Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1868-10-09
&itIS auo SarOem /.
GRAPES and Wines.

The arous.ng of the pubic attention
to'the advantages Of the grape culture
and the manufacture Of wine in this
country is highly gratifying to reflect
ing and practical men. In both pc
cuniury and moral sense the entering
upon these new means of occupation
promises the most salutary blessings
The grape crop is an addition to the
variety Of crops, and increases the Sc
ourity of the laborer from the hayward
ness of seasons. The introduction Of
wine as a common beverage among our
people will promote temperance and
health by diminishing the consumption
of the detestible distilled liquors of
these times, which debauch the intellect
and destroy the physical power of men.
1t may be that this is Que national
blessing wrought, in degree, out of
national evil, thus illustrating the priu>
ciple OF compensation which, like a gold.
en- thread, runs through the laws Of
Providence. Congress seized upon dis,
titled spirits as subject of taxation
susceptible of unlimited assessment, and
planted upon them such tax as curtail-
ed their consumption and drove men to
seek for other stimulants that are cheap
er. This suggests the making of wine
to meet a new demand and has given
to the cultivation of the grape the great
est incentive yet afforded to it on this
continent. In this way great public
blessing is to be secured to the coun.
try.
There is another view of the advan-
tages Of the manufacture of pure do
mestic wine, The consequences of in
ebriety from the strong alcoholic drinks
of the country have led to the estab.
lshment of total abstinence societies
whose success has not been at all a set
tied question The entire rejection Of
stimulating drinks, tits affirmed by some
psychologists, is not consistent with the
natural wants and tastes of men, and in
too many instances has resulted in o
return to drink with greater reckless
ness than ever, sense OF violated
pledges increasing the desire to drown
recollection of the past in intoxication
The general use of the pure juice o.
the grape would be the best safeguard
against the mighty evil of drunkenness,
that could be devised. To see this W,
have but to compare wine-driukiny
communities with those given to th,
free use Of ardent spirits France is ;
wine country. Every peasant drink
his wine. He takes it at all his meals
1t is grateful and beneficial to him. S,
in all the walks of life-th6 richer class
es consuming the better qualities Tn
festive scenes of the country are no
married by excess, though not wanting
in animation and joy. Intemperance
with her bloated checks, red eyes, an,
flaming countenance, does not startl
the gay jewellers by her shocking ap
paration. The gentle stimulus of tn
grape lends its inspiration to the seen
without maddening the brain or dimin
ishing the sense of pleasure.
Not so in countries given to stron
drink the effects of which need not
dwet upon in this country. Let u
hope that those who have embarked j
the cultivation of the grape in thi
country may pursue the enterprise wit
industry aud skill, aud be amply re
warded by the fruits of their labor
a few years we shall have secured
blessing which cannot be too highl
prized.-Richmond Dispatch.