In that instance the hero is certainly wrong; yet in all
other cases with regard to drink, he is manifestly right. To tell
people that they are never to drink a glass of ale or wine
themselves, or to give one to others, is cant; and the writer has
no toleration for cant of any description. Some cants are not
dangerous; but the writer believes that a more dangerous cant than
the temperance cant, or as it is generally called, teetotalism, is
scarcely to be found. The writer is willing to believe that it
originated with well meaning, though weak people; but there can be
no doubt that it was quickly turned to account by people who were
neither well meaning nor weak. Let the reader note particularly
the purpose to which this cry has been turned in America; the land,
indeed, par excellence, of humbug and humbug cries. It is there
continually in the mouth of the most violent political party, and
is made an instrument of almost unexampled persecution. The writer
would say more on the temperance cant, both in England and America,
but want of space prevents him. There is one point on which he
cannot avoid making a few brief remarks--that is, the inconsistent
conduct of its apostles in general. The teetotal apostle says, it
is a dreadful thing to be drunk. So it is, teetotaller; but if so,
why do you get drunk? I get drunk? Yes, unhappy man, why do you
get drunk on smoke and passion? Why are your garments impregnated
with the odour of the Indian weed? Why is there a pipe or a cigar
always in your mouth? Why is your language more dreadful than that
of a Poissarde? Tobacco-smoke is more deleterious than ale,
teetotaller; bile more potent than brandy.
Pages:
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578