DRINK STATISTICS by Independent

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 11, 1889

DRINK STATISTICS.

By Independent

A GOVERNMENT report by the British consul-general in Germany, points out certain serious facts. The adult male German drinks annually on the average about seventeen gallons of spirituous liquors. In the kingdom of Prussia, the whole expenditure in 1882 on wine, beer, and spirits amounted to £45,400. In Sweden and Norway, the consumption of spirits has been declining for some years past; but in Denmark the evil of spirit drinking has reached a terrible pitch. In Holland, in 1878, there was a drink-shop for every ninety inhabitants, including women and children; but a restrictive law, passed in 1881, has reduced the number about one-quarter. The worst statistics in regard to the consumption of alcoholic liquors are those of Belgium, where, in less than half a century, the drinking of such liquors has far more than doubled for each person. In 1881 there was a public house for every dozen adult males. In France the amount of drunkenness has been reduced by the passing of a salutary law. In Switzerland, between 1870 and 1880, while the increase of population was but 6.5 per cent., the increase of public houses was 22 per cent. In Austria the condition of affairs is similar.

And all this drinking has its effect. There is a horrible array of figures giving the statistics of delirium tremens, suicides, lunacy, and accidental deaths, as the result of drunkenness. In Denmark 74 per cent. of the arrests were for drunkenness, or for crimes committed under the influence of drink. The inspector-general of Belgian prisons reports that four-fifths of the crime and social misery is attributable to intemperance. In Austria the hospitals, lunatic asylums, and prisons all testify to the advance of drinking habits. And continental workmen generally—even those who do not become absolute drunkards—spend a large proportion of their earnings in drink.

The foregoing statements, be it observed, are not the froth of a temperance harangue, but the cold statistics of a Government report. They show that earthquakes and cholera are not the most terrible evils of Europe. They should be studied by those who suggest that spirit drinking can be extirpated by introducing the free use of beer and light wines. In the very countries where the milder drinks are used, the consumption of ardent spirits is increasing at a terrible rate. The temperance question is a growing question, and it demands attention here as in other lands.—Independent.