Late on Tuesday night, the philanthropists carried a strong resolution
calling upon the Government to suppress the sale of intoxicants among native races in the Colonies. Mr. McArthur, who brought it forward, rested his case, firstly, on the fatal effects of drink on the dark races; Secondly, on the fact that they themselves wish for the prohibition ; and thirdly, on the proved injury done to commerce. Sir G. Baden Powell intimated the thorough agreement of the Colonies in the policy proposed, and begged that foreign Governments might be induced to aid. Baron de Worms, on the part of the Government, cordially accepted the resolution, which is, we think, essentially wise. There is no question of liberty involved, for all evidence shows that dark men do not drink to be exhilarated, but to be rid of consciousness, and that alcohol is to them as direct a poison as opium or hemp. Its sale ought to be prohibited throughout Africa, and taxed in India up to the point at which illicit distillation could not be put down. It is said that European consumption presents a difficulty ; but we do not see why a distinction should not be made in favour of wine. It is spirit which does the mischief, alcohol in its cheap and concentrated form.
