No, Thank You by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Mar 28, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, No. 13.

No, Thank You

By Editor

WE received several weeks ago two boxes of nicely made (so we should judge—we are not expert) cork-tipped, duly sealed and dutiably stamped cigarets, with an attractive Oriental brand and picture on each package. They were sent to us at "the great pleasure" of a "corporation" in New York bearing the complex and cabalistic name of S. Anargyros. These cigarets, the letter informs us, have "the approval of the connoisseur," and our "attention," "as a discriminating smoker," is invited to the "rare blend" and "exceptional aroma" possessed by this particular brand.

1. We wonder how it was known that we are a "discriminating smoker." We are if and when we have to be. That is to say, some smoke first-hand, some second-hand; and when we have to smoke we always discriminate in favor of the second-hand smoking—not nearly so satisfying, perhaps, as the first-hand variety, but more than sufficient for us always.

2. We once used to smoke the father of the cigaret, nearly forty years agone, when, as a foolish boy, we thought it "manly" to puff a cigar; but we soon learned better, and never since then has cigar or cigaret, cork-tipped or otherwise, come between our lips. We have known many who were slaves to the little roll, who would be glad to stop, but can not. We sometimes get whiffs from them second-hand, in the breathing of God's adulterated air.

3. We can not commend the little harmless looking roll with its great name, because it is an evil, destructive of bodily vigor, mental clearness, and moral sensibilities. Athletes, business colleges, railway companies, schools, packing-houses, life-insurance companies, the United States army and navy, United States Weather Bureau, etc., etc., etc., condemn its use, because it spoils boys and men, dwarfing intellect, and rendering its victim unreliable and incompetent and, generally, immoral. Of the 1700 boys who have passed into or through Auburn State prison, New York, ninety-five per cent were cigaret fiends. Its "aroma" and narcotizing influence are the baits which are luring millions to death or worse. We could write pages against the little cylindrical demon where we have written words, and then not tell half of its evils. Therefore again we say to this kindly offer, by one who doubtless designs no harm. For personal use, no, thank you; the two boxes will serve as insecticides.