CHAPTER XII 



THE TEMPERANCE FAILURE 



Two methods of Temperance Reform — Nature's plan — The 

 reformer's plan — The failure of Temperance Reform in 

 America — Total Prohibition inapplicable to dense popula- 

 tion- — Local Option likewise inapplicable — " Safety valves " — 

 The failure of Temperance Reform in Australasia — The 

 failure in Scandinavia — The Gothenburg System. 



It appears, then, that there are two methods in 

 operation for the promotion of sobriety. First, 

 there is what may be called Nature's method, the 

 elimination of the excessive drinker. Secondly, 

 there is the temperance reformer's method, the 

 elimination of drink. The two methods are plainly 

 antagonistic, the operation of the one placing the 

 other in abeyance. If drink be abolished the 

 potential drunkard is preserved ; if the potential 

 drunkard is to be eliminated it can only be by means 

 of drink. The question then is, Which method 

 ought we to adopt ? Which is the more practicable ? 

 Which offers the more certain and easy success ? 

 Nature's method has been tried on an enormous 



