Alcohol in history, an account of intemperance in all ages

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

ALCOHOL iN HISTORY.

Part II. " The Historical^ Statistical, Economical and Political," and

Part III. "The Social, Educational and Religious Aspects," written by Rev. Richard Eddy, of Massachusetts, are herewith presented in MS.

The MSS. presented under the prize competitive plan not proving satisfactory to the Committee, that method was abandoned, and Dr. Eddy was engaged by Mr. Jackson to prepare Part II. ; and that work receiving the approval of the Committee, he was also engaged to write Part III., which after pains-taking care in reading and examination by each member, received the unanimous favors ~ irt A%« ment of the Committee.

vi Prize Essays.

In literary execution, clearness of statement, comprehen. siveness in research, fact and reasoning, Parts II. and III. will we think commend themselves as " eminently satisfactory ; n and a a matter for congratulation that this protracted enterprise comes to so acceptable a close." These three general parts, will, we believe, constitute the most complete work on Temperance produced in the United States ; and will prove a valuable addition to our literature on that subject, furnishing an arsenal from which the educator, legislator and philanthropist, may draw lessons from history, philosophy, experience and statistics, to be used in the warfare against the " drink system."

Ten years have passed since the Committee, consisting of A. M. Powell, Gen. Neal Dow, Judge R. C. Pitman, Rev. A. A. Miner and James Black were appointed. The entire Committee passed upon and approved Part I. Subsequently Gen. Dow and Judge Pitman finding the labor required too severe a tax upon time and strength, fully required for other duties, declined to further serve. Since their retirement, the undersigned have endeavored to meet the labor and responsibilities, and have borne the personal expenses incident to their appointment, and with the passing of these MSS. to the National Temperance Society they judge their duties will end.

We deem it proper to say that beside the initial conception of this work (mapped out and broadened by another^) the whole financial burden in the payment of prizes offered, and compensation to writers, has been paid by Mr. Jackson, to whose courage, devotedness, and perseverance in overcoming great obstacles, the honor of this work is greatly due.

We trust the silent influences of this work may enlighten and preserve many, and redeem some from the drink curse ; and that it may prove under God an efficient agency in directing the moral and political power of the people for the banishment of the alcoholic drink trade from the recognition and protection of our national and state governments. Very respectfully,

A. M. Powell.

A. A. Mixeh.

James Black.

Preface

THE following pages are the result of an effort to furnish what will supply a want long felt by those who labor in the temperance cause, as well as by the general reader on the subject, viz.: — a book that shall contain in orderly array, the many facts in the history of Intemperance which are scattered in numerons volumes, many of them not accessible to the general reader, and some not to be found except in the large libraries of Colleges and other Public Institutions.

In arranging these pages the writer has desired to set forth facts, rather than to minister to pride of authorship ; and, disclaiming originality, is satisfied to be known only as a Compiler of the various chapters in the story of the world's great cnrse, as it has been told in so many climes, and through the most distant ages.

While it is not claimed that this historical field is exhausted — since no one can know better than he who has attempted the exploration of any portion of it, what vast regions are yet unexamined — it is believed that there are brought together in these pages a more full statement of reliable facts in regard to the extent and uniform consequences of intemperance, than can be found elsewhere.

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viii Preface*

In preparing the portion devoted to the history of efforts to suppress intern perance, an examination has been made of the great mass of conjecture which has accumulated on the subject. Unsupported traditions have been discarded, and only well-attested facts have been recorded. What is given, is, therefore, believed to be worthy of credit 5 and copious references to the sources of information on any portion of the subject of the volume will be found in the marginal notes.

The writer has also aimed at candor and impartiality in analyzing the causes which have led to radical changes of policy in temperance w T ork, as also in setting forth and considering Objections to special methods of operation ; and he humbly trusts that these pages, which cost him many researches, and much and long continued labor, may be of service to the workers in the field of temperance, as well as to the general reader, helping each and all to hopeful and persistent effort in battling against intemperance. To this end he invokes the blessing of God on his work, K. E.

Contents

PAGE

Preface 7

CHAPTER I. Temperance and Intemperance Defined 13

The Temperate and Moderation Plea Examined 15 List of the Chief Substances employed in producing Intoxicants 31

Fermented and Unfermented Wines 42

Malt Liquors 49

Distilled Liquors 55

Adulteration of Liquors 59

CHAPTER II. History of Intemperance, and its Political, Moral

and Religious Effects 73

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x Contents.

PAGE

In China 75

In India 79

In Persia , 85

In Egypt 93

In Greece and Rome 96

Among the Jews * 115

Among the Philistines, Amalekites, Syrians and

Babylonians 122

In Germany 124

In Russia 137

In England 140

In the United States 176

CHAPTER III. The Annual Cost of Intoxicants to the Leading

Nations and to the World 208

Intemperance and Prostitution 229

Intemperance and Physical Decay. 240

Intemperance and Mental Disease and Heredity 247

Contents. xi

Chapter IV. Page

History of the Means Employed in Various Nations and Ages to Remove Intemperance... 259

Antidotes to Intoxication 260

Ecclesiastical Penalties 273

The Women's Work 350

Coffee Houses 351

Inebriate Asylums 353

Education * .,. 353

Prohibitory Laws ; t . . . 366

Local Option Laws 378

CHAPTER V. Evils of Licensing a Confessed Wrong 382

License in Conflict with Accepted Principles of xii Contents,

PAGE

The Right and Duty of the State to Prohibit . . 388

Organized Opposition to Prohibition 414

The Necessity for Prohibition Acknowledged by

Temperance Leaders 424

Grounds of Opposition to Prohibitory Laws. . . 430 Great Political Parties Controlled by the Liquor

Traffic , 449

Conclusion 454

ALCOHOL IN HISTORY.