Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-03-26
For the Spirit Of the Age.
A few Arguments in favor Of Liquor.

Mr.. EDITOR: You have been engaged Tor
several years in discussing, through your
excellent paper, the propriety of discontinue
ing the use of ardent spirits as a beverage
Many persons have been convinced that its
use is hurtful and have discontinued it in
their families. Others, however, continue to
use it. These have some arguments in favor
of its use, which are used often in converse
ton, but rarely, if ever, used in public. |
volunteer my services to do what the most
Of them would not, that is to give Thy your
permission) your readers these few argu-
ments in favor OF liquor.
You are aware, sir, that in this country
there are many persons whose health IS very
precarious. They are seldom sick, but are
never well. In the spring, they feel very
feeble in the morning, and are unable to eat
without something to whet up the appetite.
You know a little exercise would help the
matter, but this is a little Unpleasant and al
so questionable; but a little whiskey or
brandy is not bad to take, and is not entire
ly questionable. This is used to great eff
, feet. 1t braces the system and whets the
appetite so keen, that looking at the table
answers the purpose, whether they eat or not.
After breakfast they feel SO strong and
healthy that they imagine they are improv.
ing rapidly, but when the next meal comes
that contrary appetite will not work without
more whiskey.
Now, sir, what would you have one of Thu
class do. To quit drinking, you see, woulc
be to quit eating; and to quit eating
would be to die. Would you have him t
commit suicide in this way By no means
He owes his very life to the whiskey bottle
yea, he is indebted to whiskey for ever,
mouthful of bread be eats. And then. Their
are others laboring under chronic diseases
which no medicine ever has reached but al
dent spirits; and although this has not mad
a cure, it is used in the hope that it wi
eventually wear out the disease. All othe
medicines are laid aside, a good supply of tn
good blessing is laid ia. and the patier
goes to work to drink his disease to death
5 and generally succeeds ; and he and the di
$ ease die together. Now, would you hay
these persons deprive themselves of the onl
: means of a speedy cure? Would you hay
r them quit the bottle andlet their disease XII
them? Certainly not.
You know, sir, that many persons in Il
world are exceedingly diffdent. These ca
IF hardly appear in company, if they have bu
mess to attend to. They find great reli
from the use of liquor. 1t oyercomes diff
1t dence, inspires confidence and qualities OF
h to do business, right or wrong, producir
1t wonderful effects in this way. Frequent
ID qualifying men who, without it could not
k their own business, to attend to the busine
ii of every body else. It'll admirably adapt
to the relief of young men who are diffde
IN in ladies' company. They steam pref
I'd freely, which gives the face a fine blush, a
at makes the use of cinnamon and other thin
e, of that sort necessaryrall of which give t
# breath a most agreeable flavor.
u Its effects upon the tongue and gesture 6
equally wonderful. The gentleman is
er lieyed of all embarrassment and speaks +
ed emily on all subjects, whether he understar
Ter them or not tells the ladies what is wro
a in their conversation with utmost ease, a
on ~corrects all theireerrors. There is no st
os- ness about his gestures, but an uncomn
~sprightness that keeps the company well
he tertained, and leaves the impression that
but is an uncommon man. In a word, sir, 1 dc
on know how some young men would act in &C
re- pany Without liquor, and they have tried il
a long that al persuaded they do not kn
re- themselves. G