The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-05-06
rs THERE NO REMEDY!

We pity a drunkard If there be one
man we unqualifedly sy mpathize with more
than another, and whose degradation we
commisserate, it is that man who has ac
quired and cultiyates an appetite for intoxi-
eating drink. We not political morals
lists in this regard, nor are we the advocates
Of political temperance reform. But this
crime of intemperance is of such monsIrous
proportions and contributes so fearfully to
the Generalization, misery. crime and woe
of mankind, In this enlightened day, that we
fain would look the evil In the face for a sim
gle moment, and suggest some remedy.
tits painful to watch the fearful ravages of
this crime of intemperapce in our own com>
muulty. Desolated homes, wrecked fortunes,
bilghted prospects, broken constitutions,
intellects hopelessly impaired, souls past all
feeling OF self respect, or shame, tell sad
story, and the impression is irresistible. that
We see IN our circumscribed sphere of obser-
walton only fraction of that evil which per-
vades society all about us.
Gan nothing be done ? Is there no rene
dy for the growing, terrible malady, intem-
perance2 The State provides for its luna-
tics, its orphans. its deaf and dumb. its SOL
diers' erphans-wby not provide for its hope
lessiy, helplessly incorporate Is there any
class more dependent and more wretched
We speak now of the extreme cases visible
upon every hand. After many struggles for
the mastery, the appetite cOnquers and the
man goes to excess and death, as surely as
water runs down hill. lie has fallen again
and again and finally gives up the effort to
reform. and pluugeS down the stream to dis
grace and ruin, with none to stay the tide.
He has ceased to be master of himself, and
has become reckless of consequences, and, in
word, is no longer free agent. In fact,
hundreds of people cUnfiued in lunatics asy>
lums are much better able TO take care of
themselves and would be far less injurious to
society if set at liberty than confirmed
drunkard.
Is the case hopeless In many instances
we think not but even in the most desper-
ate ones we are bound, if we cannot cure
at least to arrest the evil influence. Should
not confirmed drunkards be regarded as fit
subjects for legal interference and upon proof
OF habitual drunkenness should they not bt
committed to an inebriate asylum under the
control of the State, and kept there until
cure shall be effected and if cure shall
prove impossible. should he not be detained
as one not capable of being entrusted with
liberty
In this way many noble natures might be
rescued and restored to usefulness. whilst
persons totally brutalized would at least be
kept from irflicting further injuries on them
selves others.
The fear Of being thus confined would in
many cases act as a salutary check Oh those
who might be taking the first steps il
intemperance, and many who have felt the
Influence too strong for them would gladly
seek a refuge from themselves in such al
institution. The experiment has been tried
to limited extent in other States with con.
siderable success. New York has her Inc.
hriate Asylum at Binghampton, and while
its conduct is Dot just what it should be, il
is noble charity, and will yet work re-
formation which good men everywhere will
applaud and appreciate. Plausible ohjec
tion may be urged against State Inebriatt
Asylums. but desperate diseases require des
perate remedies. and every one who values
the bodies, and, above all, the souls of men
must grapple with the evil of drunkenness
and leave no means untried to rescue the
victim from its grasp.-TuusUiHe Courier.