The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-06-11
TOLST0| ON NARCOTICS.
The Desire for Nerve Stimulants
Common to All Nations Of
.,s the Earth.
Kinds of Exhilarating Substances
Used by the People of
Various Nations.
Why Men Smoke and Drink-whv Arc
All Gamblers Smokers and Virtuous
Women NOn-Smokerso

1t is estimated that 400, 0 $1,000 Of the
human race makes use of opium. not as a
medicine, but for it's exhl.arating effects.
From 200, Que, 900 to 300, 600, 900 employ
hasheesh for the same purpose. The betel
not is masticnted by 100, 900, 900 inhabit-
ants of Farther Indin and the islands of
Inc Pacific and Indian oceans, while TO-
100000 more indulge in the use of cocoa.
Inc need OF, or rather the desire for, some
nerve stimulant is common to all nations.
The savage tribes of Siberia intoxioate
themselves with a kind of mushroom, the
Indians OF New Granada with the juice of a
kind of thorn apple, says the San Fran.
cisco Chronicle. The American Indian.
not satisfied with tobacco, will pawn his
blanket and gun for frewater enough to
make him a raving fanatic. In India, in
Central Asia, in the heart of Africa and
among the savages Of the American CONT
nent there is the same strange
seeking after something that
will give a temporary exalta-
ton and enable the individual
to be insensible for a brief period to the
~discomforts that environ him. The hs-
bltual use OF the more powerful narcotics ia
local; that of opium is principally confined
TO china and the countries north of it that
have immediately felt its influence; the
betel nut is only used in Farther India and
the islands near it, and hasheesh in India
ana to a certain extent among the Arabs.
FIN use of tobacco is universal or is only
Limited by the ability to obtain it.; that of
opium and cocoa seem to be rapidly ex-
tending among civilized nations.
Why ls the human race impelled as by a
common instinct toward this craving for
stimulants? Several writer's have in a
casual way endeavored to answer tho
Question, but Tolstoi. the Russian tale
writer, is the first who has brought any
grent amount of reasoning to bear on the
subject. He has abandoned, AS it appears.
the use Of wine and tobacco on the ground
that they are unnecessary and in
curious to the mans physical and moral
well being. and he wishes to Justify his
position i'll the eyes of the world. When
! person ia asked. he saws, why he drinks |
n smokes, the answer generally is: ITO
hxcite my nerves. To brace me up.. or ~
brink and smoke because il il agreeable and
Everybody else does So" II a person in
ired or ont of spirits he rests or cheers him
elf viii a Cigar or n glass of liquor. Toll
toi does not. however. say that a man
trinks tea and coffee for the same reason. |
ior does he mention that the feeling of de-
PRESTON often experienced before eating
Eives place to a cheerful state of mind after
good meal, though these facts are incl
Rental to the question. He does not, in
not, accept the arguments Of the man who
Ffinks or smokes because it makes him
eel 30 comfortable or makes him forget
is troubles, but raises the issue to a
iRhsr plano of logic. The conscious
lan: ne argues, distinguishes in himself
wo beings absolutely distinct-the sensual.