Horatio Alger

“ This was the way in which the members of the Madison Club spent their evenings,--a very poor way, as my young readers will readily acknowledge. I heartily approve of societies organized by young people for debate and mutual improvement. ”

“ They are oftentimes productive of great good. Some of our distinguished men date their first impulse to improve and advance themselves to their connection with such a society. But the Madison Club had no salutary object in view. It was adapted to inspire a taste for gambling and drinking, and the money spent by the members to sustain it was worse than wasted.
Roswell, however, who would have found nothing to interest or attract him in a Debating Society, was very favorably impressed by what he had seen of the Madison Club. ”

“ I appoint Wilmot and Burgess to lend you the necessary aid."
A large flagon of hot whiskey punch was brought in and placed on the table. Glasses were produced from a closet in the corner of the room, and it was served out to the members.
"How do you like it, Roswell?" inquired Ralph Graham.
"It's--rather strong," said Roswell, coughing.
"Oh, you'll soon be used to it. The fellows will begin to be jolly after they've drunk a glass or two."
"Do they ever get tight?" whispered Roswell. ”