The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-04-28
TEMPERANCE IN GERMANY.

drink question in the Fatherland, the imme-
diate proTocation being the appearance of
call for what the Volksblatt calls "a kind of
national temperance convention" and the
proceedings of the meeting convened in pur-
suance thereto. All that is here said is taken
in substance from the Volksblatts article.
In the call attention was directed to "the
ever more and more increasing appetite for
drink among the lower classes of the people"
and the formation of society was urged to
combat this vice Systematically. As a result,
convention of more than 200 persons as
sembled in the City Hall Park of Gassei, in
Guiding state officers from nearly all the
German countries, and an organization was
formed bearing the title German Society
Against the Abuse of Spirituous Liquors"
Professor Vase, privy counsel from Bonn,
presided over the meeting and delivered an
address, in which he said the object of discus
sion ought not only to be the necessity of TAX
ing measures against the increasing evils OF
drunkenness-concernin this point there
could hardly be difference of
opinion but principally the ways
and means of opposing most effectually
the abuse of spirituous liquors.
The German Legislature had so far adopted
too passive canvass against the rapidly in
creasing passion for drink, and should above
all, exert itself to lessen the consumption of
brandy. by placing restrictions on the tap
houses and other places of sale. To this end
he recommended high municipal taxation
of the saloons and higher duty on the
manufacture of brandy, as we'll as decrease
in the import tax on tea and coffee. He also
recommended TO execute more severely than
before the existing laws against drunken
ness and to accommodate notorious drunk
ards in asylums for purposes of reform.
The Professor urged both state regulations
and the work OF individual and societary
reform, and in conclusion told the delegates
that they had undertaken a long and weari-
some task, but with the help of God it would
meet with success in its endeavors, just as
the association for a similar purpose existing
accomplished great deal toward the decrease
of drunkenness in their respective countries.
After the formal proceedings, an editor from
Bremen, named hammers, made an address
on 1.-THE Saloons and their Relations to
Drunkenness in which he declared that
Germany, nearly everywhere, was suffering
from a surplus of brandy saloons. In
Berlin there were no more than one hun
dred inhabitants to every saloon; in Bremen
$50, and SO on According to the new
saloon law of Holland there must
be in the larger cities at least 500 inhabitants
to one saloon. and the Swedish city of Gothen-
burg increased this average to 1000 when in
1865, she undertook her memorable course of
reform. The new law of Holland, of 1881, in
the course of one year lessened the number
of saloons more than 1900. Gothenburg,
and most other cities of Sweden and Norway,
following her example, have proved how the
stimulating power to drink may be removed
bya moderate regulation of the liquor traffic;
aud finally, in the English coffee house
might be contemplated the saloon of the
future, which filed the true wants of society
without growing up passion for poisoned
drink
A debate followed Mr. Lammerss address,
in which delegate from Stuttgart said the
saloon question was considered very import
ant in Wurtemberg, Pastor Strusberg said it
was especially necessary to oppose the smaller
groggeries, while Professor Schmaller from
Berlin, directed attention to the influence of
tax law or license in lessening the number
of saloons. In -Lothrngen the
number of saloons had on this
plan been reduced from $4,000 to
10000 A motion by Mr.. hammers that the
society agitate for decrease of the saloons
in the German Empire, was adopted without
dissent.
Further proceedings were had, but enough
has been given to indicate the spirit and
purpose OF movement deemed of sufficient
importance by the Cincinnati Volksblatt to
devote a column and half to the review of
its proceedings 1t is movement to be
commended upon all considerations; but it
is especially significant coming from Ger
many, and may possibly have some influence
in moderating the tone in which the Ger
man press of this country almost universally
allude to all kinds and classes of temperance
agitation here. The advocates of license are
regarded the same as prohibtionists, and
local optlonists are treated to the fullest
measure of the scorn and denunciaton of
those to whom temperance men of any and
all beliefs are "muckers' and only "muck-
ers." 1t might also be of advantage to GER