The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1904-02-17

tne OPIUM naDlt may be formed. The
effects OF its constant use are to shat
ter the body and mind. to render one
unhappy, and perhaps drive him to a
suicides grave. A strong degree of ex-
liberation is at first experienced, but
succeeding doses have to be stronger
and stronger to produce the same eff
feet.
Soon the victim becomes aware that
he is in the tolls OF habit, which he
seems to be unable to throw of, and
only too often does he come to his final
end through an overdose taken by mis-
take, or maybe Intentionally. because
OF dlspair and melancholy
The public has been aroused to just
Indignation, because of the recent ex-
posure OF opium smuggling into the
Nebraska prisons, and an investigation
is now on foot to Try and discover ii
the laws regulating the sale OF the mar
cotic are not violated in more than this
Instance.
Next to those addicted 10 the Opium
habit; those VINO worship at the shrine
OF Morpheus, are most to be pitied. Ia
the Morphine habitS the patient looses
self-control: is morally irresponsible; is
untruthful and irresolute. Intense anx-
iety, restlessness, and a sense OF i'm
pending danger are prominent symp-
toms
Chloral, ch.oroform and cocaine, like
opium and morphine are also USED as
sedatives. Cocaine being used most
frequently as local anaesthetic. Their
use may become a habit, and to bl eak
it will be found fully as difficult as any
OF the others mentioned Their effects
are principally upon the nerves, and
the mentality.
1t the effects of these poisons were
only visited upon those addicted to
their use, this evil would not present
so baneful an aspect. The children of
such parents are made liable to the
formation of a taste for the narcotics;
are made liable to morbid cravings;
diseased brain, and neurotic system.
The children of such parents are
very frequently endowed with less will
power. and less resolution, than those
OF parents who have never used these
drugs. Indeed these powerful poisons
are held by some of our best health au-
thorities to be responsible for the great
number of nervous wrecks in our
already crowded hospitals and asylums.
have been told, that one who points
outa need for reforming, should also
suggest means of affecting the refor-
nation.
l believe that reforming, like char
ity, should begin at home, and because
l believe thus in suggesting remedy,
shall speak OF the home influence
! first.
Every mother cannot help but feel
the necessity for proper home training
to fit the younger ones to meet the
temptations of life. But while they
may be extre mely careful that no ex-
ternal Influences may faint the life OF
their loved ones, yet | am convinced
that in many cases does che mother
herself pave the way for forming an
appetite for narcotics.
| How many women in the city of Den
lson do you suppose, have not administ-
cred potent soothing syrups and nos
trums to their children during the per
led of teething, or to quiet peevshness
arising from childish ailment?
| One OF the characteris les OF na.cot-
les is that they produce sleep. There
is hardly a patent soothing syrup oo
the market, which does not contain
either laudunum or paregoric, both
tinctures of opium.
IL Is only in the last few years thai
physicians have awakened to the fact
that the effect of these poisonous drugs
on the delicate system of a child is pos
itlvely dangerous and harmful, but
they find themselves almost powelless
to check it's use, so well established
has it become.
! recommend u crusade again st the
doping OF infants with every patent
nostrum that the papers may advertise,
| recommend the enforcement of
laws. and the enactment of more string
ent laws regulating the sale and use of
narcotics.
recommend. especially to parents,
more careful study of the laws Of b v
giene and physiology. coupled with u
more exact understanding of the laws
OF hercdity, and last and above all, L
recommend crusade to establish a
higher plain of christian morals both
for the benefit derived directly, and the
wholesome influence they will have on
others.
a strange kind Of disease is affect
ing the swine near BIenco, iowa, and
the farmers appear TO be at loss t
hut Il. -