The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-06-01
The USE OF LIQUOR.
"POnack" Discusses the Why and Who're
fore OF the Habit.

fore OF the Habit.
To THE Howard CLUB-It affords me
much pleasure, yes, may say inestimable
pleasure TO observe that despite opposi-
ton and chicanerv, the ii. L. G. is march
ing onward and upward, conquering and
10 conquer, to a grand and glorious victory
of the faithful and the wise. Long may 1t
wave, the proud banner of Honor. Love
and Char u" and float beneath the serene
blue vaul ed slxy over peaceful and law
abiding band of reiormers as a terror TO
lawbreakers and harbinger OF protection
and enjoyment to good citizens
Animated with patriotism to be able to
say as a good templer this banner
could not have been more appro-
pirate. Never till l become an active
member of the !. 0. q. T. did the wide
spread and baleful influence of alcohol
make such deep impression upon my
mind. | had heard of national and
state legislators being bribed, of fase
oaths and similar corruption, but it had
never occurred to me that the illegal
revenue derived from open violation Of
the statute could induce public officer
TO so completely forget the trust imposed
in him by the people. as TO sanction such
to money, depriying mothers and children
of the most common necessaries OF life.
Thus dwarfing their usefulness, stunning
their growth, injuring their health,
and predestinating them to an early
grave. 1t il said by some scientists that
man Is a creature OF evolution dating
back 10 animal or vegetable creation.
Believing the testimony OF our senses the
argument is based on illogical premises.
We admit natural selection" but deny
the survival OF the fittest." We have as
yet a large number of so-caled men ami
mails amongst us and we believe their
number increasing. Admitting this TO be
true, the above phrase neets no refuta-
ton.
1t has often been explained by able
writers and thinkers, and in the public
press is generally found under
the heading social Evils" Men
are often sullied in company
and by misstatements are hardened against
society. and, still possessing the redeem
ing quality which thirsts for affectonate
embraces and warm handshaking, they dote
upon the alluring temptations which vice
sets before them. Wealth, fashion and
other nonsense create disrespect for real
merit, either social. religious or moral.
Being government of for and by the
people our stability is being rapidly I'M
dermined by luxurious habits. The sim
pie, hardy, rugged intelligence of our an
cestors is tottering beneath cold indiffer-
epce, irreeponsibility and carelessness.
The strong, healthy vigor drawn from
wholesome physical exercise of the fore
fathers is being superseded by languid in
dOlence and the consequent degeneracy of
the race
1t is said we are the most highly civil
lied people known and it might have
been added the most audacious. The
flame of delicate criticism and the
carping sarcasm of mere faultfnding have
been visited on our heads. We have been
called beastly prosperous accused OF
lOOseness in morals and religion. Our
downfall has been prophesied in
foreign immigration, in industrial
evils, wars between capital and
labor, the mushroom growth of corpora
tons and their monopolistic tendency, ad
infnitum. The burning question Of wealth
distribution has been anRlyzed and dis
sected under the lenses OF overwhelming
logic both at home and abroad. But in
considering the subject have not writer's
sadly neglected a very salient power that
leads up to and clusters around nearly all
vulnerable points? With Glow but sure
disintegration IL not drinking directly as
indirectly responsible? Does not
poverty superinduced by bibbing fire.
quently, yes almost invaribly,
drive people to desperate measures?
In particular people who have been rich
at one time. Does it not draw people
away from the church and church infiu-
ence, learn them TO curse, ALLEVIATE them
from good society, cause them to lose
good situations ana condemn to associa-
ton with criminals and gamblers and in
cidentally In some cases, at least, rob them
OF all hope OF reform2
Does it not undermine the constitution
make it more susceptible 70 disease while
at the same time il dulls and dwarfs
the intellect? Is not drunkenness
made an excuse for nine-tenths
OF the crimes tried in our courts7
Is it not true that all these influences
taken accumulatively and collaterally as
they relate to and grind against the prac-
teal efforts OF our well being in everyday
life, form an arraignment of facts when
brought face to face with which even an
anarchist might tremble, not to say the
devil. Yet this Is not all only half has
been told.
Nothing PLAYS more important part in
most of the strikes so prevailing than the
cunning and judicious use of whisky.
Whenever Q conscieneeless employer