buy those playthings for the saloon- keeper's home, and mine was without one, now when I get home I sit myself down while my little daughter softly glides over them dar, shiney keys they calls them, and oh how she makes them fingers fly just like there was no bone in dat hand, and she goes tra la la, tra la la la, and den dat makes mine feet go so funny, and den I pulls mine mouth so and so, and I feels just like I was in heaven. Now, when I was drinking, I could plainly hear the piano send forth its sweetest tunes from the parlors of the homes of the men who sell liquor to their fellow- men ; but things have changed, and soft and melodious sounds come from the parlor window of my home. " Home, Sweet Home," how pleasant it sounds. One of the amusing features of my present home life is, that the saloon-keeper sometimes drives out and we meet each other. He drives a fine horse, so do I. One morning the mail brought me a letter; breaking the seal I saw it came from Syracuse, from my kind and noble benefactor, P. A. Burdick. I went to that city to speak for him. Had the Alhambra rink jammed with people. On my re- turn from Syracuse I bought a set of fine parlor furniture from Mr. Wippel, then went to Clarendon. Up to this time I had been a member, with my family, of the Bap- tist Church ; no such denomination existing in our town we concluded we would all become members of the M. E. Church, therefore on the 24th day of April we joined the church in Clarendon. I praise His name that all my . children have given their hearts to God. Being spring- w^ Wi r: i;i)(i 144 " Talking, lazy work" time I now worked in the garden, which needed a clean- ing up ; how pleasant it is when you can go to the garden and get your greens and have them nice and fresh. While lecturing in the town of P., in Western New York, an incident occurred which I think should be given here. Usuallj'^ when j'^ou go into a town you will hear some simple minded person say : " What is lecturing ? that's no work." While in the town of P., such a simpleton threw out that he could do just as well as Joe Hess, if he had only a chance he would show that he was right. The next day this man called on me and made his wishes known to me. T agreed to give him thirty minutes of my time next evening. This I made known from the pulpit that Mr. would speak on the morrow even- ing. We had an increase of audience. After introducing the man he jumped up, but when he faced the audience he was speechless ; his speech had entirely left him. As he stood there amidst the roars of laughter I took pity and told him to sit down, he not only sat down but grab- bed his hat and left the liall by the rear door, and for two days we did not see him; on the third day he returned. Said he to me, " Let me say just a few words," but I could not induce him to get up on the platform. As he arose he brought forth a scrap of paper on which were written these words, " Good friends, — I was bitterly opposed to otir Brother Hess on his arrival ; I had been satisfied that I could do the same as he, and made mv claim that he is too lazy to work. Mr. Hess gave me an opportunity to speak, I was confident that I could do it without any trouble, but I failed. I now am satisfied that Bro. Hess I3 working hard, and I, with the help of God, shall help him to work, therefore I subscribe my name to his pledge." He signed it, became a useful member of society once again, and is to-day a worker in the vineyard of the Master. It is wonderful how the Lord works. Surely His way is a mysterious one. Monday, May 16th, 1887, 1 took out an insurance policy J-'. Children suffering through Drink 145 in the Good Templars' Insurance. On the same day I went to Mr. Mose Goodman and bought a lady's watch for my wife, as a present, which she appreciated much. Say, drinking man, how much better for me to buy a watch for my wife than to help to pay for one that the saloon-keeper bought for his wife. While holding meetings in the town of Livonia, a man came to me one day wrapt in tears. This man was a prosperous business man at one time. He also was a first- class boot and shoe maker. Said he to me : " Mr. Hess, 1 have listened to you last night and this morning ; some- thing, whatever it is, compels me to come and show a liv- ing witness of the power of whiskey to destroy the body, not only that, but the soul also. Here you have two powerful illustrations. You represent the power of the Gospel to save men from their evil ways, while I repre- sent the power of the liquor traffic to take men of purity and drag them down to ruin; God help us. With this he roared aloud ; his roar was that of a maniag. In due time I talked to him, and he became more easy ; he promised he would come to the hall and sign the pledge. The hall being crowded, I looked in vain for the man. Not being able to discover him, I gave it up and was feeling sad, when my ears were greeted with, " I am here, Mr. Hess." Looking to the right of the hall I beheld the man, and now I was satisfied. At the close of the meeting this man was the first to sign, and the last I heard from him he was safe and happy with his family. Oftentimes I am asked what is the most pitiful sight I ever saw. Why the people ask me that, I don't know, and why people like to listen to sorrowful tales I cannot understand. The most pitiful sight that comes to my eyes is the child of a drunkard, and I can best answer this question in the lan- guage taken from John B. Gough's history. After being asked this same question, he answered : " The most piti- ful sight he has seen was * An old child,' a child with wrinkles in its face, that is not yet in its teens, a child I 14C Children suffering through Drink. i-fj: Is 1; made old by hard usage, whose brow is furrowed by the ploughshare of sorrow ; that," said John B. Gough, " was one ot the most pitiful sights on earth." To this I say Amen. Most people underrate the capacity of a child to suffer, as they do often their ability to understand. Many a little one has wept hot, scalding tears at the knowledge of being the child of a drunkard. To show this is so, I will here reproduce an incident from John B. Gough's book. " One time while he, Gough, was driven from Hartford to a village where he was to lecture, the man who came to bring him had a line span of horses, and quite a stylish vehicle. ' Ah ! ' said he to me when we had fairly started on the road, ' Ah ! if you had seen me eight years ago, when I was carted out of Wellington, you'd have thought I was a hard case. Everything I pos- sessed in the world on a one-horse cart — wife and chil- dren, furniture — what there was of it on a one-horse cart. A man lent me the team to get me out of the place, and such a horse ! you couldn't see his head move more than half the time ; I knew he had a head 'cause when I'd pull the rein he'd kind of come round, and so slow, why the only effect of leathering him was to make him go sideways, but not a bit faster. Now I am driving you to my native town with a span of horses. They're mine, I own this team ; that off-horse is a good traveller (g'lang ! — I'm in a hurry). Why eight years ago I was carted out, and now I'm driving you there with my own team, for a tem- perance lecture (get up ! g'lang). My father lives there yet, and my old mother that has prayed for me so many years (get up ! g'lang ! I'm in a hurry). It is the hap- piest day of my life. My wife's people live there too. They never spoke to me for years before I signed the pledge, and I have a letter in my pocket inviting me to bring you to their house. G'lang ! ' he shouted, and we span along the road at the rate of twelve miles an hour. Slack- ening the speed, he turned to me and said : * I look like a brute ; everybody said I was a brute ; but I am not a ri "Don't heat me, Father.'* 147 brute.' No, certainly not, I replied. * Well, I'm not a brute ; and yet — well I'll tell you. I came home one day irritated with drink, ready to vent my anger on anything, ^y hoy, about ten years old, came to the door, and as soon as he saw me he darted off, Dick, come here, come here. When he came his face was bloody and bruised, his lip cut, and one eye swollen. What have you been doin^, Dick ? I've been fighting. I had no objection to the boys fighting ; but I asked : What have you been fighting for ? He said : don't ask me, father ; I don't want to tell you. Tell me what you have been fighting for. I don't want to. Full of rage, I caught him by the collar of his little jacket, and roared out : now, tell me what you have been fighting for, or I will cut the life out of you. Oh, father ! he cried out, piteously, don't beat me, father, don't beat me. Tell me what you've been fighting for, then. Oh ! I don't want to ; I struck him with my fist on the side of the head. Now, tell me what you've been fighting for. Oh ! father, father, don't beat me. I will tell you. Well, then, be quick. Wiping the blood and tears from his poor, swelled face with the back of his hand, he said : There was a boy out there told me my father was a poor old drunkard, and I licked him, and if he tells me that again, I will lick him again. Oh ! Mr. Gough, what could I say. My boy, ten years of age, fighting for his father's reputation. I tell you that liked to kill me. How I loved that boy, that noble boy. I could almost have Worshipped him. But oh, oh, the drink, the cursed drink —my love for that was strong- er than my love for my child.' " This proves how even the little ones suflTer. May God help these little ones, and inspire friends of humanity to reach out a helping hand to these despairing, but inno- cent victims of this horrible vice of drunkenness. As I go from place to place, I am more impressed with the importance of the work of training children in the principles of temperance. If we neglect the teaching of 'l! ^. 148 Work among the Children. %%\\ % the children, we will lose the hold on the general public mind. Every night's rest advances the little ones to- wards manhood or blooming womanhood, and it is these then that will rule or govern society. The power for good or evil is yearly increasing. What must be done is to start the little ones right, and no man of mind will say total abstinence is not right. Total abstinence is a sale tling, while drinking strong diink is a risk of all good qualities that men possess. Is this a fact ? then come and extend a hand to the children, make them strong that they may in their homes influence their parents t take a bold stand. Talk about the children not knowing what they do when they sign. I can speak from experi ence, that about seventy per cent, of the young people who have signed the pledge some four years ago have kept it, and may keep it all their days. You take a boy who will sign to himself the freedom that this country assures him when he is fifteen years and keep it, by the time he be- comes a citizen, the conununity will have before them, not the production of the grog shop, but of the tem- perance room. Take two young men, placed alongside of each other, of the same age, of the same temperament, and it will be shown which will be the best po.sitive evidence as to the power of the promotion of man- kind by these separate institutions ; the young man coming from the saloon will show the marks of dissipa- tion in his face, in his walk, and his speech. Look at th( bleared eyes, the bloated face, the shivering loj-m dressec in ragged attire, his pockets empty; see him looking at a free lodging room, see him stretched out on the hard boards, this is the production of the saloon. Now turn and look up at the young man who came from the temperancee room, how different these young men. The temperance boy has a bright and intelligent eye, his flesh is clean, he stands erect,his clothes are of the best material, of the latest cut,his attire is that of true manhood,his pockets contain money honestly earned with which he will pay his i,;-;lii Another old, old Story. 149 way. Which of the two do you think, reader, would bo the most valuable to the country, to which one would you give the hand of your only child, a daughter? You would hand her to the sober young man. You investigate, and you will find young boys who had joined the army of temper- ance boys fifteen years ago are to-day steadfast and hold- ing to their principles. One day while a cart was driv- ing up one of the principal streets loaded with whiskey- barrels, one rolled out and a bystander cried aloud, "what a pity that that liquor is spilled." " Oh," shouted a little boy, " it's no pity, it had better be on God's earth than in God's image." While 1 was laboring at Bath, N.Y, to which I was called by Rev. Brother Bell, the Pastor of the M. E. Church — a regular war-horse is Brother Bell ; I wish we had more ministers like a Bell that would keep on tolling the year round, and make the church welcome the sinner. While there, a lady came to me and told me her sad tale. It was the old story, the bread-winner of that family was behind the prison gates, in jail. I learned from her story, which was delivered to me in broken sentences, the tears trickling slowly but surely down her pale cheeks, that he was a kind husband and a loving father when not in liquor. The charge preferred against him was drunk and disorderly, fine SI . 5.00. I went to the clerk and. found that his sentence would expire in two weeks. I paid the fine and went to the jail and demanded the prisoner ; he was delivered into my hands, and then, when on the street, I told him who I was. He seemed so overcome with joy that he could not find words to express himself. I took him to his family, and oh, such a sight, really it did my heart good to see how happy they were. " Surely it is more blessed to give than to receive." I gave the mother of this home not money, but gave her back the husband who had been detained from her side by force — through, the agent of drink. This man came to the meet- ings, and by last account, he is steadfast. God bless him more abundantly. IT 160 Tfie Works of the Saloon. The works of the saloon can best be shown by the following words in rhyme : His house from others you can tell, Its doors are wide — the gates of hell ; A cask, red curtains, all are shown As signals of the work that's done. /A- Now enter in, — oh, horrible ! The hra, the smoke, the sulphur smell, The barrels, bottles, glasses too, Brimful of hell's black mountain dew. Men, boys, black, white do mingle there, They sing, they fight, they howl, they swear. Some sit, some lie, some stupid stand, They reel and toss on every hand. Some few in frantic madness roar, Some loud beneath the tables snore ; Most strange to some these things have seemed, But 'tis the effect of being "steamed." What are prisons, poorhouses, orphan and insane asy- lums but storehouses for the drunkard makers' manufac- tured goods ? Some years ago a Mr. A. Champion and a person still living paid Mr. S. Chipman, $1,200 for one year's labor in visiting those institutions in the different counties in the State of New York, getting certificates from each, sh owing that from two-thirds to three-fourths of the county taxes were caused by intoxicants. God give us courage to battle this foe and wipe it from the face of the earth that little ones shall have sunshine and happiness. CHAPTER XIV. - ^ I" Half-hearted Christians — An intereilting campaign in Lockport — Talking temperance for money — First and last experience as an orator — Syracuse by gas-lij^ht — Experience as a camp man- ager — Telling incidents — Hess' secret of success — First appear- ance at Grand Lodge I. O. G. T. — The high-license agitation in New York State. ** We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain." — II Corinthians vi., 1. MOW I wi.sh that all who profess to be workers would adopt this text, and have unity in their ranks. The cause of Christ would receive a great impetus. The Christian who dare not take a bold front on the side of sobriety ought to read the 16th verse of the above chap- ter every day, wherein is asked the question, " And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living God ; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." This, then, is the answer to the Christians who are afraid to identify themselves with this branch of work. If God would dwell in them, they would not be full of man-fear. If God were in them, they would be filled with the spirit, and they would be up and doing the Master's work. They would become the people of the Lord. Their light would shine before men ; by this act they would glorify their Father who is in heaven. The Father's command to His children is written in the II. Corinthians, vi., 17, which reads as follows : " Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you." How I wish I could write on these pages, white anu fair, that there is not one of God's children on earth 161 St he III ll'i ! m t 152 Meetings at Lockport, N. Y. who would be guilty of touching the unclean thing of in- toxicants. What a change there would be in a short time, what a reform would be brought about ; but as long as eight-tenths of the people who are members of churches are using the dark beverages of hell in a moderate way, so long we will have to battle this mighty foe. June 1st, 1 887. — I was called to speak for ten days in one of the western cities of New York State. This city wac Lockport, a driving place; it is well known for the many " canal locks " it possesses. Upper Lockport is the most intellectual, while the lower part of the city is com- posed largely of the laboi ing class. This city is cursed with strong drink. The first of the series ot meetings was held in the lower part of the city ; the audience was a small one, but what it lacked in quantity it made up in quality. Lockport has many noble defenders of the tem- perance cause. Of many I might write. I will here re- fer to one only, John Crampton, a man with one arm, a irue knight of the cause. Brother Crampton is a loyal Good Templar, and a man who is not afraid what the public will say, because the principle he advocates is a God-given principle. In this city I also met for the first time Rev. C. H. St. John and wife, from Kansas, both de- voted Christian temperance workers. When I said I met these people for the first time, I mean personally, for I had seen them both in Denver when I was keeping saloon, and they were opposed to my business, conse- quently I was oj)posed to their method of work. So far only was I in sympathy with them. As long as they would try and convert the drunken vagabond, who so often, to u«^e the language of one of the presidents of the Brewery -men's Congress of the United States, " Proves a pest to the well-regulated tavern." But how different was our meeting now in the city, both working on the same side of the fence. These good p iople held forth under the tent, while I had the large rink. The rink was crowd- ed nightly, so was the tent, during my stay in the city. W \i ■ " Talking Temperance for Money." 153 June 4th, the Sunday school of that district had a con- vention at Rogers' Grove. Short addresses were delivered by Rev. St. John, Mrs. Stout, Rev. Ferbish and your humble servant. As I faced this grand audience com- posed mostly of the rising generation, I scarcely found my speech as these little ones were all dressed in white, and trimmed with red and blue. I thought of the mil- lions who were yet without the necessary clothing to come to such feasts, because the father spent his earnings for drink. At this place, after I had done speaking, a gentle- man grasped me by the hand, saying, " Well Joe, you did well ; " for a moment I could not place him, after a mo- ment of reflection I knew him. He was one of the " Ten- brook " boys who kept a saloon a little over a year prior to this occurrence. 1 drank at his bar. He said " Stick to it, Joe, it was the best act you ever did in your life." Much good was accomplished, many hard drinkers signed during the time, while I am very sorry to say that many have violated their obligation ; yet I can count about fifty of the old soakers that have kept steadfast, and to-day are respectable members of society. Many times I hear the statement that I do the work for money ; for argument's sake 1 will say, I do make speeches for money. Take into consideration how much is a man's soul valued at — $1.00 or .^1,000, or can a soul be bought with money ? There is only one price for which a soul can be bought, or has been bought. That price Jesus paid on the tree. Let us compare the temperance question as a matter of bu.siness. Then let me ask the question, does any man work without getting pay ? Does any man sell goods simply for the glory ? No man preaches the great Gospel truth without getting money for it ? The manufacturer of the Devil's strong drink does it for money. Why ? Because we need the money to produce the necessaries of life. We don't seem to mind when we lay down 503., 75c., or $1, for a thea- trical entertainment which does not seek to elevate men. ,1« m U- k III »; t.-T i'' 164 Laughable Experience as an Orator. On the contrary, it only brings about a desire in the mind of inexperienced youth to become a theatrical man. Yet these same people will not pay 5c. towards sustain- ing temperance meetings. For instance, during my life of nearly five years' lecturing 1 can distinctly recall two weeks of hard work, alternoon and evening, when at the closing meeting, which was a big success, as well as other meetings, a collection was taken up for the speakers. When the plates were returned I was handed the astound- ing sum of S8.76 for two weeks' hard work, yet I have to meet all these accusations, " You are talking tempe- rance for the money there is in it." As we live not far from the banks of Ontario's lake, and every one seems to know me in that section, I can draw a great crowd at any time. With this knowledge the proprietors of the hotels at Troutburg were possessed. Arrangements were made that they would celebrate the fourth of the month with a jubilee, and I was expected to make the grand oration. My ideas as to what an ora- tion should be were lofty and high. I could see visions of all sorts, and when I beheld the great flaming posters of the great celebration that was to take place at Trout- burg, on the same grounds where a year previous the Baker and Slattery prize-fight occurred, and Joe Hess, the converted fighter, was to be the orator of the day, I grew an inch every time. I used to walk away from the places where I thought I might find or see the bill posted. My reason for this was, I was afraid 1 would grow too tall. The height of my vanity was reached and complete when I received a card by mail on which the word " orator " occurred. Having an idea of what an orator ought to be, I asked my wife to sit on the sofa and listen. This she did three times, then she thought she had all she wanted. The day came, when in company of my friend and Bro. R. H. Carver, we drove to the place. Thousands of people had gathered, and the hour having arrived, I was introduced and received with a hearty cheer. AH Syracuse hy Oaa-light. 166 the people before me knew how hard I was struggling for my manhood. I began, when the applause ceased, by speaking some words that I had read somewhere, which ran as follows : " One hundred years ago the ground upon which I stand was a howling wilderness," but I could not go farther. " One hundred years ago this very ground upon which I stand was a howling wilderness." Stop again. "One hundred years ago this ground upon which I stand was a howling wilderness," but I stop again, say- ing, I wish to God it was yet. At this timely moment the Lord sent down the rain, and the audience dispersed, and I thanked God. After this great masterpiece of oratorical powers, I had no time to stay any longer, and started for home. In the evening we had a splendid time. Surrounded by many of my new-found friends, we gave a small display of fireworks, which was enjoyed by all. After that we sat down to ice-cream and lemonade, and cake. In this wise we spent the fourth of July, the birthday of American liberty. While in years previous I was drunken, and the family suffering, we now all enjoyed each other's company, and I went to bed sober. July 21st. — Received a call from Syracuse ; found on my arrival Bro. F. Blake, who conducted me to his home ; spoke at the Alhambra Rink in the evening to a large gathering. After the meeting the committee desired that I should show them aome of the holes in the city. My companions were the Rev. Bruce, Prof. Meads, Mr. Greg, and Bro. Blake. The gentlemen were astonished at the doings carried on inside these licensed places. Some of these places had rear doors, where could be found young girls not over fourteen or fifteen years old, with the marks of dissipation stamped upon every line of their features. Yet these men know that they violate the law by tolerating such a thing. At the same time they know that they are a power in politics, therefore they will not !!, ! h'.'i I'V ,,;, s 'ifS 156 Some Rough Lecture Experience. be prosecuted by the law-makers and the law-protectors. At another place was seen the disgraceful sight of drunken women and men dancing, as they call it, to the tune of a three-string fiddle. Many other things they learned that night that they never knew before. The next day being Sabbath, the Alhambra was packed to suffocation. Many signed the pledge. The next day, July 24;th, there could be seen multitudes of people going to the Lakeside to take part in the celebration of the Leiderkranz Society On the morning of the 25th, the Syracuse Standard had the following as a heading in one of their columns, which I here reproduce : — SCENES ON THE LAKESIDE. THOUSANDS SPENT THE DAY WITH THE LIEDERKRANZ SOCIETY. Joe Hess, the l^emperance Orator, distributes tracts. "The Liederkranz Society went to the pleasant beach in two boats, leaving at 9.30 and 10 o'clock in the morning, and the throngs followed them all day. Col. E. S. Jen- ney was there, and so was Poundmaster Abe. Lincoln. Prof. Joe Hess, the temperance lecturer and ex-pugilist, was there, in company with Prof. C. P. Meads, the writing- master. Many in the crowd were talked to by the couple, and invitations were distributed to attend the temper ance lecture, at the Alhambra, in the evening." The above was meant to hurt my influence and cast a slur upon me. When, at the time these disgraceful scenes were being perpetrated at the Lakeside, I was talking to 2,000 people at the Alhambra, lany a good man has had his influence for good destroyed by the secular press pub- lishing a slander and untruth. Tuesday, July 26th. — I started to join the Stuben County Prohibition Tent, which was in the hands of Wellford S. Bailey, another reformed man. On my way Bro. Mumford "Moves on." 157 I had to pass through Addison, on the Erie road, where I met James Baldwin, a great prohibitionist. He was a banker in Addison and spent much money to have the town grant no license which, to the surprise of all, gained the victory. And now the fall election coming on, he was the prime mover in the tent campaign. Bailey having to go home, I was to take his place in speaking. Baldwin sent me on to Canistota on the same train, there I took the stage for Rexville. On my arrival I was greeted by Brother Mumford, a small man. The evening audience was a good one, but in this case it was a Catholic element and all Irish at that, and the priest beini^ absent and no Protestant living there, the rabble had full sway. The place contained three rum holes ; you could easily see how hard it would be to talk prohibition. The next afternoon's meeting was a good one, but for an unwise expression of Brother Mumford. It seems the barkeeper of one of the saloons was in the meeting, when he arose and started out, Mumford seeing this said, " You need not go out if the load is too heavy. If you wait till I finish I wi'l help you to carry it out." It seems this message was brought to the ears of the man, and he came over and asked me who was the man that spoke last. I pointed to Mumford, and the first thing I knew, these two had a battle of words which were very unpleasant to my ears. Mumford finally appealed to me. I simply told the man that I did not come here to fight any man's battle, but if he, the barkeeper, would lay hands on the man before him I would certainly have to interfere. He was quieted down and went away. Mumford not being satisfied had to go over to the corner and begin the same thing. During this time the cook went to the store to buy butter, and after having paid for it, the ke3per of the store said, " I hope it will stink before you bring it to the camp." He then went to the butcher ; after paying for the meat he, the butcher, said, " I wish the meat would be rotten before you cook it." Night came and the peg- w ^M^WW 158 ;1 , I : I i! ' l''m 1 ,'3 ' ■ Ir '11 Mi^n Telli/ng IncidAnta. pie were stopped on the road to the tent by the mob that had gathered, consequently our meeting was a slim one. During the time of speaking they threw stones into the camp, destroying the meeting. I saw that we wore in for it, consequently I ordered the canvas to be tied up all round so that I would be able to see, but this the boys thousfht would be an unwise thing. All of a sudden, bunches of fire-crackers were fired into the tent, and re- volvers ivere freely used. On looking for my boys, I found they had tied and left me in charge. I was able to quiet the mob, and after peace had set in I looked for the boys, when I found them in a hay-loft. I said, " Now Mumford, you started this racket, you are the boss, what are you going to do ?" He said, " We will move to the next place." So at 4 a.m. we left Rexville. Walking ahead of the teams was Brother Mumford with a white plug hat, and his coat-collar standing up, a big stick in his hand, and alonf; with him was the leader of the sinnfins He was a great man, he played six instruments at one time, but only one thing he lacked in them all, that was curd and tune. So while they were walking ahead I could not help remembering what I had read in the Bible where Moses led the children of Israel out of the wilder- ness. Said I to the driver, " What do these men put you in mind of ? " He said he did not know, so I said, " Moses and Aaron." He laughed and said, that was so. Our next move was to Greenwood, N.Y. We soon had the tent ])itched, thinking we might have a day's rest, but this was not to be our luck, for in the evening they com- menced to pile into the tent, and I was compelled to get up and go at them, which I did in grand style. Next afternoon Brother Bailey arrived, and he gave me a cor- dial shake of the hand. On Sunday morning the Metho- dist pastor gave up his service and we all united in the tent an 1 had a wonderful time, the love feast was indeed a feast. At 11 o'clock your humble servant talked from the 20th chapter of Proverbs 1st verse. In the afternoon W. His Secret of Success. 169 James Baldwin, the banker from Ad *i i It 'I tion to this delusion. The first discovery that I made was that all people were not observing me ; the second discovery was that trying to play a role to which I was not accustomed would not help me, for the world was not blind, and would estimate me at my just value. When I had made this discovery, I was perfectly cured, and by the help of God I decided that I must be natural, and let the world select my place in it. From this time on I became a success, As I grow older in the work, I look back to my first starting out, when I thought I would turn this world in a few years on the question of prohibition, and laugh that I was so wise, August 8th, 1887. — Our great temperance camp meet- ing opened. The speakers of the day were Harry Gur- ney, Rev. C. H. St. John and wife. Prof. C. Price, of North Carolina, a Negro, but a very fine speaker ; the second day, Col. Richardson ; the third, the Gough of the West, as he is termed, Lou. J. Beauehamp, a very pleasant talker ; the fourth day, M. C. McConnell, from Ohio ; and the fifth day, a treat that will live in the minds of the people for many years to come, the Hon. John B. Finch. For logic I never heard his equal. This camp meeting was a rich treat to me. Here's where I met these leading speakers for the first time, and much en- couragement did I receive from them to go on. My next exploit was to take my family to Hemlock Lake, where I had undertaken to run a camp. I, like manj'' more, have always thought that the managers of these temperance camps make lots of money. Those who speak so have never had any experience in camp meet- ings. The first thing, you have to lay out for printing large posters from $15 to $25, then from $5 to $10 in having them put up around the country. Next come the different helps, such as watchmen, hostlers, ticket sellers, speakers, musicians, and singers, and you know the woods are full of singers. But there is only one trouble with 'em, the}"^ arc always on the " fly." Next comes th^ I ers, the jble the JOSEPH F. HESS. '■1 ! i 1 MTOJ 1 , i i ■i! m 1 i 1! iJ A Strong Woman's- Right er. 161 man from whom you rent. All these, I suppose, people think live on wind, but I know different ; they all want their money. Again there are the speakers who come from a lon<^ distance. You know a prophet is best known out of his own camp or country. These men all cost from $25 to S30 each and expcMses, and to collect these dol- lars by ten or fifteen cents admission is rather slow work. Count the rainy days that the manager must lose ; when the speaker is on the ground, rain or shine, he has to have his pay. If it is not taken in at the door, the man- ager has to put his hand in his trow.ser pocket and pull out and settle. My camp meetings were a perfect success, to take out of my pocket SI 72 in eight da3'8, but this was money well invested, as I never again said these men coin money. August 24th, 1887. — I attended the Grand Lodge Ses- sion of the Independent Order of Goo<^ Templars, which was convened in the New Opera House, in Rochester. I was called on to speak, and introduced by my friend and brother, Mr. Martin Jones. This was my first attend- ance at the Grand Lodge, and to me it was a grand thing. I received renewed inspiration. August 25tli, 1S87. — I was sent as a delegate for Mon- roe County, N.Y., to represent W. J. Osborne's seat at the Prohibition Convention at Syracuse, N.Y. This will al- ways be a proud day in my life. August 26th, 2 p.m. — All fell into line at the Empire House, and headed by the Prohibition band composed of young men. I was chosen as captain, and with banners waving and mottoes, " The saloon has got to go." It was tlie proudest moment of my life, ast'ns was the first time I hpd ever marched in the ranks of the Prohibitionists. Over 1,000 delegates were in line. Arriving at the Al- hambra, and business resumed, the platform that the committee presented was discussed. The sixth plank was, that we stand as a party for Woman Suffrage. This caused a hot debate, and after being recognized by the ! 162 Prohibition Meetings. IC '« - t chair, I moved that the sixth plank be adopted in full as written, which was seconded by a hundred voices, and being put to a vote it was carried amidst a thunder of applause. Mrs. Mary T. Lathrop was then called upon and addressed the convention in a neat speech, thanking them for the action they had taken. This was a day which will live in history. September 8th, again a delegate to County Convention of Good Templars of Orleans county. September 10th, I had a very pleasant talk with Mark Foster, the hotel-keeper, of our town, who said he would go out of the business if the storekeepers would give up selling tobacco and the temperance people give him a small fund. This, I thought, was easy to do, because the temperance people would comply at once with this re- quest, but I figured wrong, therefore we retained the hotel. The 11th September 1 started away and came home October 10th. Spoke every night while away. October 31st, 1887, I gave my first of ten free services in behalf of the Prohibition party. My companion in this meeting was the nominee for Senator, Mr. Cook. The first meeting was held at Kenoville, next at Lyndenville, Barry Centre, and at each point we were greeted by large audiences. Friday, Nov. 4th, the Academy at Auburn, N. Y., was crowded, both pit and gallery. I spoke of the feasibility of high license. While I was holding forth there Hon. Warner Miller was at the Rink talking. He said that high license was the right thing to deal with the liquor traftic ; both meetings were a success. As this was a year of hot discussion on the worth of high license, all sorts of arguments were used in our State for the saloon. It is not often that the liquor dealer can be got into the position of defending his business in the arena of pub- lic debate ; the position is not an easy one, and the dis- pensers of ardent drink are not as a rule fitted by nature Grog-seller a' Arguments. 163 or training to the employment of even the ordinary weapons of logic, much less to the use of those subtle and crafty sophisms which become necessary in an attem[)t to defend an indefensible business. With " arixuments " of a purely physical sort, the averago grog-dealer is fully ec^uipped, and in the use of these his skill and power are unsurpassed. No one can swing a club, or thrust a knife, or use a torch or a pistol more neatly and effec- tively than he when occasion requires. The case of Haddock, at Sioux City, and more recent events at High- land Falls, N.Y. ; Ottawa, Canada; Cochranton, Pennsyl- vania, and Howland, Mich., may be cited as proof of this fact. When it comes to such fine work as poisoning a well, shooting a preacher, blowing up a church or a parsonage, or burning a village, the grog-seller is at once on familiar ground. He can run a caucus, pack a conven- tion, manage affairs at the polls, or even carry a bill through the legislature in the most approved fashion. In the arts of bribery and perjury he is an adept, and no one can excel him in getting off easy in a court of justice. In all such doings the grog-seller U the superior of any man. It is only when he condescends to speak for him- self, on the public platform, to wrestle with logical and moral problems, that he cuts a slim figure, yet now and then emergencies arise which compel the representatives of the saloon to adopt the ordinary and milder forms of argument, and come out openly in defence of the business. Recent events in the State of New York have brought them to this embarrassing situation. Failing to defeat tlie high license bill by the usual methods during its pas- sage through the legislature, they have been compelled to oppose it in the open field of public discussion. The friends of the temperance cause as well as those who are the friends of the liquor devil made their appearance before Governor Hill and argued the case. The champions of the saloon were heard first. Three men appeared on the saloon side, and the substance of their arguments was as follows ; -'VTi't i«a— ip I 164 Tlie High License Fight in Neiv Yorh. One said, " I represent the four associations of liquor dealers of Brooklyn. Our opposition to the bill is that it is a local .and special measure, and we sa}'^ it has been put through the legislature in opposition to the wishes of the people affected. Only three Assemblymer in New York voted for this bill. There are at present 3,000 saloons in Brooklyn. We calculated that only four out of five would be able to pay the J?1,0()0 license fee. One out of five would be forced out of business. The owners of these saloons would have to sell their fixtures and good will. We calculate the loss of these men would be $3,000,000; they would be tiirown out of business with- out compensation from the State. This bill strikes the hardest at the middle-class liquor dealers. We say that drunkenness and disorder are ay repulsive to liquor deal- ers as lO any one else. We claim that the middle class of liquor-dealers are the great conservators of order. We claim that the principle of this bill is wrong, as it takes away from the poor man the right of the temperate use of alcoholic liquors. The cheerlessness of their lives makes liquor peculiarly gratifying to poor men. They are not more prone to drunkenness than rich men. This tax will not be imposed upon the licpior dealers, but upon the men who buy liquor in the saloons ; it will be felt onerously by the poor," The next champion who appeared said he was a repre- sentative of the Maltsters' and Brewers' Association : " We object to the bill because it is not needed, because it is unjust, and because it will not diminish liquor sell- ing. In the second place, the law will not reduce the number of saloons. We deny also that it worJd reduce drunkenness. Thirdly, the bill is unjust. It would re- duce the number of saloons indiscriminately, whether they were respectably conducted or not. The conscien- tious liquor dealer will not evade the law ; the disrepu- table will do so. The law will drive out of the business the moral liquor dealers who are content with small The Liqtior- sellers* Position. 165 liquor is that as been ishes of in New t 3,000 'our out e. One owners res and roulil be ss with- ikes the say that lor deal- die class ler. We it takes irate use eir lives They n. This i)ut upon 11 be felt ; a reprc- tion : , because \uov sell- (luc»3 the (1 reduce .vould re- wh ether conacien- 5 disrepu- 1 business ith small profits and who will not seek to make large gains by getting men drunk." It is not necessary for me to enter into any elaborate refutation of these objections to high license. All I need do is to set the reasoning of the second speaker over against the first, and they will demolish each other. The only point to which I wish to draw attention is the rea- soning in behalf of the poor man. I was not permitted to be present wiien this liquor vendor made this pathetic appeal in behalf of the poor man. But I am sure the touching picture of the poor thirsty and saloonless man must have drawn tears from the eyes of many present, and the one most affected must have been the lit^uor seller. See how he pulls out his snow-white handkerchief to wipe away the glistening tear. Then to the remark made that liquor dealers are the great conservators of order. This point and the poor man were the only striking argu- ment. The most crushing blow dealt the High License Bill was a circular sent out by the Wine and Liquor As- sociation. I will give the language in full : " Friends en- gaged in our honest business The time now shows how necessary it is for us to join in organization, all for one, and one for all. Our enemies have shown in Albany mean to do. They drive the higliest tax- of business, and let you and your lamily starve. This makes it necessary for us to show front. If we don't, why before two years have passed you can leave twenty to fifty years of labour behind you, and be bound to starve. We must show our enemies our strength, and election day is not so far away, when we can hand-in-hand with our friends of liberty, show our ene mies the front, and show them that we demand what George Wiishington demanded one hundred years ago, when England was wiped out. We also want to wipe out these fanatic hypocrites, who are a danger to our country, our family, and our business. Again, friends, do not wait one minute longer to fight for our principle, what they payers out go sCMBMHB '•' 166 The Cause of Temperance. liberty, and freedom, which we claim as American citi- zens. We have one friend left, and this is H. D. Hill, the Governor of our State. We must show him that if he is our friend, we will carry the banner with him next election." It is evident that the more we have of such speakers and circulars, the better it will be for the cause of tem- perance. Just as soon as the liquor dealers go into argu- ment, they lose ground. Why should they not, with their brain tilled with poison. May God enlighten these people. Amen. 4 ■- CHAPTER XV. *• Consiatency, thou art a jewel" — Injurious influences of incon- sistent christians — Fighting for woman's ballot — A lively scene — Sad stories of those who have suifered — The Evangelist, the confidant of the sorrowing — Hess visits Auburn State Prison — "What 1 saw behind prison walls "— Various lec- turing trips —An outline of the Brook's High License Law. " Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain niercy."— Matt. v. 7. THIS is a glorious truth. If to-day the Christians would have more mercy with those who are trying to lead a better life, not nearly so many would go back to their old life. But it is no wonder that many turn back, when we take into consideration the icebergs that aur- »'Ound the Church of God. The first intimation I received fu'om these icebergs was about three months after my conversion, when I began to see things that were not right in the church, and I, like a chi^d, would stand upon the platform and tell the truth. Soine people want a man to fire at some one else, and the)? will pat you on the shoulder and tell you that is right. But turn loose on some of their faults, then, " Oh, my ! " you will hear these goody-goody fe. lows commence to say — "Ah, I'm disgusted the way that fellow expresses himself." Now ain't that a little funny ? Monday, Nov. 7th, 1887, the ladies had a meeting at the M. E. Church. At this meeting a resolution was passed that the next day, which was election day in the town, the ladies should make an attempt to vote. This news spread like a prairie tire, and many were the com- ments pro and con that were passed upon the resolution. Tuesday, Nov. 8th, was a bright morning, and about eight in the morning the ladies gathered in my home, ami by ten o'clock about thirty had come in, and after prayer 167 rttfrntrri ill ii 168 Joe "Captain oj the Calico Brigade.'* and singing, much trembling started to fall the ladies into line, and and fear was amongst them. But an encouraging word here and there was sutficient to make them feel at ease. All being ready, we marched from the house to the town hall. The weaker sex (men) were all standing round the door of the town hall. As I marched the ladies into the hall, a good temperance man said, " Shoot the captain of the calico brigade ! " Soon it came my turn to vote, and I cast the first prohibition ballot in that box on that date. Next came Mrs. Hess, but here the proceedings of balloting stopped because of a chal- lenge that came from one of the weaker sex (miserable man !) The question was put to her whether she was a male citizen. This was the argument that they used. 1 demanded that the voter's oath should be administered. This the inspector refused to do. Not having a right to stop the voting, we stepped away. Tliis step to vote the ladies vas taken so we might make a test case out of it. Before the election most of them promised — I mean the temperance men — that if they refused the votes of the ladies, that we would prose'^ute the inspector for not ad- ministering the oath. Next day after the election I went to theye men and asked them- to contribute the amount to proceed against the inspector, and to my surprise I found that nearly all had changed their minds, and said that they thought it was best not to go any farther in the matter. I was called the " Woman's Mayor of Claren- don." To this I did not object at all. 1 would sooner be called a woman's mayor than be named a wh.'sky mayor and elected by the corrupt element of the town. In these times in which we are living it requires a man to stand firm and strong on God-given principles. In these days of social impurity, political corruption, mur- dered justice, and rum rule, God must necessarily raise up men like David and the prophets of old, fearless and aggressive in this warfare of right against wrong. If then God sees fit to call upon me and to tit me into one of the grooves. His will shall be done and not mine. Some Sad Letters, 1G9 Duiingthe two years that I have taken a stand in the temperance work I have had occasion to be a witness many times to the distress and misery brought upon the innocent by the drunkenness of near relatives and friends. This terrible vice of strong drink not only blasts the victim, but ruins in many cases those connected with hini. It ruins man and brings misery to wives and children, parents, sisters, brotlicrs. Take a tender-hearted man ; let him drink, and in a short time he is made cruel. The generous are made selfish ; those who would be noble are made mean ; the high spirited become debased ; the am- bitious become hopeless; the proud become grovelling and degraded ; beauty is blighted, purity defiled, all that is noble, glorious and God-like in a man is blasted and mildewed by the damning influence of drink. Could we lift the curtain that conceals from our view the secrets of the charnel-house, every eye would be dimmed by the hideous sight, every heart would swell with an indignant and fierce resolve to battle to the death any agency that could by any means or possibility produce such untold horrors. Come, my friend, listen to the bitter cry of the suffer- ing who sufi'er because of the curse, Rum. Hear it com- ing up from the depths, and listen to the moans of the dying drunkard and bottle up the tears of heart-broken mothers and starving children. Can these things he in this Christian and civilized country, and we be still ? A mother writes me: '* It would take months to tell vou how I have suffered from a drunken son." Another writes : " I have li»*tened to your story and how ycnir wife suffered, yet none has ever suffered as 1 have." Once more the mail brings a letter which reads : " My head reels when I think how we suffered, as I look at my poor suffering father. Oh, ray poor, p(K)r father ! My mother's heart i.s broken. My hand is unsteadv my eyes ;t-ow dim with tears. Think of it — when I was a tender K 170 A Mother's Story. ii;^ ■s ; age I was compelled to leave school, father losing his reason as the effect of rum." Listen to this mother's story : " God, the staff of my old age is broken, my boy is a drunkard," Here is a warning to young ladies : *' In the beginning of the war my father enlisted ; my eldest brother would not remain at home and followed him to the army ; my second brother served in the navy. My mother, whose health was delicate, a younger brother, and two sisters, mere children, were left at home. We su fibred privation and hardships ; we bore all cheerfully, when tiic crushing in- telliirence came that father died in Virmnia. Still we bore up, when the news came that my bi-other in the navy was dead. This was hard, but we did not despair. But oh ! the heavens grew black as midnight and the load crushed us to the earth when my eldest brother came home a hopeless, confirmed drunkard. Then mother's heart broke, and now with feeble health I am struggling on alone. Perhaps this is presumption in me to tell you this. Use it as you will, but do not let the writer's name be seen by others, as an unsympathising world should never know of my ]irivate troubles." A heart-broken father comes to me and tells me : " My only son is a drunkard. He has ruined me, and oh ! " — with his hand pressed on his forehead, he gasps forth — "he is bringing his mother to the early grave. Oh, oh ! can you not reach my boy ? Save him ! I will give my life to save his from a drunkard's grave. Can you not show him his error ? " Wringing his hands, he cries aloud, " fc^ave my only boy, and God will rewaid you." Dear reader, are not such tales enough to rouse men to action ? My heart bleeds at such revelations. Many more letters have I in my possession that come with a tale of woe brought on by this blighting curse. Monday, Dec. 12th, at Auburn. N.Y., I held a mother's meeting. After the meeting I received a call from a young lady, good looking, her manner that of a highly Story of a Mother's Meeting. 171 educated person, though her dress was that of one in poverty. Said she : " Mr. Hess, I have heard of you a great many times, and how people come to you and tell you of their suffering." Here she was overcome with emotion, and she rose to go, but I detained her and asked her to proceed, which she did. From her lips I learned the following story : Said she — " 1 come to see you on account of my father, who is throwing himself away with drink. But do not condemn him. He is as kind and gentle as any father could be when sober, but in drink he is inhuman and he treats me so cruelly." Here again tears rushed to her eyes, and before I knew it she had gone. Though I did not learn the whole story, still I am able to draw what the conclusion was — another victim added to the many tens of thousands tliat had travelled the same road before. Dec. 11th, 1887, I visited Auburn prison. Having had some acquaintance with the Rev. Chaplain Searles, it was not difficult to gain admission, especially it being Sab- bath. We were given a place where we could have a good view of the poor prisoners as they came in. We had not long to wait when the turnkey came in with a big bunch of iion keys. In another moment we heard the clanking of the doors, and the prisoners came marching in dressed in their striped suits. It was somuUiing to behold , about eleven hundred were seated in front of the chaplain ; on every side they were surrounded by great pii.son walls, yet with all this there were men ])aid by tlie government to stand over these men with loaded guns. Amongst this number there were about seventy-five men who had been sentenced for life : their crime was that of takinjr their fellow-men's lives when young men. Oh, dear reader, the sight of these now gray-haired men was a sad sight ; to think that they were deprived of their liberty simply by the fiend of rum. After service I ventured to ask Rev. Mr. Searles what was the principal cause of these young men's crime. He answered that " seven-tenths 172 Visits Auburn State Prison, 81 r, are here for crimes committed while under the influence of strong drink." The ages ran from 18 to 33 years, more at that age than over. While sitting there listening to the chaplain, I discovered many of my old companions. I marked especially one who had refused to sign the pledge when asked to do so. He ccmtinued to drink, he committed a crime, and received seven years in the State Prison, and now while writing this he still lingers in prison. This young man was asked into the office, and this is the mcssnge he gave me to deliver: "Joe, go out and tell all the young men who allow themselves to be carried away l)y strong drink suid evil associations, to be- ware lest they finish their course as I did in State Prison. Tell all fathers to use their influence to check this awful curse, that their sons and daughters may not nter such a dismal place." After a few parting words x shook his hand. VVliile I passed out into the free air, he for whom this free air was made had to turn back and go down into his small cell, a prisoner deprived of his freedom. Yet young men say you wish to deprive them of their liberty when you ask them to sign a pledge. Dec. 23rd, 1887, returned home and found all well and happy. After supper I took the children and we went to the Christmas tree, and we did enjoy the scene. This was the flrst Christmas tree that I had ever gone to, con- sequently it was a new thing to me. Next came the day of the birth of our Saviour. Wife and I went to Roches- ter. 1 addressed a meeting at the new Opera House ; had a large audience. How different my Christmas was spent frrm foimer occasions! As I look back I see the miseral)le life that I led, and when I do look back I al- ways see the sad picture of my wife and fanrily — the home of poverty which might always have been a home of comfort but for the damning influence of strong drink. I see my poor old mother sit and weep bitter tears because of the reckless life of her eldest son. When I think it was I who caused the wrinkles to come upon 1 ;i !''' !!!■ A Merry Clmstmas. 173 and went This con- day )clies- ouse ; ,s was the I al- -the home trong hitter ■When upon e her brow — when I behold the ringlets of gray hair — when I think of the great heart that beats in that noble temple of God, I can only cry out, " Oh, (jod, forgive," while mother, like all mothers, forgives and foi gives. Compare the happiness of my family now — the comforts that they now enjoy — with that of old. What a change ! When I see the beams of delight upon my mother's face, when she sees nie come, instead of the tears, I can oniy say, "Jesus di>t plea^ - ant one. In tin- work in which I am engaijed a nun has every opj»<»rtunity to study human nature, as 1 e comes in contact with a great many people I'his New Year's day was not started as pleasantly as was tlu; ont^ the year previous. As men engaged in j)hihinthropic v/ork are constantly thrown amongst all classes of people, and they must often put up with a great deal, it has been my lot to fall into all kinds of homes, both rich and poor; but sometimes you come in contact with what is called a shiftless man, a sort of a lazy fellow. This was ray luck on this New Year's day. When I awoke 1 found t!m snow on my covering and the wind howling through th(» room, I stuck my head out and (piickly pullcil it back again. Finaliy I braved the «lancing wind and rose for breakfast, which consisted of — I do not know what. The host was a sight to behold. Though a temperance man, his hands were fit to plant 'tatoes on. His liair I do not think had seen a cond> for the year. His clothes weie one whole patch. His house iloor was more holy than righteous. His window panes were those of old news- ])apcrs and rags. His doois wer(^ olf from tlu^ hinge.M. His barns weie dilapidated. He owned ^oO acres, had 2') cows, 10 horses; but the cows and horses were so thin that if you would hold a candle light on one side of them, you could read on the opposite side. The stables had not !( Hj i! ';» •1i 174 A Dilapidafed Temperanne Man, l)een cleaned all winter. He said that in the sprin^r he woidd back the waujon in, and in that way would clean his stahles. I ventured to ask this stranpfe heinfj, who was so heartless to diiinl) aninmls, how many children he had. Said he, " Not one." I could not hoii) fioin saying aloud, " Praise Ood from whom all Itlessings How." Said he, " What is that you say ?" I told him that J woidd pity the child who would have to call him father. This aroused liim to a fuiy. I did not stay at this place. 1 soon found another place. After on to act as chairman. January 17th I was in the company of the chairman of the National Prohibition party of the United States, Hon. Prof. Dickie, of Lansing, Mich. We met at Syra- cuse, N. Y. ; there listened to a very fine address. Jan- l;i raBVffi i':' » Amove/ Third Parly Prohibit loniatH. 176 lolly, y, AVO and at the Kirk called uary ISth was the day set for the Executive Committeo of the State Prohihition party to meet in conferonco at Utica, N. Y. The train Ieavin<^ Syracuse on tlio morning of the iSth had on boanl tlie following well-known and staunch defenders of the party principle : Hon. Prof. Dickie, A. A. Cold), from Kaiiport; Hon. W. Martin Jones, Rochester ; R. McCar<,'o, of Holly; Mr. Rumsy, of Geneseo, and the writer, from Clarendon ; and a Jolly party we were. Arrivint^ at Utica we proceeded to Mechanics' Hall; found numbers alrea)';. .r^ ''m.^^^ o^^ \%^1<^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) '/ /. O :/. &x &» '% fA fA 1.0 I.I "Ilia iM 5. 11112 IS, illlM ;40 |||M 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 -« 6" ► Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 iV iV ^ SJ :\ \ .^ ^^" 6^ &< t-P/ W i/i ! I I d 3 1 ■1 t h 3' i ! IMlj '1 s 17G iV^o Baggage. Rochester. Among the many places that we visited was Weedsport. Arriving there on Feb. 6th, I was made welcome by H. E. Rheubottom, had a crowded house ; brother H.E. Rheubottom is one of the firm of corset manu- facturers, a staunch prohibitionist, and knows how to welcome any one. On this trip I introduced at every lecture Uncle Sam's elephant ; but he was a poor venture, and he has been stopped ever since. This was a trip of 10 days that will long live in my memory. One day we arrived at a place, and on going with the check to re- ceive our goods, I found, to my dismay, that the baggage had not arrived there ; it was 7 p. m., and at 8 the cur- tain would rise, and all the children's music. Oh, my, what a time ! Nothing had arrived, but Uncle Sam's elephant was there all right, and on hand. Well I felt so " funny." Say, reader, did you ever have such kind of luck ? Well, if you did you know how funny a fellow feels. Such a time as that is the time when you feel like saying some very nice things. You may say, what sort of an animal was Uncle Sam's elephant ? Well, he was full grown, but I had him in 7 different parts : on cartoon paper, representing the liquor traffic of the United States. Feb. 11th, 1888, we arrived home, and found the good " wife," who was glad to welcome us home. After supper the children thought that there was not as much fun in travelling as there might be. Feb. 12th I received a call from Prof. A. D. Lane, and after a conversation with him, I engaged him to lead my singing, and become mj'- musical director. Prof. Lane is a large man, and is in possession of the strongest bass voice I ever listened to. Feb. 13th I took the train at Rochester, N.Y., for Wallsboro'. Pa. The call came for help from the weak and oppressed, which was caused by the spreading of the greatest disease that ever befel a nation, 1 mean " Uncle Sam's elephant," the dominant liquor power in our land. A Visit to Corning, N.Y. 177 >ams in 7 and d my me is bass Hearing the drums beat and the cry of the vast army of starving, half- clad children, the ever tramping sound of once bright-eyed and sturdy frames of 53,000 men, who are robbed of the blessing of liberty, and are now incar- cerated within stone walls by this man destroyer — strong drink. The field is large and the workers are few. Just before leaving my home, I took one more good look into the faces of the sleeping children, resting at ease in their nice beds. I could not help thinking surely if temperance and prohibition can do this for one family, it can do the same for tens of thousands. While we were going over the Erie road, a lively set of young mer» seven in number, came aboard at one of the stations. Ihey seemed to have entered on a discussion before entering the car ; as this was the year in which a president of the United States was to be elected. I soon became wido awake, and learning that they were talking as to who should be president, with a careless remark, said, " Boys, you are having a good time." " Yes," answered one, " We are going to have an election right now as to who is going to be the next president of the United States. Ballots were made and deposited in a hat. The votes were counted, when to the surprise of the seven men, there were five for General Fisk, one for Blaine, and one for Sherman of Ohio. 'J hough neither of the men told for whom they had voted, yet by the light of their eyes it could easily be seen who were the Fisk, the Blaine and the Sherman boys. Well, after election, all these three candidates were elected, that is, to stay at home. Arriving at Corning, the streets and corners were lined with men, and being a stranger in the place, I took up my place on the street corner like the rest. I vvas not long standing when the word, to the convention, greeted my ear. I started down Main-street, when a tall man came walking up Main-street. He was dressed in black, and a silk hat covered a manly head with bright eyes. / h I n mm mm ■ji 1^ .■ir^i; i m. 178 Not a Third Party Man. I r-'id, " Ah, he must be one of the Lord's children." At once I accosted him with, " Beg your pardon, but are you not a minister ? " To which he replied, " 1 am." " And a Third Ptirty Prohibitionist ? " to which he again said, " Yes." I put the question as to what sort of a convention was to be held in town, to which he said, " I do not live here." Where do you live ? I asked. He replied, at Cuba, N. Y. And your name, said I, is Rev. F. D. J. Bickley (now ain't that a long name for 3^ou). Questioning him as to the Prohibition Parly in Cub;), he said, " We are going to put a full (not full of whiskey, but water,) ticket in the field." Just then a procession of men passing by, the question was again raised as to the convention, when he said, " It is a Democratic caucus." Thanking him for the information, we bid each other good-bye and God speed. I strolled on towards the Tallbrook Station, and having over an hour yet to Avait, I thought it to be a good op- portunity to continue the reading of the History of the Bible. The only person in the waiting-room was a little old man, who, hearing the drum beat, said the Damocrats had a big time now, but this fall they will take a back seat. I became interested in this little old man, and a conversation was opened by my saying, " that's so," to which he answered, " I am delighted to hear you say so." I put the question as to where his home was, he answered, " I live in Harrison Valley, Pa." Asking him as to how whiskey was getting on, he said, " We are all Prohibition- ists down there, and we have it too." At this it was my turn to be delighted, and I at once remarked that I was a Third Party man, thinking that he was one, from the statement he made, but I soon learned that he was not, for no sooner did he catch my words than he gave me a look that if a look could kill, I would not be amongst the living to record this. He grabbed his valise, and turning to me, said he didn't know what he had done that he should be haunted by the Third Partymen. Said he at the top of his voice, " You're the sixth man to-day," and he Among Good Tem/plars. 179 sailed out of the station. He may be sailing yet, if he has'nt stopped. Five o'clock, " All aboard," shouted the conductor, and the iron horse commenced to spit and snarl and puff, and we rolled on towards Wellsboro', Pa., which was the end of my journey. On arriving I was grabbed by the hand, by the noble, whole-souled Brother Bristoll, who con- ducted me to his home, where we laid hold of something for the inner man, after which we adjourned to the I. 0. G. T. Lodge room, and here I was welcomed by 118 mem- bers of the lodge. This was one of the most active lodges that it has been my pleasure to visit. A lodge of temper- ance of any order can be made a success, by unity and work. I was introduced to Brother Bullard ; asking him how the political out-look was, he said the Republicans have control of the license question in Tioga Co., Wells- boro' being the county seat. Though this party claimed to be the temperance party, yet in spite of the remon- strance of the majority of the citizens, the Judge, whose name was Willson, and a Republican, has granted licenses to all who applied. Brother Bullard, who had been re- deemed from a drunkard's gutter, said " Would every Christian vote as he did, the curse of rum would soon be a thing of the past." Feb. IGth was the day set for the Republican County Conveiltion, to appoint candidates for the spring election. The principal nomination was forjudge of Tioga Count}^ This caused a great stir. Judge Williams, who had been Judge, had gone to the Su[)reme Court, and left his office open, to which Judge Willson was appointed. Wellsboro' being the home of ex-Senator Mitchell, his faction were trying hard to nominate him as the candidate. The Will- son faction wanted him, as he had granted license to all. The day closed without any candidate being nominated, — the old proverb, " A house divided against itself will not stand." Wellsboro' has Brooks High License Law, No. 53, Laws of 1887, which reads as follows : 180 The Brook's High License Bill. iMim wm I '}'y' (m m-n An Act to restrain and regulate the sale of vinous and spirituous, malt or brewed liquors, or any mixture there- of. Section 2. — Licenses for the sale of vinous, spirituous, malt or brewed liquors, at retail, in quantities not exceed- ing one quart, shall only be granted to citizens of the United States of temperate habits, and good moral char- acter. Section 3. — Such licenses may be granted only by the Court of the Quarter Sessions of the proper county, and shall be for one year from date fixed by rule or standing order of said court. The said court shall fix by rule or standing order a time at which application for said licen- ses shall be heard, at which time all persons applying or making objection to applications for licenses may be heard by evidence, petition, remonstrance, or counsel, pro- vided that licenses under previous laws shall not be granted later than June 30th of this year. Section 4. — It follows that all who apply for licenses must, three weeks before court, deposit $500 with the county clerk, wdio must publish each applicant's name three time.*. Section 5. — Said petition shall contain : First. — The name and present residence of applicant, and how long he has there resided. Second. — The particular place for which a license is desired. Third. — The place of abode of said a])plicant, and if a naturalized citizen where and when naturalized. Fourth. — The name of the owner of premises. Fifth. — That the place licensed is necessary for the accommodation of the public. Sixth. — That none of the applicants are in any manner pecuniarily interested in the profits of the business con- ducted at any other place in said county, where any of said liquors are sold or kept for sale. Seventh. — That the applicant is the only person in any manner pecuniarily interested in the business so asked to The Brook's High License Bill. 181 be licensed, and that no other person shall be in any manner pecuniarily interested therein during the contin- uance of the license. Eighth. — Whether applicants, or any of them, has had a license for sale of liquors in this commonwealth during any portion of the year preceding this application, revoked. Ninth. — The names of no less than two reputable free- holders of the ward or township where the liquor is to be sold, who shall be his, her, or their sureties on the bond which is required, and the statement that each of said sureties is a bona fide owner of real estate in the said county, worth over jmd above all incumbrances the sum of two thousand dollars, and that it would sell for that muf^h at public sale, and that he is not engaged in the manufacture of spirituous, vinous, malt or brewed liquors. Tenth. — This petition must be verified by affidavit of applicant made before the clerk of the court, a magistrate, notary public, or justice of the peace, and if any false statement is made in any part of said petition, the appli- cant shall be deemed guilty of the crime of perjury, and upon indictment and conviction shall be subjected to its penalties. Section 8. — That all persons licensed to sell or retail any vinous, spirituous or brewed liquors, or any admix- ture thereof, in any house or room or place, hotel, inn or tavern, shall be classified and required to pay, annually, for such privileges as follows : Persons licensed to sell by retail, resident in cities of the first, second and third class, shall pay the sum of $500, those resident in all other cities shall pay $300, and those resident in townships $75, which sum shall be divided in portions as follows : In cities of the first-class, four-fifths shall be paid for the use of the city and county, and one- fifth for the use of the commonwealth. Thus you see this Brook's High License was a strong law, and yet it is a failure. License laws in regard to the liquor traffic will always be a failure. i , 'i^i'^mssmmiimmm h I 1 1' It m Ml CHAPTER XVI. At VVellsboro', Pa. — Taken from the gutter— The Saloon Clock vs. The Home Clock— Campaign atElbridge, N.Y. — Niagara Falls in winter — How the iceberg struck Joe Hess — Eight days' meeting at Mohawk — Delegates to the Prohibition Convention — Something about tent work. " Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging : and whosoever is de- ceived thereby is not wise." — Prov. 20th chap., 1st verso. WOW I wish I had the power to make all men under- stand the above truths ; many would not then be cursed with the demon of rum that are to-day led astray. If wnie is a mocker, why then will humanity consume the same, and who is the one that does not know that it mocks the person that dares to tamper with it ? That strong drink is raging all whoever beheld men overcome with the demon know that it fairly makes devils out of good, honest, loving, upright men, Tuesday, February 14th, 1888. — The sun came out in all his splendor and beauty as he peeped over the tops of the mountains that surround the grandly located town of Wellsboro', Pa. It was one of the grandest sightsthat it was my good fortune to behold for many a day. After bieakfast I strolled down to Major Heriick's law office and secured the statute of law for the year 1887, wherein I found what the real import of the license law was. Taking this book under my arm I strolled down Main-street towards Brother Bristoll's photograph gal- lery and had my photo, taken, with the book under my arm. Surely this was high protection sure enough, when I was so surrounded by the law. The court house was packed to suffocation in the evening ; many left the hall ■during the speaking. You ask what was the matter with « 182 Downfall of a Rich Saloon-keeper. 183 lock vs. ra Falls .t days' vention 9r IS de- under- then be astray, lonsume J tliat it :^ld men makes out in tops of town of bsthat it ck's law ar 1887, isns.- law d down pli gai- nder my h, when )use was the hall ;ter with them ? They were mad at what I said. Trutli is hard to stand. February loth. — I was pleasantly entertained by Major Merrick, a prominent politician. In his othce were gathered with me ex-Senator Mitchell, of Pa., and several other leadino" citizens of Wellsboro'. The conversation drifted to the amendment. All agreed that it would be adopted when it came to a vote. Monday, February 20th. — I was ivited to take dinner with the famous General R. Cox, of great military fame in the late civil war. The General is a resident of Wells- boro'. I was sur[)rised when he took me to his stables, and pointing to a very fine chestnut horse, he informed me that tlie horse was his companion all through the war. Said I, how old is he ? The General said the horse was in his thirty-third year. The Court House was again packed in the evening, many came forward and signed, amongst them was a ragged and forlorn-looking man ; his face showed plainly what was the cause of his rags. As he placed his name with a trembling hand upon the roll, I read the name Miles O'Connor. His signature showed that he must have had the advantage of school in his early days. After a little inquir}"^ I learned that Miles O'Connor was at one time the leading citizen in the town, once owned the largest hotel. When he opened the hotel he was a temper- ance man, but soon began to drink, and in a few years people commenced to say, O'Connor is going down the road to the drunkard's grave. He had a lovely wife, and a family of three children who adored their ffither. Soon he lost his hotel ; then came separation of family ; soon the wife was compelled to seek employment. Miles was sinking lower and lower every day, until he became so low that his bed was taken up in the horse stables and cow sheds and waggon beds of the town, and all this was brought about through the curse of drink. This was the man who signed his name. We then invited him into ■i 184 Several Series of Meetings. the Good Templar Lodge, the writer paying for initiation. This was in the year 1888, and at the last accounts he is still a sober man. The ten days' work in this place wound up with over 1 50 who had signed the pledge, the majority of these were drinkers, more or less. February 24th. — I arrived at home. What a pleasant thing it is to go liome. When I was drinking I used to think the fingers on the saloon clock were going round so fast, and when they would point to the niidnight hour I would have to go home, after all, at that hour of the night, for there is no other place for any one to go to but the home or the police station. How different now, the clock goes round so slow, and the time seems so long till I can return home, and then when I get home tlie time seems to go so fast, and ere I am aware the time has come when I aONDAY, June 18th, 1888, we started out upon a long journey to educate public sentiment upon the most vital political issue at that time and now still before the American people. Education is the chief corner-stone of the Republic, and popular education is the only safe and stable basis of liberty. So thought the fathers and founders of the great republic, and the principle of education is to be found interwoven in a thousand forms into the very thread and texture of politi- cal institutions. Remove education — religious, civil and political, which sounds forth its thunder from the pulpit, school and public platform — I say, remove these educa- tors, and the country would soon tumble over. It was to educate the people in the evils of strong drink and the ruin it causes, that the tent was procured, and manned by the following men : Joe Hess as speaker. Prof. A. D. Lane as musical director, Prof. Replogal as superintendent, and Brother Smith as property man. As the clock struck 10 a. m., the Prohibition wagon started for " Jackson," Pa. Passing through the town all started to sing, and the Prohibition banners were flying from the top of the wagon for Fiske and Brooks ; the outfit con- sisted of a wagon with low wheels and a box twenty feet long, eight feet wide, and one foot deep. This wagon 191 I lr,W 192 Pitching the Prohibition Tent. f -T ( 'V; r It 1 served as a platform to speak from, when under the tent, by taking off the wheels. Going from place to place, the organ was placed in the centre of the wagon on rubber and securely strapped. We arrived at Jackson, 3 p. m. This was a no-license town. Just as we began to raise the tent the rain came down in torrents. By 6 p. ra. everything was ready, and we had a splendid meeting. Rev. Skimerhorne led in prayer, and Prof Replogel made the opening address, after which the writer spoke for one hour, and heads could be seen skaking whenever I touched the doings of one of the old parties. We held three meetings in this town. The next town visited was Thomson, Pa. . On our way we passed 3,000 Italians who worked on the new railroad. The Republican party shouts " high protection " to the laboring man, and then has men in its ranks who import pauper labor, while the American laborer must stand back and starve, or be com- pelled to work for the same low wages as the " Italio." Low pauper labor and the saloon is what is cursing our fair land to. day. Arriving at Thomson, the tent was pitched in front of the school house on top of a hill, alongside of the great liberty pole. Soon a fight was on. Replogel conceived the idea that it would be a nice thing for the American flag to fly above the Prohibition tent, but on making a demand for it, the Republican who had it in charge re- fused ; not only refused to let us have it, but also heaped such abuse and insulting language as I never heard man utter before. The tent was packed in the evening. On the second day we gained the victory, and the flag was swung to the American winds, and oh, how beautiful she did wave, as much as to say, " A little over a hundred years ago I tirst flew to the breeze in Philadelphia, Pa., declaring that this was now a government of the people, a government by the people, a government for the people, and now I wave for Prohibition." In Thomson there were two brothers. Messenger by name, who were staunch ipen for our party. Party Politics and Prohibition 193 great lo; was il she Indred t, Pa., leople, leople, 1 there Lunch At 3 p. m., Saturday, the 23rd of June, a great wind came up suddenly and, as if by magic, our tent was Hat on the ground. Not five minutes before, about thirty children had been in the tent. Soon every Democrat in the town assisted to put the tent up again, and by 6 p.m. we were ready for another battle, and, at 7.30, the band came marching down the road. Here we organized a Prohibition club of twenty-three members, a gain of nineteen for our side. Sipier Lamonte was chosen presi- dent of the club, and G. Tallman, secretary. In Thomson there was a regular old bear of a Republican, who 7rote following article for one of the newspapers : " The advent of the ex-saloon keepers as apostles of Temperance is viewed with alarm by sensible Prohibi- tionists, and the gratifying fact that 20,000 saloon- keepers let loose in this State during the past year by« the Republican legislation, are to a man crying 'Kill the Republican party', is not considered a sufficient offset to the expense likely to be incurred should the remain- ing 19,999 ex-saloon keepers catch on to the $3.00 a day- and-found racket, and start out as apostles of Temper- ance, and board around among the faithful, pocketing the contributions, and paying their board bills by hold- ing forth on every street corner. St. John, our popular jeweller, has returned to the Republican ranks, convinced that Republican Prohibition is just as good as any other kind and less expensive. And John Mulvey, who was so deaf that he could not hear the arguments of "prize- fighter Hess", but chipped in a dollar on general principles, would do well to accept the Prohibition which within two years is sure to be effected by Republican legislation, and join with the other deaf man in rejoicing over a victory thus obtained." ^ Signed E. X Foster. Thomson, June 27th, 1888. .f , I f>' ■''.? .1 M would have been into the hearts of in different rooms for candidate for 194 Prohibition Convention at Syracuse, N.Y. Monday, June 25, '88. I started for Syracuse as a delegate-at-large (A large delegate), from the town of Clarendon and county of Orleans. On the train I met brother Baldwin from Elmira, with several others, also delegates to the Prolvibition Convention. We registered at the Empire House, which has no "bar," Going into the dining room, I found Prof. A. A. Hopkins, from Rochester, N. Y. ; also Fred. Wheeler, from Albany, he (Wheeler) being the state chairman of the Prohibition party of the State of New York. After supper we all adjourned to the Alhambra Rink, where a diamond medal contest was taking place. Many were the fine speeches delivered by the children. Were these same speeches delivered by adults, they hooted, but the children sent them men. After the contest, there were caucuses held, to settle on a choice Governor of our State. Such well-known names as Demorest, from New York, Dr. Lawson and Hon. Powell, were mentioned. There were four secret Conferences that night in the Empire State. Next day the Confer- ence was seated for business. Before the regular session, there was a prayer meeting, which was largely attended ; and many earnest prayers went above the roof of the building. Brother Baldwin, from Elmira, was railed to the chair pro tern. In the afternoon, W. Marlin Jones was elected permanent chairman of the Convention. In the evening, the writer was called on to make a short address. Wednesday, June 27th, 1888. — After the Con- vention was seated again at 2 p.m., nominations were in order for Governor. The nominees were as follows : Mr. Demorest, of New York City ; Hon. Dr. Lawson, of Jefferson County ; Hon. W. Martin Jones, of Rochester, N.Y, ; and one other candidate, from Niagara Co. When the first count came in, Demorest was in the lead with a little over four hundred votes. Dr. Lawson with over three hundred, Jones with over two hundred, and A Mountainous Trip. 195 the Niagara Co. man with about fifty. On the third ballot, W. Martin Jones was elected by a large mjaority This was the end of my work at the Convention, and I returned to Pa. to take again my tent. On my way down I passed through Binghampton and New Mil- ford to Nicholson, then drove 13 miles to South Gibson, where I found the tent with the boys. All were delighted to see me again. Spoke at a meeting in the evening. This is where I met the old war horse, Mr. W. Searls. The next night we held forth in the Methodist church. As it rained the night on which the boys arrived, the hoodlums of the town stole quietly up to our tent while the boys were sleep- ing, pulled up the stakes and let the tent fall upon them. This was about the only disturbance we had at this place. June 30th. — We started over a mountainous road to Hopbottom, Pa. After the tent was pitched, next to the railway track, we were invited to take dinner at Mr. Wright's, a prominent Kepublican. The Democrats con- trolled this town. While I was sitting at the window above the store I heard some loud talking, and, being in the campaign, I had my ears open for everything ; listening, I heard the following conversation : A fellow that was drunk commenced, " What has that Joe Hess come here (sic) for ? he-he men-st to (sic) ki-kill the Republican party (sic) ; Hess is free drade, (sic) I am for higher protection, what will the laboring man do (sic) when the Hess Free Drade party wins ? Hip (sic) hu- ra-h for Harrison, high protection." On inquiry, I learn- ed that this same man under Republican rule worked for 80 cents a day on a railroad. We had wonderful meet- ings here. After a stay of three days, a prohibition club was organized of 45 voters, this was an increase of 41, as the town had only four men who dared to vote the ticket. D. W. Warren was chosen president of the club, and Dr. Fa wee t was made secretary. 196 Stirring Words of John Wesley. July 3rd, 1888, was a hot morning, and this day was chosen to travel over a dusty mountainous road to the county seat, Montrose. On our way when we would meet farmers we would shout " Hurrah for the Fiske-Brook meeting." Finally we arrived at Montrose. After we had taken our dinner at the hotel, Mr. A. H. Gill took the writer to his home to be entertained. During the time the tent was being raised many threats wore made about tearing it down. The tent was placed in front of the park ; in the front of the tent was the court house and jail ; on the other side was the church, and on the north- east was the school, and on the south side was a saloon. This was a contrast of educators, each one educating people in its own style ; the school to develop the intel- lect in the young minds, the church, God's nature, and preparing humanity for heaven. What is the " Jucation of the saloon ? not of the same kind as the preceding ones. It takes man's money and robs him of under- standing ; it takes man's money and makes the loving husband and father a demon ; it takes man's money and educates him for jail and the gallows; it takes the money and destroys man's chances for salvation ; it takes man's money when he ought to use it to buy nice cloth- ing for his wife and children and put upon the table beefsteak and roast instead of liver with a bone in the middle. What luck can men have who deal in this in- famous poison ? Listen to the voice of John Wesley ; hear what he thought of those who sold rum. He said : " Those who sell this poison murder His Majesty's sub- jects by wholesale, neither does their eye pity nor spare, they drive them to hell like sheep. And what is their gain ? Is it not the blood of these men. Who, then, would envy their large estates and sumptuous palaces. A curse is in the midst of them; the curse of God cleaves to the stones, the timber, the furniture of them. The curse of God is in their gardens, their walks, their groves ; a fire that burns to the nethermost hell ! Blood ! "Hess, they are trying to kill us!* 197 ay was to the d meet -Brook fter we ill took ng the e made Tont of ase and 5 north- saloon, ucating le intel- ire, and ucation eceding under- ) loving ley and ces the it takes cloth- table in the his in- esley ; e said : 's sub- spare, IS their ), then, )alaces. )f God them. , their iBlood ! 3 le blood ! is there ; the foundation, the floor, the wall, the roof are stained with blood. And canst thou hope, 0, thou man of blood, though thou art clothed in scarlet and fine linen and farest sumptuously every day, canst thou hope to deliver down thy fields of blood to the third generation ? Not so, for there is a God in heaven ; therefore, thy name shall be rooted out, like as those whom thou hast destroyed body and soul, thy memorial shall perish with thee." Such was the plain language of a plain man, yet, educators like these men get a cer- tificate of being men of a good moral character. Night came, and being 3rd July, we feared some of the boys might get too much on board and become noisy ; it was therefore thought best to have a night watch in the tent. Leaving the sides of the tent down, brothers Smith, Reynolds and Gilbert were constituted the police force. At 11 p. m. I went to bed. It was about 1 a. m. when some one shouted, " Hess, Hess, Hess, come down quick and help us ; they are trying to kill us ! " I quickly jumped into ray old clothes, and by the time I came down stairs Mr. Gill was ready and we started for the circus. Sure enough, in front of the whiskey hotel was gathered a mob of fifty of all sorts, from the bummer in the gutter to the politician and church man. I gave a shout, jumped into their midst, and said, "If another man will fire a Roman candle into the tent, I would fill him full of holes, so that if he fell in the river he would sink." Brother Gill was in advance of me, and, at that moment, a big burly nigger picked up a stone to hurl at Gill. Just as the nigger was raising his arm I hit him under the jaw, which sent him to the earth as if he had been struck by lightning. At the other end they had old man Smith against a tree, shouting, "Burn the eld cuss's whiskers. Hip, hip, hurrah for Harrison ! " But I soon stopped that little fun, and quiet reigned. I told the boys to lay down and go to sleep, which they did. At 4 a. m. I went back to bed. 19S The Attack upon the Tent. \ 1' '^ I i Hi I Fourth July morning we took a survey of the damage done, and found that thirty holes had been burned in the top of the tent. Many half-pound bombs that were thrown did not explode. We picked up one peck of these on the grounds. This will leave the reader to un- derstand whether they meant it simply for fun. One of the town papers had the following report : " The series of Prohibition tent meetings were closed in this place on Friday evening last, upon which occasion Joe Hess gave a sketch of his career. It was the best address on tem- perance ever delivered in this town. The address won hearty encomiums from all who heard it. There were some occurrences in connection witl the stay of the tent in town that, for the good name of the town, we wish had not happened. The attack upon the tent on the night preceding the ' Fourth,' was reprehensible in the highest degree, and unfortunate, oecause it had the appearance of a species of intolerance that is not becoming to a town composed of so intelligent a population. We do not think that the mischief makers on that night were acting by any special spite toward the Prohibitionists, but rather by a devilish desire to have what they call ' fun,' and the tent proved an inviting target for them. Of course, the members of the Prohibition party feel outraged, as well they might, but it is a mistake to undertake to trans- form what was in reality only the reckless, dare-devil pranks of a heedless crowd of fourth of July fun seekers into a po- litical crime and as evincing a spirit of anarchy." This article had the desired efiect. Those who denounced the attack who were in sympathy with the other political parties soon took the same view of the matter. I can only wish that the editor who wrote the above would have been in old man Smith's place, with a lot of hoodlums surrounding him, and throwing large bombs at his feet and firing rockets at him. I don't think he would have called it "fun." A large club was organized, numbering about eighty. / Tenting at Halstead, In If T.'! '■ !■ iii !i!, 216 Letter from Hon. W. M. Jones. tent was packed both afteinoon and evening ; at the after- noon meeting the writer gave a report, of his six weeks work, and reported 480 voters si^^'ned pledges, who had never voted before on the prohibition ticket. The report was adopted, and all were pleased with it. The evening meeting was addressed by the colored orator. Rev. J. H. Hector of Cal. The next day the Hon. A. A. Hopkins, of Rochester, N.Y., spoke. The writer bid good bye to his friends on the 25th September, 1888, and started for home for a much-needed rest. During the campaign I had written a letter of congratulation to Hon. W. M. Jones on his nomination as candidate for Governor of our State, to whirh he replied in following words. Mr. Joseph F. Hess, Clarendon, Orleans Co., N.Y. My Dear Sir : — I have read your letter with more than ordinary emotion. It is true that it is lacking in some unimportant particulars, that better opportunities in your early life would have supplied, but it does not lack anything to make it a substantial, generous outpour- ing from your heart, and I accept it in the spirit in which it is written. I have many letters from all parts of the State and from many other sections of the country, but no letter has touched me more closely than the one I have received from you. I know that there is no word in that letter that is not the honest, outspoken sentiment of a noble-hearted man, and I assure j'^ou that I shall never forget the generous words of congratulation that came from your heart through the medium of this letter, and I shall not forget the service that you rendered in the canvass made at the Syracuse Convention. To receive such a nomination is certainly an honor, but it is coupled with such responsibilities and sacrifices that I am con- strained to hesitate in returning thanks for it. Yet I am bound to take the act for what it was intended, and in that light I do return to you and my other friends in '% He88 as a Prophet. 217 convention my most sincere thanks. I need not tell you what you know so well that I neither expected nor sought the nomination, and I have felt not a little doubt of my duty in accepting it. In view of the fact, however, that I can never shrink from making such sacrifices as my principles exact from me, I am compelled to accept the nomination in the spirit that you and other noble friends have manifested in tendering it to me. So I take the standard wnere others have left it, and shall bear it for- ward in the van of the fight with sincere desire to pro- mote the interests of the great cause for which we are both laboring, and eventually to win the fight and leave no saloon between the oceans. Thanking you again for your generous letter of congratulation, I remain as ever, Yours sincerely, W. Martin Jones. This letter shows plainly what a gi-and Christian gen- tleman our party had selected as their standard-bearer. I know of no man in the State of New York, who would have made a better candidate. Hon. W. M. Jones is an educated man, a lawyer by profession, a logical speaker, a close reasoner, one who is thoroughly acquainted with the history of legislation on the temperance question. Elections were now on and I cast the first vote in our town, and it went into the box declaring that I was against the saloon and the drink traffic. The day before the elec- tion, a reporter interviewed me about the election. I gave him my opinion that it was sure that Grant would be elected as Mayor of the City of New York, while D. B. Hill would again become Governor, and that Cleve- land, by a mere chance, may be elected. Cleveland was elected by the people, but he failed to get the states that had the most electoral votes. The year 1888 will long live in the memory of n^any of the United States voters; the party that had the largest boodle got there. N . Illi i CHAPTER XX. Zt . i' i m Hi nm^'' y . The idol of io-day — Work in Jersey City — Some clieering results — Speaks in Chickering Hall, New York— Visits the old Washing- Ionian Home — Once an inmate himself — A graphic description of 21 day's campaign in Evanston, Hi. — The home of Miss Wiilard, as seen by Hess . " But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblin<; block to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldaned to eat those things which are offered to idols. And throngh thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died." — 1 Cor. nii. 9-11. THE idol of to-day is the liquor traffic ; men uphold it — even some who are in the church of God — because of the revenue it brin<:js to the State. & These men are stumbling blocks in the way of the drunkard ; many a drunkard has gone down to a drunkard's grave because of the inconsistency of the members of a church. February 6th, I arrived home for a few days. I found my wife very sick, and the weather was very cold ; the children were all delighted to see me. V Saturday, Feb. 9th, I went to Holly for the purpose of organizing a lodge of I. 0, G. T. People said it was no use : I could not do it. At 8 o'clock, the time for the meeting to begin, the hall was packed. The writer brought his project before the people, and at the close of the meeting about 25 of Holly's best citizens signified their desire to become members of the Order ; John Bud- ington was chosen secretary, the lodge was duly organ- ized, and its power is felt to-day in that town and sur- rounding country. The membership is 120 at this wri- ting, and the outlook is good for doubling these numbers within a year. 218 . ' De}>ravity of Girh in their teens. 219 iuUb— (ti«in of Millard, become aan see [e, shall at those Dwleage ;».r. ^i»i• old it— because nen are many a because ) I found Id ; the rpose of was no for the writer I close of Jianified in Bud- organ- |ind sur- lia wri- tumbers February 12th, Started in company of my son Henry for Jersey City ; arrived there at 7.30 p.m. The next day we began a series of meetings in Pavonia-avenue rink. The evening meeting was attended by about 500 people ; the next night the audience was increased, and perhaps 800 were out, and many signed the pledge ; and, dear reader, it is in centres of large population where we can see the evils of drink. One man coming in shouted out it was too late to save him. He rushed from the hall, and when out cut his throat with a razor. The audiences at the rink kept increasing from night to night, until from 2,500 to 3,000 were gathered there nightly. February 18th, I was requested by the president of the W. C. T. U., Mrs. Games, who was a very highly edu- cated woman, and one who had the love of children at heart, to speak for her at the mission. Their rooms were located in one of the hardest parts in Jersey City. I found it tilled with children, boys and girls. Upon their features could be seen the stamp of vice, despite their young years. Girls not j^et in their teens used the lan- guage of harlots and street walkers. Should you ask how this cotnes about, I would answer, through the in- difference of good people to temperance work. The liquor traffic has everything its own way, and the fathers of these young creatures are debauched, degraded, and debased, and they drag down with them their posterity. These children gave me their best attention, and good work I believe was done. When I returned on Sunday night to the same place the hall was packed, and the children's faces looked bright, clean, and fresh. One little girl came up and said " How do you think I look in my new dress ? " Said I, where did you get it ? She said, " that she sold newspaj)ers and blacked shoes, so that she could get money to buy the dress, for which she paid a dollar," and she said that she would always be a temperance girl. She was about 13 years of age; the last letter I had isn i! 220 Great Meeting in Chickering Hall, iV.F. '<>ii'i m ■(^. ■I MM ■■||: from her she said : " Mr. Hess, I am all right ; I go to the M. E. Church and to Sunday school." A kind word here, and a kind act there, has been the means of rescu- ing many a one from hell ; it was a kind word that saved John B. Gough. Feb. 19th we had a grand meeting. A man came for- ward to sign, and he did sign ; then he burst into tears ; he cried aloud, for his past life had been one like the writer's. He said he knew not where his wife and child were ; for five years he had not heard from them ; he had accidentally strolled into the meeting. While crying, a woman was pushing her way through the crowds, and reaching the platform she gave one look upon the poor man, when she gave a gasp and cried " My John I " and fell on the neck of the poor husband, for such was he. The last time they were together was at the saloon, where she pleaded with him to come home. The dram shop had parted husband and wife, but the temperance meeting gave back the husband to the wife, and to-day there lives a happy family in that city, who praise God for the tem- perance cause. Yes, many are the happy families around the country who thank God for the temperance wave that sweeps from time to time over the country, which stays the steps of many a one from going down further to ruin. February 20th, my voice gave out, but timely help came : Col. R. S. Cheves came over from New York and assisted. Sunda}^ Feb. 24'th, I spoke in Chickering Hall, New York City, to a crowded audience, The New York Sun gave the following account of the meeting : " Last Sunday, Chickering Hall, this city, was packed, and the musical programme which preceded the speakers was loudly applauded. The Rev. Dr. A. G. Lawson, of Boston, spoke and denounced purely political harangues on Sunday. He went on to say prohibitionists should leave woman suffrage out of their platform. He was followed by Joe Hess, a German ex-prize fighter, who said he '*'Fr-"Trn-TT-*^'" •"^''*'.l Great Meeting at Fort Plain. 221 go to word -escu- i that le for- . tears ; :e the I child be bad ;ing, a is, and le poor 1" and vas ho. I, where bop had meeting sre lives he teiu- arv)Und ve that h stays to ruin. |ly help rk and II, New [rk Sun " Last md the ;rs was (Boston, lufes on Id leave )llowed kid he used to believe in women suffering when he ? ept a saloon; but he did not any more. He said that when he died he wanted his wife, who was taxed, to be represented in the government that taxed her; and therefore he was in favor of giving women the ballot. Joe has a characteristic way of speaking that delighted the audience. Last Tuesday he opened a series of twenty meetings at Greenport, L.L, under the auspices of the Good Templars. He is well known throughout the State, both in his former and present character as a temperance worker." The same evening I again spoke at the Jersey Foundry Mission ; and God blessed my efforts that night, as 44 rose for prayers. This finished my labor for a while in that part of the country, and I returned toward home ; but on my way stopped over at Fort Plain, where I was billed to speak. From a report of the Fort Plain Standard I quote ; " Monday evening the greatest temperance orator of the age, Joseph F. Hess, addresse'd at least eight hundred people at Fricher Opera House ; subject, " Success." Every recurring appearance of Mr. Hess here wins for him public esteem, and should he again visit Fort Plain with sufficient advance time of notice, we doubt if this village contains an auditorium of sufficient seating capacity to accommodate those eager to listen to him. There cannot be a doubt but in the person of Mr. Hess, the temperance people have one of the best, most earnest and conscientious laborers for the cause in the country. His name is becoming world-famed, if not already emblazoned far above all competitors in the same noble cause. His advice to the young ladies and gentlemen, particularly, Monday evening, cannot fail to be heeded." Such notice of man's work would almost make any man's head swim with vanity, but thank God, my head only did swim once with pride, and it sunk. Feb. 28th. — I again came to the city of Gloversville, and was made welcome for the second time by L. I n n Ill r I If It h '■■: '( y i m mi iViii m 222 Visits the Washingtonian Home, Ohicago. Heacock, 44 Forest-street ; all were rejoiced to see me return. We had crowded houses as on former occasions ; Henry sang solos, which were warmly applauded. On Sunday we attended the Freemont M. E. Church, Rev. Mr. Brundage in the pulpit. I again spoke in the Hall in the evening, subject : " Responsibility and Duty of Church Members." I started for Chicago, and there I visited the old Washingtonian Home to see Prof Wilkinson, who was there in 1875, when I was placed in the Home by Miss Frances E. Willard. The Professor was delighted to see me, after I had made myself known to him. The old Home when I was there was an old frame building, but now they hav' vrtngnificent Home erected of brick ; it is an honor to th -^ of Chicago. At 12 a. m I took the Milwaukee & ^u. i'aui road to Evanston; at the depot I secured a cab ani drove lo Rest cottage. Miss Willard's homo, where I recLiveJ a tu* • ough christian welcome. During the evening 1 had nuuibers of callers, among them the Adams trio, three brothers, whom I have learn- ed to love for their christian zeal in the cause of the Master. They are beautiful singers, and were my nightly assistants while in Evanston. The next day was Sunday, and in company of Miss Willard, I spoke in the M. E. church. Rev. Bro. Zimmerman was in the pulpit, and preached a very practical sermon. At this meeting my eyes were opened, and for the first time I realized what I had undertaken. Evanston is the place where the great north-west University is located. Talk about grammar, my! there is where you get it. I tried hard to bring a little piece with me when I came away, but I had no room in my trunk. Evanston is one of the most delightful spots on earth, situated about 12 miles from the city, fronting on the shores of Lake Michigan, a beautiful sheet of water. It never had any saloons, and prohibition is a success in 1% ■■■nHMMMH Commences a 21 Days Campaign in Evanston, 223 that city. This place was the home of one of the great- est platform speakers this country ever had, I make refeience to the late Hon. John B. Finch. His widow and only child, little Johnny Finch, still reside in the place. Sunday, at 3 p.m., the meetings were opened. On the platform were seated Mrs. L. Vane, the president of the Evanston Union; Mrs. Buell, Mrs. Finch, Mrs. Riley, and Miss Frances E. Willard. The hall was packed, many students being present, who came as I suspect to criticise me. I was given a hearty reception, but I did not hear it, for I was suffering. This was my tirst appearance, and I knew of my deficiency in education. But when I thought of the words " Lo ! I will be with you always to the end," I took courage. I spoke on the subject, ''Out of darkness into light," and won many friends. Tuesday, March 12th. — I received an invitation to dine with the divinity students ; about 30 were gathered round the table at Mrs. Ball's home. During the time we were waiting for the second dinner to " top off," the question was asked by the writer, " What are the boys learning?" Said one, " Theology." "What's that ?" "Why, to find out what God is." Then the writer was all atten- tion, and asked the question, "Whether they have found out yet," to which the answer was, "No." Had a great meeting that night, hall packed to suffocation. Next day I paid a visit to the Lever office at Chicago, also to the headquarters of the W. C. T. U. Returned to Evanston and had a rousing meeting. Many signed. During the time that I was in Evanston, I was agreeably surprised to meet Dr. Tanner, the 40-day faster, who gave us a very eloquent address on total abstinence. Friday, March 22nd, 1889, — I was more than surprised to receive an invitation to go to the Memorial Hall to address the students. To say I trembled is putting it k ■M II n r;il 31'! ■|=( \ I I %. I ! ; 224 Invitation to Memorial Hall. veiy niilJ. Every bone was shaking. Especially did 1 tremble, because on my arrival one of the newspapers had said that the ladies of the Union had made a mis- take in bringing a man to this place who uses bar- room phrases, and slang talk ; to which another of the newspapers replied, " We think the ladies brought the right man to this place; the coming of Joe Hess to Evanston is resulting in the stirring up of the temper- ance forces, and Union Hall has been packed nightly to hear him. Sunday afternoon he was greeted with a crowded house, and the interest is increasing daily. Mr. Hess has good ideas, however crude they may be in ex- pression ; his hearers feel that his conversion is truly of heart, and that he is trying to make amends for a mis- spent life in the past. He makes good use of his pugil- istic ability by fighting the liquor business straight from the shoulder. He is honest and earnest, straightforward and forcible, and reaches a class of ])eople who might never be influenced by the more established and system- atic methods of evangelization. All should hear him." From 400 to 600 people were present in the hall, chiefly students. I took for my text 1st Timothy, 4th chap., IGth verse, " Take heed unto thyself, and unto thy doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." I remember that as I took my place, the first thing that I said was that I did not expect ever to become a professor in a college of Theology ; I consider that I am making progress, as I am to be the teacher, this audience before me then must be my class, and if they did not be- have, I should be under the painful necessity, to reprove. March 23rd. — I was invited to take dinner with Rev. J. J. Maily, a student, who lived in Evanston with his family. This good brother in Christ was my main stand-by of the male sex while I was in the town. Bro- ther Maily was touched by the hot coal from off' the altar when he was but 19 years. Many yesrs before he A Day in Chicago Jail. 225 ran away when a boy from his ])arents, and lias lost all traces of them ; he wandered out into the world, beginn- ing to lead a reckless life, but his steps were stayed be- fore he had gone too far, and to-day Illinois has no more powerful preacher than Maily. God bless him, he has beeix a friend to me. March 24th. — I went to hear Rev. Dr. Thomas preach in McVicker's Opera House, on South Madison-street. In the afternoon of the same day, I went in company of Rev. J. J. Maily, and several members of the W. C T. U. to the Chicago Bridwell,a prison in which I had occupied a cell for nine months, because of the licensed whiskey I had drunk. As I entered the same door where I had entered many years before, a queer feeling came over me. We were cordially greeted by the officials. We were in- vited to take dinner; when I was under the devil's management, I had to walk up and take my bowl of mush with black strap mol lasses, but now when I came to the same place under God's direction, I was invited to sit at the table spread with God's g(>od f;ifts. What a change! but the trying time came. When after dinnei- 1 was permitted to see walking in Indian style, over 600 prisoners, mostly all young men and women, little boNS not 10 years, a little girl just entered into her teens, as I arose to speak I was over- come with sympathy for these poor unfortunate ones who were deprived of their frtedom because of the sin of strong drink. Quite a number of the grey heads I re- member were there when I was one of them ; many recognized me. I pointed them to a loving Saviour ; what a change God had brought about in me, and he could do the same for them if they were willing. It was a sight to behold this audience of stony hearts, moved to tears, and as they passed out and T stood at the door, there came up many a "thank you." After the meeting we all went into the prisoners' quarters ; I took a look at the little room which I had made my home ; there was ■ I t %l II 22G Close of Evanaton Work. the same old furniture, the little room had not grown any longer, 8 feet by 6 was the size, the little iron bed- stead stood on the identical spot, the head rest was the same, the sliding bolt for a lock was the same. It was while in this room, years before, my father appeared to me, dressed in white, resting over my head, bending his head up and down, as much as to say, "Has it come to this ?" This made me hurry from the place, and leaving the building on that side, the keeper said, "I will take you over and show you the new part, which cost many thous- and dollars to erect." During the time we were passing through, I asked the question, "How it is that you must have more room? You have high license in Chicago." Said the keeper, "Mr. Hess, license, high or low, we have not loom enough to store the products of the saloon. We have now a different grade of prisoners. There are more of the respectable young men, who think it manly to patronize an institution because it pays $500 per year for its existence." After thanking the keeper for his kindness, we made our way back to Evanston, That evening I was per- mitted to preach in the Methodist church, which was packed to overflowing. This night I concluded my work in Evanston, where my first engagement was only for 10 days, but had been prolonged to 21 days. Much good had been done ; over 900 had taken the pledge, many who were moderate drinkers. The I. O. G. T. lodge received a revival during these meetings by the untiring efforts of Mrs. Frances E. Finch. Many were the God speed you, and God keep you, at the close of the meet- ing. The ladies made me a present of $225.00 for the length of time I was there. Monday, March 25th. — The following resolution was placed in my hands by the president of the Union, Mrs. L. P. Vane : Resolution of endorsement of the. W. C. T. U. of Evans- ton, 111. : — Wlereas Mr. Joseph F. Hess, of Clarendon, N. Re8olution of the W. C. T. U. 227 Y., came to us, a stranpfer, except that Jesus Christ his Elder Brother was with him to introduce him. This blessed friend abided with him, and the result of his stay amonjTst us has been happier homes, and many happy hearts. Resolved, as a Union that we take great pleasure in commending Mr. Hess and his work, wliile our heartiest " God bless him" go with him evtry where. Resolved, That we heartily endorse Joseph F. Hess, of Cli endon, N. Y., as a successful temperance evangelist, and recommend that his name be placed on the list of the Woman's Lecture Bureau. Mhs. B. F. Wkmk, : ' Rec. Sec. W. C. T. U., Evanston. r good many odge iring God meet- )r the fi 5 a was Mrs. ^ i CHAPTER XXI. A Contrast — Joo *• now " and s" then " — Work in Pt'oria, 111. — Dick Corbett's fall — Hess and St. John — Volimtarv and valu- able testimony — Paying for the Home — In I ho Pennsylvania Auieiulinent Fight. " BlePBed are the meek : for they shall inherit the earth." — Matthew v. 5. • ■ WHILE walking in a Western town one day I was observed by many, and the next paper that came out had the following notice : — A GRKAT CHANGE IN JOE HESS. " I met Joe Hess on the street to night," said one of our citizens on Friday evening, " and I could not help thinking of the great change that has come to the man. 1 thought of the time he came here, some years ago, as one of the Baker and Slattery prize fight company. He wns aiiioui? toughs then. Before his connection with that Sund.iv row he was indicted and arrai<];ned before Judj^e Signor, hut was allowed to go at liberty and lemaiu free so long as he behaved himself. Joe signed the pledge in Rocluster, was afterwards converted, and joined a Bap- tist Church, and from that day to this there has been a steady growth in true manhood. His home, once a place of poverty and misery in the city, is now a place of com- fort and happiness in the town of Clarendon, His family now welcome him, when before they often feared the approach of his footsteps. Without any education, he has applied himself to study, often sticking to his books until the small hours of the morning, and he has gained a fair store of knowledge. He has overcome his natural German brogue to a great extent, and can now speak 228 Succef^.9ful Work in Peoria, III. 229 connectedly suul intero.stinf^ly. He is in good demand for temperanc(3 addresses and is making and saving money. And what a change in his personal appearance. Jt does my heart good to look at such a man, and it sets me to wonder why other poor deluded whiskey-s'jaked crea- tures do not look at Joe Hess and learn from him the vast advantage there is in living a sober and useful life." The above was clipped from the Albion papers a!id is correct, with the except'on that where the writer said that I signed the pledge and then was converted, I was converted before I signed the pledge. I am working hard, but as to making money I don't know why I do receive such notice, simply because I have become meek, and trusted in the Lord ; and then put my shoulder to the wheel and did some of the pushing. At 10.30 a.m., March 25th, I left Chicago for Peoria, 111. I was greeted there by Mr. Collins who conducted me to his house, where I was made to feel at home by the good housewife. In the afternoon the M. E. Pastor called on me and bade me welcome to the town. The meetings were held in his church, and by 7 p.m. the church was crowded. Brother Winslow, the pastor, was chairman, and after some rousing singing and prayer the writer was presented to this hungry crowd of people. After speaking for an hour the pledge was offered and 150 took it. Among these were some of the hardest drinkers, and the last I heard of them I learned they are on the rock. Many a time we hear a man or woman say that they will not sign away their right to drink. Let me give you an incident. During my stay in Peoria, when the opportunity was given for the pledge, there could be seen a man coming forward clothed in rags, with swollen fea- tures and bleared eyes. As he approached nearer it seemed that I had seen this face but could not place it. He picked up the pen with a trembling hand and wrote the name, Dick Corbett. It was like a flash of lightning. 1 i if I ir. I'.l I. \U\ » i 1.1 ^^1j . I' ii (. ' -hU 230 Sad Story of Dick Corbett Memory came to my assistance and told me where I had seen the face. I jumped from the platfoim, and took him by the hand and said, " Dick Corbett, is that you ? " he answered " yes, all that's left of me," and now came a ttood of tears. Three years before, this same man said to me, " I learn you have signed the pledge, well, I am glad you took a tumble." Said I, " Dick, you come and take a ' drop,' and sign the pledge." I received for my answer a sneer, with the remark, " I am not as weak as you." He then was nicely situated, had a good business and many admirers ; but little by little he drank more ; soon his business was neglected, and I saw no more of him until I saw him sign his name. I asked him to say a few words, which he did, and as near as i can remember I will give them to you : — He arose and said : '* I rise to say to you that I came to this place looking for the policeman to give me a night's lodging. J learned that he might be found at the temperance meeting. I saw the lithographs in the window, and read the name of Joe Hess. Says I, that cannot be Joe Hess from Rochester ; I will go and see. I came and stood in thaf. doorway, I saw it was the same Joe. I heard the men say he was a liar, that he never did go down as low as he said. I came to sign the pledge, and I did " (holding the card up). Said he, " Three years ago this same Joe asked me to sign it. 1 sneered at him and told him that I was not so weak ; when I see it is going to hurt me I will stop. I wish to God I had the weakness then that I have to-night ; then I had a good business and a good name. For the past three years Joe has been going up while I was going down. What is the difference tx)-day in our position ? Just the reverse. Three years ag^^ 1 was respected, honoured and «>dmfred by all, wh*' j they only talked of Joe with a sneer, — scarcely a k' .a word for him. To-day he is honoured, respected an'' admired, has a happy home while I am an outcast, de^rraded, debased, defrauded of my manhood by the Demon of Rum. I wish all young men Cloamg Meetings at Peoria. 231 would come to-night and resolve never to touch it again. While you go to your nice bed to-night I shall have to abide with the boards of the station-house. Once my family gave me the best bed in the house. I have signed the pledge, I trust God will help me to keep it. As he stepped down, I grasped his hand and said, " Dick, old boy, you will not have to sleep in the jug to-night, nor to-morrow night, not if Joe has a dollar." I gave him some money ; next morning he started for Chicago, I never heard of him any more, he has left no trace behind him only his words which I have treasured as near as I was able, and have imparted them to you, reader ; may they be of some value to you. Friday, March 29th, T went to Chicago, to fill a call to speak at the Y.M.C.A, at the business men's meeting at 12 p.m., which was crowded. At 3 p.m I addressed the Young Men's Prohibition League. Returned to Peo- ria : as I alighted there was a mob of hoodlums at the station who wanted me to get back on the train, but they had figured without their host, for I did not under- stand that kind of language, and I did not go back, but passed right through the bummers. That evening the church was more crowded than any night yet. On Sun- day Rev. J. J. Maily came out to help me and gave us one of the best sermons I ever listened to, on the origin of Christ's Kingdom. Monday, April ] st, was the closing night, and by six o'clock the church was packed. This night we had the great pleasure to have with us Uriah Copp, jr. He is the Grand Chief Templar of I. 0. G. T. of Illinois, -he stayed over the next day and organized a lodge ; over 650 signed during the campaign. While there I learned to know D. I. Christian who was mainly responsible for my coming to Peoria. He is one of the great land owners in that locality. At the last meeting at Peoria the pastor handed the following document to me, which reads: 232 Encouraging Words. " Bro. Joe Hess has spent the last week in this place lecturing upon temperance and drawing crowded houses each evening. His work has been very successful and we part with him with regret. It gives me great pleasure to recommend him as a christian gentleman and an earn- est and successful worker in the temperance cause. " G, W. WiNSLOW, " April 2nd, 1889. Pastor M. E. Church, Peoria." April 2nd I started for Chicago, put up at the Dear- born House on State-street, and found ex-Governor John P. St. John, who was glad to see me again. Said St. John, '• Well, Joe, I see you are doing a good work," Handing me the Lever of Chicago, I read the following item: JOE HESS AT EVANSTON. " 'The only and original' Joe Hess has been here. Joe is a marvel to all who hear him, to-day few men strike harder blows against the infamous liquor traffic. He holds important vantage ground from the fact that he was once a saloon-keeper and understands the inner workings of the business. Many thought that his com- ing to Evanston was a mistake, there are so many at- tractions here, and the ears of this people are so refined that it was feared he would not draw. But he has com- pletely won the hearts of this people ; those who expect- ed to find a rude ignoramus were agreeably surprised to find a man of good sense and native refinement. As a speaker he is graceful, eloquent and convincing. Be- sides being master of his subject, he possesses an unfail- ing fund of illustration and wit. Hundreds have signed the pledge, and many of the leading citizens gave their earnest support to the meetings, and even the churches were aroused." After reading this I said — Thank God, if I can be the instrument in God's hand to arouse the church, for it is tenfold harder to arouse the church than the drinking 5 place houses ul and leasure 1 earn- • w, )ria. ) Dear- Dr John 5aid St. work," Uowing •e. Joe n strike ^c. He that he inner lis com- lany at- retined as com- expect- rised to As a Be- unfail- signed ve their hurches g- be the for it is Irinking Opens fight at Watseka, 111. 233 man, but the drinking men will hold back until they see the churches take a stand. What shall the responsibility of the church be at the final judgment? Here St. John said, " Joe, this is election day in Chi- cago, let us tramp round and see what the black-legs are doing." We started round to the polling places, and strange as it may seem, none of the ticket pillars asked us whether we came to vote. A trip round to the polling places on election day in the States will give you an idea how or who run elections; the lowest outcasts, cut- throats, thieves and prize-fighters, gamblers, rum-dealers, negroes of the most vicious kind, are the elements that peddle votes. Think of it ! a good ministerial shepherd walking up to some thief and taking from his hand a ballot to represent his honest conviction as to what man is the best for the office. Is it any wonder that govern- ments are beginning to run from the path of right when cancers and polls are controlled by such an element ? Awake ! christian knight, and demand that things shall be changed in the future. April 3rd I opened the ball at Watseka, 111., the county seat. I was received by Judge Whitehall. The ladies having a Fair in the hall that night gave me one night's rest, which was quite acceptable. The evening of April 4th the hall was well filled. The following night the hall again was well filled. The third day I learned that some of the union were sorry they had brought me. On learning this I went to their meeting at 3 p.m. and told them that I was no tramp, and that it would be impossible for Gabriel to come to Watseka and do anything as long as the union held back and found fault, and I told them that my engagement ended right there and then. The outcome was I stayed by their earnest solicitation, and that night the ice bursted and a work began that will be remembered as long as Watseka will stand Watseka had seven saloons each paying $750 per year for license. The pastors commenced to 6 I 'Ml i- M if . IS r ti If |„: i^lS^ 1 " '.is 234 What Watseka Peo2)le say of Hess. take a hand in the fight, and now Rome did commence to howl, and the heathen did rage. Some little disturb- ance was threatened one night, and a policeman was to be called in, but none was to be found. Why are police- men called peelers ? Because they peel out of the way when they are needed. This night I talked on personal liberty. What does it mean ? Poor fellow before the Judge : " Do you think the prisoner struck you with malice-pjetense ? " Complainant : " No, Judge, he struck me with a mallet about six feet from de fence." Is it not remarkable the conception some people have of things. April 10th. — I closed my meetings at Watseka : hun- dreds could not g.ain admission. The result of the week's work caused the seven saloons to be voted out, which makes the city of Watseka a prohibition town. The fol- lowing are the papers that were handed to me at the close of the meetings : — To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN : The bearer, Mr. Joe F. Hess has conducted a very successful temperance cam- paign in our city this spring. We cordially reconmiend him as an earnest, sincere Christian and practical worker. His ready wit holds the attention of his audience, while the pathos with which he relates his own experience often moves his audience to tears. W^e believe he is fitted to accomplish much good in the temperance reform, espe- cially among those who are the victims of the drink habit, as he himself has been. Signed by the pastors of the city, E. P. More, Pastor Presbyterian Church ; W. H. Kerr, Pastor Christian Church; C. F. Cullom, Pastor M. E. Church. Along with this was also one handed to me from Judge Alex. L. Whitehall. To whom it may concern : Joseph F. Hess, the bearer, for one week has laboured in our city as an advocate of temperance, and I have been an inter- ested listener, having been all my life a total abstainer, in the strictest sense, and I do not hesitate to say that »•'. A Payment on his Home. 235 s Mr. Hess has done a good work for us in this city, just on the eve of our city elections. He is a forcible talker, and readily wins the confidence and applause of the labour- ing men, and parties who most need labouring with, and because of his honest, earnest way of putting things, makes himself solid with every man or woman who has the love of humanity at heart. Very respectfully, Alex. L. Whitehall, Watseka, 111. How different is the feeling with the people when the work is done. I sometimes think the temperance people are like the omnibus man. When he is full of drink he thinks there is just room for one more. So with a man who at firet arrives in town to talk temperance. When he is ready to go, then the people feel there is not one who could do more than he did. It puts me in mind of the little fellow wanting to know what the three balls hung outside of the store for. Bobby — " Pa, what does the pawnbroker's sign of three balls mean ? " Pa — " It means, Bobby, that it is two to one that the man never redeems his property." So with public speakers; you may use them as well as you can, but the impression you leave upon them on their arrival will stick, and when they go away, it is two to one they never return. I took the midnight train for home, arriving there on April 12th, 6 p.m. ; found all as well as usual, and as I threw $25C on the table, all were delighted. This was paid on the home. The 13th day of April, 1889, I was happy beyond ex- pression. What was the cause of my happiness ? I took my bank book — say, drinker, have you a bank book ? if you have not, why not ? — and went to the bank ; drew out $260 to pay the principal on my home, not on the saloon keeper's home, not to pay the principal on the brewery men's building, but my home ; how nice that sounds, " my home." Sunday, April 14th, 1889, I spent at home, the first Sabbath for a long time. This day we had Pastor Mille- 236 A Drinking Family. m.^^: MA. ■■;'» 'HI man with us for dinner. I can remember when I would not allow a preacher in my house, much less to take din- ner, and perhaps if he would have come he would be compelled to go away without anything to eat, because, may be, there would not be anything to put between his teeth, all because money went for whisky. Monday, April 22nd. — I spoke in Rescue Mission, on Front-street, in the City of Rochester, and took the 11.50 night train for Waterbury, Conn. I arrived at Water- bury 4.50 p.m. Mr. E. G. Fiazier and Mr. Thompson were at the station to greet ine. Frazier was a reformed man. I held meetings here for eight days. April 29th I made a pledge that I would draw nearer to God, and I did, and prosper better. The nearer we get to God the farther w^e come away from sin. During my stay in Waterbury T became acquainted with a fam- ily that drink separated. The husband signed. I tried ail I knew how to bring this family together again, but all to no avail. Wives often drive their husbands to drink, and this one that I speak of was one of this kind. Many a woman drives the husband away because she has no kind word for him, not a smile, neither any sym- pathy. May 2nd I arrived home at Clarendon, N.Y., and then proceeded to Mount Morris to speak for one day. The local press had the following notice next day: "Joe F. Hess, of Rochester, delivered a temperance lec- ture in the Baptist Church, Saturday evening, and on Sunday afternoon ami evening at Livingstone Hall. At the Sunday evening meeting the hall was tilled, not even standing room to accommodate all, and many were un- able to obtain admission. Subject : * A saloon keej.er's experience.' His address was eloquent, and will leave a lasting impression on his hearers." While labouring at a place called Tuscarora, N.Y,, the press gave the following account of the work : " Joseph Hess, the Gospel Temperance evangelist, has been labouring in this town. Although the weather has The Pennsylvania Amendment Campaign. 237 been unfavourable, yet the Presbyterian Church has been tilled and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed; nearly 350 have signed the pledge." Returned home May 4th ; then to Buffalo to see dear old mother; then returned to Clarendon and rested until the 8th day of May, when I started for the Amendment campaign, which was then the contest in the Key Stone State, Pennsylvania. I was to begin my labours under the auspices of the Tioga Amendment Committee, at Blossburg, where I had laboured the fall of 1888. Into this Amendment Campaign I threw myself with all the energy I possessed, speaking nightly at many different points in the State. The result, so far as the voting is concerned, is to-day a matter of history ; 150,- COO of a majority was recorded against the Amendment. How this majority was obtained was well understood b}' the friends of temperance at the time. All their impres- sions of the fraud ul*nt means adopted have since been confirmed by the clever exposure in the New York Voice, in the working up of which my warm and able fiierid, Col. R. S. Cheves, took a leading part. ' mil mm CHAPTER XXII. An invitation to take Canada — Staita for London — Feeb'e hands and weak knees — Oliffon and Niaara Falls — A hod-carrier in St. Catharines — Work in London — Testimmy for an ti- Scott Act men — Chased home with boils and grippe — Miss Cleveland's eloquent reply to Dr. Howard Crosby. ''All hand:! shall be feeble, and all knees shall bp weak as water." — Ezekiel, chap. vii. 17th verse. THIS was the verse that we read for our scripture lesson at the family altar, on the morning of the first day of the New Year, one thousand eight hundred and ninety. While we were rejoicing and revering the year that had just ]iass3d into eternity, we beheld the many blessings that the Almighty had showered upon us as a family during that time, and a silent prayer went up on high. The new year was entered into with a resolve to do even more for the Master's cause, in lifting up fallen humanity from the shame and degradation into which so many have fallen through strong drink and vices of the devil. At 12 a.m. my son Henry brought the mail, and amongst fourteen letters I found one from Brother Thomas Lawless, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars of Canada. His letter informed me that I was to begin my labours in the interest of the Order at Lon- don, Ontario. This agreement was entered into some months before, and now came the time when the work should begin. It was at this time that the above verse was applicable to me, for my hands began to feel very feeble, and my knees ber me to live id Chrlut, ami to die is gain."— Pbill. lut chap., 21bt verse. THESE are precious words. To clearly know and un- derstand them means to have Christ in you. These words were mine on the day of my departure from the city of Toronto to a new Held of labour, March 3rd. — I started for home for one week's rest. March 4th, I held forth an Rochester, N.Y. ; the (Jth at Buffalo and >Jiagara Falls. My friend, P. A. Burdick, was holding a campaign at tlie latter place, and I had the opportunity of speaking at one of his meetings. As I was going to the meeting I passed saloon after saloon. Among others there was one which had a brilliant sign in the shape of gas-lighted letters, and 1 read the word " Palace." I used this word at the meeting that night, while the proprietor was in the hall ; tiiere it was 1 first u.sed the word tiiat has brou;rht me into trouble. March 7th. — I came back to Toronto and learned that 1 was to sperik that night at West Toronto Junction, which I did to a large and intiic^ted aiidience. Brother, J. N. McKendry, was witli me and also spoke. Seventy-six signed the ph-dge. Saturday, March 8th — T started for Peterboro', little dreaming what the result would be of that week's work. I went ov-r th»^ V m IS" the Royal Templars, under whose management the meet- ings were conducted. My first place to visit was the Y. M. C. A., which is under the efficient secretaryship of Brother Colville. I spoke briefly here to a meeting of young men. About nine o'clock I was conducted to the residence of Mr. Bradburn, one of the finest homes in town. I was made heartily welcome by Mrs. Bradburn, who is a member of the W. C. T. U. Sunday morning, March 9th. — I attended morning ser- vice at the Methodist Church, Rev. Mr. Pierson was in the pulpit and gave us an excellent sernion. At 2.30 p.m. I began battle at Bradburn's Opera House, which was densely ])acked. I had the best attention of any meet- ing I had had in Canada up to that time. Rev. Mr. Pier- son acted as chairman. The writer spoke for about one hour. At the close the invitation was given to come and sign the pledge ; many came forward. One tall young man, who had the appearance of an educated man, came upon the platform. He was well dressed, but I soon dis- covered what was the matter. I saw that he was under the influence of rum. I spoke to him, and gently took him by the hand, when he burst into tears and said, " Oh, the curse rum." Said he, " Mr. Hess, is there any help for me ? " I pointed him to the ono who said, " Whoso- ever will come to mc I will in no wise cast out." From his own lips I learned of his first step to ruin. As a young man of eighteen, he went to colk^ge, graduated, but like thousands of other young men who have gone the road before, he, too, learned to think that to be a boy he must bo one of the boys , the road from total abstinence to that of the first glass was soon travelled, and the down- ward road was commenced. He afterwards entered a law office and read law five years, but through drink he lost his position ; then he married, »-nd to-day is the owner of a lovely home, and beautiful wife and three children. But even this did not keep him straight ; the appetite had possession of him. I prayed with him, he I An Encouraging Case. 263 signed the pledge, and began to lead a sober life. He is worth considerable money. There was rejoicing in his home, as the following letter, written by him some months after, will show : — Peteuboro,' May 17th, 1800. My Dear Hess, — Yours of the 14th instant is just to hand, and the fact of its being penned from within the hallowed precincts of your own home made its perusal doubly gratifying to me. I am penning this also from my own fireside. Oh, " There's no place like home," a clean, neat Christian home is there. I look forward to it from the time I go out on the road, Monday morning, until 1 return, Saturday night, and that, too, with con- stant longing. And only a few short months ago I would wonder if there were any clocks in the world as fast as the bar-room timepieces, when maybe their hands pointed to the midnight hour. Then home was the last i)lace to go to. Now, thank God, it is the first consideration. The writer was the youiig iiiau who thought there was no help for him. The Opera House was packed ever^ night for four nights. The last night I had a ten-cent admission. This did not decrease but increased the audience. On this night Brother J. S. Robertson, of Toronto, was^ present, and made the opening speech, The writer talked of tem- perance from a business .-standpoint. The saloon kue})ers were invited, as they are business men. During the time of speaking I made reference to the word " Palace " that 1 had noticed as I was walking along the street, and it seems that the owner of the word was present. Soon after the meetingr the streets were alive with the talk that " Tom Dun was going to make it hot for me." The Toronto papers published a despatch stating that an action for $5,000 for slander had been entered against Joe Uess by saloon-keeper Dun, of Peterboro'. Over 500 264 Work in Bowmanville. I' •■ I ', I;' t m ¥lem. On invitation of the chair, I took a position on the platform and spoke ior a short time. I visited the Salvation Army's Barracks the same even- ing. Here, too, I was called on to speak. I knew that this denomination believed in a laugh, so 1 told 'em some funny things. The next day, Sunday, I opened my work at 5.30 p.m.. The Town Hall was packed ; the meeting was presided over by the Mayor oi' the town. On the platform were seated some of the best people of the town, including a member of the Local Legislature. I spoke vigorously against the traffic ; many signed the pledge after the meeting. Some of the politicians hung tlieir heads and said that " Joe Hess is a bad Sunday man." Some of the worst drunkards signed during the week. Among them, a tailor by trade, Sam Mitchell by name. The next day he received a leather medal through oro'. On West To- iwo large e Charles ne to Mr. id during that ano- lethodist Salvation nday the •ful boy- out 4,000 De small, y to take Y electric ^here the val meet- ked, and )lem. On platform line even- ew that [em some »y work meeting On the of the rned the hung J Sunday (ring the 3hell by Ith rough The Campaign in London. 265 the post, with a hole punched through it, in which was a blue ribbon, to which was attached a postal card. This was sent for an insult, with the hope that it might drive Sam back into the ranks of the bummer ; but in this the devil failed ; it made Sam more determined. During the week Revivalist Kerr left for some other appoint- ment, and I was requested to speak in the church on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons, which I did. The Salvation Army closed their extra meetings on the Tuesday night, which left the entire field for me dur- ing the balance of the week. At the meetings we had excellent singing. We were assisted by Brother W. Daly, from Peterboro', and on the last night we closed by charging a ten-cent admission. Some of the com- mittee thought this would keep people away, but this is not my experience. We had an excellent programme. Bro- ther J.S.Robertson waM down from Toronto, so was Brother Charlie Johnson; besides, an excellent programme was furnished in the line of music by some of the people whose names I cannot remember. We closed with over 700 names to the pledge. Many homes were made happy as the result of the meeting, and the Royal Templais have greatly swelled their numbers. Bowmanville has a population of 4,000, and is situated north of Lake Ontario, about two and a-half miles. The Grand Trunk runs to the south of the place, about one mile from the town. The various religious denominations are well represented. An organ factory, and sev^eral other factories besides, find an existence here. There is a very fertile country around it. It had only four drinking places at the time I write. March 22. — I started for London, Ont, again, with a trembling heart. Before I had engaged with Bowman- ville, I told the manager not to send me to London, be- cause it was so dead ; but no, I must go to the Forest City, so I took courage and went. When I was there in the early part of the winter I stayed but a day, and I V. H, m m '!» 'i I 10 m 'f jflb> , ** 'iv-/ ftl • J V' Jl ) i < • 1 \ 1 J, ;t 'i '^ (J ,1 260 The Welcome. was very glad to get out. It was in London where, in 1884, I had contracted some lialiilitic.4, and spending my money at the saloons, I had none to pay n)y other bills. This was the reason I did not like to go there, but go I did. When I had entered the car, sitting alone in one of the seats, I noticed a little dried-up fellow walking up and down the platform, and looking at me very closely. As the conductor shouted all aboard, the train commenced to move out of the Union Depot. This " two-by-nine " fellow stepped aboard and, almost breathless, said " Is this Mr. Hess?" I answered, " That's what they call me." Said he, " Here is a paper which miglit be of interest to you while on your way," and away he went like a whirlwind. It, was what I expected every day, a writ in the celebrated Dun slander casu of Peterboro'. I put the precious document in my pocket for safe keeping. At London I was greeted with >i welcome by llev. Brother A. C. Courtice, pastor of tlie Dundas Centre Methodist Church. Brother Courtice is a small miin, but in the pulpit he is a big man. On the car I told him right out what I had formerl}' been in London, and what I might expect. He thanked me for b(dng so Irank, and laying his hand on my shoulder said, " Brother Hess, we will stand by you." Sunday, at JJ.80 p.m., the/ first meeting took place, un- der the auspices of the W. C. T. U., at the City Hall, which was packed to suffocation. As I mounted the plat- form I could hear all over, "That's John Brooks," and when I looked up I saw so many of the old boys before me that it really gave me courage. At the close of the meet- ing many came forward and shook my hand, amongst them, none so hearty as Tom Tracey, the barber. Tlie evening meeting was held in the Dundas-street Metho- dist Church, which seats about 1,400 people, and it was packed by 7 p.m., though the meeting was not to begin until 7.30. Many were the tears shed that night. There was no such fever in London on the temperance line in Paying Old Scored 267 the bistoiy of the Forest City for many a year. It was verily a mixed crowd in the church that night. Tlio rich along with the poor, the drunkard along with the sober. GamUcrs, negroes, and all sorts of society were theie It was decided after the meeting to see if the Opera House could be secured. This was done, and on Monday night, and every night during the week, it was packed from pit to gallery, and hundreds could not get in. On Monday niglit 1 told the people that some a ears ago I was there under an assmred name, and I left behind some bills un paid, and that if they would call at 4!S4 Dundas-street I would settle all legitimate accounts. This had such an effect upon the people that by one accord they cheered for five uiinutes. Though these bills had been outlawed, yet I knew I owed them. It was amusing to see the people come with accounts, some of one dollar, others of five dollars, and some of larger amounts. Some I refused to pay, because I did not owe them.. There was one case where certain men of reputed good standing in the city went to one McDonald, a saloon keeper, and got liim to unearth old and musty records, and fix up an account against me. It was not the money they wanted, but they hoped to compromise me in the eyes of the puljlic. They counted without their host. All accounts were paid, and in this way the devil was fooled. Nearly 1,000 signed the pledge. Now that I had faced the enemy, and*the combat was over, and victory mine, I was happ3', but through it all my noble Brother Courtice was at my side, and when the time came to close the case it was laid before the W. C. T. U., and they allowed me $33 on what I had paid. God will look out for His own every time. March 29th. — I returned to Toronto to speak at the closing Sunday afternoon meeting of the League in the Pavilion. This great building was crowded. At the close of the meeting three ragged boys came forward and signed the pledge. I took them by the hand ancf asked them IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // // J^ ^^ %?< ^^ % [/ A, 1.0 I.I 1.25 IIM IIIIM i|4 1.4 IIM I™ 1.6 "'/a & o w ^h % ^1 m, et 7 /A Photographic Sciences Corporation ^ S^ . €^ 6^ %^ X 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY, 14580 (716) 872-4503 %^ ,% m. (/x w< w- w. Pr J V R |M 111' I; i> . > .h:" » ". 270 " Hold on Joe" i-'i m^^ ' ! ! f m themselves against rum. There are numbers of cases that I might <^'ive an account of, but I will mention but one. Every night there came to the meeting a low sized man, accompanied by his faithful wife. But all the plead- ing and talking had no effect ; and saving my breath in arguments with him, I went to the Loid with him and pleaded that if it were the Lord's will to add this one soul to my record, to do so. I had hopes until the last meeting was held and the lights put out, but no, he did not come, and so I bid him good-bye, and along with the workers I went to the Y. W. C. T. U. rooms, where a little lunch was prepared. On looking round I saw my man in the corner, his wife in another part of the build^ ing. After lunch several speeches were made, and a short adccupied vas the plendid udience II 2aine 3ran;;e- V which ng was thougli L Loyal ome of cen an ow ro- B loyal lace as posite. 1 sin ess ; it is J locks liquor Mr. n this e, and Lord prospered him ; and now his danghter Miss Orr carries on his business, that of a general country store. I met a great many whose names 1 would be pleased to record in this book, but for lack of memory I cannot. June 11th. — I was brougiit to Fenelon Falls, a place about seventeen miles from Bcjbcaygeon. The road led us through a wild district, here and there dotted with house.o, which were occupied with tillers of the soil. Some very good farms were to be seen, and some very poor one.s. After a drive of four hours we lauded in the city of the FUls. I had looked forward to this place with great expectation, as I was informed that it was settled with some live people, and I would have a good time. But with a irlance around, I knew that this was a haul place to work. The first meeting was heltl in the M. K. Chuich, half-way out in the country. This was filled with empty seats, only about seventy-five people were present. The next day the meetings were moved to the Salvation Army barracks. This was moderately filled ; altogether I had three meetings in the place ; results very poor. I was entertained by the President of the Union, Mrs. M. H. Dickson, a very pleasant lady, and her husband a very genial man. Fenelon Falls has a great water power that ought to be utilized, and which can be done with very little expense. The fall is about 100 feet ; its current is very swift. There is a chance for capitalists. It has a rail- road ; its rivers are also navigable for steamers and packets, and the place is cursed with rum. June 14th. — I secured a driver to bring me to Lindsay, from thence back to Seaforth. I laboured here under the auspices of the I.O.G.T., and was greeted with a welcome by J. W. Beattie, a fine young man, who conducted me to his father's residence, one of the finest in the town. Sea- forth has a population of 5,000 people. Some excellent meetings were held, but it being so very hot, they were not as well attended as they might have been. Yet num- 278 Uxhridge and Aylmer. f-»''v i ™t!|l!l I I- I bor.s of (liinkiiifj men HijL,'ric3 will only do this (set an example by casting off indiffer- ence and crying Temperance), we shall have such full churches as we never had before. We are living in an WHHI ! I 288 Moderation. Mf "i.m J'i 'I ' advanced age. We are living in an age when they find silver in rock, and all kinds of wealth in the very soil on which we tread ; when the discoveries of all kinds of machinery are abounding to save labor and to make toil lighter for man. We have machinery of every description. But, with all these scientific discoveries, we have not time to atop and think what is the cause of so much of the dragging down of our fellow-men, and how to prevent it. But, when we do, what do we find out ? Why, scientiHc men find out, in their scientific advancements, that it is the liquor traffic that drags our boys and girls down to destruction, in our country. I dare say I am right in saying, that there is scarcely a family anywhere that is not a sufferer, in some degree, by strong drink. I would like to give you a little illustration to-night how some men are made abstainers. A gentleman came to me and said : " Would you like to know why I am a temperance man and a Christian to-night ?" Yes, I would like to know how it all came about. Well, I have a vine- yard over there and have a winery, but I have not made a drop of drink for the sake of trade. I do not sell any- thing that would intoxicate. Well, I had a hired man, and I said to him : ' Take the offal of those grapes' (he took the grapes down to the mill), a kind of waste which had been ■ lying exposed to the air a few days ; take the offal down to the pig-sty. Be did- so ; by-and-by my little boy came, breathless, almost, and said to me : ' Pa ! come and see what is the matter with the pigs.' I went and found that the pigs were all squealing and making the strangest noises imaginable ; some were on their back kicking im- mensely, and some were staggering from side to side. I said to the man, ' Why did you not give those pigs the grape offal that I told you ?' He said he had done so. I soon found out what it was ailed the pigs ; they were drunk. The next day I tried them again, and I found that they would not do what some of our two-legged pigs will do , they would not be made drunk, they would Moderation. 289 bhey find very soil kinds of nake toil script ion. 2 not time ich of the )revent it. , scientiHc that it is s down to m right in ere that is in to-night 3man came ^hy I am a es, I would ave a vine- B not made )t sell any- d man, and ^e took the h had been offal down . boy came, ine and see found that strangest kicking im- j to side. I tse pig-^ the [done so. I they were Ind I found Itwo-legged \hey would not eat the stuff that made them drunk ; they ran away from it, they would not touch it." They had crossed the bounds of moderation. And so with man ; if he would only look at the thing properly, he, too, would exercise the same good sense and never touch a drop of diink any more. Oh, I wish I had had the same sense as those good pigs. I remember to-day how my first drink affected me. There are a great many who say : " I am a moderate drinker," because the Bible says so. It says, " Be temperate in all things." Yes ; but it says to be total abstainers from all evil. It tells you to cast away every thing that would do you or a fellow creature an injury ; and does not drink injure others ? Is it not the curse of many a home ? Yes, my friends, it is the down- fall of every man and woman who tastes it. You need not go beyond your own door, beyond your own portal, to see the effects of this evil. I saw one man to-day, and it is plain he had suffered from the drink. And if that man does not give up that drink it will drag him down to ruin. Some will say, why, Christ made wine ; He turned the water into wine. Yes. Now, we know that Christ never went about injuring men and causing them suffering ; it was not the character of His work. He went about doing good to others and preventing misery. But to put moderation against temperance, you will a&y Christ turned the water into wine. J wish He was here to-night to put 3'ou right on this matter. How can men say this, that Christ made wine to give men a way to hell ? Why, it would be making Christ a liar. Would He shed his blood for me, and then give me wine to ruin my soul ? I say drive that thought from you, drive it away, because you are only deceived by it. It is the devil getting bold of you and keeping you in chains. I have got a little bill to-night, and if you will listen I will read it, then you will see how man will spend his money. II 'in ■Hi 1, iiiiiji I I ' ! I iflil i| ml i 290 Moderation. The moderate man's drink bill : Per day, Whiskey, 30 cts. Cigars, 15 cts. $ 45 Total for week, 3 15 " month, 13 50 " year, 102 00 " ten years, 1,G::0 00 Now, just see what a good sum you would have in ten years if this was deposited in a Bank at compound in- terest. And yet a youug man will go into (me of those places — he will go into one of those saloons night after night, and what does it do for him ? Why, it ^^ets him into all sorts of trouble. Look at that father, look at that mother ; she weeps for him. Oh, young man, beware of that demon, King Alcohol ! At forty-five cents a day we find by the year that it amounts to one hundred and sixty-two dollars. Do you wonder ? can you wonder that these men are able to build fine houses — brick houses ? If a man was an honorable man he would give up such a cursed business. If any young man could see thene figures he would stop and think with himself, how it is that the man across the road dresses in fine clothes, his wile dresses in silks and satins, while he has scarcely a shoe to put on ? Where will a man get to if he indulges in moderate diink with all that moral character, and all that love running soon to de- struction ? Flee it ! give it up ! Look about you, and see what lots of young men are running to destruction, to endless ruin. I used to. drink gin. I do not drink it any more. I drink this now (holding up a glass of water). It will never damn your soul. If you never touch or taste anything stronger than that you shall always be frosperous, you shall never have any headaches. When used to drink I used to put my hand down here (stomach), I had pain there ; I had to hold my head ; I pained everywhere ; but now I have a pain of twent}"^ dollars here (points to pocket). I want to say to-night, Moderation. 291 without contradiction, that our country is ruined to-night and it is the result of moderation. I say that our nation's depraved, debased and drunken condition is the result of moderation. As I said a while ago, there is no use of me putting my head in a noose, and falling out of a cart and breaking my neck when I have the power to hinder it. There was a man, he was the foreman in the Peniten- tiary ; I can tell you about his last drink. This man was a foreman. He walked out one night into one of these saloons, and he got something to drink, some of this poison. He was not in the habit of getting drunk, and did not intend it this night. It was a cold night and he thought a drop would warm him ; well, he drank some of this poison ; on his way home he fell and hurt himself, at least we supposed he did. Early in the morning a milk- man, going irom his duiry, found him lying in the street at four o'clock, and he was dead, fiozcn to death. The milk- man looke«l at hiin ; it was his neighbor. This poor man was a moderate drinker ; he felt a little cold, and thought he would take a little to warm himself. What was the end of all this ? His wife is in an asylum ; his little children are waiting for him, but he will never come to them again. And what was the cause of all this ? Why, he was a moderate drinker. And if you will not yield to this cause (temperance) you will be like that poor man. If you will indulge in moderate drinking, you will become accursed before all men. Look at that man. I saw you drinking to-day ; I can point you out. You are bringing ruin on yourself. You are a drunkard. Look at those children of yours. If you should die a drunkard, the finger of' scorn will be pointed at them, and it will be said the father of that child died a drunkard's death ; and my child must not attach herself to such company. It does not stop there ; it follows on for ages after. I know one thing ; let any minister of the gospel advocate moderation, and he will be made much of in every saloon ; but let him advocate 292 Moderation. I total abstinence, and the saloon keepers will say : What is he doing, to interfere with our business ? How dare he do i}, ? But, let him preach moderation, and the saloon keeper will admire him for it ; from the most gilded saloon palace to the lowest brothel. There is a friend, a brother of mine, in New York, Rev Dr. Crosby. He will advocate moderation; it is wrong, and if any man will advocate such a doctrine, he deserves horse- whipping. I want to ask who makes the drunkard ? It is you, the moderate drinker. 1 was not always a drunkard. No ; 1 became one from the moderate drinker's ranks. You dare not say that I, that my wife, that that husband will never be a drunkard, if moderate drinking is indulged in. How can you say that ? H your men want to get sick of drunkenness, I will give you a receipt. I did the same thing yesterday. What, was I drunk ? Yes, and so will any one be, if he rides long on that valley railroad. You go down to Rochester on that railroad, and before you get to the end you will experience what it is to be drunk. And, by the way, this will only cost you a little over a dollar. That is an awful road to travel on. I knew a man, a barber, he had a hired man who was a barber, and he knew another barber who told a tale about another barber. They met in the barber's store, and one said to the other, " Where are you going ? I am going to get a drink of beer. I went into the saloon," he said, " and spent one dollar or about one dollar and fifty cents, and when I had drink enough I went into the butcher shop. I stood a few seconds to look around me, when in comes the saloon keeper. He would not look at me, the butcher took no notice of me, either." He said to the saloon keeper, with smiles all over his face : " What can I serve you with ?" The saloon keeper very pompously enquired the names of several pieces of meat, and finally bought a piece of the best the butcher had. When the saloon keeper had gone, the butcher turned round to me and asked gruffly : " Well, what do you want ?" I said, sheep- • ' Moderation. 293 ishly, " twopenny worth of liver." " Here it is, where's your money ?" I would not stand that, that was too much for mo. I went home with a resolve that such a thing should not happen again to me. I kept from the saloon all that week, and on Saturday, after labor, I went again to buy my meat at the same batcher shop. The butcher looked at me, but said nothing, At Itist I said : *' What's that, and that, and that, and that V " That's the best end, too much for you." " Weigh it," I said. He weighed it and I paid him. It was very different from the twopenny- worth of liver. And 1 want to tell you young men who go to the saloon, playing billiards and drinking, when you grow old you will think of the liver story. Just think ; save all that you spend in drink, and you will find that you will have a goodly sum saved. There is not a saloon keeper who will tolerate the man who is not one of his supporters. There is not a saloon keeper anywhere who has a bone for anything but a man who has a thousand dollars. i went in at the front door of a saloon, one day, but was glad to get out at the back. One saloon keeper once told me how to get sober. " Go," said he, •' and throw a brick through a window if you have no money." Is not this so, boys ? Is it not so, men ? (here a man said, no, it is a lie ; a dispute arose for a few seconds, which ended by the disturber leaving the room ) I guess some of you have been there to-day. I want to tell you something more about my life, but I have taken a long time in my address. Can you tell me where I left off? I left off where I got married. I don't want to keep you too long. I wanted to regain my mind. My father said to me : " Joe, will you try and reform if I will help you ?" I said, " yes, I will." Well, ray father said to me : " Here is some money — go to Canada." I went, and while there rented a farm. I planted and made my farm all nice. I had nothing to do but to wait for my crops growing. I said to my wife, I am going down to the jail, and will Si ' :i I' 294 Moderation. try and sell some of that stone on my way. I met my friend, George L . I call him my friend because he has a soul. He asked me to go in and have a drink ; I refused to have a drink. He then asked me to have a cigar. I had a smoke and a drink of soda water. While wo were there, in came George P . I got drunk and went to Toronto. I did not leave that saloon until I was drunk. I went to Toronto, took steamer and went to Buffalo to see my parents. My father sat at the door. '• Why, Joe," said he, " are you drunk again ?" I was ashamed. I left and went to Chicago. On the cars, I fell asleep, and when I awoke I found myself in a sleep- ing car. I went into a saloon at Chicago, got a drink and then wrote to my wife, and getting no answer, I began to feel that I was cast oft'. From Chicago I went to Europe and to Australia. I got that low I wished I was dead. I liked drink so well that you might have thought that you were feeding a rat hole. T went back to Indiana. I had a prize match ; he threw me over with a side lock ; perhaps some of you know what a side lock is. I was so hard up at this time it made me desperate, and so I was determined to win. I did so in two more rounds. After the match, I received my two hundred dollars ; I travelled at this time in the name of Brooks. I had been drinking a little bit. A man came up to me and said : " Is not your name Hess ? " I said, " yes." Then he said he knew my brother, and told me what he (my brother) was doing. I got a message sent to my brother, who answered he did not know me. He said he had had a brother, but had not seen or heard of him for some time. I was asked to send some proof by which my mother might know me. I did so. My mother wired for me to come home ; they had not seen me for years (7^ years). 1 went home and my mother met me at the door. " Is that you, Joe ? " " Yes." " Then come in." I found a comfortable home. My mother was strange- ly altered. I looked around some time before I dare Objections to Liquor License Laws. 295 speak, then I asked where my father was. " Oh, son Joseph he is dead ; he died four years ago." When I think of all this grief, of this sad condition which I had brought upon others, I would plead with you to leave off' p.11 evil habits, to give up evil companions, and to cast away from your lips that accursed drink which works so mucli misery. Oh 1 that I could see my father come into this room to-night and behold the change God and temperance have made in me. How proud he would be (.speaker wept and apologized for this show of feeling). Excuse my tears, I cannot help it. When I think of my father, when I think of the young men who despise these warnings, I feel ashamed ; when I look at my mother, so strangely altered (the speaker again burst into tears and abruptly said). I cannot tell you any more to-night, my heart is too full. I do not come to tell you these things for boasting's sake, but to rescue young men from that destruction into which drink is leading them. Young men, I stand before you to-night, to lead you away from that path which is leading so many to de- struction. Come, fathers and mothers, come to-night and show by your actions that you are ready to help us in this grand cause for the sake of your sons and your daughters. OBJECTIONS TO LIQUOR LICENSE LAWS. (Written for the Canada Citizen.) All laws are supposed to be made for a certain object. I do not wish to assume that any legislature would pass laws simply to be able to say, " VVe are legislating." But as a Christian, I am disposed to be charitable ; therefor-^ I will concede that all laws are made to accom- plish some object, good or bad. Here again I must concede that in this enlightened age no legislature would pass any law simply to gain a bad 296 Objections to Liquor License Lmvs. IM) ' m m end. Then let us conclude that all laws are passed for a worthy object. Taking this position, let us enquire into the necessity of liquor laws. I will concede that at first this license law was meant to regulate the licjuor traffic. But we know that laws do not always accomplish the purpose for which they were intended, — indeed, in many cases they prove an utter failure. The question is, — Have the license laws been a failure ? To my mind the men best qualified to answer correctly, and to give clear testimony are the judges of the criminal courts, Why ? Because they hold a position which gives them every opportunity to observe the work- ings of this accursed law. What is their testimony ? Judge Robt. C. Pitman, of the Superior Court of Massachussetts, in a book entitled, * Alcohol and the State,* says : " License laws have not only failed in the past, but it is certain that they cannot succeed in the future because of inherent weakness. . . . License has had its day. It is a disgrace and failure." What is the history of license laws in England ? Dr. F. R. Lees, in his * Condensed Argument,' say : " Britain has tried, other nations have tried, restriction and regula- tion. The experiment has failed, miserably failed." The (London) Times, of May 13, 1857, the organ of public sentiment in England, says : " The licensing system has the double vice of not answering a public end, but a private one. It has been tried and found wanting." Allow me to add my testimony in having bought license to conduct saloons, and to-day I say as far as it was a law it was a failure, for no man can sell rum under a license law and not become a law-breaker. As a pre- ventative of drunkenness it is a failure. As a promoter of drunkenness it is a success without a parallel. I am convinced that a law licensing the sale of alcoholic liquors is wrong, contrary to reason and righteousness. The license system is founded upon a false assumption. To say \jre must have license for this curse, is the same W8. passed for a enquire into r was meant that laws do ih they were ove an utter laws been a id to answer he judges of Id a position re the work- !. Pitman, of )ok entitled, ^B have not they cannot weakness. . iisgiace and ■land ? Dr. Britain land regula- iled." The |n of public lystera has end, but a Iting." g bought ,s far as it um under As a pre- promoter falcoholic lusness. mmption. the same True Aims of Legislation. 297 as saying there is a necessary demand for these destruc- tive poisons. Permit me, to say that the traffic in ardent spirits is wholly unnecessary to the public good. If this is a fact, then its further continuance, in view of the nu- merous evils is high crime against both God and humanity. It is certain to all who will give this matter one minute reflection, that it is wrong to uphold a traffic which undermines the principles of Government. Back of the question of revenue, and private gain, lies the base as- sumption that there is a public demand for these destruc- tive poisons. The supply is really the creator of the demand. Cut off the supply and you will not have the demand. J. F. Hess. TRUE AIMS OF LEGISLATION. NOT A RIGHT TO DO WRONG. — THE SUBJECT INTELLIGENTLY DISCUSSED. (Written for the Canada Citizen.) ** Law grinds the pour, and rich men rule the law." — [Goldsmith. " Law is a bottomless pit ; it is a cormorant, a harpy that devours everything." — [Arbuthnot. ** Nothing is law that is not reason."— [Parnell. According to the mind and idea of the wise Frederick Powell, the science of government is divided into two de- partments — 1st, To lind what is right and just, and then enforce it ; 2nd, To find what is beneficial, and then j)ro- mote it. The former he calls the science of politics, the latter he calls the science of political economy. These two, then, mustcomplete the system of political philosophy. Upon philosophy, good governments are founded. The ends of government are virtue and justice. To protect these ends should be the aim of legislation. The fruits of justice, along with virtue, are happiness and peace. Where happiness and peace exist you find a free ri 298 True Aims of Legislation. fhm 1 k government. A government that cannot provide these ends for its people is not worthy of respect or loyalty. A government that promotes vice, and by such vice demoral- izes and pauperizes its people, has a poor foundation. Men are not all depraved ; therefore men are not made happy by the cultivation of vice but by the cultivation of virtue. Legislation is a power delegated to certain men who are elected by the people, but such men have no right to do whatever they please in legislating, without respect to principle, and regardless of consequences. The power which is delegated to men elected does not give, then, a right to do wrong, but, rather, the right to make laws which will help the units or individuals to do right. "What are legislators ? Purely and simply, they are the hired servants of the people, in the whole — not of the few and favored ones. What are their duties ? So to legis- late as to promote " the greatest good of the greatest number." Legislators are not to create rights, but simply give protection and enforcement of rights. From a Divine law we get the right for protection to both person and property ,which is bestowed upon all human kind, irrespec- tive of race or sex. The duty of legislators is to protect, and not to create principle. Then laws should be made for the people, and not simply for the protection of a few mercenaries. They have no right to make laws to exalt one class and humble others, or to make one poor and the other rich. Then to carry out the legitimate end of pure legislation, we must have both positive and negative laws — laws which will prohibit, and laws to permit. These are the principles to which legislation is restricted. Therefore legislators should be the servants of the people, and not tools of political machines. Legislators should express, in a legal way, the wishes of the majority, and not give a listening ear to the corrupt minority. Let us use plain words. Legislators should at all times make laws which will insure and promote justice for the general welfare of all the people. If legislation is used Ttme A WIS of Legislation. 299 for any other purpose than to direct the affairs of the people in the proper channel, it means to bring confusion in tne body politic. With this idea as to how legislation shall be used, let us look into liquor legislation. The liquor traffic, from a law stand-point is a legitimate busi- ness. Legislation has put around it tie arms of protection. By the act of a lic( .ise law it has been made respectable, and to-day this vils traffic boasts of the money it pays towards the sustaining of the Government, and for this it demands that the people shall pay it homage and respect. The liquor-traffic to-day is securely protected behind the law. We wonder that its strength increases from day to day, and that it is now making threats toward the life of our country. This would not be so, were it not for the wicked law that makes it respectable. It is to-day before us as the one great mistake of legislation. Let us take from under it the pillows or props of legislation, and it will fall into a pit of shame. In examining this traffic, we find that it is not a public benefit or a blessing. Then for what reason should we make it such a special object of legislation ? We know from the past that this traffic champions such vices as anarchy, brings confusion and produces ])overty, and fills the prisons and almshouses with outcasts. Therefore instead of a permit for its life, let us have legislation to piohibit it. and use the legisla- tive power to kill it. Are tax-rates made any lighter because of its existence ? Careful statisticians sa\^ that fully one half of the taxes are due to the liquor traffic. Take, for instance, the late murder trial in Toronto — how much did it cost the honest taxpayers to hang one man ? Let every man enquire into this, and put the income of the Revenue on one side. Then the trial, conviction, wife and soul of the murdeier on the other side — figure it out, and see who is the lose!'. Is it right that the honest toiler should be compelled to support the victims of this unholy traffic. Again, can the legitimate manufacturers of this country point to the benefit that it is to their trade ? It has always interfered 7-S 300 True Aims of Legislation. f^^ with the prosj^ects of the manufacturers, because it pro- duces idleness. In large manufactures of the Dominion, where hundreds of human beings are hutched together, their safety depends upon the steady hand and clear head of the engineer. In most of the large manufacturing establishments, the employees must be sober men, and the drink of intoxicating^ liquor is prohibited. Should not this be a hint to the legislators to forever prohibit its manufacture and sale. Does it not prove that the manufacturing establishments do not approve of the liquor laws, in other words they prohibit that which the legislature permits. Now, which is wrong ? Where are the benefits to the drinker ? Does it build tine houses for him ? Does it put fine furniture into his home ? J)oes it dress his wife and children ? Does it educate humanity for God ? There can be only one answer to all these questions — it does not. Saloons are the seminaries of vice and crime — saloons and free schools are open enemies. Think that by legislation two kinds of schools are found- ed, one to educate up, the other to educate down. In this article we have shown that the traffic in liquor is an injury to ratepayers, manufacturers, drinkers, church and school What is the gain to the man who sells rum ? On one side we have a few ilollars, on the other he has the loss of principle and the curses of the broken-hearted mothers and starving children. Woe unto him that "putteth the bottle to his neighbor's lip, and maketh him drunken also." I have read much of late about the amending of the present liquor laws. The safest amend- ment for the good of all is — make liquor selling a crime, put it on the calendar along with murder. Instead of protecting the man that sells, protect him that drinks the cup of damning legislation ; hold not the drinker of run) responsible for the crimes he may commit under the influence of drink, but hold those who legislate and make laws responsible for the crimes that may follow from their wrong legislation. ^^ J. F. Hess. ■.•"ft -. '■- ^v :"..■-..■ '"■/ . " ^ '-. ' > , ■ iiso it pro- Dominion, I together, anU clear ufacturing men, and [. Should )rohibit its that the ve of the which the Where are tine houses >rae ? Does 3 humanity to all these niuaries of en enemies, are found- down. In iquor is an church and sells rum ? ,her he has en-hearted him that d maketh about the [est amend- ijr a crime, Instead of Ihat drinks drinker of under the and make lollow from \ Hess. !..,■(. ii.:jy.:- .;5?^ < ■'■■ INDEX. .11 CHAPTER I. Birth — Parents — Schonl-days — At work - First use of tobacco — Running away from home — Return home — Father's advice — Evil companions — First glass of Liquor — Losing employ- er's confidence — Shipwrecked — Learns the " manly art" — In prison — Delirium tremens CHAPTER II. Marriage— Housekeeping — Sixty days in Jail — A free fight — A Father — A contractor — Mobbed — Attempted suicidn — Re- fused admission to see my family — On the Mississippi — — Gambling room— A perilous position — A sailor — Meeting my family — Locates at St. Catharines — Next at Hamilton — Residence in Toronto — Working for Gurney & Co. — Brake- man, Toronto to Belleville — First prizd fight — Father's death CHAPTER TIL PAOI. 17 Lost in the Michigan forests — Prize-fight — Returns to Toronto — Sad condition of the family — Becomes coachman to Robert Walker — Drunken spree and a smash-up- Goesto Whitby — Work as a farmer — Forsakes his family — Life as bartender and gambler — Assumes the name John Brooks — A bartender — Meeting Frances E. Willard — Inebriate Asylum — The Far Weat — Salt Lake City — City of Tents — A Stage trip through Utah valley — Black Rock canon — Great Sand Desert — Sil ver Reef — Tender feet — Row in a dance hall 27 CHAPTER IV. ■ Roaring Thunderbolt — Among the cowboys — Catchin? the Ari- zona mining fever — Some exciting experiences — Meeting a hermit — A roll down the mountain side — The Mountain Meadow massacre — Stage robbers — Sevier River — Bubbling springs — Pete Nolan — A fight for a whiskey bottle —Prize ■ ^ 301 302 Index. Ill i' I l! PAGE fight with Nolan — NiDoty-nine rounds with Trevelyn — Takes passage for Australia — Returns from Europe — A varied ex- perience as a saloon-keeper— Fight in a gambling- room — Champion walker of Nebraska — Sparring BiUy Madden — For- ming a sparring troupe 39 CHAPTER V. ' Arrival in Milwaukee — Opens a sporting saloon — A chapter of . fights — Ryan & Sullivan's first appearance — Spar with Ryan —Fight with Zowsta— Fight with Ward— Meeting "Jim" Elliott — Wrestle with Primrose, Champion of Michigan — Discovered to be Joe Hess — Returns to his family at Buffalo — Opens the East Buffalo Gymnasium — Again comes to Canada 54 CHAPTER VI. ' Training •* Billy" Baker — The process of training — The Baker- Slattery prize-fight — The spectators — Arrest of the principals — Bailed out — Description of the fight — Arrested as a partici- pator — Taken to Rochester — Out on bail — At work in Bar- tholomay's brewery — Sending for my family — Starting a gambling and boxing room — Roping in a Sucker — My last glass — At P. A. Burdick's temperance meetings — Convicted — Resolve to drink no more — First tempter, NO SIR — O God ! help me —At church — Signing the pledge 64 «;^; CHAPTER VII. ; Now I love Papa — Joe Hess the temperance man — Let us Pray — An errand boy — Funny experiences as a book agent — Two baskets of provisions — My children at school — Brother Hess — On the avenue — I will trust liim — Moving — Wife, this ii onr new home — A dinner party — Because I am a tem- perance man 83 CHAPTER VIII. First attempt at speech-making — A failure — Rehearsing — A call — An Audience of Five People — Large Audiences — Per- secutions — Killed on the Railway — " I Sii^ned the Pledgb" — •' A Member of the M. E. Church" — Curious Introductions — Fifty-seven cents 06 Index 303 PAGE Per- jtioiJR 39 54 64 83 05 CHAPTER IX. PAGE '.' Taking up my pen " — Early lecture experiences -Story of a tobacco pouch — A copper collection — Speech at P. A. Bur- dick 'a meeting — Attempt to murder Hon— Street inBuUn — "Shoot the orator "—Reformation of Drunkard •' Bill"— Opens a mission on Water street — Some lively incidents . . . CHAPTER X. 103 Dissensions among the workers — Break up of the Water-st. Mission — Difficulties in the pathway — Out of work — An over- ruling Providence — God takes care of His own — A remark- able experience — Some sonl-stirrini? incidents in the work — Influences that work against Temperance — What one saloon did — A newspaper criticised 113 CHAPTER Xr. Incidents of travel — Downfall of a promising young man — Hess'a politics — Slandered by a clergyman — A vigorous reply " Making money out of temperance " — Some plain talk — A happy Christmas and New Year — Buying coal by the ton, not bushel- Confession of a drunkard 123 CHAPTER XII. A three years* blank — A happy New Year's Day — Other New Years — Cider and politics — No blood money for Joe — The jealousy of singers— Joe and the school-teacher — Comes out head — Encouraging words — Not all smooth sailing — The Christian's prayer 130 CHAPTER Xin. i^L An important point in Hess' history — Buys a home — The pleas- antries of house-moving — Description of the new home — Speaks for P. A. Burdick at Syracuse, N.Y. — Downfall of a prosperous business man — : Work among the children — A tell- ing story of one man's reforibation — The saloon in poetry . . V : CHAPTER XIV. * ' Half-hearted Christians — An interesting campaign in Lockport — Talking temperance for money — First and last experience as an orator — Syracuse by gas-light — Experience as a camp 140 m y '11 :i! III liiii ■il 304 Index. FAOR manager — Telling inoidents — Heu' secret of suooesa — First appearance at Grand Lodge I. O. G. T.— The high-license agitation in New York State 151 CHAPTER XV. li *' Consistency, thou art a Jewel" — Injurious influences of in- consistent christians— Fighting for a woman's ballot — A lively scene — Sad stories of those who have suflfered — The Evangelist, the confidant of the sorrowing — Hess visits Au- burn State Prison — "What I saw behind prison walls" — Various lecturing trips — An outline of the Brook's High License Law 167 CHAPTER XVI. At Wellsboro', Pa. — Taken from the gutter — The Saloon Clock vs. The Home Clock — Campaign at Elbridge, N.Y. — Niagara Falls in Winter — How the iceberg struck Joe Hess — Eight days' meeting at Mohawk — Delegates to the Prohibition Con- vention — Something about tent work 182 CHAPTER XVn. A chapter of tent work — Working for the Prohibition Party — Attempts to break up the meetings — The " Hoodlum " ele- ment of the old parties to the front — Letter of a Republican Prohibitionist — Delegate to the Prohibition Convention at Syracuse, N.Y. — An apt quotation from John Wesley — ' * Hess, Hess, Hess, come down quick " — Tent work in Penn- sylvania , 191 CHAPTER XVIIL At FreemansbuTg, Pa. — Melodies of the Camp Ground — Home once more — Mamie a silver medalist — A great address by Hess — Meets Col. R. S. Cheves and Sam Small — Big country Meeting — Taken suddenly ill 202 CHAPTER XIX. A continuation of tent campaign work — The start made at Apalachin, N.Y. — Chasing a slander — Attitude of the party press — A great meeting at Hickstown — Some appropriate - quotations — Big success at Lock wood, N.Y. — A notable let- ' terfrom Hon. Martin Jones of Rochester, N.Y 210 FAOR 8— First i-lioense 151 » of in* allot— A Bd— The sits Au< ivallB "— ■:b High 167 Index. CHAPTER XX. 305 PAGE The idol of to-day — Work in Jersey City — Some cheering re- sults — Speaks in Chickering Hall, New York — Visits the old Washingtonian Home — Once an inmate himself — A graphic description of 21 days' campaii^n in Evanston, 111. — The home of Misi Willard, as seen by Hess 218 CHAPTER XXI. A contrast — Joe " now " and "then " — Work in Peoi4a, 111, — Dick Corbett's fall — Hess and St. John — Voluntary and valu- able testimony — Paying for the Home — la the Pennsylvania amendment fight 228 lon Clock -Niagara s— Eight ion Con- 182 Party— im" ele- tpublican mtion at Lesley — in Penn- 191 I — Home dress by country 202 made' at ;he party )ropriate able let- 210 CHAPTER XXII. An invitation to take Canada — Starts for London— Feeble hands and weak knees — Clifton and Niagara Falls — A hod- carrior in St. Catharioea — Work in London — Testimony for anti-Scott Act men — Chased home with boils and grippe^ Miss Cleveland's eloquent reply to Dr. Howard Croaby 238 ^ - CHAPTER XXm. Temperance campaign in Toronto — Eaters the work with many doubts — Reception by officers Canadian Temperance League — Preaches in Carl ton-street Methodist Church — The open- ing meeting in the Pavilion — Afternoon Bible readings — Witnesses some sad scenes — Wedding anniversary and pre- sentation — A.t H. C. Dixon's free breakfast — The Lombard- street Mission — A captivating chapter 249 CHAPTER XXIV. At home for a few days — Talks at Niagara Falls — Origin of the famous "Palace" illustration — At West Toronto Junction — Wonderful record at^Peterboro' — The Dan- Hess slander suit J — A week at Bowmanville — The town badly shaken up — In- cidents of the work — Goes to London — "Yes, that's John Brooks " — Pays his old debts — 1,000 pledge signers — Sunday spent in Toronto 261 A CHAPTER XXV. Drunken travellers — Meetings in Forest — Second campaign in Peterboro' — "Hold on Joe, I am coming " — A grateful letter 306 Index. PAGE - A great work in Belleville — Viaits the Deaf and bumb In- fititnte — At Picton — Young men who refused to aign ihe pledge — Work at Port Perry — With Lou J. Beauchamp — Sketchy account of the campaign in Cobourg, Brantford and Gananoque 269 n^i > rvi CHAPTER XXVI. The last Chapter — Bobcaygeon — A notable campaign here- Rum cursed Fenelon Falls — A week at Scaforth — Its noble workers— Free Methodist camp meeting at Uxbridge — "How they jumped and hollered " — Enterprising Aylmer — Only 20 houses and grand meetings at Enniskilleu — Review of the work in Canada — Closing; words 275 ADDENDA. Speeches and newspaper contributions. . 281 PAGE biiDib In- sign iLe uchamp — itford and 269 ^ here — -Its noblo ;e — "How —Only 20 ew of the 275 281 A