394 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



pressed with the importance of the object sought, and comprehend 

 that it is nothing less than to save the country from a serious 

 peril. 



A priori, we might hope much from the Gothenburg system, 

 which consists chiefly in intrusting the management of the public 

 houses to temperance men, who, in selling alcoholic drinks, the 

 use of which it is very hard to suppress completely in northern 

 countries, and giving them to consumers only in proportions 

 compatible with the maintenance of health, should make every 

 endeavor especially to induce their customers to prefer tea and 

 coffee. But I do not know whether this system has been greatly 

 extended or has been generalized, with good results. I believe, 

 however, that the most radical measure, and the one that has been 

 most efficacious, is that of giving to municipal councils the right 

 of absolutely prohibiting the sale of spirituous liquors. Where 

 this system is in operation we may sometimes go considerable 

 distances, it is said, without finding a single liquor shop. If a less 

 restrictive rule is adopted, the prohibition of the sale on religious 

 holidays, and before eight o'clock in the morning and after six in 

 the evening on working days, can not but contribute to the suc- 

 cess of a campaign like that so intelligently undertaken and ener- 

 getically conducted by Norway. Whatever part may have been 

 contributed by each of these measures to the realized results, it is 

 a fact testifying eloquently to their efficiency that in that country 

 the consumption of alcohol, which was in 1843 eight litres per in- 

 habitant, has fallen to 1*70 litre, while in France it is now four 

 litres, having risen, since 1850, from only 1*45 litre. In Germany 

 the taxes on liquors are light, although they have recently been 

 quadrupled ; but increase of taxes has not brought about any 

 reduction in consumption, which is 4*5 litres per inhabitant. On 

 the other hand, it should not be forgotten that no serious effort 

 has been made there until recently to contend against the scourge. 

 It is announced, however, that the Government, struck with the 

 dangers threatening the people by the increase of alcoholism, is 

 preparing new legislation which will apply to sellers and con- 

 sumers. For dealers it requires a license which will be granted 

 only when competent authorities are satisfied of the need of the 

 shop, or are given incontestable moral guarantees ; prohibits their 

 selling on credit, declaring all debts contracted for liquors null ; 

 forbids sales to children less than thirteen years old and to in- 

 intoxicated persons ; and makes them responsible for disorders oc- 

 curring in their establishments, with penalties consisting of fines 

 or imprisonment for not more than four weeks. 



The new system affects consumers through the measures it 

 provides for the protection of society and families against injury 

 from drunkards. The principal of these measures are, besides the 



