The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1875-03-18
Temperance Secured by Education.

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Editor Physiological Journal
In your issue of the Journal for Sep
tember is an article under the title of
Resolution and Appetite, " in which the
writer relates his experience in having
signed the temperance pledge while
young. and adhering to it through life.
In the same article is also advocated the
practice of circulating the pledge in Sun
day-schools, the common day-schools,
and in other places where opportunities
present themselves
Now, this is all very good, and would
probably be of considerable efficacy IN
checking the great tide of intemperance,
which covers our land with such baneful
results; yet is this getting at the root of
the disorder? Is it striking the enemy
in his most vital point? Here in the
State of Minnesota temperance meetings
are held in which the enthusiasm is no
less than that which we have often OBJ
served at an old-fashioned Methodist
camp-meeting; and though the Temporal
ry excitement which they occasion may
check their progress for an instant.
drunkenness and rioting survive. Good
Templars' organizations meet and form
resolutions, and though their influence
may be of some benefit, drunken men
walk our streets daily.
| am of the opinion that before we can
produce any permanent effect upon this
great evil we shall be compelled to treat
it more scientifically. In at least two
thirds of the cases drunkenness is dis
ease, either physical or mental. When
physical, it is located in the stomach or
nervous system (though the entire organ
ism may be affected by it, and is acquir-
ed either by inheritance or a perverted
manner of living. When mental, it is
located in the brain. and is often inner
tied in this way, though it may be caused
by a perversion of the faculty of Imita-
tfon, or some other faculty Some peo-
pie claim that such things are never IN
herited; but any individual of correct
observing disposition knows better.
The question now arises, How are we
to cure this disease? Is signing the tenn
perance pledge the most feasible plan
If l were to be attacked with inaamma-
ton of the lungs, do you think that any
resolution that / might make would 60
far toward curing me2 | might resolve
to keep up flow OF animal spirits, which
would sustain me in enduring the dis
ease, but that would produce no direct
curative effect. The drunkard may re
solve to avoid the place where liquor is
sold, which resolve would aid in preven
ton, but do little toward performing a
| direct cure Then how is the difficulty
| to be treated?
The rule of cause and effect holds good
here as well as anywhere, and the treat
ment is very simple, though it may re-
quire some dexterity to apply it.
The essence of our treatment is con
centrated in the one word educate. First
make people know where the difficulty
is, and what its nature. Secondly, create
within them a desire to be cured. Third,
show them the means of cure and how
to apply it.
In order to fulfill the first indication o.
treatment, teach people structure and
anatomy and physiology Chronology be
ing part of physiology,) and teach them
how they abuse their bodies.
Physicians all know that the greater
| percentage of cross tempers, sick head
aches, and the like, come from an abuse
of the digestive power.
To fulfill the second, cultivate within
them a more refined state of feeling
show them difference between the gross
man and the man of culture, animate
them with hope of better life hereaf
ter and stimulate them with a desire to
attain to that life by purer everyday
life. We may accomplish the third part
| ly in the accomplishment of the first
and partly by teaching them hygienic
| laws.
Teach parents that their child's char
acter is being formed even before it is in
state of MEDICATION Give them tc
know that Phrenoiogy is reality, and
that its laws are as infallible as those
which govern the solar system, or those
which control the growth and maturit J
of vegetation. Teach them to have res
pect for their bodies, for without clean
healthy body person cannot have ;
clean, healthy soul. Inspire within then
that high regard for home and the dc
mestic circle which will stimulate them
to make that home, as it should be, 6
| heaven.
When we have accomplished all of this
intemperance will have ceased, and We
shall be a better, happier, and more near
ly perfect people; and liberty of genu
inc nature will pervade our land.
THEO. L. HATCH, NJ. D.
| BLOOMING PRAIRIE, MINI.