Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-06-08
a Buffalo provincialism.
For THE Wing.
POWERS OF TOBACCO.


Gentlcmon:-A considerable time has now clap
sed since last troubled you with observations on
Tobacco. l have therefore venturcd to obtrude
one more communication your notice. The
paramount object of all have heretofore written
on this subject, was to impress it society, that
this active Weed might be rendered a substitute
completely harmless for all intoxicating drinGs-
and since first recommended it such, it is evil
dent that the of ardent spirits has greatly de.
creased, whilst that of Tobacco has gained ground
and become one of the most fashionable Lururics
of which Society partakes, notwithstanding the
| opposition with which my communications have
been assai!cd Among the first assailants of the
doctrine, was the able and accomplished Editor of
the National Gazette, whose remarks though inye-
NOUS cannot, in the present state and constitution
OF society, be deemed altogether appropriate In
abiding to the more general use made of Tobacco
operating by way OF diminishing the practice of
drinking, mean that it has powerfully co-opcra-
ted with other causes, in producing that result,
and also to express my conviction that from it's
very nature 1t is highly calculated to afford certain
plcaSurable sensations. which often sought
III the alcoholic liquors. Now, if the former arr
tcle should be found to produce results, in its ac
ton upon the scnsbilites, which tranquilizng
and happy, leaving no sting behind, destroying no
faculty, corruptng no principle, what rational be-
ing seeking solacc in artificial temperament
that would not prefer it to the latter? That Tobac
co acts as ready oHOdyne in relieving cases of
mental nqulctudc, be attested by all that have
had recourse to 1T Tor purposes of that sort. Dr.
johnson somewhere says THAT since the djsuse of
smoking among the better sort of people, suicide
has been more frequent in this country than be.
lore" This fact, having been impaired to the
world by man renowned for his learning OH
servation, and experience is entitled to the hiph-
est confidence and respect. Smoking is the mode
OF using Tobacco that enables it TO exert n more
dhuSlve influence in regard to it's operation as
mental stimulus, and as a medicinal or rather
ProPhytoctic agent. Although the powers of this
article answer several purposes, in practice of me-
dclnc intend here only to advert 10 their prevent
i've operation in certain diseases that seem TO de-
pend upon mniarid, infected atmosphere. This
morbid condition Of the atmosphere arises from
MGTSh miGSm0ta, which are doubtless ncutrazed
by the fumes of Tobacco-hcnCe it is reasonable to
infer that the smoker OF Tobacco may be protected
by inns means, against the approaches of atmoSphe-
rlc maadics-aDd 1t the yapours from Tobacco in u
state of ignition, can neutralzc regetable miasm0
a. why not niBiGLmidsmGtG? A late British wri.
Ter seems to speak with confidence of the latter.
ana whose words, when treating on Cholera Nor
bus, Will quOtc:-"In Persia and Russia the Cho-
icra has spared all persons employed in the manu-
iac'urcs OF Tobacco or Snuff, the Tan-Yards, and
NIcdIcai IabOra'or ios-the smoke of Tobacco
seems 10 neutraize most animal miasrnata, and ii
- eCtcfmy considered as a preventative against |
thc Cholera-accordingly the Prussian, Austrian. |
and Russian Magistrates have given permission 10
smoke in the Streets
have long thought that if Tobacco were burnt
III large quantities in the streets of New Orleans |
Nachez, and other towns that suffer so severoI,,
from the annual visiiafions of yellow fever ITO
ino% sanitary consequences would result will /
mere observe that il is not little strange that GER
.1" writers should contribute towards prescribing
'nc use OF thing, If calculated ever so little TO
'cS'cn INC evils Of iuicmpcrance. If Society will
luSorl 10 artificial means for the purposes Of crca
"ng P'ea'ant excitement, and 10 inspire fortifude
uIuGr the cares and sorrows Of life, let any thing
oC CHOSEN IN preference TO inebriating drinks For
whcb' as 1ayc former occasion affirmed
o'''co Us ihe most innocent Of all snccedaDea. |
avn aware That there ig notion too prevalent that
''""t al" smoking Tobacco, exctcs thirst Tor