The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1892-12-29

want. A great many OF the poor resort
TO drink because they are in want Of
good sustaining food. Certainly there is
much less Of this sort Of drinking in
Washington than in any other cities in
this country"
That last sentence contains more
than a modieum of truth. II seems 10
cover the case completely. There is
very little enforced idleness and conse-
quent want in this city. Only those
who will not work are idle and penni-
less. The scat Of government being
here, and over one and half million
dollars being disbursed here every
month, gives us considerable of cireu-
lating medium in excess OF the amount
usually available in cities of equal
population. Hence, there is less idle
ness and want here than in other
cities Consequently there is less
drunkenness.
VI am very sorry that such a state
cent was made by prominent man
says a Catholic priest who has been
travelling in the west for some time.
'sStatements of that character have
given Washington an undeservcdly bad
name. While travelling have been
grieved to hear exaggerated and u11-
warranted statements made against The
social customs Of the capital Every
patriotic American should have the
reputation OF this city at heart, and be
guarded against making destructive
criticisms which are calculated to lie.
little the national capital in the opin.
ions Of the people of the country"
While denouneing and refuting the
allegations concerning the condition OF
social and official circles in this particu-
lar, I am constrained to admit that
there was much original Foundation for
the thought OF the country concerning
the tippling habit in Washington. Be
fore the war, during and Immediately
after that struggle, II was customary
and not unbecoming for men 10 drink
freely, deeply and sometimes excessive
ly. 1t was almost always expccted,
when gentlemen were introduced, for
one or 10th OF them TO follow the intro
duction with an invitation TO take q
drink at some bar A well-hnown
newspaper man who has been here for
many years, recently said to me: Gen.
Rawlins and were here as army Off.
GERS in common with many others,
with nothing to do but draw pay fos
several years after the war, and we
played billiards four or Ave hours every
day, just TO kill time. Between games,
we were constantly meeting friends
and being introduced to newcomers
here, with the result that acquired
the drinking habit, which has chung u
me ever since and minimizcd my useful
ness. am glad to be able to say. how
ever, that there is ninety per cent. less
drinking in this city now than there
was twenty-five years ago"
Ny own experience here corroborates
and emphasizes that statement The
growth Of the temperance sentiment
throughout this country has been KEEP,
pace with by the growth Of similar
sentiment in this city. The temper.
snce workers throughout the repablit
may thank God and take courage, 70,
every effort put forth by them in thei,
own communities has a reflex influ
ence upon The social life of the govern
mental city. Members OF congress
senators, cabinet ministers and all pub
lie officials here feel that the eyes ol
the people are upon them; and they
know that the hearts Of the people are
inclined towards solfiety and temper
anee. SMTTa ID. Fry.