[TO rue EDITOR OF THB " BrzoTATon."] Sat,—I have been
reading with great interest your recent publications in regard to the alcohol question. I am exceedingly pleased that a paper as widely read as the Spectator should advocate so strongly more economy in the use of alcoholic' beverages. We have no right to be pouring out millions a year on so wasteful a product. Apart from the financial waste, there is the still more serious wastage of national vitality. The best scientific: opinion goes to show that more work, more endurance of fatigue, and greater freedom from disease would Proper tams of a famlly. accompany a, stricter liquor policy. Athletes training, say for a boat-race, as a matter of course give up alcoholic drinks for some time before such a feat of endurance. But why be so strict if moderate quantities do no harm I Moreover, no one would dare make himself so unpopular as to " treat " these competitors in the race. Surely then now, when every ounce of strength is required for a victory far more vital than ' a boat-raeo, and when every farthing must be saved, those at home in comparative ease and comfort can make some real sacrifice on their part to help towards shortening this terrible War, and so save the lives of many brave men. Briefly, then, let us all go into " training " now at once, for we are all needed to win this war. It is even conceivable that our attitude over this important question may be the determining factor for victory or defeat, so equal at present are the forces opposed. Will even the King's pleading and example have no response If we cannot forgo our accustomed stimulant, even for a short time, this is only a stronger argument for reform in peace as well as war. Our conquests of trade and commerce will hardly be less exacting on our national vitality than war itself. Our future depends on our vitality.—I am, Sir, &o., C/0 No, 3 Red Cross Hospital, B.E.P.
MEDICAL OFFICES.
Previous page
