My attention had never before been called especially to the subject, though I had witnessed some of its direst evils; but now, when I saw the matter in its true light, I resolved to give it up.

I was doing well and making handsome profits on the sale of alcoholic beverages.

I had also experienced a good deal of trouble with it.

My license allowed me to sell any quantity less than five gallons; but it was a fine of twenty-five dollars if drunk on the premises,--one half of the sum to go to the complainant.

If a vicious man got out of funds it became both easy and common for him to give some person a sixpence, half of which was to be spent for whisky, which made him a witness for the other, who would make immediate complaint, and collect his share of the fine.