Health and Temperance by M. C. W.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 2, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 34.

Health and Temperance.

By M. C. W.

THE CURSE OF ALCOHOL.

THAT alcohol is a curse is acknowledged even by its friends. The following is what the leading organ of the whisky trade,—Bonfort's Wine and Spirit Circular,—of Feb. 10, 1889, says:—

"We are familiar with society's complaints against the liquor traffic. We realize that there is good ground for many of these complaints. We deplore these facts, but stand helpless and without a word of advice to those who would correct them. Herein lies our weakness. We are without a policy. We see young men becoming drunkards, but we offer no remedy. We see old men turn to common sots, but we offer no remedy. We see the scum of society flocking into the retail liquor business, but we offer no remedy. We see these men gain control of city governments, but we offer no remedy. We see the retail business dragged down to the level of the bawdy house, and little hells are operated in public places under liquor licenses, but we offer no remedy. The great mass of our fellow-citizens are not opposed to the manufacture or sale of wine, beer, or whisky, but they are opposed to the abuses referred to above, and demand their correction. They are right, and we should add our protests to theirs. We should define an aggressive reform policy that will attract them to our standard. We should demand the passage of restrictive laws that will prevent any but reputable men retailing wines and spirits."

It is an honest and sad confession. Of course they can "offer no remedy." The legitimate result, the sure consequence, of the whole trade is to make young men drunkards, and to make common drinkers sots. To the trade belongs the scum of society and the bawdy house, and the little hells, and great glittering hells; for there is no difference in our mind. Supposing that "reputable men" retail wines and spirits? Will the effect be any different? In fact, would not the effect be more wide-spread? It would serve to make drinking respectable; its results would be two-fold what they are now.

The only true way to deal with the liquor traffic is prohibition pure and simple. Under stringent prohibitory laws, with faithful officers backed up by public sentiment, prohibition will prohibit. It does in Kansas, it does in Oklahoma; it would everywhere under like conditions. We do not mean that no whisky is drunk in Kansas; there is. But it is in secret, and is illegal, just the same as stealing is illegal, though men steal. But because men steal contrary to law it is no reason that laws against stealing should be abolished. Because men sell whisky contrary to law, is no reason why prohibitory laws should not be passed; and the fact that whisky selling wrecks homes, pauperizes widows and children, develops criminals, burdens the country with criminal prosecutions, and in other ways is a peril to the government, is good and sufficient reason why such laws should be passed and enforced.

M. C. W.