Rocky Ford enterprise., 1913-05-02
FIRST PRIZE ESSAY
The Value Of Total Abstinence
to a Life

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Total abstinence secures the full and
natural development of the body. He
who drinks alcohol is not as strong or as
vigorous as he who is total abstainer.
Nature has given US wonderful white
blood cells whose work it is to eat up and
destroy disease microbes if they invade
the body. Alcohol makes these cells
drunk so that they cannot do their Prop
or work. A trace of alcohol does not rob
them of all power; but instead of being
strong enough TO conquer they are weak
enough to be conquered. When this con-
dition exists disease microbes find them
selves free to carry on their business of
toxin manufacture without interruption.
So the one who drinks alcohol is broken
in health and does not secure the full
and natural development of the body as
does the total abstainer,
Total abstinence helps to develop all
the faculties of the body. Alcohol drives
more blood to the surface of the body
than is natural. and the result is in time.
permanent injury to the veins of the face.
Good looks are an important asset in
business life as well as in social life and
should be diligently conserved. Alcohol
shortens life. The changes in the body
tissues caused by alcohol resemble
changes brought about by old age. 1t
ruins athletic success, Athletes have
found that alcohol makes flabby muscle
and weak heart. Hence, he who wish
es to excel in running or jumping. in ball
playing. rowing or shooting must be a
total abstainer from alcohol. Medical
students of insanity say that large per-
directly to alcohol.
Total abstinence builds character and
creates a standard among those employ
ing help for responsible positions.
Alcohol weakens brain cells, He who
drinks alcohol can not think as rapidly as
he who is total abstainer. Railroads.
street car companies. and all other large
companies discriminate against the
drlnker. One wishing to attain great
eminenoe dare not indulge in alcoholic
l
young men who are hard workers and
efficient. Alcohol weakens both moral
and mental powers, President Taft says,
He who drinks is deliberately disqualify-
ing himself for advancement.
Total abstinence creates a feeling of
positiveness that whatever you undertake
can be accomplished through steady
nerve. Alcohol creates terrible craving
for itself. No one may know before
hand how susceptible his nervous sys-
tenn may be to the Grave" of alcohol.
To run an automobile or an aeroplane in
times of emergency is impossible to brain
cells dsordsred by the poison. alcohol.
Hence the total abstainer is not likely to
cause as many blunders as he who is not,
Total abstinence tends toward life; it
makes happy homes. healthy children.
loving husbands and fathers. Alcohol is
the greatest criminal in history. 1t has
killed we might say more men than have
fallen in all the wars. 1t has ruined
millions of homes and will ruin millions
more unless gotten rid of. 1t is sure that
alcohol is the young mans greatest enemy
1t stands ready to rob him of friends.
home, happiness and heaven. This is not
a case where. Love your enemies"
applies. Young men can rout this enemy
out Of the country in decade if they 60
at it with a will. The business will die
without customers.
Dora DopsoN
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