Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 5.djvu/102

 88 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

Legrain has demonstrated by statistics that in France there are about four millions of inhabitants who derive some profit from the trade in alcoholic drinks. These millions of alcohol dealers, says Dr. Debone, have an admirable understanding with the other millions of alcohol drinkers whose deepest desire is to increase their malady rather than to cure it.

In America, England, Denmark, and Switzerland numerous women of generous hearts have been found to enter the conflict. It is indispensable that the other civilized countries should fol- low the beautiful example. Woman is able to act as mother, as sister, as friend. In the home which she exalts by order and delicacy she will provide a center of attraction for her husband, her children, her friends. She will be trusted by the friends of the family, and especially by those who are characterized by an orderly life. She will put forth every endeavor to persuade the members of her family and her acquaintances who abuse or are tempted to abuse alcoholic drinks, and, in case of despair of suc- cess, will reject those of them to whom she has no special obli- gation.

Woman will not only by her social position be able to exer- cise a great influence on her family, but even when heredity has struck the children she may be able, by careful education, to induce total abstinence from alcoholic drinks, to diminish the tendency to degeneration, and to ameliorate the mental and moral life of those who are dear to her. The moment has not come for a radical law against alcoholism. It is necessary to prepare the people by popular writing and conferences. It is necessary to reach the public before knocking at the door of the legislature. The contest with alcoholism should form a part of political programs, for all parties will accept this article when the multitude has once comprehended the permanent danger and destructive nature of this plague. It is necessary that the phy- sicians and public men should make known their opinions far and wide, that there be unanimity among them, and that they affirm the urgent need of measures which tend to restrict the consumption of alcoholic drinks, and to restrict the use of alco- holic drinks to those which are entirely pure.