The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-29

leaving the mines or er least provided for until such employment is found.
 Judge Abernethy's Remedy
 AS was stated in 6 previous article, Judge Abernethy IS convinced that hard work. wholesome food and fresh air will cure any "dopist," no matter now confirmed. But he is not merely satisfied with curing the body but he would cure the mind. Under existing conditions there is no place other than the mines to send those unfortunates. Judge Abernethy thinks a better plan should be proyide1 by and maintain ed by the state, devoted entirely to the reformation Of dope fiends,' and those who are excessive in the use of stron 2 drink In speaking of the matter Judge Abernethy says:
 The Judge Talks one of the vital questions of the day is the disposition of the persons addicted to the use of oplates or inc excessive use of strong drink. Some people suggest that to kill the root that produces the eyil,' and the are st of all those persons who violate the law regulating she sale of cocaine and other opiates would be the remedy. This | is good theory but in the words of a great statesman it is a condition and
 
 are difficulties in the way difficulties 1 that are hard 10 surmount. No medi- cine has yet been discovered that can take the place of morphine or cocaine. Tn certain maladss it's use is indis- l pensihle. I think n9arly every physi- elan will eorroborate this statement. Alcohol is an article absolutely neceS- sary in the arts and sciences and in the practice of medicine
 This being the case what shouid be done to stop the unlawful sale and habitual use of these poisons? What is the remedy? I have given this subject much serious thought as for some time past have had to deal with the 'dopist' in his or her mCsi advanced stage. I may not have the solution but do 1 know what has been the result of my experience. and. using that experience as basis, J make bold to offer few suggestions as 70 the cause and the l remedy.
 Stern as Lycurgus
 First, it should be made a peniten- | uafy onense to sell cocaine, morDhin e and kindred opiates except on the pre- scription of reputable physician.
 Second. that the habitual user of drugs should be punished by depriv- 1 Ing him of his liberty and making him work even if corporal punishment ia necessary to make him do so. for there must be some punishment to effect a cure in this class of cases
 ihlrd. that. the state should set aside some suitable place for the detention and reformation of dope fends and excessive drinkers.
 For the first proposition l will say mat the prospect of gain will cause many person to violate the law when only fine or jail sentence is imposed but. with the possibility of a peniten- uary sentence there would be but few to risk it.
 Treating the Mind '"For the second one l am firmly con vinced that merely breaking drug users from the use of the drug does not bring about reform. That can be done in few weeks and if turned loose they immediately return to the old habits. The minds must tc treat ed as well as the body. They must be made to work, md as soon as able work hard, and when thoroughly con yinced that return to the drug habit Will mean further punishment they will be apt to stay clear of the drugs As to the. third proposition, it is one that in my humble opinion is worthy of the most earnest consider alton. In the first place it hardly seems fair to put the stripes on a man for an offense of which he is the prin cipal sufferer. But what are you to do? You cannot place them in the in- sane asylum, for they are not insane: neither can you place them in the poor house, for they are hardly the proper subjects for that place and could cas- fly escape. Under the law they could not be confined in the asylum after they have become normal and while ! their senses may De normal their will power has not been repaired
 The history of those unfortunates returned from the asylum will gener- ally show an early return to the drug that has caused their downfall. They have been relieved but in the majority of cases but temporarily, because there was no punishment other than the con finement. and in my opinion this is the gist of the whole proposition. You can not make them realize that to return to the drug will mean further punish ment
 Need of Farm
 "But suppose the state lad a farm where this class of unfortunates could be placed, with light work at first, but gradually increasing it until they have all the work they can stand. Let their sentence be about 12 months and the hard work, wholesome food and fresh air will almost in every case effect cure. But there is no such place in the state. no place other than the mines where they can be sent This method has proved a success from the appear ance of the score or more unfortunates recently discharged from the Flat Creek mine completely cured, or at least ap- parently so.
 "The remedy I suggest. after con- sidering the matter very seriously, is that hard work, good food and fresh