Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1856-10-04
The worla in Arm, Axain., Tobacco.

Modem Lovers Of the pipe seldom think of the
worthless to whom they are indebted for its free
enjoyment; and Of those who delight in nasal ali
ment, how few ever call to mind the Diocletian
prosecutions their predecessors passed through for
adherng to their faith in and transferring to their
descendants the virtues Of tobacco. Europe frown-
ed and Asia threatened. Pagan, Mahommedan,
and Christian noAarchs combined to crush them.
James l.. foaming with rage, sent forth his ''COun-
terbast;" the half savage ruler Of the Muscovites
followed suit; the King of Persia, Amurath Nv. Of
Turkey, the Emperor Jehan Gssr, and others,
Joined the crusade. They denounced death to all
found inhaling the fumes of the plant through
tube, or caught with a pellet of it under their
tongues. Those who used it as q sternGtative only
were to be deprived of their To perfect the
miseries OF the delinquents, Urban VIII. went in
state to the Vatican, where, tremulous with holy
anger be shook his garments, to intimate that the
blood Of the offenders would be on their own heads
and then thundered accommodation on every soul
who took the accursed thing in any shape into
church. Loss of life for lighting pipe! Mutila-
ton for taking pinch! Tortures here and end
less tOrtures hereafter for whif or quid Of to-
baecol One wonders how the snufhrs managed to
pass through the fire unscathcd, or even 20 escape
aHnhilation; yet most of them did escape, and
they did more. they converted the Nebuehadnezzars
who sought to consume them.
The modes adopted to exterminate the plant IN
creased the demand for it, till it was sought for
with an ayidity that penal enactments could
suppress Royal and sacerdOtal clamor had raised
its eonsumption ten thousand fold. The tide turn
ed and all began to praise the magic leaf. Ladfes
ioined their lords in smoking after meals boys
carried pipes in their satchels to school, and at
certain hour pedagogues and pupils whitfield togcth-
er. Not bad subject for painter. Mothers in
the sixteeth century filed their sons pipes early
in the morning. to serve them instead Of breakfast.
People went to bed with cigars or pipes in their
mouths, and rose in the night to light them. All
classes became consumers even priests were not
excepted. provided they refrained till after mass.
To accommodate travellers poor and transient per-
sons tabagies or smoking houses, were licensed on
the Continent, In every marine and inland town,
where sailors and itinerants could, on moderate
terms, be made happy, either BY inhaling the va
nor of the popular stimulant or tickling their na
al membranes with it. The ambitious sought
fame by associating themselves with the introdge-
ton Of the pIaat and its cultivation; hence sa6
it named after cardinals, egates, and ambassadors.
While, in compliment to Catherine de Medieis, it
was called ''the Queen herb" Kings now rush
ed into the tobacco trade. Those of Spain took
the lead, and became the largest nanufacturerso OF
snuff and cigars in Chr:stendom. The royal work
shops in Seville are still the most extensive in Eu-
rope. Other monarchs monopolised the business
in their dominions, and all began TO reap enormous
rrofts from It, as most do at this day Much has