AGITATION OF THE TEMPERANCE QUESTION

The relation of the people of Europe to the temperance question had led to the publication of special articles on this subject in Les Signes. The position taken by this journal on this question was as much at variance with the customs of the people as were the religious doctrines which it advocated. The use of intoxicating drinks is surprisingly common; indeed, those who are not habituated to their use are largely in the minority. Not only are those drinks which contain the smaller per cent of alcohol, such as beer and wine, in common use by people in general, but even the stronger liquors, such as rum, whisky, and brandy, are used to a degree that is startling. We cannot give a more just idea of how general and extensive the use of intoxicating drinks is than by citing some facts which appear in the official statistics of the government, in its investigation of this question. For example, we find in a message from the Federal Council of Switzerland, addressed to the Federal Assembly, the following facts as to the consumption of liquor in Switzerland and other countries : “According to the most recent estimates, the annual consumption of brandy is 9.4 litres [a litre is about a quart] for each individual of our population. No civilized State shows so high a consumption with the exception of Holland, which has an average of 9.87 litres, and Denmark, which has an average consumption of 18.9 litres for each inhabitant. But it is to be remarked that in these two countries they drink, so to speak, no wine, while in Switzerland the average consumption of wine is 55 litres for each individual. As to beer, the three countries average nearly the same from 27 to 37 litres for each individual.”HSFM 35.1

When it is considered that one-third of the entire population of Switzerland is composed of children under fifteen years of age, these figures are seen to be nothing less than startling. In speaking of the cost of this immense consumption, a leading journal of Switzerland says: “As to the direct expense to our people of this consumption of wine, brandy, and beer, we believe we are below the truth in estimating it at 140,000,000 to 150,000,000 francs per year” (about $28,000,000 to $30,000,000).HSFM 35.2

The beer gardens and public resorts for drinking are considered perfectly respectable, and are patronized by the best class of society. Men frequent them with their wives and children, and it is considered in no way dishonorable to indulge in the common habit of drinking. The reader will doubtless be somewhat surprised at the sentiment expressed in the quotation which follows, especially when he understands it to be a portion of the official message to which we have already referred; but perhaps nothing could better illustrate the public sentiment in regard to the use of intoxicating drinks, and the feeling with which the public places for its sale are regarded, than the reproduction of this rare piece of parliamentary literature.HSFM 35.3

“People can doubtless discuss and chat without drink, or content themselves with tea or coffee; but every one knows by experience that after being occupied with fatiguing labor during the morning, or an entire day, when one is burdened with cares or business perplexities, he could not carry a very cheerful spirit into the society which he seeks for recreation, instruction, and mutual encouragement, were it not that the generous wine or refreshing beer effaces the traces of the daily toil, and opens the mind to other impressions.HSFM 35.4

“Can the necessity of these reunions for the development of our intelligence, our character, our public life in general, be denied? Can it be denied that in many localities, and for many individuals, the relations of social life are intimately linked with the associations of the saloon? Can it be denied that the numerous societies which are formed, either for the purpose of recreation and pleasure or for the discussion and protection of professional interests, that the extension of the rights of the people, and that the development of the press are so many factors which increase the frequentation of these public establishments? If we deplore the excess of drink which is frequently the result, if we blame those who spend their time or money uselessly in these places in gossip, in saloon politics, or in insipid games of cards, we cannot fail to recognize, on the other hand, the stimulating influence of these reunions upon the intellectual activity of individuals, nor their good fruits from the stand-point of public interests. And while we pity those whom the passion for alcohol has thrown into the arms of folly, of suicide, and of crime, we must recognize the fact that social life is an efficacious remedy against hypochondria and misanthropy, against selfishness and presumption, against narrowness of ideas and extravagance of imagination.”HSFM 36.1

When a body of legislators, after a thorough examination of the facts concerning the consumption of alcoholic drinks, delivers an official message which embodies such sentiments as the above, it will be readily understood that the public sentiment in favor of true temperance cannot be said to exist. Indeed, the temperance societies, with but one exception, and this but a partial one, do not direct their efforts against the use of intoxicants, but simply against “their abuse.” The most radical temperance organization in Switzerland has for its formal pledge the promise by the help of God to abstain from all intoxicating drinks except wine, beer, and cider. This is as far as most of the temperance societies go. This society has, however, a special pledge of total abstinence for those who desire it; but this phase of their work is not made by any means prominent.HSFM 36.2

This being the attitude of the people on the temperance question, it will be readily seen that for a paper like Les Signes, the exponent of unpopular religious doctrines, to become also the advocate of total abstinence, was a policy not calculated to increase its popularity. But this question was treated with so much candor and real force of argument that the journal came to exert a considerable influence in favor of temperance principles; and in a remarkable degree commanded the respect of even those who did not sympathize with the views which it taught. Bro. Andrews was made an honorary member of the leading temperance society of France, and Les Signes received honorable mention in the reports of this society as a journal which had had a wide influence in helping to create a public sentiment in favor of temperance.HSFM 36.3

In May, 1881, Eld. J. N. Loughborough visited Basle for a period of special prayer and consultation with Eld. Andrews. The particular object of the special season of prayer which was held in connection with this visit was that the Lord would graciously restore the health of Bro. Andrews. From the time of a like effort the previous year, certain phases of his disease had seemed to be removed, and it was hoped that the Lord would still further hear prayer in his behalf. Bro. Andrews seemed to be greatly blessed, and was able to take part in important consultations respecting the interests of the work in the two missions.HSFM 36.4

The Conference for this year, which was again held at Tramelan, Nov. 18, was reported as the most encouraging meeting that had ever been held in Switzerland. Although very feeble, Bro. Andrews was able to attend this Conference and preside in its deliberations, and was enabled to speak at length to the brethren concerning the wants of the cause and their responsibility in the work. The general circulation of the paper had been continued, with still more encouraging results, and with marked interest on the part of those to whom it was sent. The regular edition had then been increased to three thousand five hundred; and Bro. Andrews at this time pleaded that it might be still further increased to ten thousand.HSFM 37.1