PRIZE ESSAY.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 257, 18 November 1916, Page 15

PRIZE ESSAY.

W ANT. WIT FAST. EVILS OF STRONG DRINK DURING WAR TIME. (By lluia Clayton.) Strong drink is one of the national evils, its eft nets being noticeable with others in times of peace, when there is time to fight the evil. The strength of each nat'on i> not wholly threatened or endangered by the evil of drink, for the poll always shows a large majority for prohibiting and reducing the evil, and along with the drink traffic the nation continues prospering, although it is known that many individuals fall by the way. But in war the whole nation is taxed to its utmost, and at once the effects of any evil like drink are more dangerous, being a weak spot in our national armour, which is immediately guarded. Success in war depends upon the sober men to lead and fight, as men under the in luer.ee of drink are incapable of thougne or action equalling that of the sober man. The strict laws enforced since the out-

break of war were necessary to protect the nation, which in war time is dependent on groups of individuals, such as munition manufacturers, dock workers, naval marines, and soldiers, as well a> the* producers of what is most needed. When poor work was the result through drink in any of these departments, it became necessary to protect the nation by stricter laws, which was done only after carefully weighing the results. Hotels where strong drink is sold are now closed for the greater part of the day in England, Austialia, and other parts of the Empire arc inclined to follow in England’s footsteps. Russia and Franee have made very important changes in regard to the sale of strong drink, because these nations foresaw what the evil offer ts of strong drink would do for them. An example of considerable worth to the nation was the self-imposed prohibition of strong drink by King George V. in his castle and at public functions, an example that was immediately followed by many of his subjects. The evil effects of strong drink have in many cases caused the loss of many soldiers through the want of ammunition and the neglect of repairs to ships, the workers in both instances losing valuable time through drink-caused absence. The work of fighting strong drink has received a great impetus since the outbreak of war. and the evil effects of strong drink have decided very many more throughout all the countries of the Allies to stand against the universal evil -Strong Dr nk.