Saturday press. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1880-1885, 1882-12-09
PREEENZIOM.

differ radically, and honestly, in regard to the
best methods of suppressing in,emperancc.
But there is one phase of temperance work in
which all can agree, and in which all who wish
to save their fellow men from this great sin,
can unite. | refer TO preventon-saving the
youth, and young men especially, from ever
forming the habit of drinking. This practical
common sense way OF suppressing drunkenness
is very largely ignored by temperance workers.
1t is true that IT is more quiet, retiring way
of working it does not employ brass bands I;
its leaders are not "lionized :" it does not
strike and dazzle the unthnking by exhibiting
the brands " it has "plucked from the burn
ing " fire of drunkenness But where it is eff
GENTLY, persistently, and wisely pushed in any
community, the results for good surpass ten
fold the ordinary so-caled Temperance work"
Of retaining drunkards. II is much better to
save man from falling than to wait till he
falls, and then pick him up bruised, dcbased
and degraded from the gutter, and try to re-
construct his shattered manhood
| write especially in the interests of n large
class of homeless young men-clerks and
mechanics, and working men, huddled in the
hotels, boarding houses, etc, of Honolulu
Now, don't be Mortified when say that the
rum-shop supplies a real want of this class
There is no other public place in this city
where young men may meet, in an informal
way, to enjoy each others society, and amuse
themselves with games. The average young
man does not care much for reading, espec.
ally after a hard days work He is social
creature, and after his days work is over, likes
TO so upon the street TO see "the boys" pass
ing his time in ell-lighted and furnished
room, in friendly chat, or trying his skill at a
game of billiards. There is nothing in these
desires but what is natural. nothing wrong.
Where can such young man go in Honolulu
| There is but one place-the saloon.
They do things better in Boston. That old
| Puritan city has sought out many witty in
ventions," but none that seems to me more
common sense than the one described in the
following, which clip from the Boston CORE
spondence of Chicago paper
wrote you last winter about the opening
in this city OF large coffee house. The expe-
riment has proved in lis various phases a thor
ough success Patrons at first came in shyly,
suspecting il was some charitable device,
but finding it true business enterprise laid
aside their hesitation. The Casino is well
located on Washington street, its rooms are
airy and pleasant, and the lunch counters fur
nish simple refreshment at slight cost. Coffee
| a
and six cents respectively. have never tasted
choicer beverage than the two-cent cup
may it be a six-cent the next time Ito which
| was invited last spring. On one side Of the
building is spacious room designed for
women with or without escorts. 1t is supplied
with tables, piano, books and papers, and
here simple entertainments, musical or drama.
tic, are sometimes given. In the room exclu
sively for men, smoking is enjoyed, billiard
tables are at hand and may be hired, but nc
betting or games is permitted. The patronage
has been abundant and Of just the class de.
sired. 1t was not expected that the inemper-
ate would leave their haunts for clean hal
and no liquor. The aim was rather to furnish
a cheerful place of resort for homeless men
and boys who, lacking something better, are
likely to DRIFT into saloons. trust the time i.
not far distant when the saloons will find thes,
coffee houses formidable rivals. A second
the " Alhambra," has this week been opened
just off Bowdoin Square. The location is ex
celent and the appointments finer than at thu
Casino. Whatever difference as to methods
divide temperance men, here Is common
ground upon which all may stand.
Now, is this not an idea that should be uti
lized in Honolulu There is money in il 70
any man, OF set of men, who will take hold q
il. Il is not "Boston notion" that vii
thrive only in that latitude, for three such in
Stitutions, all paying their proprietors hand
somely, are now in existence in Philadelphia
know the ready answer Of some temper
anoe workers: Tina, the new Y. NJ. c. A. hal
will meet this want. Perhaps II will. But
doubt il il will supply the needs OF the class
have in mind. What they want is not charity
not something free, but genial place wher
they can 90 and PAY their spay, and find So
ciability. The average young man does no
wish to be reformed, and is suspicious Of an
covert attempts TO improve him.
The saloons meet his social wants, in a YER
imperfect way, and at his moral peril. Blu
they perm, him to keep his independence. b
making him pay his way, and they furnish
place where he can socially meet his fellows
"a thing which the Temperance workers hay
SO far failed 10 provide FOR this class.
Who will start Casino" in Honolulu
not as a charitable, hut as a business enter
prise a rEsrksAscs wosKEs.
Honolulu, Dec. 9, 1881.
I'VE believe the Beaver Temperance saloo
on Fort street Is designed by lis proprietor ,
. NIL this position Ear and as fast as possibi.
{ Ep.l