The Polynesian., 1840-09-26

That inteinperance is the natural conse-
quenCe Of unrestralned traffic in ardent spr-
It's all past experience III other countries
proves to demonstration.
And 1t is also true that the increase of
crime generally keeps pace with intemper-
ance. The natural course Of the latter is
onward and downward to poverty and crime
This truth stands out prominent in the his
tory of the effects of alcoholic drinks, when
taken as beverage, III all nations. from the
savage and barbarous to the enlightened
In the latter it has Frustrated the most pow
erfll and highly cultivated intelects in status-
men, literary men and others in the highest
walks of life, and not unirequently brought
disgrace, penury and Indebtedness, whilst
to the middle and lower classes it has almost
uniformly been the harbinger of untold mise
~ and want. To savagcs aud barbarians it
has been the precursor of disease and death,
and in many cases has been eminently in
strumental in nearly cflecting the eXtermina-
ton Of whole tribes
But we will not attempt to paint the almost
countless evils which mark its progress thro
all grades of society and all degrees Of in
teectual cultivation.
If such nave been its effects in times past
and in other countries what else have we to
expect but its increase at these islands,
Nevertheless, the state of things allud-
ed to if true, is alarming and call, for the
best efforts of every lover of sobrlety and
good order upon these shores. TO arrest the
progress Of intempcrance. But what can be
done: We answer, Temperance Societies
amongst fore igners and natives. can be form
ed, motives can be brought to bear upon the
public mind, and WHO can doubt but that assoc
ciated energetic action can be made to tell I'D
on this community Such has been It's ef-
tects in other countries, both upon large and
small communities TO make the effort here
is not hopeless. The ground has long been
trodden. No new experiment is required
Temperance Societies have already effected
an incalcu!able amount of good in various
parts of the world, and like causes will
doubtless produce like effects here in these
islands. The trial can be made
Yours, SC, Il Friend Of Temperance.
Sept. 10, 1910.
P. s.-Residents and Missionaries in Ho-
nolulu and others parts of the islands, are
respectfully solicited to furnish app weN nu-
henf,cated tdcts and statistics of which they
may be in possession respecting intemperancc,
to illustrate its increase, if such has been
the fact, or otherwise; also the amount of
foreign wines and spirits imported within
twelve months, with the date of their receipt,
and what amount of the same has been again
exported, If any; also the amount of native
spirit distilled. where it can be ascerta;ned
If any, and other information relating to the
general subject. The names of the persons
communicating are requested. OF course
they will not be published unless it is desir-
ed. In the mean time we intend to make
some reflections on the general subject and
give such opinions and facts as will illustrate
the evils with the cost Of intemperance, and
encouragements from past efforts
Address "a Friend of Temperance,
through the Editor or office of the Polyne-
sian. A..