, 1915-08-07
The Rum Question.
TO IMPROVE MANS LIFE, IMPROVE
HIS SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT.
Temperance Reform Should be Preceded
by Economic Reform.

As every age has its own problems, it's
own issues, SO the present age is especially
occupied with social questions. And as
the Giant Alcohol usually plays u prominent
part IN social issues, he comes III for "A good
deal of attention.
But, honest now, is the Giont Alcohol re-
sponslble for our social ills ? l. he reepon-
slble for our sanitary conditions Our in
FAINT mortality, our politicians? II he re-
eponslble for the gRunt eyed want we see
every day? Is Liquor really responsible for
the ills Of Society ? Only TO u certain
aud limited extent, for while it is
true that q few cases Of poverty are due
to druukenne.s,i it is unquestionably true TINT
more cases Of drunkenness are due topovertv.
Men drink to excess when they are worried.
badly housed aud badly fed-when they aro
made drudges. Therefore, the scientific
the commonseuse-method Of improving
mans behavior is by improving his environ
ment. our eco0oHtic structure. ~ a great
Ody, determines or moral status.
1t will not do to talk about milking people
happy and sober al the same time. Happiness
is not o material thi~ng-something one can
corner nnywher e, or choke INTO submission
Happiness il u condition Of the mInd, q mrt
OF ones self that needs to be uurtured by
work, recreation and heuljh y surround
ing. Az things are they speak vol
umes for the poor man thnt he can still
cherish, something akin to holy affection for
a foul, leaky room, an uusuultaly shack,
aud call it "home."
Gen. Booth, Rev. Russell and other divinoa,
are showing by their work That as far ~
earthly needs are concerned, mans material
prosperity must be developed before his
mental and moral nature can improve. The
late Prof. f. Il. WiIlinrd once sad 1T il
time we cease trying to make men comfort1-
bile by making them sober, nnl try to nuke
them sober by milking them comfortable"
Temperance reform, To- be ef1ctadE must
come after economic reform. x casual IN
Fprction Of literature will prove the conten-
ton.
IF our moral mentors, our theologians, our
legislatures, would direct their activities 10
causes instead of effects they would then
enlist the gratitude and cooperation Of every
sincere native.
UuquestionabIy, when spenking about
''The Salvation Of St. Croix" the Run
Question must give place 10 more con-
s~tructive measures. 1t may be OF i'm
portnnce whether men drunk to excess
or DO not drink to excess, but it would
~ WY 0IAOA ibuul0 ~ Nub RbuoIuI W6tIuIe
of the public if constructive reform. j. 9, the
establishing Of small farms, should DO consi-
dered III connection with this question.
One of the peculiorities Of the present
Prohibition Movement is the emphasis it
gives to the drunkenness ot'He poor. Whore
is the Drunkenness IN our island to call forth
all this 'hue and CRY" about 'the drunken
poor"S Unless, my dear Prohibitionists,
you carry your fight among our aliens, and
our -four thousand" your movement is futile.
Personally. even complete prohibition can
not affect me; as | do not, and have never,
taken alcohol il any form as a beverage.
And while | am in favour OF drastic mea-
sures that will make both producer and re-
taller give the poor consumer a square
deal, | cnnuot remain silent and hear
wrong things spoken.-things that may
prove harmful TO the people Of this islaud-
without raisiug any voice, no matter how
feeble, IN protest.
r.. H. AMPHLETT LEADER.