Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1868-02-13

facts are staggering. Far more spent in the
use of tobacco than in the education OF the
youth. What giant evil is this tobaccol
1t is robbing men of wealth and happiness,
and depriving the country of its noblest in
tellects. 1t Is sending thousands to an early
grave Would that the terrible evil could
be averted. r.
Its effects morally are appalling. Look
at that culprit now arraigned for murder!
What is the history of his life? 1t Is that he
commenced when young to use tobacco. AT
first he took it only occasionally, then more
frequently until finally an appetite was
formed, which nothing but constant sup
ply could appease. The tobacco user re-
quiring some stimulant he naturally rcsorted
to drink. At first this may have been very
mild, but he went on from one step TO
another until we find him miserable drunk
ard, a forsaken sot Crime after crime black
ems his history, until in moment of intoxica-
tion he takes the life of fellow then he is
seized arraigned, convicted, and sentenced
to expiate his offence upon the gallows.
What an awful thought And yet these
are not exaggerations. The history Of our
country is full of circumstances similar to
this. Hear passage from distinguished
physician, whose observations upon the
subject have been very extensive: 81 have
never yet known in all my inquiries or re-
user of alcoholic drinks who was not a tobac-
co chewer." What stupendous revelations.
What astounding facts are these Yet we
cannot refute them, we cannot deny them.
However 10th we may be to accept these
truths we cannot deny such authority.
Then in view OF these distressing facts, viz;
Is terrible effects upon the physical consti-
tuition, its pecuniary disadvantages, and its
influence in depriving a man of his moral
fn vii nf mo
be so blind? Why is such an evil tolerated
and practised? There is but one reason. 1t
is because of fashion. Fashion, the worst
tyrant that ever ruled. Ninety-nine hun
dreths OF all the tobacco-chcwers commen-
ced when they were young. And why?
Because they imagine it makes them look
manly. And if we might jndge from its
popularity we might consider 1t SO. We
will see the poor and wealthy, the learned
and ignorant, and even the minister Of God
slaves to this terrible tyrant. 0 that our
youth could be persuaded that instead OF
manlness 1t bespoke ignorance and foolish
ness, now soon they would abandon it. My
dear schoolmates, you who have been in the
habit and those who are forming the habit of
using it, let me advise you to renounce it.
You are now young and can do 1t without
any injury, but if you continue, when you
arrive at the age when you will see your
folly and wish to abandon it, you will find
it almost an impossibility. 1t is leading
you to ruin. None will respect you so
much if you use it as if you do not The
generation now risen is ruined by 1t, the ri
sing generation is in imminent danger of ru-
ination, and God, who is etcrnally just and
whose testimonies and laws are in behalf Of
right, and against wrong, will visit the sins
of the father in this instance upon the chill
dren unto the third and fourth generation.
Then let us learn how to live and may God
save our young men from the ruin conse-
quent upon the use of this terrible poison.