Page:The reports of the Society for Bettering the Condition and Increasing the Comforts of the Poor (IA b21971961 0001).pdf/23

Rh as it has been;—the present consumption of British spirits (notwithstanding all our increase of population and manufactures), being much less than it was half a century ago. Of ale and beer, a wholesome and nourishing beverage for the labouring poor, there may be an increased consumption, though, I believe, no excess upon the whole; however it might be wished that the quantity, which they have, were more wisely husbanded and applied by them, to the purposes of their own domestic comfort and enjoyment.

Before we give judgment, however, upon the crimes of the poor, it will be prudence, at least, to examine how far we have, in any degree, been accessories.—If habitual drunkenness be frequently the consequence of weakness of body, or of despondency of mind; and, among the poor at least most prevalent where the constitution has been impaired by comfortless habits of life, or by want of nutritive and regular food,—and if, of every species of idleness, that of