South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-02-18
BY Ella wheeler wilcox

Fifteen years ago a man noted for
his robust and handsome personality
continually offered TO eye and ear a
REPUTATION of the theory that abstemi-
Gus and moderate diet was necessary
for the maintenance OF health and
good looks. This man lived TO eat.
Meat, fish, fowl and eggs were
necessary for his breakfast; four or
five courses at luncheon alone could
satisfy him. and most elaborate din
ners must be provided to appease his
ever-increasing appetite. Meanwhile
he was clear of brain, his skin was
dazzling and his body active Then
suddenly. something like five years
ago. there came a change. Rheuma-
tism first, then assesses, and today
the man. who in years should be in
the very prime of life, is a physical
wreck, devOting half of every day to
various cures and the ether half to
his bed.
Poisoned System for Years.
He wonders why he has been so
afflicted He was not a dissipated
man, nor a man vicious morally. nor
a man who wasted his nights in riot
he thinks about his many virtues, and
does not realize that his misfortunes
are entirely due to having poisoned
his system persistently for more than
tWO-scOre of years by unnecessary
foods in unnecessary quantities.
Another man, brilliant mentally,
an athlete physically has for years
argued with all his friends who were
inclined TO vegetarianism ana TO total
abstinence that good red meat and
pure red wine" were brain builders
and health-giv He contended that
all the notable achievements of the
world were performed by people who
ate meat and who drank pure wines,
although he was strongly opposed to
alcoholic beverages. This man, too,
fell by the wayside. Surgeons puzzled
over his maladies, but all united in
the opinion that the trouble original
ed in the digestive apparatus. The
mans system had become poisoned
in some way.
He. too. failed to realize that he
had brought this disaster upon him
self by unwise indulgence in meat
and wine. He believed himself vic
tim OF overwork.
The parents of a beautiful young
girl in her teens wonder why she
has been afflicted with rheumatism.
but lillS young girl mas Deen dllOWeu
during her 16 years to eat all the
sweets and all the acids, all the rich
connections and appetizing dishes
which a high priced chef provided
for the family table. Up to the pres
ent time she has seemed as vigorous
" strong as she was radiantly beauti-
full. and her devoted parents could
not believe they were unwise in al
lowing her to follow the impulses of
appetite. They do not now believe
that her rheumatic trouble is a re-
suit Of this self indulgent appetite
and it is doubtful if they will ever
be made 10 believe it.
Woman's Beauty Destroyed.
A woman of large wealth died not
long ago. a few years past middle
life. In early youth she had married
a man of great wealth VINO had pro-
vided her with everything she could
crave in the way of comforts and
Injuries After a very few years the
striking beauty which had won her
husband was lost in a sea of fat
The woman began to develop NAL
aides of various sorts.
She was sent TO fashionable cures
put on a diet. and returned home
well. After a few months other NAL
aides developed and she went to
other cures. Something like twice a
year for period of Is years she fol-
lowed this method of life. Always
when at home she INDUCED her APP