21 FEBRUARY 1925, Page 26

THE most rabid anti-Prohibitionist could not help respecting the writer

of this earnest and gentle plea for abstinence. Dr. Hime is never spiteful to his opponents, nor does he write from a peak of righteousness. After a life of moderate drinking he decided that the arguments for abstinence were

logically and morally overwhelming. Like others, he tries to dispose of the " drunkenness rather than lose our freedom " cry by pointing out our undisturbed acceptance of by-laws and traffic regulations. He forgets that by some kink in our natures we will• allow the law to protect the community against the individual, but as yet we are hotly indignant if the law attempts to protect the individual against himself.