The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1884-04-11
Temperance Reading.
TEMPERANCE IN THE SCHOOLS.

No more cheering sign of the final
triumph of Temperance exists than the
zeal with which Temperance instruc-
ton in public schools is being pushed
forward The belief that something
must be done to stop the demand for.
intoxicants before the supply can be-
regulated. has been steadily growing for
years. It is also evident that the de-
mand must be lessened through the ed
ucation of the people in the physiolog-
ical 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 sooer and law-abiding citizens.
A large part of the energy of the Wom-
ems Christian Temperance Tn on. in its
National, State and local capacities, is
now directed to the introduction of sci
entific Temperance instruction into all
schools supported by public money. In
tluence Is brought to bear on LegiSlat-
ures to make such instruction compul-
sorry in the schools, and school commit
tees are besieged to introduce the study
of Temperance as part of the required
curriculum.
The result of this work is most cheer
ing. 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
ulants and narcotics upon the human
system, compulsory in public schools.
As a lawyer. not a Temperance advo-
cate, remarked when petition was
presented to him: ''This is what 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
ject is discussed and generally APP
proved. Legislators and school COM
mittees treat the sub ect 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
entific Temperance instruction, as
Maine leads in prohibitory legislation.
In that State an act was approved
little more than year ago, requiring
instruction in the effects of narcotics
and stimulauts TO be given in public
schools. New Hampshire followed with
similar act, which went into opera
ton the first of this month. In Michi-
gan thorough work among the people
was first done. The press was filled
with articles pertinent to the theme;
petitions were circulated all over the
State; many clergymen preached upon
the topic; addresses by the ablest
speakers at command were delivered in
all the towns and cities where Senators
and Representatives-elect resided; per-
sonal influence was also brought to bear
on such Representatives and Senators
before the assembling of the Legisla-
ture. The State Association of teach
ers sent a petition for the enactment of
the law, and likewise the President and
many of the Professors at the Universe
ty. As result, the combined opposing
vote of both branches of the Legislature
was but fifteen.
In nearly all the States scientific
Temperance 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 an equal number
in New York.
A more rational line of Temperance
work was never attempted, nor one
which promises such far-reaching re-
suits. It is making but little noise, but
its results are no less effective. The
hope of the Temperance cause, as the
hope of every other cause, is with the
children. Golden Rale.