New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-02-05
TEMPERANCE IN ALL THINGS.


ment is unanimous on this point, although there
may be difference of opinion as to the best
method of accomplishing the desired end. Ten
perance means moderation though technically
applied to abstinence from the use of intoxi-
eating fluids, has much broader Specification
than that: Tas iGsiyiddal who abjures all dis
TILED and fsfmented stimulapts az a deadly
too;;ss556 nay, nevertheless, be Incorporate fl
his language, in his pursuit Of wealth, in his
eating, in his political opinions, in the eratil-
cation of any one of his passions, his prejudlces,
or his appetites. 1t is even possible to preach
Temperance" Unexpectedly.
There are certain enthusiasts, for example,
who demand theuentire adjustment of alco-
holic stimulants. Against these ultra-pro-
hibtionists the great body of the medical pro
fession takes decided ground Ninc-tenths OF
the physicians and surgeons of the civilized
world prescribe alcohol and medicines of which
alcohol is cardinal ingredient in their prac-
tice. They say that it is one of the most I'M
portant articles in the materia medica, and that
nothing can supply its place. Sometimes they
administer it neat, sometimes diluted with
ting, as any sane and honest man admits that
it is morally and physically poison when taken
to excess, they argue that under certain condi-
tions and in certain cases, its use is not only
advisable but essential to the preservation OF
life and the restoration Of health.
Believing that the most profound pathologists
of the age understand the matter somewhat
better than professionals, we accept their
doctrine and practice as phlosophic and cor
rect-the more especially as the results OF their
treatment confirm their theories.
The rational friends of temperance, side by
side with whom we stand, frankly concede that
alcohol is sometimes necessary as sanitary
agent Mr.. Greeley grants this in recent ar
ticle published in The Independent, and only
| fanatics, whose zeal is untempered by knowl-
| edge, venture to deny it.
| Here, however, difficulty occurs. The liquor
| of commerce are so generally adulterated that
! it is perous to give them to sick persons. AL
the brandies, runs Igins, whiskys, &C., are
more or less empOisoned. Each contains some
| ingredients which provoke thirst for ardent
spirits--and thus drunkards are made. Under
these circumstances sensible temperance men
should be the first to appreciate the Importance
| of a pure stimuant for medical Use.
This desideratum is supplied to the public
and faculty in the form of Hostetters Stomach
| Bitters, which is not merely wholesome
| stinulant but an invaluable tonic, corrective
and Alternative In manufacturing, advertising
and selling it--for sanitary purposes Only-the
proprietors claim to be contributing sound
| and substantial plank to the temperance plat
| form.
| There is a good deal of cant talked and writ
| ten by some of the self-elected reformers Of
the morals of mankind. 1t is the msfortuncs
of manyof these persons, and of their disciples,
| to eonfound the use of diffusable stimulants ~
an antidote with their MISUSE as beverage.
| The spirit by which they are animated is n
spirit of blind bigotry and intolerance akin to
1 that which, in the oldcn time, led to the massacre
| of st. Bartholomew, the crusade against the
| Albigenses, and many other foul wrongs COM
mitted in the name of religion. Thomas Hood,
| the wittiest of philosophers, and the most
philosophical of WITS characterized that mar
| row minded and aggressive piety which is con-
| tinually pecking at whatever does not strictly
conform to its peculiar ritual as mag piety, and
| there are a good many birds of the mag-pie
feather who would fain obtain the exclusive
control of the whole temperance flock.
sistency. The same arguments-if they de-
serve the name-which they urge against the
employment of alcohol and alcoholic tones i'm
the treatment of disease, or for its prevention,
apply with still greater force to most of tho
favorite specifics of the faculty. Yet they have
not a word to say against opium, mercury,
strychnne, iodine, Quinine, and other deadly
poisons which are prescribed daily by thous-
ands of medical men. Are these less deleter-
Gus than the pure alcoholic stimulant used "a
/ a medium for ditlusing the healing influence
OF wholesome herbs and roots through the
system? The most uncompromising ultra pro-
hibitionists must admit that they are not.
But he has rejoinder in reserve. The power
full indictments referred to are prescribed in
limited doses. Bounds are affixed to their use
by those who recommend them. And is it not
the same, we ask, with regard to medicated
spirituous stimulants. Every bottle of Hos
letters Stomach Bitters, for example, is accom-
panied by directions for its use. These direc-
tions are as clear and as explicit as those in
physicians prescription, and even if they hap
pen to be violated through inadvertance, no
serious consequences ensue. A double or triple
dose of laudanum, or of strychnine, or of a
mineral SALT may kill, and very often does kill !;
but five-fold, or even ten-fold, dose of the
Bitters would produce no such terrible effect.
Opium is an infinitely stronger intoxicant than
any variety of alcohol, and is extensively used
to produce intOxicatiOn as well as in medical
treatment. Why then is opium recognized az
n usefel curative by the same parties that
utterly prescribe all alcoholic preparations ID
is always best to be consistent.