The weekly Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1872-1887, 1875-06-26
The Opium Habit.

The fact that 200 tons OF opium have
been imported in one year alone into tho
United states, and that not more than one
fifth nf this amount il used forme,licinal
purposes exclusively, may well create
alarm. Quietly and insidiuusly this vice
is making its way among all classes, strik-
ing down its victims hy thousands, I'M
known or unhccdcd by our philanthropic
societies, while the public ears are deaf
cncd by the clamor Of temperance and
pr"liibitory movements. Not only in
| drug-st0rcs but in groceries, in temples of
| fashion, and in still less likely places is
this pcrnicious stimulant sOld-s0ld in
! utter defiance of law, and with full
knowledge Of the purpose for which it is
used. The last place to which any one
would look for the sale of opium would
he m umbrella store, but il il fact that
II wcll.known umbrella store in Broadway
is doing n profitable business in opium.
II has many customers, who receive their
daily supply from clerk or clerks spec.
tally appointed for this particular plrposc,
and who arc acquainted with the habitucs
Of the store. OF course the opium is not
sold to all who ask for it, rs only drug
gists and ap0thcCarirs nrc permitted by
law to dispose of the drug in its various
forms.
or1rM IS TIE ARMY.
During the war immense quantities were
disposed of in Washington Ia the soldiers,
i and lively and lucrative business was
done in opium hy liquor dealers, suffers,
| cigar vcndcrs, and the nrmy's other camp
followers. TO such mn nIurming extent
was this business carried that il forced
itself upon the attention of tho superior
officers, and finally upon that of the Gov
crnmcnt itself. Measures were at once
inkrn 10 suppress the trade, but the evil
was only partially abatcd. for the opium
vCndcrs cnntrivcd 10 cludc the authorities.
The opium was easily conrCalrd, and the
solticr when entering battle took II suf-
| iicicntly large dose, not only to quiet his
nerves hut 10 render him utterly indif.
ITcnt 10 the tcrrorI Of the conflict.
| While, however, il proved powerful
stimulant, inspiring all who were under
its potent influence with an artificial cOur.
age, il made them wholly incapable of
understanding the orders of the superior
officers, and of pcrfurmiug their duty in.
lclligcnlly or efficiently.
The writer recently called upon Dr. Al.
cXandrr Mott, son Of the great American
surgeon, the late DR.. Valentine Mott, aud
enjoyed conversation, NJ follows:
81 have no doubt" he said. "tial Tic
sale of opium Is very extensive III thi.
city for the purpose spcciIicd--tlai j., {,
hr uscd us stimulnnt. Not only in New
York. hut elsewhere in the towns and vii
lagos throughout the State, immense quan
titles nf the drug are sold in the form q
audanum and morphine. have know
prrlnns addicted iO this habit who TAX,
II wine glass full of IautlLnum three q
four times day. I have seen them cntc
II drugstore and take two ounces of lati,l
nnum ut one dosc. This illoy would d
on their way down town in the morniug Il
their place of business, and on their re
turn home IN the afternoon they woul,
stop ut tho same place and repeat III
, dn1c. supply was also obtained GU
use during business hours, and Ia prcvcr
| the prostralinn of the mental energies n
time when they were in constant rcqut
sition."
"Docs the continued Use Of opium lea
To the use Of other siiinuluntsi"
at docs. The effect upon the sccrt
tinns produces an insatiablc thirst, uII
depression Of the nervous system, an