New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-11-18

be differences of opinion as to the best method
of accomplishing the desired end. Temperance
means moderation though technically applied
to abstinence from the use Of intoxicating fluids
it has much broader Specification than that
The individual who abjures all distilled and
fermented stimulants as a deadly poison may,
nevertheless, be Incorporate in his language,
in his pursuits of wealth, in his eating, in his
political opinions, in the qualification OF any
one of his passions, his preiudiees, or his ap-
petites. It is even possible to preach ITEM
perancen Unexpectedly.
There are certain enthusiasts, for example,
who demand the entire adjustment of alco-
hoIic stimulants. Against these ultra-prohlbi-
tionists the great body of the medical profess
sion takes decided ground. Nine-tenths of the
physicians and surgeons of the civilized world
prescribe alcohol. and medicines OF which
alcohol is n cardinal ingredient, in their prac-
tee. They say it is one of the most important
articles in the mdteria mediod, and that moth
ing can supply its place. Sometimes they adj
minister it neat sometimes diluted with water
sometimes medicated and while admitting, as
any sane and honest man admits, that it is
morally und physically poison when taken to
excess, they argue that under certain condi-
tons, and in certain cases, its use is not only
advisable, bnt essential to the preservation OF
life and the restoration of Health.
Believing that the most profound Psychologists
of the age understand the matter somewhat
better than non professionals we accept the
doctrine and practice rs philosODhic and cor
rect-the more especially as the result Oh theH
treatment confirms 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
article published in The Independent, and only
fanatics, whose zeal is untempered 10y knowl-
edge, attempt to deny 1t.
Here, however, a difficulty occurs. The
liquors of commerce arc so generally adulte-
rated that it is perilous TO give them to SICK
persons. All the brandes, runs, gins, whls-
kies. &c, are more or less Imprisoned. Each
contains some ingredients which provoke
thirst. for ardent splrlts-and thus drunKards
are made. Under these circumstances, sensible
temperance men should be the first to appre-
ciote the importance of a pure stmulant for
medical use.
This desderatum is supplied to the public
and faculty in the form of Ilostetters Stomach
Bltters, which is not merely wholesome
stimulant but an invaluable tonic, corrective,
and Alternative. In manufacturing, advertising,
and selling it-fOr sanitary purposes only
the proprietors claim to be contributing q
sound and substantial plank TO the temper
ance platform.
There is a good deal of cant talked and
written by some Of the self-elccted reformers
of the morals of mankind. Ii IS the mlsfor-
tune of many of these persons, and OF their as
ciples. 10 confound the use OF difuslble stimu-
lants as an antidote with their misuse as
beverage. The spirit by which they are ami
mated is a spirit of blind bigotry and intOler-
ance. akin to that which, in the olden time.
led 10 the massacre of ST. Bartholomew, the
crusade against the Albigenses, and many other
foul wrongs committed in the name of religion.
Thomas Hood the wittiest of philosophers,
and the most philosophical OF wits, character
lied the narrow minded and aggressive plety
which is continually pecklng at whatever does
not strictly conform TO it's peculiar ritual
as magpiety. and there are a good many
birds of the maggie feather, who would fam
obtain the exclusive control OF the whole
temperance flock
The doctrine of these individuals lacks con
sistency The same arguments-if they deserve
the name-which they argue against the EN-
ploymcnt of alcohol aud alcoholic tones IN the
treatment of disease, or for ITS prevention,
apply with still greater force 10 most OF the
fayorite specifies of the faculty. Yet they have
not "A word 10 say against opium, mercury,
strychnine. iodine, qunne, and other deadly
poisons which are prescribed daily 10y thousands
of medical men, Are these less deleterious than
the pure alcoholic stimulant used as a Dedium
for dihusing the healing influence of wholesome
herbs and roots through the SYSTEM The most
uncompromising -prohibiuonist must admit
that they are not
But he has a relOindcr IN reserve. The pow
erful indictments referred To are prescribed
in limited doses. Bounds are affixed TO their
use by those who recommend them. And is 1t
not the same. We ask, with regard to medi-
Gated spirtuous stimulantsl Every bottle of
Ilostetters Stomach Bitters. for example, Is
accompanied by directions for It's use. These
directions are as clear and rs explicit rs those
in physicians prescription, and even If they
happen TO he violated, through nadvertence,
no serious consequences ensue. \ double OF
triple dose of laudanum. or of strychnine, or of
mineral salt, may kill, and very often does
kill but a fvc-fold or even ten-fold dose of
the Btters would produce no such terrible
effect. Opium is an infinitely stronger intoxi-
cant than any variety of alcohol, and is extern
siyey used to produce ntoxication, as well as
in medical treatment. Why, then, is opium
recognized as II useful curative by the same
parties that utterly prescribe all alcoholic
nrcnnrntinnsl II is nlMaNs host 10 be con-