The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1853-10-26
Opium Smoking in Borneo.

lis smoked in Borneo Singapore, and
other Southern ports of Johore. and
have always perceived the same uni
form results, viz: that the habitual use
Of the drug is, in its ultimate effect,
more dreadful and dcbasing to the
mind and body than ever spirits have
produced.
Poverty, and all its concomitant
evils, are usually the end that the
opium smoker has to come to and, as
poverty must necessarily debar him
from his indulgence, there is no crime
that the opium-smoker will not commit
aye, even to murder, for the paltry
sum of 81, so that he can but have
his smoke. l do not think that | make
an aggregate statement when saying,
that rs per cent. of the Chinese po-
pulation, in the Eastern Archipelago,
are oTium-smokers. Rarely do you
meet with reformed opiumist. Many
would willingly give it up; but, from
the want of courage, fail. All see its
consequences, and acknowledge that
they are fast going to destruction.
The horrors of opium smoking defy
description, while the statistics Of
crime, in the Indian British possess
sions, tell narrowing tale. What,
then, are its effects in China? And
who, possessed with one iota of human
ity, one spark of feeling, would engage
in such trade, or consent to be agent
in extending this vile habit ? And
yet these same mch, can calmly put
their hands over their chests, twirl
their thumbs, and, with the nasal Ex-
eter Hall twang, talk of introducing
the blessings Of Christianity and civil
,zation into benightcd China, and sub
scribe large sums for the distribution
of flannel waistcoats and religious
pocket handkerchiefs, with little Sam
uel praying in the corners, and for a
motto, Holiness to the Lord
1.-The japanese certainly display
great wisdom il. refusing to hold in
tcrcoursc with the Europeans, and if
they desire still to keep pure and moral,
let them continue keeping their ports
shut, and prevent their youth getting
contaminated by Europe's boasted sys-
TEN of clviization-'Smoke opium and
listen to the missionaries, or else we
will make you l cannot end these
few remarks without describing the
way the Chinese make us of the drug.
Nothing under heaven can equal
the apparent enjoyment of the opium
smoker. Look at that miserable,
emaciated wretch, staggering from
debility, his eyes nearly closed, whilst
trickling down his face you perceive a
watcry discharge from the eyes and
nose. lie is about entering a hovcl,
having mat suspended over the door.
He who walks may read that he is an
opiumist. With what anxiety do you
see him collect few cents, the fruits
of some robbery or murder, and re-
ceive from the proprietor of the shop,
or den, pipe and the allowance of
opium. Follow him, and you will soon
see him reclining on bench, his head
on bamboo pillow, small lamp by
his side, e,whilst his eyes begin to glisten,
as they watch each successive step and
preparation that is soon to watt his
mind Into oblivion. The pipe is filed
and applied to the lamp, there is heard
a slight noise, as with a full hearty
pull he draws in all that opium and
air can give slowly is the inspiration
relaxed, but not till tho opium in the
pipe is consumed, then allowing the
yapor imprcgnated with the narcotic
influence to remain in his chest until
nature compels him to expire, he gem
tly allows it to escape, seeming to
grudge the loss of each successive ex-
it, until all is gone, Soothed by its
effect, he withdraws the pipe, and Civ
rs himself up to the first calming ef.
fects of the drug.
His next attempt confirms the
and now no longer docs he
complain of racking limbs or aching
'ones. His second pipe being finish
ID, he can now look round and gaze
IN what is going on; but his soul is
till wrapped up in the bliss, that is
from what remains of his
allowance, for not until the third or
ourth Whit do the feelings of positive
pleasure alise. Then is felt a light
less of head, tingling in every limb,
he eyes seem to be enlarged, and the
ars sharpened to hearing, and elasti-
ity, an inclination to mount on high
experienced, all pains are now gone
nd pleasure reigns paramount, all
'eariness has left, and freshness takes
IS place. The loathing for food is
hanged for that which is piquant, and
great desire is felt for some particu- I
lr dish. Whatever was secret is now
pened, for the tongue is lessened and
els its tale of crimes committed.
till there is no excitement but |,
almness, soft, soothing and seductive. :
lie dreams no dreams, nor thinks of !
nc morrow, but with a smile in his G
ye, he fills his last pipe. Slowly in a
aling it, he seems to brighten up, the !
nile that was sparkling in his eye ex. t
'nds to the other features, his appear. !,
nee is one of complete yet placid en- !,
yment. Presently the pipe is slowly =