Temperance Gains by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 30, 1915

Temperance Gains

By Editor

THE friends of temperance are claiming steady gains in their campaign against the great evil of intemperance. It is even claimed that last year New York, considered the stronghold of the liquor interests, had the greatest proportionate gain of any State in the Union. This gain was threefold in its character: in no-license territory, in increased representation in the State legislature, and in representation in the national Congress. During the past year there has been a net gain of seventy-eight dry towns. Out of the 932 townships in the State, 511 are controlled by temperance sentiment.

It is encouraging to note the growing sentiment in favor of temperance which is controlling the operation of some of the large corporations throughout the country. It is felt that in the maintenance of first-class efficiency, employees must be prohibited from using alcoholic liquors. Particularly is this sentiment growing in the operation of some of the great railroads. Beginning with the new year, according to the Indianapolis News, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad will prohibit the serving of alcoholic liquors in its dining and buffet cars. It is believed also that the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, the Michigan Central, and Missouri Pacific roads will take similar action. The News, in commenting on this, declares:—

Liquor was served in the dining cars for the convenience of the public and for the profit of the railroads. Now that they find public sentiment changing and becoming generally averse to the liquor business, the railroads likewise discover that by dispensing liquor on board trains they are actually weakening discipline. Many of the greatest transportation systems of the country long ago declared in favor of absolute prohibition. Promotion and favors are conferred on those who do not drink, and a premium is thus placed on "efficient abstinence."

It is most encouraging to see the growth of this temperance sentiment. We believe that the readers of the REVIEW in their local communities should do everything in their power, consistent with right principles and methods, to advance the cause of temperance reform. With prohibition generally observed throughout the country, much of the suffering which now exists would be avoided. We are indeed our brothers' keeper, and should seek to save and safeguard those who have become so weakened as to be unable to resist the temptations which the liquor traffic places before them.