The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-10-19
PRICE THREE CENTS.
STARTLING FACTS.

AN arucle recently issued by physician
on the "Abuse of Opiates," discloses some
startling facts. 1t appears from the Gus
tom house returns that the amount of opium
imported into this country (reaching now
nearly 100000 pounds annually is ten times
more than 1t was thirty years ago, and that.
in the opinion of druggists and physicians.
not more than one-third is used for medical
purposes. In reply to questions sent to
druggists throughout the state, it was found
that they sold without prescription large
quantities of opium, morphine and laude-
mum to individuals who are in the habit of
using it for its stimulating effects
CITY AND COUNTRY.
From theevldence here obtained, it seems
that it is used fully as extensively in the
country as in the city, that women are
more addicted TO the habit than men, and
that this species of intemperanee prevails
more among the higher and better educated
classes than among the poorer and more
ignorant.- 1t is singular fact that amid the
temperance reform, this pernicious habit
should be revealed as an evil worse in some
respects than intoxication from alcohol.
The article referred TO shows how extern
sive and powerful is the love of stimulant.
and how difficult it is to eradicate or reform
propensity that has become so deeply
rooted in human nature.
AN INCIDENT.
Some time ago | received a letter from a
woman of whom ! had never heard preyi-
ously, but who had used this method to
raise money. Her letter was piteous APP
peal for pecuniary loan and could not be
disregarded. had a friend living in the
place where the letter was written, and i'm
medately applied to him for information.
His reply was "that woman is an opium
eater. and she is deeply in debt at the drug
gists for morphine and her credit ia now
stopped" etc. The fact was the miserable
creature was writing begging letters to OBJ
tain money in order to crafty a destructive
appetite.
ORIGIN OF OPIUM.
The plant was originally a native of
Persia, but it is now extensively cultivated
in India, where more than 100, 900 acres are
thus occupied. The seed is sown in No
vember, and the juice is collected in Febru-
airy and March. 1t is said that India pro-
duces annually 60, 900 chests of opium,
each weighing on an average 1870 pounds.
The trade is monopolized by the govern
ment, and the profits made by the East
India company from this source are $780,.
900 year.
OPIUM AND THE CHINESE.
The fact that there lis q Chinese club
room in this city for opium smoking leads
US to an alluslon to the general subject. 1t
is more than a century since opium was
first carried from India to China, but the
trade was of small account until within the
last 80 years. 1t is now said that nearly
$4,000 worth of opium is imported at
Foo Chow, whence it is carried to the in
terror. The entire annual importation has
been estimated at the value of $40, ZOO, 900.
The principal use of this drug in the hands
of the Chinese Gas illustrated in the Baxter
street club room is smoking practice to
which they are passionately addicted. The
wealthy classes smoke at home, but the
poor resort to shops fitted for this purpose,
of which there are thousands in the large
cities. -..It is said taht Annoy alone contains
1000. New York, fortunately, contains
only one.
EFFECT on THE SYSTEM
Opium smoking exhausts the animal
spirits, impedes the regular performance Of
business, wastes the flesh and blood, attacks
the vitals. and finally destroys life. 1t is
asserted IN China, that as a general thing,
an opium smoker can only last from three
to ten years according to the frequency of
the habit. In America opium is chewed
rpt har hon lrn1 IL; i,
structive and also less exciting. The Chi
nese having introduced smoking at their
club houses, there is danger that the Gus
tom may become popular. There is so
much that is destructive in operation here
in the way of stimulants that any increase
in this line is to be dreaded, but nothing is
so terrible as the opium smoking curse.
There are whisperings that our own people
have Is occasional instances adopted the
habit, and there may be places where opium
pipes are in use outside of Baxter street.
II so, the damage will eventually be of
terrible nature. We are now only in the
beginning of danger.
CALLING AT THE CLUB.
l called at the Chinese club house a short
time ago. This is No. IL Baxter street.
near the Five Points. 1t is held in an old
wooden building, the first story of which
is occupied for the sale of cheap clothing.
Ascending a rckety stairs, reached back
room, rudely furnished, where Heath
en- Chinee' was mendng the apparel.
He could not speak English, and hence
made no reply to remarks. In the front
room found a horrid looking creature,
whose face was evidently that of an opium
smoker He was Il priest Of Boodh, whose
image was on the WALL with broken lamp
burning before it, in token of worship.
The walls were covered with Chinese fig
ures, no doubt of religious meaning This
fellow keeps the place, and at night the
Celestials resort thither to enjoy themselves
in their usual pleasure of the opium pipe.
They number about 300. and hence all are
not expected to be there at once. The
rent is about $50 per month, and is paid
by general contribution. If any one wants
to see Chinese life, let him frequent this
clubhouse. and he will soon be satisfied, or
rather disguised, as was
TUE HFpNIr Npw Nanu