DOCTORS AND DRINK TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12991, 4 June 1904, Page 5

DOCTORS AND DRINK TO THE EDITOR.

Sit,—All who ai-o identified with the temperance reformation have to regret that the. total ahjstiuenco movement in its practical bearings has obtained a fairer hearing among working people than among those, in the upper ranks of life. There arc several reasons for this. There arc hundreds who ore well disposed to the cause of total abstinence, but who continue (o bring out the decanter and glass when a friend looks in upon them, for fear lest they should seem, to be wanting in'-.the duty of' hospitality. But there exists another which, perhaps moro than- anything else, is a hindrance to the spread of tho principles of total abstinence. I speak of the influence generally exercised by medical men. Ther-a is no \ more powerful enemy to contend against than the order of the doctor. I speak not at present of the administration of alcoholic liquors purely and medicinally in cases of perious or dangerous illness, but 'of that commeu-'ireconimendation of them which is ■ vailu>r'''tlje'teti6."than medicinal, and which lends thc'full weight of professional sanction to th'p ordinary consumption of these liquors ae • beverages. . I speak, too, of the general influence and example of the faculty as they move amongst us in social life. Wo complain of those whd recommend the moderate uso of intoxicating liquors as beverages, attributing nutritive qualities to these liquors.. What have.they to reply to the. ■ 2000 medical gentlemen who signed the following declaration:—"That the most perfect health'is compatible with total abstinence from all intoxicating beverages; that persons accustomed to .such drinks may with perfect, safety discontinue, them entirely; and that,total and universal abstinence from' alcoholic liquors and intoxicating beverages of all sorts would greatly contribute to tho health, the prosperity, tho morality, and tho happiness of the human race"? What, I say, 'have they to reply to. such a- statom'ent? Wo -have at least or.c doctor among us who is able and willing to xiphoid this manifesto of the 2000 doctors, somo of whom are of the highest eminence in (he profes-, sion. tot those who think differently como and hear Dr dc Lautour's lecture to-morrow (Sunday) night in the Alliambra Theatre, and bo convinced of their error.—l am, etc., • D. D.