Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1901-04-11
Evils of Cigarette smoking.


boys, but men who should possess
sense enough TO set better examples
for the young boys whom they know,
or at least expect, will follow in their
footsteps. To such an extent are the
youth indulging in the use OF cigar
cites that the heart of every mother
should be fearful lest her boy OF tender
years, will, or may even now have ac-
quired this awful habit We think, we
are right when we say that our boys are
more In danger from the evils attend
Ing cigarette smoking, than the evils
OF liquor drinking. Drinking may fill
our jails but cigarette smoking will ill
our insane asylums. Mothers, while
you gather to discuss these questions
at mothers meetings, among the many
questions deliberated at women's clubs,
while the w. G. T. u. all over the land
are discussing the ways and means OF
disposing of the evils of the liquor traf-
| fic, either by the Ratchet or moral sua-
sion, forget not this greatest of all
evils, and use every influence to have
laws enacted to restrain or prohibit
the selling OF cigarettes; for to our
mind the man who stands behind the
counter and places the poisonous cigar
cite into the hands of youth, is as
great an enemy to the welfare OF any
| community as one who stands behind
the bar. The following taken from the
Baltimore Telegram, is not only appli-
cable to the state of Maryland, but even
the Michigan Legislature will do well
to heed: The practice of cigarette
smoking is increasing daily among the
boys of this country, and because Of the
extreme youth OF those who indulge in
it, together with their want OF judg-
ment in regard to restraint, it becomes
a decided evil. Legislation to restrict
the sale of this form of smokers sup
plies TO minors has generally proved
Intellectual for various causes, some Of
which are perfectly understood; but
| that is no reason why there should be
a cessation OF hostilities, nor any cri-
terion TO decide that earnest effort will
not at last win reward.
We have written upon the subject
before, but it is so important in its re-
alton TO humanity, and progress has
Oeen so slow towards its undoing, that
we cannot refrain from again introdu-
cling it, with hope that has a prayer
in it, We trust that our words,
though, perhaps, inadequately ex-
pressed, may yet prove convincing be-
cause of their earnestness, and that
they may abide in the mind of some
thoughtful, conscientious man who is
powerful in mind and determined Tin
action.
1t is pitiable to note the terrible re-
suits to the bloom and power of the
youthful, because OF the indiscriminate
use of the cigarette, and, as it Is diff
cult TO reach unto the reasoning power
of boys in the matter of gratifying the
senses, the blow should be struck at
the dealers, decisively, and without de-
lay.
The cigarette proper has been wide
ly tempered with and it is not tobacco
alone which works havoc with the
mental and physical condition of the
smoker Opium is now used as fas
cinating accessory, and he who yields
to the seductive practice, even for a
short time, can scarcely ever regain
his liberty.
There are, we admit constitutions
which are sufficiently vigorous to re-
sist the cigarette effect, but these form
but small percentage, and wrecks
are the rule rather than the exception.
Because of future which demands
bright mentalities as well as fine phys
iques to GUIDE and govern, the after
develops into one which requires seri-
Gus attention in view OF its antagonsm
to health and strength, and If the Leg
lslature of Maryland, at its next session
should pass no other ordinance save
the one prohibiting the sale OF cigar
cites to minors, the verdict OF "well
done" could be truthfully bestowed
upon that body. michigan A. o. U.
w Herald