The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-09-14
AT THE Y. IN. c. A.
Mr.. Wheeler's Observations on thu
perance Question in Europe,

At the Evangelical Ministers meeting
at Y. M. G. A.. hall yesterday Rev. Mr.
Wheeler of Auburn, was the speaker. Mr.
Wheeler said "My observations IN
Europe of the temperance question cverv.
where, impressed me with the difference
of conditions that exist between orr
nation and central Europe.
Some things were encouraging and
other discouraging. Being an optimist in
faith first looked for the encouragements
of this great reform and found such first
in the class of men who are interested in
temperance. Among the delegates to our
International Supreme Lodge, I. o. g..
T. were members of Parliament, college
professors, leading ministers, scientists
and physicians of Europe. This is true
of all temperance workers, the cultured
and prominent men of state and church
are among the advocates of this reform
which gives it a wonderful strength. Our
own alton suffers in moral reform be-
cause of the extreme conservatism of the
political, social and religious leaders, not
to say indifference. Another favorable
sign is the absolute respect for law which
is observed in the governments of the
old country. The most disastrous inf1u-
ence against temperance reform in this
state is lawlessness and the lawbreakers
are..the lawmakers too often, and oath
bound officials connive with the lawless
to defeat justice.
Through education, which is now
going on in Europe, though it must be
slow as the evils of drink are nos so COM
mon there. the people will adopt the
prohibitory law. In Sweden there are II
members of Parliament who are ayowed
for prohibition. My observations were
not all of a hopeful nature. There are
great. hindrances and obstacles in the pro-
gress of this work in the old world.
l. The habit of using strong drink is
not one of abuse as much as use. The
consumption of liquor is generally as a
food. In Germany the breakfast of the
laborer consists of one half a pound Of
bread and glass of lagerbeer. Children
are brought up ON 1t and few realize the
physical injury of it's use as yet. saw
during two months of travel but two per-
sons intoxicated and yet saw thousands
drinking daily, everywhere in gardens,
hotels and public places. The education
against its use is not one of poverty and
crime as much as medical science con-
demning it for scientific reasons.
Q. The progress will be slow as woman,
who is our strongest worker in every
moral and social reform, is not recog-
nized and her influence and power does
not give the help she is capable of
doing. Wolnanhood in Europe is too
much of servitude to reap the full fruition
of her life.
8. The church is no friend to this
movement but rather an opponent. met
minister who was deposed from his
church because he taught and practised
total abstinence. In Germany the police
raided the Grand Lodge I. o. G. T. at
the request of the Lutheran church and 1t
was after a hard struggle that the order
was established in that country
I returned to America feeling that we
have great opportunities to fight this
great foe of mankind and let us lift high
the standard and by example and precept
lead all the nations of the earth to victory
in this just battle between appetite and
the cup.