Our work was not finished with the building. The management was yet to come, though as there was such an unanimity, there was little trouble. We had made our laws and rules. One of the most prominent matters was temperance. No intoxicating drinks were to be allowed on the premises. This was one of the laws fundamental and ever to remain unalterable. Mr. Jasper urged this with all his force of words. Another was that there was to be no gambling or betting of any kind, though there were fine billiard tables and other games for recreation and amusement, but no money to be involved in any game; no profanity, indecent stories and remarks, or improper behavior. Any one violating these laws was to be excluded from the privileges of the club at the discretion of the managing committee. No one was to be admitted without the payment of a fee, so small as to be within the means of the poorest. Nothing was to be donated by the club, as it was not to be a pauper asylum or a free soup kitchen, but it was assumed that the members might and should pay the fees of any they chose and purchase tickets for food. This would maintain the integrity of the club, stimulate benevolence among the members and tend to create independence in all. It was accepted as a part of our Gospel that all were to help each other, and especially those the most in need. Mr. Jasper made a point that the degradation of only one individual would affect the whole community as surely as that the smallest pebble thrown into the biggest ocean would make a ripple. Our Club was for the development of manners, morals and mental growth, not for one day in seven, but every day in the year. CHAPTER XXXIX. I had a chance to indulge in one of my fads. I always respect a man who has a good fad, for there are so many aimless, jelly fish, fad-less people in the world. One of my notions that has strengthened with my years is—that much of the lack of energy in many people, the great cause of drunkenness, and of much of the crime, is the want of good, wholesome, stimulating food. “Pain is the prayer of a nerve for healthy food.” “A man is what he eats,” or as the Hindus put it, “The milk of the cow is in her mouth.” It may seem absurd to some great lordly persons who know everything for others and little for themselves, for me to have such a thought, yet I do not know why I should not have my opinion about things as well as other people. The views of even the wisest and best men are attacked, so why need I hesitate or fear? Even the lean Cassius dared ask about the great Cæsar,— “Now, in the name of all the gods at once, upon what meat doth this our Cæsar feed—That he is grown so great?” and it is allowed by common consent that even a cat may look at a king.