I'm hoping some of the list members might be able to help me identify the
origins (national or otherwise) of an article I found printed in _The
Canadian Monthly_ in March, 1878.  It was entitled "opium Eating," and on
first glance, looks like the Holy grail of what I've wanted to find, a
"confessions of a Canadian opium eater."  But it is unsigned, and gives no
indication of its original location.  Since often these articles were
reprints, I was wondering if anyone had seen anything similar before.
 
It is notable for its beginning, which is a condemnation of temperance
reformers for driving people to other drugs, notably opium.  It opens like
this:  "In thes days, when strenuous efforts are being made by the
advocates of "Temperance" to curb, and even to suppress utterly,the use of
alcoholic liquors, we not unfrequently hear it stated that such avowed
philanthropists, by the very activity and uncompromising nature of their
efforts, are defeating the ultimate object which they have in view--that
is, the amelioration of the condition of the human race; that in throwing
obstacles in the way of indulgence in alcoholic drinks, whilst leaving the
appetite for such stimulants uneradicated,these well-meaning people only
drive the objects of their solicitude to the use of opium, hasheesh[sic],
hydrate of chloral, and other such still more noxious substances. . . "
 
Sound familiar?
 
A few aspects hint at geographical origins.  The writer mentions "North
America" a few times (North american autumn, for example), and I have a
funny feeling that's a Cdn editor's modification of "America" for a Cdn
audience.  She/he also mentions The Falls of Niagara (metaphorically: "I
might as well shout under the Falls of Niagara") and "The Great Eastern
Steamship," but that does not necessarily indicate geographical origins.
Have you read this anywhere else, in an American publication perhaps, with
a cited author?
 
I would appreciate any help on this one.
 
And cross post at will.
 
Dan Malleck
Queen's University
Kingston, Ont.