Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1837-06-28
For the Telegraph.
MODERATE DRINKING.

Mr.. Holcomb, Sir:-Though we who up
hold the moderate use Of ardent spirits
seldom think it best to puzzle our heads on
the subject, yet l propose to reply to your
CHALLENGE which appeared in the Telegraph
a few weeks ago.
You say in substance, "That it is better
policy to sell Intoxicating drinks to the in
temperate and deny ii to the moderate
drinker, than to practice the contrary.
l say otherwise.
The Almighty would not have suffered
US to have discovered how to make alcohol,
if it was not serviceable to man.
You will perceive consistency in the fol-
lowing proverbs introduce from others:
1t is said, "Rum is good, but, if they
won't use judgment they must suffer the
| consequences" Says a late inn-keeper,
Inever would let man have enough to
get tipsy on" 81 presume no one became
incorporate ON the liquor sold" Said an
other, eff all would do as lido, no more
drunkards would be made" ~ let no man
have over too drinks in half a day; to one
little started, none at ALL" cit is the abuse
not the moderate use that Injuries men,
"The moderate use enhances our enjoy
ments." "What harm can a small dram dc
in the morning, to clear out ones whistle
and at the meeting Of friend to mantle 81
our hospitality? And occasionally a regu,
lating draft when one is extremely hot OF
cold wet or dry Must we curtail our en-
joyments because others get drunk? deny
ourselves good victuals for fear of eating toe
much: Good clothes lest we tempt others tc
extravaganza? You know every good thing
may be used to excess :"
Now it is as plain as the nose on mans
face, thatif all the rum-sellers would refuse
drains before drinkers get tipsy, and wholly
refuse to sell BY the pint or larger quantity
to the incorporate, we should have no more
drunkards, (uniess they distiIl for themselves
as they do in Sweden, and the practice Of
) denying being generally established as prop
er, drinders would hold up, so soon as de.
MED.
Pray what reasonable man can desire t
curtail others enjoyments before they cause
any injuy2
Though you might say drinking mans
wife would be afflicted through fear that he
husband would by and by become drunk
ard, yet you know, "-liketoo never kills,
and one end of our creation would never b.
fulfilled, if there could be nothing to excit.
f apprehensions and besides, his companion
would get over her fears after he had occa
> sionally come home late for some time, anc
never been known to be lipsy; and rejoic,
that her husband was taking comfort.
, She must possess an envious spirit if SD,
could not be pleased at her husbands hap
=, piness, though she might not fare the bes
herself.
lam honest when say like to see m,
r neighbors cheerful.
If it is to be feared that vendors woult
sell to the incorporate, let the Legislature
: pass law to fine man $40 every time hs
got a man drunk. All would appreciate such
law, so just and appropriate; and let al
sell that choose, instead Of asking the lie
: gislaiure to prohibit the sale altogether.
If you cold-water folks would adopt 9
reasonable course we would support you
butyou run to extremes.
Even in this case you would deny rum t.
the man who team drink or let it alone,
even before appetite begins to crave.