The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1893-08-17
Scientific Temperance in
schools.

BY Hon. Geo. W. Ross, L. L. D., Minister of
Education, Province of Ontario.
The Temperance movement is essen
TALLY educational. 1t required many
years of earnest work to convince even
those who used alcoholic liquors in the
greatest moderation that total absti-
npnce was conducive To the highest
degree of physical and mental energy.
Vt first the only evidence available was
the individual experience of men under
such peculiar mental and physical con-
ditionS as would thoroughly test their
powers of endurance. but the proof was
soon forthcoming that the habtual use
of alcoholic stmulants so far from in
crcasiug the mental and physical ener-
girs of the individual was injurious to
both, and that apart from the moral
consequences involved, the total abb
stainer was the stronger man. More
over observation proved that the habtu-
al use of stimulants produces two re-
suits: u. Physical deterioration which
prcdisposcs to other diseases; and 2 .
\ degeneration of functions which de-
mand their continued use.
Asa remedy for these evils, it was
urged that abstinence should be en-
forced by legislation, on the ground
that the State was bound to protect its
subjects, even against the consequences
of their own ignorance or folly. Where
man would not learn by experience,
they must be taught by law, and law 1t
was held was powerful educator. or
the soundness of this proposition there
can be no doubt. Prohibition has been
great educator. 1t has at least taught
the liquor traffic that it holds its posi-
ton in society by sutferance and not of
right, and that whatever society ceases
to tolerate it has the right to overthrow
But while admitting that prohibition
is an educational movement of the high
est order, the introduction of scientific
instruction into the public schools may
fairly be regarded as the most interest
ing phase of educational work which the
temperance movement has yet assumed.
This must be evident from the following
considerations
%. The public school represents the
greatest force in modern civilization.
BY its influences the tastes and habits
of the next generation are formed and
moulded. Within its walls millions are
taught to hink intcllgcnlly and ration
ally, and habits of sclf-restraint rs well
as of activity are formed from which
there is no escape in after-life In the
public school impressions are made upon
the child by which his course in society
and his relations to his fellQY s may be
irrcvocably determined. If the public
schools of the Continent of America
would but say with all their power that
alcoholic stimulants are injurious to the
health. and that they lay the foundation
for physical weakness, mental inferiori-
ty, and moral ruin, the battle would be
won. and the generation educated within
its walls would be sober beyond the nee
cssity even of prohib;ory law
(2). The teacher is the greatest force
in the public school. 1t is for him to
say largely whit shall be the mental
and moral trend of the next century.
The ideals of life and character which
he presents to his pupils will be the pre-
dominating features OF the lives and
character of the next generation. If by
fact and argument he establishes the
conviction that alcohol is not an article
for daily consumption, but drug of
the apothecary, his usefulness as IA NOR
al rcfOrmer is vindica.ed anu the work
Of the legislator may. be practically dis
pensed with.
Recognizing these forces the introduce
ton of Scientific Temperance into the
public school is matter of the greatest
urgency, and should receive the earnest
attention of every person Interested in
the overthrow of intemperancc. The
success Of the movement depends upon
four things:
O.. a suitable Text Book.
(2J. Trained teachers.