Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-31
Temperance Schools.

The importance of more thorough knowl-
edge OF alcohol, in its nature and baneful
effects upon the human systeml is not likely
to be overestimated. Intemperance is rec
ognized as the greatest evil OF the age. The
nations of the earth are being bound in its
destructive tolls, like LAGOON and his sons
in the coils of the monster sea-serpents. II
is dealing out misery and death, not alone
to the base and homeless, but with poison
Gus breath it is fouling the air in high social
and political circles. 1t is destroying snew
and brain in every sphere of life. 1t lies
directly across the path of peace, prosperity
wealth and happiness. 1t fills our aims
houses, asylums, jails and penitentiaries
It early peoples the abodes of the dead with
those who otherwise would have blessed the
world with needed store of talent and use
full labor. In all these, and many ways be
sides, it strikes at the very heart of a ma
tons wealth. In view of these facts, it is a
sad feature in our political economy, that in
the schools almost nothing is taught upon
this important subject. 1t is indeed lam.
entable that ignorance concerning the ma.
ture and effects of alcohol is almost as great
among the educated as among the unedu-
Gated classes. With rare exceptions the
truth is not taught in the schools. II is con-
cation. Not long since, an experienced
teacher, principal of high school in the
staid old commonwealth OF Massachusetts,,
said to the students in his school, Why,
everybody knows that the use of alcohol
makes people cooler in warm weather and
warmer in cold weather." This gave no
opportunity for discussion then but among
those who heard the statement there were
some who knew better than that. They
could have taught their teacher, if he were
ready TO learn of them, a valuable lesson.
They had learned from scientific study in
temperance school, as well as from the plain
declaration of God, that swine is mocker."
They knew as matter of fact that instead
of making people warmer or cooler, alcohol
simply poisons the nerves so that they do
not feel correctly aud "whosoever is de-
ceved thereby is not wise" They could have
given convincing proof that a person will
freeze more quickly and sooner yield to ex-
cessive heat with than without the use of
this liquid poison. Something ought to be
done to instruct the people about the deceit
fulness of this most ruinous of all the foes
of the human race. Why do not all truly
philanthropic and Enthusiastically pious peo-
pie rise up in body TO condemn and Danish
strong drink Have they not the power, if
they will but do it? Would they not do it,
if they were undeceived and well informed
upon this subject? 1t does not seem
that the time has fully come when
this question should be thoroughly studied
by our children and youth, as an essential
part of the preparation for the grave re-
sponsibilities that so soon will devolve upon
them in this rum-cursed land. 1t is high
time that our common schools and high ed
vocational institutions should set themselves
right in this matter. But while we are
waiting and working for this, would 1t not
be wise in us to make use of such means as
the temperance school affords for advancing
the cause A goodly number OF such
schools are being successfully operated IN
various parts OF the country. Already
they have won the approval of thoughtful
men, even among those who are not espe-
cially engaged III this or any other depart
ment of temperance work. The aim of
these schools is to impart practical and sci
entihc information concerning the nature
and effects of alcoholic liquors and other in
toxicants, and teach how to shun them.
They are organized and conducted upon the
common plan of Sunday'school. The
teaching may be oral or by the use OF text
books in the classes. Lectures, discussions,
familiar tasks, blackboard exercises and OBJ
ject lessons are advantageously employed in
the various departments of the work. Books
especially adapted to this purpose are pub
lished by the National Temperance Society,
SO Reade street, New York. ! will soon
give description of one of those schools
that has been in operation about one and
half years.-Rev. Lecis DeTier.