One hundred years ago
LATE on Tuesday night, the philan- thropists carried a strong resolution calling upon the Government to sup- press the sale of intoxicants among native races in the Colonies. Mr McAr- thur, who brought it forward, rested his case, firstly, on the fatal effects of drink Oil the dark races; secondly, on the fact that they themselves wish for the pro- hibition; and thirdly, on the proved injury done to commerce. Sir G. Baden Powell intimated the thorough agree- ment of the Colonies in the policy Proposed, and begged that foreign Gov- ernments might be induced to aid. Baron de Worms, on the part of the Government, cordially accepted the re- solution, which, we think, essentially wise. There is no question of liberty involved, for all evidence shows that dark men do not drink to be exhila- rated, but to be rid of consciousness, and that alcohol is to them as direct a Poison as opium or hemp. It is said that European consumption presents a diffi- culty; but we do not see why a distinc- tion should be made in favour of wine. It is spirit which does the mischief.
The Spectator, 28 April 1888
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