New-York tribune., 1869-04-07

oates of temperance. Indeed, public sentiment
is unanimous on this point, although there may
be differences of opinion as to the best method
of accomplishing the desired end. Temperance
means moderation, though technically apphed
TO abstinence from the use of intoxicating iiuids;
il has a much broader signifcation than that.
The individual who abiures all distilled and
fermented stimulants as q deadly poison may,
nevertheless, be intemperate in his language.
in his pursuit of wealth. in his eating, in his
nolitical opinions, in the qualification of any
one of his passions, his prejudices, or his ap-
petites 1t is even possible to preach "tem-
perance" intemperately.
There are certain enthusiasts, for example,
who demand the entire abolishment of alco-
holio stimulants Against these ultra-prohibi-
tionists the great body of the medical pro-
fession takes decided ground Nine-tenths OF
the physicians and surgeons of the civilized
world prescribe alcohol, and medicines OF when
alcohol is q cardinal ingredient in their prac-
tice. TheyEsay it is one OF the most important
articles in the materia medica, and that moth
ing can supply its place. Sometimes they ad-
minister it neat, sometimes diluted with water,
sometimes medicated; and while admitting, as
any sane and honest man admits, that 1t Is
morally and physically poison when taken 10
excess, they argue that under certain cono-
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 the
doctrine and practice as philosophic and cor
rect-the more especially rs the result oil their
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 by knowl-
edge attempt to deny it,
Here, however, difficulty occurs. The
LIQUORS of commerce are SO generally adulte-
rated that it is perilous to give them to sick
persons. All the brandies, runs, gins, whis-
kies, &c. are more or less Imprisoned. Each
contains some Ingredients which provoke
thirst for ardent spirts-and thus drunkards
are made. Under these circumstances, sensible
temperance men should be the first to appre-
ciate the Importance of pure stimuiant ior
medical use.
This desideratum is supplied to the public
and faculty in the form Of llostetter's Stomach
Bitters, 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 sound
and substantial plank to the temperance plat
| form.
There Is good deal Of cant talked and
written by some Of the self-elected reformers
| of the morals of mankind. IL is the misfortune
| of many of these persons, and OF their dis
ciples to confound the use of dlffusible stimu-
! lants as an antidote with their misuse as a
beverage. The spirit by which they are ami
mated is a spirit of blind bigotry and intoler-
| nnce. akin to that which, in the olden time,
led to 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
.zed the narrow-m minded and aggressive piety
| which is continually pecking at whatever does
| not strictly conform to its peculiar ritual, as
magpiety, and there are q good many birds
of the magpie feather, who would fain 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 urge against the en-
ployment of alcohol and alcoholic tonics in the
treatment of disease, or for its prevention, ap
ply with still greater force to most of the IA
vorite specifics of the faculty. Yet they have
not word to say against opium, mercury,
strychnine iodine, quiniDe, and other deadly
poisons which are prescribed daily by thon-
sands of medical men. Are these less deleter-
ious than the pure alcoholic stimulant used as
medium for dilfusing the healing influence OF
wholesome herbs and roots through the system
The most incorporating -prohibitionist
must admit that they are not.
But he has rejoinder in reserve The pow.
erful medicaments referred to are prescribed
in limited doses. Bounds are affixed to their
use by those who recommend them. And is 1t
not 1.-THE same, we ask, with regard to medi
Gated spirituous stimulantsi Every bottle of
Hostetter's Stomach Bitters, for example, is
accompanied by directions for its use. These
directions are as clear and as explicit as those
in a physicians prescription, and even If they
happen to be violated, through nadvertence,
no serious consequences ensue. A double or
triple dose of laudanum, or of strychnine, or OF
q 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 mtoxi-
cant than any variety of alcohol, and is extern
sively used to produce intoxication, as well as
in medical treatment. Why, then, is opium
recognized as useful curative by the same
parties that utterly prescribe all alcoholic