snowyday Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 (edited) A certain prominent temperance worker was told that there was widespread drunkenness among the Indians on a far-western reservation, and decided to go there and work for the cause of sobriety and industry. Progress was slow, but the dry advocate persevered. One cold night, a drunken Indian, on the way home, lay down in a snow-drift and froze to death. The temperance worker, though deploring the tragic occurrence, saw in the incident an opportunity of pointing out a powerful moral in the cause of abstinence. At the inquest, which was attended by all the leading members of the tribe, the temperance worker said. “My friends, you have heard the evidence, and you all know how this poor Indian indulged in strong drink and while under the influence fell down in the snow and froze to death. Beware of intoxicating liquors!” But the chief of the tribe, who had been carefully sifting the testimony, had a different opinion. “Indian not killed by whiskey,” he announced. “Indian mix too much water with whiskey, water freeze—water kill Indian!” “I give up!” Cried the temperance worker, and the Indians saw him no more. * * * snowyday Edited May 17, 2011 by snowyday Spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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