FACTS FOR THE MILLENARIAN.
By A. G. Adams
It is often urged by those who are believers in a “Golden Age” just about to dawn upon us—a millenial reign of peace and prosperity—that the world is growing better; that crime is decreasing; that the tendency of the world in general is toward a higher plane of morality. The above sentiments are quite familiar, being echoed and reëchoed from the pulpits throughout the length and breadth of our land. . . . The following brief statistics, however, show the real tendency of the world at the present time:— |
1867. |
1877. |
|---|
| Great Britain |
905 |
6,587 |
| France |
9,850 |
57,116 |
| Germany |
18,450 |
93,818 |
| United States |
53,574 |
328,716 |
In 48 years, ending with 1886, Great Britain increased in population 30 per cent. For the same period of time the increase in suicides and murders in that empire was 32 per cent. The consumption of wines, malt liquors, and distilled spirits in the United States is illustrated by the following comparison: In 1879, 423,261,090 gallons; in 1888, 879,767,476 gallons. The kingdom of Great Britain consumed 21,000,000 lbs. of tobacco in the year 1811; in 1888, 57,000,000 lbs. This shows an increase in the quantity of tobacco consumed in 77 years of 271 per cent. Increase in population for the same length of time, 50 per cent. France consumed 20,000,000 lbs. of tobacco in the year 1811; in 1888, 80,000,000 lbs. Increase in population for same period, 33½ per cent; increase in quantity of tobacco consumed, 400 per cent. In 1840 there were 20,000 lbs. of opium consumed in the United States; in 1880, 533,450 lbs. Number of habitual opium users in the United States in 1868, 60,000; in 1893, 500,000. The above statistics were taken from “International Dictionary of Statistics.” Compiled by Mulhal, Dr. Hammond, and others of national repute. These are only a few of the many comparisons that might be made from reliable data, showing the marvelous increase of evil and crime over that of population. If we add to the above the infinitude of crimes which pass unnoticed, we certainly have a deplorable, tho truthful picture, for the consideration of the fond dreamers of a millennium.—A. G. Adams, in Minnesota Worker.