New-York tribune., 1918-04-22
More Interesting Replies to
Tribune S QUESTIONABLE
on Liquor Problem
DRY Dinner a Dull
One" Orator Finds
Longshoremen's Leader As
serts Times Too Troublous
for New Agitation

10 obtain clear view of public
opinion on the liquor question, pro
and con, The Tribune has sent a
uuestionnaire to men and women of
many professions and positions in
life, usually without previous knowl-
edge of their convictions On the SUBJ
ject. The poll is pretty evenly di-
vided. In yesterdays Tribune a
number of Illuminating replies were
given. To-day there are more.
equally interesting.
Among the following Illuminating
discussions of the liquor problem in
all its angles is presented first the
comment Of Isham G. Harris, super
intendent of the Brooklyn State Hos
rital, who would eliminate the abuse
Of alcoholic liquors by dispensing
with their use; second, that of
Chauncey NJ. Depew, who believes
prohibition would take the joy out
of life; third, that of John De Witt
Warner. who, while not entirely sat
= isted with prohibition, believes it to
be the best solution of intemperance:
fourth, that of Paul A. Vaccarelli,
who thinks the times too troublous to
introduce new cause for discomfort,
and, fifth, that Of DR.. Frederick W.
Seward, who is convinced the human
species would be improved if freed
from alcoholic taint.
A Physicians Testimony
The testimony of physicians, and
particularly Of those who have
studied the medical aspect of social
conditions. is always eagerly sought
ii the prohibition controversy. Some
consider the difference between the
"use" and the "abuse" of alcohol
only the difference between a smaller
and a greater consumption of poison.
Bat DR.. Isham G. Harris, superin-
tendent of the Brooklyn State Hos
rital and a man Of eminence in his
profession, states unequivocally that
@it is the use and not the abuse of
alcoholic liquors which causes so
much trouble"
l. In my opinion, the suppression
Of the use of fermented liquors would
Increase the general health and hap
piness of the nation.
2 believe it is only apparently
true that many people find an inds-
pensable solace in the temperate use
s OF beer and wine. There is certainly
? no reason to consider its use essential
from any medical or physiological
: point OF view
). have not sufficient statistics to
answer the third question, but from
experience my impression is that the
abuse OF fermented liquors has been
the cause OF much mental disease,
Iee5le-mindedness ard crime. Alec
mol may rot have direct influence,
nut certainly in an indirect way / be-
heve il has considerable weight.
! Many Think They Need 1t
Al am not satisfied that any evil
+ would follow the suppression, and yet
l readily appreciate the fact that many
people will consider that some sort Of
st!mulant may be necessary and
some drug addctions may become
+ more prominent; a greater use of tea
and coffee may follow, and also the
extended exploitation Of various nos
trunns
D. have not sufficient data to give
al opinion.
..s. believe firmly that the major
ny ef people would gain in efficiency
ana sand IN bodily and mental vigor from
me y,. non-use Of alcoholic beverages.
.niie | am not teetotaller, : would
u l mad sn opportunity, vote IN favor
@ prohibition. 1t is question as to
beverages plays in the cause of crime
ana 1f mental disease. I believe 1T
.s aanniSted that IN majority Of cases
=. ~ erlme alcohol is considered one OF
me factors. Alcohol is very fre-
9asnlly considered an Geological fac
lef IA mental disease, and a great
.ea! OF .pauperism is also attributed
INC abuse Of alcoholic drinks.
.als is very large problem, and
oashsnd way. There are many things
ea.erinZ into the general makeup of
person. and it is hard to say that
sHg one particular factor has played
PREDOMINANT part.
& might add that Of the number of
ssss' ..ns' admitted to tho state institu-
sapns during the past year there has
YET YET marked lessening Of so-called
@'eoaoiic conditions
AZ conclusion, | would state that it
- me abuse and not the proper use
- alcoholic liquors which causes so
,aaen trouble. but IL we eliminate the
sss .nere viii be no opportunity for
Yours very truly,
ISHAM G. HARRIS.
Snauncey Depew's Opinion
inc fear that prohibition would