728 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



To obtain a clear understanding of these subjects, tbe most 

 rational, and indeed tlie only correct way, is to take up and sub- 

 mit to analysis the most available sources of national revenue, 

 commencing with those that are beyond question the most im- 

 portant. But, preliminary to so doing, attention should be given 

 to the fact that in all civilized nations at the present time the 

 production and consumption of spirits, fermented liquors, and 

 tobacco are recognized as the most legitimate and productive 

 sources from which revenue can be obtained with the minimum 

 of expenes and industrial disturbance. The factors determina- 

 tive of the productiveness and continued increase of revenue 

 from these sources are mainly two namely, continued increase 

 of population and continued or increasing ability on the part of 

 the masses to consume. These factors are more influential at 

 the present time in the United States than in any other nation. 

 We are increasing in population in a greater annual ratio than 

 any other country. Our ability to consume, owing to the rapid 

 accumulation and distribution of wealth among the masses, is far 

 greater than that of any other nation. Commercial disturbances 

 and business depressions, which are potent in all other countries 

 in reducing the consumption of luxuries, appear to have com- 

 paratively little effect in the United States, and are not of long 

 continuance. 



Thus, of the commodities in general use in the United States, 

 the two that have not notably declined in consumption during 

 the almost universal depression of industry in recent years are 

 fermented liquors and manufactured tobacco, more especially in 

 the form of cigarettes. 



The single source from which the largest amount of revenue 

 is collected by the Federal Government js distilled spirits, and 

 the experience of the United States in respect to it, although ex- 

 ceedingly curious and interesting, has been but little instructive 

 to either the people or their legislators. From the first imposition 

 of taxes on this commodity under the present revenue system in 

 1862, unwarranted sentiment, rather than intelligence and regard 

 for the fiscal interest, of the nation, have characterized its treat- 

 ment. There has been, in the first instance, a comparatively small 

 number of people 132,871 voting for prohibition in 1895 out of 

 an aggregate of 13,790,572 other voters who take the position 

 that it is the moral duty of the state to absolutely prevent the 

 manufacture, sale, or use of all alcoholic liquors ; a result not 

 possible of attainment except through a radical change in human 

 nature. The results of experience under this head may be briefly 

 summed up as follows : In small communities, where there is a 

 general union of sentiment in favor of extreme temperance, a high 

 degree of prohibition may be temporarily brought about. But, 



