Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/498

 484 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

attempt to consider (i) the physiological questions involved; (2) the economic aspects; (3) the ethical aspects; (4) legisla- tion. Perhaps other sides will be studied. It is certain that at the conclusion of the special investigations a survey of the entire evidence will be necessary in order to show the bearing of each particle of evidence in relation to every other, and to bring out the cumulative force of the facts. To marshal the most instructive and convincing facts which explain the appetite for stimulants and the social customs which grow out of it would be to repeat a large part of the contents of such vol- umes.

The fourth step is the study of past and present social meth- ods of dealing with the problem of intemperance, and especially with the liquor traffic.

By an inductive process we may array all the conscious efforts of communities to secure customary conformity to the ideal of self-control, moderation in the use of alcoholic stimu- lants. This investigation would present an impartial survey of (i) the hortative method, or "moral suasion" movement, of moderates and total abstainers, represented by Father Matthew and John B. Gough ; (2) the various methods of legal control license, high tax, mulct, and prohibitive laws, the dispensary and Norwegian systems, and others; (3) the educational method teaching in schools, lectures, publications ; (4) the influence of modern machinery and organization of industry the discharge of employes of railroads for drinking or resorting to saloons ; (5) the discipline of social criticism and example; (6) the influ- ence of the church and ministry; (7) the labors of associations, temperance societies; (8) the indirect influence of general improvements, as better housing, sanitation, recreations, athletics, baths, public comfort stations.

From this investigation of actual methods and their results we may derive regulative principles. The study of causes reveals the motives which induce men to drink and drink to excess : weariness, exhaustion, discomfort at home, sociability of saloons, fashion, idleness, narrow range of interests.

The survey of all the means which have actually succeeded,