The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1902-03-06
Temperance Selections.
[By skowhegan W. c. T. u

BY Skowhegan w. {. t. u.
1t Is well known fact among certain
business men and women who are apt to
work that two or three chocolate creams
or piece Of sweet chocolate eaten In the
middle Of the afternoon will have all the
revivng effect of coffee and none of its
deleterious results.
TT has been determined by science
that sugar is a much better stimulant
than liquor OF any Sort" says "The Wor-
cester Gazette An experiment WAS
tried several months ago upon dogs,
with some very remarkable results. The
animals we're a breed of runners, and
TWO OF equal speed and endurance were
taken and especially trained for the pur
pose. One was given regular allow
ance of whiskey, and the other a ration
of sugar. After period OF time had
elapsed the two dogs were taken out for
long run, with the result that the
sugar fed dog ran faster and further
with less fatigue than his whiskey fed
brother. At the time the various scien-
tliic journals made some considerable
comment about the experiment. Now
public attention owing to the fact that
the soldiers 10 the Philippines have con-
sumed forty thousand pounds OF a GER
tain brand of chocolates each month.
The use Of the candies In the Philippines
Is explained by the army surgeons on
the ground that In tropical countries
plenty of sweet Is necessary for the pres
ervation of health. The experiment
made by the men has proved the correct
ness of the theory beyond doubt. The
soldier boys find that the feeling of
need OF liquor is absent when they have
plenty OF chocolate or other kinds of
sweetness.
while liquor will undoubtedly be
used for long time to come, substi-
tute which is harmless in every respect
will be welcomed not only by temper
ance people, but by those who need some
stimuant to accomplish their daily toll
in a world where the 80 called strenuous
life is almost necessity in the struggle
for existence. The old-time notion that
sweet was unwholesome Is thus explod-
ed. As matter OF fact, many of the
old ideas are being relegated TO the rear
OF the car of progress. One of these
seemingly strange theories was the fur
nishing OF the sailors in the service of
the government with daily allowance
of grog. This was no army canteen
beer, but stiff glass Of the ardent. 1t
was supposed to give men the strength
and necessary courage to go into battle
and win. That was a long time ago
but the no distant future may see ra-
ton of sweet chocolate distributed to
the gunners just before the signal to be-
gin firing Is given. This Is no idle dream,
but the result OF scientific investigation,
which has made this generation healthier
than its predecessor, and which should
make the next one nearer perfection.
"A moderate indulgence In certain
kinds of liquor will make their use a sub
ject Of discussion for many years to
come. II, however, the time has arrived
when alcoholics are no longer used as q
stmulant for those who need something
to make possible the completion OF their
tasks, a greater stride has been taken In
the direction Of temperance than all the
various organizations for the promotion
of that virtue have been able to make
possible since first they began to agi-
tate 7. Tribune.
The following letter, written by
Thomas Fl. Huxley is worthy of careful
reading:
April 8, 1899.
Dear Sir Il understand that you ask
me what | think about "Alcohol as a
stimulant to the brain in mental work"
Speaking for myself (and perhaps
may add for persons Of my temperament)
| can say, without hesitation, that
would Just as soon take dose of arsenic
as would of alcohol, under such circum
stances. Indeed, on the whole, should
think the arsenic safer, less likely to
lead to physical and moral degradation.
1t would be better to die outright than
to be alcoholized before death.
IL a man cannot do brain work with.
out stlmulants of any kind, he had better
turn to hand work-it Ia an indication on
Natures part that she did not mean him
to be a head worker.
The circumstances of my life have led
me to experience all sorts of conditions
in regard to alcohol, from total absti-
ne, ce to nearly the other end OF the
scale, and my clear conviction Is the less
the better.
For no conceivable consideration would
| use 1t to whip up a tired or sluggish
brain. Indeed, for me there is no work.
Ing time so good as between breakfast
and lunch, when there Is not trace Of
alcohol In my composition.
(Signed) L. II. Huxley.
The temperance question is but one
side OF this diviner idea of manhood after
all. hold that we cannot afford to re-
lax our efforts on the moral and persua-
sive side of the question, nor take any
backward step in the laws that have
been enacted to restrain the evil doer.
This, however, must be remembered.
The value and the strength of the law
depend upon the moral force of the COM
munity. Our first duty is to strengthen
this moral force, convince the people the