The Rum Curse

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Apr 25, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 17.

The Rum Curse.—In talking with a Salvation Army man who had passed a year in Manila, he expressed himself as greatly "disgusted" with the condition of things there. He said when Americans entered Manila there were but three saloons on the main business street; now it is a mass of saloons from end to end. Then one almost never saw an intoxicated Spaniard and never a drunken Filipino; but now Americans may be seen reeling through the streets any time of day. He further said that the "officer" who had charge of the Salvation Army work in the Philippines had about concluded that it was almost impossible for Americans to reach the natives religiously after the native came in contact with "Christian" America's saloon influences. The Filipino estimates Americans and their religion by what he sees of it in the islands. This is indeed a sad picture, and one to arouse more than disgust; it should awaken deep sorrow and humiliation.