An Alarming Prospect

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Apr 6, 1882

An Alarming Prospect.

SOME of the gentlemen tipplers of Cleveland are learning that there are two sides to the liquor question, and are surprised to find that their wives are learning to follow in their husbands' crooked steps. Perhaps it may be a profitable change for husbands to come home sober to drunken wives, instead of coming home drunk to sober ones—just to see how it works.

Says an exchange: "Cleveland society is greatly agitated over the bibulous tendencies of some of its best members. It has leaked out that several cosy little bars, where a social glass of liquor may be obtained by ladies 'on the quiet,' are running to large patronage. These saloons are not placed in public sight, and properly called such, but under the guise of bakeries and dressmaking stores have a convenient little back room, where the bibulous female can partake of her 'bitters' unperceived. This private business of tippling has been 'given away' by a married lady of that city, who is heartily ashamed of this degrading habit of her sex. She describes one of these places and her experience there as follows:—

One of these bars is in a trimming and dressmaking store. There is a secretary, or what looks like one, closed up, and when the cover lets down, it discloses three or four Bohemian glass balls and some small cut glass tumblers. You can have whisky, brandy, or wine in this little alcove, by paying fifteen cents a drink for it. A week ago I was in there with two ladies, when one of them whispered, 'I am going to treat you,' and we all went back there and were treated. I never felt so ashamed in my life. I told them it was just awful, but they said it was no worse for ladies to be sociable than their husbands. A very nice young lady who was with us was real boozy, and gabbled as I never heard her before. There is another place where they sold fine candies and ice cream last summer—one of the best places of the kind in the city—and they served liquors in a variety of fancy ways. I know where there is a very fine bakery and confectionery store up town, where there is a very neat and cosy little bar in a room off the salesrooms. The bar is attended to by the lady of the house. I have never been in that place, but Mrs. —— says it is the neatest little place imaginable. The finest liquors and wines are sold. She says the women are learning to make spiced and fancy drinks. It is a very fine family, everybody goes there. The lady and one of her daughters are members of our church."

This is a style of early piety that is converting the world at a tremendous rate. If strong drink is useful, and healthful, and needful, pass it round;—stand back gentlemen, and give the ladies a chance. They do so in London. My moderate drinking friend, would you not like to see your wife going this road? How about licensing such places for her accommodation!—Christian.