THE IRONY OF IT.

White Ribbon, Volume 35, Issue 416, 18 March 1930, Page 5

THE IRONY OF IT.

By direction of the Government of Ontario (Cunuda), a text hook is in use in the schools, from which the children are taught that it Ls foolish in the extreme to have anything to do with alcohol. The following extracts will suffice to indicate the nature of the teaching:— •The first effect of drinking alcohol is to lessen one’s self-control.” “Kven small quantities of alcohol cause a man to lose the tine co-ordina-tion of all his movements.” “Alcohol has a laid effect upon the muscular work and upon the mental work." “Those who value ‘safety’ either for themselves or for others should abstain from alcohol in any form. ... It would be conservative to say that the industrial accident risk is about three times as high amongst drinkers as among men in general.” "There Is no reason to doubt the testimony of scientists and life insurance experiences, that the so-called moderate use of alcohol shortens life.” "The evil effects of alcohol are not limited to those who use it. It has been found that these evil effects are transmitted to the children.’ “Since all agree that the excessive use of alcohol is the cause of much crime, disease, and misery, and since the effect of even a small quantity Is insidious in lessening self-control, and even will power, it is surely foolish in the extreme to have anything to do with alcohol." Ami this from a Government which runs liquor as a business and boasts of the revenue derived from the sale of that which the children are taught spoils efficiency, increases i-ocidents. shortens life, and poisons future generations. The irony of it.