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Page 75
"The officer of the watch must be required to visit every room during
the first watch at least," said the principal.
"But those who are disposed to gamble will find abundant opportunities
to do so," suggested the doctor. "A couple of them up in the maintop, or
even in the cross-trees, could shake props, 'odd or even,' and play
other games of chance, without being seen. I don't think you have hit
the nail on the head yet, Mr. Lowington."
"The utmost vigilance we can use will not entirely prevent evil. We
depend upon moral influences, as well as discipline, for the prevention
and cure of vice and error," added the principal.
"I'm afraid a lecture on gambling wouldn't do much, good while the means
of play were still in the hands of the students. It would influence
some; but others are not to be influenced in any way: a strong arm alone
will meet their case."
"We can take the props from them," said Mr. Lowington.
"You must go a step farther than that; you must search the berths and
lockers for cards, dice, or other gambling implements. Even then you
will not have struck at the root of the evil."
"What is the root of the evil?" asked the principal.
"Money, sir!" replied the doctor, with unusual energy.
"That is said to be the root of all evil," added Mr. Lowington, with a
smile.
"Among boys, money does more injury than we can comprehend. A college
friend of mine was wholly spoiled by his allowance of money. His purse
was always full, which made him the prey of dissolute persons. He always
had the means of gratifying his appetites, and is now a sot, if he is
living. He began to drink, gamble, and dissipate generally, before he
entered college: he was expelled in a year. Without money, as a boy, he
would have been saved from a score of temptations. Every boy on board
this ship has a pocket full of sovereigns for his European expenses.
They are all young nabobs, and if you ever let them go ashore, you will
have your hands full, Mr. Lowington. They will drink beer and wine,
visit bad places, gamble and carouse. While they have plenty of money,
you can hardly prevent them from being a nuisance to you and to
themselves."
"There is a great deal of force in what you say, Dr. Winstock."
"Money will be the root of all evil to these boys, most emphatically.
Those who are disposed to gamble will do so while they have money."
"The inference to be drawn from your remarks is, that the students
should not have pocket money."
"Most decidedly that is my opinion. If I had a son, I wouldn't allow him
a penny of pocket money."
"That would be rather hard," said the chaplain.
"I know it, but it would be the best thing in the world for the boy. I
don't mean to say that I would never permit him to have money; but he
should have no stated allowance; and when he had a dollar, I should want
to know how it was to be expended."
"This question of money allowances has been under serious consideration
with me."
"You can't handle the boys in Europe with money in their pockets. A
regiment of soldiers could not keep them straight."
"I think you are right, doctor. I am tempted to take their money from
them."
"Do it, by all means!" exclaimed Dr. Winstock.
The chaplain regarded the measure as rather high-handed. He thought it
would belittle the boys, and deprive them of some portion of their
self-respect. The instructors came into the cabin at seven bells, and
their opinions were taken. Four of the six were in favor of taking all
money from the boys. Mr. Lowington had already reached this view of the
case, and it was resolved to take the important step at once, as the
best means of effectually putting a stop to the practice of gambling.
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