The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1902-08-21
ALCOHOLISM AND CRIME.
How DIR. Heinrich Stern, of New York
Would Deal with the Criminal
Alcoholic.

Judges of criminals, prison wardens
and the police unanimously concede
that at least 20 per cent. of all perpe-
trated crimes are directly or Indirect
ly attributable to alcoholism. This I'M
usually large percentage applies prin-
cipally to such otfenses as the disre-
gard of the rights of others, and con-
tempt for law and order, and to such
crimes as assault, rape, disturbance
of domestic peace, manslaughter and
robbery, for to all of these the
habitual drunkard seems to be par
tuclarly prone. Such misdemeanors
are frequently committed in a mo-
ment of passion, hence entirely unpre-
meditated, and so soon as the perpre-
traitor regains his normal senses he is
seized with remorse. While the sober
man, it is true, is also subject to sud-
den and violent emotions, he is, never
theless, by exercise of his will power,
able to curb and control the impulsive
and irrational dictates of his passions
He is well aware of the consequences
awaiting him upon the preparation of
"a l"Ns lutll Ill Ills
mind, will either abandon his project
or exert his utmost precaution while
executing it. While the sober man is
master of his impulses, the drunkard
is a slave to his emotions and pas
sioEs. At the slightest provocatiJn
the inebriate may commit an assault
or even manslaughter, and if an oppor-
a., L. -
moral delinquencies, as rape, etc. But
he rarely commits such offenses as are
the result of premedication or design.
OF all those convicted of perjury, but
&c per cent. or 81 per cent. are addicted
TO alcohol, for perjury is based on
some subtle motive-either love of
money or the endeavor to save another
from punishment-in fact, motives
originating only in the unclouded mind
of the sober. Furthermore, amongst
incendiaries we find but As per cent.
are alcoholics, for arson is premedi-
tated and usually executed with a dis
tinct purpose in view.
Alcohol habitually used affects prin-
cipally the brain and nervous system,
which lose their normal degree of re-
sistance; their vitality and healthy
activity are reduced, and general de-
terioration of brain and nerve sub
stance is the inevitable result. More
remote consequences are general re-
progression of INTELLECT, debased stand
ard of morality, and complete or par
tial loss of will power We need not
descend to the confirmed drunkard to
find evidence of general deterioration.
Even in the milder form of habituaI
drunkenness we find similar condi-
t1ons. The habitual alcoholic shows
signs of premature deterioration; his
mind is more or less inactive, his gem
eral bearing is undignified, his senti-
ments are more vulgar, and his sense
OF truthfulness is deficient. His stand
ard of morals is lowered, his love of
family gradually declines, and an in
difference as to the future of his off
spring becomes apparent. Further
more, he develops ruder ami british
affections, becomes irritable, jealous
and peevish, and obstinately adheres
to his preconceived irrational ideas
and notions. The "bonhomie" and con-
geniality of certain drinkers is virtual
ly but species of Indifference, but one
of the protean manifestations of
chronic alcoholism.