Alcohol and Crime

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 17, 1916

Alcohol and Crime

To what extent was alcohol responsible for crimes committed during Christmas week? The temperance society of the Methodist Church, desiring an answer to this question, sent out requests to seventeen thousand Methodist ministers, asking them to make report of the crimes in their neighborhoods which they personally knew to be traceable to the use of strong drink. Everything of a doubtful nature or minor consequence was to be eliminated. The following figures are the result of this investigation, extending over a period of one week: Number of murders, including children, 77; suicides, 18; wounded, 155; dead by accident or exposure, 31; wounded by accident, 13; criminal assault, on children in two cases, 3; child victims of drink, 18; miscellaneous cases, 285.

And this record we are convinced is by no means a complete one. Strong drink must bear the responsibility for a very large percentage of all crimes that are committed. It is gratifying that so many in the United States are awakening to the true character of this terrible evil, and are taking measures to bring it to an end.