Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-12-21

- Ooohs from winch to teach the
iaets, as the laws provided. AT thi,
period science was contributing in 2
measure hitherto unknown, the results
VI crucial investigations into the ma
,ufe and effects of alcohol and other
narcotics in their varied forms, But
now 10 give this knowledge to all pu
PITS IN all schools was great question
Wnere We're the authors with sufficient
hhoWledge and adaptability? Where
the publishers with sufficient interest
anu enterprise? The first author was
VI. steele. The first publishers A. S.
Barnes and Co. Very soon after these
DOCKS were issued to catch the trade
that tne new law promised, other books
We're put upon the market, containing
dlsproven theories on the subjects
badly arranged. There is no greater
evidence of the advance in scientific
temperance, than the fact that pub
fishers who once catered to the trade
by giving half truths and outgrown
theories OF moderate drinking, now
lind such falsities and evasions pecu-
niarily Improbable. The popular de-
mand today is for the radical books,
that give the latest and fullest facts
concerning the evil effects from the use
of narcotics in any degree.
Mrs. Hunt has steadfastly and I'M
waveringly withheld her endorsement
from all books not UP to the standard
OF the latest scientific facts on the sub
1ects treated. For this she has suffer
ed most Unjust Misrepresentation
Disappointed authors and publishers
have united in their dshonorabIc
charges. Eighteen years of unrequit-
ed toll she has given to this cause
Her unstinted endeavors have brought
her no pecuniary reward. On the con-
trary, thousands of dollars have been
contributed by her in behalf of the
measure, and not from the overflow of
surplus wealth, but at a constant per-
sonal sacrifice.
In 1856. syllabus of what should be
taught in the schools as scientific tenn
perance, was presented to publishers
asking them to revise their text books
to conform to the given standard That
syllabus was signed by over two hun
dred leading citizens. among whom
were distinguished statesmen. eminent
scientists. and prominent educators.
The requirements We're radical. ana
yet in harmony with the latest utter
ances of science. The syllabus de-
clares alcohol to be q seductive poison.
dangerous to use in any degree on ac-
count of its nature to create an appe-
lite for more, that may become uncon-
trollable. 1t also requires teaching of
its effects ON the whole being mental
moral, and physical. in we'll graded
books adapted to all pupils. To this
standard many publishers have con-
formed. With absolute impartiality
their books have been endorsed by Mrs.
Hunt and her advisory board.
In 1897 a committee of eminent ply
sicians members of the American
Medical Association. We're requested to
review the endorsed textbooks. They
testified with one accord to their scien-
titic accuracy. A similar examination
has recently been commenced by ex-
perts abroad. DR.. Baer of the Royal
Sanitary Commission of Germany, the
foremost specialist in Europe on the
alcoholic Question replies as follows:
Berlin, N. W., May Is, 1897.
Rathenowerstr. 5.
DR.. A. Baer,
Geheimer Sanitatsrath.
Fernsprecher: Amt Moabit 1161.
National and International Depart
ment of Scientific Temperance In
struction in Schools and Colleges,
Represented by Mrs. Mary H. Hunt,
Superintendent, % Trull ST., Boston,
Mass.
Honored Madam: By your letter of
March 18th you have done me the hon
or to request my opinion in regard to
the approved and endorsed temper
ance physiologies" which have been
sent me and which are in use in the
public schools of most of the states of
North America, as to whether the
teachings of these school books in re-
gard to the value and the effect of al
cohol and of alcoholic drinks are in
harmony with the principles of modern
science.
In order to ascertain the truth of the
important question at issue, l have
gladly undertaken the task ami have
examined With strict impartiality the
school books sent me.
made | can assert that tine above men
TONED school textbooks, in respect to
their statements regarding alcoholic
drinks contain and disseminate no teach
lngs which are not in harmony with the
attitude of strict science. Ideas and facts
rs to the actual value of aIcohoi as II
food, as to the effect of dts occasional or
habitual use upon the body, upon the lis
sues and organs, likewise upon the BRAIN
and its activity are throughout represent
ted correctly and clearly and often with
remarkable felicity adapted TO the youth
ful understanding.
Though personally 1 do not practice to-
al abstinence yet | consider the dissent
nation of the above teachings in the way
Of instruction i'll the schools wise and the
most admirable and effective means OF
opposing and averting the serious evils
which alcohol does both the individual
and society and of bringing about a COM
plete change i'm the drink habits. Hoping
lor the best results of your efforts,
| remain with much esteem, your obedi-
ent servant,
GehNimer SantatSrath.
The description given by Mrs. Hunt, at
the Anti-Alcohol Congress in Brussels,
last summer of the temperance educa-
tionaI movement, made a great impress
sion upon many leaders OF thought IN
Europe 1t IS resuMing in the extension
of our methods i'm Germany.
A recent issue of the New 1ork Medlca!
Record gives the following:
IAN cilort is being made in Germany to
have introduced into all the primary
schools in that country Il course of. In
strllction on the baleful effects of alcohol.
A memorial has been presented to the
government calling attention 10 lntoNi-
eating beverages as common cause OIL
disease especially brain affections. The
memorial points out the greater suscep-
nibiity of young and growing organisms