Arizona republican., 1916-12-10
The Married Man and the Saloon

discussion of the saloon for the entertainment and edification of Arizona readers is more oppor tune than discussion of the cliff dwellings the expedition of Coronado. Yet these subjects not without interest though they hardly be described vital But shall deal with the saloons only in- cidentay. We shall them only a vehicle bring into view another world old subject domes tic institution which existed before the saloons and will exist long after the last of them has passed away
 meeting of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ America was held at St Louis yesterday and report previously outlined made to 1t by the commission temperance. Under the head of Married Men and the Saloon" the report says:
 Tt is striking fact that married spend time in the saloon than single men This is some what startling, because married life Is supposed have a sobering effect upon a man. Can it be that in many of these the home has failed to func- ton? For let it be said with all the emphasis possible that in the last analysis the home must be the best substitute for the saloon It is very generally that men do not do their part in making the home what it should be from social standpoint and per haps too much has been said about wives failing to make themselves and their homes attractive, thus driving their poor husbands drink but the fact remains that careful student of the subject vealed that about twice many married go to the saloon do single This may be due the
 
 be attributed the that they spend great deal of time in the company of their sweethearts. who naturally would visit the saloon with them Per haps satisfactory solution may be found of this particular aspect the problem until some way becomes possible to provide cheerful homes for working people. in point of ventilation, light space and general outlook. This condition must be met by and women of large social conceptions. It may be taken up by the municipality the state-some- body must do it. for is unfair and shortsghted to charge to married men and women social sins and omissions for which they only in part responsible.
 There time, it is yet and always will be. when young women believe they arrest the downward progress of young by marrying them. We sup pose such miracles have been performed though within personal knowledge. More angels have been dragged down than demons have been raised the skies. The young woman will have a sufficient task if she keeps straightforward husband going s.raight
 Most who go to saloons not impeled ta.re They under their power. No doubt e.lae so because cf unpleasant lives not because of .haenQe of light UT ventilation but because thcre some at home from whom they want to get way want as little of as possible. This some like death. approaches with equal step the pal of the great and the novels of the poor" The rich man finds refuge in his club the poor goes to the only place open to him, at any rate to the place accessible the saloon.
 We have sympathy with the who plains Of having been driven to drink" by domestic other troubles. Yet we believe there are many weak souls who have been so driven But they were probably destined to become drunkards anyhow. No drunkard has ever been found without that was satisfactory to him that satisfactory anybody else.