Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1915-04-01
A CURSE BEING REMOVED.

A CURSE BEING REMOVED.
All the world is becoming keenly alive
to the fearful losses occasioued by alco-
holic liquors, and individuals and govern
ments are uniting 10 rid the people OF the
greatest evil ii existence. 1t has been
less than year since the Car OF Russia
with stroke of his pen wiped Out Inc
traffic and use of alcoholic beverages IN
his vast dominions, and yet in that short
time the world has wondered TO see
nation transformed. Thrift and industry
have followed sodden, hopeless inetfl-
cheney; the great armies OF the Gar
which, alcohol soaked, melted away IT
the face of the japanese few years ago.
are now changed into lighting machine
so efficient and spirited that il is steadily
overcoming the best armies OF the high
ly-trained German and Austrian soldiers.
France a few months ago greatly bettered
conditions and increased efficiency in civil
and military life by foIbidding the sale OF
absinthe. the national alcoholic beverage.
and gave another practical Illustration OF
The wisdom OF eliminating spirtuous
liquor.
Now comes from Great Britain the be-
ginning of movement that is gong TO
work a similar revolution in another great
European nation. I'VE are fighting Ger
many. Austria and drink, and, so far as |
can see, the greatest OF these three deadly
toes is drink, "said David Lloyd-George in
London on Monday, replying TO depu-
tation of the Shipbuilding Employers
Federation, members OF which were
unanimous in urging that, in order to meet
the national requirements at the present
time. there should be a total prohibition
during the period OF the war OF the sale
of intoxicating liquors. 1t was stated
that, despite the fact that work was being
carried on night and day seven days in
the week, the total working time on the
average in nearly all the British shipyards
was actually less than before the war and
the average productiveness had decreas-
ed There were many men doing SpIen-
did and strenuous work, probably as
good aSthe men in the trenches, but many
did not even approximate full time, thus
diSaStrously reducing the average. Not
withStanding The curtailment OF the hours
they are allowed 10 keep open, the re-
ceiptS of the public houses in the neigh
borhood OF the Shipyards had greatly IN
creased, in some cases 10 per cent. AS
an instance OF one of many similar cases,
that OF batileship coming in tor imme-
date repairs was cited. She was delay
ed a whole day through the absence Of
nyetters, who were drinking and carouS-
ing. In one yard the rIvetterS have been
working on the average only 40 hours a
week, and in another yard only 80 hours.
The deputation, which included repre-
sentativeS OF the leading ShipbuilderS OF
the country, drew attention 10 the eX-
ample setby France and Russia and urged
upon the Chancellor the need OF drastic
action.
The Chancellor OF. the Exchequer, in
the course OF his reply, said that he was
sure that the country was beginning TO
realize the gravity OF the Stu ton. 81
have a growing conviction, based on
accumulatng evidence" continued the
Chancellor, "that nothing but root
branch methods would be Of The slightest
avail IN dealing with the evil. | believe
it is the general feeling that il we are 10
settle German miltarlsm we must first
OF all settle with the drink"
MIR. Lloyd George animated that Lord
Kitchener, the Secretary OF War, and
Field Marshal French, in command OF
the British expeditIonary forces on the
Continent, were OF the same opinion, and
he promised to lay the statements OF the
deputation before the cabinet. He said,
IN conclusion 81 had the privilege OF an
audience with his Majesty this morning
and am permitted by him TO say that he
is very deeply concerned on this queS-
tlon-verY deeply concerned-and the
concern which is felt by him am certain
is shared by all his subjects in this coun-
try"
1t has taken great war TO bring the
European nations to realization OF the
conditions which have been brought upon
them by the evils attendant upon strong
drink. The United States, happily, is
learning its lesson in times OF peace and
will rid itself OF the curse not as a war
necessity but because the people see the
moral and economic reasons Tor the re-
form.