Benefits of Temperance by L. L. C.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 11, 1916

Benefits of Temperance

By L. L. C.

ONE of the most striking changes of modern times in the advance of the prohibition movement was the prohibition of the drinking of vodka in Russia. The government officials of Russia felt that the war crisis before them required that the people be sober. They reasoned that the nation would be enriched by the saving of the money spent in this useless way, and the people would have more strength and means to carry on the war. The judgment of these officials has been amply justified. Many other benefits, however, have also accrued to the country, so that it is said that all officials, from the czar down, believe that prohibition has come to stay.

A report from Petrograd appearing in the Wichita Beacon, gives an interesting estimate, of a semiofficial nature, of the benefits which have come to Russia through prohibition. They are very striking indeed:—

“Crime (all kinds) has decreased 62 per cent. “Absenteeism in factories has fallen 60 per cent. “Suicide rate has dropped enormously. “Hospitals formerly overcrowded are not filled. “Efficiency in factories increased 10 to 15 per cent. “Practically every inhabitant is at work. “Savings deposits have increased 8 per cent. “Fire damage has fallen off 38 per cent. “Wages in some districts raised 500 per cent. (This applies to peasants working as day laborers.) “People are eating better and costlier food. “Better clothing is worn by the poorer classes. “Agricultural implement sales 60 per cent larger. “Imprisonment decreased 72 per cent.”

Another benefit which we, with a special message for the world, should appreciate, is the opportunity that prohibition gives of a sober consideration by the people of the truths of this message. May it not be that it is in God's providence that the prohibition movement is sweeping over the world in order that the minds of some drink-beclouded persons may be in a condition to consider the final warning which is now being given to all, and make their decision soberly and intelligently for eternal life or eternal death? L. L. C.