Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-02-05

he should suddenly cease. lie reached
Binghamton drunk he went to bed that
evening drunk he drank twelve glasses
of brandy the next morning before eleven
O'Clock he went up to the Asylum satura-
ted with brandy, expecting to make the
preliminary arrangements for his admis-
sion, then return to the hotel, and finish
the day drinking. But precisely at that
point Albert Day laid his hand upon him,
and marked him for his own. DR.. Day
quietly objected to his return to the town
sent for his trunk, caused the tavern bill
to he paid, and cut off his brandy at once
and totally. For forty-eight hours the
patient craved the accustomed stimulant
intensely, and he was only enabled TO
sleep by the assistance Of bromide Of
potassium. On the third day the craving
ceased, and he assured me that he never
felt it again. Other morbid experiences
he had, but not that and now, after two
years ofabstinence, he enjoys good health.
has no desire for drink. and is capable of
extraordinary exertions. Other patients,
however, informed me that they suffered
morbid craving for two or three weeks.
But all agreed that the sudden discon-
tinuancc of the stimulant gave them less
Inconvenience than they had anticipated,
and was in no degree dangerous. Ii is.
indeed. most surprising to see how soon
the system begins TO rally when once it
is relieved ofthc inimical influence. Com
plete recovery, of course, is slow and
long effort of nature; but the improve
mcnt in the health, feelings, and appear
ance of patients, after only a months
residence upon that breezy hill is very
remarkable.
WHAT ONE GLASS DID.
Every "Wednesday eve, after prayers,
kind of temperance meeting is held in
the chapel. 1t is the intention of the su-
perinteudent, that every inmate of the
Asylum shall become acquainted with the
nature of alcohol, and with the precise
effects of alcoholic drinks upon the human
system. He means that they shall com
prehend the absur,iity Of drinking aS
clearly as they know its riIinous conSe-
gucnces. He accordingly opens this meet
ing with short lecture upon some one
branch of the subject, and then invites the
patients to illustrate the point from their
own experience. At the meeting which
happened to attend the subject OF Mr.
Days remarks WAS suggested Gas il ottcn
is) by an occurrence which had just taken
place at the institution, and had been the
leading topic of conversation all that day.
At the last meeting. young man from
distant State, who had been in the Asylum
! for some months and WAS about To return
home, delivered III eloquent farewell ad
dress 10 his companions, urging them 10
adhere 10 their resolution, al protesting
his unalte able resolve nerer, never,
never again to yield to their alluring and
treachcrous foe. lie spoke with unusual
animation and in very loud voice. He
took his departure in the morning by the
Erie Road, and twelve hours after he was
brought back 10 the Asylum drunk. Upon
his recoy cry he related to the Superinten-
dent and - his friend, the story of his
lamentable fall When the train had
gone three hours on its way. there was
detention Of three hours ut station that
offered little entertainment To inpatient
travellers. The returning prodigal paced
the platform found il dull work heard
nj a distance the sound of billiard balls;
went and played two games, losing both;
returned to the platform aud resumed his
walk and there fell into the train OF
| thought that led 10 the catastrophe. His
reflections were like these How perfect
is my cure, have not once thought OF
taking drink. Not even when | saw
men drinking at the bar did il cross my
mind to follow their example. | have
not the least desire fox whiskey, and have
no doubt | could tahe that 'one glass
which DR.. Day keeps talking about, with
out Il wish for second. In fact, no man
is perfectly cured till he can do that. |
have great mind to put il TO test. II
almost seems rs il this opportunity Of
trying myself has been created on pur-
pose. Here goes, then for the last glass
of whiskey shall take Us long as live.
and take it purely as scientific expert
ment" One hour after, his friend who
was accompanying him home, found him
lying in corner of bar-room. dead
drunk. He had him picked up, and placed
in the next train bound for Binghamton.
This was the text of DR.. Days dis
course, and he employed it in enforcing
anew his three cardinal points l. No
hope for an inebriate until he thoroughly
distrusts the strength of his own resolu-
ton; 2. No hope for an inebriate except
in total abstinence as long as he lives,
both in sickness and in health; g. Little
hope for an inebriate unless he avoids. on
system aud on principle, the occasions
of temptation, the places where liquor is
sold, and the persons who will urge it
upon him.
SUCCESSFUL CURE.
Some of his successes have been strik-
ing and memorable There was DIR. "
of Tennessee, at thiriy-fye physician
of large practice. professor in medical
college. happy in an excellent wife and