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MORAL CAUSES OF INTEMPERANCE.

liquors with the intercourses of social life, forms a powerful inducement to the formation of intemperate habits. This injurious mode of cultivating the pleasures of society has unfortunately prevailed in almost all civilized countries, and in every age and climate of which the records have reached our own.

In the present day scarce any important event can be passed over without the introduction of what is called # The Social Glass." Each progressive period in the life of man, commencing from his birth, and extending to his death, is more or less associated with the introduction of alcoholic liquors. Marriage is seldom celebrated without the seductive aid of the spirit or wine bottle ;* the birth of a child is hailed by the introduction of the social glass ; the several events of christening, coming of age,

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History presents to us many examples of serious evils arising from the use of intoxicating liquor at marriage feasts. Stowe relates, tnat in the year 1446, there was a wedding near Zeghebuic, celebrated with such iniemperance, that no less than nine score persons, men and women, died of excessive eating and drinking.

In the beginning of the seventeenth century, a riot took place at Thurgau, Switzerland, which originated in a drunken brawl at a wedding. Very considerable mischief was occasioned thereby, and for the time being, the law and constituted authorities were set at defiance.-Zschoke's Switzer. land, p. 220.

Illustrations of Intemperance at marriage feasts might be multiplied to a considerable extent. The reader no doubt is acquainted with examples of a more familiar character,

Coming of age. The following awful occurrences took place, July, 1830, in a certain part of Scotland. A gentleman of large estates, whose name in charity is screened from public notice (although announced in the papers of the day,) gave a large feast on his coming of age; of which the workmen and certain others partook.' A large ox was roasted and placed in the middle of the square. “ The company took their seats about two o'clock in the afternoon, and then commenced the cutting up and distributing of the ox to which was added an unlimited supply of porter, strong ale, and whiskey. Four half hogsheads of porter and six of strong ale, with about sixty gallons of whiskey were provided for the occasion. When the party had sufficiently regaled themselves, and had often devoted copious libations to the happiness of their generous employer and his amiable lady, they quietly dispersed. No sooner had the company already mentioned left their seats, than the spectators took possession of them, and the work of jollification 'went on briskly. Nor were the intoxicating, draughts con. fined to those who encompassed the immense rustic table; pitchers of whiskey mixed with strong ale and porter, were served out in the most liberal manner to all who chose to participate in them. The consequence was, that in a very short time hundreds were in a state of deep intoxication. and hand-barrows and carts were instantly put in requisition to convey them to their several habitations. On the roads from Bannockburn Muir, in every direction people were found lying perfectly helpless. One man states, that between Bannockburn and Stirling, he loosened the neckcloths, and placed in elevated positions, no less than eight individuals, evidently in danger of suffocation. But the scene around the table basfles description. Some ran thither to assist fathers—others to help sons-some to aid brothers-others to succour husbands and not a few husbands to bring

and other equally important periods in the life of man, are similarly celebrated ; and even the last solemn ceremony of burial is too frequently desecrated by vinous indulgence.* These occurrences have, in innumerable inaway frail wives. It frequently happened too, that those who proffered as. sistance to others were prevailed on to taste the liquor,' and therefore soon stood as much in need of aid themselves as those to whom they meant to extend it. Men, women, and children, were to be seen staggering about in inimitable confusion, tumbling over each other with the utmost uncon. cern, and lying by scores in every direction, neither able to tell their names por their residences. On Sunday morning, parties were out in all directions, looking for relations and friends, and removing them from the highways that they might not be observed by people going to church.” “No fewer than three individuals died from the effects of excessive drinking, not to mention several others who narrowly escaped a similar fate from the same cause, having been obliged to be repeatedly bled, and afterward attended by medical men. The three victims to this debauch were all stout young men in the prime of life."-Public Papers, June 7th, 1830.

* The following melancholy picture is extracted from a work published in Scotland, entitled, “Some Account of the State of Morals and Religion in Skye, in 1805, and the period immediately previous to it:

Assemblies for dancing were frequent among them, and as they were accompanied with the drinking of ardent spirits to excess, they almost invariably ended in quarrels and scuffles. Nothing can serve to give a clearer idea of the extent to which the vice of drunkenness abounded among them, than a description of the barbarous manner in which their funerals were conducted. Some were free enough to acknowledge that they experienced delight at hearing the death of a man or woman, because of the prospect it afforded them of getting their fill of whiskey. The friends of the deceased were particularly anxious to solemnize the funeral with great feast. This was what they called burying their deceased friend with decency. Hence they wasted, not only unnecessarily, but most wantonly, a great quantity of liquor and victuals on those occasions. This woful and barbarous practice was so general, and of so long standing, that persons, when arrived at old age, manifested a great anxiety to lay by a certain sum of money against their funeral. And upon their death beds, while indifferent upon the state of their souls, they would not forget to order matters regarding their funerals; often expressing, “that they could not be happy unless men were drunk and fought at their funerals." Their surviving relations would not neglect to attend to their dying requests. For honour's sake this barbarous custom must be complied with. Not to do so, was incurring much disgrace. Hence, many who were poor in circumstances, in order to attend to it, ran themselves deep into debt, which some of them were never able to discharge. Surely, it was a spectacle calculated to awaken deep regret in the bosom of an enlightened and benevolent Christian, to behold the distressed widow in the most desti. tute circumstances, going without shoes or head-dress with six, seven, or eight ragged and starving children; while perhaps her only cow must be disposed of to procure whiskey to make her neighbours drunk, and fight one another. Although the people, on other occasions, would walk twenty or thirty miles without either food or drink, yet, at funerals, the persons as. sembled must be treated to excess, though the place of interment should not be a mile distant. Scores of men' must be invited; and every man served with four or even five glasses of strong whiskey, and some food before they moved. Horse loads of bread and cheese, dressed fowls, beef and whiskey, went along with them to the burying ground. The funeral procession marched in good humour, preceded by a piper to the place of interment. When the grave was secured, they sai down in some convenient place in the open air, but not unfrequently in the church, when the minister happened to be 80 generous as to grant his permission. The feasting then commenced. The rulers of the feast were always most pressing in their liberality. A

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stances, been made sources of disgusting intemperance. Even those individuals who, in general, view intemperance with disgust, look upon it at these periods as less venial in its character. Thus the marriage of a relation or friend, in some classes of society, is not regarded as properly celebrated, unless the parties become intoxicated. In the course of life, these occasions become frequent, until unfortunately, in too many instances, the dreadful habit of drunkenness is formed! It is to be feared, that many weak-minded persons take a pleasure in the holding of feasts, wherein their own bibacious importance has been conspicuous; and where exhibitions of their peculiar talent in that way can be conveniently made.* number of uninvited persons were sure to make their appearance; they were served separately. Bread and beef were tossed in the air that they might alight among the boys, to produce scuffling among them, to the no small amusement of the assembly, and to the great honour of the deceased! As the drinking advanced, they became wildly obstreporous and tumultuous, so that the clamour might be heard at a great distance. When the day was far spent, and the excessive drinking of ardent spirits had produced general intoxication, fighting and bloodshed ensued. The men of different clans would form themselves into parties, and would furiously attack each other. Many would be so overcome with drunkenness, that they could not move. The grosser the transactions of the day, it was considered the more honour. able, and a more lasting monument to the memory of the deceased. At a gentleman's funeral five or six ankers of whiskey would perhaps be con. sumed. Most of the ministers would countenance this barbarous custom with their presence, and none of them ever made any vigorous effort to suppress and abolish it.”

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The practice of "friendly treats," is another frequent source of intemperance. An individual meets with a friend, and cannot separate without inviting him to “take a glass at his expense." Old times are talked over, and very frequently, a second and a third glass are introduced, until inebriation is the consequence.

The same injurious practice is almost invariably adopted in the making and concluding of a "bargain," as it is termed. If an individual wishes to make a purchase, an adjournment is proposed to an adjoining hotel, and in general previously to an agreement between the parties a stipulation is made, that a certain quantity of drink shall be included.

A similar practice almost universally obtains on occasions, common in various branches of trade. ' Footings," and penalties of a like nature, are from time to time exacted.*

A very fruitful source of intemperance is found in the

A practice of handing round bowls of punch or whiskey at auctions, and similar occasions. This is done with the intent of so elevating the feelings, as to induce individuals to make unwary purchases.t

Russia, in 1779. “One of the farmers of the brandy duty, who had made an immense fortune by his contract, proposed to give a feast to the inhabitants of the city, in testimony of his gratitude to those who had enriched him. The victuals, the beer, and the brandy, which he caused to be served, cost him 20,000 rubles! The populace flocked in crowds to the place adjoining to the summer gardens, where he gave this enormous repast; and in spite of the precautions that had been taken, disturbances soon arose among this motley throng of guests. The contentions first began about the places, and the better kind of provisions spread upon the board: from struggles and noise they proceeded to blows. Several persons were killed; others became so intoxicated that they fell asleep in the streets and perished from the severity of the weather. The number of people who lost their lives amounted in all to at least 500 !"-Life of the Empress Catherine II. vol. ii.

* Mr. Dunlop, in a work recently published, entitled, “The Philosophy of Artificial and Compulsory Drinking Usages in Great Britain and Ireland, enters at length into these pernicious habits. In this interesting volume no less than 297 drinking usages are specified. Mr. Dunlop has since discovered more than twenty in addition.

+ Intemperance at Auctions, &c.—This practice is carried on in country places to a considerable extent. An auctioneer would anticipate a very poor sale did he not place before his audience a quantity of stimulating liquor.

The tithes sales in Wales are said to be conducted in a similar manner.

Examination of Mr. Owen Roberts, Surgeon, Caernarvon, North Wales, before Parliamentary Committee, 1834.

Question.- Are there not in Wales frequent meetings of people, accom. panied by great intemperance among them; sales, auctions, and things of that nature ?

Answer.-Yes, there are, and the manner in which the tithes are let, tends most materially to encourage and increase immorality and drunkenness. The tithes of each parish are divided into many small parcels and let onee a year by auction. In the morning part of the day, the owner of the tithe, or his agent, whether bishop, rector, perpetual curate, or vicar, gives a din

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Travellers assert, that they would be unable to do business with a certain class of customers, were it not for the aid of intoxicating liquors. By this means advantageous sales have not unfrequently been made. *

Innumerable examples might be adduced in proof of the intimate and widely spread habit of using intoxicating liquors, even on the most trivial occasions. Space however, will not admit of further detail.t

ner or treat to the persons who are paying for the last year's tithe; after the money has been received, and while they are at dinner enjoying them. selves with pipes, punch and ale, the persons in another room, where the auction is to take place, are plied with ale, tobacco and punch, till sufficient excitement is produced; the auctioneer is brought forth; different parcels are set up lot by lot ; every person bidding for a lot is handed a cup to drink, either punch or ale, after each bidding; and many a one is often surprised on being congratulated the next morning as the taker of one, two, or three parcels of titħes. I have seen respectable ministers handing the drink about as well as the most expert waiter in any tavern in town.”—Parliamentary Evidence, 1834, p. 158-9.

Travellers themselves are peculiarly, prone to vinous indulgence. * Well fed, riding from town to town, and walking to the houses of the several tradesmen, they have an employment not only more agreeable, but more conducive to health than almost any other dependant on traffic. But they destroy their constitutions by intemperance ; not generally by drunkenness, but by taking more liquor than nature requires. Dining at ihe trav. eller's table, each drinks his pint or bottle of wine; he then takes negus or spirit with several of his customers, 'and at night he must have a glass or two of brandy and water. Few commercial travellers bear the employ for thirty years--the majority not twenty.”—Thackrah on the Effects of the Principal Arts, Trades and Professions, p. 83.

† The value of the stores found in the cellars of the various Club-houses in London, may be adduced in evidence of the estimation in which wine is held, by a portion, at least, of the higher classes in the metropolis. Carl. ton Club £1500 ; United University Club, not much under £2000. The Literary and Scientific Athenæum, *£3500 to £4000. The Union Club appears to exceed the rest in the contents of its cellars, which remarks the writer, from whose work we extract this information, " disguise it as people will, is the most important matter after all.” The stock of wine, (the Chairman declares it io be an under-estimate) according to a recent valuation, amounts to £7150. The Junior United Service Club, values its stock of wines at £3722. Those of the United Service Club are worth, it is said, £7722. A cellar so amply furnished, must be no sinall recommendation to the club. It accounts for the extraordinary anxiety manifested by certain gentlemen to be admitted as members.”—The Great Metropolis, London.

The Gambling-houses of London, (technically denominated "hells,”) exceed all other establishments in their stock of wines. There is a close and almost inseparable connexion between gambling and drinking. Crockford's, in St. James' Street, cost in its erection nearly £60,000. The fur nishing of this establishment cost in addition £35,000. Its cellar contains wines to suit every diversity of taste. It is kept by Crockford's son, and is valued at £70,000. It measures 285 feet in length. Independently of in. numerable hogsheads, the number of bottles on the shelves amount to 300,000. The author of the “Great Metropolis,” was at a loss to know how with 750 subscribers (the subscription, moreover, only twelve guineas per annum, in addition to an entrance fee of twenty guineas,) Mr. č. could afford to give superb suppers in the saloon to those of the members who chose to partake of them, without any additional charge. The matter, Lowever, was soon explained. “With regard to those who enter the haze