The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-03-20

rian notions of free discussion refuse the earnest
solicitations Of DR. Alcohol to have his defence
before the citizens of Gotham published to the
world
SPEECH
RICHARD ALCOHOL, NJ. d.
MT a temperance meeting held in the City of Co.
than, Nov. 1887.
Mr. President, and gentlemen and ladies' Of the
City Of Gotham-When in the course Of spirited
events, man is publicly accused of crimes of
which he is innocent, and declared to be nui-
sanCe in society," it is proper that he offer estimo
ny, if he have any, TO correct any wrong impress
sions, which may have been made on the minds
ofthe community. have no doubt but you are
actuated by good motives in your warfare against
me, were your knowledge equal to your zeal,
you would revolutionize the world in less than a
century. But cannot but regret that your eff
forts should be so poorly directed; and that, ac-
cording TO all human calculation you must change
your mode of warfare or meet with a total and
Notifying defeat The object at which you aim
is praiseworthy one, and, if gained, would hand
down your names, as the greatest benefactors Of
mankind, to the latest posterity. But you took
wrong course at the beginning of the races the
foundation of your schemes is uncertain and the
result will be bitter disappointment.
You adopt fundamental principle Of your
creed, that am guilty of all the crimes and mis-
chief that grow out of an improper and unnc-
cessary use of my much esteemed and highly eff
ficacious medicines Before impending the
character of man ofmy station, you ought to
have good evidence to prove your asserhons.--
You should know that | am of honorable eX-
traction, and old in experience; and that my faith
or has more TO do in the affairs of this world
than any IMAM living. My skill physician is
proverbal and my friends numerous and respec-
table. My medicines, about which there is so
much noise, arc highly eflicacious, and unlike
many other medicines, arc pleasant 10 the taste
and excite no disagreeabIe sensations either in
body or mind. When taken in too large and
frequent Doses like other medicinal agents, they
occasion weakness, nausea and vomiting. Now
because my patients sometimes take too large
doses or repeat them oftener than necessary,
and thereby injure themselves and families, the
guilt is all ascrib ed to me- and calls down public
vengeance on my venerable head, and all my
household. But perhaps you will inquire why
l let my patients have so much more than they
need to effect cure? l answer that the demand
for my medicines is so great and pressing, that
| am obliged to employ agents in different parts
of the world, and these persons take advantage
of the appettes of their fellow beings, and would
you believe it, these very articles, which effect
such wonderful and valuable cures are not I'M
frequently the canso of death. Such conduct is
manifestly immoral: but there is no law to appeal
TO, and public opinion sanctions the practice
Many countries have passed laws to regulate the
sale OF my drugs, so that thousands are killed
according TO law; this practice having the sane
toh OF klngs, Noblemen and Emperors. Now
ahc case Is this: l prepare certain medicinal a.
gents which, when properly used, are highly Ell
Ficacious; but, used in immoderate or in too fire.
auent doses, occasion an ncalculabe amount o
mischief. Who is most guilty, the manufacture
er of these medicines those who abuse them
by using them improperly, the who sells
'hem according TO law or the public who pass
laws TO regulate their traffic.
Gentlemen and Ladies' of the City of Gotham:
am willing to have my character examined by
any enlightened and honest body Of men, and t
hold myself responsible for all guilt Justly found
against me and will make suitable restitution to +
all whom have injured. But you have con- S
demned me without evidence and sentenced me 1
without mercy. In all reforms either in gov
ernments or morals, you should trace effects G
back to first causes and regulate your proceed i
lngs accordingly. Strike at the root Of the evil il
ii you would accomplish any thing; make the L
foundation good and your superstructure will be "
firm and lasting. l would not complain with
cut cause; but have been slandered and wrong Il
cd out of my honest earnings. Charge the u
blame upon those who have offended in this e
matter, and let justice he done without inparti- fl
atty. If you would destroy the evil of which c
you complain, revise and alter your laws, and h
see they are observed with rigid punctuaIity.- "
ohe would think that person of my age and II
experience would command some respect from Fl
MS Interiors, But am man of spirit and e