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Health and Temperance

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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 24, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 8.

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Health and Temperance.

TOBACCO CATECHISM.

Question—Is smoking allowed in the United States Government schools?
Answer—No; both smoking and chewing are forbidden in the military academy at West Point and the naval school at Annapolis.
Q.—What action has the State of Vermont taken with regard to the use of tobacco?
A.—The Legislature of Vermont has wisely forbidden both teachers and pupils in public schools to use tobacco.
Q.—What did a philosopher say who came to visit one of our large cities recently?
A.—He said that while the girls and young women were strong and wholesome looking, the boys and young men were stunted and puny, and that if the young men did not stop using tobacco, the next generation would be a weakened and inferior race.
Q.—Does tobacco always dwarf boys who use it?
A.—Almost always. Dr. R. T. Trall says a large proportion of tobacco-using young men are dwarfed in body and mind.
Q.—Would so many different nations become alarmed if tobacco had not proved so injurious to boys?
A.—No; because it is to the interest of every nation to have the youth of their country use whatever tends to strengthen their body or mind.
Q.—Does the use of tobacco weaken the intellect?
A.—Yes; especially if a boy begins before his mind is formed. It makes a grown man nervous and ambitionless. It makes a boy almost imbecile in many cases, and it does harm to all.
Q.—Does it not affect all alike?
A.—No; it seizes upon the weakest part of the body usually. One may grow blind, another deaf, a third may have tumors, a fourth may have heart disease, and a fifth no outward sign of the harm it has done except general worthlessness.
Q.—Is this all the harm the use of tobacco brings?
A.—By no means. One of its worst features is that it leads boys to drink alcoholic liquors in nine cases out of ten.—Silver Star Catechism.