The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1881-07-28
Potato Brandy-German and Swiss Peas.
ants Killing Themselves With Poison.

A recent article IN N0cHflchten aus
Deutschland und der Schaoeiz News
from Germany and Switzerland) gives
an account of the spread of the whisky
pest. Complaints are coming in from
different parts of Germany, Austria
and Switzerland in regard to the rapid
increase in the consumption of whis-
ky, and the consequent civil disturb
ances and physical injury to the work
ing classes. In the north and east of
Germany, where the enjoyment of a
good glass of whisky is not to be OBJ
jected to, the worst kind Of potato
whisky has displaced the corn whisky;
that is, the latter has, on account of
the unsatisfactory harvest, risen so
greatly in value that poorly paid work
ingmen cannot afford to buy it; but
the North German holders of large
estates provide in the most liberal
way "a poor mans drink" for, at a
nominally low rate, they produce po-
tato brandy, of which even the poor
est workman can buy more than is
good for him. Especially in Upper
Silesia has the whisky pest secured a
foothold, which is evidenced by nu-
merous newspaper reports. One pa
per states that on November 1st a
number of men were indulging in
whisky to liberal extent at a popu-
lar resort. One of them drank so
heartily that in short time he was
unable to stand up. A vehicle was
procured and the man placed upon it.
A number of men, all under the infu-
ence of whisky, endeavored to take
him home. Sundry Interruptions oc-
Cured, and the vehicle was upset and
fell on the drunken man. As bridge
was reached the wagon was again up
set, and in the attempt to place the
unconscious man on a seat the entire
party fell from the bridge and on top
of their companion. After unlimited
trouble the man was got home. The
next day he complained of abdominal
pain, and Notwithstanding good medi-
cal attendance he died on November
Sth. At the post-mortem examination
no less than six broken ribs were dis
covered, injuries sustained while being
carried home.
In South Germany, especially in the
Rhein region, has the indulgence in
schnapps greatly increased, as the
owners of the vineyards can no longer
furnish wine to their employees, and
but little has been secured from the
German vineyards, while the high du-
ty precludes the importation of any
cheap foreign wine. Hardly any fruit
wines were obtained during the past
wear. and none will be secured for sew
eral years, for during the past Winter
a great proportion of the fruit trees
were destroyed by the cold. A num-
Der of years will elapse ere the damage
is repaired. Meanwhile, the consump-
ton of whisky will increase.
The situation is sad one in Swift
zerland also. Swiss physicians have
asked that the allowance of drink to
the soldiers be diminished. The de-
crease in the size of the Swiss as a
race, as compared with former times,
and the light muscle of the rising
generation, is wholly attributed to the
consumption of whisky. A physician
recently said that as long as spirits
were not removed from the workmen S
tables, and the milk-can did not re-
sumo its former place, so long would
the people retrograde, and give place
to another race that would be less
bold, venturesome and enterprising
and more easily contented. Another
cause for complaint was found in the
fact that many workmen openly de-
clared that they would rather endure
! the pangs Of eternal punishment than