The Saloon Curse

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 24, 1883

WHEN advertising a piece of residence property for sale, a shrewd real estate agent will mention among other advantages of location that "good schools are within easy reach," that "churches of different denominations are within easy distances," that "though in a quiet and retired part of the city, two minutes' walk takes you to a street-car line leading into the heart of the city," etc. But did you ever notice, in this enumeration of inducements to buy, the fact that a first-class saloon was located on the opposite corner, or that on the next block was a "free lunch counter," where "the best beer in the city " was always on draught, or a pool-room which would be so handy and pleasant for the boys? No, indeed.

While the church, the school, and the easy access to business are essential to the well-being and maintenance of the home, the others are in every sense antagonistic and inimical to everything that is reckoned dearest and most valued in that sacred place.—The Saloon Curse.