p. 14 | TRAPS BY THE WAY

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Feb 28, 1906

TRAPS BY THE WAY.

THE poor victim of rum has just emerged from a drunken debauch. He is downcast and ashamed. He sees the want and squalor in his home, because of his neglect. He has spent the money needed by his family for food and clothing. He sees sorrow and discouragement and want on the faces of wife and children. He resolves to quit the drink habit; he promises his companion, as he has done a score of times before, that he will drink no more. And he means to keep his promise. He starts to his business or employment, if he has any; if not, he goes out to find employment. He feels keenly the effects of his past experience. He passes saloon after saloon. His appetite craves just one drink. Just one drink would revive his drooping spirits, and "set him on his feet." The more he thinks about it, the more he is tempted to take just one drink. But he has no money; so he goes to the place where he spent his money. Of course he is given a drink; men can get drink when they can not get bread. It is business to give men drinks at such times; they feel grateful for it, and when they get money they feel under obligation to return and spend a little. The saloon-keeper plays the rôle of a good, liberal friend in need. The trap by the way seems to be a place of good cheer. His spirits are aroused, and he forgets his sorrow for the past; he forgets, too, that his neglected family have not had their spirits brightened up, and this again encourages the demon that is lurking in his own breast.

You who have had experience know the story and its results better than it can be told. You know it was the saloon that brought you down, and you know it is the saloon trap by the way that catches you and keeps you down when you would fain break away from the demon of drink. Then, when you have opportunity, go to the polls and tell the authorities by your vote that you must have relief. Were it not for the ever-open and handy saloons, many a poor victim of alcohol would be free, and many a suffering family would be made to rejoice.