The Russellville Democrat., 1881-03-10
POTATO BRANDY.
Peasants Destroying themselves With This
 Poison.

kUl1Dus
 A recent article in Neses from GcrpldBy and .Saitzerlaad gives an account of the spread in the whisky pest Complaints are coming in from different parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland in re- gard to the rapid increase in the com sumption of whisky, and the consequent civil disturbances and physical injury to the working classes In the north and east of Germany, where the enjoyment of a good glass of whisky is not to be ob- iected 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 workingmen can not afford to buy it; but the North German holders of large estates provide the most Liberal" way "a poor mans drink for at a nominally low rate they produce potato brandy, of which even l the poorest workman can buy more than | is good for him. Especially in Upper Silesia the whisky pest secured foot | hold, which is evidenced by numerous newspaper reports. One paper states that on November 1st a number of men were indulging in whisky to liberal ex- tent at popular resort. One of them drank so heartily that in a 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 influence of whisky, endeavored to take him home. Sundry interruptions occurred, and the vehicle was upset and fell on the drunken man. As a bridge was reached the wagon was again upset, and in the attempt to place the unconscious man on 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 medical attendance he died on November Sth At the post-mortem ex- animation no less than six broken ribs were discovered, injuries sustained while while being carried home.
 In South Germany, especially in the Rhein region, has the indulgence in schnapps greatly increased, as the own CTS of the vineyards can no longer furnish wine to their employees, and but little has been secured from the German vineyards, while the high duty pre- cludes the importation of any cheap foreign wines. Hardly any fruit wines were obtained during the past year, and none will be secured for several years, |. TOT uuTl1lS tne past year d great pIOpOT- ton of the fruit trees were destroyed by the cold. A number of years will elapse err the damage is repaired. Mean while the consumption of whisky will increase.
 The situation is sad one in Switzer- land also. Swiss physicians have asked that the allowance of drink to the soldiers be diminished. The decrease in the size of the Swiss as 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 workmens tables, and the milkcan did not resume its former place, so long would the people retrograde, and give place to another race that whould 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 bangs of eternal punishment than work at the present low rate of wages. This feeling and the large consumption of whisky were together the cause of the alarming situation. Is it the fault of the government or the employer that the Swiss workmen is unable to do the work that is done to a large extent by Italians? While the German or Swiss is obliged to incur debt on such wages. the Italian lays money aside.