No one knows the difficulty that a man experiences who, having been
a gambler for a long period of years, suddenly resolves to change
his course, lead a new life, engage in a different business, and
make a new man out of himself. It is all very well for moralists
to say that all that is needed is will-power. There is something
else. I well remember once that I resolved to leave the business.
It was when I was living in Vicksburg. I saw an opportunity to
start a beer garden. I rented a house and furnished it up in fine
style, and stocked it up with liquors and cigars. My friends were
glad to see this course I had taken, and promised to encourage me.
They did so, and I could not complain for a lack of patronage.
Beer I sold at five cents a glass, and as everybody before had been
charging ten cents, I soon secured a large patronage. When the
boats landed at the wharf the passengers and crew all came up and
paid the garden a visit. Did I succeed in my new undertaking?
No, of course I did not. The saloon-keepers all combined and kicked
against me because I had reduced the price of beer. Two of them
were members of the City Council, and two more of the Board of
Aldermen. They sent spies to see if I sold liquor to minors, but
being unable to detect me they resolved that I should not have a
license. I had taken out my United States revenue license. I was
compelled to sell out at a great sacrifice, and all my efforts at
reform were unavailing.