OPINIONS CONCERNING TOBACCO.
[Printed in Mail and Express, December 16, 1893.] FRANKLIN CARTER, president of Williams College, says:— “WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., Dec. 9, 1893.
“I have not made a study of the effects of tobacco on students, but, from observation extending over a long period, I have become convinced that the smoking done by young men in our colleges weakens, in many cases, both the physical and mental constitution. The students most frequently absent from college duties on the ground of physical ailments are commonly addicted to the use of tobacco. I believe that the quality of the voice is often injured by smoking, so that good singers, especially clear tenors, are rarer among college students than formerly. I recall but one instance in this college in the last dozen years where the highest honor was taken by a habitual smoker. I fear that the intellectual and moral life in our colleges is now lowered by the habit. A thorough reform in college sentiment on this subject would help to promote a simpler and more earnest life, and would, I am sure, save some young men from yielding to other evil habits.” E. Benjamin Andrews, president of Brown University:— “PROVIDENCE, R. I., Dec. 7, 1893.
“We have at Brown University no statistics which would demonstrate the evil effects of the use of tobacco. I have, however, a strong belief, based upon long general observation, that its effects, both physical and mental, are highly deleterious. There seems to be among our students a visible decline in the use of cigarettes just now. In part this means less smoking; in part it is simply a change to the pipe, which I believe to be far healthier. On every occasion I urge students not to smoke at all or use tobacco in any form.” George Williamson Smith, president of Trinity College:— “HARTFORD, Conn., Dec. 8, 1893.
“In my opinion the excessive use of tobacco by young men renders them at once sluggish and nervous, retards healthy and symmetrical development, and produces a craving for stimulants. It affects the memory, especially for proper names. It impairs intellectual ambition, and weakens the power of continuous and sustained thought.”