CIGARETTES AND CRIME

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 11, 1901

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 37.

CIGARETTES AND CRIME.

THE relation of the cigarette to crime was the subject of some startling statistics presented before the National Conference of Charities and Corrections of Cincinnati. Of the boys in the Illinois State Reformatory between the ages of ten and fifteen, ninety-two per cent. were confirmed cigarette-smokers, and eighty-five per cent. so addicted to the habit, at the time of their conviction, as to be termed “cigarette fiends” by the court.

The superintendent who compiled these figures, asserts that the cigarette works tenfold more injury to the boy under fifteen than do intoxicating liquors, and more than any other one factor starts him on the road to criminal life.

While it is true that not every cigarette fiend becomes a criminal, the fact remains that the habit is acquired through evil associations; it involves demoralizing deception on the part of the boy at home; and by enfeebling health and will, makes the lad an easy prey to temptation.

Professor DeMotte, of Bryn Mawr, visiting a tobacco house in Brazil, noticed a black fluid trickling slowly into the vat of tobacco about to be made into cigarettes. Upon asking what it was he was told, “Rum, molasses, and opium; to give spice to the cigarette.” These are specific facts which admit of no controversy. Deductions thereupon can be easily made by every reader.—Our Youth.