The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20
What TO do About Drinking.

II Is an undeniable fact that alcohol Is do
ing an increasing amount Of damage not
only in the United States but also in Eng
land and In many OF the European countries.
II is the recognition Of this fact which has
provoked the singularly interesting and very
able discussion Of the advantages and dis
advantages Of stimulants and the linn
its 10 which their use should be con-
fined now carried on by competent men
in the most influential organs OF opinion.
new turn has been given 10 the temper
ance question, and it is no longer left TO the
care Of the fanatcal orator or the religious
enthusiast, but is skilfully handled by cool
headed men Of science. Whether alcohol Is
or is not a valuable aid to men as a
beverage. whether ii Is or Is not a
food, are questions we shall not under
take to discuss. II is sufficient to say
that all these writer's agree that IL Is iniuri-
Gus unless ordinarily taken in more limited
quantities than the majorty OF those who
drink it at all are satisfied with, and that to
some persons, by reason Of the popularity
OF their physical Inheritance, it is positive
poison.
In England the increasing consumption Of
spirits is awakening serious alarm. In
France also they are largely taking the
place Of fermented beverages in many OF the
cities, and the evil attracts the attention Of
physicians, legislators and political econo-
mists In Belgium the vice Of intoxicaton,
especially In the army, has led to the forma-
ton Of league 10 check its dangerous ad-
vances. Russia is a nation OF drunkards;
and in the United States We see now a more
extensive and more intelligent inquiry into
the subject of drinking than has been known
in this generation.
1t is we'll that the discussion Is in filter
hands than formerly, and is proceeding in
scientific order rather than after the pas
sionate and unreasoning manner OF old.
But, after all, how much have these doctors,
chemists clergymen, and men Of science so
far done for the promotion of practical tenn
perance? Have they in anywise reduced
the consumption OF intoxicating beverages
The statistics of the manufacture and sale
OF alcoholic drinks do not yet indicate that
they have achieved any important results;
and the police reports still refer the vast
majority Of crimes to tho influence OF in
temperance Let us hope, however, that in
due time the calmer discussion OF the pres
ent day will bring about better and more
lasting effects than the Wnshingtonian and
Maine law fevers which passed over the
country, and were followed by return to
the incompetence so flercely inveghed
against.
Dr. WILLARD PARKER Of this city has
written some of the most sensible things on
the subject from the point OF view of ply
| stefan of extended experience and citizen
Of large opportunities for observation. He
points out the wide distinction between
merely fermented liquors wines and beers,
lightly charged with alcohol-and distilled
| liquors, of which alcohol is the principal
constituent Tho one may be used as n
beverage in moderate quantities without
Injurious and perhaps even with useful
effect by many Of those to whom alcohol in
any form and in any quantity is not n
| poison; the other should be resorted TO only
as n medicine. II this rule was generally
| followed our percentage Of drunkenness
would rapidly decline. The popularity Of
| lager beer Of recent years is a hopeful sign
and an aid to the temperance rcformers,
though, unhappily, the increasing demand
has led to the brewing in great quantities
Of an inferior if not adulteratcd article.
The movement which has lately been
started in the city to bring about what is
called moderate drinking may do good also,
but we must first know what moderate
drinking is, remembering too, the fact that
what Is comparative moderation for one
man may be injurious excess for another.
II our downtown merchants and clerks
would give up their cocktails before dinner
II thoy would abandon the silly habit Of
| treating each other in cOmDanieS To drinks
they really do not want, and which cannot
be taken consistently with sobrlety and il
they would conhne themselves to glass or
! two OF claret at dinner, or to mug or two