“A good guess,” said the speaker, but you have not yet hit the mark.”
“Because needer von dem is vert any ding,” said the proprietor of a beer-saloon from Germany. (Increased laughter.)
“You are still away from my idea,” spoke the lecturer.
“I know it,” said a rum-lawyer. “It is because they both lie.” (Applause.)
“That’s exactly the truth of the matter. These so-called ‘scientific temperance men’ are accountable for more lies imposed on a credulous public than can be corrected for many years to come. Any sensible man knows that moderate drinking is healthful to the stomach. If a man drinks too much, he is liable to trouble, just like a man who eats too much, or sleeps too much, or even talks too much about temperance. (Applause and laughter.) I tell you, my good friends, a little of that elixir of life is just as good for my stomach as it was for Timothy’s, and the good man Paul would say the same thing if he were here to-day. (Cries from the world of “that’s so!” and “hurrah for Paul!”) I am satisfied to have a great man like Paul on my side, even if I must know that some of his pigmy disciples are against me.” (Increased applause.)
This speech was especially enjoyed by Mr. World who himself was addicted to a moderate use of alcoholic beverages. An announcement came from the platform that in an hour the eminent Dr. Strauss of Europe would discourse on “The Effect of Malt Liquors on the Heart,” and those who wished to remain might spend the interim in social intercourse.
In consequence of this announcement the major part of the audience dispersed in varying groups, and discussed the merits of the lecture just ended.
Every creed was there represented by a few or more of its members, many of whom were favorably and deeply impressed by the argument of the Devil as it was given in the address.
Others I saw, not a few, who laid bare this iniquitous scheme of presenting the untruth, and declared that they would no more give ear to any teaching that came from that source.
This gave rise to endless quibblings and contentions between church-members of the same faith and those of separate creeds. These disputes continued with increasing bitterness until the hour had passed.