Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-10-08
SHOCKING EXPOSURE
DRUNKENNESS HABiTUAL AMONG
ARlSTOCRATIC LADIES.
Pick-Me-Ups," "Cordiars," "white
Cups"-Alcohoiism Bordering on Deli
rum Tremens-Aiss and Alas!
Copyrighted. 1892, by the New York Associated


Copyrighted, 1892, by the New York Associated
Preas.l
LONDON, October IA sharp and probably
shlutary shock has been given 20 the highest
social circles by startling exposures In regard 70
the prevalence Of drunkenness among aristo-
cratic ladies made py Lady Frederick Cavendish
and the Duchess Of Bedford at the Church Con-
gress. Hitherto allegations Of widespread drink
Ing pFactce1 among women OF rank and tasnfon
have been deemed prejudced gossip, but nothing
that rumor ever suggested equals the outspoken
revelations made by these highly-placed leaders
OF society.
woNEy TNvETERAIE TtPPLERS.
Lady Frederick Cavendish said that she had
oeon recently staying AZ country mansion
where roomy dining-roOm chairs we're stu used,
The seats OF which were deeply curved 70 save
the gentlemen from falling out after dinner;
that although heavy drinking had been aban-
doned by the men, the women we're becoming
lnveterate tippiers: that many iadles nave re-
course 70 "pick-me-ups" at IL A. NJ, brandy
and soda during the day, wine at dinner ana
something bot at bedtime.
"coRpIALs" AND WHITE CUPS"
She said she knew young lady who could not
get through the exertions OF the London season
without taking a " cordial "a pretty name Tor
n dram, kept handy at tea; aud that AFTER GER
IAN morning concert laiy beside her hau
champagne cup.
CIGARS AND SPIRITS, TOO.
Lady Cavendish protested especially against
the new fashion VI young ladies-and old ones,
tOO-accompanying gentlemen 20 the smoking
room after dinner and sharing not only the CT
CARS, but also the spirits. she said that q dis
tnguished physician had assured her that many
ladies' VINO we're leading idle lives had consulted
HIN for nervous symptoms which revealed, In
perfect Inconsistencies on their part, condi-
ton Of alcoholism bordering on deIirjurn trsmens;
but that alcohol was not the only fashionable
failing, NJ choral. chlorodyne and morphla were
taken in secrecy in Doudolrs and were adding 10
The maladies Of modern life.
ABSTINENCE The ONLY REMEDY.
The Duchess OF Bedford, taking up the theme.
put the blame for these evils on the strain on
nerve power, through the supposed e1igent de-
mands Of rOctety. until tho nerves required
ullp. The argument Ofthe necessity for stimuli
lants, she said afforded but the very slightest
pr0ts 'tiOn against temptation. The real remeay
was tho avoidance OF mischisvous forms OF ex-
element, together with total abstinence. The
Duchess maintained that moderation was
very elastic term, and would not meet the evil
lac abstinence.
AsERrOUs MATTER
II was a serious thing, she said, for Christian
workers, pledged 20 Bght the drinking practices
Of society TO reject the practice OF abstinence;
anu she pes0ught everybody Interested TO avoid
ne banter and jestiny 100 commonly used Ia
reference 10 the greatest evil Of modern life.
The wife Of Archbishop Benson, sir William
Ierschell, tho Dean Of Rochester. and Others
continued in a similar strain. Tue whole TOT &c
IL deeply stirring the social elite