The Red Cloud chief., 1884-04-18

TEMPERANCE IN THE SCHOOLS.

TEMPERANCE IN THE SCHOOLS.
No more cheering sign of the final
triumph of Temperance exists than the
zeal with which Temperance inStruc-
ion in public schools is be ng pushed
forward. The belief that something
must be done to stop the demand for
Intoxicants before the supply Il be
regulated. has been steadily growing for
years. 1t is also evident that the de-
mand must be leSsened through the ed
lca,ion OF the people in the physiolOg-
i al and moral effects of alcohol. The
most obvious and fitting place for such
instruction seems to be the public
school; obvious. because there all
classes of children are met. and fitting,
because it is the evident duty of the
State, both to itself and to its youth. to
train up soorr and law-abiding citizens.
Alarge part of the energy of the Wom-
MS Chr stan Temperance Tn on. in its
National. State and local capacities. is
now directed to the introduction OF sci
antiiic Temperance instruction into all
schools supported by public money. In
liuence is brought to Tear on Leg;slat-
lItSl W III StCh ibSlI w SoiiipNi-
sorry in tle schools. and school commit
tees are besieged to Introduce the study
Of Temperance rs a part Of the required
curriculum.
The result of this work is most cheer
inc. In the first place, it meets with
general favor from the people. Prob
ably no class of Temperance petitions
is SO generally signed as the petition TO
the Legislature to make the study of
Physiology and Hygiene. taught with
special reference to the effects of slim
system. compulsory in public schools.
As q lawyer. not a Temperance advo-
cate, remarked when a petition was
presented to h m: This is what l have
dreamed of. This will finally solve the
vexed question:" Furthermore, the
proposition receives favorable consider
alton from educators. In normal
schools and teachers institutes the sub
ect is discussed and generally ap-
proved. Legislators and school COM
mittees treat the Sub Get with respect,
and usually commend the end TO be
gained, although sometimes doubling
the means.
Three successful State campaigns
have been organized. Vermont-has the
honor of leading all her sisters in sci
entitic Temperance instruction. as
Maine leads in ~prohibitory legislation
In that State an act vas approved 4
little more than a year ago. requiring
instruction in the effects of narcotics
and stimulants TO be given in public
schools. New Hampshire followed with
a similar act, which went ictO opera
ton the first of this month. In Michi-
gan thorough wOr among the people
first done. The press was. filed
with articles pertinent TO the theme;
petitions were C rculated al over the
State: many clergymen preached upon
the topic; addresses BY the ablest
sneakers Al command were delivered in
all the towns and cities where Senators
and Representatives-elect resided; per-
sOnal iniluen e was also brought to bear
on such Representatives and Senators
before the assembling of the Legisla-
ture. The State Association of teach
sent a petit OF for the enactment of
the law. and Likewise the President and
many of the Professors at the Universe
ty. As a result. the combined opposing
vote of both branches of the Legislature
was but fifteen.
In nearly all the States scientific
instruction has been IN
trOduced more or less into the schools
OF various towns. Thirty-siX towns in
Massachusetts have introduced such in |
struction. and nearly IN equal number
in New York. !
A more rational line temperance
work was never attempted. q One
promises such far-reaching re-
suits. 1t is making but little noise. but
its results are no less effective. The /,
hope of the temperance cause. rs the
of every other cause, IS with the
children.-Golien Rule.