Morning journal and courier., 1883-03-13
COMMUNICATIONS.

Novel Suggestion For the Benefit of
 Drunkards.
 To the Editor of the JOURNAL COURIER
 There has been great deal of discussion going on for some time past in regard to the sins of dancing, card-playing and various other amusements, things which, it seems to me, are of minor importance compared with some of the greater questions of Christian ity. It would seem, from some of the argu- ments advanced, that Christian could not be Christian if he did certain things, si m- ply because these same things were ear ried to excess by others. Now it seems to me that if these same gentlemen were to bend their energies in another direction, more real good would be accomplished than by daily ing with the question referred to. I would make an appeal in behalf of the so-called "drunkard. This may be an ''old story" but nevertheless it is subject which, unfor- tunately, is thought of too little importance by large proportion of our clergy. For instance, we will take the example of perhaps young man (who may have been in good repute), who may have been out rather late at night and taken ''drop too much" On his way home he may make a little too much noise. or do something else to bring upon himself the displeasure of guardian of the peace.' What then? He is, very likely, taken to the bbhttOA uOuS6 BLU Gu6IS O6LH1u6u uQGll mOrQ- ing; then brought before the police court, his name heralded far and wide in the news papsrs, and his reputation, perhaps. ruined. Or take another case, that of the habitual drunkard. He is arrested, sentenced to pay fine. or go to jail In either case, his good name (What good name he ever may have had) is, of about himself but, when released, probably plunges into dissipation deeper than ever. Now, in either of these instances, it would be well if there was provided, somewhere near the center of the city, neat, clean house, having neat, clean rooms, so that any of our charitably disposed citizens, meeting by chance poor fellow in the condition described, could, instead of taking him, or having him taken, to the sta ton house, take him to this place, give him a room for the night (using judgment in the matter, of course, then in the morning give him, perhaps, cup of hot coffee, and then (and not till them talk with him in regard to the matter, and in that way possibly appeal to hls better nature.
 Such a place as this need not take very much money for it's mainten- ance, and I have no doubt that very many of our citizens would be willing, yes, even glad,to aid such a charity. The house could be taken care of by a mat ron, who would be the only person to receive 8 salary, and would keep the house in good order. The management of the establish ment could be under the control of board of trustees, and there should be board of visitors, the latter of whom should visit the house in the morning, and talk with the persons who had lodged there during the night. In fact, there are great many suggestions that might be acted Dn, but my object has been merely to give sketch of what might be. I would like to get expressions of opinion concerning the matter, as it seems to me that this evil is great deal more important than the evils of dancing and card playing.
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