SOCIETY WOMEN ON THE DOWN GRADE.

Evening Post, Volume LXIX, Issue 83, 8 April 1905, Page 13

SOCIETY WOMEN ON THE DOWN GRADE.

A writer in the World, who signs himself "M.D.," mnkes ti vigorous onslaught on Society womon. " M.D." writes : "Tho history of our present-day England presents a parallel to the history of past nations, as glorious in their era as ours has been ; nnd if tho writing on the wall bo not hocded, a parallel will bo seen inovitnbly, in our decatlonco and extinction. To what may we uocribo tho condition into which so many Society women are fast drifting? It is v. complex problem, lfc i» one of ultra-civilisation, and among the most powerful factors are tho luxury and sclMmiulgenoo that prosperity has brought) in its train; the insatiate appetito for pleasure nnd excitement, tho inevitable rccourso to alcoholic «nd drag stimulants and narcotics. A generation back it was among the lewor classes we found intcmpernnco rifo, and then it was the beer of tho people which supplied the means ( today, we find intemperance rampant from tho highest to tho lowest, the vehiclo being alcohol, impiuo and simple, vile concoctions labelled indifferently brandy, whisky, giu. Heaven alouo knows what small percentage can bo accepted as spirit genuine from grape- or mult. Nor would it bo easy to trace tho birthplace of somo champagnes and other wines tvhich crowd the market. Our wearied, juded votaries of plcttsuie seek temporary recuperation from these imuuro sources; theu t when their day is dono, they resort to their sulplional, trioiinl, morphia, or what not, m tho vain hopo of a night's good rest. Another most appalling fact that wo have to faco ia tho rapid increase in tho number of womon among the inebriate ranks. To tho working class much may bo forgiven. Tho hard fight for sordid existence, in a lifo unbeautiful nnd with littlo or no intorest to ease tho stress of toll, may well command sympathy and compassion. For those whoso lives ure fre© from anxiety and doubt, whose days and nights are spent in a whirl of pleasure and ojcoitement, vory, little can be said. What is the duily lifehistory of a woman in society? Too jaded by selfish indulgences, after a night of morbid sleep borr of somo favourite drug, sho rises to faco a day's racing with its concomitant, betting. Her breakfast inndequato, probably ( supplemented by brandy or whisky nnd Boda j luncheon indigestible, savoury but unhealthy bonnes bouches, liberal potations of champagne, or inoro likely rocourso to familiar brandy or whisky peg j a rush home, further pandering to a morbid appetite, more champagne, later perhaps a dance, or ninny hours devoted to inevitable Bridge— a game equal, fit any rato in its intrinsic interest, to tho old-fashioned whist, bub prostituted by the facility with which it provides added excitement in tho form of gambling; again brandy or whisky and soda ; then bed, with Riilphonal, trional, morphia, or somo equally noxious drug. What wonder that there is no timo, no disposition for domestio duties, no care for tho family life that erst was tho backbono of England ? . . . The earliest indications which we havo .ire an indifference to appearance, a rapid deterioration of habits and morals, with toleration of companions that not long sinco would have been repugnant. ... In tho hands of our womon lie Ihe physical and mental strength of the nation's sons. Shall wo fall from our high estato, or will an apathetic Lcglsla* tu\o boldly attack this horrible evil which thicatens our existence? At present it has only coquetted, and rests content with a weak, a timorous, and abortive Act. under which unhappy victims must thornselvos be consenting parties to it too brief sojourn in so-called retreats — the results of treatment in which might be interesting and improving reading. The substitution of a. drug habit for tho alcoholic would just as surely add to tho inmates of tho lunatic asylums. Legislation is demanded in til* direction of taking caro of inebriates, alcohol or drug— taking care of them against themselves. The. retreats should be under tho strictest Government control and diroction, upcoinl rocord being made of treatment followed. Fmthor, a clause in the existing Act dealing with tho sale of poisons should apply to the sale of such forms of so-called medicines as sulphonal, trional and tho like. Wo see our Sovereign and his Queen showing a human interest in relijjio-socinl movements, such u.s those of General Booth and tho Church Army — both doing good work. Would they but show (i lively interest in that fatal epidemic which is undermining the very exisUmco of the nation, what hnpjpy reHiilts might bo looked for?"

Liltlo Willio! "I sny, pa, what is an empty" title?" Pa: "An empty title, my son, is your mother's w,»y of icferring to me ns the head of the house when there arc visitors present."