The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-06

drunkenness have declined more than half. In
1875 the sales of spirits reached the greatest
height and since have steadily declined. No
one the least intoxicated can procure spirituoua
drink IN Gothenbufg no youth under eighteen
years, nor is it sold on Sunday, except the usual
dram before dinner"
Here Mr.. Rubenson interrupted and suggested.
as Il was about the time for the workmen's din
ner, could go with him on a tour of the Com
rany.s Eating-houses" as they are called To
this readily assented, and thanking Mr.. He'd
lund Tor his of-hand interview, proceeded, with
my new guide and advisor, to investigate the
practical working of the Gothenburg system.
A visit to the "Company's Eating Houses" not
only gives one soed idea of what the Swedes
drink, but of what they eat also. These places
are roomy stores, neatly furnished with small
wooden tables, at each of which are two chairs.
The tariff for everything is regulated, even to
the preparation of the toddy, for in the bylaws
read: The manager is bound to put two cubic
inches OF spirituous liquor wine in each glass;
and again, whenever sugar is required for
cognac, rum, arrack or gin, the manager shall
claim one ore (about quarter of a cent? for
each cubic inch of the aforesaid sprituous
liquor" A glass of purified Swedish brandy
costs seven ore about centsl. 1t is as clear
and white as filtered water, tastes much better
than cheap whisky, and a glass consists of two
cubic inches. The cheapest beverage l ever
drank was the common beer. which costs about
"a. eenr !, mug. 1t won't do after Bass ae.
but the natives seem to like it
Several sample dinners were placed before us
to taste. large plate of boiled or fried nsh and
potatoes or OF veal outlets and potatoes cost
seventeen ore tabOut five cents These were
really substantial dishes, Thoroughbred cooked
and cleanly served.
AS rule the managers of these places are
women. The meals are served by clean looking
and neatydressed girls, who are exceedingly
polite TO strangers, especially foreigners and cour
tesy bewitchingly as the mikmaid in Patience"
The manager binds himself to supply the public
with good and we'll prepared food, cold or warm,
including coffee, tea cocoa, mineral water cigars,
ETC., on his own account He further binds him
self to sell spirituous liquors and wines only
for cash paid on the spot; not to sell to
persons 'fuddled with drink or under age;"
not to 60 on selling spirits to persons who
require several drains in succession or who pay
renewed visits to the publc-house within short
intervals" All spritnous liquors furnished
from the companys vessels. The casks contain
ing the liquor must be so kept as to be under
strict control. No liquor can even be served in
any but the regulation glass or mug, the former
containing two cubic inches Once week the
manager is bound to pay the company for all
the spirits he has received for SALE whether sold
according to the tariff or still remaining as stock
on hand. He is bound also to sell his stores as
he receives them; he may add no ingredients or
otherwise alter their quality He may not,
without special permission, introduce musical
entertainments This does away with all the
lower-grade concert dens, though good music
anu entertainment can De naQ at 1n0 summer
gardens and authorized music halls. Should the
manager break any provisions under which he
Tor she) is appointed, he Tor She can be dismissed
at once without compensation.
Accompanied by Mr.. Rubenson, visited half
at least OF the public houses of Gothenburg
and we found them uniformly clean, orderly,
airy and decent. During the first half hour Of
our tour they were filled with workingnen en-
joying the drains almost Indispensable before
dinner to a Swede) and such dinners as those de-
scribed above l was struck with the civility
and attention bestowed upon all customers by
the managers, and their not infrequently fasci-
mating assistants.
Without entering into the question as to
whether or not this system could be successfully
introduced into the United States it must be adj
mitted that it has worked most satisfactorily ia
Scandinavia. During its twenty years expert
ence in Gothenberg the police courts testify to
the beneficial results.