Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1868-07-01
from IN. Rhodes. ESQ
CLEyrIIyp. Hume o. 1s6s.

OLEYELAED, June %, 1868.
EDITOR CHRoNtcLE-A gentleman, a
few days since, called my attention 10 an
article in the CHRONICLE Of April 2gth,
which l never heard Of or sew until now,
which contains an article headed "Prof.
Rhodes for VINE drinking" signed N'Mil-
lennium," who has often been ssediAed in
days gone by with clear expositions Of d.
vine truth" &c, from the writer, and is
now deeply chsgrined eto learn that one
OF MS beacon hight has gone out in dark
ness, and that l am can advocate Of
Wine, as a beverage for man, as one of the
most efficient means of saving men from
being d~runkRrds." He then inquiries with
triple interrogstions, "can it be posi-
bic ~ L pity the mans stupidity who can
swallow such an absurdity, and then
preach q newspaper homily on the sub
ject. Now Mr.. Editor, 1 don't propose to
note down all the errors into which Mil.
lenium has fallen, but merely to state the
origin of the one above quoted. On my
return from Europe I was visited by the
Grape Growers Association, Of Northern
Ohio, TO give them the result of nv OBJ
servations in Europe in wine growing
countries, as to its effects on the people.
1 stated to them what ninety-nine travel
ers in Europe out Of every hundred viii
state. that In France and Italy, where
wine is used universally, there is vastly
less drunkenness than in this country or in
England, Scotland and Ireland, where
whlskeY, and ale Sre used. l stated that
n Great Britain I saw hundreds of drunk
en- people. 1 also stated that during the
seven months 1 was on the continent of
Europe, where the use of wine and beer
are almost universal, that / never saw but
tlDo drunken men. During the time l
travelled through France, Belgium, Hol-
land, Prussia Baden, Switzerland, Italy,
Bavaria, Ssxony, Austria. Polandand the
smaller German States, / saw ttco drunk
en- men. Would Millennium nave me say 1
saw Jyty or q htsadredl The inference I
drew was that If 8 choice is to be made at
all between the methods of drinking
which prevails in different countries, the
French and Garman are better than the
English and American; that sitting down
to light wines OF beer is much less dan
gerous than standing up at a bar and guz-
zling whiskey, brandy, 'tslings," and all
OF the abOminable connections for which
our country has 8 reputation throughout
the world. advocate neither wine drink
ing, nor beer drinking. lido not attempt
to dispute or explain the testimony of
others, who reached different conclusions.
l simply stated, what every Amerie an
tra0eter that / met IN EHrope agreed in,
hat in France, a wine growing country,
there IS less intemperance than in this
country. The best way to prevent drunk
enness Is for every mar to abstain entire
ly f-om the use Of any intoxicating drink.
The next best method, and so long as men
will drink, the more practical way is, TO sub
stltute less dangerous for more dangerous
methods. That is mere common sense.
Grape growing is increasing in this coun-
try, ans will-increase hereafter. What
ats ultimate effects wiz be L cannot say.
Judging from my observations abroad, the
substitution Of light wines for brandy and
whlskey In this country will be favorable,
on the whole, to Temperance. lam, 1 trust.
az gooda temperance man as"Millneium,"
and hope to continue such. When, how
ever, l am called upon 10 make a state
ment as to my observations abroad, Il
don't propose TO lie for the sake of q good
| believe in having the facts on
every subject, no matter how much they
against my creed or theory. 1
have refused 10 give any public ex-
Of my observations abroad on
this subject. Possibly this would have suit
some people. Wisely or unwisely, 1
lid not stop 10 enquire. This Is all 1 have
70 say al present in response to the letter
April 29th, which 1 regret not having
seen earlier. a
Truly yours, ]. b. RHODES.